Abstract: A washing machine includes a rotatable tub in which an agitator is disposed. A tub shaft connected to the rotatable tub is mounted on a base for rotation. A clutch is mounted on the tub shaft to be reciprocally moved so that the clutch engages a clutch engagement hole of the base and an engagement protrusion of a motor rotor alternately. An operation lever mounted on the base is operated so that the clutch is reciprocally moved. The bottom of the base includes a region of rotational locus of the clutch. The region is flat except for the clutch engagement hole so that the clutch is prevented from engaging a portion other than the clutch engagement hole. A reed switch is mounted on the base to be turned on when detecting engagement of the clutch with the clutch engagement hole. A control device proceeds from a dehydration stage to a next stage only when the reed switch is turned on.

Abstract: A wash tank adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium has a body member having a front opening formed therein, the body member having side walls and a back wall opposite the front opening. The side walls terminate in a front body member edge portion that defines the front opening. The edge portion serves in the sealing mechanism, as discussed below. A substantially cylindrical basket is disposed within the body member for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The basket has a front opening formed therein, and has a side wall and a back wall opposite the front opening. The basket side wall terminates in a front basket edge portion defining the basket front opening. The said basket edge portion is spaced forward from the body member edge portion when the basket is positioned in the body member, serving to prevent loose garments or materials placed within the basket from becoming caught in the seal and interfering with seal integrity.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load-bearing members having an upper portion, a lower portion and a web located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the primary load-bearing member having a plurality of spaced-apart, generally rectangular-shaped openings in the web, the openings in each of the primary load-bearing members being aligned with the openings in adjacent primary load-bearing members. A plurality of secondary and tertiary load bearing members are provided.

Abstract: Bumpers and assemblies for swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. Such assemblies may include contoured frames to which flexible fins are attached to facilitate deflection of cleaners when obstacles are encountered. Side wings connecting the frame to the body of a cleaner may additionally be employed as part of the assemblies, as may a weight moveable about two axes. In use, the side wings both promote cleaner deflection and reduce body wear that otherwise would occur. The non-stationary weight permits continuous rebalancing of the cleaner depending on its location and orientation within a pool.

Abstract: A tubular applicator handle having an applicator integrally formed on either end. The applicable integrally formed on either end may be a brush, foam pad, fuzzy ball or other similar or equivalent applicator, for applying a liquid, paste or powder. The applicator handle may or may not have a scribe or score line intermediate either end. The applicator handle may be broken along the score or scribe line forming two separate independent applicators. This greatly reduces waste and provides increased convenience to the user who can either use the double ended applicator or, if desired, two separate single ended applicators. A bendable portion is provided adjacent each applicator so that the angle of the applicator may be changed as desired. The present invention has particular adaptability in the dental field for applying dental materials, but may be valuable in other fields, such as electronics.

Abstract: An ansate cleaning implement includes a base having front and rear faces with the front face including a socket of reduced thickness which receives a replaceable scrubber element. The scrubber element includes a support plate carrying bristles, a scrub pad or other cleansing medium. The socket is peripherally defined by a circumscribing boundary wall. A plurality of screws extend through transverse apertures in the base and into a support plate of the scrubber element to releasable retain scrubber element so that it may be removed for cleaning in a dishwasher, etc., replacement or substitution with an element having a different cleansing medium.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a brush portion and a handle portion. The brush portion has an elongated portion having brush bristles extending laterally from one end thereof. The handle portion has a top cap which is mounted to the other end of the elongated portion opposite the brush bristles and a base cap positioned opposite the top cap. A spine extends between the base cap and the top cap. A sack is mounted on the spine between the base cap and the top cap, the sack being a readily deformable material. The width of the handle portion decreases from the top cap to the base cap.

Abstract: A broom hub is provided for use as a component in the manufacture of brooms which includes a wire retention mechanism. Generally, brooms include a handle, a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, and a wire wrapped around the bristles to secure the bristles to the handle. Specifically, the broom hub of this invention includes a sleeve for receiving the handle and a wire retention mechanism disposed on a sleeve. Preferably, the wire retention mechanism is configured to grasp the wire. Accordingly, the bristles are secured to the handle between the broom hub and the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and polishing products, including fruits and vegetables, in which the product is placed in a specially constructed cleaning bag and oscillated. The rolling motion of the product cleans and polishes the surfaces of the product. The bag has a lining especially selected for the purpose and is designed for occasional replacement of the lining or temporary removal for cleaning purposes. In one embodiment, the bag features an elastic section that accommodates various sizes of loads.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper defroster system where the buildup of ice and snow is prevented/removed. Hot air from the vehicle heating system is pressurized and delivered to a chamber formed around the wiper support structure which pressurizes the same. The hot air is thus forced out of holes in the chamber and over the wiper blade. This system utilizes pressurized hot air to maintain a wiper blade free from ice and snow thereby maximizing visibility and safety.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump impeller which is located in the tank and draws liquid material from the bottom of the tank and expels it from the tank. The vacuum cleaner may have an electrical or mechanical shut-off apparatus which turns off the electric motor if the water level in the tank is too high. The shut-off switch may be bypassed by a user to allow the motor to continue driving the pump impeller to remove liquid from the tank.

Abstract: A portable vacuum system adapted to be worn on the back of an operator for collecting dust and debris generated during use of an air powered tool such as a grinder or a sander. The portable vacuum system is powered by the same pressurized air source used to power the tool, thus eliminating the need to tether the operator to additional hoses. The portable vacuum system comprises a collection bag assembly that has mounted thereto a venturi device which generates a vacuum pressure from a pressurized air supply. A vacuum hose is connected between the vacuum inlet to the venturi device and the power tool. A fluid manifold directs pressurized air through first and second on/off valves to the venturi device and the power tool to provide the operator with the ability to separately control the supply of pressurized air to each device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning and rejuvenating septic tank sewage systems. Where the septic tank has a drainfield associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral, and agitating the area near the drainfield lateral while simultaneously applying suction to the drainfield lateral. Accumulated scum and waste is thereby removed from the drainfield lateral. Where the septic tank system has a dry well associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the bottom of the dry well and agitating the area underneath the dry well to form accumulated scum and waste into a froth or malt at the bottom of the dry well, and removing the froth or malt by suction. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a penetrating nozzle attached to an articulated boom assembly for penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral or underneath a dry well to apply forced air or fluid or suction to agitate the area near the drainfield lateral or underneath the dry well.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a tank mounted on the frame, swing arms pivotally secured to the frame, drying units secured to a pair of swing arms for removing the liquid from a surface, roller assemblies rotatably secured to a pair of swing arms for forcing the liquid on the surface toward the drying unit. Each of the drying units and the roller assemblies define a collection region for collecting the liquid and the apparatus includes a means for generating air flow that is secured to the frame for removing liquid from the collection region.

Abstract: A web vac including a rechargeable support member that has a bottom side with a pair of rectangular female electrical sockets recessed within the body member. The support member has a top side with a first extension wand extending outwardly. The first extension wand has a first wand end with a pair of cylindrical female electrical sockets recessed therein and a pair of projections spaced from the first wand end. Included is a housing member. The housing member has a rotatable separation means having an intake opening for reception of particles. A motor is positioned within the housing member for creating a vacuum to draw air and particles into the intake opening. The housing member has a second wand extension projecting outwardly from the proximal end. The second wand extension has a second wand end with an F-slot for engaging the pair of projections of the support member. The first wand and the second wand, when coupled, provide electrical current to the motor.

Abstract: A handle which can be permanently attached to a separate blow-molded plastic container. The handle has a contoured portion which comfortably confronts the palm and fingers of a hand of a person lifting the container. The handle is lightweight, injection molded in simple molds, and stackable in a uniform manner so that a stack of the handles can be efficiently stored, transported, and readily machine fed to automated handle-to-bottle attachment equipment. The handle may also be made from recycled plastic for food application.

Abstract: An adjustable cabinet hinge for providing positional adjustment of a cabinet door relative to a cabinet frame is disclosed. The cabinet hinge includes a door wing to be mounted on a cabinet door, a frame wing to be mounted on a cabinet frame, a hinge arm that interconnects the frame wing and the door wing, and an adjustment screw, having a head and a shaft, that connects the frame wing to the hinge arm. The frame wing includes a slot and a first engagement area adjacent the slot. The slot has a width greater than the diameter of the head of the adjustment screw and the hinge arm includes a second engagement area to engage with the first engagement area on the frame wing. The hinge arm is rotatably connected to the door wing, and the hinge arm has a threaded aperture for engagement with the adjustment screw.

Abstract: A barbecue tool device comprises a handle with a lateral orifice for engagingly receiving a locking device and one or more tool metal heads having a shank slidable movable in the handle. The shanks of tool metal head comes with a pair of side walls having two or more notches each. The locking device includes a pair of catches engagingly received in the orifices and a spring sitting between the two catches for pushing the catches into the notches of the shank to be locked with the handle, the catches have a slot each for receiving the side walls of the shank and allowing the tool metal head to travel freely in the handle. The tool device may consist of a number of tool metal heads having a shank for selectively engaging with the handle when required.

Abstract: A new handle for carrying a bag for distributing the weight of the contents of the bag across the hand of a user. The inventive device includes a saddle member that has a top, a bottom, a pair of end edges, and a pair of side edges that extend between the end edges. A pair of sides upwardly extend from the side edges of the saddle member to form a bag receiving channel between them such that a carrying loop of a bag, or a plurality of carrying loops of one or several bags, rests on the top of the saddle member between the sides of the saddle member. A cover member covers the saddle member and is removably coupleable to the saddle member. The cover member has first and second ends, upper and lower surfaces extending between the first and second ends, and a pair of opposite sidewalls that downwardly extend from the lower surface of the cover member.

Abstract: A cable binder includes a cable binder head (1) and a cable binder band (3) extending therefrom. The cable binder head includes first and second planar contact surfaces (11, 18) that intersect each other at a contact angle (.alpha.) in the range from 145.degree. to 160.degree., and are adapted to establish a substantially uniform and continuous contact of the cable binder head (1) with the substantially circular outer contour of a cable or other elongate component (6) that is to be secured. The cable binder head has an opening (2) extending at an incline therethrough and adjoining an edge of the contact surface (11). This arrangement ensures the maximum contact of the binder band (3) and contact surfaces (11, 18) of the head (1) with the outer contour of the component (6) being secured, and minimizes or eliminates the formation of a triangular open gap (4) between the binder head and the component (6).

Abstract: An adjustable BUNGEE cord device for fastening, securing or mounting objects together or to a stationary object. The device comprises at least two sections of conventional BUNGEE cord, each having a means for attaching the cord sections to each other or to some stationary object, such as metal hooks. One of the cord sections is firmly attached to a locking mechanism via a roll pin positioned near the middle of the locking mechanism. This cord section extends from the locking mechanism through a slot which runs from the roll pin to the edge of the locking mechanism. The other cord section is slidably engaged with the locking mechanism via a slot which extends completely from one end of the locking mechanism to the other. The locking mechanism further comprises a latch hook comprising a lip for securing it in the closed position, a pin hole for rotatably attaching it to the locking mechanism, and a serrated edge for gripping the cord section when the latch hook is in its closed position.

Abstract: A sewable tensionlock retainer for securing a tensionlock to a flexible article such as a strap. The retainer includes a tensionlock portion and a sewable funnel-shaped retainer portion having an internal cavity for receiving a flexible article. The retainer portion is provided with a sewing groove to receive stitches to permanently secure the flexible article in the internal cavity.

Abstract: An energy absorbing interior trim component of plastics is attached to a supporting structural member of a vehicle by one or more special fastening devices. The trim component has a shell-like main housing defining an interior cavity that contains a plurality of laterally spaced energy absorbing ribs, which are designed to deform and collapse upon predetermined impact loads applied to the trim component. The ribs are strategically located and sized for optimized energy absorbing purposes and in accordance with the interior dimensions and shape of the trim component. Each fastening device comprises a steel spring clip having laterally spaced clamping jaw arms for easy installation and substantially permanent attachment to the ribs and having an attachment head which readily fastens into structure defining a narrow elongated slot in the supporting structural member.

Abstract: A strap 10 employing at opposite ends thereof respective fastener assemblies 11, each flexible fastener assembly comprising a rigid or a semi-flexible hook member 12 and a locking means in the form of a flexible strap section 13, each hook member 12 has an outer surface covered with a hook fastener material 14 while the inner surface of each of the straps 13 includes a complimentary loop fastener material 15 adapted to engage and hold onto the hook material 14 to form a closed loop.

Abstract: A buckle apparatus includes first and second couplings, and a housing. The first coupling includes a first locking member and is configured to mate with a second locking member. The housing is configured for receiving the first coupling and configured to mate with the first locking member to secure the first coupling to the housing. The housing and the first coupling form a subassembly. The second coupling is configured to be received by the subassembly and includes the second locking member configured to mate with the first coupling to secure the second coupling to the subassembly.

Abstract: This shoe fastening device particularly for conventional shoes such as sneakers and similar footwear comprises a pair of track members each longitudinally secured to a flap of an associated shoe, and a pair of corresponding slidable members each located within a respective track member and laterally set apart at a predetermined distance. Since the fastening of most conventional shoes is effected by laterally directing together their parallel and opposing flaps, the present invention achieves this by laterally and fixedly setting apart the slidable members at a distance less than that between said track members when track members are secured to their respective flaps and when shoe is in a normal unfastened state, and subsequently slidably positioning them within their respective tracks, and directing them along a path parallel to the longitudinal median of shoe. As a consequence the track members experience lateral forces directing them towards each other.

Abstract: A system for spreading a multi-filament bundle of fibers such that most of the individual fibers are exposed for various treatment and coating processes is described. The system is particularly suited to, but not limited to, carbon fiber applications. In such applications it is desired to spread carbon fiber tows consisting of anywhere from less than 1,000 to in excess of 144,000 individual filaments such that a significant portion of the filaments are exposed for processing. A spreading system can consist of one or more individual spreaders placed in series to achieve a desired spread. Each spreader consists of expandable bands, an expandable tube, or a compressible and expandable piece of foam placed between two angled support discs. The discs are angled away from each other such that the bands, tube, or foam between the closest points of the angled discs will stretch or expand as the support discs rotate about their respective axes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a shell body with sub-projectiles in a predefined geometric arrangement and in a very short time without creating shifting errors is provided. Prior to filling the shell body, the sub-projectiles may be combined into layers which are as thick as the length of the sub-projectiles and which extend in planes transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shell body. The sub-projectiles take up a position in the layer which corresponds to their geometric arrangement in a hollow chamber of the shell body. During the combination, the outer periphery of the layers may be shaped so that, following insertion of the layer into the hollow chamber, the sub-projectiles may be held there and fixed against relative rotation while maintaining the previously formed geometric arrangement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the layers may assume a hexagonal shape where the axes of the cylindrical sub-projectiles are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shell body.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. Integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached to the flexible circuit while the flexible circuit is in a substantially flat shape. The contacts of the transducer elements are positioned on substantially the same plane such that electrical contact with signal and ground lines on the flexible circuit is established without the need for conductive bridges to physically remote electrodes. In an embodiment of the invention wherein the transducer elements are arranged in a cylindrical array, gaps are entirely filled with backing material having a relatively low acoustic impedance. Structure integrity is enhanced and a path to ground facilitated by electrically conductive disks attached to the ends of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: For making a mattress web having two fabric webs which are attached to one another in a transverse direction of the web by seams that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the, thereby to form a succession of sleeves, each of which contains a slightly tensioned spring, one of the fabric webs is continuously conveyed in the longitudinal direction in such a manner as to be supported from below. An upwardly opening curve is formed in the transverse direction. A respective spring is introduced into each curve from above, the spring being non-tensioned and having a height exceeding the curve depth. While in the curve, the spring is compressed in the vertical direction under the action of a force acting at a distance from the downstream wall of the curve, and the curve, with the compressed spring therein, is brought together with the other of the two fabric webs, which is continuously conveyed in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for sliding and positioning sleeve-shaped elastic radially expandable components (8), made of a highly elastic material, without exerting great force, on cylindrical or conical base bodies (10) having an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter of these sleeve-shaped components (8), such as e.g. parts of a cable fitting set mounted and positioned on a cable end prepared in a manner known per se for a cable terminal or cable connection. Immediately before the component is placed onto the base body (10), a plurality of elongated, thin, flexible rib-like sliding tongues (2) in spaced-apart circumferential disposition is inserted in the cavity of the component (8) which has an approximately circular cross section. The sliding tongues (2) are inserted at slight lateral spacing from one another. On these sliding tongues (2) the expanding component (8) is pushed slidingly onto the base body (10) with only slight exertion of force.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process produce a honeycomb body from at least one stack having a multiplicity of at least partially structured sheets which form a multiplicity of passages through which a fluid can flow. The apparatus includes a fork-shaped winding device which is rotatable about an axis and which engages each stack, as well as former segments which close to constitute a former. The former is formed from at least two former segments. Each former segment is pivotable in opposite relationship to the direction of rotation of the winding device about a respective pivot axis which respectively extends parallel to the axis of the winding device.

Abstract: In a process, a pipe (1) is connected to a press fitting (2) which has a cylindrical section (3) and a radially outward-projecting annular bead (5) at each end which, at the free end of the press fitting (2) has an inwardly directed bead shoulder (8) and internally forms an annular groove (10) in which is fitted a sealing ring (11). In order to make the connection, the press fitting (2) and the pipe (1) are inserted one into the other and the annular bead (5) and the cylindrical section (3) are pressed radially inwards with the plastic deformation of the pipe (1) as well. This is done by pressing the bead shoulder (8) into the pipe (1) to form a first narrowing (44), and a second narrowing (43) is formed in the pipe by pressing the cylindrical section (3) at a distance from the first narrowing (44) such that the shaping of the second narrowing (43) is separated from the first (44) In such a way that the first narrowing (44) has a radially outwardly projecting section (47) towards the second.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mounting an element on a chassis. The method comprises several steps. The element is stopped from sliding in at least one direction when the element is placed on the surface of the chassis. A clip is pivotably connected to the chassis. The clip pivots between first and second position holding the element in place in the second position. The clip is locked in the second position.

Abstract: A production process of a yoke a for universal joint using a flat metal sheet to make a yoke for universal joint comprising a base for engaging with an end of a rotary shaft and fixing the end, a pair of arms having respective surfaces opposite to each other and extending in the axial direction of the base from opposite positions in the diameter direction and on one axial edge of the base, and press-worked circular holes coaxial with each other, formed in associated tip portions of said respective arms, wherein in portions of said flat metal sheet to become said respective circular holes, prepared holes having an inner diameter sufficiently smaller than an inner diameter of the circular holes are punched by press working, thereafter the flat metal sheet is curved to form said base and the pair of arms, then rough machining is carried out to punch the portions of the prepared holes in a nearly circular shape by press working, and thereafter press working is carried out to shave an inner peripheral edge of each

Abstract: A multi-head machine tool for machining a workpiece into an article has a head that holds a workpiece and that rotates the workpiece. A multi-head tool attachment is capable of machining a plurality of working sites on the workpiece during rotation of the workpiece simultaneously.

Abstract: A magnet wire having generally round cross section is taken out from a wire pack and formed by a forming roller mechanism into a polygonal shape in cross section to be wound on a bobbin tightly, thereby increasing the space factor of a coil. Then, magnet wire having round cross section is wound in a portion where pressure may be applied from the outside. Since the round wire is easy to move and able to dodge the pressure, a reliable coil of a high space factor can be obtained.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by inserting electrically conductive rings and a bearing into a mold before a slip ring body is injection molded. During the injection molding process, the rings and the bearing are partially encapsulated by the injected plastic and retained. Plastic is prevented from entering the race of the bearing by using a pair of additional plastic inserts which prevent plastic from entering the bearing race. When the injected plastic cools, the plastic shrinks and compresses the bearing thereby preventing axial movement. Wires attached to the rings are also encapsulated by the plastic material during the injection molding process.

Abstract: A floating type of magnetic head having a high mechanical strength and a superior productivity and a method for producing the same are provided. A slider is composed of a first slider body and a second slider body. A main cut groove and a second sub-cut grooves are formed on a bonded surface side of the first slider body so that a first pillar portion and a second pillar portion around which lead lines are to be wound together with a first core body and a second core body a magnetic head core are left. Since the first and second pillar portions are bonded to the second slider body and during the assembling and machining operations, the first and second pillar portions receive a force that is applied to the slider or the magnetic head core to be effective for the reinforcement of the mechanical strength, the slider or the magnetic head may hardly be damaged or broken down.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging the disc pack, E-block and magnet of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a merge assembly station and moved to a merge slide assembly where calibration measurements of disc pack height and squareness are made at a reference position. The merge slide assembly moves the disc pack from the reference position to a shuttled position, the E-block is moved to an E-block nest assembly where the load arms of the E-block are spread in response to the calibration measurements, and the discs of the disc pack are interweaved between opposing read/write heads of the E-block. A magnet slide assembly positions the magnet to straddle the E-block. The disc pack, E-block and magnet are moved together, maintaining the merged interrelationship, to the basedeck and fastened to the basedeck.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an tool and method for structurally applying fiber stiffeners to a material. The tool inserts a plurality of fibers embedded in a transfer material through a hat stiffener and into a substrate and includes a first head, a second head, and a handle. The first head is defined by a roller having first edges and a center cutout. The cutout corresponds to the thickness of the transfer material. The second head is located at a distal end from the first head and is defined by a roller having second edges and a center groove. The groove corresponds to a thickness associated with guiding the tool along the corner of the hat stiffener. The first and second edges conform to the surface of the substrate. The center handle is coupled between the first head and second head for gripping. The first head is adapted to initially drive the fibers embedded in the transfer material through the hat stiffener and into the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a lead frame that includes a platform attached thereto for mounting a chip. A base frame is provided for mounting chips of various sizes. The base frame includes connection leads extending toward a central portion, which is substantially of the size of the smallest chip to mount. Connection leads are cut-out about the central portion to form an opening corresponding to the size of the chip to be mounted. A platform is soldered to at least two support leads to form the lead frame.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes providing a flexible tape having first and second surfaces with a plurality of connection components in a central region of the flexible tape, providing a carrier frame having top and bottom surfaces and a slot extending therebetween and placing the flexible tape in contact with the top surface of the carrier frame. Next a resilient element is provided on each connection component and the flexible tape is passed through the slot so that the flexible tape disengages from the top surface of the carrier frame, passes through the slot and engages the bottom surface of the carrier frame. The carrier frame includes one or more interior edges defining the slot and a cut-out region contiguous with one end of the slot.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assembling an integrated computer by successively placing various components into an open-top weldment or "tub." The assembly method is particularly suited to rapidly and cost-effectively assembling an integrated computer module in an automated, assembly line environment.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment apparatus (20) is provided for aligning a semiconductor die (11) and a packaging substrate (12) to enable aligned mounting therebetween. The alignment apparatus (20) includes a first magnetic device (23) coupled to the die (11) and adapted to generate a first magnetic field (25) oriented relative to a first reference point (26) of the die (11). A second magnetic device (27) is coupled to the substrate (12) and adapted to generate a second magnetic field (28) oriented relative to a second reference point (30) of the substrate (12). The first magnetic field (25) and the second magnetic field (28) cooperate to directionally align the first reference point (26) of the die substantially with the second reference point (30) of the substrate (12).

Abstract: An improved multichip semiconductor module compatible with existing SIMM memory sockets comprising a molded module frame and a composite semiconductor substrate subassembly received in a cavity in said frame. The composite semiconductor substrate subassembly or subassembly(s) comprises a plurality of semiconductor devices which are connected to electrical contacts on an edge of the molded frame by a variety of configurations described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the subassembly(s) includes a composite substrate which comprises a thin metal cover plate and thin laminate circuit which is bonded to the metal cover plate by a film adhesive. The composite substrate provides a mounting surface for the placement of semiconductor devices and their associated passive components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing raised contacts on the surface of an electronic component includes bonding one end of a wire to an area, such as a terminal, of the electronic component, and shaping the wire into a wire stem configuration (including straight, bent two-dimensionally, bent three-dimensionally). A coating, having one or more layers, is deposited on the wire stem to (i) impart resilient mechanical characteristics to the shaped wire stem and (ii) more securely attach ("anchor") the wire stem to the terminal. Gold is one of several materials described that may be selected for the wire stem. A variety of materials for the coating, and their mechanical properties, are described. The wire stems may be shaped as loops, for example originating and terminating on the same terminal of the electronic component, and overcoated with solder. The use of a barrier layer to prevent unwanted reactions between the wire stem and its environment (e.g., with a solder overcoat) is described.

Abstract: A method of forming electrically conductive pillars on a printed circuit board by providing a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces and forming a plurality of elongate, electrically conductive pillars of superimposed layers of solder and conductive polymer on the printed circuit board. The elongate, electrically conductive pillars are connected by a first end to the electrical traces of the printed circuit board and extend substantially perpendicularly from the printed circuit board such that a second end of each of the plurality of elongate, electrically conductive pillars lies in substantially a common plane which is substantially perpendicular to and above said printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for repairing gas turbine engine airfoil parts. The dimensional differences between pre-repaired dimensions of a turbine engine airfoil part and desired post-repair dimensions of the turbine engine airfoil part are determined. A build-up thickness of coating material required to obtain the desired post-repair dimensions of the turbine engine airfoil part is determined. A high-density coating process, such as HVOF, is used to coat the turbine engine airfoil part with a coating material to the determined build-up thickness of coating material effective to obtain the desired post-repair dimensions after performing a sintering heat treatment and a hot isostatic pressing treatment, and, if performed, a re-application of a protective coating. The coating material comprises a metal alloy capable of forming a diffusion bond with the substrate of the turbine engine airfoil part.

Abstract: The welding method for repairing a turbine rotor dovetail includes removal of buckets from damaged dovetails, removing a damaged dovetail from a turbine wheel, leaving a rotor wheel body having a rim. A plurality of ring sections are disposed about the wheel body rim, leaving axially opening annular grooves along opposite sides of the wheel. Welding apparatus including an electrode, welding wire and gas-carrying tube are inserted into the groove through an axial face of the wheel. One or more cover plates are disposed to overlie the groove at the location of its opening through the axial face of the wheel to at least partially seal the groove at its opening and maintain welding gas in the groove, enveloping the electrode and weld wire.