US5325582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-function workstation for assembly and repair of printed wiring board assemblies
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1992-10-19
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Granted: 1994-07-05
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Expires: 2012-10-19
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus, and a related method for its operation, for integrating selected multiple assembly and repair operations of electronic component packages, such as printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), at a single multi-function workstation. Each PWBA product is uniquely identified by a bar code or similar inscription, and the identification permits product data to be retrieved from a factory or depot database. The retrieved product data controls the various operations to be performed, such as positioning and soldering of surface-mounted components, inspection for defects, desoldering of defective components, and reinstallation of replacement components.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter S. Glaser
- 👤 Jeffery A. Calkins
- 👤 Jeffrey M. Riggs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:55
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/418; G05B19/41875; G05B19/4183; H; H05; H05K; H05K13/00; H05K13/04; H05K13/0486; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/31; G05B2219/31316; G05B2219/32; G05B2219/32121; G05B2219/32229; G05B2219/36; G05B2219/36371; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P90/00; Y02P90/02; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49124; Y10T29/4913; Y10T29/49144; Y10T29/51; Y10T29/5136; Y10T29/5137
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of operation of a multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising the steps of: unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA; retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA; inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention; wherein all of the foregoing steps are performed at a single integrated multi-function workstation and are driven by the retrieved product data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of operation of a multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising the steps of: unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA; retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA; inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention; wherein all of the foregoing steps are performed at a single integrated multi-function workstation and are driven by the retrieved product data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of removing and replacing a defective component includes: removing a conformal coating from the PWBA; and desoldering the defective component.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of removing and replacing a defective component further includes: positioning a replacement component on the PWBA; and soldering the replacement component to the PWBA.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
139 words
A multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising: a single workstation site and a plurality of component means situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each of said component means to operate at said single workstation site; said component means including means for unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA; said component means also including means for retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA; said component means also including means for inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and said component means also including means for removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention; wherein all of the component means are driven by the retrieved product data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
139 words
A multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising: a single workstation site and a plurality of component means situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each of said component means to operate at said single workstation site; said component means including means for unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA; said component means also including means for retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA; said component means also including means for inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and said component means also including means for removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention; wherein all of the component means are driven by the retrieved product data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A multi-function workstation as defined in claim 4, wherein the means for removing and replacing a defective component is provided with a plurality of sub-systems, including: sub-system means for removing a conformal coating from the PWBA; and sub-system means for desoldering the defective component.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A multi-function workstation as defined in claim 5, wherein the means for removing and replacing a defective component further includes: sub-system means for positioning a replacement component on the PWBA; and sub-system means for soldering the replacement component.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
66 words
An apparatus for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising: a single workstation site and a plurality of processing systems situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each one of said plurality of processing systems to operate at said single workstation site; said plurality of processing systems including a PWBA identification system, a PWBA assembly system, and a PWBA inspection system.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
66 words
An apparatus for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising: a single workstation site and a plurality of processing systems situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each one of said plurality of processing systems to operate at said single workstation site; said plurality of processing systems including a PWBA identification system, a PWBA assembly system, and a PWBA inspection system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said plurality of processing systems further includes a PWBA reworking system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 8 further including an automation control system communicating with said plurality of processing systems; said automation control system being operable to control, at least in part, various operations of said plurality of processing systems.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said automation control system includes a workcell controller in communication with said workstation; and wherein said automation control system further includes a factory computing and database system, said factory computing and database system communicating with said workcell controller via a factory communications network; wherein said factory computing and database system is operable to provide operational instructions to said workcell controller.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
DE3406325A1
Cited
US4667403A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-04 | 1998-01-03 | 1998-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-04 | 2002-01-03 | 2002-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-04 | 2006-01-03 | 2006-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |