International Business Machines Corporation

Other

Ted Minter Smith

Thomas Alan Schiesser

James Sherill Akin

Edward Blakley Menard

Russell Evans Winstead

Christopher Conway Lavenson

Present embodiments include steps and system components for establishing geographic zones determined by population, terrain, terrain composition, water table, and other factors, in terms of the propensity within the zone for generating wastewater and the effect of the generated wastewater on combined sewer system capacity. Such steps and system components include the application of an algorithm for generating and transmitting permissions packets to consumer and industrial users of wastewater-generating appliances and machines, whereby a permission packet notifies such users of the need to discontinue wastewater-generating activities.

Notifications for reducing overflows from combined sewer systems and sanitary sewer systems

Wrench extension

A method and system for introducing flux onto at least one surface of a solder pump achieve their objects as follows. A solder pump nozzle is submerged into a flux reservoir. In response to such submersion, the flux in the reservoir is actively introduced into the solder pump nozzle. In one embodiment, the active introduction is achieved by creating a negative pressure in a solder pump nozzle such that flux fills a vacated volume. The created negative pressure is produced by moving a solder column, contained within the solder pump nozzle, under the influence of an applied electric current and an applied magnetic field.

Method and system for introducing flux onto at least one surface of a

The size and shape of molten solder droplets ejected from a nozzle of a droplet pump are stabilized using flux transported into the aperture region of the nozzle through which the droplets are ejected. The flux is periodically replenished as necessary to remove solder oxides and dross, as well as to lubricate the aperture. The flux may be deposited by spraying onto the nozzle, submersion of the nozzle, contact of the nozzle to a flux film, contact of the nozzle with an intermediate transfer medium, or through injection internal to the nozzle assembly. Fluxes exhibiting high activity and high thermal stability at elevated temperatures are preferred.

Stability enhancement of molten solder droplets as ejected from a nozzle

A system is provided for depositing an extremely small amount of solder on a printed circuit board by varying the direction of an electric current applied to a solder stream. The force exerted on the solder can be substantially instantaneously reversed without the necessity of changing the form of the energy applied to the solder from electrical to vibratory, ultrasonic, magnetic, or the like. The direction and magnitude of the force is related to the cross product of an electric current vector and a magnetic field vector (F=I.times.B). A programmable current source is used to place an electric current through the liquid solder as it is flowing through a conduit. A magnetic coil is disposed adjacent the conduit in order to provide a magnetic field in the same plane as the electric current. The conduit supplies liquid solder to a nozzle which then deposits a droplet of solder onto a printed circuit board. Therefore, as the current is applied, in a first direction through the solder, an outward force is exerted on the solder. When the direction of the current is reversed, then the direction of the force exerted on the solder is also reversed, and an extremely small droplet of solder is 'snapped off' of the solder stream.

Electrodynamic pump for dispensing molten solder

A system is provided for determining the presence, or absence of a component on the end of a vacuum pickup device. A monitor having a transparent body portion and plural air flow passageways is provided. An indicator is provided for each vacuum pickup device and contained within the air flow passageway intermediate a vacuum source and the vacuum pickup device. The position of the indicators within the flow passage is dependent upon the presence, or absence of a component on the end of the vacuum pickup device. With a component present on the pickup device, air flow through the passageway, due to the application of the vacuum source, is minimal and the indicator will be biased in a first direction. However, when a component is absent the pickup device, substantial air flow occurs through the passageway, thereby biasing the indicator in a second direction. In this manner, an operator can visually inspect the monitor of the present invention to determine if each vacuum pickup device has a component affixed thereto.

Monitor for detecting the absence of an electronic component on a vacuum

A placement head assembly for use in an electrical component placement machine. A hollow main shaft has a carriage assembly disposed thereabouts with rollers providing axial movement along the shaft. A vacuum support shaft within the main shaft telescopes downwards to pickup and retain a component. The carriage assembly carries actuator means urging it into axial movement in response to fluid pressure differentials. Tweezer means are pendantly disposed in quadrature from pivot points about the shaft. Pivoting action of the tweezer means forces jaws radially inwards into contact with the component, thereby aligning it for subsequent board placement. In one embodiment, the actuator means includes a piston-cylinder assembly. Pressure differential across the piston causes downward movement of the carriage assembly. Reverse pressure differential urges the carriage assembly upward.

Method and apparatus for positioning electrical components

A bow release including a handle rotatably connected to a head frame having a pair of jaws with an open position for releasing the bow string and a closed position for holding the bow string. A firing pin is movably attached to the handle and has a first position disengaged from the jaws and a second position engaging the jaws. A firing element is attached to the handle for moving the firing pin from its first to its second position so as to move the jaws from their closed to their open position.

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Ted Minter Smith