Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150102059 | CANISTER - A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102060 | STORAGE, MIXING, DISPENSING AND TRACKING SYSTEM - A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. | 04-16-2015 |
20150103621 | PAINT STORAGE AND MIXING SYSTEM - A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners. | 04-16-2015 |
20150108160 | PAINT DISPENSING SYSTEM - A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners. | 04-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080305215 | LAYERED CEREAL BARS CONTAINING INULIN AND THEIR METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A layered cereal bar with at least two cereal layers having identifiable RTE cereal pieces and at least one visible filling layer in between the two cereal layers is described. In one embodiment, the cereal bar is a non-cooked cereal bar having a total nutrient level equal to or greater than the nutrient level of a single serving of RTE cereal with milk. In one embodiment, the cereal layer is comprised of a cereal composition containing RTE cereal, high-protein rice pieces and TVP in a ratio of about 2:1:1. The cereal layer further comprises a binder to hold the cereal composition together. In one embodiment, the filling layer is a confectionery center high in milk content, but with a relatively low water activity. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a layered cereal bar having a visible filling layer is described. The steps include mixing a binder with a cereal composition having identifiable cereal pieces to form an amorphous mass, compressing the amorphous mass into a first layer and a second layer, applying a filling layer on the first layer, combining the first layer and filling layer with the second layer, and pressing the first layer, filling layer and second layer together to form pressed layers, wherein the pressed layers are cut into individual cereal bars having identifiable cereal pieces. In another embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a layered cereal bar is described. The apparatus includes beltless compressing rollers that operate in series to combine a mixture comprising the cereal composition and binder. | 12-11-2008 |
20100104693 | HIGH FIBER SHELF STABLE TOASTER PASTRIES AND METHODS OF PREPARATION - Icing coated shelf stable high fiber toaster pastry product or packaged consumer food articles are provided as well as their methods of preparation comprising high levels of a soluble fiber ingredient partitioned between the shell, filling and the icing. The present articles comprise an homogeneous baked chemically leavened soluble fiber fortified pastry dough planar shell forming an interior. The fiber fortified dough includes whole grain wheat flour; salt, chemical leavening, shortening, and ≈1-15% added solid powdered polydextrose and in amounts sufficient to provide a total fiber content of the dough of at least 5%. At least a portion of the chemical leavening is provided by ammonium carbonate and in amounts sufficient to provide the dough with a specific baked volume of 1.5 cc/g or greater. The filling includes a liquid soluble fiber ingredient such as polydextrose. The articles are equivalent to conventional toaster pastries in eating qualities notwithstanding their high levels of total fiber. | 04-29-2010 |
20110183045 | CEREAL BARS CONTAINING INULIN AND THEIR METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A cereal bar comprising identifiable ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal pieces; and a carbohydrate binder combined with the cereal pieces, wherein the carbohydrate binder contains inulin is provided. In one embodiment, the cereal bar comprises added protein. A method of making a cereal bar is also provided. | 07-28-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140372362 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL PERCEPTION SCORES - A system for evaluating communicative acts to determine a social perception network based on communicative acts between a plurality of communicative pairs. Each communicative pair includes two communicating entities. The system includes a patterns database, a scoring processor, and a communications network aggregation processor. The patterns database stores behavior recognition patterns defining particular behaviors and a score associated with each of the particular behaviors. The scoring processor is configured to determine a pairwise social perception score for the communicative pair based on the particular behaviors identified in the communicative acts. The scoring processor is configured to determine a different pairwise social perception score for each one of the plurality of communicative pairs. The communications network aggregation processor is configured to combine the pairwise social perception scores for each of the plurality of communicative pairs into a social perception network. Other embodiments including other systems, methods, and products are also disclosed. | 12-18-2014 |
20150339336 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL PERCEPTION - A system for evaluating communicative acts between communicative pairs to determine a social perception network representation. Each communicative pair includes two entities participating in a communicative act. The system includes a patterns database storing behavior recognition patterns defining particular behaviors that may be used in the communicative acts and a social perception score associated with each of the particular behaviors. The scoring processor determines a first pairwise social perception score for each communicative pair based on the particular behaviors in the communicative acts occurring during a first time frame. The scoring processor determines a different first pairwise social perception score for each of the communicative pairs during a first time frame and determines a different second social perception score for each of the communicative pairs during a second time frame. The communications network aggregation processor combines the pairwise social perception scores into a first social perception network representation. | 11-26-2015 |
20150379401 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL PERCEPTION - A system for evaluating communicative acts to determine a social network perception representation based on communicative acts between a plurality of communicative pairs where each communicative pair includes a first group and an individual or a second group participating in corresponding communicative acts. The system includes a patterns database, a scoring processor, and a communications network aggregation processor. The patterns database stores behavior recognition patterns defining particular behaviors and a score associated with each of the particular behaviors. The scoring processor is configured to determine a pairwise social perception score for each of the communicative pairs based on the particular behaviors identified in the communicative acts. The scoring processor is configured to determine a different pairwise social perception score for each of the communicative pairs. The communications network aggregation processor combines the pairwise social perception scores for each of the plurality of communicative pairs into a social perception network representation. | 12-31-2015 |
20150379402 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL PERCEPTION - A system for evaluating communicative acts, between a plurality of communicative pairs, to determine a social network perception representation. Each communicative pair includes two entities participating in a corresponding one or more of the communicative acts. The system includes a patterns database, a scoring processor, and a communications network aggregation processor. The patterns database stores behavior recognition patterns defining particular behaviors that may be used in the communicative acts and a social perception score associated with each of the particular behaviors. The communicative acts include non-verbal communicative acts. The scoring processor is configured to determine a pairwise social perception score for each communicative pair based on the particular behaviors identified in the communicative acts. The scoring processor is configured to determine a different pairwise social perception score for each of the communicative pairs. The communications network aggregation processor combines the pairwise social perception scores into a social perception network representation. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100176254 | LIFT MECHANISM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide. | 07-15-2010 |
20100193653 | LIFT MECHANISM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide. | 08-05-2010 |
20120069508 | LIFT MECHANISM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide. | 03-22-2012 |
20130200240 | Tilt Mechanism For A Display - Embodiments provide a tilt mechanism for tilting an electronic display that includes at least two nested torsion springs to offset and/or balance the torque generated by a display acting on the tilt mechanism. In some cases a tilt mechanism includes first and second brackets pivotally coupled about a tilt axis. First and second springs are wound about a tilt axis such that the first spring is located at least partially within the second spring. The springs engage with the brackets to exert first and second torques between the first and the second brackets. In some cases such tilt mechanisms can be carried by stands, arms, carts, and the like. Methods of tilting electronic displays are also provided. | 08-08-2013 |
20130270404 | Multi-Axis Pivot System and Method - Some embodiments provide a pivot mechanism and/or system that includes a support member defining a cavity and an extension member at least partially located within the cavity. In some cases one or more inner surfaces of the cavity can provide one or more pivots defining multiple pivot axes about which the extension member is generally pivotable through corresponding pivot ranges. The extent of the pivot ranges can be defined by the cavity within the support member. In some cases cooperating clamp members engage the extension member and the support member to retain the extension member within the cavity. The clamp members may also include sliding surfaces that slidingly engage with the support member to provide frictional resistance to pivoting movement of the extension member. Electronic display pivoting and positioning systems are also provided as are methods for positioning and pivoting electronic displays. | 10-17-2013 |
20140109803 | LIFT MECHANISM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide. | 04-24-2014 |
20150188343 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE CHARGING AND NETWORKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for charging and/or networking mobile computing devices. A cart for storing, charging, and/or networking mobile computing devices. A portable interface between a mobile computing device and a cart. A docking station module having a plurality of docking stations. | 07-02-2015 |
20150192968 | TABLET STORAGE DEVICE - A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device. | 07-09-2015 |
20150292670 | LIFT MECHANISM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110193524 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE CHARGING AND NETWORKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for charging and/or networking mobile computing devices. A cart for storing, charging, and/or networking mobile computing devices. A portable interface between a mobile computing device and a cart. A docking station module having a plurality of docking stations. | 08-11-2011 |
20130277520 | Tablet Mounting Systems and Methods - A tablet mounting system for mounting a tablet. A tablet mounting system with an interface for attaching the mounted tablet to a support object. A tablet mounting system with edge retaining members to retain the tablet. | 10-24-2013 |
20130277930 | Tablet Storage and Transportation Device - A tablet storage device includes a module on a cart frame that includes a wheeled base. A cart module defines a selectively accessible interior space having multiple storage slots within the interior space for holding tablets. In some cases a tablet storage device holds multiple tablets using two or more modules in a stacked arrangement on a wheeled base. Each module can hold a portion of the multiple tablets within storage slots within an interior space inside the module. The storage slots may have connectors for connecting to tablets, and the cart frame can have a network connection system that is adapted to provide a network connection for each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors. The cart frame may also have a power supply system for charging each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors. | 10-24-2013 |
20130279109 | Tablet Storage Device - A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device. | 10-24-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090214040 | Method and Apparatus for Protecting Encryption Keys in a Logically Partitioned Computer System Environment - In a logically partitioned computer system, a partition manager maintains and controls master encryption keys for the different partitions. Preferably, processes executing within a partition have no direct access to real memory, addresses in the partition's memory space being mapped to real memory by the partition manager. The partition manager maintains master keys at real memory addresses inaccessible to processes executing in the partitions. Preferably, a special hardware register stores a pointer to the current key, and is read only by a hardware crypto-engine to encrypt/decrypt data. The crypto-engine returns the encrypted/decrypted data, but does not output the key itself or its location. | 08-27-2009 |
20100223622 | Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) Enhancements for Shared Logical Partitions - In a NUMA-topology computer system that includes multiple nodes and multiple logical partitions, some of which may be dedicated and others of which are shared, NUMA optimizations are enabled in shared logical partitions. This is done by specifying a home node parameter in each virtual processor assigned to a logical partition. When a task is created by an operating system in a shared logical partition, a home node is assigned to the task, and the operating system attempts to assign the task to a virtual processor that has a home node that matches the home node for the task. The partition manager then attempts to assign virtual processors to their corresponding home nodes. If this can be done, NUMA optimizations may be performed without the risk of reducing the performance of the shared logical partition. | 09-02-2010 |
20120066474 | Real Address Accessing in a Coprocessor Executing on Behalf of an Unprivileged Process - A coprocessor performs operations on behalf of processes executing in processors coupled thereto, and accesses data operands in memory using real addresses. A process executing in a processor generates an effective address for a coprocessor request, invokes the processor's address translation mechanisms to generate a corresponding real address, and passes this real address is the coprocessor. Preferably, the real address references a block of additional real addresses, each for a respective data operand. The coprocessor uses the real address to access the data operands to perform the operation. An address context detection mechanism detects the occurrence of certain events which could alter the context of real addresses used by the coprocessor or the real addresses themselves. | 03-15-2012 |
20120084531 | ADJUSTING MEMORY ALLOCATION OF A PARTITION USING COMPRESSED MEMORY PAGING STATISTICS - Acceptable memory allocation for a partition is determined during and with minimal impact on normal operation of the partitioned system. The approach includes: collecting, by a processor, statistics on a rate at which pages are transferred between uncompressed and compressed memory spaces of the partition's memory; adjusting size of the uncompressed memory space; and subsequent to the adjusting, continuing with collecting of the statistics, and referencing the resultant statistics in determining an acceptable memory allocation for the partition. In one implementation, the adjusting includes stepwise decreasing size of the uncompressed memory space by reallocating uncompressed memory space to compressed memory space, and repeating the collecting of statistics for a defined measurement period for each adjusted uncompressed memory space size until performance of the partition is negatively impacted by the reallocation of uncompressed memory space to compressed memory space. | 04-05-2012 |
20120137118 | Automatic Configuration Sampling for Managing Configuration Parameters of a Computer System - A computer configuration utility automatically alters system configuration parameters to sample multiple different configurations. At least one workrate metric is measured at each sampled configuration. The workrate measurements for the multiple different configurations are compared to determine the effect of different configurations with respect to at least one optimization criterion. System configuration is automatically adjusted to the optimum configuration. Preferably, the workrate metric is (non-idle) instructions executed per unit of time. | 05-31-2012 |
20130080712 | Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) Enhancements for Shared Logical Partitions - In a NUMA-topology computer system that includes multiple nodes and multiple logical partitions, some of which may be dedicated and others of which are shared, NUMA optimizations are enabled in shared logical partitions. This is done by specifying a home node parameter in each virtual processor assigned to a logical partition. When a task is created by an operating system in a shared logical partition, a home node is assigned to the task, and the operating system attempts to assign the task to a virtual processor that has a home node that matches the home node for the task. The partition manager then attempts to assign virtual processors to their corresponding home nodes. If this can be done, NUMA optimizations may be performed without the risk of reducing the performance of the shared logical partition. | 03-28-2013 |
20130159693 | Automatic Configuration Sampling for Managing Configuration Parameters of a Computer System - A computer configuration utility automatically alters system configuration parameters to sample multiple different configurations. At least one workrate metric is measured at each sampled configuration. The workrate measurements for the multiple different configurations are compared to determine the effect of different configurations with respect to at least one optimization criterion. System configuration is automatically adjusted to the optimum configuration. Preferably, the workrate metric is (non-idle) instructions executed per unit of time. | 06-20-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080259821 | DYNAMIC PACKET TRAINING - A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259822 | DYNAMIC PACKET TRAINING - A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface. | 10-23-2008 |
20080263226 | DYNAMIC PACKET TRAINING - A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface. | 10-23-2008 |
20090138448 | PROCESSING DATABASE QUERIES BY RETURNING RESULTS OF A FIRST QUERY TO SUBSEQUENT QUERIES - Multiple database queries are satisfied with the same data in a manner that assures the data is current and without having to interrogate the database for each query. In a first embodiment, all queries that are received during the processing of a first query after interrogation of the database has begun for the first query are evaluated to determine whether the result set returned for the first query will satisfy the queries received during processing of the first query. If so, the result set returned for the first query is used to generate result sets for the subsequent compatible queries received during the processing of the first query. In a second embodiment, queries are delayed and grouped, and a new query is then processed for each group that returns a result set that satisfies all of the queries in the group. In both cases, the result set for one query is used to generate a result set for a different query. | 05-28-2009 |
20100229177 | Reducing Remote Memory Accesses to Shared Data in a Multi-Nodal Computer System - Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for identifying and grouping threads that have interdependent data access needs. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes two different constructs to accomplish this grouping. A Memory Affinity Group (MAG) is disclosed. The MAG construct enables multiple threads to be associated with the same node without any foreknowledge of which threads will be involved in the association, and without any control over the particular node with which they are associated. A Logical Node construct is also disclosed. The Logical Node construct enables multiple threads to be associated with the same specified node without any foreknowledge of which threads will be involved in the association. While logical nodes do not explicitly identify the underlying physical nodes comprising the system, they provide a means of associating particular threads with the same node and other threads with other node(s). | 09-09-2010 |
20150186241 | ASSESSMENT OF PROCESSOR PERFORMANCE METRICS BY MONITORING PROBES CONSTRUCTED USING INSTRUCTION SEQUENCES - Processor performance metrics are assessed by monitoring probes constructed using instruction sequences. A probe comprising an instruction sequence is selected. The instruction sequence can be configured to measure at least one hardware metric. A first probe value is received. The first probe value can be based, at least in part, on the hardware metric. The first probe value can be determined from execution of the probe in a first execution environment. The probe can be executed a second time to determine a second probe value. The second probe value can be based, at least in part, on the hardware metric. The second probe value is determined in a second execution environment including at least one workload. The first probe value and the second. probe value can be compared to produce a performance assessment of the second execution environment. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186242 | ASSESSMENT OF PROCESSOR PERFORMANCE METRICS BY MONITORING PROBES CONSTRUCTED USING INSTRUCTION SEQUENCES - Monitoring probes constructed using instruction sequences are used to assess processor performance metrics. A probe comprising an instruction sequence is selected. The instruction sequence can be configured to measure at least one hardware metric. A first probe value is received. The first probe value can be based, at least in part, on the hardware metric. The first probe value can be determined from execution of the probe in a first execution environment. The probe can be executed a second time to determine a second probe value. The second probe value can be based, at least in part, on the hardware metric. The second probe value is determined in a second execution environment including at least one workload. The first probe value and the second probe value can be compared to produce a performance assessment of the second execution environment. | 07-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090096472 | Replaceable Probe Apparatus for Probing Semiconductor Wafer - A probe apparatus is provided with a plurality of probe tiles, an interchangeable plate for receiving the probe tiles, a floating plate being disposed between the respective probe tile and a receiving hole on the interchangeable plate, and a control mechanism providing multi-dimensional freedom of motions to control a position of the probe tile relative to the respective receiving hole of the interchangeable plate. A method of controlling the floating plate is also provided by inserting a pair of joysticks into two respective adjustment holes disposed on the floating plate and moving the pair of joysticks to provide translational motions (X-Y) and rotational (theta) motion of the floating plate, and turning the pair of jack screws clockwise and counter-clockwise to provide a translational motion (Z) and two rotational (pitch and roll) motions of the floating plate. | 04-16-2009 |
20090153166 | Apparatus and Method for Terminating Probe Apparatus of Semiconductor Wafer - A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. | 06-18-2009 |
20090295416 | REPLACEABLE PROBE APPARATUS FOR PROBING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER - A probe apparatus for probing a device on a semiconductor wafer to be tested by a testing equipment is provided. The probe apparatus includes a replaceable probe tile removably mounted in a probing location on a base plate. The probe tile is configured into a self-contained assembly which includes a chassis body containing a plurality of probes for probing devices on a wafer, a dielectric block for supporting the probes, and a wireguide for guiding a plurality of cables from the testing equipment into the chassis body. A wafer station having replaceable base plates and replaceable probe tiles are also provided. | 12-03-2009 |
20100203758 | REPLACEABLE PROBE APPARATUS FOR PROBING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER - A probe apparatus is provided with a plurality of probe tiles, an interchangeable plate for receiving the probe tiles, a floating plate being disposed between the respective probe tile and a receiving hole on the interchangeable plate, and a control mechanism providing multi-dimensional freedom of motions to control a position of the probe tile relative to the respective receiving hole of the interchangeable plate. A method of controlling the floating plate is also provided by inserting a pair of joysticks into two respective adjustment holes disposed on the floating plate and moving the pair of joysticks to provide translational motions (X-Y) and rotational (theta) motion of the floating plate, and turning the pair of jack screws clockwise and counter-clockwise to provide a translational motion (Z) and two rotational (pitch and roll) motions of the floating plate. | 08-12-2010 |
20100259288 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TERMINATING PROBE APPARATUS OF SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER - A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. | 10-14-2010 |
20110204912 | TEST APPARATUS HAVING A PROBE CORE WITH A TWIST LOCK MECHANISM - A probe core includes a frame, a wire guide connected to the frame, a probe tile, and a plurality of probe wires supported by the wire guide and probe tile. Each probe wire includes an end configured to probe a device, such as a semiconductor wafer. Each probe wire includes a signal transmitting portion and a guard portion. The probe core further includes a lock mechanism supported by the frame. The lock mechanism is configured to allow the probe core to be connected and disconnected to another test equipment or component, such as a circuit board. As one example, the probe core is configured to connect and disconnect from the test equipment or component in a rotatable lock and unlock operation or twist lock/unlock operation, where the frame is rotated relative to remainder of the core to lock/unlock the probe core. | 08-25-2011 |
20120038380 | ELECTRICAL TESTING APPARATUS - A test apparatus is described that can be useful as test equipment in various applications, including for example testing a semiconductor device. The test apparatus has a circuit board, a probe card, and a card holder. The circuit board includes a contact layout that electrically connects with a probe card at one portion and electrically connects with a probe card holder at another portion. The probe card has probes for electrically contacting a device to be tested, and has a contact configuration that electrically connects with the circuit board. The apparatus allows for electrical signals to be sent to and from the probe card, through the probe card holder and circuit board, in testing a device such as for example a semiconductor device. The circuit board and probe card holder have an attachment structure, configured for example as a notch and catch finger attachment arrangement. | 02-16-2012 |
20120161804 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TERMINATING PROBE APPARATUS OF SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER - A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. | 06-28-2012 |
20140139248 | TEST APPARATUS HAVING A PROBE CORE WITH A TWIST LOCK MECHANISM - A probe core includes a frame, a wire guide connected to the frame, a probe tile, and a plurality of probe wires supported by the wire guide and probe tile. Each probe wire includes an end configured to probe a device, such as a semiconductor wafer. Each probe wire includes a signal transmitting portion and a guard portion. The probe core further includes a lock mechanism supported by the frame. The lock mechanism is configured to allow the probe core to be connected and disconnected to another test equipment or component, such as a circuit board. As one example, the probe core is configured to connect and disconnect from the test equipment or component in a rotatable lock and unlock operation or twist lock/unlock operation, where the frame is rotated relative to remainder of the core to lock/unlock the probe core. | 05-22-2014 |
20140210501 | TEST APPARATUS HAVING A PROBE CARD AND CONNECTOR MECHANISM - A probe apparatus has probe wires with a contact pattern on one side. The contact pattern is for contacting a respective contact pattern on another test equipment or component, such as a circuit board. The probe wires have tips that probe a device desired for testing. Signals are transmitted through the probe wires from the probe card, for example, through a circuit board to other diagnostic equipment. The contact of the probe card with the circuit board allows signals to be transferred through the probe wires to the other diagnostic equipment. On another side of the probe card is a connector structure. The connector structure includes a retainer that can allow the probe card to be replaced from a test system, such as allowing it to be connected and disconnected from a holder. | 07-31-2014 |
20140239996 | TEST APPARATUS HAVING A PROBE CARD AND CONNECTOR MECHANISM - A test apparatus for testing a semiconductor device includes a circuit board having a contact pattern on one side and an opening therethrough, and a probe card supporting a probe needle array. The probe needle array is insertable into the opening of the circuit board and is configured to probe a device under test. The probe needle array is in electrical contact with the contact pattern of the circuit board, to allow signals through the probe card and circuit board to a test equipment. A holder supports the probe card and other probe cards. The holder has multiple sides, each of which is supportable of a probe card having a probe needle array. The holder is rotatable to manipulate and position the probe needle arrays of the probe cards relative to a device under test. The holder allows disconnection and replacement of the probe needle arrays from the holder. | 08-28-2014 |