Abstract: An apparatus which provides selectively either constant power, constant current or constant voltage to the heating elements of the thermods. The soldering system power supply apparatus includes devices for monitoring and controlling individual temperature profiles of each soldering thermod heating element. A computerized arrangement controls the power to each thermod in a very accurate manner. For the purpose of adjusting the power to each thermod element as a function of its temperature and the desired temperature profile, a set of temperature sensors are coupled to each of the thermod elements for measuring its temperature. Similarly, a set of energy sensors are also coupled to each of the thermod elements for detecting the amount of electrical energy supplied to each thermod.

Abstract: A tool changing system having high current surface mount tools, such as a hot bar reflow soldering head. The tool changing system includes a mounting fixture for connecting and disconnecting the surface mounting tool to a robotic unit. A low profile, small diameter robotic tool adaptor is utilized for coupling a variety of different types and kinds of robotic units to the surface mount tool and to reduce lead to pad misalignment problem caused by non-copolanarity between the mounting surface of the robotic unit and the working surface of the surface mount tool.

Abstract: A robotic controlled soldering apparatus is more precise in operation apparatus, and includes a protuberance and complementary shaped socket for defining a universal joint to provide a gimballing action to help prevent unwanted shift in the robotic control unit. A supply of fluid under pressure is directed between the pertuberance and the socket to reduce friction between their respective surfaces to reduce reaction on the delicate robotic arm as the head settles in place.

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 system includes a visualization station disposed in relatively close proximity to the final resting position of a circuit element to be soldered, and a back lighted head arrangement for helping transport the circuit element to the visualization station, and for helping facilitate the clear visualization of the element so that its position may be adjusted for possible misalignment at the time of its placement at the final position.

Abstract: A selected quantity of lubricating oil in the reservoir of an oil system exposed to low ambient temperatures is maintained at a temperature above 170 degrees F. but below the oil breakdown temperature of 300 degrees F. by a non-thermostatically controlled flexible planar electric heating element adhesively secured to the exterior surface of the reservoir. The heating element has a uniform power density of at least about 15 watts per square inch and a constant power output of about 20 to 40 watts per quart of oil in the reservoir. The thermal balance formed between the continuous heat generation by the heating element and the continual heat dissipation from the oil system maintains the oil temperature between the desired limits.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a corrugated drainpipe to a sewage disposal site employs a tubular member which is hollow throughout its length for connecting the drainpipe in fluid communication with a sewage disposal site. The tubular member has a drainpipe end portion having a complementary shape and size adapted to engage threadably an end of a corrugated drainpipe, and a sewer inlet end portion adapted to be inserted through an inlet opening of a sewage disposal site.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for coupling a drainpipe to a recreational vehicle discharge pipe fitting of the type having a terminal end portion with circular periphery and a plurality of locking pins extending outward radially from the periphery. The device employs a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. A drainpipe end portion of the tubular member terminating at the distal end has a complementary shape and size adapted to engage threadably an end of a corrugated drainpipe, while a fitting end portion of the tubular member terminating at the proximal end has a complementary shape and size adapted to engage telescopically a terminal end portion of the discharge pipe fitting.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a corrugated drainpipe to recreational vehicle discharge pipe employs a tubular member having a discharge pipe end portion of a shape and size adapted to be placed over an outlet end of the discharge pipe, and a drainpipe end portion having a shape and size adapted to engage threadably an end of a corrugated drainpipe. A helically-shaped thread along the drainpipe end portion are sized and shaped complementary to conform to the corrugations of the corrugated drainpipe enables threaded engagement of the corrugated drainpipe.

Abstract: A coupler for interconnecting in fluid communication a pair of axially aligned flexible pipe ends, employs a tubular member for insertion between two sections of drainpipe to be coupled. A first thread is included on a first end portion of the tubular member for threaded engagement of a first one of the two sections of drainpipe, along with a second thread on a second end portion for threaded engagement of the second section. An integrally formed annular flanges in one form of the invention serves as a grip with which to manually screw the tubular member onto the drainpipe, while a cutback portion on the flange prevents misalignment of the coupled sections at the coupling when placed upon the ground. Tapered end pieces that screw onto each end to accommodate smaller drainpipe are provided in another form, with the threads of the tubular member matching the helically-corrugated plastic casing surface of conventional RV drainpipe.