Abstract: A cleaning system which includes an enclosure and having a door with a transparent window. The door is opened and closed to load and unload products to be cleaned. An operator puck on the outside of the enclosure couples magnetically to another actuator puck on the inside of the enclosure. This coupling allows an operator to move and direct the inside puck to actuate spray or air blast functions, without opening the enclosure. The outside operator puck includes one or more switches which turn on the various electronic components such as the liquid pump, light, or air blast valve. The cleaning system enables a user to efficiently direct cleaning action to parts inside to minimize the cleaning time, and to prevent exposure of chemicals. The cleaning fluid is cycled out of the enclosure continuously, and into a “trap” box, through a pump and back into the cleaner box in a closed loop cycle.

Abstract: A squeegee holder including a self-cleaning sliding mechanism, a squeegee blade, two end caps at each end of the squeegee blade. The end caps include a flange and a hole. Two actuating motors are attached to the flanges, the motors include drive shafts pointing downwards. A wiper blade is attached to a blade mount slidable along the squeegee blade and a drill rod is secured at each end with press fittings into the holes in the end caps.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes an enclosure and having a door with a transparent window. The door is opened and closed to load and unload products to be cleaned. An operator puck on the outside of the enclosure couples magnetically to another actuator puck on the inside of the enclosure. This coupling allows an operator to move and direct the inside puck to actuate spray or air blast functions, without opening the enclosure. The outside operator puck includes one or more switches which turn on the various electronic components such as the liquid pump, light, or air blast valve. The cleaning system enables a user to efficiently direct cleaning action to parts inside to minimize the cleaning time, and to prevent exposure of chemicals. The cleaning fluid is cycled out of the enclosure continuously, and into a “trap” box, through a pump and back into the cleaner box in a closed loop cycle.

Abstract: A pin support structure comprising a first foil having opening and a second foil having openings. The first foil is secured to a foil support frame and the second foil is secured to a foil support frame. The foils are maintained in spaced apart relationship by a separation frame. The holes of the foil are in registration with the holes of the foil. The holes in the foils are formed by electro-chemical etching. A pin has a base end and a support end.

Abstract: A support fixture to support a PC card, having components on side 1. A backing plate supports a casting, the casting having a nest. The surface of the nest is characterized in that it is a slightly larger mirror image of the side 1 of the PC card. The backing plate has apertures and the casting is received in the apertures to lock the casting to the backing plate. Vacuum holes are formed in the backing plate, to draw a vacuum to hold the PC card in a planar position.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a squeegee blade used in solder paste application. The assembly comprises a holder having referencing pins to position the blade. A clamping bar secures the blade to the holder. A recess is formed between the holder and the clamping bar. When a new blade is inserted, any paste contaminating the assembly is pushed into the recess ensuring both accurate blade positioning and clamping force.

Abstract: A method for forming a support fixture for a PC card having components on side 1 of the PC card. A compliant porous member is placed on a vacuum platen. Side 2 of the PC card is placed on the compliant member. A membrane is placed over the PC card and the compliant member. Subsequently, a vacuum is drawn to cause the membrane to conform to the geometry of the components of side 1 of the PC card. A perimeter is formed around the PC card to define a mold. Casting material is poured into the mold to conform to the surface geometry of the components on the PC card. The casting material forms a nest which is a mirror image of the components on side 1 of the PC card.

Abstract: A kit for a support fixture for a PC card. THe kid comprises a membrane and a PC card, a compliant-porous member, a vacuum platen, a rectangular frame, and a cylindrical plug which are placed under the membrane. The frame is used to create a mold to pour a casting material into and the cylindrical plug is used to create a recess to allow easy finger access to remove the PC card from the fixture.

Abstract: A cartridge squeegee head for solder paste machines. A squeegee blade is fixed to a coupling block. The coupling block is characterized by a coupling slot formed therein. The coupling block pivots and puts the squeegee blade into a print stroke position. The squeegee blade is then driven across the stencil foil surface.

Abstract: A flexible fixture for holding a printed circuit board, particularly for reflow soldering of surface mount components on both sides of printed circuit boards. This is provided by a sturdy frame having on the inside lip a stepped recess for receiving the edge of a printed circuit board, the frame being provided as a kit of parts including four corner frame segments. Longitudinal tracks in the arms of the corner frame segments slidably receive side bars which are adjustably locked in place by screws. Locater devices, clamps and intermediate board support posts are additionally disclosed for attachment to the frame.

Abstract: A squeegee drive structure for a solder paste printing machine. The circuit board and screen are aligned in the machine. The squeegee drive structure is mounted on the machine independently of the screen to which the paste is applied. The drive structure which supports the squeegee is adapted for linear movement away from the solder paste application area and upward pivotal movement in order to provide easy access to the squeegee.