Abstract: A method for packaging a semiconductor device (23) to form a semiconductor component (10). A die attach material (17) is disposed on a flange (11). A semiconductor chip (23) is bonded to the die attach material (17). After disposing the die attach material (17) on the flange (11), an insulator material (28) is coupled to the flange (11). A leadframe (32) is coupled to the semiconductor chip (23) via a plurality of wirebonds (36). The wirebonds (36) and the semiconductor chip (23) are protected by a lid (37).

Abstract: A semiconductor package (10) forms an impedance matching capacitor by utilizing an insulator (12), a conductor (19) on the dielectric, and a substrate (11) as elements of the capacitor. The capacitor is electrically connected, as part of an impedance matching network to shunt the inductance of the bonding wires (21) that connect the semiconductor die (18) an input lead (17).

Abstract: A semiconductor device (10) suitable for use in RF applications and a method of forming the semiconductor device (10). An RF transistor die (31) is bonded to a heatsink (21). The heatsink (21) having the semiconductor chip (31) mounted thereto is coupled to a printed circuit board (11), wherein the RF transistor die (31) extends through an opening (14) in the printed circuit board (11). Conductors (18, 19) on the printed circuit board (11) are coupled to the semiconductor chip (31) via wirebonds (35, 36).

Abstract: A microelectronic package comprising a ceramic substrate (22) having a first surface bonded to a metal heat sink (25) and a second surface (30) opposite said first surface and having at least one metallized island (32) bonded to a lead frame (26), wherein the island has a uniform pullback (35) of metallization from the edge (36) of the substrate.

Abstract: The advantage of the theoretically correct Ackerman steering of land vehicles is well documented in the literature. Steering forces, vehicle handling, and tire wear are greatly improved by having correct toe angles of all steerable wheels. Adjustements in the suspension system and steering apparatus at the factory only provide first-order corrections to toe angles. A process for actively adjusting toe angles during operation of the vehicle is disclosed in this invention. Vehicle dynamics measuring devices to sense vehicle motion or position steering devices to measure toe angles are used in this process. Secondary toe angle corrections can be actively provided to account for inherent toe angle changes during maneuvers of the vehicle. An aftermarket apparatus for actively adjusting the toe angle is an embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: An improved high temperature electrochemical cell employing a molten alkali metal anolyte, a solid ceramic electrolyte containing mobile alkali metal ions, and a molten sulfur/selenium catholyte is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive current collector suitable for use in high temperature applications in the presence of corrosive environments comprising: (A) a high strength, noncorrosive electronically conductive ceramic member which serves as the primary load bearing element for said current collector; and (b) a highly electronically conductive metal cladding intimately attached to a substantial portion of ore surface of said ceramic member and adapted to direct current flow through said ceramic member and to shunt said current between said member and an external contact. The disclosed current collectors are ideally suited for use as current collectors and current collector/containers for electrical conversion devices such as the sodium/sulfur battery and the like. Also disclosed are two processes for preparing tantalum or niobium doped rutile titanium dioxide.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical cell comprising an additive-modified molten alkali metal electrode-reactant and/or electrolyte is disclosed. Various electrochemical cells employing a molten alkali metal, e.g., sodium, electrode in contact with a cationically conductive ceramic membrane experience a lower resistance and a lower temperature coefficient of resistance whenever small amounts of selenium are present at the interface of the electrolyte and the molten alkali metal. Further, cells having small amounts of selenium present at the electrolyte-molten metal interface exhibit less degradation of the electrolyte under long term cycling conditions.

Abstract: An energy conversion device comprising an improved sealing member adapted to seal a cation-permeable casing to the remainder of the device. The sealing member comprises a metal substrate which (i) bears a nonconductive and corrosion resistant coating on the major surface to which said casing is sealed, and (ii) is corrugated so as to render it flexible, thereby allowing said member to move relative to said casing without cracking the seal therebetween. Corrugations may be circumferential, radial, or both radial and circumferential so as to form dimples. The corrugated member may be in form of a bellows or in a substantially flat form, such as a disc.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive current collector suitable for use in high temperature applications in the presence of corrosive environments comprising: (A) a high strength, noncorrosive electronically conductive ceramic member which serves as the primary load bearing element for said current collector; and (b) a highly electronically conductive metal cladding intimately attached to a substantial portion of one surface of said ceramic member and adapted to direct current flow through said ceramic member and to shunt said current between said member and an external contact. The disclosed current collectors are ideally suited for use as current collectors and current collector/containers for electrical conversion devices such as the sodium/sulfur battery and the like. Also disclosed are two processes for preparing tantalum or niobium doped rutile titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A circular saucer boat which is adapted to be driven by means of a plurality of water jets through prepositioned pipes leading to openings directed radially in four perpendicular directions. The boat comprises a circular framework which is covered by a thin skin which seals the exposed surface of the boat. A circular opening at the top provides space for occupants. An engine and hydraulic pump are provided for generating a flow of sea water which is discharged from the pump through one or more of four pipes leading to the four openings. There are valves in each of the four lines which can be controlled individually or in combination. Speed control can be by the throttle of the engine, or by control of valves which open the pipes to a greater or lesser flow of water.