Patents by Inventor Scott A. Reid

Scott A. Reid has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9815081
    Abstract: A method is used to identify and compensate for errors created by changes in the relative positions of a deposition unit and a vision system of a dispenser. The method includes calibrating the vision system, dispensing a pattern of features over a working area, moving the vision system over a deposition location to locate a deposition, obtaining an image of the deposition, tagging data associated with the image, calculating a relative distance between the deposition unit and the vision system, storing correction data with spatial location in a file for later use, and using the stored data to make small corrections prior to dispensing additional material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Thomas J. Karlinski, Jonathan Joel Bloom, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Publication number: 20170290168
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Hugh R. Read, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 9775250
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Hugh R. Read, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Publication number: 20170014847
    Abstract: A material deposition system is configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate, such as a printed circuit board. The material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame and configured to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and two deposition heads coupled to the gantry. Each deposition head includes a needle, with the deposition heads being movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The material deposition system further includes a needle cleaner assembly movable on a needle cleaner gantry, with the needle cleaner assembly being configured to clean needles of the deposition heads. The material deposition system further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the needle cleaner assembly to perform a needle cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Rita Mohanty, Robert W. Tracy, Scott A. Reid
  • Patent number: 9475078
    Abstract: A material deposition system is configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate, such as a printed circuit board. The material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame and configured to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and two deposition heads coupled to the gantry. Each deposition head includes a needle, with the deposition heads being movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The material deposition system further includes a needle cleaner assembly movable on a needle cleaner gantry, with the needle cleaner assembly being configured to clean needles of the deposition heads. The material deposition system further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the needle cleaner assembly to perform a needle cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Rita Mohanty, Robert W. Tracy, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20160270235
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Hugh R. Read, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Publication number: 20160243582
    Abstract: A method is used to identify and compensate for errors created by changes in the relative positions of a deposition unit and a vision system of a dispenser. The method includes calibrating the vision system, dispensing a pattern of features over a working area, moving the vision system over a deposition location to locate a deposition, obtaining an image of the deposition, tagging data associated with the image, calculating a relative distance between the deposition unit and the vision system, storing correction data with spatial location in a file for later use, and using the stored data to make small corrections prior to dispensing additional material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Thomas J. Karlinski, Jonathan Joel Bloom, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 9374905
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Hugh R. Read, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 9089863
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a nozzle of a material deposition system configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate includes: performing a deposition operation with a material deposition system configured to position an electronic substrate under a deposition head movable by a gantry, to supply material to a chamber of the deposition head, to extend a piston of the deposition head from the chamber, the needle terminating in a needle orifice, and to push a volume of material out of the chamber by an actuator of the deposition head to form a desired volume of material at the needle orifice that is deposited on the electronic substrate; and cleaning the needle orifice with air directed to the needle orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Robert W. Tracy, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Patent number: 9039146
    Abstract: A material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and a deposition head coupled to the gantry. The deposition head is movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The deposition head includes a chamber to hold material, an actuator to push a volume of material out of the chamber, a needle extending from the chamber and terminating in a needle orifice, and at least two air jets located on opposite sides of the needle orifice. A desired volume of material is formed at the needle orifice in response to the actuator, and each of the at least two air jets produce a timed pulse of air to create a micro-droplet from the desired volume and to accelerate the micro-droplet to high velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Kui-Chiu Kwok, Robert W. Tracy, Rita Mohanty, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Patent number: 9010910
    Abstract: A material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and a deposition head coupled to the gantry. The deposition head is movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The deposition head includes a chamber to hold material, an actuator to push a volume of material out of the chamber, a needle extending from the chamber and terminating in a needle orifice, and at least two air jets located on opposite sides of the needle orifice. A desired volume of material is formed at the needle orifice in response to the actuator, and each of the at least two air jets produce a timed pulse of air to create a micro-droplet from the desired volume and to accelerate the micro-droplet to high velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Kui-Chiu Kwok, Robert W. Tracy, Rita Mohanty, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20150093498
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Hugh R. Read, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Publication number: 20150064345
    Abstract: A material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and a deposition head coupled to the gantry. The deposition head is movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The deposition head includes a chamber to hold material, an actuator to push a volume of material out of the chamber, a needle extending from the chamber and terminating in a needle orifice, and at least two air jets located on opposite sides of the needle orifice. A desired volume of material is formed at the needle orifice in response to the actuator, and each of the at least two air jets produce a timed pulse of air to create a micro-droplet from the desired volume and to accelerate the micro-droplet to high velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Kui-Chiu Kwok, Robert W. Tracy, Rita Mohanty, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20140120241
    Abstract: A material deposition system is configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate, such as a printed circuit board. The material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame and configured to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and two deposition heads coupled to the gantry. Each deposition head includes a needle, with the deposition heads being movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The material deposition system further includes a needle cleaner assembly movable on a needle cleaner gantry, with the needle cleaner assembly being configured to clean needles of the deposition heads. The material deposition system further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the needle cleaner assembly to perform a needle cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Rita Mohanty, Robert W. Tracy, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20130269731
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a nozzle of a material deposition system configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate includes: performing a deposition operation with a material deposition system configured to position an electronic substrate under a deposition head movable by a gantry, to supply material to a chamber of the deposition head, to extend a piston of the deposition head from the chamber, the needle terminating in a needle orifice, and to push a volume of material out of the chamber by an actuator of the deposition head to form a desired volume of material at the needle orifice that is deposited on the electronic substrate; and cleaning the needle orifice with air directed to the needle orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Robert W. Tracy, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20130177702
    Abstract: A material deposition system includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame to support an electronic substrate during a deposit operation, a gantry coupled to the frame, and a deposition head coupled to the gantry. The deposition head is movable over the support by movement of the gantry. The deposition head includes a chamber to hold material, an actuator to push a volume of material out of the chamber, a needle extending from the chamber and terminating in a needle orifice, and at least two air jets located on opposite sides of the needle orifice. A desired volume of material is formed at the needle orifice in response to the actuator, and each of the at least two air jets produce a timed pulse of air to create a micro-droplet from the desired volume and to accelerate the micro-droplet to high velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crouch, Kui-Chiu Kwok, Robert W. Tracy, Rita Mohanty, Thomas J. Karlinski, Scott A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20040148763
    Abstract: A system and method for performing operations on a plurality of workpieces comprises an operations portion and a load/unload portion, a plurality of independently operable work heads located in the operations portion, the work heads each being operable to perform work on the plurality of workpieces, a transfer system, the transfer system including a plurality of mounting devices, the transfer system being operable to deliver the mounting devices into and out of the operations portion of the system, the plurality of workpieces being contained in workpiece-holding structures, the workpiece-holding structures being mountable on the plurality of mounting devices, wherein one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the operations portion of the system and work is performed on the plurality of workpieces by at least one of the plurality of independently operable work heads while another one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the load/unload portion of the system and workpiece-holdin
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: David S. Peacock, Thomas C. Prentice, Brian P. Prescott, Thomas Purcell, Gary T. Freeman, Kevin J. Courtemanche, Scott A. Reid, Earl Sweet, Murray D. Scott, Robert W. Tracy, Paul L. Hemond
  • Patent number: 6012736
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, William J. Janutka, B. Thomas Pier, Scott A. Reid, Walter L. Rutchik
  • Patent number: 5934704
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can include a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectively associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, William J. Janutka, B. Thomas Pier, Scott A. Reid, Walter L. Rutchik
  • Patent number: 5906392
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signalling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Paul G. Rops, James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, Erich Rehm