Abstract: The present invention eliminates the problems associated with the use of oxygen-free copper and other high-purity copper materials as bonding wires. At least one rare earth element, or at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ti, Zr, Hf, Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, or the combination of at least one rare earth element and at least one elemented selected from the above-specified group is incorporated in high-purity copper as a refining component in an amount of 0.1-100 ppm on a weight basis, and the high-purity copper is subsequently refined by zone melting. The very fine wire drawn from the so refined high-purity copper has the advantage that it can be employed in high-speed ball bonding of a semiconductor chip with a minimum chance of damaging the bonding pad on the chip by the ball forming at the tip of the wire.

Abstract: A printing device for use in a wire dot printer having a plurality of printing wires. The printing device includes a frame and a carriage slideably supported on the frame for lateral translation thereacross. A print head is supported on the carriage and includes a nose portion which supports the plurality of printing wires. First and second holders are disposed on the carriage so that the nose portion is intermediate the first and second holders. A ribbon mask constructed from a resilient material is disposed on the nose portion. The ribbon mask is held in position by engagement with the first and second holders. The carriage includes a projection extending towards the ribbon mask. The ribbon mask is further supported by the projection. In addition, the ribbon mask may include a plurality of projections which extend towards and abut against the nose portion to keep the surface of the ribbon mask spaced from the nose portion to permit travel of an ink ribbon therebetween.

Abstract: A Gazania named Mitsuwa Super Clump having yellow flowers, and characterized by, as compared to known clumping yellow Gazanias, of being much more hardy and vigorous, with longer leaves, taller flowers, and growing more rapidly.

Abstract: A Gazania named Mitsuwa Orange having bright orange flowers which is much easier to propagate as compared to other orange trailing Gazanias, and which is very consistent as to the bright orange color in successive propagations. The foilage is noteworthy for having two characteristics not heretofore found together in any other Gazania; dark green leaves and a full trailing habit.