Abstract: In a system for determining the relative position of a first object with respect to a second object, electrical detection of registration is achieved. This registration can be used during the manufacture of printed circuit boards or discrete wiring boards to determine the registration between layers of wiring, or between wiring layers and printed circuit layers. The system introduces an a.c. current at a suitable frequency into at least one first conductive pattern wired or etched or otherwise provided near the perimeter of a printed or wired first layer of a circuit board panel. The panel having the first pattern is moved relative to similarly wired second conductive patterns on a second layer or base plate, mounting table, etc., to which detection circuits are connected. Voltage induced in the second patterns is detected and indicates the positional relationship between the first and second conductive patterns and, hence, objects associated with such patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection circuit boards and processes for making and modifying interconnection circuit boards wherein adhesive is applied to a wire used in scribing a conductor pattern. The adhesive is activated to a tacky state during the wire scribing operation which forms the conductor pattern, and can thereafter be cured to permanently bond the conductors to the board surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using laser energy for bonding and stripping conductors during the scribing operation. The method provides and directs discrete laser beam pulses of substantially the same energy content at a rate which continuously varies as the conductor feed rate continuously varies to provide a constant number of discrete pulses for each incremental length of conductor being scribed.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection circuit boards and processes for making and modifying interconnection circuit boards wherein adhesive is applied to a wire used in scribing a conductor pattern. The adhesive is activated to a tacky state during the wire scribing operation which forms the conductor pattern, and can thereafter be cured to permanently bond the conductors to the board surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for making circuit boards in which insulated conductors are applied and bonded to a nonconductive surface to form a conductive path between contact points thereon in a predetermined precise pattern.

Abstract: In a positioning guide for an ultrasonic stylus disposed in a scribing head, a hub surrounds the stylus and is secured to the stylus near its working tip. A surrounding retainer is secured to the housing of the moveable scribing head. Radial spokes secure the hub to the surrounding retainer, thereby providing a high degree of lateral rigidity and longitudinal compliance for the working tip of the stylus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing circuit boards using two or a small number of probes for making resistive and radio frequency impedance measurements e.g. capacitive measurements. The combination of resistive and impedance measurements substantially reduces the number of tests required to verify the integrity of a circuit board. The impedance or capacitive "norm" values used in testing the circuit boards can be obtained by operating the system in a learning mode. Analysis of the data provides not only fault detection but also can indicate approximate fault location.

Abstract: A system for rapidly soldering wire to terminal pads of a printed circuit board. A soldering tool is heated to a high temperature above 1000 degrees F., and preferably between 1600 to 2000 degrees F., and has a predetermined effective mass for holding a quantum of heat just sufficient to make an effective solder joint over a broad range of terminal pad conditions.

Abstract: A multi-wire electrical interconnecting circuit member having a multi-wire matrix of insulated wires mechanically terminated on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member. Wire retaining members positioned on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member terminate the wires and establish a gas-tight electrical connection therewith. Each of the wire retaining members includes means for engaging a wire with sufficient force to penetrate any insulation thereon and establish and maintain a gas-tight electrical connection with the conductive core of the wire.

Abstract: Coupling of the end portion of a continuous conductive filament to an element mountable at a work station is attained in accordance with the method and apparatus of the instant invention by emplacing the conductive filament from a feed means so that the end portion of the conductive filament is congruent with a predetermined geometric location, and arranging the feed means relative to the work station so that the geometric locus defined by the position of the emplaced conductive filament is predetermined and repeatable. Advantageously, the continuous conductive filament may be emplaced by pushing or pulling. The end portion is thereafter joined to a predetermined terminal area on an element which is coextensive with the predetermined geometric location. Preferably, the conductive filament is subsequently joined to a second terminal area then cut or broken to form a permanent or temporary package.

Abstract: A multi-wire electrical interconnecting circuit member having a multi-wire matrix of insulated wires mechanically terminated on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member. Wire retaining members positioned on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member terminate the wires and establish a gas-tight electrical connection therewith. Each of the wire retaining members includes means for engaging a wire with sufficient force to penetrate any insulation thereon and establish and maintain a gas-tight electrical connection with the conductive core of the wire.

Abstract: A multi-wire electrical interconnecting circuit member having a multi-wire matrix of insulated wires mechanically terminated on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member. Wire retaining members positioned on the multi-wire electrical interconnecting member terminate the wires and establish a gas-tight electrical connection therewith. Each of the wire retaining members includes means for engaging a wire with sufficient force to penetrate any insulation thereon and establish and maintain a gas-tight electrical connection with the conductive core of the wire.

Abstract: A motor drive system including a direct-current motor arranged in tandem with a stepping motor. The stepping motor is energized by conventional means. The direct-current motor is energized by a constant-current drive means, which is responsive to signals from magnitude and direction sensing means. The direct-current motor and stepping motor coact to provide a controlled mechanical output.