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:
Apr. 09, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 07, 1994
Robert L Ciardella, Encinitas, CA (US);
Philip P Maiorca, Poway, CA (US);
Alec J Babiarz, Encinitas, CA (US);
Duong La, San Diego, CA (US);
Carlos E Bouras, Encinitas, CA (US);
Mark S Meier, Encinitas, CA (US);
John L Christofferson, Encinitas, CA (US);
Ronald N Abernathy, Vista, CA (US);
Stanley C Aguilar, La Mesa, CA (US);
James C Smith, San Marcos, CA (US);
Asymptotic Technologies, Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US);
Abstract
A computer controlled system for high speed surface mount adhesive placement in circuit board production includes a dot generator supported for motion along the X, Y and Z axes. The dot generator ejects a jet of viscous adhesive that breaks away from the nozzle of the dot generator as a result of its own forward momentum. The system includes an automatic circuit board conveyor with adjustable width and pneumatically operated lift and lock mechanisms. The system runs through a self-diagnostic set-up procedure and dot calibration routine. Dot size and location are monitored through a video camera and vision circuit. A computer interfaces with the vision circuit and with motion, dot generator and conveyor controllers so that the system can operate in a high volume production assembly line. Application programs are executed by the system computer typically utilizing CAD data from a disk or a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) controller. The system automatically assigns dot sizes to specific components based on user specifications or a component library. Dot placement paths are optimized by aligning the in-line points.