Abstract: A method for producing a pulp molded article (7) comprising the steps of supplying a pulp slurry into the cavity (1) of a mold (10) composed of a set of splits (3 and 4), the set of splits (3 and 4) being assembled together to form the cavity (1) with a prescribed configuration, to form a pulp deposited body (5), feeding a fluid into the cavity (1) to press the pulp deposited body (5) onto the inner wall of the cavity (1) for dewatering.

Abstract: In this publication it is described a method and an arrangement for moving parent reels (1) between at least two handling stations with the aid of a parent reel cart (2, 3), wherein at least one of the stations a parent reel (1) is carried rails (15). At the first handling station, the parent reel is transferred to the parent reel cart (2, 3), the parent reel (1) is locked to the cart (2, 3), and the parent reel (1) is moved to the next handling station. The parent reel (1) is transferred to the next station and the parent reel (1) locking is released. According to the invention the parent reel is moved between the station and the cart by means of transfer carriages (8), which grip the ends of the parent reel and move independently over the junction between the carrier rails (15) of the station and the parent reel carts's means (13, 14) for carrying parent reels.

Abstract: A papermaking belt for use in making paper. The papermaking belt may be used in conjunction with a single-wire draw or twin-wire draw of a papermaking machine. The papermaking belt includes a woven reinforcing element and a patterned framework. The framework defines either or both faces of the papermaking belt. The pattern of the framework is independent of the weave of the reinforcing element.

Abstract: In a shoe press apparatus of a papermaking machine, a press part comprises a roll which serves as a pressing member and a shoe. A belt is sandwiched between the roll and the shoe. A lubricant feeder supplies a lubricant from the outside of the shoe at the upstream side of the shoe. A lubricant holding section, comprising a plurality of grooves is provided on the upstream end of the shoe. Lubricant supplied from the lubricant feeder is held in the lubricant holding section of the shoe, and is more reliably supplied to the press part as the belt runs through the press part. The Structure of the lubricant holding section is comparatively simple, and the lubricant holding section decreases friction, thereby saving energy.

Abstract: Sand, bentonite clay and organics recovered as foundry waste from a green sand mold foundry are reclaimed for reuse in making new green sand molds and mold cores by a multi-step process involving both hydraulic and mechanical separation steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved heated manifolds, heaters and nozzles for injection molding, having a high strength metal skeleton infiltrated with a second phase metal having higher thermal conductivity. Also disclosed is method of forming a manifold, heater or nozzle preform and infiltrating the preform with a highly thermally conductive material. The invention also provides a method of simultaneously infiltrating and brazing injection molding components of similar or dissimilar materials together.

Abstract: A heat shield for a casting furnace (e.g., a directional solidification or single crystal casting furnace) includes a plurality of heat insulating plates (e.g., 6 plates), each with a leading edge. The plurality of heat insulating plates are arranged, for example, in an overlapping layout, such that at least a portion of their leading edges define a discharge opening (e.g., a hexagonal discharge opening in the case of a heat shield with 6 heat insulating plates) circumscribed by the heat insulating plates. The heat insulating plates are moveable in a manner that adjusts (i.e., increases or decreases) the size of the discharge opening. The heat shield also includes a rotatable disk operatively coupled to the heat insulating plates such that when the rotatable disk is rotated in one direction, the heat insulating plates are moved in a manner which decreases the size of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A toggle mechanism is supported at the front face of the housing and a forward end of the toggle mechanism is connected to a back face of the movable platen. Upon the closing and opening of dies, the toggle mechanism is stretched and contracted to move the movable platen forward and backward along the tie bars. An automatic control device calculates, before the dies are mounted, from a die thickness input and the kind of the dies input, such a stop position for the link housing as impart a target value to the stretching/contraction amount that the toggle mechanism has when the dies are in closed state, and calculates, from the kind of the dies input, an appropriate contraction amount greater than the target value, and the automatic controlling device moves the link housing to the stop position calculated and the toggle mechanism by the appropriate contraction amount calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing slabs from steel, in which the strand leaves a permanent mold with liquid melt enclosed by the strand shell and, in a downstream strand guiding assembly, the gap between guide rollers mounted in stands is set infinitely variably by adjusting elements connecting lower and upper frames, characterized by the following steps:

Abstract: A method for producing superalloy weld wire and weld wire having fewer inclusions, and specifically fewer hafnia inclusions, and superalloy weld wire, particularly hafnium-containing superalloy weld wire, produced by this method. The method includes producing directionally solidified cast rod in a diameter of less than about ½ inch. The rod preferably is produced by investment casting or by continuous casting. The directional solidification process results in rod having inclusions such as oxides and dirt segregated into portions of the casting where they are easily removed. The cast rod can then be formed into semi-finished weld wire using a single extrusion step, followed by grinding to the final required diameter.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for an automotive vehicle is comprised of a heater core and a mix door assembly installed in a case. The mix door assembly is detachably installed in the case through an opening formed at a side wall of the case. The mix door assembly is constituted by a housing, a mix door and a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism is arranged to slide the mix door according to a received rotational force to vary a ratio of warm air quantity and cool air quantity.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a heat exchanger which includes a core having a thermally variable size and a support structure. To minimize, or eliminate, differential thermal expansion, the support structure is connected to the core and thermally deforms to accommodate variations in the size of the core. The support structure employs a thermally deformable member which can be a tie rod with a planar center section. In other embodiments, the support structure includes a first strongback, a second strongback, and at least one variable thickness tie rod mounted between the strongbacks. The variable thickness tie rod can be a broadened end tie rod having an end or ends which are thicker (wider) than a center section. The present invention also includes methods of fabrication. One embodiment includes the steps of obtaining a tie rod having a substantially uniform thickness and forging the tie rod to define a planar center section.

Abstract: A flexible composite sheet is disclosed. The flexible composite sheet (FCS) comprising a membrane, a substrate coupled to the membrane, and a plurality of ridges coupled between the membrane and the substrate, wherein a vibratory motion is induced from the flow to at least one segment of a membrane spanning a distance s, wherein the vibratory motion is reflected from at least one segment of the membrane to the flow, and wherein a reduction in fluctuations is caused in the flow pressure gradient and freestream velocity U at all frequencies except around f, where f≈U/s. When coupled to a heat exchanger fin, the FCS can enhance heat transfer without enhancing flow pressure drop. The FCS has other flow control applications, such as drag reduction when coupled to an aircraft wing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger having a manifold plate structure. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second manifold plate. The first and second manifold plates allow a refrigerant communication between an outside of the heat exchanger and another plate. The manifold plates together form a closed flat tube and each of the manifold plates has a pair of cup portions. The first manifold plate has a first slot and the second manifold plate has a second slot. The edge of the first slot has a projected burr portion. The first slot is configured for insertion into a slot of a first adjacent plate that is configured to be connected to the first manifold plate. The length and width of the first slot are less than the length and width of the second slot.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit comprises metallic heat transfer members combined parallelly and integrally with each other. The heat transfer member has a heat transfer face having opposite surfaces with which the first and second heat exchange fluids come into contact, respectively. The first gap portions through which the first heat exchange fluid passes and the second gap portions through which the second heat exchange fluid passes are provided alternately between adjacent two heat transfer faces. The first opening communicating with the first gap portions for the first heat exchange fluid and the second opening communicating with the second gap portions for the second heat exchange fluid are provided separately from each other. The heat transfer member has a rectangular shape, which has on respective sides thereof flat portions. Adjacent two heat transfer members between which the first gap portion is located are welded together at the flat portions thereof on a side of the second opening.

Abstract: A heat sink base pad mainly has a heat sink base with a plurality of heat sink holes disposed on the face plate of the base and a heat tube pivotally disposed at the lower end of the face plate thereof to increase the self-heat convection of the bottom portion of the notebook computer placed on the heat sink base and to disperse the heat for quickly dissipating the heat source so as to efficiently reduce the temperature.

Abstract: At least one sensor is mounted for monitoring the vertical position of an elevator relative to selected features on a pipe string. Mounting for a variety of sensor types is provided. Optional mounting arrangement permits the sensors to be situated close to a pipe free to move laterally, excess lateral movement of the pipe to move the mounting with reduced shock to the sensors.

Abstract: An improved centralizer apparatus for use in oil well wireline toolstrings comprising a central mounting rod (20) and floating spring mechanisms (30, 90) between which a number of jointed centralizer arms (120, 140) are connected. The jointed centralizer arms (120, 140) have a section with a concave profile (64, 84) disposed near to their pivot points (50) so that a closing force acting on the arms (60, 80) acts at a greater distance from the pivot, thereby increasing the closing moment and making the centralizer easier to draw into a borehole (200) with a narrow cross-section. The floating spring mechanisms also have a linkage (99) to the presser plate (98) of the spring (96) such that an axial force pulling the centralizer apparatus into a borehole is transferred directly into a force on the spring (96), thereby reducing the opening moment the springs exert on the centralizer arms, making them easier to close.

Abstract: In a production system for producing oil or gas from a well, the production system including a plunger in well tubing, and a motor valve in a sales line connected to a plunger lubricator which connects to the well tubing, a differential pressure controller system includes: a) a plunger arrival sensor; b) a plunger cycle controller receptive to signals from the plunger arrival sensor and receptive to signals from pressure transducers, for controlling the cycle of the plunger; c) a differential pressure controller; d) a first pressure transducer conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller, for measuring pressure in the well tubing, e) a second pressure transducer conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller for measuring pressure in the sales line; and f) a solenoid valve conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller and connected to the motor valve.

Abstract: Measuring the in situ temperature of a formation traversed by a borehole comprising lowering to a predetermined position in the borehole a tool that comprises a central conduit having an inlet an dbeing provided with a temperature sensor in contact with the fluid, means for analysing the fluid, and means for discharging fluid; allowing only formation fluid to pass through the central conduit; analysing the formation fluid; and measuring the temperature when the formation fluid is substantially uncontaminated.

Abstract: A downhole connate water sample drawn from the formation surrounding a well is validated when mud filtrate concentration is acceptably low. A preferred method includes drilling the well with a water-based drilling fluid, or more generally a water-based mud (WBM), containing a water-soluble dye. The dye acts as a tracer to distinguish connate water from WBM filtrate in a downhole sample of formation fluid contaminated by mud filtrate from the water-based mud. Preferably, an optical analyzer in a sampling tool measures light transmitted through the downhole sample to produce optical density data indicative of dye concentration. Preferably, optical density is measured at a first wavelength to obtain a first optical density, and at a second wavelength, close in wavelength to the first wavelength, to obtain a second optical density. First and second optical density data are transmitted to the surface.

Abstract: Well equipment well fluid more efficiently from a gassy well. A conduit is hung and sealed inside a string of casing, forcing the gas and well fluid to flow into the conduit. A gas separator and a series of flow controls and valves are mounted into and run with the conduit. A pump assembly is hung and sealed into the conduit for pumping well fluid to the surface. The pump assembly is lowered and retrieved from the conduit on tubing. The pump may be located below the motor, or above the motor.

Abstract: A tool for removing solid particles from a well after sand fracturing, drilling, etc. The tool includes a flapper valve assembly above a drill bit, a sand screen, and a screw pump. Fluid in the well, with the solid particles therein, is pumped into the tool by rotating the screw pump, wherein the fluid moves past the bit, across the flapper valve assembly, and through the sand screen. The solid particles stay in a cavity above the flapper valve, but the fluid moves further along the screw pump and is returned along the outside of the tool to the bit, to start the cycle over again. Over time, the cavity fills with solid particles, and the device is raised to the surface, where the accumulated solid particles are dumped. The device can be re-introduced into the well to remove more solid particles, if necessary.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for production of petroleum products from a subsea well. The methods comprise control of a downhole separator, supplying power fluid to a downhole turbine/pump hydraulic converter, performing pigging of a subsea manifold, providing gas lift and performing three phase downhole separation. Arrangement for performing the methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regulating the flow rate of formation fluids produced from a determined zone of an underground well whose cased wall is provided with orifices through which said formation fluids can pass, said method consisting in applying a tubular structure along the casing in said zone, which tubular structure prevents the fluids from flowing directly while also preserving a flow path along which the fluids can flow via the annular space outside the tubular structure so as to generate head loss. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said method, which device is essentially constituted by a radially-expandable tubular structure that can be applied against the inside wall of the casing, the structure being provided with means for preserving the flow of the fluids via a path running along the casing and along the structure, in order to generate head loss.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling the flow of fluid between first and second zones (9 and 10) and a common region (26) comprises: a first passageway (17) for providing a first fluid flow path, between the first zone (9) and the common region (26), in use of the apparatus; and a second passageway (23), outside the first passageway (17), for providing a second fluid flow path, between the second zone (10) and the common region (26), in use of the apparatus. The first passageway (17) is provided with first flow control means (25), for controlling the flow of fluid between the first zone (9) and the common region (26), and the second passageway (23) is provided with second flow control means (28), for controlling the flow of fluid between the second zone (10) and the common region (26).

Abstract: A running string for a subsea completion comprises an upper section (70) which may be a coiled tubing (CT) injector unit as shown, or a wireline lubricator (FIG. 8). A lower section (60) provides wireline/CT access to production/annulus bores of a tubing hanger (not shown) attached to tubing hanger running tool (62). A flow package (64) in the lower section (60), together with BOP pipe rams (86) and annular seal (88), directs production and annulus fluid flows/pressures to the BOP choke/kill lines (78/76). The upper and lower sections allow installation and pressure/circulation testing of, and wireline/CT access to, a subsea completion, without the use of a high pressure riser.

Abstract: A system for connecting and disconnecting a lower end of a marine riser (25) to and from a blow out preventer stack on a subsea wellhead comprises gripping members (26) for the marine riser and a lock element (27) for locking the gripping members (26). The system comprises first primary actuators (28), second primary actuators (29) and secondary actuators (30) for moving the lock element (27) to an unlock position, and hydraulic circuitry for actuating the actuators. The system further comprises a hydraulic backup unlock circuit (9, 11, 16) comprising a triple flow divider (8) for dividing fluid flow from a source (16) into one flow for actuating the first primary actuators (28), one flow for actuating the second primary actuators (29) and one flow for actuating the secondary actuators (30).

Abstract: An externally actuatable tieback connector for establishing fluid communication and force resisting connection of a conduit to a subsea wellhead having an internal locking geometry. The tieback connector has a body structure that is adapted for landing on a wellhead, with a part thereof extending into the wellhead and carrying a split lock ring. A lock energizing element, moveable relative to the body structure, has a locking position expanding the lock ring into locking and pre-load force transmitting engagement with the internal locking geometry of the wellhead and an unlocking position releasing the tieback connector from the wellhead. One or more drive members extend from the lock energizing element and are exposed externally of the connector body and wellhead for engagement and actuating movement by a lock actuating tool such as a ROV or the like.

Abstract: A subsea well system has a flowline jumper that extends between components on the sea floor. The jumper has connectors on each end for connecting to the two components. At least a portion of the jumper is buoyant and sufficiently flexible to cause it to assume a vertical arcuate configuration when installed. One end of the jumper has a connector that has a mandrel that guides into a mating socket formed on the end of an arm. The arm is mounted to a ring that can be rotated to various orientations.

Abstract: A subsea well system has a flowline jumper that extends between components on the sea floor. The jumper has connectors on each end for connecting to the two components and has a curved portion. At least a portion of the jumper is buoyant to cause it to assume a vertical arcuate configuration when installed. One end of the jumper has a connector that has a mandrel that guides into a mating socket formed on the end of an arm. The arm is mounted to a ring that can be rotated to various orientations.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead (10) includes annulus pressure monitoring and bleed down ports (32, 34, 36) whereby excessive pressure may be detected and bled off to a production controls or workover controls system via an electro/hydraulic jumper (58). A valve block (44) bolted to the wellhead (10) includes pressure transducers (52, 54, 56) and isolation valves (46, 48, 50). Excessive annulus pressures and hence damage to the completion program may thereby be avoided in HPHT subsea well applications.

Abstract: A plug retrieval and installation tool is used with a subsea well having a production tree, a tubing hanger, a passage that extends vertically through the tubing hanger and the tree, and a plug located within a plug profile in the passage within the tubing hanger. The plug retrieval device has a housing and connector that is lowered on a lift line onto the upper end of the tree. An axially extensible stem in the housing is driven by drive mechanism into the production passage of the tubing hanger. A retrieval member mounted to the stem engages the plug and pulls it upwardly in the passage while the stem is being moved upward. The connector, drive mechanism and retrieval member are powered by an ROV.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation (see also FIG. 2 later on).

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation from one or more heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Some or all of the sources may be removable from the formation during and/or after use.

Abstract: A method of isolating a section of a drilled bore containing a problem zone comprises: providing a section of tubing; locating the tubing in the section of the bore; and expanding the tubing and forming at least an outer portion of the tubing to conform to irregularities in the bore wall, to isolate the problem zone. The tubing may feature a formable outer section, and the expansion of the tubing may be achieved using a compliant rotary expander.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil well fire suppression devices, a self contained fire suppression device serving the dual purposes of extinguishing an oil fire and thereafter sealing the well against further leakage and re-ignition. The containment vessel physicaly contains and extinguishes the fire within seconds, channels and controls escaping oil and gas, and plugs the well with a removable bladder. Heat activated valves release liquid nitrogen into the fire column to use the force of the fire to suck nitrogen into the flame and thereby assisting in extinguishing the fire.

Abstract: A helicopter fire fighting system including a fluid holding vessel suspended from underside of the helicopter; and submersible high volume, low head axial flow pump mounted adjacent bottom of the holding vessel for drawing fluid from a fluid source and delivering the fluid into the holding vessel, the axial flow pump extends along a central axis between an open upper end and an opposite open lower end serving as an inlet for the axial flow pump.

Abstract: A gearing arrangement for driving at least one working unit, especially a cutter arrangement, has a support unit (6) with a connection mechanism (45) coupling to a tractor (1). A gearbox housing (7) is pivotably supported around a pivoting axis (11) in the support unit (6). The gearbox housing (7) can be directly or indirectly connected to the working unit (38, 41). An input shaft (28) is pivotably supported within the gearbox housing (7) around a rotational axis (27). A connection mechanism (33) on the input shaft connects with a drive shaft (10). The input shaft (28) drives at least one output shaft (31), which is rotationally supported in the gearbox housing (7). The output shaft (31) may be connected to intermediate shaft (34, 39) to drive at least one working tool of the working unit.

Abstract: A device for switching operating modes for an at least partially rotational and percussive hand tool machine having an overload clutch, which is arranged between a hollow driving guide cylinder (3) containing an axially striking impact piston (2) and a rotating, driving crown gear (4) on the guide cylinder (3) and which can be switched into different operating modes using an externally manually switchable, axially displaceable switching member, wherein at least one operating mode is rotationally driven, wherein the axially displaceable switching member engages rotationally form-lockingly into a freely rotational coupling ring (6) of the overload clutch mounted relative to the guide cylinder (3).

Abstract: A hand held power tool with an improved functionality, comprising a grip (16) with a configuration which allows a much more comfortable and efficient use of the machine, especially in the case of prolonged and/or professional use; advantage of use is obtained without jeopardizing the encumbrance, which remains equivalent to that of traditional machines.

Abstract: A method for the realisation and the maintenance of overhead line plants for telecommunications, in which the anchor or “mooring” device of the self-gripping two-way supports of the cables, is made integral with a movable structure free to move along the supporting post. The structure comprises a chain allowing to lower the line from span level to ground level, and its successive lifting to the predetermined A operative height at the end of the maintenance intervention; said lowering of the line to the ground level being obtained by expoliting the gravity force acting on the line itself, and the successive lifting, by pulling this anchor chain. The movable structures are realised according to different configurations, depending on the characteristics of the posts where these structures are used.

Abstract: A swivel fixture hanger assembly comprising a conduit box, a conduit box cover, and a swivel connector. The cover has a stationary cover section and a moveable cover section shaped to mate with the stationary cover section providing a seat for a swivel connector and coacting to define a central opening. A rigid strap pivotally connected to the stationary cover section and fixedly connected to the moveable cover section pivots the moveable cover section into and out of engagement with the stationary cover section. A fastener fastens a second end of the strap to the stationary cover section when the moveable cover section is engaged with the stationary cover section. The swivel connector has a seatable portion shaped to engage the seat of the cover and a connector portion extending through the central opening of the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a housing for receiving electric and/or electronic assemblies with two parallel plate-like covers which are connected to each other by means of profiled limbs extending vertically with respect to said covers. The profiled limbs are embodied as extruded/pressed profiled sections and are provided with moulded, undercut grooves which are formed as a single piece. The two profiled limbs facing the front side of the housing have an inner surface which is disposed in a vertical position with respect to the front side of the housing. The first undercut groove is built into said inner surfaces, being open in the direction of the inner side of the housing.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip has connection lines that are routed to the side surface from bump pads on the back surface of the chip. Such semiconductor chips are stacked on a circuit board to form a chip stack package while bumps are interposed between the bump pads of the lower chip and bonding pads of the upper chip. Further, an interconnecting member such as a conductive adhesive or a wiring board is applied to the side surfaces of the stacked chips such that the connection lines are connected to the interconnecting member. Therefore, the centrally disposed bonding pads of the chips are electrically connected to the circuit board through the bumps, the bump pad, the connection lines and the interconnecting member. The semiconductor chip may have heat dissipation part formed on the back surface. Methods of manufacturing the semiconductor chip and the chip stack package are also provided.

Abstract: A swivel fixture hanger assembly having a conduit box, a conduit box cover, and a swivel connector. The cover has a stationary cover section and a moveable cover section shaped to mate with the stationary cover section providing a seat for a swivel connector and coacting to define a central opening. A rigid strap pivotally connected to the stationary cover section and fixedly connected to the moveable cover section pivots the moveable cover section into and out of engagement with the stationary cover section. A fastener fastens a second end of the strap to the stationary cover section when the moveable cover section is engaged with the stationary cover section. The swivel connector has a seatable portion shaped to engage the seat of the cover and a connector portion extending through the central opening of the cover.

Abstract: A waterproof plug (10) for a waterproof connector includes a body (11) of a generally cylindrical shape. A wire (28) can be inserted into the body to be projected therefrom, and an outer peripheral surface (12) of the body can be press-contacted with an inner peripheral surface (23) of a cavity (22), while an inner peripheral surface (13) of the body can be press-contacted with the wire (28), and an insulation barrel (26) of a terminal (25) can compressively clamp the wire (28) through the body. An insertion hole (16) in the body is tapering such that a thickness t of a clamping portion (18) of the body is uniform along an axis thereof.

Abstract: A shield cable capable of satisfactorily accommodating electric/electronic equipment newly installed in automobiles requires maintaining good shielding performance, facilitating terminal-processing work, and effectively preventing a buckle and a disconnection in each signal line even if the outer diameter of each signal line is reduced. A flat shield cable is provided having a plurality of signal lines, each having an insulating cover arranged parallel with each other. The signal lines each having the insulating cover are covered with a shield tape having an impedance adjustment intervening tape and a shield layer in such a matter that the shield layer is located outside. A drain line is provided on one side of an array of the signal lines each having the insulating cover so as to be parallel with the signal lines and to be in contact with the shield layer of the shield tape from outside. All of the signal lines, the shield tape, and the drain line are covered with an insulating sheath.

Abstract: A barrier for limiting accessibility to electrically conductive boards includes a plurality of board engaging sides having proximal and distal edges to the board. A cover side is formed between the distal edges. Securements extend from at least one of the sides securing the barrier into a fixed position relative to the board, as well as preventing tactile access to the board. The barrier includes slats that allow wires to enter and exit the barrier as well as allow adequate air flow to pass over the board.

Abstract: The present invention features an interposer that provides a high reliability interface between an LGA connector and a motherboard. The novel interposer overcomes the limitations of prior art interposers by including a stepped spacer for each solder interconnection which prevents the relaxation of mechanical contact force while ensuring the integrity of each solder interconnection. The interposer provides noble metal plated contact pads on a first surface to receive the contact members of an LGA connector, and contact pads for BGA solder connections for attachment to a motherboard. A description of the processes to manufacture the interposer is also disclosed.