Abstract: Disclosed is a flex die punching apparatus for forming an aperture in at least one sheet of material. There is a flexible, extrudable platen which, upon exertion of a force against it, extrudes at least a portion of at least one sheet of material through an aperture of a die. The flexible, extrudable platen may have a punch feature, corresponding to the shape and position of the die aperture, which assists in the extruding of the flexible, extrudable platen through the die aperture and also in the formation of the aperture in the sheet of material. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be a second die wherein the at least one sheet of material is placed between the first and second dies to form the aperture in the sheet of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately positioning and retaining at least one component, comprising a substantially rigid frame comprising a side having at least one opening therein that is larger in size than the component, a layer of compliant material attached to the side of the frame and having at least one opening therein, the frame opening and the layer opening cooperating to define a component receiving opening sized for receiving the component, said component receiving opening having an inner sidewall having at least a portion thereof consisting of compliant material, the compliant material being in substantially uniform contact with the side of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately positioning and retaining at least one component, comprising a substantially rigid frame comprising a side having at least one opening therein that is larger in size than the component, a layer of compliant material attached to the side of the frame and having at least one opening therein, the frame opening and the layer opening cooperating to define a component receiving opening sized for receiving the component, said component receiving opening having an inner sidewall having at least a portion thereof consisting of compliant material, the compliant material being in substantially uniform contact with the side of the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flex die punching apparatus for forming an aperture in at least one sheet of material. There is a flexible, extrudable platen which, upon exertion of a force against it, extrudes at least a portion of at least one sheet of material through an aperture of a die. The flexible, extrudable platen may have a punch feature, corresponding to the shape and position of the die aperture, which assists in the extruding of the flexible, extrudable platen through the die aperture and also in the formation of the aperture in the sheet of material. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be a second die wherein the at least one sheet of material is placed between the first and second dies to form the aperture in the sheet of material.

Abstract: Dimpling of a workpiece by rebounding of a magnetic repulsion punch mechanism, when operated at high punching rates, is avoided by application of a damping pulse at a point at or subsequent to a mid-point of a return stroke of the punch from the workpiece and preferably within the last 10% of the return stroke. This damping pulse is preferably a fraction of the pulse width and of approximately the same amplitude as a driving pulse applying kinetic energy to the punch for causing punching of the workpiece. At high punching rates the kinetic energy of the return portion of a punching stroke is substantially determined by elastic rebounding of the punch from a guide bushing. The removal of kinetic energy during the return portion of the stroke allows the return of the punch to a position close to a rest position during a very short interval with small overshoot under control of mechanical damping.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for screening using electrostatic adhesion. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus that uses an electrostatic charge during the screening process for a semiconductor substrate. Basically, a backing layer is adhered to a green ceramic sheet using an electrostatic charge, while the green ceramic sheet is processed.

Abstract: Forming a green multi-layer component with an embedded pattern of barrier material, which may be in the form of a positive pattern to form a recessed area or in the form of a negative pattern to form raised areas on the component. Peripheral channels are machined into the green laminate surface to outline each negative or positive pattern feature, the channels being cut deep and wide enough to contact and overlap the edges of the barrier material. The layer of barrier material and the overlying layer(s) of ceramic material are separated from the remainder of the component to produce a non-planar part having raised areas in the case of a negative pattern of barrier material or a part having recessed areas in the case of a positive pattern of barrier material. An apparatus and process to control the machining depth of cut using both AC and DC sensing techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: A burnisher for disassociating undesirable material from a work piece includes a wire and a burnishing medium operably associated with the wire. The flexibility of the burnisher permits forces to be generated to disassociate the burnishing medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for screening using porous backing material. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus that uses a porous backing material which is adhered to a green sheet during the screening process. Basically, a backing layer having a very high porosity is adhered to a green sheet, while the green sheet is screened. During the drying process of the green sheet some of the screening fluids are absorbed by the porous backing layer, which allows the screened vias of the green sheet to have a smooth surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and a method for non-destructive inspection and/or measurement. And, more particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus that has a flexible foil or membrane secured thereto which conforms to the surface of the part that is being inspected and/or measured in a nondestructive manner using differential pressure.

Abstract: Dimpling of a workpiece by rebounding of a magnetic repulsion punch mechanism, when operated at high punching rates, is avoided by application of a damping pulse at a point at or subsequent to a mid-point of a return stroke of the punch from the workpiece and preferably within the last 10% of the return stroke. This damping pulse is preferably a fraction of the pulse width and of approximately the same amplitude as a driving pulse applying kinetic energy to the punch for causing punching of the workpiece. At high punching rates the kinetic energy of the return portion of a punching stroke is substantially determined by elastic rebounding of the punch from a guide bushing. The removal of kinetic energy during the return portion of the stroke allows the return of the punch to a position close to a rest position during a very short interval with small overshoot under control of mechanical damping.

Abstract: An extendible, retractable pouring spout is provided affixed to the upper portion of an enclosed container. The spout has a discharge orifice at its distal end and a discharge orifice sealing means, such as a cap. The pouring spout can be extended or retracted in an accordion type manner, in order to provide a directable, adjustable, funnel-like fluid discharge means from the container which can be directed into various directions and utilized in various orientations. The user is able to directionally pour the contents of the container with all the advantages of utilizing a funnel, without the necessity of utilizing an additional funnel.

Abstract: Forming a green multi-layer component with an embedded pattern of barrier material, which may be in the form of a positive pattern to form a recessed area or in the form of a negative pattern to form raised areas on the component. Peripheral channels are machined into the green laminate surface to outline each negative or positive pattern feature, the channels being cut deep and wide enough to contact and overlap the edges of the barrier material. The layer of barrier material and the overlying layer(s) of ceramic material are separated from the remainder of the component to produce a non-planar part having raised areas in the case of a negative pattern of barrier material or a part having recessed areas in the case of a positive pattern of barrier material. An apparatus and process to control the machining depth of cut using both AC and DC sensing techniques is disclosed.