X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Specific application – Absorption
Patent
1994-01-14
1997-01-14
Church, Craig E.
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Specific application
Absorption
378 98, 378901, G06F 1546
Patent
active
RE0354236
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for measuring structural characteristics of a manufactured circuit board containing solder joints by automated real-time digital X-ray radiographic inspection techniques. A circuit board under examination is automatically positioned by a digitally controlled multi-axis positioning system between an electronic X-ray source and an electronic X-ray imaging system, X-rays, in a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source, are directed towards the circuit board. The X-rays are absorbed, scattered and transmitted through the circuit board. The X-rays transmitted through the circuit board are directed upon the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system converts the transmitted X-rays into digital images which represent the radiographic density of the portion of the circuit board under examination. The digital images are stored within a digital image processor. A computer, under program control, performs calculational measurements on the digital images so as to measure the structural characteristics of the solder joints and components on the circuit board. The calculational measurements are compared to predetermined standards corresponding to acceptable quality standards programmed into the computer. In response to the comparison, the computer provides an accept/reject decision on the circuit board in addition to providing manufacturing process control information for correction of found defects.
The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/002,298, filed Mar. 15, 1991, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CRF 1.570(e).
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Adams John
Amoroso, Jr. Juan
Axford Paul
Bowles Phil
Juha Mike
Church Craig E.
ThermoSpectra Corporation
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