Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system – Temperature measuring system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-22
2003-05-13
Hoff, Marc S. (Department: 2857)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system
Temperature measuring system
C374S057000, C073S865600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06564165
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the testing of electrical components, and more particularly, relates to thermal shock testing of electrical components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Electrical components are commonly tested at high and low temperatures to identify which components would not operate effectively at high and low temperatures. A conventional testing procedure is a batch process. In a batch process a number of electrical components are simultaneously heated and cooled as a group and monitored as a group.
Also, an in-line testing process is known. In an in-line process, the electrical components are moved sequentially through a tunnel having a cold chamber portion and a hot chamber portion. The electrical components are monitored as they move sequentially through the tunnel. The monitoring determines which components are not operative through a temperature range, in which the components are intended to operate, and thus, the monitoring determines which components are defective.
In an in-line process a conveyor system transports electronic components through discrete electrical test stations in spaced apart hot and cold zones. The components are electrically tested at the electrical test stations at predetermined locations in the hot and cold zones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for inline thermal testing of an electrical component includes an environmental chamber, a conveyor, a stimulation means, and a monitoring means. The environmental chamber includes a hot zone and a cold zone. The conveyor transports the electrical component through the hot and cold zones of the environmental chamber. The stimulation means provides continuous electric stimulation to the electrical component during transport of the electrical component through the environmental chamber. The monitoring means continuously monitors the effect of the stimulation means on the electrical component during transport of the electrical component through the environmental chamber.
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Rasp and Gavin article entitled “Tunnel Systems Emerge as New ESS Strategy”.
Mailloux James J.
Marts Brian S.
Hoff Marc S.
Kim Paul
Tarolli, Sundheim Covell & Tummino L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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