Abstract: A support structure supporting a movable component is provided with a vibration damper in the form of at least one cavity in the structure, the cavity being filled with a composite material; preferably a composite material of about 80% butyl rubber and 20% carbon particles. The composite material is preferably bonded to the cavity walls by adhesive or mechanically coupled by a texture on the cavity walls. The rubber composite may be first moulded then inserted into the cavity or may be injected into the cavity and moulded by the cavity. The cavities may be provided with a vent to facilitate insertion or injection of the composite material.

Abstract: A transducer is provided that comprises a horn having a longitudinal axis, a bonding tool attached to the horn, and an ultrasonic generator attached to the horn and spaced from the bonding tool along the longitudinal axis of the horn. A flexure is attached to the horn between the bonding tool and the ultrasonic generator for supporting the horn whereby to increase its dynamic rigidity in directions transverse to the longitudinal axis. (FIG.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing excess encapsulation material from unmolded surfaces of a molded substrate including semiconductor packages by utilizing an acid solution. The method comprises the steps of mounting the substrate to a holding device with the unmolded surfaces facing an acid source for supplying an acid solution, contacting the unmolded surfaces with the acid solution for a sufficient time to remove the excess encapsulation material from the unmolded surfaces while substantially avoiding contact with molded surfaces thereof, and thereafter removing the substrate from contact with the acid solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for effectively heating a first die stacked above a second die attached onto a substrate during wire bonding conducted on the first die. A gas outlet positionable adjacent to the first die is configured to project a hot gas onto bond pads of the first die for bringing the bond pads to a desired bonding temperature, thereby rapidly heating the first die for effective wire bonding.

Abstract: A capillary is provided for a wire bonding tool that comprises a holding portion for clamping the capillary, a conical portion at a tip of the capillary for performing bonding and a substantially frustoconical portion located between the holding portion and the conical portion. The sidewalls of the frustoconical portion form an interfacial angle that is smaller than an interfacial angle formed by the sidewalls of the conical portion so as to provide a gentle taper from the holding portion to the conical portion.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus such as an ultrasonic transducer is provided that comprises an oscillation amplification device having a longitudinal axis and a substantially triangular cross-sectional area on a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. An ultrasonic driver is coupled to the oscillation amplification device at a first position along the longitudinal axis and a bonding tool is mounted to the oscillation amplification device at a second position along the longitudinal axis spaced from the first position.

Abstract: An oven is provided for curing or reflowing compounds on objects, such as lead frames or other substrates. The oven comprises a heating chamber, a heating assembly mounted in thermal communication with the heating chamber to provide heat thereto, and a support assembly for supporting the object in the heating chamber for heating. The heating assembly and support assembly are configured to be movable relative to one another for controllably positioning the object at variable distances with respect to the heating assembly. Heating of the object according to a heating profile can thus be achieved by controlled heating of the object at different temperatures by positioning the object at different distances with respect to the heating assembly during the heating process although there is a single heating zone.

Abstract: A transducer horn for holding a tool, such as a capillary, for a wire bonder has a pair of resilient arms which flex to clamp about a tool placed in a passage between the arms. The arms have free distal ends between which a wedge is inserted to open the passage to allow the tool to be inserted into, or removed from, the tool holder. The arms may be covered by protective walls, in which case an end wall is provided with an aperture to allow the wedge to access a slot between the arms.

Abstract: A transducer horn for holding a tool, such as a capillary, for a wire bonder has a pair of resilient arms which flex to clamp about a tool placed in a passage between the arms. The arms have free distal ends between which a wedge is inserted to open the passage to allow the tool to be inserted into, or removed from, the tool holder. The arms may be covered by protective walls, in which case an end wall is provided with an aperture to allow the wedge to access a slot between the arms.

Abstract: A support structure supporting a movable component is provided with a vibration damper in the form of at least one cavity in the structure, the cavity being filled with a composite material; preferably a composite material of about 80% butyl rubber and 20% carbon particles. The composite material is preferably bonded to the cavity walls by adhesive or mechanically coupled by a texture on the cavity walls. The rubber composite may be first moulded then inserted into the cavity or may be injected into the cavity and moulded by the cavity. The cavities may be provided with a vent to facilitate insertion or injection of the composite material.

Abstract: A mold has two mold halves (6, 7). One of the mold halves (6) includes a contact section (8) which is adapted to contact a surface (5) of a semiconductor chip (1) mounted in the mold, in use.