US4538757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wave soldering in a reducing atmosphere
Assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
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Filing: 1983-08-01
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Granted: 1985-09-03
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Expires: 2003-08-01
Abstract
Abstract Wave soldering is accomplished in an enclosure having an atmosphere which is substantially free of oxygen and which provides a fluxing action due to the presence of a gaseous reducing agent. A conveyor carries articles to be soldered through the enclosure by means of an entrance and exit which are provided with gas curtains to inhibit atmosphere exchange with the ambient air.
Inventors
- 👤 Bary R. Bertiger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:48
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K1/00; B23K1/008; B23K1/08; B23K1/085; B23K35/00; B23K35/22; B23K35/38; B23K35/383
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A wave soldering apparatus comprising: an enclosure having an entrance and an exit; conveyor means for carrying articles to be soldered through said enclosure, said conveyor means passing through said entrance and exit; wave soldering means inside said enclosure for soldering said articles on said conveyor means; atmosphere supply means coupled to said enclosure for maintaining a reducing, non-explosive and oxygen poor atmosphere and providing a fluxing action inside said enclosure; vent means for venting gases from said enclosure; and burn-off means for burning a flammable portion of said gases.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A wave soldering apparatus comprising: an enclosure having an entrance and an exit; conveyor means for carrying articles to be soldered through said enclosure, said conveyor means passing through said entrance and exit; wave soldering means inside said enclosure for soldering said articles on said conveyor means; atmosphere supply means coupled to said enclosure for maintaining a reducing, non-explosive and oxygen poor atmosphere and providing a fluxing action inside said enclosure; vent means for venting gases from said enclosure; and burn-off means for burning a flammable portion of said gases.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A wave soldering apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said wave soldering means further comprises: pre-heating means for raising the temperature of said articles; and means for forming a standing wave of molten solder, said standing wave being arranged to contact at least a portion of said articles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A wave soldering apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said atmosphere supply means further comprises: nozzle means for producing gas curtains at said entrance and said exit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A wave soldering apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said atmosphere comprises: approximately 85% by volume of nitrogen and 15% by volume of hydrogen.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of wave soldering comprising the steps of: enclosing a wave soldering apparatus in an enclosure; providing an atmosphere in said enclosure which substantially precludes the presence of oxygen and which provides a flexing action; moving articles to be soldered through said enclosure and performing a wave soldering operation therein venting said gases from said enclosure; and burning off a flammable portion of said vented gases.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of wave soldering comprising the steps of: enclosing a wave soldering apparatus in an enclosure; providing an atmosphere in said enclosure which substantially precludes the presence of oxygen and which provides a flexing action; moving articles to be soldered through said enclosure and performing a wave soldering operation therein venting said gases from said enclosure; and burning off a flammable portion of said vented gases.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein said atmosphere comprises: approximately 85% by volume of nitrogen and 15% by volume of hydrogen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 5 further comprising the step of: providing gas curtains at an entrance and an exit of said enclosure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-02 | 1989-03-04 | 1989-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-02 | 1993-03-04 | 1993-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-02 | 1997-03-04 | 1997-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |