Robert A Crothers

US Patent:

56399545, Jun 17, 1997

Filed:

Nov 13, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/558123

Inventors:

Robert Arnold Crothers - Noblesville IN
Robert Francis Krakora - Kokomo IN
Robert George Starke - Greentown IN
Michael Lee Paul - Zionsville IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corporation - Kokomo IN

International Classification:

B23K 300

US Classification:

73 101

Abstract:

An automatic titration system that periodically and automatically determines the pH level and acid number of a flux solution in a flux reservoir associated with an automatic flux application apparatus. The automatic titration system pulls the flux solution from the flux reservoir of the fluxing machine on a continuous basis to be filtered. Flux to be sampled by the automatic titration system is deposited in a titration chamber where a titration analysis is performed. A known reagent solution is mixed with the flux solution in the titration chamber to determine the pH level and acid number of the sampled flux during the titration operation. Containers of flux solution and thinner solution located in the automatic titration system allow flux and thinner to be dispensed into the flux reservoir depending on the outcome of the titration analysis, so as to maintain the flux in the flux reservoir at the desirable pH level and acid number.

US Patent:

57948372, Aug 18, 1998

Filed:

Nov 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/756128

Inventors:

Steven William Cottingham - Kokomo IN
Frank Clyde Spaulding - Sharpsville IN
Maxwell Geoffrey Davies - Noblesville IN
Stanley James Pugh - Kokomo IN
Robert Arnold Crothers - Noblesville IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corporation - Kokomo IN

International Classification:

B23K 306

US Classification:

228 37

Abstract:

A flow control device for a solder wave apparatus that includes an outlet or nozzle from which molten solder flows in an upward direction to contact the lower surface of a target, such as a circuit board. The flow control device provides a screen and baffle that control the flow pattern of molten solder to the nozzle so as to result in a near-parallel solder wave above the nozzle. The screen includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel panels that are disposed upstream of the nozzle. Each of the panels has apertures through which the molten solder flows before entering the nozzle. The apertures of the panels are offset from each other, such that none of the apertures are coaxial but instead overlap each other when superimposed. The baffle is disposed further upstream of the screen, and includes a number of fins disposed substantially perpendicular to the panels. The fins are arranged such that their lengths become progressively shorter in a direction away from the center of the baffle.