Abstract: Moving unit for moving two soldering assemblies connected by a coupling device, soldering system for selective wave soldering of circuit boards with such a moving unit, and associated method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pallet for use during manufacture of a printed circuit board assembly includes determining optimal solder flow for establishing connections between lead pins of a plurality of pin-through-hole components arranged on a circuit board, designing a pallet to include geometries configured to provide the optimal solder flow when the pallet, supporting the circuit board thereon, is passed through a wave solder machine, and creating the pallet based on the design. Pallets configured for optimal solder flow and methods of manufacturing printed circuit board assemblies using such pallet are also provided.

Abstract: A bar clamp configured for engagement with a workpiece is provided. The bar clamp includes a pair of parallel elongated bars, each extending along a longitudinal axis. The bar clamp also includes a fixed connector and a movable connector extending along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for connecting the elongated bars together and maintaining a transverse separation therebetween. The bar clamp further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a transverse separation between the elongated bars and for compressing the workpiece along the transverse axis, a positioning mechanism for adjusting a position of the movable connector along the longitudinal axes of the elongated bars, and a longitudinal compression mechanism connected to the fixed connector for compressing the workpiece along the longitudinal axis. A bar clamp assembly for engagement with a workpiece and including a plurality of spaced-apart bar clamps configured for receiving therebetween the workpiece is also provided.

Abstract: A reshaping device for reshaping a workpiece, includes a worktable, a reshaping assembly, a measuring unit, a positioning assembly, and a controller electrically connected to the reshaping assembly, the measuring unit, and the positioning assembly. The positioning assembly includes a pair of positioning subassemblies and a movable supporting subassembly. Each positioning subassembly comprises a supporting bracket and two positioning members, the two supporting brackets are distributed on the worktable, spaced from each other, for holding the workpiece. The movable supporting subassembly comprises two transmission members and two driving members. The two transmission members are stacked on top of each other and disposed on the worktable. The two driving members are respectively assembled to the two transmission members and drive the two transmission members to slide along different directions, thereby supporting the workpiece. The present disclosure further discloses a positioning assembly.

Abstract: It facilitates the foundation and assembling of the pedestal (15) on the ground, allowing calibration of its verticality and azimuthal orientation, further serving as a formwork element. Said frame comprises a quadrangular structure (1), articulated in at least one of its corners, preferably two, and adapted to surround the pedestal (15), which is provided with four horizontal profiles (2); calibration bolts (5) through which the pedestal (15) is pressed and adjusted in a vertical position; with said bolts (5) being inserted into nuts (4), which are connected to vertical bodies (3) linked to the profiles (2); and plates (7) linked to those profiles (2) which feature holes (8) through which picks (9) are vertically inserted, designed to be nailed to the ground for fixation and stability of the frame.

Abstract: A carrier capable of holding one or more workpieces is disclosed. The carrier includes movable projections located along the sides of each cell in the carrier. This carrier, in conjunction with a separate alignment apparatus, aligns each workpiece within its respective cell against several alignment pins, using a multiple step alignment process to guarantee proper positioning of the workpiece in the cell. First, the workpieces are moved toward one side of the cell. Once the workpieces have been aligned against this side, the workpieces are then moved toward an adjacent orthogonal side such that the workpieces are aligned to two sides of the cell. Once aligned, the workpiece is held in place by the projections located along each side of each cell. In addition, the alignment pins are also used to align the associated mask, thereby guaranteeing that the mask is properly aligned to the workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to fixturing devices for supporting a workpiece, the devices including modularized cantilevered and fixed beam fixing elements. Each module includes a compliant beam and an interface element in contact with the workpiece and a portion of the compliant beam for transmitting a contact force between the workpiece and the beam. Dynamic adaptability of the beam is configured by selectively varying beam stiffness by varying either beam length or beam width. Varying a width can include varying a beam width, and/or breadth. In a further embodiment, the compliant beam fixed at both ends is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the beam such that a portion of the interface element slides along the beam, thus dynamically adapting the beam stiffness according to a force applied to a workpiece.

Abstract: A non-power operated clamping apparatus is disclosed which is made up of a top section, middle section, and bottom section. There are first direction clamps located on the left side and right side of the middle section and the bottom section is positioned within the first direction clamps and the sides of the middle section. There are second direction clamps between the bottom section and middle section and between the top section and middle section. The workpiece, comprising members of wood glued edge-to-edge, is placed between the top section and middle section and subjected to a first direction compressive force and a second direction compressive force perpendicular to the first direction compressive force.

Abstract: A non-power operated clamping apparatus is disclosed which is made up of a top section, middle section, and bottom section. There are first direction clamps located on the left side and right side of the middle section and the bottom section is positioned within the first direction clamps and the sides of the middle section. There are second direction clamps between the bottom section and middle section and between the top section and middle section. The workpiece, comprising members of wood glued edge-to-edge, is placed between the top section and middle section and subjected to a first direction compressive force and a second direction compressive force perpendicular to the first direction compressive force.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly buying restraining a substrate in a fixture at room temperature, placing a flip chip on the substrate so that conductive bumps on the flip chip are aligned with contact pads on the substrate, heating the flip chip, the substrate and the fixture to reflow the conductive bumps on the flip chip, cooling the flip chip, substrate and fixture to solidify the conductive bumps and to mount the flip chip to the substrate, depositing an underfill between the flip chip and the substrate, curing the underfill by heating the flip chip, substrate, underfill and fixture to an elevated temperature, and removing the flip chip mounted substrate from the fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning packaged semiconductor devices having different rectangular shapes and sizes. A positioning apparatus includes an adjustable alignment guide releasably coupled to a base. The adjustable alignment guide may be positioned along a first axis to partially define a recess into which the packaged semiconductor devices are placed during positioning. The positioning apparatus may also include additional adjustable alignment guides that may be positioned along the first or a second axis to further define the recess into which the packaged semiconductor device is to placed during positioning. The adjustable alignment guides may have alignment surfaces against which the integrated circuit rests when placed into the recess that is partially defined by the alignment surfaces.

Abstract: A framing clamp for the assembly and construction of multiple sided and multiple-cornered structures employing a ratchet assembly with a multitude of clamp braces to provide constant tension on a object and to also provide a easy mode of adjusting the clamp with a ratchet assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning packaged semiconductor devices having different rectangular shapes and sizes. A positioning apparatus includes an adjustable alignment guide releasably coupled to a base. The adjustable alignment guide may be positioned along a first axis to partially define a recess into which the packaged semiconductor devices are placed during positioning. The positioning apparatus may also include additional adjustable alignment guides that may be positioned along the first or a second axis to further define the recess into which the packaged semiconductor device is to placed during positioning. The adjustable alignment guides may have alignment surfaces against which the integrated circuit rests when placed into the recess that is partially defined by the alignment surfaces.

Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal fixture for holding printed circuit boards with different sizes and shapes during, stencil printing and other manufacturing processes related to printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a universal fixture for holding a printed circuit board has a platform with a work surface, a first support member attached to the platform to hold a portion of a printed circuit board, and a second moveable support member attached to the first support member to support another portion of the printed circuit board. The platform is preferably adapted to be attached to a workstation of a processing machine, such as a stenciling machine for printing solder or adhesive onto the printed circuit board. The first support member preferably has an elongated sidewall, a first endwall extending transversely from the sidewall, and a second endwall spaced apart from the first endwall along the sidewall and extending transversely from the sidewall.

Abstract: A retractor endoscope for less invasive, direct access endoscopic surgery includes a rigid frame capable of supporting applied loads required to perform retraction of an incision site. The rigid frame includes a handle at one end and a lower blade mount rotatably connected to the opposite end. A translation frame is slidably connected to the rigid frame and includes an upper blade mount rotatably connected thereto. Lower and upper blades are removably mounted to the lower and upper blade mounts respectively, with at least one of the blades including pivot mounts for high intensity fiberoptics. The angle of the lower blade along the lower blade mount rotatable connection and the angle of the upper blade along the upper blade mount rotatable connection are independently adjustable. The size of an operating window is determined by the distance between the lower and upper blade mounts and the angles of the lower and upper blades.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a fixed post with a pad and a clamping jaw post with a threaded hole, through which a screw with a handle on one end and a pad on the other passes. The clamping apparatus may be used with rails so that on the bottom rail the fixed post is placed within one hole and the clamping jaw post placed within another hole such that a workpiece may be clamped between the two, and additionally a top rail with holes that the other ends of the fixed and clamping jaw post engage with may be added to prevent the workpiece from buckling when clamping pressure is applied by turning the screw.

Abstract: A modular grid welding fixture for a spacer grid that facilitates full grid laser welding of a spacer grid in one setup. The modular design allows for partial implementation of each weld type. A base plate is used for mounting to the positioning/rotational plate of the welding system. A removable sub-plate received in the base plate is used to position the grid strips for proper location for welding. A top fixture plate is aligned with the base plate and provides for mounting of a second sub-plate if required. Side plates with spring loaded pressure pads that are hinged to the top fixture plate apply uniform pressure to the outer grid strips during processing. The base plate, top plate, side plate, and pressure pads are provided with a plurality of through holes to allow access of the laser beam for welding. Corner clips are used to insure contact of the overlapping sections of the outer grid strips for proper corner welding.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is disclosed which can clamp a workpiece in two non-parallel directions. The apparatus is made up of a pipe clamp having an attached adjustable height beam member which spans a significant portion of the pipe clamp's length. The beam member is attached to the pipe clamp by a "U"-bolt shaped retainer at one end and an eye-bolt shaped retainer at the other end. The beam member is sized so that it can be released from the "U"-bolt shaped retainer and thereby be allowed to pivot about the eye-bolt shaped retainer. A modified block structure is also disclosed which can be placed between the beam member and a workpiece being clamped.

Abstract: A gripping device for frames (1), comprised by a construction (2) for receiving the frames (1), by structure (3) for gripping the horizontal edges of the frames (1) and by structure (4) for gripping the vertical edges of the frames (1), characterized in that the structure (4) for gripping the vertical edges of the frames (1) is constituted by an arm movably mounted on the upper beam (5) of the construction (2) and provided with a device (6) for blocking it in operative position by bracing.

Abstract: A machine tool employs a workpiece guidance system comprising a pair of guide assemblies each including a stop member movable along one of the X and Y axes and a clamping element for clamping the workpiece in the stop member for movement therewith. The clamping element is movable independently of its associated stop member as well as therewith, and one stop member will provide a guide surface for the workpiece as it is moved past it by the other guide assembly. In one embodiment, the clamping element is a claw or clamp in a fixed position on the stop member and which is automatically actuable to clamp the workpiece or to release the workpiece for guided movement thereby. In another, the clamp is slidably supported in the stop member for movement relative to a base element to provide clamped guiding movement for the workpiece and also can be locked in a position to fix the workpiece therefor.

Abstract: The green tire holder disclosed herein comprises a vertical shaft having a plurality of uniformly spaced apart arms extending outwardly therefrom, a slidable shoe mounted on each of said arms for engaging a bead of a green tire and a slidable tread support mechanism mounted on each arm near the outer end thereof. The tire holder includes means for moving all of the shoes simultaneously toward or away from the center by equal amounts, so that the shoes at all times are equidistant from the center. Each tread support mechanism includes, a tiltable support plate, preferably flat, which engages the tread portion of the green tire, and a support arm for supporting the plate. The tread support mechanisms are slidable independently of the shoes. The angle of inclination of the tread support plates may be varied, e.g. from 0.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal at 15.degree. intervals.

Abstract: A double-acting vise comprising a supporting structure, a first set of jaws mounted on the supporting structure for movement toward and away from each other, and a second set of jaws mounted on the supporting structure for movement toward and away from each other. All of the jaws move relative to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A grid assembly fixture for use in assembling grid straps to form a grid comprises a generally flat plate having first and second sets of parallel grooves, with the grooves of the sets at right angles. A retention strap comprises first and second pairs of bars, the bars of each pair hinged together adjacent their ends, and releasable joining elements for joining the pair of bars.A method of assembling the grid straps includes positioning a first set of straps in a grid assembly fixture, positioning a second set of straps at right angles to the first set to form a grid, placing outer straps on the grid, and placing a retention strap on the outer straps.

Abstract: An improved retention strap for maintaining a fuel assembly grid in an assembled condition during manufacture in a grid assembly fixture includes four members extendible along the respective outer grid straps, between the corners and about the periphery of the grid. Each member has a pair of end posts and a cross member extending between and connected with the end posts. The end posts of the members are disposed adjacent the respective corners of the grid when the grid is in the assembled condition. Pairs of brackets interconnect respective ones of the end posts of the members, whereas pairs of releasable connectors fasten respective others of the end posts of the members so as to form diagonally opposite pairs of substantially rigidly squared first fixed and second openable corners. Also, the retention strap includes a pair of clamps disposed at each of the fixed and openable corners formed by the end posts.

Abstract: The invention is a robotic parts presentation system for delivering a workpiece into a work envelope of an industrial manipulator. This system also centers the delivered workpiece about the centerline of the workpiece in the X and Y axes directions thereof. The invention provides an accurate system for the location of the part with respect to a programmed pickup point for acquisition by an industrial manipulator. The system comprises in combination a centering device which is disposed within the work envelope of the industrial manipulator and a flip-over mechanism for delivering the workpiece from a transfer station outside of the work envelope onto the centering device.

Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus is provided for locating, orienting and holding a workpiece during a machining operation, having a workpiece specific mounting plate and a carrier apparatus provided with stop means and pusher means for accurately and reproducibly positioning the mounting plate on the carrier. The workpiece specific mounting plate has a workpiece specific pattern of threaded holes adapted to attach locating, clamping and supporting devices to hold the workpiece during the machining operation. Accurate, reproducible location and orientation of successive workpieces of the same geometry on the apparatus for the same machining operations is achieved quickly and positively. Reconstruction of the fixturing apparatus to hold subsequent workpieces of the same geometry in the same location and orientation is also readily achieved.

Abstract: A machine tool employs a workpiece guidance system comprising a pair of guide assemblies each including a first stop member movable along one of the X and Y axes and a clamping element a second stop member for clamping the workpiece against the first stop member for movement therewith. The second stop member element is movable independently of its associated first stop member as well as therewith, and each stop member will provide a guide surface for the workpiece as it is moved past it by the other guide assembly. The machine tool also includes a computer system control for operating the motors which drive the guide assemblies.

Abstract: A grid assembly fixture for use in assembling grid straps to form a grid comprises a generally flat plate having first and second sets of parallel grooves, with the grooves of the sets at right angles. A retention strap comprises first and second pairs of bars, the bars of each pair hinged together adjacent their ends, and releasable joining elements for joining the pair of bars.

Abstract: A hand (34) of an industrial robot for gripping a workpiece (14) and the like comprising: a hand base plate member (36) connected to a wrist portion (32); a plurality of pairs of opening and closing gripping fingers (38a and 38b, 38d) arranged on the palm face (36a) of the hand base plate member (36), and; an actuator (48 or 48') being arranged for each pair of the opening and closing fingers (38a and 38b, 38c and 38d) to actuate the fingers. The hand (34) is capable of securely and stably holding a workpiece having a heavy weight and/or an angular shape, or other complicated shape.

Abstract: An insulated wall section for prefabricated buildings; a method of producing such sections that involves assembling, maneuvering and securing the component parts thereof together; and apparatus therefor that includes a table structure actuable to square and align assembled parts, and to compress self sustaining sheets of insulating material within spaces therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device of the kind comprising at least two jaws, at least one of which being movable to clamp one or more workpieces between the jaws, and at least one lever being pivotable in relation to the jaws and having two arms, one of which being actuated when moving the jaws towards each other in order to tend to pivot the lever and the other being arranged, when actuating said first arm, to exert a clamping force on the workpieces substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the movable jaw, wherein said first arm of said lever is located between one of the jaws and the workpieces in order to be subjected to a compressive force via said workpieces when moving the jaws towards each other.

Abstract: A pallet for holding a printed circuit board on a conveyor in a solder wave machine which applies molten solder to the underside of the printed circuit board for completing connections, includes a pair of longitudinally extending first and second bars mounted on a frame, the bars including a pair of oppositely disposed longitudinally-extending grooves for receiving the opposite side marginal edges of the printed circuit board. Each one of the grooves is substantially channel-shaped and extends to the rear end portion of the bars so that the printed circuit board may be slipped into the grooves at the rear end portion of the bars to insert the board in position. One of the bars is transversely movable relative to the frame, and the other bar is fixed in position on the frame, the movable bar being fixed releasably to the first bar in an adjusted position to the frame for accommodating various different sizes of boards.

Abstract: A carrier adjustable in size for holding various sized printed circuit boards during manufacturing procedures including installation of components fluxing, soldering, trimming and the like and includes a frame having conveyor engaging members mounted thereon. Laterally spaced carrier side members are adjustably supported on the frame and are adapted to support respective side edge portions of the printed circuit board. Longitudinally spaced carrier end members are adjustably supported on the frame and are adapted to support respective end edge portions of the printed circuit board. The conveyor engaging members of the frame are adapted to support the carrier on a support surface and to permit vertical stacking of like carriers.