US4762578A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-contact sensing and controlling of spacing between a depositing tip and each selected depositing location on a substrate
Assignee: UI Holding Co
•
Filing: 1987-04-28
•
Granted: 1988-08-09
•
Expires: 2007-04-28
Abstract
Abstract The invention involves non-contact sensing of a selected location on a substrate at which material is to be deposited, and positioning of a material depositing tip a preferred distance from this location on the substrate according to such sensing and in preparation for the depositing. Preferably, the tip is advanced to a preferred spacing between it and the substrate, without overshooting the spacing and without contacting the substrate, in preparation for depositing.
Inventors
- 👤 John I. Burgin, Jr.
- 👤 Michael J. Kane
- 👤 Michael M. Levie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:51
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q15/00; B23Q15/20; B23Q15/22; B23Q15/24; B05; B05C; B05C11/00; B05C11/10; B05C11/1002; B05C11/1015; B05C11/1018; H; H10; H10W; H10W72/00; H10W72/01; H10W72/011; H10W72/0113; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/5313; Y10T29/53174; Y10T29/53178
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, electrically separate from said surface and during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, electrically separate from said surface and during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement as in claim 1, and further comprising the step of: monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement as in claim 1, and further comprising the step of: preselecting said reference spacing and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improvement as in claim 1, and further comprising the step of: providing an optic system and reflecting light of said system from said surface location in order to detect said reference spacing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a method of spacing a tip of an adhesive dispensing nozzle a preferred distance from a selected location on a substrate surface so as to deposit a dose of said adhesive at said selected location, the improvement comprising the steps of: detecting a reference spacing between said tip and selected location, during relative advancing of said tip toward said location, without touching said surface with a means for detecting said spacing; monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and halting said advancing at a specified distance past said reference spacing such that said tip is positioned at said preferred distance from said location.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a method of spacing a tip of an adhesive dispensing nozzle a preferred distance from a selected location on a substrate surface so as to deposit a dose of said adhesive at said selected location, the improvement comprising the steps of: detecting a reference spacing between said tip and selected location, during relative advancing of said tip toward said location, without touching said surface with a means for detecting said spacing; monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and halting said advancing at a specified distance past said reference spacing such that said tip is positioned at said preferred distance from said location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement as in claim 5, and further comprising the step of: optically detecting said reference spacing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement as in claim 6, and further comprising the step of: moving said detecting means in concert with advancing of said tip in order to detect said reference spacing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a method of operating a pick and place head for picking components from and placing components at selected surface locations, the improvement comprising, for each said selected location, the steps of: advancing a component holding portion of said head toward said location and detecting a reference spacing between a reference surface on said advancing portion and said selected location during said advancing; monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and halting said reference surface a preferred distance from said location sufficient for said picking and placing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a method of operating a pick and place head for picking components from and placing components at selected surface locations, the improvement comprising, for each said selected location, the steps of: advancing a component holding portion of said head toward said location and detecting a reference spacing between a reference surface on said advancing portion and said selected location during said advancing; monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and halting said reference surface a preferred distance from said location sufficient for said picking and placing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
The improvement as in claim 8, and further comprising the steps of: reflecting light from a surface of a component to be picked up in order to effect said detecting in preparation for picking up said component, said selected location being on said component surface; and picking up said component.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
The improvement as in claim 8, and further comprising the steps of: reflecting light from a surface of a circuit board at said selected location in order to effect said detecting in preparation for placing said component, wherein said preferred distance substantially equals a height of said component; and placing said component at said location.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing said detecting means being electrically separate from said surface at said location; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance form said surface location.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing said detecting means being electrically separate from said surface at said location; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance form said surface location.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement as in claim 11, and further comprising: means for monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement as in claim 11, and further comprising: means for preselecting said reference spacing, and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement as in claim 11, and further comprising: an optic system and means for reflecting light of said system from said surface location in order to detect said reference spacing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
107 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tip of an adhesive dispensing nozzle a preferred distance from a selected location on a substrate surface for depositing a dose of said adhesive at said selected location, the improvement comprising: means for detecting a reference spacing between said tip and selected location, during relative advancing of said tip toward said location, without touching said surface with a means for detecting said spacing; means for monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and means for halting said advancing at a specified distance past said reference spacing such that said tip is positioned at said preferred distance from said location.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
107 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tip of an adhesive dispensing nozzle a preferred distance from a selected location on a substrate surface for depositing a dose of said adhesive at said selected location, the improvement comprising: means for detecting a reference spacing between said tip and selected location, during relative advancing of said tip toward said location, without touching said surface with a means for detecting said spacing; means for monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and means for halting said advancing at a specified distance past said reference spacing such that said tip is positioned at said preferred distance from said location.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as in claim 15, and further comprising: means for optically detecting said reference spacing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement as in claim 16, and further comprising: means for moving said detecting means in concert with advancing of said tip in order to detect said reference spacing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an apparatus having a pick and place head for picking components from and placing components at selected surface locations, the improvement comprising, for each said selected location: means for advancing a component holding portion of said head toward said location and detecting a reference spacing between a reference surface on said advancing portion and said selected location during said advancing; means for monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and means for halting said reference surface a preferred distance from said location sufficient for said picking and placing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an apparatus having a pick and place head for picking components from and placing components at selected surface locations, the improvement comprising, for each said selected location: means for advancing a component holding portion of said head toward said location and detecting a reference spacing between a reference surface on said advancing portion and said selected location during said advancing; means for monitoring and controlling said advancing past said reference spacing; and means for halting said reference surface a preferred distance from said location sufficient for said picking and placing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
The improvement as in claim 18, and further comprising: means for reflecting light from a surface of a component to be picked up in order to effect said detecting in preparation for picking up said component, said selected location being on said component surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
The improvement as in claim 18, and further comprising: means for reflecting light from a surface of a circuit board at said selected location in order to effect said detecting in preparation for placing said component, wherein said preferred distance substantially equals a height of said component.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement as in claim 19, and further comprising: a laser diode generative of said light; and a solid state detector receiving said reflected light.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
91 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location; and preselecting said reference spacing and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
91 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location; and preselecting said reference spacing and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: providing an optic system; advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing by reflecting light of said system from said surface location; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: providing an optic system; advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing by reflecting light of said system from said surface location; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; means for monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; means for monitoring the advancing of said tip past said reference spacing; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
96 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location; and means for preselecting said reference spacing, and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
96 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location; and means for preselecting said reference spacing, and specified and preferred distances.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
104 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing, said detecting means comprising an optic system and means for reflecting light of said system from said surface location; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
104 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a location on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing, said detecting means comprising an optic system and means for reflecting light of said system from said surface location; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said surface location.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a point on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said point.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a method of spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising the steps of: advancing said tip toward said surface; detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a point on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said point.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
84 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a point on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said point.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
84 words
In an apparatus for spacing a tool tip a preferred distance from a surface without touching said tip to said surface, the improvement comprising: means for advancing said tip toward said surface; means for detecting, during said advancing, a reference spacing between said tip and a point on said surface in line with an axis of said advancing; and means for halting advancing of said tip at a specified distance past said reference spacing, with said tip spaced said preferred distance from said point.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-08-09 | 1992-02-08 | 1992-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-09 | 1996-02-08 | 1996-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-09 | 2000-02-08 | 2000-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |