Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing and attaching solder balls to a substrate having conductive pads in a predetermined pattern is disclosed. The substrate is placed on a carrier plate. An alignment plate having holes corresponding to the predetermined pattern is mated to the carrier plate with its holes aligned with the predetermine pattern on the substrate. Solder balls are loaded into each hole of the alignment plate. The solder balls may be loaded with a vacuum plate which uses vacuum to pick up solder balls in the predetermined pattern and place them over the holes on the alignment plate. The vacuum is released for dropping the balls in the holes of the alignment plate. Alternatively a shutter plate having holes corresponding to the holes on the alignment plate is fitted on the alignment plate and afforded slidable movement between an offset position and an aligned position. A ball is loaded in each hole in the shutter plate when it is in its offset position.

Abstract: An elongate flexible clamp mechanism defines first and second ends and is capable of assume a substantially flat configuration and is capable of being positioned in encircling relation about a cylindrical object such as a pipe. A pair of elongate flexible members such as wire cables, chains or pivotally interconnected rigid members support a plurality of substantially rigid clamping members in spaced relation along the lengths of said elongate flexible members. The clamping members are each provided with jack screws for force applying engagement with the pipe to enable alignment of adjacent pipe sections and to correct minor irregularities in pipe roundness so that adjacent pipe sections can be efficiently welded. The elongate flexible clamp mechanism is provided with first and second latch connector elements which are interconnected when the clamp mechanism is located in encircling relation about the pipe.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes at least one tube having an internal surface and an external surface, a composition cladding having at least lithium and magnesium applied to either one of the internal surface and external surface of the tube, and at least one component disposed adjacent the composition cladding, whereby the tube and component are joined together during a controlled atmosphere brazing process.

Abstract: A bonding tool for use with an ultrasonic horn comprising an orifice at a first end of the ultrasonic horn and a capillary having a first tapered end coupled, the first tapered end to the orifice of the ultrasonic horn.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a first area array component to a substrate with a joining material. The apparatus has a nozzle directing heat toward both the first area array component and the portion of the substrate beneath the first area array component to melt the joining material. An elastic seal contacts the substrate and prevents the heat from affecting other components adjacent the first area array component. The nozzle is pressed against the substrate to restrain warping of the substrate, which might be caused by the heating of the first area array component, and to prevent damage to the substrate. The nozzle can tilt so that it conforms to the surface of the substrate. The first area array component is allowed to move freely in the direction of a plane of the substrate under the surface tension of the molten joining material during heating to center the first area array component.

Abstract: A wire bonding method for bonding a first bonding point and then a second bonding point by bonding wire that passes through a capillary including a reverse operation that moves the capillary in a direction opposite from a second bonding point after the bonding is done to the first bonding point, a damper is closed temporarily during the reverse operation so as to apply tension to the wire, thus forming a strong kink at an uppermost point of the neck height portion of a resulting wire loop between the first and second bonding points.