Abstract: A worktable that can be used to support a substrate while forming a hole therein. The worktable may include one or more actuators that stretch the substrate. The worktable may also have a control unit that is connected to the actuators and strain gauges that sense the strain in the substrate. The control unit, actuators and strain gauges may provide a closed loop control system for tensioning the substrate. The center portion of the substrate may be supported by wires that extend across an opening in the worktable. The opening eliminates a backing surface that may interfere with a laser hold forming process.

Abstract: A worktable that can be used to support a substrate while forming a hole therein. The worktable may include one or more actuators that stretch the substrate. The worktable may also have a control unit that is connected to the actuators and strain gauges that sense the strain in the substrate. The control unit, actuators and strain gauges may provide a closed loop control system for tensioning the substrate. The center portion of the substrate may be supported by wires that extend across an opening in the worktable. The opening eliminates a backing surface that may interfere with a laser hold forming process.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck with a conductive circuit embedded.onto it's surface wherein the chuck provides a reliable conductive path for electrical testing as well as reliable and uniform mechanical support over the entire area of a flexible panel to be tested. In one possible form, the chuck comprises an air permeable fine grain porous alumina ceramic module having a surface coated with conductive material wherein the coating is thin enough that it does not prevent air from passing through the conductive material or the ceramic module. The conductive material may also be etched or otherwise formed into a conductive pattern to facilitate testing of a panel.

Abstract: An automated tool that can handle a sheet. The tool may include a flexible membrane that is attached to a frame. The flexible membrane may include a vacuum opening that is adapted to pull the sheet into the membrane. The vacuum opening may pull the outer edges of the sheet out of a tray when the membrane is deflected to a flat position. The tool may then move away from the tray wherein the outer edges of the membrane and sheet are pulled from an adjacent sheet. This effectively “peels” the sheet out of the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that precisely controls the amount of liquid dispensed from dispensing apparatus onto an article. The present invention controls the weight of the dispensed liquid by using a force transducer that precisely weighs the article and dispensed liquid during the dispensing process. This weight value is input to a computer controller of an automatic dispenser that embodies a computer program that controls a liquid dispensing pump. Liquid is dispensed until the desired weight of liquid that is to be dispensed is reached, defined by an upper limit in the program. The flow of dispensed liquid is reduced when the weight limit is approached, and is stopped when the weight limit is reached. Thus, in the present invention, the weight (or volume) of the dispensed liquid is controlled in real time during the dispensing process. Closed loop control of the dispensing pump using liquid weight as the controlling variable improves the volumetric accuracy and repeatability of the dispensing process.

Abstract: A container for transporting, storing, and handling sensitive items has a housing within which at least one sensitive item is stowable, and a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of separate parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring system records and provides data regarding the parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring systems preferably utilizes such sensors as a vibration sensor, a shock sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an unauthorized opening sensor, and/or an attitude sensor.

Abstract: A process for forming a keeper bar upon TAB tape leads for maintaining position of the leads during excise and form operations, integrated circuit placement, and lead bonding, utilizes the steps of immersing TAB tape into a bath of ultraviolet curable resin; directing ultraviolet radiation onto the TAB tape at location(s) where keeper bars are desired, so as to cure the resin to define the keeper bars; washing away uncured resin; and drying the TAB tape.