Abstract: A quick-loading soldering apparatus for soldering PCBs comprises a rotatable deck which has a plurality of angularly spaced PCB work sites. While a first PCB work site is angularly positioned for pre-loading and pre-heating PCB components at a pre-loading station, a second PCB work site is angularly positioned for soldering pre-loaded PCB components at a soldering station. Correct rotation of the deck is ensured by a sensor mounted on the deck. If the rotation angle is correct, locator pins provided externally of the deck become actionable by an operator to register the deck prior to the PCB being soldered.

Abstract: A quick-loading soldering apparatus for soldering PCBs comprises a rotatable deck which has a plurality of angularly spaced PCB work sites. While a first PCB work site is angularly positioned for pre-loading and pre-heating PCB components at a pre-loading station, a second PCB work site is angularly positioned for soldering pre-loaded PCB components at a soldering station. Correct rotation of the deck is ensured by a sensor mounted on the deck. If the rotation angle is correct, locator pins provided externally of the deck become actionable by an operator to register the deck prior to the PCB being soldered.

Abstract: A quick-loading soldering apparatus for soldering PCBs comprises a rotatable deck which has a plurality of angularly spaced PCB work sites. While a first PCB work site is angularly positioned for pre-loading and pre-heating PCB components at a pre-loading station, a second PCB work site is angularly positioned for soldering pre-loaded PCB components at a soldering station. Correct rotation of the deck is ensured by a sensor mounted on the deck. If the rotation angle is correct, locator pins provided externally of the deck become actionable by an operator to register the deck prior to the PCB being soldered.

Abstract: An impeller type pump (7) in a selective soldering apparatus (1) is positioned so that the surface (S) level of molten solder in the bath adjacent the impeller axle (31) is just below the upper edge (53) of the impeller blades (41). This can reduce the formation of solder dust.

Abstract: A quick-loading soldering apparatus for soldering PCBs comprises a rotatable deck which has a plurality of angularly spaced PCB work sites. While a first PCB work site is angularly positioned for pre-loading and pre-heating PCB components at a pre-loading station, a second PCB work site is angularly positioned for soldering pre-loaded PCB components at a soldering station. Correct rotation of the deck is ensured by a sensor mounted on the deck. If the rotation angle is correct, locator pins provided externally of the deck become actionable by an operator to register the deck prior to the PCB being soldered.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes an inspection station downstream of the soldering station. While a first, soldered board is inspected at the downstream inspection station, a second board is collected from a first conveyor, soldered at the soldering station and returned to the first conveyor. If the first, inspected board fails inspection at the inspection station, the second board is moved to a second, upstream conveyor, so that the first board can be moved back on to the first conveyor for collection and re-soldering. The second board can then be moved forwards for inspection while the first board is being resoldered.

Abstract: A carriage for a printed circuit board in a soldering apparatus has clamps which clamp opposite edges of the board to hold it during transport. As the carriage is lowered to a board delivery station, the clamp members are opened automatically. The board is slid between the clamp members and the carriage then raised, allowing the clamp members to close on the board.

Abstract: Enamel insulation is stripped from a wire 1 by abrading the enamel coating with a pressurized stream of particles such as baking power, sodium bicarbonate. The particles chip off the relatively brittle coating, while the softer underlying wire is not harmed. The wire 1 passes through a chamber 4 and nozzles 18 direct the particle stream onto the wire 1. The chamber is evacuated at an outlet 34 to draw waste particles from the chamber 4. In another embodiment, the particle stream itself is directed through an outlet at the opposite side of the wire to entrain the waste particles and exhaust them from the chamber.