Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A system for allowing a designer to implement Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 in topologies not anticipated by a USB 2.0 specification and with reduced channel losses, the system comprising: a bus channel having a plurality of electrical elements; and a boost circuit connected at a predetermined location on the bus channel; a plurality of USB signals transmitted through the system; wherein edges of the plurality of USB signals are boosted without impacting the bi-directional nature of the bus channel.

Abstract: A system for allowing a designer to implement Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 in topologies not anticipated by a USB 2.0 specification and with reduced channel losses, the system comprising: a bus channel having a plurality of electrical elements; and a boost circuit connected at a predetermined location on the bus channel; a plurality of USB signals transmitted through the system; wherein edges of the plurality of USB signals are boosted without impacting the bi-directional nature of the bus channel.

Abstract: A removal tool for removing a component bonded to a printed wiring board. A housing and securing mechanism are provided for securing the printed wiring board to the housing. An adapter holds the component that is to be removed. A variable jaw assembly applies a closing force to the adapter to hold the component. A spanner assembly comprises a variable position slider block for holding the jaw assembly in a vertical orientation, and locking devices for securing it to the housing. A second securing mechanism is provided for locking the slider block to secure the variable jaw assembly. A torque handle assembly is coupled to the jaw assembly that is rotatable to apply torque to the component to break the bond between the component and the printed wiring board. The securing mechanism comprises a support block, an end stop, a swivel block disposed opposite the end stop, and a locking device for supporting and holding the printed wiring board in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for blanking and collating a plurality of individual pyrolyzable sheets having electrical circuit patterns formed thereon from an integral pyrolyzable sheet having the electrical circuit patterns for the individual sheets printed thereon, where the individual pyrolyzable sheets comprise layers of a hybrid module. The apparatus includes a die having substantially identically sized openings for supporting the integral printed pyrolyzable sheet, a punch assembly engageable with the die for blanking the integral printed pyrolyzable sheet into a plurality of substantially identically sized sheets having electrical circuit patterns formed thereon, and a collation structure located beneath the means for receiving the blanked sheets from the die and for stacking the blanked sheets.

Abstract: Pickup device (24) is for mounting on the mounting plate of a positioning robot. The pickup device has a frame (30) which carries movable carriages (36, 38). Cam ring (50) controls the position of the carriages. Downwardly depending arms (60, 62) carry pairs of levers thereon. The levers have facing sloped cam surfaces (84, 86) which are spread by downward thrust of closing pin 88. When the closing pin drops too far, it indicates lack of grasp and this is signaled by contacts (114, 116).

Abstract: U-shaped heater (42) carries busses (22, 24) which are electrically connected to supply heating power. Heated tip (58) is secured to the front of the heater and is as wide as is necessary to at the same time reach all of the leads to be soldered. The heater and busses rock on a pivot provided by pin (18) close to the heated tip so that rocking causes little lateral dfisplacement. Rocking in the single plane is limited by the busses engaging on the back of body (12) and the thermocouple connector body engaging on the front of the body, both in sliding engagement. Spring (62) holds the movable parts on the pivot pin and centers the heater.

Abstract: Heater bar assembly for a reflow solder machine comprises first and second fingers (50, 52) carrying U-shaped heater bar (54) which is pivotable on main member 22. A spring urges the heater bar assembly to the centered position. First and second thermocouples (82, 84) are secured to the heater bar (54) and are connected through a transfer switch (104) by which their electrical connections can be alternated. One controls the power supply and the other cuts off the power supply if temperature exceeds the selected temperature.

Abstract: A motorized strip solder feeding device including a spool of strip solder which may be mounted on a soldering iron for selectively feeding strip solder to the heated tip. When the strip solder on the spool is depleted, the spool may be mechanically connected to the motor to automatically renew the solder supply. The mechanical connection between the motor and spool is formed by a short length of solder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the temporary retention of insulated electrical leads by a printed circuit board preparatory to permanent electrical and mechanical attachment. Also disclosed is apparatus for forming the leads for said retention. The lead has a metallic wire therethrough with a residuum of elasticity. The printed circuit board consists of an insulative sheet with a plurality of selectively interconnected metallic electrical terminals each having a hole therethrough smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of the electrical lead, but larger in diameter than the wire by a factor of appreciably greater than 2. The method according to the invention comprises stripping the insulation from an end of the lead to provide a predetermined length of wire projecting from the abutment of the insulation formed by the stripping. The wire is then folded to form a narrow J-hook, the folded width of which is appreciably greater than the diameter of the hole.