Abstract: A hanging apparatus is disclosed comprising a first end pole and a second end pole with a plurality of middle poles therebetween in axial alignment. Positioned between and pivotably mounted between the end poles and the middle poles are a plurality of hanger bars for receiving an article such as clothing or the like. The hanger bars are free to pivot about the pole axis. The end poles each include an angled bracket which allows the hanging apparatus to be mounted to a door frame between the door and the door frame. In this manner, the hanging apparatus extends away from the door in close proximity to the door frame to allow the hanging of numerous articles without interfering with use of the door. Alternatively, the hanging apparatus and each angled bracket can be mounted directly to a wall to provide for a hanging apparatus to be located in any position on a wall. The hanging bars remain free to be pivoted about the pole axis.

Abstract: A multiple clothesline hanger holder device includes an elongated body made of a substantially rigid material and with a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width thereof. The elongated body is rigid or fixed in a configuration wherein it is folded towards itself along its longitudinal length. The elongated body includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is tubular-shaped defining a channel extending the longitudinal length of the elongated body. The upper portion has a lower side, a pair of opposite open ends and a pair of spaced apart opposite lower edges defining a longitudinal slot therebetween extending along the lower side and the longitudinal length between the opposite open ends providing an entry to the channel such that a clothesline may be inserted through the slot and into the channel of the tubular-shaped upper portion resulting in the clothesline extending through the upper portion and in opposite directions from the opposite open ends thereof.

Abstract: A shelf stand for goods has individually rotatable shelves, which are substantially circular and located one above the other. At the periphery of each shelf there is a driving device adapted to cooperate with driving motors on the peripheral part of the shelf for turning or rotating the shelf. The shelves are divided into sections provided with impulse generators cooperating with impulse counters for determining the rotational position of the shelf.

Abstract: A shelving system includes a shelf and support frame and a novel structure for interconnecting the rails that form the shelf. Specifically, a first shelf rail includes a downwardly depending tongue and an outwardly projecting tab. A second shelf rail includes a side wall and a shelf supporting shoulder. A first slot is provided in a shoulder for receiving the tongue and a second slot is provided in the sidewall for receiving the tab. The tab and tongue are provided in substantially perpendicular planes and when connected the bottom wall of the first rail rests upon the shoulder of the second rail. A crosstie further secures the structure.

Abstract: The invention also provides a logging carriage which has a winding drum rotatably mounted in a body. A cable is wound about the drum, whereby the drum is rotated when the cable is pulled. A drop line sheave is rotatably mounted in the body and has a drop line extending thereabout. A drive mechanism mechanically couples the sheave to the drum, whereby rotation of the drum rotates the sheave to lower the drop line as the cable is pulled. There may be one or two other carriages, all the carriages being releasibly connected together.

Abstract: A bottle with a hanging tool detachably provided. The hanging tool comprises a flat and long connection portion extending sideways from the neck portion and having a length shorter than an outer diameter of the bottom of the bottle, and a separately molded wide annular handle portion. The connection portion is provided at its intermediate portion with a narrow portion crossing the connection portion transversely to reduce a thickness thereof, thereby making the connection portion vertically bendable at the narrow portion, a free end of the connection portion and the handle portion are formed at their predetermined locations with joint portions comprising a pair of engagement means, and the handle portion is detachable attached to the connection portion. Thereby an injection mold for molding a preform can be simple in structure and is suppressed from being enlarged.

Abstract: The present invention is a container for food. The container has a lid and a base which form a series of three self-reinforcing seals when mated. A protrusion on the lid reinforces the triple seal formed between the lid and base. The protrusion applies a force to the base, locking the lid and base together. The third seal has the largest surface area and acts as a first line of defense against food leakage out of the container and a last line of defense against the entry of contaminants into the container.

Abstract: A personal organizer case system for protecting a personal organizer without interfering with the user's day-to-day operation of the personal organizer. The inventive device includes a base having a pair of hinge pins, and a cover having a pair of opposing slots that slidably receive the pair of hinge pins. The base is formed to snugly retain a personal organizer. The cover is opened and closed upon the base by the hinge pins. When opened, the cover slides underneath and about the base to provide a compact holding unit for allowing uninterrupted usage of the personal organizer. The base and cover are preferably constructed of titanium for reducing the overall weight and increasing the overall strength of the invention. Wall padding and plate padding is utilized within the base to cushion any movement to the personal organizer. The cover preferably includes a pair of corner pads.

Abstract: A two-part container having upper and lower parts, each part being usable to house a product suitable for use with the product housed in the other part but which is stored separately. Each part has a top portion with a sealable aperture which is opened to access the product. The parts of the container are releasably secured together, the top portions overlying one another to protect the apertures from accidental puncturing. For example, the two-part container may be used for a soap powder or washing material stored in one part and a fabric softener or conditioner stored in the other part; a yogurt, fromage frais or soft ice-cream stored in one part and nuts, fruit or a biscuit crumb stored in the other part; and a cereal, cereal clusters or muesli stored in one part and milk in the other part.

Abstract: A garbage container includes a base, a bottom cover rotatably supported on the base to hold an outer shell and an inner barrel, a plurality of partition boards fastened to the bottom cover and defining a plurality of storage chambers within the outer shell around the inner barrel for receiving classified waste materials, a top cover covered on the outer shell over the storage chambers, an inner container formed of multiple container parts and mounted within the inner barrel, a plurality of cover panels respectively pivoted to the inner barrel and moved to close/open the storage chamber, and a foot lever pivoted to the base and operated to lift one container part or the inner container in opening one cover panel from one storage chamber.

Abstract: A release strip for tubular containers is provided and includes a tab portion. An elongate portion of the release strip is releasably adhered to an outer surface of the tubular body of the container with a first adhesive application. The tab portion extends laterally from the elongate portion and is separately releasably adhered to the tubular body with a second adhesive application to prevent the tab portion from being inadvertently snagged. In one preferred embodiment, the tab portion includes an opening therein having an advantageous shape including an arcuate section having at least a predetermined minimum radius of curvature and a substantially straight section opposite the arcuate section, thus allowing sufficient room for accommodating a consumer's finger while maintaining requisite ring strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, or a cap for a container for viscous liquid products. The container or the cap comprises a venting element. The venting element allows passage of gases between the interior and the exterior of the container when the pressure inside the container differs from the external ambient pressure. The container or cap further includes a control feature which controls the phase separation of the product splashed onto the membrane.

Abstract: This invention is a closeable paint tray liner with cover, where the paint tray liner body may securely fit into a paint roller tray. The paint tray liner body is also designed to accommodate paint tools, such as a paint brush and a paint roller with handle, within said liner body, when the paint tray liner with cover is in the closed position, and with the paint tray liner cover positioned over the paint tray liner body. Said paint tray liner with cover is also designed to accommodate said paint tools, on the sloped roll-out platform and out of the paint well, with the handle of each tool protruding from orifices in the front of the paint tray liner with cover. A preferred embodiment of the paint tray liner with cover is composed essentially of a polymeric material, such as PETE.

Abstract: A variety of closures are provided for use with a drink cup or other container wherein the closures provide a compartment for receiving a digital media disk or other merchandise. Examples include various closures formed of inner and outer members connected by a hinge with the inner and outer members forming a compartment for closely receiving a digital media disk. Other examples include a closure having a single lid portion with a retaining mechanism for retaining a digital media disk to a top surface of the lid. The retaining mechanism includes, for example, elastic retaining bands or resilient tabs. In another example, the closure provides a curved compartment for receiving a booklet wherein a closure for the compartment includes snap-fit members for attaching the compartment closure to other portions of the container lid. Still other embodiments are provided for enclosing toys or the like including one embodiment wherein the closure is configured to retain both a compressible ball and a backboard.

Abstract: A container, for storing a variety of objects, comprising a housing having a first end, a second end, and two lids—one lid located at the first end and one lid located at the second end. Dividers are provided within the container to create distinct compartments therein. The compartments may include a transverse divider which creates distinct compartments at the first end and second end, and a longitudinal divider, which creates distinct compartments which each extend between the first end and second end. Both a transverse divider and two or more longitudinal dividers may be employed to create four or more compartments. Each of the lids having one or more lid flaps to provide access to the compartments therein. Snap in pourers may be inserted into the lids immediately beneath one or more of said lid flaps to control the pouring of granular substances.

Abstract: A water bottle-straw assembly comprising a screw-threaded cap base including a lift-lower cap attached at one side thereof and a through hole in which a suction base is inserted. The suction base has a protruding suction end having a valve and a flange providing an air guiding groove. A straw is inserted into the suction base and a flexible tube is telescopically connected to the lower end of the straw to allow use with containers of varying sizes.

Abstract: A fastener injector (18) includes a plurality of tubes (86) operable to transfer a plurality of different sizes and types of fasteners (20) in a desired orientation. The injector also includes a receiver (88) operable to receive the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the tubes (86). The receiver (88) includes a plurality of receiver fingers (90) operable to receive the fasteners (20) from the tubes (86) and retain the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation. An injector blade (106) is operable to transfer the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the receiver (88) to a fastener installation device.

Abstract: An access door provided in a dispenser, for access by a delivery person to an interior of the dispenser where a stack of newspapers are stored. A coin box is provided on a top wall of the dispenser. The coin box operates in a known manner to permit operation of a pull bar after the correct amount of payment has been received into the coin box. The pull bar urges against the top-most one of the newspapers when a customer pulls the pull bar, thus pushing the newspaper onto a dispensing tray and through a slot in the dispenser, thus presenting the newspaper to the customer. The customer may then take the newspaper for his or her use. When the newspaper is pushed forward, a hinged security flap rotates upward to permit the newspaper to pass through the slot. A platform is positioned within the interior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A device and magazine are set for dispensing articles of value such as pre-paid telephone calling cards. The closed magazine has a gate moveable between a closed to an open position to permit articles to be dispensed therefrom by a dispensing mechanism. A one cycle gate operating mechanism is included which has an actuator moveable from a first position to a second position to secure the magazine to the dispensing mechanism and open the gate. Should the actuator be moved to close the gate, the gate is locked in the closed position and cannot be re-opened. Surreptitious opening of the gate to remove cards and then closing the gate prevents the gate from re-opening and prevents securing the magazine to the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water pressure booster apparatus which can be employed for the dispensing of beverages. The booster can be combined as a carbonator and water pressure booster apparatus for holding both carbonated and non-carbonated water at elevated pressures, for the dispensing of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. The apparatus has a tank including a tank chamber with a booster chamber therein. The two chambers are separated by a flexible membrane such that the elevated pressure is essentially the same in the two chambers. The booster chamber is removable through an access port in the tank. A valve provides inlet water to the tank chamber and the booster chamber. The location of the membrane controls the valve between charging of the two chambers. The valve is a spool valve with one end coupled to the membrane. The quantities of water in the two chambers controls activation of a pump which provides charging water to the chambers.

Abstract: A chemical irritant dispensing apparatus for dispensing pepper spray, mace, tear gas or the like, includes a frame having a handle with a cavity and a barrel. The barrel has a bore that is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a central longitudinal axis that defines a line of fire. A chemical irritant fluid containing canister occupies the cavity during use, the canister having an upper end portion with a trigger receptive recess. A trigger pivots upon the frame, the trigger being positioned to dispense the contents of the canister when depressed by a user. The trigger has a stop portion that prevents rotation in a direction that would enable the canister to be removed from the frame. A safety prevents any movement of the canister relative to the frame when in a safety, non-firing position. The safety can be moved to a non-firing position by a user.

Abstract: A pumpless dispenser especially intended for dispensing viscous fluids. The dispenser includes a supple pouch having first and second ends, a sidewall that can be arranged to form first and second opposed surfaces, and an outlet. The pouch contains a viscous fluid food product therein. The dispenser also includes a housing configured and dimensioned for receiving the pouch; and a compression assembly for pressing the pouch so as to urge the viscous fluid food product content toward the outlet. This assembly includes a roller having a pressing surface disposed adjacent the first surface of the pouch and a planar surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pouch. The dispenser further includes a closure member engaged with the outlet for closing the outlet. This member is capable of opening the outlet so as to cause the roller to move along the pouch surface toward the outlet by gravity for expelling the viscous fluid food product through the outlet.

Abstract: An aerosol can having two terminal portions each with its own valve and product delivery head of various configurations is disclosed. The can may feature either one or two products for delivery, and can employ one or two volumes of propellant. The material to be delivered can be stored directly in the can or in one or two pouches, or in a combination mode of within the can directly and in one pouch, as may be desired. The same material can also be distributed in two different manners, such as fine mist or strong stream, the mode of delivery being spray head dependent.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of economically dispensing hot beverages at precise temperature ranges in a continuous manner suitable for large-scale high-volume usage. An on-demand heater is used to heat water to a preset temperature range. The hot water is circulated to a dispensing head and recirculated back to the heater by a recirculation pump to provide a continuous flow of hot water. A supply of beverage concentrate is flowed into the dispensing head by a peristaltic pump. Upon activation of a button, the hot water is flowed into a nozzle of the dispensing head to create a vortex-like flow. The beverage concentrate is injected into the vortex-like flow and mixed with the hot water to form the hot beverage which is dispensed from the dispensing head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement for a child resistant overcap with safety collar for screw-on pump sprayers. The device includes a main closure base for attachment to a container, an outer ring, a spray mechanism attached to the base and an overcap. The overcap is child resistant and can only be removed when corresponding protrusions and cut outs are in alignment. The sprayer mechanism has an inside threaded sprayer neck and the container has an outside threaded container neck upon which the threaded sprayer neck is attached. The device relates to the improvement of providing a child-resistant safety feature of including a non-flexible ring collar attached to the outside of the sprayer neck and adapted to rotate about the sprayer neck to inhibit undesired unthreading or threading of the sprayer neck from or to the container neck.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pump comprising a substantially cylindrical body (1) defining internally a metering chamber (11) whereof the lower end (1a) is provided with an intake orifice (10) equipped with a valve (12) and the upper end is provided with an outlet (20a) and closed by a piston (2) capable of moving in said chamber (11) by cooperating with elastic return means (4) outside the chamber (11), between a support up stop and a limit down stop.

Abstract: The invention concerns portable liquid containers with improved pouring capabilities. Particularly, there is disclosed a container comprising a body region (1) a hollow handle (3) with first and second ends (4, 5), an outlet spout (6) which communicates with both the body region (1) and the first end of the handle (3) and an elongate pouring tube (2) firmly located and fixed in position relative to the outlet spout (6). The pouring tube (2) has a first end (23) via which the interior of the pouring tube (2) directly communicates with the body region (1) and a second end from which, in use, liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: A pill counting device is disclosed which comprises a tray having two pouring spouts 42 positioned at adjacent corners thereof. A receptacle is positioned along a side of the tray opposite the two pouring spouts. The receptacle comprises a bin extending downwardly from the surface of the tray and a cover for the bin. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position, the closed position forming the receptacle. The receptacle is open at both ends thereof which correspond to the corners of the tray not occupied by the pouring spouts. The open receptacle ends can be closed as desired.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the superheat of the stream of molten metal from an electroslag refining apparatus is taught. The systems include the introduction of unrefined metal into an electroslag refining process apparatus in which the unrefined metal is first melted at the upper surface of the refining slag. The molten metal is refined as it passes through the molten slag. The refined metal is collected in a cold hearth apparatus having a skull of refined metal formed on the surface of the cold hearth for protecting the cold hearth from the leaching action of the refined molten metal. A cold finger bottom pour spout or exit orifice is formed at the bottom of the cold hearth to permit dispensing of molten refined metal from the cold hearth.

Abstract: A combination cap hanger and cap brim curving device (10) that is especially designed to hold and display a “baseball-type” hat (40) while retaining the cap brim (42) at an angle of 176°. The device (10) consists of an integrally molded, rectangular arched body (12) having a middle portion (14), a first end (16) and a second end (18). From the middle portion (14) extends upward a hook (20) that is configured and dimensioned to allow the device (10) to be hung on a conventional clothes hanging rod (44). The device (10) features, near each end (16, 18) a circular, hollow sleeve (24). The sleeves (24) are each dimensioned to allow the cap brim (42) to be inserted into the sleeve (24) with the portion of the cap (40) adjacent the brim (42) resting and displayed above the surface of the sleeve (24).

Abstract: A dress or clothing form includes a sheet metal back to which are attached a plurality of reinforcing strips. A support rod is carried on one of the reinforcing strips and on the back. Leg supports are attached to the back to which are attached a pair of flat leg panels. Front and back molded plastic body panels are secured by fasteners to the metal back and similar molded front and back leg panels are secured to the flat leg panels. The support rod includes a large diameter portion at its top which includes a tapered surface. This surface mates with a socket on a support arm attached to a stand for supporting the form at the desired height. The stand includes telescoping members each including a rack with one member including a gas spring connected to a pinion positioned between the racks. The gas spring is arranged to essentially balance the weight of the dress form and garment so that a worker can move it up and down with little effort.

Abstract: A molded plastic garment hanger as is widely used for the purpose of shipping and displaying garments, comprising a unitary plastic central hook and arms extending in opposite directions from the base of the central hook to facilitate a garment to be suspended therefrom by garment clips. The garment clips enable the attachment of various kinds of garments thereto, such as underwear, slips, brassieres, swimwear, multiple garments, and the like. The garment hanger has an improved garment retaining clip wherein as a garment is inserted into the garment retaining clip, the garment receiving channel of the clip first opens to allow the garment to enter, and then closes to securely retain the garment and to prevent it from becoming accidentally dislodged therefrom. The garment hanger also has an improved panty retaining clip having an inward slant defined by a receiving channel of the panty retaining clip.

Abstract: A inhaler carrier device for making readily available at least one inhaler when needed. The inhaler carrier device includes a support member having a back wall which includes a bottom flap portion and a top flap portion, and further includes a front cover having end portions securely attached along opposite edges of the back wall, and having a front wall which is spaced from the back wall with the front wall having a pair of slots in the bottom edge thereof, and also includes two loop members securely attached to the back side of the back wall for receiving a belt, and further includes two fastener members, one being attached to the back side of the back wall and the other being attached to the end of the strap member. One or two inhalers can be placed inside the support member with the bottom flap portion being folded over a open bottom of the support member and with the top flap portion being folded over an open top of the support member, and carried about a user's waist.

Abstract: A golf bag attachment system for transporting golf clubs is taught. The golf bag system uses a golf car having an attachment strap to secure the golf bag to the golf car. The attachment system includes a strap attachment device coupled to the golf bag for receiving and forcibly retaining the attachment strap to secure the golf bag to the golf car. A further strap is provided along with a further strap attachment for attaching the further strap to the golf bag and carrying the golf bag with the further strap. The attachment device includes a tightening device for detachably securing the attachment strap to the attachment device. The tightening device can be rotatable and can be rotatably advanced toward the attachment strap. The tightening device thus forcibly retains the attachment strap by pressing the attachment strap against the golf bag. Additionally, the tightening device can compressibly secure the attachment strap. The tightening device can be a wedge which can be a pivotable wedge.

Abstract: A basket for bicycles having a coupling device to detachably suspend it on a coupling element fitted on handlebars. The basket has a simple design and is easy to handle because of rigidly integrating a coupling plate in the sidewall of the basket that faces the coupling element. In the coupling plate, suspension elements adapted to the coupling element are formed by at least one correspondingly shaped window in a plane of the coupling plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining various food items in a motor vehicle, including a cup holder having a stowable second cup holder therein in which the stowable second cup holder has a removable container therein, the cup holder having a supplemental support device for stabilizing the apparatus when it is extended. The apparatus further having a leveling device for maintaining a level orientation of the cup holder to accommodate various door widths.

Abstract: A sheet material dispenser box holder, such as a cosmetic tissue box holder, is made up of elastic cord or strap material in a woven fish-net pattern forming a bag shaped container closed at the top except for an access opening, facilitating easy placement of a tissue box, inside the bag shaped box holder, such box holder having diverse attachment patches for retaining the box holder in position where it will remain reliably in any attitude of a vehicle or surface to which it is mounted while readily allowing removal of individual tissue sheets.

Abstract: A utility bag system for holding items therein and wearing on the shoulders and around the waist of a user. The utility bag system includes a waist panel and a lower panel coupled thereto to form therebetween a spaced apart pair of side pockets and a middle pocket interposed between the side pockets with each pocket having an upper opening therein. A pair of elongate flexible shoulder straps each have a pair of opposite ends coupled to a top edge of the waist panel.

Abstract: A back chest that is suitable for carrying food, beverages and other outdoor items on an individuals back. The back chest comprises a rigid base support structure which has a rectangular type configuration. The back support structure forms an upper section which contains a flexible, top utility pocket and a lower section attached to an ice cooler having a rectangular box-type configuration. The ice cooler has a lid that is hingably attached to the top of said cooler. In cross section, the upper section of the back support structure and the top lid of the ice chest from an L-shaped support base in cross section which supports outdoor items that can be transported on said back chest. Tie down straps can conveniently be used to keep the outdoor items in place. A plurality of flexible utility pockets are attached to the front and sides of the ice chest. The base support structure contains a pair of shoulder straps and a belt strap.

Abstract: A fixing machine with a machine frame, a feeding tool attached to the machine frame, and a fixing tool also attached to the machine frame is provided. The fixing tool can be operated for fixing by fixing elements moved into a fixing position on a support. The feeding tool can be operated for transferring the fixing elements into the fixing position, and can be moved back and forth by a drive element which is rotatable about a drive axis stationary relative to the machine frame. The feeding tool has a feeding rocker which is pivotable about a pivot axis stationary relative to the machine frame. A coupling element is coupled in an articulated manner to the feeding rocker and fastened to the drive element through a rotary joint. The rotary joint is rotatable with the drive element about the drive axis and has a joint axis extending parallel offset relative to the drive axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic device to and removing an electronic device from a substrate. An electronic device pick-up and vacuum head applies a vacuum source to the electronic device for engaging, picking up and retaining the electronic device. The heat is transmitted by conduction through the structure of the device pick-up and vacuum head to the electronic device and solder for securing the electronic device on the substrate to heat the solder to its reflow temperature. The pick-up and vacuum head includes an electronic device engaging portion, a vacuum port, and a heat source engaging portion.

Abstract: A tool (40) for imprinting a pattern in a has a handle (42). A stamp (44), connected to the handle (42), has a pattern (54) formed on a face (52) of the stamp (44). The face (52) of the stamp (44) forms a concave surface.

Abstract: A method of measuring solder bumps formed on a substrate mounting a semiconductor element thereon includes mounting a work to be measured on a work position mechanism, and scanning the work by an optical micro head to measure errors of a mount posture of the work. Each stage is controlled to correct the errors, and thereafter, the apex positions of the bumps are scanned and measured. The measurement results are collected by a personal computer, and the measurement results together with control data of each axis are sent to a main personal computer and displayed on its screen. An error of an apex position of each bump from a regression plane is calculated, and if the error is smaller than a reference value, the work is judged to be satisfactory.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for forming an aluminum tubular assembly in a controlled atmosphere brazing furnace. The assembly includes a variety of components of differing compositions, sizes and masses. Multiple, distinct brazing materials are used on the assembly to accommodate the differing components.

Abstract: A solder column structure particularly useful for joining electronic components by C-4 interconnection is provided comprising a solder column attached at one end to one of the substrates being joined and having a layer of indium at the other end. During reflow, to join the other substrate, the indium melts with part of the solder column forming a Pb—Sn—In ternary alloy joint having enhanced fatigue resistance. A method for using the solder column to make electronic component assemblies and electronic component assemblies made using the method and solder column are also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for attaching a module having a ball grid array or column grid array of solder material thereon arranged in a given pattern or footprint to a substrate having an array of connector pads arranged in the same pattern is provided. A preformed alignment device has an array of through holes therein aligned in the same pattern or footprint as the ball grid array or column pattern on the module and the pattern of contact pads on the substrate. The through holes in the preform are filled with a solder material which can be either a solder paste or a solid solder or with a curable conductive adhesive. The solder preferably is a lead-tin eutectic, but in any event has a melting point of less than about 240° C. and in the case of the conduction adhesive, will cure below about 240° C. The preform with the filled through holes is interposed between the module and the substrate with the material in the holes in contact with the solder balls or columns and the contact pads.

Abstract: An extended travel wire bonding machine that includes a first positioning table movable along an X axis in a first horizontal plane, a second positioning table movable along X and Y axes in a second horizontal plane, the second positioning table being supported on the first positioning table, and a bond head supported on the second positioning table. The wire bonding machine may also include a bonding tool attached to the bond head and a carrier for supporting the leadframe strip under the bonding tool. The first positioning table is moveable for substantially the entire length of the leadframe strip to allow the bonding tool to be successively moved over each semiconductor die on the leadframe strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing fluxless soldering includes an enclosure having a gas inlet through which an inert gas is introduced to create an inert gas-rich environment. Components are placed in the enclosure via an access port which also functions as a vent for allowing purge gases to vent from the enclosure. In one embodiment, a heating stage is provided in the enclosure which provides sufficient heat to reflow solder provided between two or more components. The inert gas is constantly flowing, or purging the enclosure in order to displace oxygen that would initially be present in the system. The presence of inert gas exclusive of other materials provides an oxygen-free environment, i.e., the inert gases provide a “shield” or environment around the parts to be soldered to inhibit the formation of additional oxides during soldering.

Abstract: An envelope for first mailing having a closure flap and an outside bangtail flap which includes a detachable coupon portion. The bangtail flap is larger than the closure flap, is foldably attached to the rear panel of the envelope, and is adhered exteriorly thereto at its side edges, while the closure flap is foldably attached to the front panel of the envelope and is folded over about the bangtail flap and adhered thereto to close the envelope.