Abstract: An advanced parallel seam-sealing system which includes a control console, computer deck, electronic keyboard and welding robot for automatically sealing electronic and other component packages. The welding robot is designed to have seven (7) degrees of motion. Parallel arms having roller electrodes move independent of each other in horizontal and rotational directions to continuously operate on a package or matrix of packages which are supported on a rotary table that has vertical, longitudinal and rotary motion.Six of the motions are driven through computer programmed commands and the vertical rotary table motion is electromechanically controlled and represents the seventh degree of motion. The multiple degrees of freedom allow the system to be used for sealing of multiple arrays of packages by this parallel seam-sealing technique, in a reliable, precise and fast operation.

Abstract: A nonbursting ferrofluid seal apparatus and system which comprises an annular permanent magnet and annular first and second pole pieces, one end of the pole pieces defining a single-stage ferrofluid seal under one end of one pole piece and a multiple-stage ferrofluid seal under the one end of the other pole piece with the surface of the shaft element with which the seal is employed, the first and second pole pieces and the magnet defining therebetween an interstage volume between the single-stage ferrofluid seal and the multiple-stage ferrofluid seal, and conduit means extending into the interstage volume, and means to maintain a desired pressure in the stage volume, to maintain the first-stage ferrofluid seal in a stable, nonbursting condition, when the seal apparatus is employed between high- and low-pressure environments.