Abstract: A method for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. An apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. The apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing a mask, which was derived using two-dimensional design tools, for imparting circuit designs directly on a three-dimensional surface. The method for creating the mask includes the steps of creating a two dimensional design with at least one element, establishing a location coordinate for the element using a two-dimensional coordinate system, converting the location coordinate for the element into a spacial coordinate for the element using a three-dimensional spacial coordinate system, converting the spacial coordinate for the element into a positional coordinate, and generating the mask using the positional coordinate. The apparatus for implementing three-dimensional designs using a mask, which is generated from a two-dimensional design, includes a light source and an elliptical mirror. The elliptical mirror has two focal points so that the elliptical mirror can focus a beam of light onto the three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating fluid from a device such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit. To this end, one embodiment provides a first area for receiving the device, a reducing area registering with the first area, a first passage centered in the reducing area, and a second passage adjacent the first passage. The pressure inside the first area is greater than the pressure inside the reducing area. Also, the pressure inside the first passage is greater than the pressure inside the second passage. The device moves through the first area and into the reducing area. Once in the reducing area, the device is inclined to enter the first passage while at least part of the fluid is inclined to enter the second passage. As a result, the fluid is thereby separated from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting and interconnecting spherical ICs. The apparatus includes an enclosure which is used to hold and secure one or more spherical ICs or to connect to a device such as a printed circuit board. The enclosure includes two groups of electrical contact points. These contact points may be solder bumps, pads, leads, or any other type of connector. One group of contact points on the enclosure aligns and connects with a corresponding set of contact points on the first spherical shaped IC and the other group of contact points on the enclosure aligns and connects with a corresponding set of contact points on the other device. The two groups of enclosure contact points are interconnected with each other through a circuit located inside the enclosure. As a result, alignment is no longer required by the contact points on the spherical shaped IC and the other device.