Abstract: An electrical connector includes connector pads on a printed circuit board and contact members on an insulating substrate. The contact members are pressed against the contact pads by a compression mat having compressor fingers. A clamping arrangement forces the compressor fingers against the substrate and thereby presses the contact members against the contact pads. To counteract the inherent tendency of the compressor fingers to undergo stress relaxation after the compressor mat has been clamped, the connector also includes filler members disposed at least partially within the compressor fingers, essentially a “button-within-a-button” arrangement. Optionally, a filler deflection member may be interposed between the compression mat and a clamping plate of the clamping arrangement so that the filler deflection member abuts against the filler members. Alternatively, the filler members may be integral features of the deflection member.

Abstract: A method and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) holder apparatus are provided for implementing examination of multiple samples. The SEM holder apparatus includes a metal plate. The metal plate includes a plurality of through holes arranged in a predefined pattern, a mounting opening, and an O-ring receiving recess extending within the metal plate to the plurality of through holes. The SEM holder apparatus includes a plurality of sample holders, each inserted within a selected one of the plurality of through holes. An O-ring is inserted within the O-ring receiving recess to provide a secure mounting of the plurality of sample holders. The O-ring protrudes partially into the through holes receiving the sample holders, providing positive holding pressure that ensures a secure mounting of the sample holders to provide electrical conductivity and vibration suppression.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a multiple-component substance from a multiple-barrel cartridge (e.g., a two-barrel adhesive cartridge) includes a housing having a slot for receiving a flange of the cartridge. Preferably, the housing includes a pivoting latch that rigidly secures the flange within the slot. Plungers positioned within the housing are received by the barrels of the cartridge. A motor, which is disposed in the housing and controlled by a microprocessor, is mechanically connected to the plungers and drives the plungers within the barrels. The motor may be connected to the plungers through a lead screw assembly, for example. Preferably, the housing is handheld for ease of operation and remote from a control unit containing the microprocessor. The control unit may include a keypad and screen, operatively connected to the microprocessor, for data entry and display. The dispensing apparatus permits precise placement of two-component adhesives, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a multiple-component substance from a multiple-barrel cartridge (e.g., a two-barrel adhesive cartridge) includes a housing having a slot for receiving a flange of the cartridge. Preferably, the housing includes a pivoting latch that rigidly secures the flange within the slot. Plungers positioned within the housing are received by the barrels of the cartridge. A motor, which is disposed in the housing and controlled by a microprocessor, is mechanically connected to the plungers and drives the plungers within the barrels. The motor may be connected to the plungers through a lead screw assembly, for example. Preferably, the housing is handheld for ease of operation and remote from a control unit containing the microprocessor. The control unit may include a keypad and screen, operatively connected to the microprocessor, for data entry and display. The dispensing apparatus permits precise placement of two-component adhesives, for example.