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:
Jul. 31, 2001
Filed:
Feb. 03, 2000
Dennis G. Doyle, Shrewsbury, MA (US);
Steven W. Hall, Douglas, MA (US);
Gary T. Freeman, Beverly, MA (US);
Speedline Technologies, Inc., Franklin, MA (US);
Abstract
A dual track stencil system includes a plurality of pairs of adjustable conveyor rails, including a first pair of conveyor rails and a second pair of conveyor rails. The first and second pairs of conveyor rails of the dual track system are advantageously adjustable to accommodate variable width circuit boards or operation of the system in single track mode. The first and second pairs of conveyor rails can be independently controlled for allowing for independent movement of circuit boards through the stencil system for processing. The stencil system includes a working area, at which the circuit boards are stenciled. A stencil, having two patterns, each aligned with a respective working area of each track is suspended above the dual track system. A solder dispensing unit including a squeegee arm is suspended above the stencil, parallel to and centered between the two tracks. During operation, a circuit board enters the working area, is raised to engage with the stencil, and the squeegee arm traverses that portion of the stencil pattern currently engaging the circuit board, thereby dispensing solder through the pattern and stenciling the circuit board.