Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the contactless testing and configuring of electronic assemblies during the manufacturing process. The system includes an onboard optical transceiver, a system controller, and a controller optical transceiver. The onboard optical transceiver is located on the electronic assembly. The onboard optical transceiver is connected to an integrated circuit which is capable of performing functional tests or storing programs on the assembly. The controller optical transceiver is connected to the system controller and located adjacent to the electronic assembly. The onboard transceiver and the controller optical transceiver are used to establish a contactless communication link between the system controller and the electronic assembly. The contactless nature of the communication link allows the assembly to be transported past the controller optical transceiver by a simple conveyor while the system controller is communicating with the electronic assembly.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting flat cable is disclosed. The flat cable has a plurality of conductors attached to an insulating layer. The method includes removing an insulation layer from a first and second flat cable portions to expose the plurality of conductors, applying a thermal plate to the exposed plurality of conductors of the first flat cable portion, applying solder to first flat cable portion, placing the plurality of conductors of second flat cable portion over the plurality of conductors of first flat cable portion having applied solder, applying a transparent plate over the first and second flat cable portions, scanning a laser beam through the transparent plate to reflow the solder between the first and second flat cable portions.

Abstract: An optical fiber lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated disposed in a vehicle. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel contains at least one optical fiber with at least one predetermined aperture formed in the cable by selective application to specific areas to the core of the optical fiber cable, thus allowing light to emit from the optical fiber cable and illuminate the desired areas of the instrument panel. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel further includes the addition of high-refractive index paint to achieve uniform and assorted colors of light emitting from the optical fiber. The invention further includes the addition of a wheel with various colored filters attached in-line between the light source and the inlet of the optical fiber to allow the user to select what color they desire to be illuminated from the cable.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting flat cable is disclosed. The flat cable has a plurality of conductors attached to an insulating layer. The method includes removing an insulation layer from a first and second flat cable portions to expose the plurality of conductors, applying a thermal plate to the exposed plurality of conductors of the first flat cable portion, applying solder to first flat cable portion, placing the plurality of conductors of second flat cable portion over the plurality of conductors of first flat cable portion having applied solder, applying a transparent plate over the first and second flat cable portions, scanning a laser beam through the transparent plate to reflow the solder between the first and second flat cable portions.

Abstract: A method for forming connections within a multi-layer electronic circuit board 10. The method includes forming an aperture within the circuit board and selectively coating the interior surface of the aperture with a polar solder mask material that is effective to bond with solder that is selectively inserted into the aperture, thereby retaining the solder within the aperture and improving the electrical connection provided by the solder.

Abstract: A method for reflowing a solder dispersed between a plurality electrical circuit conductor pads attached to a flexible substrate and at least one electronic component using a laser is disclosed. The method includes aligning the plurality of electric circuit conductor pads along a common axis, placing the at least one electronic component having a light colored surface side on a pair of the electrical circuit conductor pads wherein the light colored surface faces the laser, and sweeping the laser across a plurality of electronic components and conductor pads to reflow the solder without damaging the substrate.

Abstract: A method for reflowing a solder dispersed between a plurality electrical circuit conductor pads attached to a flexible substrate and at least one electronic component using a laser is disclosed. The method includes aligning the plurality of electric circuit conductor pads along a common axis, placing the at least one electronic component having a light colored surface side on a pair of the electrical circuit conductor pads wherein the light colored surface faces the laser, and sweeping the laser across a plurality of electronic components and conductor pads to reflow the solder without damaging the substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method for laser soldering, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electronic component 10 having at least two terminations thereon; a dielectric substrate 14 having a first surface 16 on a first side thereof, a second surface on a second side thereof, and at least two mounting pads 24 arranged on the first surface 16 in matched relation with the terminations of the electronic component 10; and a diode laser 50; (b) depositing solder paste atop the mounting pads 24; (c) placing the electronic component 10 atop the substrate 14 such that each termination rests generally atop its respective mounting pad 24; and (d) directing laser energy 70 from the diode laser 50 to at least one of the mounting pads 24 from the second side of the substrate 14 for a predetermined time, such that the solder paste atop the at least one of the mounting pads 24 is melted.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated and adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of a vehicle. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel also includes a fiber optic light cable extending around the at least one portion. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel further includes a light source connected to the fiber optic light cable to illuminate the at least one portion of the instrument panel.