Patent ID: 7402994
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: B07C,G01R

Abstract:
1. A contact assembly configured for use in an electrical component handler and performance of electrical measurement of electrical components, the electrical components seated in a component holder that has a surface and advances relative to a contact tip of a contact element to successively place the electrical components in contact with the contact tip to perform the electrical measurement and to impart sliding contact of the surface of the component holder against the contact tip when none of the electrical components is in contact with the contact tip, comprising: a housing having a length and an interior slot formed along the length of the housing, the interior slot defined by interior walls that form bearing surfaces; a contact element sized to fit in the interior slot and slide lengthwise in the housing along the bearing surfaces, the contact element including opposite ends, one of which terminating in a contact tip formed of electrically conductive contact tip material; and the electrically conductive contact tip material exhibiting wear characteristics such that, in response to the sliding contact of the contact tip against the surface of the component holder as the component holder advances to successively place the electrical components to perform the electrical measurement, the electrically conductive contact tip material undergoes removal and thereby results in purposeful progressive shortening of the contact element to present a refreshed electrically conductive contact tip to the electrical components during the performance of electrical measurement.