Abstract: A previously fabricated flat flexible cable (10) includes tears and/or micro-fissures, micro-cuts or other defects or imperfections, depicted by jagged or wavy lines (16), in its edges (18). A multi-fiber tread (20), placed at the cable's edges, is enclosed within, between and/or atop one or more layers of adhesive film (22). A bond material (26) bonds the film layers to themselves at their ends (28), to the cable respectively at its sides (24), and to the thread. The bond material is also bonded to and within the micro-fissures, micro-cuts or other defects for repair thereof. The bond material also bonds thread (20) to portions of the cable adjacent to the tear to prevent further propagation of the tear into the cable.

Abstract: A soldering flux, method for fluxing pieces, and method for joining pieces, wherein hydrofluoric acid or an evaporative organic acid is mixed with an evaporative organic solvent to form the flux. Neither precleaning nor postcleaning of the pieces being joined is necessary. The flux evaporates completely upon heating, leaving no corrosive residue or other product on the surface of the piece. The portion of the piece to be bonded is dipped into the flux and immediately tinned, before soldering.

Abstract: A foam-encapsulated electronic assembly particularly suitable for reworking and repair operations, wherein some of the electronic subassemblies must be removed without damaging them, including a plurality of electronic subassemblies removably inserted into a frame, a release agent interposed between the subassemblies and the frame, and subassembly extraction means attached to the subassemblies prior to encapsulation. Preferably, each subassembly has structural holes such as alignment holes, and a loop of flexible line can be secured through the structural holes and encapsulated within the foam, with a part of the line positioned near or at the surface of the foam so that the line may be located when extraction is desired. The release agent can be a tape or film which prevents the foam from bonding the subassembly to the frame. The assembly also preferably includes foam cutting means between laterally adjacent subassemblies.

Abstract: A component assembly (11) and a tape (21) therefor provide for the nondestructive debonding of components (13, 15) bonded by adhesive (17). A thread or woof (19) meanders through the adhesive. When at least one end (27) of the woof is pulled, the adhesive is destroyed so that the components may be separated without component damage. The meandering thread may be a woof woven through multiple filaments (25) to form the tape.