Keith A Howell

US Patent:

6948650, Sep 27, 2005

Filed:

May 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/445787

Inventors:

Keith A. Howell - Osage Beach MO, US
James M. Morris - Lebanon MO, US
David M. McDonald - Camdenton MO, US
Eric Wayne Becker - Lebanon MO, US
Joseph Wayne Brickell - Linn Creek MO, US

Assignee:

Speedline Technologies, Inc. - Franklin MA

International Classification:

B23K031/02

US Classification:

228260, 228259, 228 34

Abstract:

When dross is removed from a molten-solder reservoir, a substantial amount of molten solder is often removed with the dross. This molten solder can be separated from the dross and returned to reservoir via a conduit for reuse. Additionally, a skimmer for removing the dross from the reservoir includes a skimming plate pivotally attached to a displaceable structure; a stop is provided to restrict the degree to which the skimming plate can pivot so that the skimming plate will not pivot more than 90 from vertical to enable the skimming plate to dig into the dross and collect dross when the displaceable structure is displaced toward on outlet of the reservoir. Further still, the displaceable structure of the skimmer can be controlled via a computer control system storing software code instructions for a motor to extend and retract the displaceable structure such that the skimming plate extends to a position further from the outlet port of the reservoir with each displacement cycle.

US Patent:

7213738, May 8, 2007

Filed:

Sep 30, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/260980

Inventors:

Eric Ludwig - Camdenton MO, US
Keith Howell - Osage Beach MO, US
Troy Beard - Camdenton MO, US

Assignee:

Speedline Technologies, Inc. - Franklin MA

International Classification:

B23K 31/02

US Classification:

228103, 228 10, 228 37

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a selective wave solder machine. In particular, it relates to a system for calibrating and adjusting process points to account for variations in machines and circuit boards. Vision systems are used to locate fiducials on the processing modules and the circuit boards. Differences between stored locations for fiducials relating to the circuit board and the processing modules are used to adjust the positions of stored process points to achieve improved performance.