Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating an electronic workpiece in which first and second electrodes within a plasma chamber are respectively connected to low frequency and high frequency RF power supplies. At least one capacitor is connected between the first electrode and electrical ground. The one or more capacitors can reduce or eliminate the coupling of high frequency RF power to any plasma outside the region directly between the two electrodes. Consequently, the invention can improve the performance of the plasma process by concentrating more of the RF power in the region between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A dielectric film is formed on a free-standing conductive metal layer to form a multi-layer foil comprising a conductive metal layer, a barrier layer and a dielectric oxide layer. Such multi-layer foils are mechanically flexible, and useful for the manufacture of capacitors. Examples of barrier layers include Ni—P or Ni—Cr alloys. After a second layer of conductive metal is deposited on a dielectric oxide surface opposing the first conductive metal layer, the resulting capacitor foil is processed into a capacitor. The resulting capacitor is a surface mounted capacitor or is formed as a integrated or embedded capacitor within a circuit board.

Abstract: A computer graphics system for generating an image reproducible in the interior of optically transparent material. An image reproducible inside optically transparent material is defined by potential etch points, in which the breakdowns required to create the image in the selected optically transparent material are possible. The potential etch points are generated based on the characteristics of the selected optically transparent material. If the number of the potential etch points exceeds a predetermined number, the system carries out an optimization routine that allows the number of the generated etch points to be reduced based on their size. To prevent the damage of the reproduced image due to the refraction of the optically transparent material, the coordinates of the generated etch points are adjusted to correct their positions along a selected laser beam direction.

Abstract: A capacitor cover for closing an open end of a capacitor, including an elastomeric outer layer, a rigid middle layer and a polypropylene inner layer, each with an aperture so as to allow passage of a terminal through the capacitor cover, is described. The inner layer has a peripheral skirt and an annular skirt which extend outwardly sufficiently to prevent electrolyte from the capacitor from coming into contact with the peripheral surface and the annular surface of the rigid middle layer. The capacitor cover can result in the capacitor achieving a temperature tolerance of at least about 105.degree. C. An electrolytic capacitor, including a capacitor body, an electrolyte and a capacitor cover is also described.

Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a cylindrical tubular shape, a first end and a second end, and first end and second bearing surfaces adjacent respective ends. A circumferential groove having a depth in an axial direction is formed in at least one of the first end and second end bearing surfaces. An abrasion resistant material is deposited within the circumferential groove and bonded to the bushing at a bond interface. The abrasion resistant material at the bond interface is diluted with no greater than 5% by weight track bushing material.

Abstract: A deposition head for use as a part of apparatus for forming articles from materials in particulate form in which the materials are melted by a laser beam and deposited at points along a tool path to form an article of the desired shape and dimensions. The deposition head delivers the laser beam and powder to a deposition zone, which is formed at the tip of the deposition head. A controller comprised of a digital computer directs movement of the deposition zone along the tool path and provides control signals to adjust apparatus functions, such as the speed at which the deposition head moves along the tool path.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus according to the present invention describes characteristics of a laser oscillator with a function including laser power, pulse frequency and duty ratio, computes a command for a power supply unit in a feed forward control section according to a command based on the function and on the power, duty ratio and frequency, computes a command for a power supply unit in the feedback control section from a power command value and a power measurement value from the power sensor, and inputs these command to the power supply unit. Also the laser machining apparatus detects changes in characteristics in the laser oscillator and corrects the function for characteristics of the laser oscillator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively removing undesired material from the surface of a substrate provides a flow of inert gas over the undesired material substrate surface while irradiating the undesired material with energetic photons. The invention enables removal of undesired material without altering the physical properties of the material underlying or adjacent the removed, undesired material. Removal effectiveness may be enhanced by utilizing polarized energetic photons. Directing a laser beam to the back side of a transparent substrate may enhance the effectiveness of removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for laser beam shaping, and in particular to a device for laser beam surface machining. The device includes at least one stationary beam-shaping mirror and at least one rotary mirror that is rotatably supported about a rotational axis and can be selectively driven for rotation. As viewed in the direction of propagation of the laser beam, the at least one static beam shaping mirror is disposed first, followed by the at least one rotary mirror. A perpendicular to a beam deflecting surface of the rotary mirror is inclined at a particular angle relative to the rotational axis by a tapered disc. The tapered disc is fastened to the side of the rotary mirror remote from the laser beam to provide the desired angle of inclination, and the beam deflecting surface of the rotary mirror may be made smooth. One of the stationary and rotary mirrors is configured so that the resulting outline of the beam on the surface to be treated includes an ellipse.

Abstract: A filler material is melted into a metallic substrate having a defect under conditions chosen to preclude cracking. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a laser beam is operated at a relatively low power density and at a relatively large diameter for an extended length of time to produce a molten pool with a low aspect ratio.

Abstract: An arrangement for processing material with a liquid jet comprising a laser for emitting a laser beam. The arrangement includes a processing module having a nozzle duct connected to a liquid supply line for forming a liquid jet. The nozzle duct has an intake opening lying in an intake opening plane. An optical element couples the laser beam into the liquid jet, and the optical element of the laser beam is focused in a focusing point range and into the intake opening plane of the nozzle duct. The liquid supply line for the nozzle duct defines an area formed above the nozzle intake opening having a height dimensioned relative to the cross-sectional area of the intake opening such that the area above the nozzle intake opening does not include a liquid retaining chamber.

Abstract: A containerless method of producing a crack free metallic article of near-net shape includes melting a filler material into a metallic substrate or seed under conditions chosen to preclude cracking. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a laser beam is operated at a relatively low power density and at a relatively large beam diameter at the substrate surface for an extended length of time to produce a molten pool with a low aspect ratio. Near-net shape is achieved by applying the process in a closed-loop, multi-axis material deposition system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a layer of coating or cladding material onto a substrate with minimal bulk heating of the substrate. A pulsed electron beam generator is used to produce high energy electrons at the beginning of the pulse and a larger number of lower energy electrons at the end of the pulse. A thin sacrificial or ablative layer of an easily-vaporized material such as tin is placed on top the coating. The high energy electrons penetrate through the ablative and coating layers and heat the coating-substrate interface. The ablative layer is then heated by the low energy electrons to a much higher temperature, causing it to vaporize. The ablation process generates a force on the coating layer which drives it into the substrate.

Abstract: A beam confinement subsystem for an optical scanning system of a laser beam machine having a laser beam transfer path includes an expandable light path sealing and protecting member surrounding a portion of the laser beam transfer path, and a pressure adjusting buffer directly coupled to the expandable light path sealing and protecting member. Preferably, the pressure adjusting buffer including an expandable, airtight thin-film material. Additionally, the beam confinement can include a pressurized purge gas supply tank directly connected to the expandable light path sealing and protecting member to thereby provide greater protection from contamination to the laser beam transfer path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laser texturing of magnetic recording media are described. The apparatus includes an optical assembly, containing first and second mirrors, which are rotated and optionally shifted during a texturing operation. This optical assembly directs a pulsed laser beam onto a series of focused spots on the surface of a magnetic disk, creating a desired pattern of texturing while maintaining a constant focus of the beam at the surface of the disk.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a laser marking machine, which classifies a divided image into a non-printing region (H row) and a printing region ("APPER"). When the non-printing region is displayed on a liquid crystal display screen, the printing pattern ("APPER") is displayed on the liquid crystal screen so that scanning on the liquid crystal display screen is started by a scanning device from the printing region continuing the non-printing region by omitting this non-printing region (H row) when it is in an upper region for which scanning is first made. A moving device corrects the moving distance of the printing position of the printing pattern by the distance corresponding to the non-printing region (H row) so omitted, and starts movement to the marking position of the next divided image (B'3) when scanning of the printing region of this divided image (B'2) is finished.

Abstract: Damaged automobile windshields are removed using an array of laser diodes. The diodes are chosen to provide light energy at a wavelength to be focused on and absorbed by the ceramic layer coating the windshield edge and to which is bonded the adhesive layer which holds the windshield in place. In practice, the diode array is moved along the windshield edge directing light through the windshield at the ceramic layer. The laser array comprises a linear array of diodes, having a length to span the width of the adhesive band.

Abstract: A guide pin of a movable electrode is inserted into a hole of a nut fed to an intermediate position between a fixed electrode and the movable electrode, and the movable electrode is then moved down together with the nut to position the nut on a portion to be welded of a workpiece overlying the fixed electrode. An air passage is formed inside of the guide pin. A plurality of air outlets are formed on the periphery of the tip of the guide pin. A pressurized air is supplied to the air passage and is then blown out of the air outlets, so that a blow of the pressurized air is given to the bottom surface of the nut thereby preventing fallout of the nut.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for a hybrid integrated circuit having a thick film substrate (1) and a semiconductor element (2) disposed on the thick film substrate (1), the trimming apparatus having a light-intercepting cap (11) which is pressed against the thick film substrate (1) so as to cover the semiconductor element (2) on the thick film substrate (1) in time of a trimming treatment, and a spring (10) for pressing the light-intercepting cap (11) against the thick film substrate (1) in time of the trimming treatment, the spring (10) being disposed on the light-intercepting cap (11).

Abstract: The laser device (2) includes a frontal housing (4) arranged to receive a laser beam (8) at its input opening (6). Within the frontal housing (4) are provided optical guiding devices for the incoming laser beam (8) which define optical paths (10, 12) leading from the input opening (6) to two machining heads (14, 16) arranged so that the two optical paths are extended respectively within the two machining heads up to the respective output openings of the latter. The two optical paths (10, 12) respectively leaving the two machining heads (14, 16) define two optical axes (22, 24) which cross each other and together define a machining plane. The laser machining device (2) is particularly suited to machining connecting rods for engines.