Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: An interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising a connector frame and an elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) integrally coupled to the connector frame, the ECPI defining a series of spaced conductive columns through its thickness. Also described is a method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: An elastomeric device for electrically interconnecting two or more components, and a method for making the device. The device comprises an elastomeric matrix having one or more outer surfaces, and one or more electrically conductive pathways through the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the electrical pathway contains a material that is an electrically conductive liquid at the elastomeric device's operating temperature.

Abstract: Alignment of a mask, such as a photolithographic mask, to a workpiece, such as a printed circuit board is improved using a frame having sides that are individually thermally expandable. The mask is fabricated to be undersized so that the distance between fiducials on the mask is less than a desired distance, which may be the distance between corresponding fiducials on the workpiece. The mask is mounted on the frame, whereafter at least one side of the frame is heated to expand the side and stretch the mask to achieve the desired interfiducial distance.

Abstract: A method of locating an object which has a straight edge is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the invention orients the object's edge so that it is at an oblique angle to the axis of the coordinate system of the sampling plane of the input device scanning the object. A subset of the pixels associated with the object's edge are identified and used to estimate the location of the object or edge.

Abstract: Phototools are located for processing both sides of printed circuit board panels by an apparatus and process that utilizes a work station with two alignment fixtures each including panel center registration PCR alignment mechanism to locate phototools and panels. Processing steps utilize the alignment fixtures to locate phototools on both sides of a panel. Each of the two phototools is initially positioned on its alignment fixture by the PCR alignment mechanism and secured to its alignment fixture by means of a vacuum supplied by a vacuum chuck which is operative as the top surface of the alignment fixture. The panel is then placed on top of the first phototool and aligned to the first phototool in the first alignment fixture using the PCR alignment mechanism. This first phototool is then affixed to the first side of the panel.

Abstract: A linear bearing slide assembly comprises an outer member, an inner member, a pair of linear bearing mechanisms, a preloading bar and a longitudinal spring. The outer member has a primary channel opening for accepting the inner member, and two secondary channel openings for accepting the linear bearing mechanisms and a preloading assembly. The inner member is located in the primary channel opening of the outer member. The first and second linear bearing mechanisms are located in the secondary channels on opposite sides of the primary channel opening. These linear bearing mechanisms support and guide the inner member as it travels along the primary channel opening in the outer member. Each of the linear bearing mechanisms can be conventionally constructed with either sliding or a plurality of rolling elements between two bearing ways.