Abstract: A heating element of a thermal bonding system has a body and an insert which includes the working surface of the heating element. The body is formed from a thermally and electrically conductive material and the insert is formed from a thermally conductive, but electrically insulative material. A channel runs along the exterior side of the body in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the body and the insert is press fitted into the channel to maintain a fixed interference fit between the insert and body. A heat transfer interface may also be provided between the insert and body to facilitate heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A chip removal method and apparatus for use with a robotic unit. The chip removal apparatus includes a heated center quill and a soldering unit which cooperate together with a chip removal tool for simultaneously disabling the bonding materials securing a chip to a printed circuit board. The method permits the fine pitch chip device to be removed from the printed circuit board substantially intact for subsequent testing purposes.

Abstract: A fluxless reflow soldering processing and system having a reactive inert gas control arrangement coupled to a conventional reflow soldering head for enabling solder to wet metallic surfaces for joining purposes. The gas control arrangement includes a set of gas regulating valves and heat exchange units for supplying selected quantities of inert gases under pressure at various temperatures to a soldering area during the soldering process. The inert gases are employed to clean the soldering area of metal oxides and are used to facilitate the forming of a reliable solder joint by inhibiting the formation of metal oxides and by helping to cool down the solder joint in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes a holding device, which is composed of a ceramic material and fits over and covers partially, a thermod having an electrically grounded conductor portion to distribute heat uniformly to a soldering surface. The soldering apparatus is moved so that the thermod engages the surface to be soldered. Thermal energies are then uniformly transferred by the thermod to heat the connecting joint to soldering temperature and for heating a solder bead for soldering purposes. After soldering, the apparatus is retracted, or the current is turned off, to permit the surface to cool.

Abstract: A deboning system is adapted for use in separating intact the proximal and distal bones of a fowl wing and for removing the proximal bones substantially intact from the proximal portion to provide a comestible receiving cavity therewithin. The system includes a force applying disjointing unit for separating the proximal and distal bones at their connecting joint, and a deboning unit for removing the separated proximal bones from the fowl wing substantially intact to create the cavity in the deboned fowl wing.

Abstract: A solder system is adapted for use in soldering the terminals of a plurality of circuit boards, to corresponding leads of a plurality of cables. The solder system includes a holding fixture for supporting adjustably the circuit boards relative to the corresponding cablels. A gripper assembly retains the cable leads in position above the corresponding board terminals. A monitor assembly is utilized to supervise optically the various stages of the soldering process. A heater assembly is mounted adjustably above the holding fixture for reflowing the solder material over the aligned cable leads and board terminals.

Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a side marginal edge of a work piece during a cutting operation, which includes an elongated frame standing along substantially the entire side marginal edge of the work piece, for receiving it during the cutting operation. The clamp device also includes an adjustable upper gripping element which is retained releasably within the frame, and which extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the back side of the side marginal edge of the work piece. A lower gripping element is disposed inside the frame, and extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the underside of the marginal edge of the work piece. The upper gripping element includes an inflatable bladder for engaging the frame, and an elongated rail, which depends integrally from the bladder, for engaging frictionally the side marginal edge of the work piece, and for pressing it downwardly against the lower gripping element.

Abstract: In a cutting system, a cutting system receptacle device and method of using it for receiving a cutting jet emerging from a work piece being cut, as well as receiving and retaining waste materials or debris. A cutting system receptacle device includes a generally hollow opened-top container, partially filled with a fluid such as water, for receiving and absorbing, at least partially, the heat and energy of the impinging waste materials. A diverter on the inside bottom wall of the receptacle, separates the flow of excess material into two substantially symmetrical, side-by-side, interior chambers of the receptacle. A plurality of deflectors, direct upwardly flowing streams within the receptacle, back downwardly therewithin, for causing them to be retained therewithin. A stand pipe maintains the level of the fluid inside the receptacle device at a predetermined optimal height for a given cutting operation.