US4996439A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Coplanarity inspection machine
Assignee: AMERICAN TECH MANUFACTURING CORP A CORP OF
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Filing: 1989-10-27
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Granted: 1991-02-26
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Expires: 2009-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A signal device for operation on a path including a movable reflector aligned to move along an axis and a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal trip point when light from the source is reflected by the reflector to the detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank V. Linker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:45
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K13/00; H05K13/08; H05K13/081; H05K13/0813; G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/95; G01N21/956; G01N2021/95638; G01N2021/95661
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A signal device for operation on a path, comprising: a moveable reflector aligned to move along said path; a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said path; and comparator means for comparing the location on said path of separate signals from an object and a reference object on said path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A signal device for operation on a path, comprising: a moveable reflector aligned to move along said path; a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said path; and comparator means for comparing the location on said path of separate signals from an object and a reference object on said path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said movable reflector is fixedly mounted at one end and has a free end aligned to move along said path.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of generating a signal on a path comprising the steps of: moving a movable reflector aligned to move along said path; positioning a light source and light detector to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said path; and comparing the location on said path of separate signals from an object and a reference object on said path.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of generating a signal on a path comprising the steps of: moving a movable reflector aligned to move along said path; positioning a light source and light detector to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said path; and comparing the location on said path of separate signals from an object and a reference object on said path.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 which includes a plurality of sets of reflectors, light sources and detectors to provide a plurality of signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said plurality of sets are aligned on said path to give a plurality of signals in a plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said object is a multiple lead device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said object comprises a multiple lead device having a plurality of leads, each of which leads is aligned to contact one of said set of reflectors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said reference object is a gage means defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
88 words
A device for determining coplanarity of multiple lead devices, comprising: signal means for providing a set of signals upon intersection with individual leads of a multiple lead device as the device is moved along a linear axis and providing a reference set of signals upon intersection of corresponding points in a known plane moved along said axis; and comparitor means for identifying the deviation between a signal from each lead and the corresponding reference signal from said plane, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
88 words
A device for determining coplanarity of multiple lead devices, comprising: signal means for providing a set of signals upon intersection with individual leads of a multiple lead device as the device is moved along a linear axis and providing a reference set of signals upon intersection of corresponding points in a known plane moved along said axis; and comparitor means for identifying the deviation between a signal from each lead and the corresponding reference signal from said plane, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 9, wherein said signal means includes a movable reflector aligned to move along said axis and a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 10 wherein said movable reflector is fixedly mounted at one end and has a free end aligned to move along said axis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 10 wherein said reflector is moved along said axis separately by an object and a reference object, to provide a signal and a reference for comparison therebetween.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 10 which includes a plurality of sets of reflectors, light sources and detectors to provide a plurality of signals.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
137 words
A device for determining coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising: linear motion means for moving a multiple lead device along a linear axis; gage means defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads, said gage means being adapted to move along said axis by said linear means; signal means at a fixed location along said axis for providing a set of signals when contacted by each lead to indicate the position of that lead along said axis and providing a reference set of signals when contacted by said corresponding points on said plane to indicate the position of those points along said axis; and comparator means for comparing said signals with said reference signals for each lead and the corresponding point in said plane to identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
137 words
A device for determining coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising: linear motion means for moving a multiple lead device along a linear axis; gage means defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads, said gage means being adapted to move along said axis by said linear means; signal means at a fixed location along said axis for providing a set of signals when contacted by each lead to indicate the position of that lead along said axis and providing a reference set of signals when contacted by said corresponding points on said plane to indicate the position of those points along said axis; and comparator means for comparing said signals with said reference signals for each lead and the corresponding point in said plane to identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 14, wherein said signal means include a movable reflector aligned to move along said axis and a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 15 wherein said movable reflector is fixedly mounted at one end and has a free end aligned to move along said axis.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 15 wherein said reflector is moved along said axis separately by an object and a reference object, to provide a signal and a reference signal for comparison therebetween.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 15 which includes a plurality of sets of reflectors, light sources and detectors to provide a plurality of signals.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 18 wherein said plurality of sets are aligned on said axis to give a plurality of signals in a plane generally perpendicular to said path.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 19 wherein said set of reflectors are moved along said axis separately by an object and a reference object, to provide a signal and reference signal for comparison therebetween.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
138 words
A device for determining the coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising: a plurality of tines fixably mounted at one end and having a free end; signal means associated with each of said tines and adapted to generate signal upon deflection of each tine; linear motion means for transport of a multiple lead device along a linear axis; gage means defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads, said gage means being adapted to move along said axis by said linear means; and comparator means for comparing the reference signal when each tine is deflected upon movement of said gage means along said axis with the signal generated when each tine is deflected by a lead of said multiple lead device moved along said axis, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
138 words
A device for determining the coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising: a plurality of tines fixably mounted at one end and having a free end; signal means associated with each of said tines and adapted to generate signal upon deflection of each tine; linear motion means for transport of a multiple lead device along a linear axis; gage means defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads, said gage means being adapted to move along said axis by said linear means; and comparator means for comparing the reference signal when each tine is deflected upon movement of said gage means along said axis with the signal generated when each tine is deflected by a lead of said multiple lead device moved along said axis, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 21, wherein said signal means includes a movable tine aligned to move along said axis and a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said tine to said detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 22 wherein tine reflector is moved along said axis separately by an object and a reference object, to provide a signal and a reference signal for comparison therebetween.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for determining coplanarity of multiple lead devices, comprising the steps of: providing a set of signals upon intersection with individual leads of a multiple lead device as the device is moved along a linear axis; providing a reference set of signals upon intersection of corresponding points in a known plane moved along said axis; and identifying the deviation between a signal from each lead and the corresponding reference signal from said plane, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for determining coplanarity of multiple lead devices, comprising the steps of: providing a set of signals upon intersection with individual leads of a multiple lead device as the device is moved along a linear axis; providing a reference set of signals upon intersection of corresponding points in a known plane moved along said axis; and identifying the deviation between a signal from each lead and the corresponding reference signal from said plane, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 24, wherein said signals are generated by light from a source being reflected by a reflector to a detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for determining coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising the steps of: moving a multiple lead device along a linear axis; defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads by moving a gage means along said axis, providing a set of signals by contacting each lead to indicate the position of that lead along said axis and providing a reference set of signals by contacting corresponding points on said plane to indicate the position of those points along said axis; and comparing said signals with said reference signals for each lead and the corresponding point in said plane to identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for determining coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising the steps of: moving a multiple lead device along a linear axis; defining a known plane having points thereon corresponding to said leads by moving a gage means along said axis, providing a set of signals by contacting each lead to indicate the position of that lead along said axis and providing a reference set of signals by contacting corresponding points on said plane to indicate the position of those points along said axis; and comparing said signals with said reference signals for each lead and the corresponding point in said plane to identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 26, wherein said signals are generated by a reflector aligned to move along said axis and a light source and light detector positioned to provide a signal when light from said source is reflected by said reflector to said detector at a predetermined location on said axis.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 27 wherein said signals are generated by a movable reflector which is fixedly mounted at one end and has a free end aligned to move along said axis.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for determining the coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of tines fixedly at one end and having a free end; generating a signal upon deflection of each tine; transporting a multiple lead device along a linear axis; defining a known plane with a gage means having points thereon corresponding to said leads by moving said gage means along said axis; and comparing the reference signal when each tine is deflected upon movement of said gage means along said axis with the signal generated when each tine is deflected by a lead of said multiple lead device moved along said axis, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for determining the coplanarity of a multiple lead device, comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of tines fixedly at one end and having a free end; generating a signal upon deflection of each tine; transporting a multiple lead device along a linear axis; defining a known plane with a gage means having points thereon corresponding to said leads by moving said gage means along said axis; and comparing the reference signal when each tine is deflected upon movement of said gage means along said axis with the signal generated when each tine is deflected by a lead of said multiple lead device moved along said axis, to thereby identify the deviation of each lead from coplanarity.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said movable reflector is fixedly mounted at one end and has a free end aligned to move along said path.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 which includes providing a plurality of sets of reflectors, light sources and detectors to generate a plurality of signals.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said plurality of sets are aligned on said path to give a plurality of signals in a plane generally perpendicular to said path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-25 | 1994-08-27 | 1995-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-25 | 1998-08-27 | 1999-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-25 | 2002-08-27 | 2003-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |