Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying gold contacts to a metal member comprising an ultrasonic welding unit, a welding zone for receiving and superposing the foil element and metal member, a stripping plate disposed in the welding zone between the element and the member having an opening therein for superposing and welding the element and member. The gold foil element is welded to the metal member and the stripping plate separates the unwelded portion of the gold foil from the welded portion to leave the welded portion of the gold foil attached to the metal member.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for applying gold contacts to a metal member by engaging the end of a hard gold wire with the metal member, welding the end of the wire to the member, heating the gold wire to establish a difference in its temper along a boundary in the region of the weld, and breaking away the gold wire along the boundary in the region of the weld. The apparatus comprises a first welding electrode having opposing jaws for receiving a gold wire, the jaws are actuatibly disposed on a yoke member which is pivotally mounted in an opposing relationship with a second welding electrode. The jaws clamp the wire and urge its end against the metal member during electrical welding of the wire end to the member. The opposing jaws are then released and retracted a first distance along the gold wire and then reclamp the wire. The yoke completes its pivotal travel pulling on the wire. The wire is deformed along the temper boundary in the region of the weld and then broken.