Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reflow soldering electronic components, preferably to printed circuit boards, in an inert atmosphere to reduce solder defects and the need for flux or cleaning wherein the inert atmosphere is provided from a source of inert gas through several distribution lines which parallel the conveyor belt of a reflow solder furnace and supply each end of porous sintered metal diffuser tubes situated above the conveyor belt, as well as gas knives situated in baffle compartments at the inlet and outlet of the reflow solder furnace to strip barrier layers of oxygen atmosphere from the electronic components and preclude ingress of oxygen atmosphere into the reflow solder furnace.

Abstract: A multistate precipitation removal tool designed to remove light ice, snow, slush and liquid water from delicate surfaces and to polish frost thereon without harming such surfaces. Materials of appropriate hardness and flexibility over a broad range of temperature have been located and incorporated into a scraping/polishing/squeegeeing tool for use, for example, in the small aircraft industry for preparing aircraft for take-off after precipitation has occurred. Critical in the function of the tool is that it does not damage delicate airfoil or windscreen surfaces while being used for its intended purpose.

Abstract: A multistate aqueous precipitation removal tool designed to remove light ice, snow, slush, and liquid water from delicate aircraft airfoil surfaces, and to polish frost thereon without harming such surfaces. Materials of appropriate hardness and flexibility over a broad range of temperatures have been located and incorporated into a scraping/polishing/squeegeeing/shoveling tool for use in the aircraft industry for preparing aircraft for take-off after precipitation has occurred. When used for snow removal, the tool head is designed so that the snow being pushed ahead of the tool weights the head thereby forcing the scraping blade in closer contact with the surface operated on. This feature improves the efficiency of the instant invention for snow and ice removal while reducing operator fatigue since little downward pressure need be applied to the tool handle.