Abstract: A method of operating an ultrasonic bonding machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) imaging at least one of (i) a semiconductor element supported by a substrate, and (ii) a clamping structure adapted for securing the substrate during a bonding operation; and (b) determining if a relative position of the semiconductor element and the clamping structure is acceptable using predetermined criteria and information from step (a).

Abstract: A wire bonding machine is provided. The wire bonding machine includes: (a) a wire bonding tool; (b) a wire guide for guiding a wire to a position beneath a bonding surface of the wire bonding tool, the wire guide being configured for movement between (i) an engagement position with respect to the wire bonding tool and (ii) a non-engagement position with respect to the wire bonding tool; and a cleaning station for cleaning at least a portion of a tip of the wire bonding tool when the wire guide is in the non-engagement position.

Abstract: A method of operating an ultrasonic bonding machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) imaging at least one of (i) a semiconductor element supported by a substrate, and (ii) a clamping structure adapted for securing the substrate during a bonding operation; and (b) determining if a relative position of the semiconductor element and the clamping structure is acceptable using predetermined criteria and information from step (a).

Abstract: A heater and a method of its use are configured for use at cold operating temperatures. The heater has a supply line for transporting a volume of fuel between a fuel tank and burner. An inline heater is supplied in a supply line for the burner. The heater also has a return line that normally returns unused fuel from the burner to the heater, hence reducing the volume of fuel that needs to be heated by the heater and reducing system power requirements. The heater may be thermostatically controlled to maintain the temperature of the heated fuel to a value that is at or above a temperature required for good fuel atomization but below a flashpoint of the fuel. A valve is provided in the return line to permit diversion of the returned fuel to the fuel tank during a purge operation at initial startup.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.

Abstract: A heater and a method of its use are configured for use at cold operating temperatures. The heater has a supply line for transporting a volume of fuel between a fuel tank and burner. An inline heater is supplied in a supply line for the burner, and preferably is located upstream of a fuel filter for filtering the fuel so as to prevent wax condensation in the filter. The heater also has a return line that normally returns unused fuel from the burner to the heater, hence reducing the volume of fuel that needs to be heated by the heater and reducing system power requirements. The heater may be thermostatically controlled to maintain the temperature of the heated fuel to a value that is at or above a temperature required for good fuel atomization but below a flashpoint of the fuel. A valve is provided in the return line to permit diversion of the returned fuel to the fuel tank during a purge operation at initial startup.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.