Abstract: Screening of a workpiece utilizing a screening apparatus which includes a paste dispensing apparatus and a trailing squeegee assembly in close proximity to the paste dispensing apparatus. When the screening apparatus is operable, the squeegee assembly is in contact with the workpiece at the same time as a paste is dispensed from the paste dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for displacing an article using first and second pallets for holding and transporting an article between two process stations and an H-bar assembly for receiving the first and second pallets, the method including the steps of: receiving the first and second pallets and articles thereon by the H-bar assembly at one of the two process stations; performing a first process on the articles while received by the H-bar assembly; moving the first and second pallets and articles thereon to a second process station; and performing a second process on the articles while at the second process station.

Abstract: Screening of a workpiece utilizing a screening apparatus which includes a paste dispensing apparatus and a trailing squeegee assembly in close proximity to the paste dispensing apparatus. When the screening apparatus is operable, the squeegee assembly is in contact with the workpiece at the same time as a paste is dispensed from the paste dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing an article including first and second pallets for holding and transporting an article between two process stations; an H-bar assembly for receiving the first and second pallets at one of the two process stations; wherein, in operation, a process is performed on the articles while the first and second pallets are received by the H-bar assembly, the pallets then being transported to the second process station where a second process is performed on the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing an article including first and second pallets for holding and transporting an article between two process stations; an H-bar assembly for receiving the first and second pallets at one of the two process stations; wherein, in operation, a process is performed on the articles while the first and second pallets are received by the H-bar assembly, the pallets then being transported to the second process station where a second process is performed on the articles.

Abstract: A method for displacing an article using first and second pallets for holding and transporting an article between two process stations and an H-bar assembly for receiving the first and second pallets, the method including the steps of: receiving the first and second pallets and articles thereon by the H-bar assembly at one of the two process stations; performing a first process on the articles while received by the H-bar assembly; moving the first and second pallets and articles thereon to a second process station; and performing a second process on the articles while at the second process station.

Abstract: The present invention is a workpiece support apparatus and method of making of using the same. A holding fixture frame supports the workpiece about the perimeter and also locates the workpiece. A series of support wires keep the workpiece from sagging inside the holding fixture frame. The support wires provide support while allowing top and bottom access to the workpiece. The workpiece remains flat at the point of the machining operation.

Abstract: A method and structure for personalizing a multi-layer substrate structure includes supplying a generic layer having electrical features and altering the electrical features to produce a personalized layer of the multi-layer substrate.

Abstract: A method and structure for personalizing a multi-layer substrate structure includes supplying a generic layer having electrical features and altering the electrical features to produce a personalized layer of the multi-layer substrate.

Abstract: A punched slug removal system for punching a slug from a workpiece and removing the punched slug. The system includes a punch having a reciprocating travel path with a transition point where the punch changes direction. A die plate has an aperture into which a die bushing may be disposed. The die bushing provides support for the workpiece and has an opening through which the punch and a slug pass. A manifold supports the die plate and (if present) the die bushing and has a distribution channel and an orifice which direct a gas flow onto a slug attached to the punch in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating travel path of the punch to remove the slug from the punch. The distribution channel is tapered to increase the velocity of the gas flow. The orifice is positioned at the top of the manifold adjacent the transition point of the reciprocating travel path of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention is a workpiece support apparatus and method of making of using the same. A holding fixture frame supports the workpiece about the perimeter and also locates the workpiece. A series of support wires keep the workpiece from sagging inside the holding fixture frame. The support wires provide support while allowing top and bottom access to the workpiece. The workpiece remains flat at the point of the machining operation.

Abstract: Conductive vias in integrated circuit ceramic greensheets are formed with essentially flat exposed surfaces by applying an adherent in situ mask material to the greensheet prior to punching via openings therethrough. The in situ mask material then serves to permit the application of a second overprint conductive paste after the original conductive paste has filled the via opening and formed a depression upon hardening. The second overprint paste fills the depression and leaves an essentially flat top surface. When the in-situ mask material is removed, a slight protuberance of conductive paste remains in a plane vacated by the in-situ mask material (with or without the second conductive paste application). In one form of the invention, this protuberance is compressed back so that it is essentially level with the surrounding ceramic greensheet by the application of pressure thereto, either by a platen or by an adjoining greensheet lamina.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity at least two test objects, each object is made of a plastically deformable material, by a. contacting a moving means with the objects at a first point in time, the moving means at a first position and the objects at a first position, the moving means having a shaped portion; b. shifting at least a portion of the objects to a second position at a second time, subsequent to the first time, wherein at least a portion of the objects were displaced during the interval between the first time and the second time; c. evaluating the objects after the shifting in step b. 22.

Abstract: A punched slug removal system for punching a slug from a workpiece and removing the punched slug. The system includes a punch having a reciprocating travel path with a transition point where the punch changes direction. A die plate has an aperture into which a die bushing may be disposed. The die bushing provides support for the workpiece and has an opening through which the punch and a slug pass. A manifold supports the die plate and (if present) the die bushing and has a distribution channel and an orifice which direct a gas flow onto a slug attached to the punch in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating travel path of the punch to remove the slug from the punch. The distribution channel is tapered to increase the velocity of the gas flow. The orifice is positioned at the top of the manifold adjacent the transition point of the reciprocating travel path of the punch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for vacuum screen printing a greensheet having vias and both vias and open areas whereby vacuum leakage in the apparatus is minimized and avoids bowing of the screen over the open area of the greensheet. An interposer apparatus is provided comprising at least two layers having vertical through openings in registration with the via openings of the greensheet and screen. The interposer also comprises vertical through openings communicating with the open area of the greensheet and with vent channels of the interposer. A porous membrane is also used either alone or in conjunction with the interposer to provide enhanced screening results.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for screening using electrostatic adhesion. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus that uses an electrostatic charge during the screening process for a semiconductor substrate. Basically, a backing layer is adhered to a green ceramic sheet using an electrostatic charge, while the green ceramic sheet is processed.