Abstract: An apparatus includes a top surface configured to couple to a variable aperture mechanism (VAM), where the top surface has an opening configured to align with an aperture of the VAM. The apparatus also includes a bottom portion configured to couple to a cooled object and a contact portion configured to couple to a strut, where the top surface, bottom portion, and contact portion form a continuous body. The apparatus further includes a plurality of baffles within the continuous body, where each of the baffles has an opening configured to align with the aperture of the VAM. In addition, the apparatus includes a reinforcement ring comprised in or within the continuous body and disposed to be aligned with the strut when the strut is coupled to the continuous body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a top surface configured to couple to a variable aperture mechanism (VAM), where the top surface has an opening configured to align with an aperture of the VAM. The apparatus also includes a bottom portion configured to couple to a cooled object and a contact portion configured to couple to a strut, where the top surface, bottom portion, and contact portion form a continuous body. The apparatus further includes a plurality of baffles within the continuous body, where each of the baffles has an opening configured to align with the aperture of the VAM. In addition, the apparatus includes a reinforcement ring comprised in or within the continuous body and disposed to be aligned with the strut when the strut is coupled to the continuous body.

Abstract: An Infrared Detector Dewar system includes a housing and an infrared detector. The system also includes one or more strut members coupled on a first end to the housing. The system further includes cold shield coupled to the infrared detector and to a second end of the one or more strut members. The cold shield includes a reinforcement ring aligned with the one or more strut members. The cold shield is formed by forming a support member having disc encased by a support ring. The support member is positioned within a mandrel such that the reinforcement ring is disposed to align with a strut position. The cold shield is then formed by electroplating copper over the mandrel and at least a portion of the support member, and then by removing/dissolving all aforementioned mandrels.

Abstract: An Infrared Detector Dewar system includes a housing and an infrared detector. The system also includes one or more strut members coupled on a first end to the housing. The system further includes cold shield coupled to the infrared detector and to a second end of the one or more strut members. The cold shield includes a reinforcement ring aligned with the one or more strut members. The cold shield is formed by forming a support member having disc encased by a support ring. The support member is positioned within a mandrel such that the reinforcement ring is disposed to align with a strut position. The cold shield is then formed by electroplating copper over the mandrel and at least a portion of the support member, and then by removing/dissolving all aforementioned mandrels.

Abstract: A tool (10) for vacuum-holding an object, such as an integrated circuit die (20). The tool includes a body portion (16) having a vacuum outlet (16A) for being coupled to a vacuum source. The body portion is coupled to a plurality of tool leg portions (14A, 14B) each having an edge that defines a mating surface (15) for engaging an edge (20A, 20B) of the object. Each mating surface contains at least one vacuum inlet (12) in fluid communication with the vacuum outlet. In one preferred embodiment there are two leg portions providing two mating surfaces that meet at a corner, where the corner defines a 90 degree angle and corresponds to a corner of the integrated circuit die. A corner relief (15A) may be provided to ensure a good mating seal with the die edges. A gasket (18) can be provided to surround the at least one vacuum inlet for ensuring the quality of the vacuum seal.

Abstract: A deployable structure comprising a support and at least one structural element is provided. The structural element is mechanically attached to the support. The latching mechanism assembly is adapted to containing the structural element in a non-deployed state until it is remotely activated or de-latched.