EP0276900A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for aligning two surfaces
Assignee: HP Inc
•
Filing: 1988-01-05
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2008-01-05
Abstract
Abstract The invention can align two surfaces precisely. This is accomplished by placing a first object (2-8) behind one surface and placing a second object (2-2) opposite the first object. Either the first (2-8) or the second (2-2) object has a spherical surface (2-18) that interfaces with the other object. Thus, when the second object (2-2) pushes the first object (2-8) and the adjacent surface against the second surface, the first object (2-8) rotates so the two surfaces align. This invention can be used to align a integrated circuit test probe with the device under test.
Inventors
- 👤 Farid Matta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:16
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B5/00; G01B5/24; G01B5/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus (2-1) for aligning a first surface with a second surface comprising: a rotating means (2-8) adjacent to said first surface (2-14); a pivotal means (2-2) adjacent to said rotating means (2-8); a harnessing means (2-6) for holding said rotating means (2-8) and said pivotal means (2-2) together; and wherein said rotating means (2-8) rotates to align said first surface (2-14) with said second surface when said first surface and said second surface are pushed together.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus (2-1) for aligning a first surface with a second surface comprising: a rotating means (2-8) adjacent to said first surface (2-14); a pivotal means (2-2) adjacent to said rotating means (2-8); a harnessing means (2-6) for holding said rotating means (2-8) and said pivotal means (2-2) together; and wherein said rotating means (2-8) rotates to align said first surface (2-14) with said second surface when said first surface and said second surface are pushed together.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said rotating means (2-8) rolls across said pivotal means (2-2) so that the friction between said rotation means (2-8) and said pivotal means (2-2) is rolling friction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said rotating means (2-8) has a convex surface (2-18); and said pivotal means (2-2) is located adjacent to said convex surface (2-18).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said pivotal means (2-20) has a convex surface; and said rotating means (2-22) is located adjacent to said convex surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 or 4 wherein said convex surface is a spherical surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 or 4 wherein said convex surface is cylindrical surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 or 4 wherein said convex surface has different radii of curvature along different axes so that is adjusts more readily in certain directions then in other directions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said rotating means (2-8) and said pivotal means (2-2) are transparent so that said first surface (2-14) is visible.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 which further comprises a compensational padding means (2-12) for bumps in said first surface (2-14) and said second surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said harnessing means (2-6) holds said first surface (2-14), said pivotal means (2-2) and said rotating means (2-8) together.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said harnessing means (2-6) is an elastic device that restores said rotating means (2-8) to said rotating means (2-8) quiescent position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said harnessing means (2-6) further comprises: a rigid surface (4-2) located adjacent to said rotating means (2-8) and attached to said elastic device (4-8).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said elastic device (4-8) is a flexible membrane (4-2).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said elastic device (4-8) is a plurality of elastic strings.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said elastic device (4-8) is a plurality of springs.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein: said first surface (2-14) is a test probe.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method for aligning a first surface (2-14) with a second surface using the apparatus of claim 1 comprising the steps of: placing said apparatus adjacent to first surface (2-14); pushing said apparatus, said first surface (2-14) and said second surface together; and wherein rotating means (2-8) adjusts its position so that said first surface (2-14) aligns with said second surface.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for making an apparatus comprising the steps of: attaching a membrane (2-14) to a frame (2,6); placing a rotating device (2-8, 2-22) adjacent to said membrane; and placing a pivotal device (2-2, 2-20) adjacent to said membrane (2-14).
Claim 20
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for making an apparatus comprising the steps of: attaching a membrane (2-14) to a frame (2,6); placing a rotating device (2-8, 2-22) adjacent to said membrane; and placing a pivotal device (2-2, 2-20) adjacent to said membrane (2-14).
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for making as in claim 18 further comprising the step: centering said rotating device (2-8) on said membrane (2-14).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.