Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.

Abstract: A film containing an aromatic polyester with aromatic biphenyl repeating units having the following general Formula I: is provided. The film is annealed and exhibits a relatively isotropic tensile property.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester that contains one or more aromatic ester repeating units and one or more biphenyl repeating units is provided. While a wide variety of aromatic ester repeating units may be employed, the polymer is nevertheless “low naphthenic” to the extent that it contains a minimal content of repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids. Despite the absence of a high level of conventional naphthenic acid repeating units, the present inventors have discovered that selective control over the type and relative concentration of the biphenyl repeating units can lead to “low naphthenic” polymers that are not only soluble in certain solvents, but also capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties. Thus, the ability of the resulting polymer to be dissolved or dispersed in various solvents can be enhanced without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: A method for coating a non-metallic substrate with a polymer solution that includes an aromatic polyester and a solvent is provided. By selectively controlling the nature of the aromatic polyester, the present inventors have discovered that such polymer solutions can be readily formed, thereby enabling the use of simpler and less complex techniques (e.g., solvent casting) for coating substrates with aromatic polyesters. Moreover, the nature of the polyester and its relative concentration in the solution can also be tailored to achieve coatings that not only adhere well to the substrate, but also possess good thermal and mechanical properties for use in a wide variety of potential applications.

Abstract: A prepreg composite that contains a porous substrate impregnated with an aromatic polyester is provided. In addition to possessing a high degree of heat and moisture resistance, the present inventors have also discovered that the nature of the aromatic polyester can be selectively controlled so that it is soluble in a solvent. This allows for the formation of polymer solutions that can be readily employed to impregnate the porous substrate. The nature of the polyester and its relative concentration in the solution can also be tailored to achieve polymers that not only adhere well to the substrate, but also possess good thermal and mechanical properties for use in a wide variety of potential applications.

Abstract: A polymer composition that can be readily melt-extruded into a shaped three-dimensional substrate (e.g., tube) and also applied with a conductive element using a laser direct structuring (“LDS”) process. In this regard, the composition contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a laser activatable additive. The specific nature of the polymer and relative concentration of the polymer and additive are selectively controlled so that the resulting composition can possess both a relatively high melt viscosity and melt strength.

Abstract: A powder that contains microparticles formed from an aromatic polyester is provided. The mean size of the microparticles is generally from about 0.1 to about 40 micrometers. The microparticles may also have a shape that is generally spherical in nature. Regardless of the actual size and shape, however, the size distribution of the microparticles may be consistent throughout the powder. For example, at least about 50% by volume of the microparticles may have a mean size within a range of from about 0.1 to about 200 micrometers. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventor believes that a certain size and/or size distribution can improve the quality of coatings formed from the powder.

Abstract: An aromatic copoly(ester-sulfone) that contains one or more aromatic ester repeating units and one or more aromatic sulfonyl repeating units is provided. While a wide variety of aromatic ester repeating units may be employed, the polymer is nevertheless “low naphthenic” to the extent that it contains a minimal content of repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids. Despite the absence of a high level of conventional naphthenic acid repeating units, the present inventors have discovered that selective control over the type and relative concentration of the aromatic sulfonyl repeating units can lead to “low naphthenic” polymers that are not only soluble in certain solvents, but also capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties. Thus, the ability of the resulting polymer to be dissolved or dispersed in various solvents can be enhanced without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester that contains one or more aromatic ester repeating units and one or more biphenyl repeating units is provided. While a wide variety of aromatic ester repeating units may be employed, the polymer is nevertheless “low naphthenic” to the extent that it contains a minimal content of repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids. Despite the absence of a high level of conventional naphthenic acid repeating units, the present inventors have discovered that selective control over the type and relative concentration of the biphenyl repeating units can lead to “low naphthenic” polymers that are not only soluble in certain solvents, but also capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties. Thus, the ability of the resulting polymer to be dissolved or dispersed in various solvents can be enhanced without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stretchable polymer consisting essentially of recurring units derived from para-oxybenzoyl, 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl and meta-oxybenzoyl. The invention also relates to a process for stretching a multilayer laminate comprising the steps of providing a multilayer laminate comprising a layer of a thermoplastic and a layer of the stretchable polymer, and stretching the laminate greater than about 100% elongation at a temperature less than about 200° C.

Abstract: Highly stretchable, anisotropic melt-forming polymers consisting essentially of recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and hydroquinone are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stretchable polymer consisting essentially of recurring units derived from para-oxybenzoyl, 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl and meta-oxybenzoyl. The invention also relates to a process for stretching a multilayer laminate comprising the steps of providing a multilayer laminate comprising a layer of a thermoplastic and a layer of the stretchable polymer, and stretching the laminate greater than about 100% elongation at a temperature less than about 200° C.

Abstract: This invention provides novel liquid crystalline polymers which, when mixed with a suitable dye and extruded, yields polarizer films with superior polarizing efficiency, transmittance, dichroic ratio, and thermal and humidity stability. The invention further provides a process to prepare such polymers and polarizer films therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for blow molding articles from liquid crystal polymers containing ionic moieties in the backbone. The ionic moieties increase the melt viscosity of the polymers sufficiently high to blow mold articles therefrom. An illustrative liquid crystal polymer is made from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and sodium 5-sulfoisophthalate.

Abstract: An improved liquid crystalline polymer blend is produced by mixing a preformed thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer in the melt phase with reactants needed to form a second liquid crystalline polymer under conditions sufficient to form the second liquid crystalline polymer. The resulting blends are anisotropic and have improved morphology and improved melt processability. The method is particularly useful when the second liquid crystalline polymer is biphasic or is difficult to synthesize or process in the melt.

Abstract: A melt processable wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polymer capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase at a temperature below approximately 400.degree. C. having enhanced adhesion properties containing from approximately 0.05 to approximately 2.0 mole percent of a recurring sulfonated, ionic moiety in the backbone of the polymer. The polymer is useful for the production of laminate structures.

Abstract: In situ formation of a melt processable liquid crystalline polyester composition capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase at a temperature of below approximately 400.degree. C. having an improved heat distortion temperature under a load, the composition being formed in the presence of from approximately 0.05 to approximately 1.0 weight percent of a divalent metal salt of terephthalic acid as a nucleating agent. Films, fibers and molded articles produced from the composition exhibit improved thermal properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses oligomeric compositions that have high thermal and uv stability as well as reactive end groups so that they may be reactively incorporated into polymer backbones when the polymers are prepared. The oligomeric moieties are capable of retaining their chemical structure intact at temperatures where the polymers are processed into articles, so that the finished articles contain the oligomeric moieties and possess good stability towards ultraviolet light. An example of such oligomer is illustrated by the following poly(aminoterephthalic acid).

Abstract: A melt processable wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polymer capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase at a temperature below approximately 400.degree. C. having enhanced adhesion properties containing from approximately 0.05 to approximately 2.0 mole percent of a recurring sulfonated, ionic moiety in the backbone of the polymer. The polymer is useful for the production of laminate structures.

Abstract: Provided is an optical information medium containing an information layer comprised of a 1-phenyl substituted naphthalocyanine. Also provided is a method for easily synthesizing the naphthalocyanine chromophore used in the information layer. The use of such naphthalocyanine chromophores in the information layer of an optical information medium provides one with many advantages. In the manufacture of the medium, these advantages arise due to the increased solubility exhibited by the chromophore in conventional organic solvents. As well, the chromophores exhibit excellent and unique optical properties useful in the recording of optical information.