Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Brochu

Douglas A. Brochu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5148969
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method by which electronic components can be reclaimed from printed circuit boards. In the preferred embodiment, the reclamation system includes a conveyor which grasps the edges of the boards and holds them at an angle so that the component sides of the boards are facing downward. The conveyor carries the boards past infrared panels which heat each board, so that the solder bonding the components to a given board is made to reflow. While the solder is in a reflow state, each board is struck with a tapper, the impact of which has a tendency to dislodge the components. Falling components are caught in bins where they can be collected. In addition, the reclamation system is configured such that a number of operators are able to work in front of the boards passing on the conveyor. Therefore, if the tapper fails to dislodge any components on a given board, an operator can manually remove the components before the board is itself removed from the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Boucher, Kerry S. Dinsmore, John A. Malesky, Douglas A. Brochu