Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-24
2003-02-18
Thompson, Gregory (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C211S041170, C361S600000, C361S679090, C361S610000, C361S695000, C361S799000, C361S825000, 36, C324S1540PB, C324S760020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06522546
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the communications field, and, more particularly to a universal support frame for holding printed circuit boards (PCB) used in the communications field.
B. Description of the Related Art
Printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies are used in computers, communications equipment, televisions, and many other products. In a typical PCB assembly, many electrical components are attached to the top and bottom surfaces of a PCB. Since the electronics manufacturing industry is highly competitive, it is important to maximize the throughput of processing PCB assemblies and to securely attach the electrical components to the PCBs.
The manufacturing of PCB assemblies involves many processes, one of which is surface mounting components to PCBs. In addition to maximizing the throughput of processing PCB assemblies, it is also becoming important to accurately mount a large number of very small components to one side of the PCB assemblies. Furthermore, once the PCB is completed, tests need to be performed upon the PCB to ensure its functionality.
When components are mounted onto a PCB or a PCB is tested, the PCB is typically mounted in a fixture assembly that holds the PCB. Conventional PCB fixture assemblies hold a single PCB in a horizontal plane so that one side of the PCB may be processed or tested. Sometimes, however, both sides of the PCB need to be accessible. With conventional PCB fixture assemblies, this is not possible without removing the PCB from the fixture assembly and turning the PCB over. At other times, a PCB needs to be tested or processed in a vertical plane. Conventional PCB fixture assemblies fail to provide a convenient means for holding a PCB in a vertical plane so that both sides of the PCB are accessible for processing or testing.
When PCBs are being tested, they must be removed from their communications module. Typical communications modules have a mechanism for cooling the PCBs contained therein. Unfortunately, when PCBs are removed from their modules, the heat generated by the PCB increases significantly, and conventional PCB fixture assemblies fail to provide a mechanism to cool the PCB as it is being tested outside the module. The increased heat may damage the PCB, adding significant costs for replacement or repair of the damaged PCB. The heat may also create latent defects in the PCB that do not surface until after the PCB is in operation.
Therefore, there is a significant need in the art to quickly and consistently support PCB assemblies with different configurations of components in the manufacturing and testing of PCB assemblies. There is also a need in the art for a PCB fixture assembly that holds a PCB in a vertical plane so that both sides of the PCB are accessible for processing or testing, and which provides a mechanism to cool the PCB as it is being processed or tested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the problems of the related art by providing a universal support frame that holds a PCB in a plane so that both sides are accessible for processing and testing, and which provides an attachment mechanism for holding a means to cool the PCB as it is being processed or tested.
In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a universal support frame for holding a printed circuit board, having: a first board support pivotally connected to a base; a pair of support angles, each of said support angles being connected at a first end to said first board support; and a second board support connected to second ends of said support angles, wherein the printed circuit board is capable of being held between said first and second board supports.
Further in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a method of using a universal support frame having a first board support pivotally connected to a base, a pair of support angles, each of the support angles being connected at a first end to the first board support; a second board support connected to second ends of the support angles, comprising: retaining a first portion of a printed circuit board in the first board support; and retaining a second portion of the printed circuit board in the second board support.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3188524 (1965-06-01), Williams
patent: 3420381 (1969-01-01), Bradfield
patent: 4958261 (1990-09-01), Hueere
patent: 5162978 (1992-11-01), Vogt et al.
patent: 6166916 (2000-12-01), Jelinger
Boyer Thomas R.
Davidson Bradley Paul
Schmukler Joseph A.
Cammarata Michael R.
Ciena Corporation
Thompson Gregory
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