Abstract: A method of interconnecting microelectronic components with flexible metallic interconnects. A layer of photoresist is applied to the surface of a microelectronic component and then removed from selected locations. A deposit of metal is applied to the selected location. A second layer of photoresist is applied over the first layer and over the deposited metal. The second layer of photoresist is removed from above the metal deposit and a second metal deposit is applied over the first metal deposit. These steps are repeated until a predetermined height of deposited metal is reached supported by layers of photoresist. The upper surface of the deposit and photoresist is polished flat and pads of metal deposited. A second microelectronic component having mating metal pads is positioned over the first microelectronic component and bonded to it through the mating metal pads. Finally, the layers of photoresist are removed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an insulated splice or terminal, the method including the steps of adhering an elongated layer of non-conductive material to an elongated layer of electrically conductive material so as to form a composite supply strip; severing a predetermined length of said supply strip from the remaining supply of said strip; and crimping said length about the elements to be joined until said electrically conductive material is in electrical contact with the said elements and so that the non-conductive material forms an outer insulated layer enclosing said splice or at least a portion of said terminal. In a preferred method of the instant invention, a further step of causing the non-conductive material of the splice to "flow" is employed whereby a resultant sealed splice is produced which is impervious to moisture and other contaminants.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing brake drums or the like and apparatus therefor that minimizes scrap rates by improving as-manufactured balance. In accordance with the disclosed method, the casting rim of the brake drum is located in a press by centering the drum relative to its outer surface. Locating holes are then accurately formed in the drum center by the press prior to machining of the drum inner surface. The subsequent machining operation on the drum inner surface is accomplished by locating the drum accurately via the locating holes formed in the press operation.

Abstract: A method for making a plug-in fuse assembly like that disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,767, granted Sept. 30, 1975 for Miniature Plug-In Fuse having different desired fuse ratings. The method comprises the steps of providing a strip of fuse metal which is initially preferably provided throughout its length with a continuous longitudinally extending portion of reduced thickness having a fixed thickness dimension and from which fuse link portions of fuse elements are to be stamped. Various selected areas of the strip, those which preferably are not the portions of reduced thickness and from which the terminal portions of the fuses are to be formed, are covered with a non-oxidizable conductive coating, preferably tin plating.

Abstract: A seal-welded pipe joint mechanically braced by a clamp for preferred use in handling toxic and radioactive materials is disclosed together with a process for joining the same. The joint comprises a pair of abutted male frustroconical skirts, each attached integrally to the pipe segments to be joined and confronting each other at opposed mating and finished surfaces which define a sunken ridge at their periphery. A uniform continuous seal weld of relatively slight penetration seals the opposed mating and finished surfaces at the ridge. The pipe joint is physically secured by a plurality of, for example, three female frustroconical segments forming a circumscribing collet which is circumferentially clamped to the skirt by a plurality of, for example, three tangentially disposed bolts. The abutted frustroconical skirts taper from a broad cross section adjacent the pipe wall radially outwardly to a narrower cross section.

Abstract: A multi-wire electrical interconnecting circuit member having a multi-wire matrix of insulated wires mechanically terminated on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member. Wire retaining members positioned on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member terminate the wires and establish a gas-tight electrical connection therewith. Each of the wire retaining members includes means for engaging a wire with sufficient force to penetrate any insulation thereon and establish and maintain a gas-tight electrical connection with the conductive core of the wire.

Abstract: An electric fuse having blind metal fusion joints, e.g. solder joints, between the two ferrules and the fusible element, or the fusible elements, thereof. One of these conductive connection joints is situated adjacent the center region of the inner end surface of one of the two ferrules. The other of these conductive connection joints is situated between one of the rims of the casing and the peripheral region of the inner end surface of the other of the two ferrules.

Abstract: Novel glue-less staples are formed economically of sheet metal having essentially abutting but parted margins, the staples being joined to one another by localized integral connections along the margins. The connections can be of controlled size and their weakness can be controlled by mechanical working of the metal. As a specific feature, the connections can be formed to provide the standard bond strength found in glued rows of staples, so that the novel strips of staples can be made for use in conventional tackers and staplers.

Abstract: A defroster and a method for the installation of a defroster of the resistive type specifically designed to be installed on the rear window of a completely assembled motor vehicle, comprising heating conductors in the form of thin pre-glued strips of solid copper or copper alloy applied to the inside surface of the rear window in a first direction with two spaced apart connecting conductors in the traverse direction; apparatus designed for applying the various parallel heating conductors to the inside surface of the window; and a method for repairing pre-existing rear window defrosters comprising cleaning the area of the defect, applying a sufficient length of pre-glued solid copper or copper alloy overlapping the defective heating conductor securing the new strip in place and making electrical connections between the overlapping ends and the underlying heating conductor.

Abstract: An automatic terminal applicator in which stripped wire ends are automatically guided and inserted into the insulation and wire barrel portions of terminals attached to a moving belt is disclosed. The belt is indexed through the crimping station between the upper and lower insulation and wire crimping dies of the press. A split funnel guide includes a spring-loaded portion and a complementary stationary portion respectively fastened with the upper and lower crimping dies. When the dies are closed, an aperture is formed at the apex of the funnel immediately adjacent the insulation portion of the leading terminal and whose cross-sectional area is no greater than the corresponding area of the insulation portion of the terminal. The wire is positioned transversely of the terminal and coaxial therewith. Thereafter, the wire is inserted into the funnel and guided thereby into the barrel of the terminal.

Abstract: A die assembly for clinching a fastener such as a pierce nut to a panel. In the clinching operation, a pilot portion of the fastener is driven through the panel and into an aperture in a die body. Step portions of the die body deform the fastener pilot and interlock or clinch the fastener and panel together. After the clinching operation, the fastener and panel are stripped from the die assembly. In order to facilitate release of the fastener pilot from the die aperture, the die body is segmented so that its segments can separate in a radial direction to enlarge the aperture. The die body segments have sloping outer surfaces received in a complementary die holder so that the segments are cammed together during the clinching operation and are separable during the stripping operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel electrode assembly or package for two or more electrode devices, and also a novel method of fabricating not only the overall assembly, but also the devices in conjunction therewith. The electrode assembly as contemplated by the disclosure includes a carrier member in generally strip form having one or more openings therein, the number of said openings depending upon and being equal to one-half of the number of electrode devices to be employed in said assembly. A medical electrode device is secured in overlying relation to each opening, on opposite sides of the carrier member, with the gel pads of each said electrode device being disposed within the periphery of the opening and in face-to-face contact with the pad of the opposed electrode device. The electrode devices may be pre-gelled, if desired. It is contemplated that the assembly may then be packaged in a suitable container, such as a plastic or foil envelope.

Abstract: An automatic wire feeder for feeding pieces of wire in an assembly operation. More particularly, an automatic wire feeder for feeding pieces of wire in a radial assembly operation wherein the automatic wire feeder drops the wires, one by one, in a wire loading device having means for holding the wires in assembled condition.

Abstract: For mounting a food product, such as a frankfurter or an apple, on a stick, an apparatus includes relatively reciprocable jaws which converge on and hold the food product in position on an insertion axis. Individual sticks are gravity fed through a supply duct which aligns each stick with the insertion axis. A reciprocating rod drives each stick along the insertion axis into the food product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an infra-red detector in which a printed form of lead-out contact pattern is applied to the surface of each infra-red sensitive element. A detector element of infra-red sensitive material is provided having at one major side at least one active surface area defined between spaced contact layers which extend over oppositely located curved edges of the element at said side. The element is adhered via the opposite major side to an insulating substrate having a contact pattern provided thereon. Electrically conductive material is deposited to forming interconnections between the contact layers on the element and adjacently situated end portions of lead-out conductors of the contact pattern.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an electrical harness comprising wires connected to electrical terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors, according to a desired wiring pattern, each terminal comprises a wire connecting portion in the form of a slotted plate formed integrally with a contact portion in the form of an electrical receptacle. The wires are laid out on a wiring layout board with the aid of wire guiding posts to form a desired wiring pattern, with portions of the wires extending through notches in the housings of the connectors. The terminals are then inserted into through openings in the housings so that the wires received in the notches are captured by the slots of the terminals so that electrial connection is made between the terminals and the wires.

Abstract: A system for the connection of flexible electrical circuits to electrical components, particularly gas discharge panels. Flexible circuits are used to carry electrical signals to and/or from various electrical components. In the case of gas discharge panels, the flexible circuits must be carefully and securely held in a fixed position to mate with thick film termination pads from the multiple thin film operating electrodes. The present invention discloses the utilization of a clip member as a major component of a total system for securing such flexible circuits to, as an example, a gas discharge panel.

Abstract: A novel method is described for improving the ohmic contact through a relatively high electrical-resistance oxide film formed on at least one of two materials joined together to provide a low-resistance electrical junction. A current pulse of sufficient magnitude and duration is directed through the junction so that the oxide film breaks down and so that normal operating currents can then pass through the junction between the two materials.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus, a continuous filament coupling element for a slide fastener is formed and an inside surface of one leg portion of a pair of leg portions at each section of the coupling element is deformed to form interlocking means such as a sharp edge, groove, tooth, or the like. An elongated member is biased against the interlocking means to interlock therewith and prevent longitudinal and transverse movement of the elongated member relative to the leg portions. The coupling element is secured to a tape to complete the stringer.

Abstract: A machine for inserting quilting buttons of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,174 includes a male button drive mechanism and a female button drive mechanism in axial alignment with positive and rapid acting button feed means for very rapidly driving a female button part through a pad or the like and driving the male button part into the female button part so as to secure the quilting button in extension through such a pad. The invention is particularly directed to very rapid quilting operations.