Abstract: A rescue carrier device including a generally pear shaped sheet member. The sheet member is formed of a heat resistant material and adapted for receiving an immobile body. The sheet member has a front side and a back side. The sheet member has a left peripheral edge, a right peripheral edge, a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge. Also, a pair of support strips are attached to the front side of the sheet member. An elongated securing harness is fixedly attached to the front side of the sheet member in a continuous fashion so as to be adjacent the right peripheral edge and the left peripheral edge. An upper body restraining means is stitchedly attached juxtapose the front side of the sheet member. The upper body restraining means has a first end with a female coupling member and a second end with a male coupling member for coupling with the female coupling member. A pair of short straps are provided and form a left strap and a right strap.

Abstract: A bed access assistance apparatus and method for aiding individuals with less than full mobility in getting into and out of a bed. The apparatus and method are represented by a single unit that slips between the mattress and mattress support, such as a box spring, with a vertical hand grip that resides adjacent to the mattress on the preferred side of access. The apparatus and method do not rely on fastening to the bed frame and thus form an independent, portable unit.

Abstract: An inflatable pad or mattress wherein the air cells spanning a central region of the pad or mattress are extended in at least one dimension relative to the air cells of the foot and/or head region of the mattress. The heavier portions of a person's body, including the upper torso and hips, contact the higher air cells, while the lighter portions of the person's body are in contact with the shorter air cells. The pad preferably includes a single air passage interconnecting the various air cells. The air passage includes a flow-throttling device communicating with individual cells, whereby air flow from one cell to another cell is restricted to delay pressure equalization action among the cells.

Abstract: Internal mattress wall structures interlockingly engageable with mattress innerspring assemblies provide a structurally integrated resilient mattress support edge to which the mattress padding and upholstery is integrally attached. The wall structures include a main body section with a vertically oriented wall surface and a plurality of parallel flanges which mechanically engage the innerspring assembly by compression fit between the intermediate and terminal convolutions of the perimetrical coils of the innerspring assembly. Corner structures contiguous with side and end wall structures form a contiguous smooth side wall with support characteristics comparable to an innerspring assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning support for a mattress comprises a plurality of elements forming a grid structure. Compression springs are mounted on respective ones of the elements. Bearing plates are disposed atop respective ones of the springs, and are disposed closely adjacent one another to form together a support surface for the mattress. The baseplates are removably interconnected so that the size and shape of the cushioning support can be varied to conform to the size and shape of a cushion to be supported. The springs can be detachably connected to the elements, or of one piece construction therewith.

Abstract: A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space for the infant. Reticulated foam is made into a pad or a mattress and may be covered with a fitted open weave fabric covering. An embedded air tube is interconnected with an air pump which circulates fresh, i.e., oxygenated, air in the breathing space. The air pump may be inside or outside the mattress. The forced air circulation flushes any exhaled carbon dioxide from the breathing space, even when the infant is face down or otherwise in a prone position on the mattress, to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. The air circulation flow rate is limited to prevent infant cooling. A pad bladder for similar function may be provided having a layer of reticulated foam sandwiched between upper and lower air impervious sheets and dispersing air introduced therebetween. The upper sheet has a pattern of air holes for release of the dispersed air.

Abstract: A multi-tool with an assembly of tool instruments particularly useful for the field maintenance of chain saws. The multi-tool includes a hollow handle with a spark plug socket connected at one and a plurality of tool instruments pivotally connected at the end opposite the spark plug socket. The tool instruments include a raker gauge, small tooth file, large tooth file, small screw driver, large screw driver, air filter brush and serrated knife. The tools pivot about the handle end into the hollow handle. Included with the tool is a sliver tweezer which is insertable into an aperture formed within the multi-tool handle. The spark plug socket is pivoted about one end of the multi-tool handle and locked in place in a keyed-portion of the handle, thereby providing a tool acting as a socket wrench capable of applying substantial torque to a work piece, e.g., spark plug.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is configured to cut a selected object at a location which is remote from a user. The apparatus comprises a saw having cutter teeth configured for cutting the selected object, a connector configured to attach to a mounting point generally above the location on the selected object, and a flexible line extending from the connector to the saw for positioning the saw adjacent the location on the selected object. The apparatus may also comprise a radio transmitter positioned within reach of the user, a servomechanism operatively connected to the saw for actuating the saw, and a radio receiver positioned remote from the radio transmitter for activating the servomechanism in response to the signal. Further, the apparatus may include a pole extending from the saw to guide the saw.

Abstract: An environmentally safe laundry washing apparatus and method includes a primary solids removal system with an inlet for receiving waste wash water which delivers the water to a separation system and then to a main circulation system which has an ozone source and at least one filter. A final water purification batch treatment system capable of greater than 98% total dissolved solids removal in conjunction with a sterilization device is in fluid communication with the main circulation system, and a washing means is located downstream from the final water purification system. The wash water is recirculated from the washing means after the completion of a wash cycle to an inlet of the primary solids removal system.

Abstract: This invention provides an accessory for an automatic pool cleaner, to increase the randomness of movement of a suction head of the pool cleaner, and a method therefor. The method comprises looping a section of the cleaner hose and allowing the hose sections leading up to the loop to vary in length. Particularly, the hose section leading from the pump to the loop is varied. The accessory comprises two connection parts, one for connection to each respective section of hose to form the necessary hose loop. Preferably one of the parts is slidable along the hose length to enable the hose to vary its length. The sliding action of the hose occurs between two stops in the length of the hose, and a pawl mechanism is provided to enable the slide to occur in one direction towards a stop. Contact with the stop causes the pawl mechanism to switch over and slide the hose in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention is a hand held golf club cleaner that utilizes a common plunger to apply power to a motor that rotates a cleaning brush, and to pump a cleaning fluid from a reservoir inside the golf club cleaner onto the golf club head. A set of gears reduces the speed of brush rotation from the speed of the motor to provide greater brush rotational torque.

Abstract: A manually operable toothbrush which has been specifically designed in shape to facilitate cleaning of the mandibular lingual anterior surface of the arch of the lower teeth and the maxillary anterior palatal area of the arch of the upper teeth. The brush includes a rigid handle and a rigid head with the head being mounted at an angular relationship relative to the handle. The interior surface of the head has mounted thereon a series of bristles. These bristles are located in a curved pattern and also in a tapered form which facilitate access to the surfaces of the teeth upon which the toothbrush is to be used. The shape of the head and the angle of the head to the handle can be adjusted according to individual desires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bathing scrubber with massage balls mainly including a bag body and a plurality of massage balls contained in the bag body. The bag body is formed from a pad and a main body sewed together at three edges with one edge left opened. The main body is formed from multiple layers of elastic net-like fabrics and forms a cleansing surface of the bathing scrubber. The open edge of the bag body can be closed by folding a sewing edge provided on the pad to overlap the main body and thereby seal the massage balls in the bag body. Buttons are correspondingly sewed on the pad and the main body among every four adjacent massage balls. Each pair of corresponding buttons are associated with one another by a thread in adequate length threaded through the buttons. Therefore, each individual massage ball is rotatably confined in a small space defined by the buttons around the massage ball.

Abstract: Bathing may be conducted in a sanitary and efficient manner by utilizing a braided bag within which a bathing pad is disposed, the bag being provided with an elastic neck and mouth opening which is secured in a closed position by a binding ribbon and a fixing member.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade having an internal conduit extending throughout the length of the wiper blade body through which an electric heating element is placed provides a means to address a wintertime problem of windshield wiper icing and freeze-up causing the wiper blade to lose flexibility and not sweep the curved windshield commonly found on most motor vehicles clear enough for good driving visibility. The preferred means to address this problem is to provide an electrical heat element within the wiper blade body of about the same linear length as the wiper blade body. Additionally, in the present invention, a low-cost resistance wire type heat element that can be cut to accommodate various wiper blade lengths is used. The heat element comprises a flexible spiraled resistance wire coiled around stranded fiberglass, the whole of which is encapsulated in a silicone rubber jacket.

Abstract: A paint roller tray is provided adapted for use with a flexible paint container. In one embodiment, the tray is provided with an orifice in a side wall portion that can be connected by way of a conduit to the paint container. By merely lifting the paint container above the level of the tray, paint flows into the tray in a completely enclosed path, whereby drips or spills are precluded. In another embodiment, a unitary package is provided that combines a roller tray with container means to hold a quantity of liquid paint, and conduit means to direct paint from the container into the tray portion of the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably disposable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor dusting device comprising a self-contained mobile machine provided with two wheels and a suction means, a dust-container, an obstacle avoiding and detection means and an electronic control unit having a microprocessor. The device is also provided with a central device for discharging the dust, said device being stationary and associated to a guiding means enabling the mobile self-contained machine to reach the central dust and discharge device for emptying periodically the dust container. The device is also comprised of a charging unit integrated to the central device to recharge the rechargeable batteries contained in the mobile machine. The microprocessor is associated to an algorithm for avoiding the obstacles and searching the central suction device and the charging unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner 20 includes a housing 22 having a handle 208 and a brush compartment 82 for receipt of a brush assembly 104. A channel 210 is formed in the top of handle 208 and supports a hose 160 therein. A crevice tool 194 is coupled to hose 160 and is located in a continuation of channel 210 at a forward portion of housing 22. A forward portion of crevice tool 194 is located in a receptacle 100 formed in housing 22. A dust cup 52 is attachable to housing 22 and forms a dust collection chamber 47. When the vacuum cleaner 20 is operated in a brush mode, dirt-laden air is collected by operation of the brush assembly 104 over a surface being cleaned. In this mode, openings through crevice tool 194 and hose 160 serve as a conduit for the dirt-laden air to the dust collection chamber 47.

Abstract: A trolley castor having two flanges which freely rotate about a spindle carried by arms of a yoke is described. The flanges are separated by a distance corresponding to the usually standardized distance between the grooves of a walkway surface. Between the flanges is a brake disk which can rotate around the spindle. Fixed to an edge of the brake disk is a brake skid having a sole. An end piece, which extends into a cup formed by the yoke, is fixed to another portion of the brake disk. When the castor moves onto a grooved surface, the periphery of the flanges are engaged in the groove and the brake skid comes into contact with the ribs of the grooved walkway. This causes the brake disk to rotate slightly around the spindle until the end piece abuts the inside wall of the cup, thus immobilizing the trolley.

Abstract: A door damper includes a base, an outer tube having one end rotatably received in the base, an inner tube retractably received in the outer tube, a contacting member disposed to the inner tube so as to contact an inner side of a door, an actuating member including a handle and an end plate which extend transversely from an end of the handle wherein the end plate inserted into and pivotally connected to the inner tube via a slot defined in the inner tube, and an actuating member eccentrically disposed to a free end of the end plate and rotatably received in an underside of the contacting member.

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge system for attaching a hinged element to a base forming a hinged unit. The hinge system includes first and second torsion rods fixed to the hinged element and to the base proximate such that the first and second torsion rods are deflected as the hinged element is rotated relative to the base producing first and second torsion forces. The first and second torsion forces prevent the hinged element from twisting as the hinged element is rotated relative to the base. A friction element is connected between the base and the hinged element for offering resistance to the relative rotation of the base and the hinged element.

Abstract: An arrangement for precisely mounting a door on a vehicle body by a door on-door off hinge assembly. A door hinge flange has upper and lower transversely elongated slots and an intermediate rectangular tab opening symmetrically disposed on a common vertical axis. A tapping plate has a base formed with upper and lower bores and a central hook-like resilient tab member lanced-out from its base. The base mating face has a thermosetting film adhesive affixed thereto while an upper tapered locator pin extends therefrom adapted to pass through a door hinge flange clearance aperture and seat in a net hole in the door hinge web to establish a precise re-mounting location of the door hinge. Upon the tapping plate being hung on the flange inner surface, by virtue of the tab member being hooked through the flange tab opening, the locating pin extends through a clearance aperture in the door flange and a net hole in the base.

Abstract: A storage hopper is placed upstream of an inclined cleaner to prevent a surge of cotton from choking down the inclined cleaner. The output of the storage hopper is limited by feed rollers.

Abstract: A sliver can with improved coupling elements for raising and lowering the bottom wall of the can during filling and otherwise manipulating the cans by can transport vehicles wherein the coupling elements are disposed within the laterally outermost contour of the can and are configured in conjunction with the width of associated guide slits in the side wall of the can to receive laterally movable can manipulators, e.g. on a can transport vehicle, for interlocking connection for transmitting upward movement of the manipulators to the bottom wall of the can and, optionally, lateral movement of the manipulators to the can for pushing and pulling movements.

Abstract: A housing (16) is provided for housing necessary members and to be connected to a personal adornment band (1, 2) at an end of the band. A slide plate (18) is slidably mounted in the housing so as to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the band, and connected to the other end of the band, and a push plate (19, 20) is laterally slidably provided in the housing. Ratchet teeth (37) are formed on the slide plate. A lock projection (41) is formed on the push plate, and a spring (21) is provided for urging the push plate for engaging the projection with one of the ratchet teeth at a position selected from a plurality of positions dependent on the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A tube clamp including a transversely grooved binding strap having a first end terminating in a head and a second end terminating in a tail, a screw holder having hinged clamping plates and being fastened to an opening of the head of the binding strap by its clamping plates and adapted for joining the head and tail of the binding strap, and a screw mounted in the screw holder and turned to move the tail of the binding strap relative to its head in tightening up the tube clamp, wherein the head of the binding strap has two longitudinal bridging elements longitudinally disposed at two opposite sides of its opening, four rounded convex portions disposed in four corners of the opening at a top side of the binding strap for supporting the tail of the binding strap, four rounded concave portions respectively disposed between two opposite ends of the bridging elements and the rounded convex portions at the top side of the binding strap and adapted for buffering the pressure of the hinged clamping plates of the screw

Abstract: A strap take-up device for a fashion accessory that includes an elongated strap of a purse or similar bag. The take-up device receives a strap in a looped form and selectively retains the strap in a plurality of desired positions. The retaining member receives and retains the strap in its desired position without slippage by providing a unitary body defining a spring clip formed of an elongated sheet folded, at least twice, back onto itself to form at least two strap retaining passages. The spring clip is elastically deformable to allow each of the passages to expand to an open position to allow a strap to be disposed therein and contract to a closed position to frictionally retain the strap. The spring clip is spring biased to contract to the closed position. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the spring clip takes the forms of a W-shaped or S-shaped design.

Abstract: A textile treatment unit comprises a belt conveyor which operates continuously, with a conveyor section, on which textile material is transported in folds. The upper side of the belt, with the folds located on it, passes over a local height deviation in the conveyor section, in the form of an elevation formed by a roller arranged below it, causing the folds to be loosened.

Abstract: A page wide piezoelectric ink jet print engine and a method of manufacturing the same. The page wide ink jet print engine includes lower and upper body parts, each formed from piezoelectric material and having a plurality of generally parallel, spaced projections. Lower side surfaces of the projections of the lower body part are conductively mounted to corresponding bottom side surfaces of the projections of the upper body part to define a plurality of generally parallel, axially extending ink-carrying channels from which ink may be ejected.

Abstract: Generally trapezoidal web sections of non-uniform shape for fabricating structural I-section beams having varying bending modulus are cut from rectangular plate stock pieces by a shear whose platen is oscillated, as a series of pieces are cut from a length of metal sheet or plate, about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the stock material. The platen angle is determined and controlled by a computer to which design criteria are fed.

Abstract: A numerically controlled lathe with a stationary headstock and a work spindle, mounted rotatably in the headstock, for holding a work in a first clamping includes a counter spindle for holding rotatably the workpiece in a second clamping. The lathe also has a tool turret, which can be indexed around an axis and which is mounted on a first slide, movable in two directions that are perpendicular to each other. This first slide also supports the counter spindle. A second tool holder is mounted next to the work spindle. The counter spindle and the tool turret are mounted on the first slide in mutually variable configuration; and the second tool holder is mounted on a second slide, which can be moved at least in a direction perpendicular to the work spindle axis. This second tool holder holds two groups of tools, one of which is mounted and designed for machining the work at the work spindle and the other is mounted and designed for machining the work at the counter spindle.

Abstract: The pulling tool has a pulling head for gripping an insert, such as an ene valve seat or a pre-combustion chamber, and for pulling it out of a recess. A gripping mechanism for an annular insert, such as a valve seat, may grip the insert by its inner edges. Such a gripping mechanism includes a shaft that slides freely through a bore in the body in a direction parallel to the body. At the end of the shaft is a cone, which cooperates with at least two toothed claws. The toothed claws may be pivotally mounted on a lower extension of the body or may be integrally formed with one another as a collet and flex radially outwardly. The body may have a lever that, when depressed, lifts the shaft, pulling up on the cone, causing the claws to move outward, and causing teeth to penetrate the metal of the insert on its inner diameter to lock into the insert. A gripping mechanism for an insert having a central or eccentric opening, such as a pre-combustion chamber, may have a pivoting claw arm with a tooth on one end.

Abstract: A passenger seat with a quick replacement seat bottom diaphragm, comprising a seat frame assembly, including legs for securing the seat to a deck of a vehicle, and a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame carried by the legs in vertically-spaced relation to the deck. The seat bottom frame includes first and second laterally-spaced seat bottom frame members extending from the seat back forward to a position adjacent the knee area of a seat occupant. A seat bottom diaphragm assembly is provided for attachment to the seat bottom frame for supporting a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom diaphragm assembly comprises fore and aft brackets carried by each of the first and second seat bottom frame members, and fore and aft diaphragm stretcher bars extending laterally across the seat bottom for being locked into the fore and aft brackets of the first and second seat bottom frame members.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an airbag inflator assembly comprising placing a container, burst disc member, and housing for the ignitor assembly in a chamber; pressurizing the chamber to an appropriate pressure based upon a desired pressure to be contained within the container; applying force i) to urge a surface portion on one side of the burst disc member and the peripheral surface surrounding the opening in the container into forcible engagement with one another, and ii) to urge a surface portion on an opposite side of the burst disc member and an associated surface portion of the ignitor assembly housing into forcible engagement with one another; applying pulses of electrical discharge energy i) in the vicinity of the forcible engagement between the surface portion on one side of the burst disc member and the peripheral surface surrounding the opening in the container so that the surface portion on one side of the burst disc member and the peripheral surface surrounding the opening in the container are seali

Abstract: A hydraulic press assembly and method of making the same in which a substantial portion of the housing encompassing the press is formed of a unibody construction from structural tubing to provide a durable lightweight hydraulic press.

Abstract: Billets 10 which were continuously cast in a continuous casting machine 1 are directly supplied to a joining line 12. Scale on the billets is removed by a de-scaling apparatus 3. Then the rear end of a preceding billet is welded with the front end of a succeeding billet using a travelling flash butt welder 4 to produce a continuous billet. A burr on the welded part 15 is removed by grinders 51-53 in a travelling burr-removing apparatus 5. The continuous billet is heated in an induction heater 6, and then is continuously rolled in a rolling mill line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting through flat stock with at least one cutting tool, such as a torch, drill, or the like. The stock is supported in a plane defined by X and Y axes of a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. The stock is supported for movement along the X-axis. At least one tool is supported over the flat stock for movement along the Z-axis and for movement along the Y-axis. The stock is moved along the X-axis. The tool is moved along the Y-axis. The tool is moved along the Z-axis toward the stock and is operated to cut the stock. If the tool is a cutting torch, the stock may be moved along the X-axis, and/or the cutting torch may be moved along the Y-axis, to define a desired cutting path.

Abstract: A coil-forming wire material which can be efficiently arranged in slots of a motor core so as to down-size coil ends, thereby making the coil and a motor compact. The coil-forming wire material comprises a plurality of flexible thin wires. The thin wires are stuck at given portions such that they have a predetermined cross sectional shape. The stuck portions serve as rigid portions, i.e. coil sides. The coil-forming wire material also has flexible connecting portions where the wires are loose. The coil-forming wire material has the flexible connecting portions and the rigid portions which are arranged in an alternate manner. The flexible connecting portions serve as coil ends. The coil ends extend from the core with a small curvature due to the flexibility thereof.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an apparatus adapted to be connected to a power source, the apparatus for driving a rotatable component. A motor has a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly, the rotatable assembly in driving relation to the rotatable component, the stationary assembly including windings adapted to be energized by the power source to produce an electromagnetic field for rotating the rotatable assembly, the windings having a maximum desired operating temperature and a predetermined minimum desired temperature rise. A heater is in heat exchange relationship to an outer surface of the windings, the heater adapted to be connected to the power source at least when the motor windings are not energized to generate heat transferred to the windings to increase the temperature of the windings. An optional thermostat may be connected in series between the heater and the power source.

Abstract: An encapsulated package for a power magnetic device and a method of manufacture therefor. The power magnetic device has a magnetic core subject to magnetostriction when placed under stress. The package includes: (1) compliant material disposed about at least a portion of the magnetic core and (2) an encapsulant substantially surrounding the compliant material and the magnetic core, the compliant material providing a medium for absorbing stress between the encapsulant and the magnetic core, the compliant material reducing the magnetostriction upon the magnetic core caused by the stress from the encapsulant. In one embodiment, the encapsulant includes a vent to an environment surrounding the package. The vent provides pressure relief for the compliant material, allowing the compliant material to substantially eliminate the magnetostrictive effects.

Abstract: A head gimbal measurer for measuring the force loading on a head, the head having a plurality of air bearing surfaces, to predict the fly height of a selected one of the plurality of air bearing surfaces when the head is in operation relative to a rotating magnetically coated disc, including a measurement device for measuring the total normal force on the head and the differential normal force on each air bearing surface. A comparing device for comparing the measured total normal force on the head and the differential normal force on each air bearing surface with a known total normal force on the head and a known differential normal force on each air bearing surface to predict a fly height of the head when in operation relative to the rotating magnetically coated disc. The invention is further a load distribution measurement and adjustment device designed to shape a load arm of a head gimbal assembly used to transfer data to and from a rotating magnetically coated disc.

Abstract: A method for accurately and inexpensively producing a chip-type coil device comprises first forming an insulating plate. A plurality of parallel division grooves are then formed in a first direction on the insulating plate on one surface thereof. Thereafter, a conductive layer is formed on the insulating plate, wherein the conductive layer also coats the division grooves. The process then entails forming recess grooves between the division grooves on the insulating plate on which the conductive layer has been formed, and then dividing the insulating plate by forming slots within the division grooves, wherein the slots have widths which are smaller than widths of the division grooves.

Abstract: A fibre optic bundle end is produced by placing the end in a ferrule (6) and the bundle (14) and ferrule (6) are supported in a furnace (22) for rotation about the ferrule axis. The ferrule (6) and the fibres (14) therein are heated and while still in the furnace (22) are radially compressed by compression members (2,4) so that the fibres become lightly packed, after which the protruding fibre ends are cut off and the cut surface (16) is polished. The compression is achieved by rotating the ferrule (6) and fibres (14) back and forth about the bundle axis while the compression members which are bars passed through the furnace (22) move together radially of the ferrule (6), the said members being mounted for reciprocation so as to allow the ferrule (6) to roll thereon as it rotates.

Abstract: A receiver dryer for an automobile air conditioning system is produced by physically working a metal blank by impact extrusion to form a receptacle with a continuous side wall and an end wall at one end having a relatively thick mounting block included therein. The mounting block is drilled to form access ports for fluid refrigerant. A length of tubing is inserted through the open end of the receptacle and one end thereof is connected to one of the ports. A desiccant bag is also inserted. Then the upper portion of the continuous side wall is physically deformed to close the open end and seal the interior of the receptacle.

Abstract: Drain wires of a shielded cable are exposed, untwisted, and expanded into the approximate shape of a sphere. Pressurized gas is applied to the expanded drain wires. Simultaneously, the cores are bent to bow upstream of the gas flow, whereas the drain wires, being relatively flexible, bend downstream thereof. Even if low pressure gas is used, the cores and the drain wires can be sufficiently separated. This permits the insertion of a tool or the like between the drain wires and the cores and, therefore, facilitates automation of the process.

Abstract: A method for plating an integrated circuit package. The method includes constructing a package which has a plurality of internal bond fingers that are subsequently coupled to an integrated circuit. The package contains a plurality of vias that are electrically connected to the bond fingers. The vias are also coupled to a layer of metallization that extends across an outer surface of the package. The meallization layer is used as a plating bar to plate the internal bond fingers. After plating the meallization layer is etched from the surface of the package.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus dissipates heat from an integrated circuit which is connected to a printed circuit board. A support member is connected to the circuit board for supporting the integrated circuit with respect to the circuit board. A metal tab in thermal communication with the integrated circuit extends from the support member in a plane substantially parallel to the circuit board. An electrically insulating thermally conductive compressible pad is positioned in contact with the metal tab for receiving heat from the tab when compressed. A thermally conductive housing is positioned adjacent the pad for compressing the pad against the tab and for receiving heat from the pad when compressed. The housing includes a plurality of fins extending therefrom for heat dissipation. A method for dissipating heat from an integrated circuit which is connected to a printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an electronic part template corresponding to an electronic part that is to be placed on a substrate includes capturing an image of the electronic part, calculating a dimension of the electronic part from the image, and adjusting the electronic part template according to the dimension. This dynamic adjustment of the electronic part template helps to reduce excessive rejection rates due to slight mechanical differences among functionally equivalent electronic parts supplied by different suppliers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively depositing a metallic layer on a metallic feature on a ceramic substrate. The metallic layer preferably may be elemental nickel particles, elemental copper particles, a mixture of copper and nickel particles, or copper/nickel alloy particles. The metallic layer is deposited as a paste mixture which includes the metallic particles and a binder material. Through a subsequent heating step, the metallic layer tightly bonds to the metallic feature but only loosely bonds to the ceramic substrate. Thereafter, an ultrasonic treatment is applied to remove the loosely adhered metallic layer on the ceramic substrate. The metallic layer on the metallic feature, being tightly bonded, is not removed by the ultrasonic treatment.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing has a large load-carrying capacity, and a ridge portion defined between adjacent grooves is prevented from damaging an opposite surface. The bearing includes an axial bearing surface having dynamic pressure generating grooves formed thereon by plastic working. The bearing has ridge portions defined between the adjacent dynamic pressure generating grooves. A top end of the ridge portion has rounded edge portions and a flat bearing surface defined between the edge portions. Since the edge portions of the top end are rounded, an opposite surface is prevented from being damaged. Further, the presence of the flat bearing surface defined between the edge portions results in increased load-carrying capacity.