Patent ID: 6861667

Claim:
Replaceable grounding apparatus for test socket apparatus, comprising: a) an insert having opposed and essentially parallel first and second surfaces; b) a generally planar circuit board having opposed and essentially parallel first and second surfaces and a surface area larger than that of the insert; c) a handler having a planar handler element with an outer essentially first planar surface essentially parallel to an opposite outer essentially planar third surface, and a second planar surface located therebetween essentially parallel to the first and second surfaces and wherein: i) the handler element has a first opening extending from the first to the second surfaces with the element being sized and arranged to accept the circuit board in a predetermined orientation and with the first plane of the circuit board essentially aligned with the first plane of the handler element and the second plane of the circuit board essentially aligned with the second plane of the handler element; ii) the handler element having a second opening opposite the first opening extending between the second and the third surface with the insert and second opening being sized and arranged to accept the insert in a predetermined orientation and with the first surface of the insert aligned with the second plane of the fixed element, and the second surface of the insert aligned with the third plane of the handler element; and d) securing and releasing means for securing and releasing the insert with respect to the second opening.