Method and apparatus for automated docking of a test head to a device handler
AssigneeinTEST Corporation
InventorsAlyn R. Holt, Daniel J. Graham, I. Marvin Weilerstein, Christopher L. West
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A positioner facilitates docking and undocking of an electronic test head with a device handler. The positioner provides for rotation of the test head about a first axis. The positioner includes a support structure for moving the test head along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The support structure accurately docks the electronic test head with the device handler.
Claims17
Apparatus for docking an electronic test head with a device handler, said test head and said device handler each including respective contacts, said apparatus comprising:
- vertical motion means for moving said test head towards and away from said device handler along at least a substantially vertical axis;
- pivoting means for providing rotation of said test head about an axis orthogonal to said vertical axis and above a center of gravity of said test head.
A method of docking a test head with a device handler each having contacts comprising:
- moving the test head towards the device handler along at least a substantially vertical axis;
- and
- pivoting the test head about an axis orthogonal to said vertical axis and above a center of gravity of said test head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.