Remotely electronically controlled soldering instrument
US4734559A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K3/0338
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hand held, electronically controlled soldering instrument in which the electronic control module is placed several feet along the power cord away from the tool utilizes the power cord leads to measure the resistance of the heater element during each inflection point of the AC input power. The resistance magnitude is used to provide a signal which is a function of the temperature of the heater element. This signal, in turn, is used to control the electric current to the heater element. This arrangement thermally isolates the heater element and the sensitive electronic control circuit and also removes the heat generating circuitry from the handle of the soldering tool. The handle is further cooled by minimizing the heat flow from the heater element to the handle and by using conductors in the power cord as heat sinks to remove heat from the base end of the heater element shaft. A skirt-collar element is placed over a major portion of the handle portion as a fastener element between the heater element shaft and the handle; and, because it is annularly spaced from the handle, it provides an especially cooled grip for the hand and fingers of the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.