Abstract: A dicing blade is formed by plating a composition of diamond particles and silicon carbide whiskers suspended in a nickel solution upon an aluminum hub. To obtain bonding rather than capturing of the diamond particles, nickel coated diamond particles may be used to form an inter-metallic bond between the coated diamond particles, the silicon carbide whiskers and the nickel matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for grinding opposed faces of the hub of a dicing blade flat and parallel while preserving the capability of electroplating the hub with a membrane. Apparatus and a method are also disclosed for obtaining a single or dual rectilinear or curvilinear radial taper of the dicing blade.

Abstract: There is disclosed an air entangling system consisting of an air jet and a tension isolator. In one embodiment, the tension isolator is a frictionless yarn guide or aspirator and in a second embodiment an idle roll has the yarn wrapped on it before entering the air jet and again after exiting the air jet. The air jet has a large annular air feed ring which supplies air to two tapered, diametrically opposed orifices of different sizes. An outlet dam with a well-rounded entrance, an increased inlet length, and polished internal surfaces all contribute to increased efficiency, speed, and consistency.

Abstract: A method for machining a thin workpiece to equalize machining induced stresses within the workpiece. The method produces a thin workpiece on which the machining lines intersect on the workpiece's machined surface. The method includes passing the workpiece under a fly cutter while at the same time rotating the workpiece.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron having an elongated heater barrel extending from a handle and a soldering tip projecting from the end of the barrel is provided with a thermally isolated fume exhausting attachment positioned coaxially of the barrel and surrounding the tip for withdrawing objectionable fumes, gases, smoke and other air-borne contaminants from the soldering site. The attachment includes a metallic shell having a forward hood portion, overlying the tip and forming a fume exhaust chamber connected to a vacuum source by an exhaust conduit including a flexible transparent plastic tube portion, and a rearward slotted clamping portion secured to the front end of the barrel by a clamping ring. A compressible thermally insulative sleeve of alumina silicate fibers is interposed between the clamping portion and the barrel for thermally insulating the attachment from the heated barrel to preclude burn injury to the user of the iron.

Abstract: A diamond-nickel blade for cutting electronic crystals and substrates or the like comprising diamond particles in a nickel matrix. The nickel matrix is the sole support for the blade and the volume of the nickel matrix is no greater than about 55% of the volume of the blade. Such blades are made by immersing a flat, electrically conductive substrate in a suspension comprising diamond particles in an electrolyte; electrodepositing nickel in an annular pattern corresponding to the desired shape of the blade on a surface of the substrate, the electrodeposited nickel being only lightly adherent to the substrate surface (diamond particles are thereby codeposited in the nickel which forms a matrix around them); and stripping the annular deposit of nickel and diamond particles from the substrate. Also disclosed are blade-mounting means comprising two identical, lapped-surface collars and a ring.