Hughes Aircraft Company

Han C Leung

Joon B Park

George P Pelzman

Stanley Taketani

The base (12) of the fixture apparatus carries four fingers (22)-(28) which define the top plane of the printed wiring board (14). The fingers move out of active position to permit placement of the board in a frame (16). The frame rests on lifter assemblies (46-52) which raise the printed wiring board into contact with the fingers.

Printed wiring board fixture apparatus

The obstacle detector (24) has an upper plate (32) which mounts on the arm (22) of the positioning machine. At least three springs (50) pull the lower plate (34) upward and three projections such as balls (36) provide precise location of the lower plate (34). Lateral force causes actuation of switch (60) to terminate motion of the positioning machine. Vertical impact is sensed by upward motion of outer ball slide (68), which is resiliently held down against stop shoulder (76). The handling device has its foot (74) mounted on the bottom of the outer ball slide.

Obstacle detector

Fluxing station (34) has a flux dispenser (52) where liquid flux cascades down steps (88, 90). Circulating pump (46) draws liquid flux from a reservoir (54) below the steps and recirculates it to cascade down the steps. There is provision to add makeup flux from reservoir (38) or supply a cleaning liquid such as alcohol from reservoir (37) to clean the circulating system. A drain (62) is provided. Electrical components can be positioned with their leads on the steps so that liquid flux cascades thereover for accurately fluxing only the ends of the leads. Two or more pairs of steps, with different spacing, may be provided to accommodate components of different lengths.

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Han C Leung