Kerry S Dinsmore

US Patent:

51489694, Sep 22, 1992

Filed:

Nov 27, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/799535

Inventors:

Bernard J. Boucher - Fitchburg MA
Kerry S. Dinsmore - Nashua NH
John A. Malesky - Auburn MA
Douglas A. Brochu - Manchester NH

Assignee:

Digital Equipment Corporation - Maynard MA

International Classification:

B23K 100
B23K 300

US Classification:

228264

Abstract:

This invention relates to an apparatus and method by which electronic components can be reclaimed from printed circuit boards. In the preferred embodiment, the reclamation system includes a conveyor which grasps the edges of the boards and holds them at an angle so that the component sides of the boards are facing downward. The conveyor carries the boards past infrared panels which heat each board, so that the solder bonding the components to a given board is made to reflow. While the solder is in a reflow state, each board is struck with a tapper, the impact of which has a tendency to dislodge the components. Falling components are caught in bins where they can be collected. In addition, the reclamation system is configured such that a number of operators are able to work in front of the boards passing on the conveyor. Therefore, if the tapper fails to dislodge any components on a given board, an operator can manually remove the components before the board is itself removed from the conveyor. Given that the system accommodates the simultaneous processing of a number of boards, a high volume throughput can be achieved.