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. 28, 2004
Filed:
Aug. 18, 2000
Dragos Axinte, Issaquah, WA (US);
Grigore Axinte, Kent, WA (US);
Other;
Abstract
The present invention provides a soldering iron with a graphite tip having two separate halves that are electrically isolated from one another. The tip halves are each electrically connected to the opposite sides of an electrical power source. When both halves of the tip are applied to an electrically conductive material, such as the material to be soldered, an electrical circuit between the tip halves and electrical power source is completed. The halves are of the tip are constructed from material semi-conductive electrically and having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the tip can reach operating temperatures quickly. When the tip is removed from the joint, the electrical circuit is broken and the tip material may quickly cool to a temperature safe for human contact. Because electricity is only able to flow when the two pieces of the tip are electrically connected, no separate switch is required. The tip material permits higher power outputs than other battery operated portable soldering irons and permits over 300 joints for each full charge. The soldering iron also includes a light disposed on the case to illuminate the tip and joint. However, the light is controlled by a separate switch and permits the tool to be used to illuminate the operator's surroundings without the risk of damage to persons or property from a heated tip. The tool also includes an electrical lead connected in series with the lamp, the power source, and a continuity testing probe. This aspect of the invention permits the tool to function as a continuity tester.