Ronald M Rhodes

US Patent:

56594836, Aug 19, 1997

Filed:

Jul 12, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/678805

Inventors:

Ronald J. Rhodes - South Plainfield NJ
Timothy A. Estes - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

National Center for Manufacturing Sciences - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G01R 2704

US Classification:

364481

Abstract:

A centralized computer system in communication with a measurement system including a multi-point probe is programmed to analyze a plurality of conductor formations on a particular substrate, store information relating to an electrical characteristic of each conductor formation analyzed, and generate a report including information as to the variance in the electrical characteristic as a function of substrate position. To step through all of the conductor formations on a particular substrate, the computer may either be programmed to move a chuck holding the substrate under test relative to the points of the probe, or the system may include switching means disposed in an electrical path between the points of the probe and the resistance measurement system, enabling the computer to step through all of the conductor formations on a particular substrate by instructing the switching means to select points associated with only a single conductor formation for connection to the resistance measurement system. The system preferably further includes an imaging system interfaced to the chuck and computer to identify a visual target on the substrate and align the substrate relative to the points of the probe to ensure proper contact therebetween.

US Patent:

42773210, Jul 7, 1981

Filed:

Jan 17, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/113117

Inventors:

Charles J. Bartlett - Madison NJ
Ronald J. Rhodes - South Plainfield NJ
Ray D. Rust - Berkeley Heights NJ

Assignee:

Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

C23C 1500

US Classification:

204192E

Abstract:

Multilayer printed wiring boards are conventionally laminated using epoxy adhesives. When the boards are drilled, a residual smear often remains within the drilled holes. This smear prevents proper through plating of the holes and the layers are left without some of the intended interconnections. In the past, the residual smear was removed by wet etching. A technique is described using plasma etching with the conductive surface layers of the drilled boards as the electrodes to generate the plasma. The plasma forms directly within the holes and effectively removes the smear. A dielectric material in contact or close proximity to the perimeter of each board provides uniformity of treatment over the panels.

US Patent:

42305535, Oct 28, 1980

Filed:

Apr 23, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/032339

Inventors:

Charles J. Bartlett - Madison NJ
Ronald J. Rhodes - South Plainfield NJ
Ray D. Rust - Berkeley Heights NJ

Assignee:

Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

C23C 1500

US Classification:

204192E

Abstract:

Multilayer printed wiring boards are conventionally laminated using epoxy adhesives. When the boards are drilled, a residual smear often remains within the drilled holes. This smear prevents proper through plating of the holes and the layers are left without some of the intended interconnections. In the past, the residual smear was removed by wet etching. A technique is described using plasma etching with the conductive surface layers of the drilled boards as the electrodes to generate the plasma. The plasma forms directly within the holes and effectively removes the smear. A dielectric material in contact or close proximity to the perimeter of each board provides uniformity of treatment over the panels.