U.S. patent application number 15/903937 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for slider test socket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seagate Technology LLC. Invention is credited to Rohit Deokar, Brett R. Herdendorf, Stefan A. Weissner, Razman Zambri.
Application Number | 20180240480 15/903937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63167887 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180240480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zambri; Razman ; et
al. |
August 23, 2018 |
SLIDER TEST SOCKET
Abstract
An apparatus includes a slider test socket. The slider test
socket includes a clamp, which includes a body, a handle having an
opening, and a plurality of arms that extend between the body at a
first end of the clamp and the handle at a second end of the
clamp.
Inventors: |
Zambri; Razman; (Eden
Prairie, MN) ; Weissner; Stefan A.; (Bloomington,
MN) ; Deokar; Rohit; (Edina, MN) ; Herdendorf;
Brett R.; (Mound, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seagate Technology LLC |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63167887 |
Appl. No.: |
15/903937 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62462698 |
Feb 23, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 5/484 20130101;
G11B 27/36 20130101; G11B 5/455 20130101; G11B 5/4555 20130101;
G11B 5/4826 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G11B 5/48 20060101
G11B005/48 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a slider test socket including a clamp
that includes: a body, a handle having an opening, and a plurality
of arms extending between the body at a first end of the clamp and
the handle at a second end of the clamp.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms extend
around the body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp further includes a
shelf, and wherein the plurality of arms extends around the
shelf.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms includes
a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms that extends around
opposite sides of the body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms includes
a first trio of arms and a second trio of arms that extends around
opposite sides of the body.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms includes
a curved section between the first end and the second end of the
clamp.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is coupled to a
contact feature that extends towards the body.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms are
configured to deform when the handle is pulled.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp forms a unitary
structure.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slider test socket
further includes an electrical connector.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a test deck
including the slider test socket.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the test deck includes an
access window.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the access window includes a
door configured to be opened to permit a slider to be inserted into
or removed from the test deck.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a test rack, a
loader assembly, a testing assembly, and an exchange assembly.
15. An apparatus comprising: a slider test socket including: a body
coupled to an electrical connector, the body extending along a
first plane, and a deflectable arm extending from the body along
the first plane, wherein the arm is configured to deflect to
receive a slider and to retract to clamp the slider.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the deflectable arm includes
a contact feature that extends towards the body.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the deflectable arm is
shaped such that the contact feature moves along a straight line
when the deflectable arm is deflected.
18. A method for use with a slider test socket having a clamp with
a body, handle with an opening and coupled to a contact feature,
and a plurality of arms extending between the body at a first end
of the clamp and the handle at a second end of the clamp, the
method comprising: exerting a first force in a first direction on
the handle to deflect the plurality of arms in the first direction;
placing a slider between the contact feature and the body; and
releasing the first force on the handle such that the slider is
clamped between the contact feature and the body.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the contact feature moves along
a straight line as the handle is pulled.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: after releasing the
first force, releasing a second force applied against an electrical
connector coupled to the clamp such that the electrical connector
is electrically coupled to the slider after the slider is clamped
between the body and the contact feature.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/462,698, filed on Feb. 23, 2017, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
to devices and methods for use with data storage component testing
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Data storage component testing systems can test performance
of one or more individual data storage components such as sliders
and data storage media used in hard disk drives. Example data
storage component testing systems include spin stands and test
decks, which enable simultaneous testing of individual data storage
components that are to be later installed in hard disk drives.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
methods and devices that assist with coupling and decoupling data
storage components in testing systems.
SUMMARY
[0004] In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a slider test
socket. The slider test socket includes a clamp, which includes a
body, a handle having an opening, and a plurality of arms that
extend between the body at a first end of the clamp and the handle
at a second end of the clamp.
[0005] In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a slider test
socket. The slider test socket includes a body coupled to an
electrical connector and extending along a first plane. The slider
test socket further includes a deflectable arm extending from the
body along the first plane. The deflectable arm is configured to
deflect to receive a slider and to retract to clamp the slider.
[0006] In certain embodiments, a method is described for use with a
slider test socket having a body extending along a first plane and
an arm extending from the body along the first plane. The method
includes exerting a first force on the arm to deflect the arm in a
first direction, placing a slider between the arm and the body, and
releasing the first force on the arm to retract the arm such that
the slider is clamped between the arm and the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a data storage component testing
system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a test deck for use in a
data storage component testing system, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an arm, in accordance
with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a zoomed-in, perspective view of a slider test
socket, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a zoomed-in, perspective view of the slider
test socket of FIG. 4 and a slider.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the slider test socket and the
slider of FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a perspective, bottom view of the slider test
socket and the slider of FIG. 6.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a slider test socket during deflection, in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 9-13 show top views of clamps that can be incorporated
into slider test sockets, in accordance with certain embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0016] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The
intention, however, is not to limit the disclosure to the
particular embodiments described but instead is intended to cover
all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
to devices and methods for use with data storage component testing
systems. Example data storage component testing systems include
spin stands and other test systems such as those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 9,449,643 (hereinafter the '643 patent), which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a data storage
component testing system 100 having at least one controller 102,
test rack 104, loader assembly 106, testing assembly 108, and
exchange assembly 110. The testing assembly 108 has a plurality of
test slots 112 that can be arranged vertically and horizontally to
efficiently occupy physical space. The testing slots 112 are sized
such that the data storage component testing system 100 can
simultaneously provide different testing environments for data
storage components corresponding with different hard drive form
factors, such as 2.5'' and 3.5'' hard drives.
[0019] The loader assembly 106 can have one or more robotic or
manual rails, conveyors, end effectors, elevators, etc., that allow
individual test decks 114 (shown in more detail in FIG. 2) to be
installed and subsequently removed from the respective test slots
112. The ability to simultaneously test multiple test decks 114
positioned within the test slots 112 in the testing rack 104 allows
for efficient testing of a large number of data storage components.
The test deck 114 can include an access port 120, media 122, slide
124, controller 126, and connector 128, among other features and
components.
[0020] The controller 126 is configured to store various testing
routines that can be carried out while the test deck 114 is
positioned within the test slot 112 to evaluate the quality and
accuracy of the medium 122 and slider 124, for example. While in
the test slot 112, the test deck 114 can be subjected to a variety
of testing conditions including different temperature, vibration,
data writing, data reading, fly height, internal gas composition,
and internal gas pressure conditions. The test deck's various
connectors 128 are configured to mechanically and/or electrically
couple the test deck 114 to features in the test slot 112.
[0021] It is noted that the test deck 114 is not a consumer data
storage device such as a hard drive but instead is a testing
platform that enables simultaneous testing of individual data
storage components, such as sliders and data storage media, that
are to be later installed in hard drives. The test deck 114
includes an enclosed testing region accessed via the access port
120 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), which allows for efficient removal of
tested data storage components and installation of untested
components when compared to testing procedures requiring
disassembly and assembly of data storage devices.
[0022] The exchange assembly 110 can be configured with manual or
robotic means to engage and open the access port 120 of the test
deck 114 before replacing one or more components housed within the
test deck 114 and closing the access port 120. The access port 120
may include a door 130, which is configured to be opened and closed
and which can reduce the risk of particulate generation and
contamination in the enclosed testing region. It is noted that
opening and closing the access port 120 via the door 130 can be
accomplished pneumatically, hydraulically, and manually through
friction, fasteners, and/or magnets.
[0023] The exchange assembly 110 can include one or more end
effectors 132 (which can be coupled to a vacuum source 134) that
can be moved within the exchange assembly and used to open and
close the access port 120 and/or position a data storage component
such as a slider in or out of the test deck 114. Using sliders as
an example, the end effector 132 can pick up a to-be-tested slider
and position itself above the access port 120. The door 130 of the
access port 120 can be opened, and a tip 136 of the end effector
132 can be moved through the access port 120. The to-be-tested
slider can be coupled and clamped to a slider test socket
(described in more detail below) positioned in the test deck 114,
and vacuum pressure can be removed to decouple the end effector 132
from the slider. In some embodiments, the vacuum pressure is
maintained while the slider is being clamped to the slider test
socket; in other embodiments, the vacuum pressure is released prior
to clamping. Once the tip 136 of the end effector 132 is removed
from the test deck 114, the door 130 of the access port 120 can be
closed. The test deck 114 can then be transferred to a test slot
112, and the slider can undergo one or more testing routines. Once
the slider has been tested, the test deck 114 can be transferred to
the exchange assembly 110, where the door 130 of the access port
120 is opened to permit the end effector 132 to remove the slider
from the test deck 114.
[0024] Some of the concerns when coupling the to-be-tested slider
to a slider test socket are the position of the slider with respect
to the slider test socket and the quality of the coupling force.
For example, in the process of coupling the slider to the test
socket, the slider may become undesirably rotated or tilted with
respect to the slider test socket. Positioning errors can cause
issues with mechanical and electrical coupling between the slider
and slider test socket. Certain embodiments of the present
disclosure are accordingly directed to methods and devices that
assist with coupling sliders to slider test sockets.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an arm 300 for use with a
data storage component testing system, such as the system 100. As
described above, data storage component testing systems can include
test decks that house various data storage components--some of
which are temporarily mounted to the test deck during testing. The
arm 300 can be used in a test deck, such as the test deck 114 of
shown in FIG. 2, and used to temporarily clamp sliders for testing.
During testing, the arm 300 can be actuated to rotate around axis
302 to position a slider over a data storage medium for test data
reading/writing operations.
[0026] The arm 300 includes a slider test socket 304, which is
positioned near a distal end of the arm 100. FIG. 4 shows a
zoomed-in, perspective view of the slider test socket 304. FIG. 5
shows a zoomed-in, perspective view of the slider test socket 304
and a slider 306 clamped by the slider test socket 304. FIG. 6
shows a top view of the slider test socket 304 and the slider 306.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective, bottom view of the slider test socket
304 and the slider 306.
[0027] The slider test socket 304 is configured to temporarily
clamp sliders during testing in a data storage component testing
system such as the data storage component testing system 100. When
the slider 306 is properly clamped in the slider test socket 304,
the slider 306 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the
slider test socket 304.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the slider test socket 304 includes a
clamp (e.g., a body 308 and an arm 310), an electrical connector
312, and a shelf 314. The body 308 and the arm 310 can be a unitary
structure and can be made of materials comprising stainless steel,
copper, elastomers, etc., which permit the arm 310 to deflect in
response to an exerted force. A body and arm made of a unitary
structure can allow for the slider test socket 304 to be designed
with tighter tolerances over multi-piece structures because the
unitary structure eliminates the need to address tolerances due to
welds, fasteners, etc. The arm 310 extends from the body 308 along
a plane and can take various shapes. In some embodiments, like
those shown in FIGS. 4-7, the arm 310 is substantially L-shaped
such that the arm 310 includes a first portion 316 that extends
from the body 308 in a first direction 318 and a second portion 320
that extends from the first portion 316 in a second direction 322
that is perpendicular to the first direction 318. Together, the
body 308 and the arm 310 form a C-clamp-like structure for clamping
sliders.
[0029] The slider 306 can be mechanically coupled to the slider
test socket 304 in a variety of ways. FIGS. 5-7 show the slider 306
in a clamped position where the slider 306 is positioned and
mechanically coupled between the body 308 and the arm 310. More
specifically, FIG. 6 shows that the arm 310 includes a contact
feature 324 that extends towards the body 308 and directly contacts
one side of the slider 306 at or near a central longitudinal axis
326 of the slider 306 while the opposite side of the slider 306
contacts the body 308. The contact feature 324 can take a variety
of shapes. For example, FIGS. 3-7 show the contact feature 324
being a bump-like shape. FIG. 8 shows the contact feature 324 being
formed by a leg 328 protruding from the arm 310. More specifically,
FIG. 8 shows the arm 310 having a Y-shaped portion 330 where one of
the legs 328 of the Y-shape is the contact feature 324.
[0030] In some embodiments, the contact feature 324 includes a
single, discrete contact point that is configured to contact the
slider 306. In some embodiments, the contact feature 324 includes a
flat surface, which lies against and contacts the slider 306. In
some embodiments, the arm 310 includes multiple contact features.
In such embodiments, the contact features may be positioned to
contact the slider away from the slider's central longitudinal axis
326 and/or at equal distances from the central longitudinal axis
326.
[0031] As mentioned above, the slider test socket 304 is configured
to temporarily clamp sliders during testing. In the process of
clamping a slider, the test deck 114 can be provisioned with at
least one member that is configured to exert a force on the body
308 and/or arm 310 to deflect the arm 310. FIG. 8 shows a first
member 330 and a second member 332 positioned in a gap between the
body 308 and the arm 310. The first and second member, 330 and 332,
can be configured to exert a force against the body 308 and the arm
310, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second
members, 330 and 332, comprise shape-memory alloys or are actuated
by one or more shape-memory alloys. In some embodiments, the first
member 330 and the second member 332 are actuated to exert their
respective forces against the body 308 and the arm 310 upon the
test deck's door 130 opening. In some embodiments, first and second
members are actuated upon the test deck 114 being powered on in the
exchange assembly 110.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows the arm 310 in a deflected state such that the
slider 306 can be positioned between in the body 308 and the arm
310. Upon placing the slider 306 between the arm 310 and the body
308 in a clamping space 334, one or more of the forces exerted by
the first and second members, 330 and 332, can be released and the
arm 310 retracts to its normal state. When the one or more forces
are released, the contact feature 324 contacts the slider 306 and
exerts a force such that the slider 306 becomes mechanically
coupled between the body 308 and the arm 310. In some embodiments,
the arm 310 and the contact feature 324 are designed such that the
contact feature 324 moves along a straight line as the arm 310 is
deflected and retracted. This arrangement mitigates alignment and
positioning problems as the slider 306 is clamped because the
contact feature 324 contacts the slider and exerts a force directly
towards the body 308 with little to no rotational force. In some
embodiments, the force exerted by the contact feature 324 is
directed along the central longitudinal axis 326 of the slider 306.
In some embodiments, the contact feature 324 provides a uniform
force for coupling to the electrical connector 312.
[0033] Once the slider 306 is mechanically coupled to the slider
test socket 304, the slider can be electrically coupled to the
electrical connector 312. For example, one of the first and second
members, 330 and 332, can exert a force against the electrical
connector 312 to retract the electrical connector 312 away from the
slider 306 while the slider 306 is being positioned in and
mechanically coupled to the slider test socket 304. Once the slider
306 is mechanically coupled to the slider test socket 304, the
force against the electrical connector 312 from one of the of the
first and second members, 330 and 332, can be released such that
the electrical connector 312 moves towards the slider 306 and
electrically couples to the slider 306. Mechanically coupling the
slider 306 to the slider test socket 304 before electrically
coupling the slider 306 to the electrical connector 312 helps
mitigate positioning errors of the slider 306 with respect to the
slider test socket 304. For example, using the above-described
approach, the slider 306 is less likely to become misaligned or
lifted by the action of electrically coupling the slider 306 to the
electrical connector 312. Conversely, in some embodiments, the
slider test socket 304 is configured such that electrical connector
312 becomes electrically uncoupled from the slider 306 before the
slider 306 is mechanically uncoupled from the slider test socket
304.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the slider 306 includes bond pads 336
that are configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding
conductors on the electrical connector 312. The electrical
connecter 312 can take the form of a variety of types of connectors
that configured to mechanically and electrically couple to the bond
pads 336. For example, the electrical connecter 312 can be a flex
circuit, featherboard-like connector, etc., and have electrical
conductors such as pins that couple to the bond pads 336. Each
electrical conductor forms part of or is coupled to conductors 338
(shown in FIG. 7) that communicate signals to and from the slider
306. The conductors 338 can be part of a flex circuit 340 that
extends from the slider test socket 304 along the arm 300 to the
test deck's controller 126.
[0035] FIGS. 9-13 show top views of various designs of clamps that
can be incorporated into slider test sockets. These clamps can be
used to mechanically couple and decouple sliders to and from slider
test sockets. In certain embodiments, these clamps can be a unitary
structure and can be made of metals, metal alloys, or elastomers.
For example, materials can comprise stainless steel, copper
(including copper alloys), nickel (including nickel alloys like
nickel-cobalt), palladium, cobalt, titanium, aluminum, bronze,
brass, etc., which permit the arm 310 to deflect in response to an
exerted force. In certain embodiments, the material is chosen to
have a yield strength that is greater than applied stresses caused
by opening the clamps when positioning a slider within the clamp.
In certain embodiments, the clamps are designed to be opened
120-150 .mu.m without exceeding the yield strength of the chosen
material(s) of the clamps.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a clamp 900 including a body 902 and a
plurality of arms (i.e., a first arm 904A, a second arm 904B, a
third arm 904C, and a fourth arm 904D) that extends between a
trailing end 906A (which corresponds with a trailing edge of a
slider) and a leading end 906B (which corresponds with a leading
edge of a slider) of the clamp 900. As shown in FIG. 9, the first
arm 904A and the second arm 904B are paired on one side of the
clamp 900 with a gap therebetween, and the third arm 904C and the
fourth arm 904D are paired on the other side of the clamp 900 with
a gap therebetween. The arms are similarly shaped such that the
arms extend from the trailing end 906A and extend away from the
body 902 until respective curved portions 908 of the arms. At the
curved portion 908, the arms extend back towards the body 902 until
terminating at the leading end 906B. As shown in FIG. 9, the arms
extend around at least a portion of the body 902. Although FIG. 9
shows the arms extending along the clamp in pairs, fewer or more
arms can be used. For example, additional arms can be used to
increase the clamping force of the clamp 900.
[0037] The clamp 900 includes--at or near the leading end 906B--a
handle 910 with an opening 912 and a contact feature 914. The clamp
900 also includes opener surfaces 916A and 916B on the second arm
904B and the fourth arm 904D, respectively. Near the trailing end
906A, the clamp 900 includes a slider support surface 918. The
clamp 900 also includes a shelf 920.
[0038] To couple a slider to the clamp 900, a first member of the
test deck 114 can extend through the opening 912 in the handle 910
and a second member of the test deck 114 can couple to one or both
of the opener surfaces 916A and 916B. Once positioned, the members
can exert a force to create a larger gap between the contact
feature 914 and the slider support surface 918. The shape of the
arms allows the clamp 900 to lengthen such that a slider can be
positioned on the shelf 920 and between the contact feature 914 and
the slider support surface 918. Once the slider is positioned, the
members can remove the force against the opening 912 and the opener
surfaces 916A and 916B such that the contact feature 914 and the
slider support surface 918 couple to the slider. A similar process
can be used with the clamps shown in FIGS. 10-13.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows a clamp 1000 including a body 1002 and a
plurality of arms (i.e., a first arm 1004A, a second arm 1004B, a
third arm 1004C, and a fourth arm 1004D) that extends between a
trailing end 1006A and a leading end 1006B of the clamp 1000. As
shown in FIG. 10, the first arm 1004A and the second arm 1004B are
paired on one side of the clamp 1000 with a gap therebetween, and
the third arm 1004C and the fourth arm 1004D are paired on the
other side of the clamp 1000 with a gap therebetween. The arms are
similarly shaped and form a curve (e.g., curved portion 1008) as
they extend from the trailing end 1006A to the leading end 1006B.
The arms terminate at a handle 1010 at the leading end 1006B. The
handle 1010 includes an opening 1012 and a contact feature 1014.
The clamp 1000 also includes opener surfaces 1016A and 1016B on the
body 1002. Near the trailing end 1006A, the clamp 1000 includes a
slider support surface 1018. The clamp 1000 also includes a shelf
1020. As shown in FIG. 10, the arms extend around at least a
portion of the body 1002. Although FIG. 10 shows the arms extending
along the clamp in pairs, fewer or more arms can be used. For
example, additional arms can be used to increase the clamping force
of the clamp 1000.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a clamp 1100 including a body 1102 and a
plurality of arms (i.e., a first arm 1104A, a second arm 1104B, a
third arm 1104C, a fourth arm 1104D, a fifth arm 1104E, and a sixth
arm 1104F) that extends between a trailing end 1106A and a leading
end 1106B of the clamp 1100. As shown in FIG. 11, the first arm
1104A, the second arm 1104B, and the third arm 1104C form a first
trio of arms on one side of the clamp 1100 with gaps therebetween,
and the fourth arm 1104D, the fifth arm 1104E, and the sixth arm
1104F form a first trio of arms on the other side of the clamp 1100
with gaps therebetween. The arms are similarly shaped and form a
curve (e.g., curved portion 1108) as they extend from the trailing
end 1106A to the leading end 1106B. The arms terminate at a handle
1110 at the leading end 1106B. The handle 1110 includes an opening
1112 and a contact feature 1114. The clamp 1100 also includes
opener surfaces 1116A and 1116B on the body 1102. Near the trailing
end 1106A, the clamp 1100 includes a slider support surface 1118.
The clamp 1100 also includes a shelf 1120. As shown in FIG. 11, the
arms extend around at least a portion of the body 1102. Although
FIG. 11 shows the arms extending along the clamp in pairs, fewer or
more arms can be used. For example, additional arms can be used to
increase the clamping force of the clamp 1100.
[0041] FIG. 12 shows a clamp 1200 including a body 1202 and a
plurality of arms (i.e., a first arm 1204A, a second arm 1204B, a
third arm 1204C, and a fourth arm 1204D) that extends between a
trailing end 1206A and a leading end 1206B of the clamp 1200. As
shown in FIG. 12, the first arm 1204A and the second arm 1204B are
paired on one side of the clamp 1200 with a gap therebetween, and
the third arm 1204C and the fourth arm 1204D are paired on the
other side of the clamp 1200 with a gap therebetween. The arms are
similarly shaped and form a curve (e.g., curved portion 1008) as
they extend from the trailing end 1206A to the leading end 1206B.
The arms terminate at a handle 1210 at the leading end 1206B. The
handle 1210 includes an opening 1212 and a contact feature 1214.
The clamp 1200 also includes opener surfaces 1216A and 1216B on the
body 1202. Near the trailing end 1206A, the clamp 1200 includes a
slider support surface 1218. The clamp 1200 also includes a shelf
1220. As shown in FIG. 12, the arms extend around at least a
portion of the body 1202. Although FIG. 12 shows the arms extending
along the clamp in pairs, fewer or more arms can be used. For
example, additional arms can be used to increase the clamping force
of the clamp 1200.
[0042] FIG. 13 shows a clamp 1300 including a body 1302 and a
plurality of arms (i.e., a first arm 1304A, a second arm 1304B, a
third arm 1304C, a fourth arm 1304D, a fifth arm 1304E, a sixth arm
1304F, a seventh arm 1304G, and an eighth arm 1304H) that extends
between a trailing end 1306A and a leading end 1306B of the clamp
1300. As shown in FIG. 13, the first arm 1304A, the second arm
1304B, the third arm 1304C, and the fourth arm form a first
quadruplet of arms on one side of the clamp 1300 with gaps
therebetween, and the the fifth arm 1304E, the sixth arm 1304F, the
seventh arm 1304G, and the eighth arm 1304H form a first quadruplet
of arms on the other side of the clamp 1300 with gaps therebetween.
The arms are similarly shaped and form a curve (e.g., curved
portion 1308) as they extend from the trailing end 1306A to the
leading end 1306B. The arms terminate at a handle 1310 at the
leading end 1306B. The handle 1310 includes an opening 1312 and a
contact feature 1314. The clamp 1300 also includes opener surfaces
1316A and 1316B on the body 1302. Near the trailing end 1306A, the
clamp 1300 includes a slider support surface 1318. The clamp 1300
also includes a shelf 1320. As shown in FIG. 13, the arms extend
around at least a portion of the body 1302. Although FIG. 13 shows
the arms extending along the clamp in pairs, fewer or more arms can
be used. For example, additional arms can be used to increase the
clamping force of the clamp 1300.
[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
embodiments disclosed without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above
refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also
includes embodiments having different combinations of features and
embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to
include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as
falling within the scope of the claims, together with all
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *