Abstract: The present invention provides a stencil printing frame comprising a border member (5) and a foil sheet (65) attached thereto, wherein the border member (5) is formed as a single piece having sides and corners that define the frame, the single piece having two ends interlocked to form a joint on one corner or side, and wherein at least one corner comprises abutting faces arranged to prevent relative movement of the faces. The invention further provides a method for forming the frame and for uses of the frame once formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for separating magnetic and non-magnetic particles from water in a domestic central heating system is disclosed. A magnet (60) is located in the housing and the inlet and the outlet are arranged so that, in use, water flows through the apparatus in a cyclonic motion from the inlet downwardly proximate the walls of the housing, and then upwardly within the downwardly flowing water, to the outlet. Particles entrained within the water separate out by vortex separation as the water flows downwardly. Also, magnetic particles entrained within the water are collected on the magnet as the water flows upwardly. The apparatus also comprises a sleeve (30) located within the housing such that an outer circulation channel (31) is defined between the housing and the sleeve. The magnet is located within the sleeve such that an inner circulation channel (61) is defined between the sleeve and the magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer fluid comprising water, glycerine, and a surfactant. The heat transfer fluid is particularly suitable for use in solar thermal collectors or ground source heat pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for separating magnetic and non-magnetic particles from water in a domestic central heating system is disclosed. A magnet (60) is located in the housing and the inlet and the outlet are arranged so that, in use, water flows through the apparatus in a cyclonic motion from the inlet downwardly proximate the walls of the housing, and then upwardly within the downwardly flowing water, to the outlet. Particles entrained within the water separate out by vortex separation as the water flows downwardly. Also, magnetic particles entrained within the water are collected on the magnet as the water flows upwardly. The apparatus also comprises a sleeve (30) located within the housing such that an outer circulation channel (31) is defined between the housing and the sleeve. The magnet is located within the sleeve such that an inner circulation channel (61) is defined between the sleeve and the magnet.

Abstract: An alloy suitable for use in a wave solder process, reflow soldering process, hot air levelling process or a ball grid array, the alloy comprising from 0.08-3 wt. % bismuth, from 0.15-1.5 wt. % copper, from 0.1-1.5 wt. % silver, from 0-0.1 wt. % phosphorus, from 0-0.1 wt. % germanium, from 0-0.1 wt. % gallium, from 0-0.3 wt. % one or more rare earth elements, from 0-0.3 wt. % indium, from 0-0.3 wt. % magnesium, from 0-0.3 wt. % calcium, from 0-0.3 wt. % silicon, from 0-0.3 wt. % aluminium, from 0-0.3 wt. % zinc, and at least one of the following elements from 0.02-0.3 wt % nickel, from 0.008-0.2 wt % manganese, from 0.01-0.3 wt % cobalt, from 0.01-0.3 wt % chromium, from 0.02-0.3 wt % iron, and from 0.008-0.1 wt % zirconium, and the balance tin, together with unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A method for selective dissolution of tin and/or lead- or tin-containing alloys from printed circuit boards is provided comprising contacting a printed circuit board with a solution comprising Ti(IV) and an acid which forms stable and soluble salt of Ti(III), Ti(IV), Sn(II) and Pb(II), under conditions to effect dissolution of substantially all of the Sn and/or Pb- or Sn-containing alloy therefrom, as Sn(II) and/or Pb(II) and recovering from the solution by electrolytic reduction substantially all of the Sn(II) and/or PB(II) species as Sn and/or Pb. After the electrolytic reduction step, the oxidant metal species is regenerated by oxidation and recycled to the first stage of the process.

Abstract: A lead-free tin alloy for solder joints comprising up to 0.25% by weight of indium and a grain refiner which is an alloy consisting of, by weight, 2.5 to 10% aluminium, 1 to 5% magnesium and balance zinc. The alloys have improved mechanical properties, such as creep strength, and an improved thermal fatigue strength.

Abstract: This invention describes a composition of matter having moisture gettering properties and applicable as coating or adhesive in a hermetic microelectronic device. The composition is applied to the interior surface of the packaging at a thickness of 0.1-25 mil and comprises a desiccant finely dispersed in a binder which is a water vapor permeable solid material. This may be a polymer, porous ceramic or glass. The desiccant is a particulate solid with 0.2-100 micrometer average particle size. It ought to be able to absorb from a one atmosphere pressure gas containing one volume percent water vapor at least four parts by weight of water vapor per 100 parts by weight of desiccant at 25.degree. C., and for high reliability devices, it should also be able to absorb at least two parts by weight of water vapor per 100 parts by weight of desiccant at 100.degree. C. The desiccant to binder volume ratio ought to be between 0.002 and 2.