Abstract: A fixture assembly for holding printed circuit boards (PCBAs) during processing such as wave soldering. The fixture assembly consists of multiple plates which are assembled to define protective cavities and recesses for masking components such as surface mounted devices and define apertures so that pass-through leads are exposed at the bottom or secondary side of the bottom plate. An optional weighting member may be used to firmly secure the PCBA during processing. The multi-plate structure is cost effective reducing milling and machining operations normally attendant to the fabrication of a fixture assembly. In another embodiment, a stencil is provided with cut-outs corresponding to protected area on the PCBA. A soluble masking material is applied to the stencil and board prior to wave soldering. The masking material is subsequently rinsed away.

Abstract: A concrete countertop includes a concrete slab that defines a substantially planar work surface. The work surface is treated for direct contact with foodstuffs. A piping circuit is embedded within the concrete slab and is coupled to a refrigeration motor for circulating refrigerant through the piping circuit. The concrete slab and work surface are thereby cooled by the circulation of refrigerant through the piping circuit. In another aspect, the concrete countertop may additionally, or alternatively, include a heating element embedded within the concrete slab to facilitate maintaining the work surface at an elevated temperature. The concrete countertop may further include a control communicating with the refrigeration motor and/or the heating element and operative to maintain the work surface within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for holding printed circuit boards (PCBAs) during processing such as wave soldering. The fixture assembly consists of multiple plates which are assembled to define protective cavities and recesses for masking components such as surface mount devices and define apertures so that pass-through leads are exposed at the bottom or secondary side of the bottom plate. An optional weighting member may be used to firmly secure the PCBA during processing. The multi-plate structure is cost effective reducing milling and machining operations normally attendant to the fabrication of a fixture assembly.

Abstract: A control system for operating and integrating automated applications in a small building environment. The control system includes a plurality of application controllers that control the operation of various automated applications, such as HVAC, lighting, access control and security. The control system further includes a local control interface that integrates and coordinates/controls operation of the various application controllers. The local control interface is preprogrammed with profiles for each of the different types of application controllers designed to operate with the system, but also is able to acquire new profiles from new or custom application controllers that are unknown to the local control interface at the time of installation. The profiles include control variable definitions for each of the control variables supported by the corresponding application controller. This information permits self-configuration of the application controllers.