Anne L Sullivan

US Patent:

6753477, Jun 22, 2004

Filed:

Apr 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/426304

Inventors:

Peter J. Sinkunas - Canton MI 48187
Andrew Z. Glovatsky - Plymouth MI 48170
Xu Song - Canton MI 48188
Anne M. Sullivan - Dearborn MI 48124
Yutaka Kawase - Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 224-0021, JP

International Classification:

H01B 708

US Classification:

174117FF

Abstract:

A flatwire assembly includes a pair of elongate flatwire segments that are interconnected with a thin, flexible patch that overlies the opposed longitudinal ends of the segments. Conductive traces on the bottom face of the patch are electrically connected to the respective conductive traces of the segments by solder layers that, upon reflow under heat and pressure, respectively extend past an edge of the patch, whereupon visual confirmation of the solder joints between the traces of the patch and the segment is readily obtained. A layer of a thermally-activated or pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the patch and each segment to further mechanically couple the patch to each segment during solder reflow. Longitudinal extensions of the patch substrate are bonded by the adhesive layer to respective portions of the segments farther removed from the segment ends than the solder layer extensions provide enhanced strain relief.

US Patent:

6814273, Nov 9, 2004

Filed:

Sep 12, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/241898

Inventors:

Anne Marie Sullivan - Dearborn MI
Xu Song - Canton MI
Lakhi N. Goenka - Ann Arbor MI
Yutaka Kawase - Yokohama, JP
Bhavani Shankar Tata - Canton MI
Peter Joseph Sinkunas - Canton MI

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B23K 3704

US Classification:

228 45, 228 9, 228 42, 228 495, 228 55, 219242, 219245

Abstract:

A system and method for reworking, repairing and upgrading flatwire is disclosed. A repair tool for reworking and/or repairing the flatwire is disclosed for creating subsequent electrical and mechanical joints of equal or greater quality as compared to the original system. The repair tool includes a heating blade, a power controller, a tool assembly, an inerting system, a cooling system, a flatwire cassette, a tool material, a flatwire material, an upgrade/repair procedure and various other aspects for rapidly heating flatwire two join two separate portions of the flatwire. The system and method of the present invention addresses the challenges of working with substrate materials which typically degrade at temperatures commonly used to form solder joints. Further, the soldering tool of the present invention may be a portable, lightweight unit that can be used in the field, for automotive and aerospace applications.