The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 03, 1985
Filed:
May. 24, 1983
Robert E Bible, Rancho Santa Fe, CA (US);
Robert E Bible, Jr, Rancho Santa Fe, CA (US);
Richard S Mason, Escondido, CA (US);
Automation Engineering, Inc., San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for illuminating circuit boards to quickly and efficiently inspect them for various imperfections. An intense light beam is directed at an oblique angle at the surface of the board to be inspected. Some of the light enters the board and is partially scattered while some of it is reflected from the opposite surface. A detector array positioned above the inspected surface is scanned over that surface and distinguishes light and dark areas. Any light opaque area such as a conductive path or pad is a dark area while portions of the board free of circuitry is interpreted as a light area by the detector. Signals from the detector may be employed for many purposes relating to the circuit pattern on the board.