Abstract: A method of using an extractor for extracting harmful chemicals and particulates from air for a soldering iron station, the extractor including an intake assembly, a filter assembly, a fan, and an exhaust assembly, comprising receiving harmful chemicals, particulates, and air from the soldering iron station through the intake assembly; filtering the fumes from the air with the filter assembly; and exhausting the filtered air with the exhaust assembly.

Abstract: A soldering iron hand piece that may be used for both a soldering tip and a soldering cartridge, allowing the same hand piece to be used for both a soldering tip and a soldering cartridge.

Abstract: A soldering iron with temperature profiling, comprising a hand piece or a robot arm including a soldering tip; a processor configured to provide temperature profiling where the soldering tip is one or more of the following during a soldering event: provided at multiple tip temperatures at fixed times during the soldering event; and provided at multiple tip temperatures at self-adjusting times during the soldering event.

Abstract: A soldering iron with temperature profiling, comprising a hand piece or a robot arm including a soldering tip; a processor configured to provide temperature profiling where the soldering tip is one or more of the following during a soldering event: provided at a fixed tip temperature ramp rate during the soldering event; and provided at an adjustable tip temperature ramp rate during the soldering event.

Abstract: A smart soldering iron tip of a handheld soldering iron comprises a hollow cylindrical base; a pointed distal end; and a proximal end with an ID feedback device including a conductive material coating, which when read provides authentication information on the smart soldering iron tip.

Abstract: A smart soldering iron tip of a handheld soldering iron comprises a hollow cylindrical base; a pointed distal end; and a proximal end with an ID feedback device, which when read provides authentication information on the smart soldering iron tip.

Abstract: A smart soldering iron tip of a handheld soldering iron comprises a hollow cylindrical base; a pointed distal end; and a proximal end with an ID feedback device including a conductive material coating, which when read provides authentication information on the smart soldering iron tip.

Abstract: A smart soldering iron tip of a handheld soldering iron comprises a hollow cylindrical base; a pointed distal end; and a proximal end with an ID feedback device, which when read provides authentication information on the smart soldering iron tip.

Abstract: A camera system and associated method for aligning a component with a footprint on a PCB including: a housing having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a first image sensor positioned on the first side of the housing and pointing to a first direction away from the housing to capture an image of the component and generating a first image signal, wherein the first image sensor includes a first lens assembly without a prism; a second image sensor positioned on the second side of the housing and aligned with the first image sensor pointing to a second direction opposite to the first direction to capture an image of the footprint on the PCB and generating a second image signal, wherein the second image sensor includes a second lens assembly without a prism; a mixing circuit for mixing the first image signal with the second image signal and generating a mixed image signal; and a processor for processing the mixed image signal and displaying a superimposed image of the component and the footp