Abstract: An apparatus and method of material bonding using captive plungers is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base plate to have multiple holes in an array, multiple captive plungers each surrounded by a compressible spring to couple to the multiple holes in such a way which allows each of the multiple captive plungers to vertically move in a confine of each of the multiple holes corresponding to the each of the multiple captive plungers, and a fastening device to apply a force to bond two or more parts placed on top of each other with a bonding material in between the two or more parts through pressing the base plate to the two or more parts such that the force delivered through the multiple captive plungers to the two or more parts is concentrated to the array.

Abstract: A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing panels having a substrate and a decorative layer, including at least the step of attaching at least the decorative layer on the substrate by means of a press element, wherein the press element used comprises at least three components, namely, a heating plate, a press mat and a press plate, wherein one or more components of the press element are made such that for one or more edges of said press mat more space or room is provided than for a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: a plurality of pressure-bonding units which are arrayed in line and each of which includes a pressure-bonding head for pressure-bonding a component to a component pressure-bonding area of the substrate, and an edge-portion support member for supporting an edge portion of the substrate during the pressure bonding; a guide support member for supporting the pressure-bonding units so that their movement along the edge portion for execution of substrate pressure-bonding can be guided; a common head up/down unit for integrally moving up and down the individual pressure-bonding heads; and a plurality of unit-moving devices which are provided for the plurality of pressure-bonding units, individually and respectively, to move the pressure-bonding units along the edge portion so that placement of the pressure-bonding units is changed.

Abstract: A joining press for joining the ends particularly of a conveyor belt, comprising lower and upper heating plates which can be engaged by pusher pads in order to apply the necessary pressure, the plates being supported by reaction beams to contain a load applied by the pusher pads, the reaction beams having seats for detachably accommodating reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A method of assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes receiving and positioning at least two composite structure subassemblies on a structure assembly table by operation of at least one first device and at least one second device and compacting the at least two composite structure subassemblies into a composite structure by operation of a third device.

Abstract: A pre-press flexographic plate laminator for laminating a masking film onto a pre-press flexographic printing plate. The apparatus can be used to apply a balanced, non-distorting force to a flexographic printing plate and masking film with an optimized lamination force to achieve optical contact while minimizing lateral film distortion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, machines and products, including a method for producing foil relief. The method includes placing a foil on a curable adhesive deposited on a substrate when the curable adhesive is substantially non-tacky, and applying energy to the adhesive deposited on the substrate while pressing the foil to the adhesive to cause the adhesive to become tacky and to adhere to the foil. The adhesive becomes substantially fully cured prior to completion of the pressing of the foil to the adhesive deposited on the substrate. In some embodiments, the method may further include pre-curing the curable adhesive prior to placing the foil on the adhesive to initiate the curing process of the adhesive and manipulate a viscosity level of the adhesive, with the pre-cured adhesive remaining substantially non-tacky. The curable adhesive includes one or more of, for example, a radical type adhesive and/or a cationic adhesive.

Abstract: There is provided a label printer 10 that performs printing on a label L including a front-part label area L1 located at the front side in the feed-out direction and a rear-part label area L2 which is connected thereto. The label printer 10 comprises a printing unit 12 that performs printing on the label L, a sticking unit 14 that sticks the label L to an object W while holding the label L and a turn-over device 15 that turns over the front-part label area L1 to the rear face side of the rear-part label area L2. The sticking unit 14 is arranged so as to stick the label L to the object W after the front-part label area L1 is turned over and attached to the rear-part label area L2 by the turn-over device 15.

Abstract: While bumps formed on pads of a semiconductor chip and a board having a sheet-like seal-bonding use resin stuck on its surface are set face to face, the bumps and the board are pressed to each other with a tool, thereby forming a semiconductor chip mounted structure in which the seal-bonding use resin is filled between the semiconductor chip and the board and in which the pads of the semiconductor chip and the electrodes of the board are connected to each other via the bumps, respectively. In the semiconductor chip mounted structure formed in this way, entire side faces at the corner portions of the semiconductor chip are covered with the seal-bonding use resin.

Abstract: In a peeling tape attaching apparatus for attaching a peeling tape (4) on a surface protective film (11) attached on the surface of a wafer (20), the wafer is supported on a movable table (31) with the surface protective film up and the peeling tape is supplied on the surface protective film of the wafer. The movable table is moved in such a manner that an end (28) of the wafer is located under a peeling tape attaching unit (46), and pressure is exerted by pressing the peeling tape attaching unit against the surface protective film of the wafer via the peeling tape. After that, the movable table is moved toward the other end (29) of the wafer, and upon movement of the movable table, by a predetermined distance, from the peeling tape attaching unit, the pressure is canceled.

Abstract: An optical sheet for display use wherein two or more optical sheets are stacked therein and the optical sheets are joined to one another on one peripheral side of each by a thermoadhesive film is to be provided. Also an optical sheet for display use wherein two or more optical sheets are stacked therein and the optical sheets are joined to one another on two or more peripheral sides of each by a thermoadhesive film is to be provided. Since the optical sheets are joined to one another on one peripheral side or two or more peripheral sides of each by a thermoadhesive film, the step of cutting each of multiple films (sheets) into the product size can be omitted, and so can be the step of stacking multiple layers of films (sheets) while positioning them. Also, it is free from a problem which derives from protective sheets, resulting in advantages in both cost and quality aspects. Moreover, it is free from a problem which arises when multiple layers of films are stacked.

Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.

Abstract: A fiber composite article is wound on a mandrel in a vertical orientation to ensure even tension in the fibers. Composite material is preferably glass fibers and cement. The fibers are applied by an assembly that moves in vertical and horizontal directions and the cement may be applied to the fibers before they are wound. After the fibers and cement are applied to the mandrel, the article is vibrated to allow escape of air and to ensure even coating of the fibers. The apparatus for vibrating the wound article includes a flexible sleeve that surrounds the article and moves vertically to apply a vibrating radial compacting force. The article may then be wound with tape to compress the applied glass fibers and cement prevent the loss of water during curing. A compressible sock is placed on the mandrel between the mandrel and the article for easier removal of the article.

Abstract: A polarizing optical element is produced by firstly forming a polarizing multilayer structure (30) on a support (31). The structure comprises an orienting layer and a polarizing layer having dichroic compounds, the dichroic compounds being oriented by the orienting layer. The multilayer structure is then pressed against one surface of the optical element (40) through the support, with a portion of adhesive placed between the structure and the optical element. The support (31) for the structure is then removed, leaving the structure (30) bonded to the optical element (40).

Abstract: A laminator 100 in which the diaphragm can be mounted simply and easily without the use of a mounting frame. The laminator 100 includes an upper chamber 110, on the bottom surface of which is mounted the diaphragm 140, and a lower chamber 120 on which the upper chamber 110 is stacked and in which is disposed a support base 130 on which a workpiece A that is to be laminated is set. The diaphragm 140 is larger than the upper chamber 110, and an excess portion of the diaphragm that protrudes outside the upper chamber when the diaphragm is mounted on the upper chamber is folded upward and clamped against the sides of the upper chamber by multiple clamps to fix the diaphragm in place on the upper chamber.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus and a method for executing vibration welding of three or more work pieces made of a thermoplastic material to make them integral in a sandwich shape, comprises an upper tool means supporting a first work piece so as to apply a lateral motion to it by a vibration means, a lower tool means capable of supporting a plurality of second work pieces to be welded to at least both surfaces of the first work piece, and a means capable of actuating the lower tool means in such a manner as to move the second work pieces vertically by an elevating means so as to align with the first work piece, and move the second work pieces toward the first work piece laterally by a slide actuating means so as to bring them into contact with the first work piece.

Abstract: A molding apparatus of a wet friction material has a pair of guide posts vertically extending on a molding apparatus main body. The pair of the guide posts passes through fifteen stages (sixteen pieces) of molding dies. A pair of pantograph-type open-close mechanisms is attached to opposite side surfaces of the molding dies. Thus, the molding dies are piled up on each other so as to come near to each other (mold clamping) and move apart from each other (mold opening). With the pantograph-type open-close link mechanism, all the molding dies are opened and closed at the same time. If the molding dies are slid at a speed of 200 mm/sec, it takes only 3.75 seconds (50 mm*15/200 mm=3.75 sec). It takes a double of that time or 7.5 seconds, that is a half of the time of a related art.

Abstract: An improved optical disk labeling device includes a label holding dock containing a holding portion and an optical disk holding dock slidable on the holding portion. The holding portion has downward and upward tracks. The downward and upward tracks have two ends forming a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion that communicate with each other. Through an actuation member the optical disk holding dock can be anchored at a first position to receive a first depressing force so that the actuation member is moved along the downward track to hold the optical disk holding dock at a second position. At the second position the optical disk holding dock can receive a second depressing force so that the actuation member slides along the upward track and allows the optical disk holding dock to return to the first position.

Abstract: It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a wafer bonding apparatus having a pressing apparatus configured to press wafers fixed in a fixing apparatus, wherein the fixing apparatus is configured to allow the pressing apparatus to press the wafers without interference. The wafer bonding apparatus may include an upper wafer and a lower wafer, a support member configured to support the upper wafer and the lower wafer, a push member on the upper wafer, and a fixing apparatus configured to fix the push member to the support member, wherein the push member includes a fixing part extending outward from a periphery of the upper wafer, and the fixing apparatus is coupled to the fixing part. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide a method for bonding wafers.

Abstract: Provided is a seed crystal fixing device 1 for fixing a seed crystal 9 to a seed crystal placing part 3 of a reaction vessel with an adhesive interposed in between. The seed crystal fixing device 1 includes: a chamber 10 capable of installing the seed crystal placing part 3 in the inside thereof; and a flexible pouched body 16 placed on an upper surface of the chamber 10. The flexible pouched body 16 is inflated with a delivery of gas and is deflated with an exhaust of the gas. The flexible pouched body 16 is configured to come into contact with a surface of the seed crystal 9 when inflated, and thereby applies pressure uniformly across the entire surface of the seed crystal 9. The upper surface of the chamber 10 forms convex shape towards the seed crystal placing part 3, and thereby uniform press-bonding of the seed crystal 9 to the seed crystal placing part 3 is accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the heat sealing of plastic membranes that contain a nozzle attachment, with the nozzle attachment having an abrasive member and being held flexibly. Thus, the nozzle attachment is positioned with a defined force on the lower membrane that is to be heat sealed, resulting in a seam of consistently high quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating device for personalised documents for the series lamination of surfaces of the personalised documents, comprising a support element for supporting at least one of the personalised documents and a pressing element for pressing a laminate film onto the surface of the personalised document arranged on the support element, wherein the pressing element is designed as a stamp-like element which can pivot about an axle extending parallel to the plane of the surface, the side of which stamp-like element which faces towards the surface of the personalised document forming a curved stamping surface for rolling over the laminate film and the surface of the personalised document, wherein at least two rollers attached to the side of the stamp-like element can roll on two curved rolling webs arranged at an angle with respect to one another during the rolling movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method for a workpiece (15) composed of a fibre-composite material, having the following steps: at least one support means (3) is provided. A main material (6) composed of a pre-impregnated fibre semi-finished product and/or of a secondary material (7) are/is applied to the at least one support means (3) in order to form at least two blank-mould areas (1, 10), in such a manner that at least one of the at least two blank-mould areas (1, 10) has the main material, and at least one of the blank-mould areas (1, 10) has the secondary material. The blank-mould areas (1, 10) are pressure-bonded to one another to form a workpiece blank (14) such that the at least one support means (3) is provided on a surface of the workpiece blank (14). The at least one support means (3) and the secondary material (7) are removed from the workpiece blank (14) in order to form the workpiece (15).

Abstract: A bonding machine for fabricating an liquid crystal display (LCD) panel to which a liquid crystal dropping method been performed includes a bonding chamber of a one pieced body for carrying out bonding of substrates, at least two or more than two air extraction tubes in communication with an interior space of the bonding chamber, and at least two vacuum means respectively connected to the air extraction tubes each for generating an air suction power to evacuate the bonding chamber. A method for fabricating an LCD panel by using the bonding machine includes loading a first substrate onto which liquid crystal has been dropped and a second substrate having sealant coated thereon into a bonding chamber, evacuating the bonding chamber, bonding the first and second substrates, applying varying bonding pressure, and unloading the bonded first and second substrates.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a hollow, ceramic arc discharge vessel for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps is described wherein a means for self-alignment of two molded sections is provided. In particular, the sealing surface of one section of the arc discharge vessel is provided with a convex surface and the sealing surface of the other section is provided with a concave surface. The radius of the convex sealing surface is smaller than the radius of the concave sealing surface so that the sections may self-align during joining, preferably without gas entrapment in the seal.

Abstract: A timing assembly (200) for a manufactured wood products press (66) is provided. The manufactured wood products press includes a first drive shaft (120) coupled to a first platen (90) and second drive shaft (120) coupled to a second platen (90). The first and second platens are disposed within the manufactured wood products press in an opposed manner. The timing assembly includes a housing (202) and a plurality of timing gears (204) disposed within the housing. The plurality of timing gears are operatively connected to the first and second drive shafts for simultaneously driving the first and second drive shafts in an eccentric path.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus and a method for executing vibration welding of three or more work pieces made of a thermoplastic material to make them integral in a sandwich shape, comprises an upper tool means supporting a first work piece so as to apply a lateral motion to it by a vibration means, a lower tool means capable of supporting a plurality of second work pieces to be welded to at least both surfaces of the first work piece, and a means capable of actuating the lower tool means in such a manner as to move the second work pieces vertically by an elevating means so as to align with the first work piece, and move the second work pieces toward the first work piece laterally by a slide actuating means so as to bring them into contact with the first work piece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laminating personalized cards, which includes a frame that supports a supply spindle for delivering a patch film disposed on a web to a personalized card. The frame supports a platen structure for affixing a portion of the patch film to a portion of one side of the personalized card when the supply spindle delivers the patch film to the personalized card. The frame supports a take-up spindle for receiving the web after the patch film has been delivered to the personalized card. The frame supports a lamination assembly for laminating the entire patch film to the entire side of the personalized card after the personalized card has had the patch partially affixed thereto.

Abstract: A compression bonding device has a dam member so that when a pressing head is pressed against an object to be pressed, the bonding part is surrounded by the dam member. Thus, even if the surface of the bonding part bulges by pressing, the bulging part is stopped by the dam member and the surface of the bonding part does not horizontally extend. As a result of the absence of horizontal extension of the bonding part, electric components of the object to be pressed are not subjected to a force that horizontally moves the electric components and the electric components are vertically pressed downward and connected to the terminals of the substrate. Thus, an electric device having high connection reliability is obtained.

Abstract: A multi-ply web of tissue paper having at least two plies comprising a first web (2a) consisting of at least one ply and being provided with a first embossing pattern forming cushions (24) limited by regions (22) of compressed material and a second web (3a) having at least one ply and being provided with a second pattern with protrusions (32) of compressed material. The first web and the second web are combined together such that the protrusions of compressed material (32) of the second web (3a) are positioned inside the cushions (24) limited by the regions (22) of compressed material (22). Further, the invention relates to a paper converting device and a method for producing such product.

Abstract: A device for applying a coating film (63) on a face of a lens, the film previously being placed on the face concerned of the lens, includes a seat (40) suitable for receiving the lens, a membrane (62) including a peripheral fixing portion (62A) and an inflatable portion (62B), and an inflater element (61) for inflating the membrane towards the lens seat. The inflater element include a first plate (66) and a second plate (65) with the membrane (62) placed between them, the first plate presenting as a setback a pressurization chamber (80) connected to a source (93) of compressed gas, and the second plate presenting a protrusion opening (71), the two plates being mounted to move relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Abstract: Mechanism for controlling pressure during the adhesive thermal compression bonding provides benefits of higher production yield, improved adhesive bonding performance and quality. Springs and pneumatic pistons are utilized to provide improved pressure control during the adhesive thermal compression bonding process. All production parts have certain geometric tolerances and automatically accommodating these tolerances increases production yield by reducing waste of incompletely adhesive bonded parts. The gaps caused by the parts tolerance are closed in a controlled manner using the mechanism and the pressure is controlled for effective adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A method of laminating a surface of a flexible material to a surface of a rigid, curved material. The method includes pressing an area of the surface of the flexible material into the surface of the rigid, curved material with a holder to create a contact area while the flexible material is conformed to the holder, which has a curvature greater than a curvature of the rigid, curved material surface; and changing the contact area between the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid, curved material while maintaining pressure on the contact area until the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid curved material are laminated.

Abstract: A sealing tool for a sealing machine has a heat-conductive and normally heated support plate having an inner face and a heat-conductive seal plate having an outer face bearing in surface contact on the support-plate inner face. A central attachment extends between the plates across the faces at a point location and substantially prevents relative movement of the plates parallel to the faces at this point location. Outer attachments spaced outward from the central attachment press the faces together with a limited force such that the faces can slide parallel to each other at the outer attachments.

Abstract: A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes a support arm adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. An electromagnet is disposed proximate the support arm and configured to selectively secure the upper platen in the closed position. Another electromagnet, which may be disposed proximate a base member, is configured selectively to secure the upper platen in a partially open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to squeeze pressing of a laid-up veneer assembly having glue applied as glue stripes. The pressing in the method is subjected to the assembly as two uniform fronts advancing in opposite directions from the central area of the assembly. A press for implementing the method comprises press plates to be pressed together, at least one press plate being equipped with a sub-pressing plate extending as an arch at the central area of the press plate to the press opening.

Abstract: A lock assembly (100) is provided. Such a lock assembly includes a housing (120) and a pin assembly (129) disposed within the housing. The pin assembly is selectively actuatable between a locked position, where a pin (140) is displaced into engagement with first and second frame members (104 and 106), and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A panel clamping assembly (10) facilitates gluing wooden boards (12) edge-to-edge so that they will form a perfectly flat panel after the glue sets. The assembly (10) includes a plurality of vertically oriented platens (14) each having a leading edge (16). All of the leading edges (16) lie in a common vertical plane. Wooden boards (12) are gently pressed against the leading edges (16) of the platens (14) by opposing press bars (22). Press actuators (28) create compression between the press bars (22) and their opposing platens (14). Conventional bar clamps (40) are removably hooked into respective clamp saddles (54) flanking the platens (14) to provide distributed clamping pressure normal to the glue lines. The lower ends (44) of the bar clamps (40) are slidably captured in shaft guides (92). The clamp saddles (54) are mounted to an upper mounting board (86) through the convenience of a lip (82). Likewise, the lower shaft guides (92) are attached to a lower mounting board (96).

Abstract: A peelable laminate assembly includes at least two peelable laminates each including a first sheet and a second sheet bonded to one surface of the first sheet, the second sheet being peelable from the first sheet, and further includes a joint sheet for connecting the two adjacent peelable laminates, the joint sheet being bonded to one surface of each second sheet facing away from the corresponding first sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a molding with tapered thickness made of a laminate comprising at least one metal layer and one fiber-reinforced plastic layer connected thereto. The method at least comprises partly pressurizing the laminate at least in the direction of thickness using a pressurizing means, provided that deformation in the plane of the laminate is substantially unimpeded. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A process and implementing apparatus are disclosed by which the curing time of a water-based adhesive is shortened as applied to the bonding of two fibrous substrates, such as paperboard or corrugated fiberboard.

Abstract: A method for adhering a protecting tape to a protection surface of a wafer is disclosed. The method comprises: cutting the protecting tape of which one surface is processed to be an adhering surface into predetermined size and shape; storing the protecting tape so as to release tensile force therein; holding the protecting tape by a protecting tape holding device; holding the wafer by a wafer holding device; locating the protecting tape and the wafer in a vacuum chamber in such a way that the adhering surface and the protection surface are facing each other; evacuating an interior of the vacuum chamber; and bringing the protecting tape holding device and/or the wafer holding device close to each other, thereby adhering the adhering surface of the protecting tape and the protection surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A drive unit for use with a vibration welder having first and second electromagnets, each having first and second terminals, and being operable to reciprocate a vibration platen, includes phase U, V, and W drive circuitry and control circuitry. The phase U drive circuitry is coupled to the first terminal of the first electromagnet. The phase V drive circuitry is coupled to the first terminal of the second electromagnet. The phase W drive circuitry is coupled to the second terminals of the first and second electromagnets. The control circuitry is operable to control the phase U, V, and W drive circuitry to generate a first drive signal for energizing the first electromagnet and a second drive signal for energizing the second electromagnet.

Abstract: A stamping device for stamping a nanotube network onto a target substrate is disclosed. The device comprises a template structure having a support structure formed on or attached to a substrate, and a plurality of nanotubes being supported by the support structure and engaging a plane which is spatially separated from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for coating flat structural parts (2), in particular furniture fronts, with a film (3), wherein the parts lie in a pallet (1) which is turned by about 180° in a rotator after the coating process, so that the coated parts (2) joined by a common film (3) can fall out of the pallet (1) and be separated. The essential point is that a pallet (1) which can be filled on two sides is used and that the previous turning back of the pallet after the part has been removed can be omitted.

Abstract: In a pressure bonding mechanism having a configuration in which a first pressure bonding tool 21A and a second pressure bonding tool 21B mounted on elevating rods 18A and 18B are elevated by a common numerically-controllable tool elevating mechanism 16 through an engagement member 17 so that pressure is applied to the pressure bonding tools by a first air cylinder 19A and a second air cylinder 19B respectively, the height positions of the pressure bonding surfaces of the first pressure bonding tool 21A and the second pressure bonding tool 21B in the state where the elevating rods 18A and 18B are in engagement with the engagement member 17 so as to regulate the lower limit positions of the elevating rods 18A and 18B are made different from each other. Thus, the pressure bonding tools can be brought into contact with substrates in turn respectively. It is therefore unnecessary to provide high-precision and high-cost elevating means individually for the pressure bonding tools.

Abstract: A light weight vibrating tile setting tool, optionally having a self-contained power supply, vibrates at high frequency while setting/leveling tiles during a tile installation process. The tool comprises a housing which houses a vibration mechanism which includes a motor. An off-set weight 75 is attached to an output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the shaft, and off-set weight, causes the entire tool to vibrate. Ratio of frequency of vibration to mass of the tool is at least 200 vibrations per minute per pound mass. The high frequency of vibration causes a tile, to which the tile setting tool is applied, to be easily manipulated, by the user of the tile setting tool, into its set location in an array of such tiles.

Abstract: The apparatus (50) includes a friction stir welding tool (100), a local clamping means (200), and an interface (300) that joins the tool (100) and the local clamping means (200). The local clamping means (200) is in close proximity to the at least one sidewall (130) of the tool (100) and has a housing (210) and a plurality of contact devices (220). The local clamping means (200) transfers a clamping force to the first and the second components (C1, C2) and holds them firmly in place during welding. The local clamping means (200) includes a plurality of contact devices (220) that may take the form of casters, rollers (222), and ball bearings (224). The location of the contact devices (220) is significant as external clamping is greatly reduced, and often eliminated, as the contact devices (220) are brought into close proximity to the area of the weld.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus includes a bonding chamber, lower and upper stages positioned at lower and upper spaces at an interior of the bonding chamber, respectively, the lower stage including a first receiving part, a first lifting system having a first support part for supporting a first substrate, the first receiving part receiving the first support part within the lower stage, and a blowing system formed in the first support part to blow air through the first support part.