Abstract: Apparatus for soldering surface mounted devices to printed circuit boards utilizing a combination of forced convection and infrared radiation. Fans are disposed in each heating zone which force gas through a heating plate which heats the air, emits infrared radiation for heating of printed circuit boards, and establishes a flow pattern for the gas. Flows are controlled in each zone by selectively introducing unheated gas into each zone, and by selectively exhausting gas from each zone. The volume of gas introduced and exhausted from each zone can be controlled. Closures are provided in the return channels to the low pressure side of the fan for controlling the volume of gas recirculated from the conveyor. Flow is controlled such that cooler air is always introduced into the zones which have a lower temperature and is exhausted from zones which have higher temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for soldering surface mounted devices to printed circuit boards utilizing a combination of forced convection and infrared radiation. Fans are disposed in each heating zone which force gas through a heating plate which heats the air, emits infrared radiation for heating of printed circuit boards, and establishes a flow pattern for the gas. Flows are controlled in each zone by selectively introducing unheated gas into each zone, and by selectively exhausting gas from each zone. The volume of gas introduced and exhausted from each zone can be controlled. Closures are provided in the return channels to the low pressure side of the fan for controlling the volume of gas recirculated from the conveyor. Flow is controlled such that cooler air is always introduced into the zones which have a lower temperature and is exhausted from zones which have higher temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning printed wiring boards and/or printed circuit boards after soldering thereof for removal of rosin soldering fluxes using terpene compounds. The apparatus includes three separate components, a first housing containing the terpene washing apparatus, a second housing containing a water rinsing apparatus, and intermediate conveying means for transporting the devices from the first housing to the second housing. This intermediate conveying means should be disposed at an angle such that the end facing the second housing is disposed lower than the first end. Exhaust fans are provided for the first housing to prevent escape of terpene odors or vapors therefrom, while similar exhaust fans in the second housing prevent the escape of water vapor. Scrubbers are provided in the exhaust ducts from the first housing to prevent terpene compounds from escaping to the atmosphere. A flame detector prevents the introduction of boards having flames thereon or being overheated.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly particularly useful in conveyorized washing or rinsing apparatus. The nozzle assembly of this invention includes nozzles pivotally mounted in a manifold and a motor for producing oscillatory motion thereof. The motor is mechanically coupled to each of the nozzles to pivot the nozzles back and forth through a given angle, preferably in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of products being conveyed. Preferably, the motor is powered by the same fluid sprayed by the nozzles. The nozzles are arranged to produce 100% coverage of the product surface being sprayed as it passes thereunder.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning printed wiring boards and/or printed circuit boards after soldering thereof for removal of rosin soldering fluxes using terpene compounds. The apparatus includes three separate components, a first housing containing the terpene washing apparatus, a second housing containing a water rinsing apparatus, and intermediate conveying means for transporting the devices from the first housing to the second housing. This intermediate conveying means should be disposed at an angle such that the end facing the second housing is disposed lower than the first end. Exhaust fans are provided for the first housing to prevent escape of terpene odors or vapors therefrom, while similar exhaust fans in the second housing prevent the escape of water vapor. Scrubbers are provided in the exhaust ducts from the first housing to prevent terpene compounds from escaping to the atmosphere. A flame detector prevents the introduction of boards having flames thereon or being overheated.

Abstract: A multi-zone thermal process system utilizing nonfocused infrared panel emitters. An insulated housing has a plurality of zones each having separate panel emitters which heat a product load traveling through the zone and in close proximity to said panel(s) at different peak wavelengths in each zone. The panel emitters emit infrared wavelengths in the middle and far regions. The temperature differences across each zone and between the panel and product are held to a minimum. A specific application of the system is for accomplishing reflow soldering of surface mount devices to printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A nonfocused infrared panel emitter and method of making the same. The panel emitter includes a primary emitter positioned between an insulating layer and a secondary emitter. Preferably, the primary emitter comprises a metal foil having a pattern formed by etching. The secondary emitter may be either a woven alumina cloth, or a sheet of glass which is transparent to infrared radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, a layer of somewhat compressible, high temperature resistant paper is placed on either side of the metal foil to accommodate expansion and contraction thereof. In one method of making the panel emitter, a mesh sheet is positioned adjacent the metal foil and the sheet is vaporized by heating to create a void adjacent the foil to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the foil.

Abstract: A multi-zone thermal process system utilizing nonfocused infrared panel emitters. An insulated housing has a plurality of zones each having separate panel emitters which heat a product load traveling through the zone and in close proximity to said panel(s) at different peak wavelengths in each zone. The panel emitters emit infrared wavelengths in the middle and far regions. The temperature differences across each zone and between the panel and product are held to a minimum. A specific application of the system is for accomplishing reflow soldering of surface mount devices to printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A nonfocused infrared panel emitter and method of making the same. The panel emitter includes a primary emitter positioned between an insulating layer and a secondary emitter. Preferably, the panel emitter comprises a metal foil primary emitter, woven alumina cloth secondary emitter, and alumina silica board insulating layer bonded together by means of an alumina silica binder. In the method of making the panel emitter, a mesh sheet is preferably positioned adjacent the foil and the sheet is vaporized by heating prior to bonding to create a void adjacent the foil to allow thermal expansion and contraction of the foil.

Abstract: A multi-zone thermal process system utilizing nonfocused infrared panel emitters. An insulated housing has a plurality of zones each having separate panel emitters which heat a product load traveling through the zone and in close proximity to said panel(s) at different peak wavelengths in each zone. The panel emitters emit infrared wavelengths in the middle and far regions. The temperature differences across each zone and between the panel and product are held to a minimum. A specific application of the system is for accomplishing reflow soldering of surface mount devices to printed circuit boards.