Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a prismatic float having a quadrilateral-like cross section including a front plate, for facing incoming waves, a top plate, a bottom plate and a back plate. The front plate is connected at its top edge to the front end of the top plate which is disposed to be generally parallel to the surface of the water and at its bottom edge to the front end of the bottom plate. The plates are interconnected such that the sides of the top and front plates define an acute angle and the sides of the front and bottom plates define an obtuse angle. The back panel is connected between the back end of the top plate and the back end of the bottom plate. The exterior angle between the back panel and the top plate is generally less than 90 degrees. An extension plate may be added to the bottom plate which extends rearward of the float.

Abstract: A wire tensioner for a wire bonding apparatus is provided. The wire tensioner includes a body structure defining a passage for receiving a wire, the passage including an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the wire is configured to extend. The wire tensioner defines (1) an inlet port through which pressurized fluid is received into the wire tensioner, and (2) an exhaust port through which pressurized fluid is exhausted from the wire tensioner. The exhaust port is distinct from the inlet opening or the outlet opening of the body structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated flexure mount scheme for dynamic isolation of ultrasonic transducers for use with a wire bonding machine. The transducer has a body of a generally elongated shape having front, rear, and main portions. The transducer has mounting flanges for mounting the transducer to the wire bonding machine. The mounting flanges have at least two integrated flexures that connect the mounting flange to the main portion of the transducer body and define at least one flexure orifice.

Abstract: A wire bonding tool includes a first cylindrical portion having a first outside diameter and a second cylindrical portion adjacent the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion has a second outside diameter, the second outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter. The wire bonding tool also includes a tapered portion adjacent the second cylindrical portion. The tapered portion has a third outside diameter at an end adjacent the second cylindrical portion, the third outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter.

Abstract: A wire bonding machine is provided which includes a bond head including a wire bonding tool adapted to feed a wire for bonding to bonding locations. The wire bonding machine also includes an electronic flame-off wand configured to heat an end portion of the wire extending through the bonding tool to form a free-air ball for bonding. The electronic flame-off wand is vertically actuatable relative to a support structure of the electronic flame-off wand.