Abstract: A printed circuit board soldering process where a number of pockets containing solder are filled to overflowing with solder and then raised to immerse the terminals to be soldered. The solder pot and the pockets are protected by an atmosphere of hot inert gas introduced under a cover plate which has openings, corresponding to the location of the terminals, through which the pockets pass.

Abstract: An inert atmosphere spot soldering process and apparatus uses pockets arranged to match the arrangement of the terminals to be soldered. The pockets are filled to over flowing with liquid solder by lowering the pockets below the surface of the molten solder in a solder pot. A flow of hot inert gas is provided through orifices adjacent the pockets. The terminals and their surrounding area are exposed to the hot inert gas for a period sufficient to drive off substantially all volatile liquids and the terminals are then immersed in the solder to a depth determined by the menicus of the solder in the pockets. After immersion, the terminals are seperated from the solder surface and the flow of inert gas is terminated after permitting the solder to solidify. The inert gas may be heated by thermal conduction from the liquid solder.

Abstract: An inert atmosphere spot soldering process and apparatus uses cups arranged to match the arrangement of the terminals to be soldered. The cups are filled to over flowing with liquid solder and provided with a enveloping flow of hot inert gas. The terminals and their surrounding area are exposed to the hot inert gas for a period sufficient to drive off substantially all volatile liquids and the terminals are then immersed in the solder. After immersion, the terminals are raised gently non parallel to the solder surface until they are above the solder and then the flow of inert gas is terminated permitting the solder to solidify. The inert gas may be heated by thermal conduction from the liquid solder.

Abstract: An improved wave soldering apparatus that protects the molten solder and the components being soldered from exposure to ambient air while the solder is in a liquid condition. At the soldering station, which is enclosed in a controlled atmosphere chamber, all the liquid solder, pumps and other elements exposed to liquid solder are enclosed within the chamber. This eliminates the formation of dross which interferes with the soldering process and also with the operation of the solder pumps. The inlet and outlet paths from the chamber, through which the components pass, are extended both to exclude ambient air and to permit the components to cool in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A soldering process and apparatus for soldering difficult to reach junctions. Small containers, just large enough to accommodate the junctions are filled to overflowing from a pot of liquid solder. Once filled the flow of solder is terminated and the junction dipped into the container. The meniscus on the liquid solder in the container establishes a consistent level enabling a mechanized process to dip the junctions the same depth each time. Between dips the container is refilled. The size of the container limits the exposure of other adjacent devices to the heat of the solder and also provides a limited quantity of solder to the junction thus providing a consistent soldered connection.