US4229693A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for capacitance testing printed circuit boards
Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc
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Filing: 1978-11-24
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Granted: 1980-10-21
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Expires: 1998-11-24
Abstract
Abstract This relates to a method and apparatus for testing printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board to be tested is placed on a metal plate and covered with a thin plastic film. The plastic film is coupled to the metal plate to form a substantially air-tight chamber occupied by the printed circuit board. A vacuum is then created in the chamber to secure the printed circuit board. A capacitance meter has a first terminal coupled to the metal plate and a second terminal coupled to a probe which is used to puncture the plastic film to make contact with electrical interconnects on the board.
Inventors
- 👤 Dan F. Irick
- 👤 Roger F. Zollinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/28; G01R31/2801; G01R31/2805
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for testing printed circuit boards having electrical interconnects therein, comprising: a metal base for supporting the printed circuit board to be tested; a plastic film disposed over said printed circuit board and coupled to said metal base; first means coupled to said metal base via said aperture for creating a vacuum in the region between said plastic film and said metal base for securely positioning said printed circuit board; and second means for measuring the capacitance between said metal base and the electrical interconnects on said printed circuit board.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for testing printed circuit boards having electrical interconnects therein, comprising: a metal base for supporting the printed circuit board to be tested; a plastic film disposed over said printed circuit board and coupled to said metal base; first means coupled to said metal base via said aperture for creating a vacuum in the region between said plastic film and said metal base for securely positioning said printed circuit board; and second means for measuring the capacitance between said metal base and the electrical interconnects on said printed circuit board.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said metal base is aluminum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said metal base is steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plastic film is polyethylene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said metal base has at least one aperture therein and said first means comprises a vacuum pump coupled to said metal base via said at least one aperture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second means comprises: a capacitance meter having first and second terminals, said first terminal coupled to said metal base; and a probe coupled to said second terminal, said probe for puncturing said plastic film to make contact with said electrical interconnects.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 6 further including means for recording measurements made by said capacitance meter.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for testing printed circuit boards having electrical interconnects thereon comprising: placing said printed circuit board on a metal base; covering said printed circuit board with a plastic film and coupling said plastic film to said metal base; creating a vacuum between said metal base and said plastic film whereby said printed circuit board is secured on said metal base by said plastic film; coupling one terminal of a capacitance meter to said metal base and a second terminal to a probe; and piercing said plastic film with said probe to make contact with said electrical interconnects.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for testing printed circuit boards having electrical interconnects thereon comprising: placing said printed circuit board on a metal base; covering said printed circuit board with a plastic film and coupling said plastic film to said metal base; creating a vacuum between said metal base and said plastic film whereby said printed circuit board is secured on said metal base by said plastic film; coupling one terminal of a capacitance meter to said metal base and a second terminal to a probe; and piercing said plastic film with said probe to make contact with said electrical interconnects.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 8 further including recording the measurements of said capacitance meter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2301106A
Cited
US4012693A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-21 | 1984-04-21 | 1984-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-21 | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-04-21 | 1992-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |