Abstract: A circuit board assembly is disclosed comprising a pair of three-dimensional substrates having integral, metallized connectors. The connector of the first substrate protrudes therefrom, while the connector of the second substrate is recessed therein. The geometries of the protruding connector and the recessed connector are different such that they deform when assembled to provide an electrical connection and a detachable physical connection. In one embodiment, the recessed connector has a parabolic cross-section and the protruding connector has a circular cross-section. A flexible molded edge connector for the circuit board assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inert gas air horn distribution device employs a labyrinth with a baffle to clean the nitrogen gas used to deposit flux on circuit boards before wave soldering operations. The baffle diverts the gas flow causing heavier flux particles to collect in the labyrinth while the lighter gas exits for use in depositing flux on the circuit boards. The labyrinth cleans the gas thereby keeping the knife clean which produces more uniform results with less maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing electronic devices in a vehicle. A ventilation duct is provided beneath the instrument panel for conveying air in the vehicle. The ventilation duct includes an outer surface. An overlay substrate is laid upon and secured against the outer surface or acts as the wall of the duct, and is adapted for carrying electronic devices thereon. This design improves packaging efficiency within the vehicle. This invention can also be applied to other automotive applications such as on door panels, instrument panels and package trays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling vehicle instrument panel structural and electronic components includes: 1) fabricating an insulative instrument panel base substrate; 2) applying a conductive pattern to the base substrate; and 3) attaching electronic components to the base substrate in electrical communication with the conductive pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing a solderless flux vapor onto a work surface to be soldered, such as an electronic circuit board. The flux vapor is created by heating flux in a liquid state to a temperature greater than the temperature of the work surface. Flux is applied to the work surface without the use of any volatile organic chemicals.

Abstract: A micro soldering apparatus and method comprising a system (10) for attaching an electronic component (12) to a substrate (14). The system (10) comprises a soldering tool (16) including a dispensing orifice assembly (18) for pulsatingly dispensing a controlled quantity of molten solder (19) to a component (12) and substrate (14) so that the component is joined to the substrate (14) mechanically and electrically upon solidification of the molten solder (19). There is no physical contact between the dispensing orifice assembly (18) and joint. The system (10) also includes a controller for the soldering tool (16). The controller functions in response to process control parameters so that the controlled quantity of molten solder (19) is dispensed through a non-oxidizing atmosphere by a pressure pulse applied to the molten solder.