Patent ID: 7172450

Claim:
A socket for use in testing a packaged integrated circuit device having a plurality of leads extending therefrom, said socket comprising: a) a first member for receiving an integrated circuit package and having a plurality of holes for receiving leads extending from the package, b) a second member having a plurality of wire contacts for engaging the leads, the first and second members being arranged to permit relative lateral translation thereof, c) a support frame for the first and second members and including guides for permitting relative lateral motion between the first and second members from a device load/unload position where device leads do not engage the wires to a device test position where device leads engage the wires, the support frame further including a first portion physically engaging the first member, a second portion physically engaging the second member, the lever being pivotally attached to one portion of the first portion and second portion and contacting the other portion to impart the relative lateral motion between the first member and the second member, and d) a lateral translation lever pivotally attached to the support frame for imparting relative lateral motion between the first and second members.