IP Library Granted Patent US 7,639,003
Granted Patent B2
US 7,639,003 · App. 11/786,641 · Granted Dec 29, 2009

Guarded tub enclosure

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,639,003
App. No.
11/786,641
Granted
Dec 29, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

A probe station with an improved guarding structure.

Claims (11)

1. A probe station comprising:

(a) a chuck surface for supporting a first surface of a device under test, said chuck surface having a chuck surface area;

(b) a support for a probe arranged to engage an opposed second surface of said device under test; and

(c) a conductive member interposed between and spaced apart from said chuck surface and said support, said conductive member coextensive with a major portion of said chuck surface area and including a portion constrained to move in conjunction with a lateral movement of said chuck surface, said conductive member further comprising a portion movable relative to said chuck surface and defining an aperture through which a probe can project to engage said device under test.

2. The probe station of claim 1 wherein said conductive member is coextensive with at least 60 percent of said chuck surface area.

3. The probe station of claim 1 wherein said conductive member is coextensive with at least 70 percent of said chuck surface area.

4. The probe station of claim 1 wherein said conductive member further comprises:

(a) a first plate member secured to move laterally in conjunction with said lateral movement of said chuck surface and including portions defining a first aperture; and

(b) a second plate member supported by and moveable relative to said first plate member and including a portion defining a second aperture, said probe projectable through a portion of said second aperture coincident with a portion of said first aperture.

5. The probe station of claim 4 further comprising a constraint to movement of said second plate relative to said support.

6. The probe station of claim 1 wherein a chuck comprising said chuck surface is, with the exception of said aperture, substantially enclosed by said conductive member and a tub affixed to said conductive member.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 7, 2025
From: HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: FORMFACTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 072853/0001 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jul 18, 2018
From: CASCADE MICROTECH, INC.
To: FORMFACTOR BEAVERTON, INC.
Reel/Frame 046573/0664 →
SECURITY INTEREST IN UNITED STATES PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS Recorded Jul 12, 2016
From: FORMFACTOR, INC.; ASTRIA SEMICONDUCTOR HOLDINGS, INC.; CASCADE MICROTECH, INC.; MICRO-PROBE INCORPORATED
To: HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 039184/0280 →