Abstract: An air mixer cool plate (100) for dissipating heat from a plurality of heat-generating elements (22) positioned in an air stream (26). The plate is made from a material having a thermal conductivity preferably ranging from 1 to 500 watts/meter-K and is designed to be positioned to contact the top surfaces of the heat-generating elements. The plate includes a plurality of apertures (106, 108) and a plurality of upstanding air deflectors (110). The apertures and deflectors are arranged so that when the plate is supported in predetermined relation to the heat-generating elements and the air stream, the plate will cause the air stream to be deflected so as to flow in intimate contact with the elements, thereby carrying heat away from the elements by convection and conduction.

Abstract: An improved thermal management technique is disclosed for use in semiconductor device packaging utilizing ultrasonic welding to attach aluminum wires of predetermined diameter at one end directly to preselected hot spots on the device and at the other end to thermally conductive package elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved percussive arc welding is disclosed. In this technique a test arc of a voltage no greater than the initiating voltage of the percussive arc welding is first applied across the pieces to be welded. The welding cycle is then performed if, and only if, an arc is detected responsive to the impressing of the test voltage.