Patent ID: 6714028
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A rolling contactor for providing electrical signal communication between a conductive terminal surface of a miniature electronic device under test (DUT) and a support structure for said rolling contactor, comprising:a) an electrically conductive circular roller of finite thickness, having formed thereon an outer rolling surface and an inner, centralized hole, between two, spaced-apart side walls, for rolling across the conductive terminal surface of the DUT to communicate one or more signals therewith; b) at least one electrically conductive circular spool of smaller outside diameter than said roller, located adjacent and in contact with one of said roller side walls, having formed therethrough a centralized hole; c) a support axle adapted to pass axially through said centralized holes formed in said roller and said spool and extending there beyond; d) an electrically conductive axle bracket adapted to support said axle in a rotational arrangement about said axle to allow said roller surface to rotate and press against the termination surface of the DUT; e) an electrically conductive brush extending from said axle bracket into tangential contact with said spool during rotation thereof; and, f) an electrically conductive elongated spring arm extending between said axle bracket and the support structure, to complete the electrical path between the termination surface of the DUT, said rolling surface and said spool in contact with said axle bracket through said conductive brush, and to bias spring pressure to press said roller against said termination surface.