Abstract: A process is described for purifying polyalkylene glycols obtained by adding alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol, in which, after addition is complete, the resultant polyalkylene glycol is treated at a pH of >7 with a bleaching agent selected from the group consisting of peroxides, peracids, percarbonates, perborates, peroxodisulfates or oxygen, in each case with or without addition of a bleaching activator. The process is suitable in particular for preparing polyethylene glycol having molar weights from 196 to 203 g/mol which meets requirements of pharmacopeias.

Abstract: 3,3-Dimethylbutanal is prepared from 3,3-dimethylbutanol. Intermediate 3,3-dimethylbutanol is obtained by reacting ethylene, isopropylene and a mineral acid to produce a 3,3-dimethylbutyl ester which is hydrolyzed to the alcohol. The hydrolysis step is effectively carried out by reactive distillation. Alternatively, 3,3-dimethylbutanal is prepared from 3,3-dimethylbutanol obtained by reduction of the corresponding carboxylic acid or 1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethylbutane, or by hydrolysis of 1-halo-3,3-dimethylbutane. Fixed bed gas phase and stirred tank liquid phase processes are provided for converting 3,3-dimethylbutanol to 3,3-dimethylbutanal by catalytic dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a halo-olefin to minimize one or more side reactions which form at least one impurity, said process comprising contacting a halogenated hydrocarbon with a metal dehalogenating agent dissolved in a solvent under conditions sufficient to dehalogenate said halogenated hydrocarbon to produce a product stream comprising said halo-olefin and at least one impurity, said metal dehalogenating agent having an average particle size within a range of average particle sizes, said impurity concentration of said product stream being essentially constant within said range and increasing significantly below said range.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule involves adding a reaction product to the mixtures in an effective amount to inhibit formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The product is made by the reaction of first reactant that is an amine or polyamine, or alcohol or polyalcohol, with a second, aldehyde reactant and a third reactant that is an alcohol or polyalcohol or, an amide or polyamide. Preferably, if the first and third reactants are both an alcohol or both a polyalcohol, they are not the same. A non-limiting example of a suitable amine would be a fatty alkyl amine, while formaldehyde would be a non-limiting of a suitable aldehyde and polyacrylamide would be a suitable third reactant.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrocarbon compounds are produced by a process of contacting one or more aliphatic hydrocarbons containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms with a catalytic composition comprising (i) gallium, (ii) at least one lanthanide element, and (iii) a zeolite selected from the group consisting of the MIF family of zeolites, the crystal lattice of which consists of silicon oxide and aluminum oxide in a molar ratio of silicon oxide to aluminum oxide which is greater than 20 and less than 500, and is comprised of crystallites, at least 90% of which have diameters smaller than 500 ?.

Abstract: Process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon, which process comprises contacting the hydrocarbon and a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst under auto-thermal conditions sufficient to produce the olefin. The catalyst comprises a component (a) and a component (b), wherein component (a) is at least one metal selected from Group IIIA, Group IVA, Group VA and the transition metals and component (b) is at least one transition metal. The catalyst does not comprise either palladium or platinum.

Abstract: A liner for a patch used for covering the surface of a base agent layer of the patch may include a tear line portion for dividing and peeling the liner off the base agent layer is provided at a predetermined location. The thickness of the tear line portion may be made thinner than a generally average thickness of the liner. Therefore, when the patch is about to be used, the liner may easily be torn at the tear line portion and peeled off the base agent layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a HSPC150-like gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods of gene targeting using replication in order to increase the efficiency of targeted genetic modification in an eukaryotic organism. Included are vectors, expression cassettes, and modified cells, plants and seeds.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a transcription factor stress-related protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRP, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRP, and vectors and host cells containing the latter. Further provided are methods of producing transgenic plants expressing TFSRP, methods of increasing expression of other genes of interest using the TFSRP, methods of identifying novel TFSRP, and methods of modifying the expression of TFSRP in plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which restore fertility to cytoplasmic male sterile plants and modify expression of toxic mitochondria proteins by the plant. The present invention also relates to methods of identifying a candidate plant suitable for breeding with a cytoplasmic male sterile plant and methods of identifying a candidate gene restoring fertility in plants by analyzing for the candidate plant and candidate gene, respectively, for the presence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Also disclosed are methods of producing hybrid plant seed, methods of directing gene expression to plant mitochondria, and method of expressing a gene preferentially in roots of a plant. Promoters and terminators from plant genes which restore fertility to cytoplasmic male sterile plants and modify expression of toxic mitochondria proteins are also disclosed. Finally, methods of producing plants with a cytoplasmic male sterile plant restoration system are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method which improves the economical production of seedless watermelon fruit. The novel method involves using short vine pollinators in the production field to pollinate the triploid hybrids which result in increased yields.

Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated SG5030NRR, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar SG5030NRR, to the plants of soybean SG5030NRR and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar SG5030NRR with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar SG5030NRR with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety, designated XB48T04. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB48T04, to the plants of soybean XB48T04, to plant parts of soybean variety XB48T04 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean variety XB48T04 with another soybean plant, using XB48T04 as either the male or the female parent. This invention also relates to methods for introgressing a transgenic or mutant trait into soybean variety XB48T04 and to the soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48T04, to methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48T04 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety, designated XB09J04. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB09J04, to the plants of soybean XB09JO4, to plant parts of soybean variety XB09J04 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean variety XB09J04 with another soybean plant, using XB09J04 as either the male or the female parent. This invention also relates to methods for introgressing a transgenic or mutant trait into soybean variety XB09JO4 and to the soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from soybean variety XB09J04, to methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB09J04 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB39N05. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB39N05, to the plants of soybean XB39N05 to plant parts of soybean variety XB39N05 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB39N05 with another soybean plant, using XB39N05 as either the male or the female parent.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety S05-99048-19 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety S05-99048-19 and its progeny, and methods of making S05-99048-19.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I060064. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I060064, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I060064 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I060064 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I060064, and also to the SSR and isozyme typing profiles of corn variety I060064.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH26N, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH26N, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH26N with itself or with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH26N with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH26N, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH26N and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH48V, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH48V, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH48V with itself or with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH48V with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH48V, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH48V and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I113752. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I113752, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I113752 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I113752 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I113752.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 38B12 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing two Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 38B12 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 38B12 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 38B12, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 38B12. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 38B12 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHCER and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHCER with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHCER through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHCER or a trait conversion of PHCER with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHCER, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHCER and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument (e.g., an electronic piano) has a keyboard including numerous actions interlocked with numerous keys arranged on a keybed, and at least one pedal (e.g., damper pedal) arranged on a base board of a housing thereof, wherein it is equipped with a pedal link mechanism including a pedal lever. A keybed reinforcing member is attached to the lower surface of the keybed and is arranged to pivotally support the pedal lever thereunder, wherein a plurality of tapered spacers are put into the space between the keybed and the keybed reinforcing member, which are thus integrally fixed together using screws. One end of the pedal lever is interconnected with the pedal via a hanging bolt, and the other end is interconnected with a vertical link interlocked with at least one action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brace bar attached to an inner surface of a sound board of a guitar to prevent the sound board from being distorted, which has a modified shape to improve the flexibility of the sound board while maintaining the strength of the sound board, thus improving the resonance of the sound board and reducing a weight of the sound board. The brace bar includes a narrow portion having a cross-section with a profile of which at least one side extends vertically upward to a position of a predetermined height, thus forming a lower base part, and is bent inward at the position toward a center of the brace bar, and, thereafter, extends upward while being inclined at a predetermined inclination angle to form a tapered upper part.

Abstract: A string support assembly for use with a musical instrument includes a base member which is connected with the musical instrument adjacent to a connection between head and neck portions of the musical instrument. A plurality of pairs of string support members are connected with the base member. Each of the string support members includes a string positioning section having an arcuate outer side surfaces which engages one of the strings. A blocking section extends from the string positioning section to block movement of the string from between the string support members.

Abstract: An easily removable unit that provides a means of holding the players mallets as well as affording a protective edge for the bass drum rim of a marching bass drum as used in marching bands and drum corps. The device is held in place by a rim claw on the bass drum rim that serves to hold the unit in place while also providing protection of the rim when being struck by the players mallet shaft. The claw slides in a slotted track that also holds a gripper for holding the players mallets. The rim claw is retained in the slot by a tension spring that allows the player to remove the unit by pulling the rim claw away from the rim.

Abstract: A music session support method which enables each of players in a music session which is performed via a network to immediately recognize whether or not the other players are in the state of being able to participate in the session. A session support apparatus 10 transmits sets of status information indicative of whether or not each of players is in a state of being able to participate in a session, and player identification information which identifies the players, to each of session terminals 20. Each of the session terminals 20 which have received the sets of status information and player identification information causes a touch display 24 thereof to display the status information for each of the players.

Abstract: In a music video game, a player's performance is digitally sampled while the player performs a musical composition. The player's performance is compared with a reference performance of the musical composition provided by the music video game. Performance feedback is presented to the player based on the results of the comparison. In some embodiments, sample times associated with digital samples of the player's live vocal performance are compared against timestamps of data records embedded or otherwise accompanying the reference performance audio track. Pitch and rhythm information is retrieved from the data record having a timestamp that most closely matches the sample time of interest. The pitch and rhythm data is used to compute pitch and rhythm errors, which are used to generate performance evaluation data. The performance evaluation data is used to present performance feedback to the player while the player is performing the musical composition.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling and heating device including a substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on one side of the substrate and configured to perform at least one of selective heating and cooling such that each thermoelectric element includes a thermoelectric material, a Peltier contact contacting the thermoelectric material and forming under electrical current flow at least one of a heated junction and a cooled junction, and electrodes configured to provide current through the thermoelectric material and the Peltier contact. As such, the thermoelectric cooling and heating device selectively biases the thermoelectric elements to provide on one side of the thermolectric device a grid of localized heated or cooled junctions.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant jacket for a flexible cable with a cable core and a jacket made of an abrasion-resistant thermoplastic material surrounding the cable core, particularly for a drag chain cable or a robot cable. The jacket includes an inner extruded plastic layer (2) and an outer jacket layer (4). Between the inner plastic layer (2) and the outer jacket layer (4) is a layer (3) of monofilaments made of a chemically and thermally stable material with a visual coverage of 40 to 70%. The outer jacket layer (4) is applied by pressure extrusion, such that the spaces in the layer (3) are almost filled by the material of the outer jacket layer, and the layer (3) adheres to the inner sheath layer (2).

Abstract: An overhead service drop extending between a utility pole and a customer location includes at least one power conductor, a neutral conductor messenger supporting itself and the power conductor, and a separable power connector between the power conductor and a corresponding utility power conductor adjacent the utility pole. The overhead service drop further includes a separable neutral connector between the neutral conductor messenger and a corresponding utility neutral conductor, and a mechanical breakaway member between the neutral conductor messenger and the utility pole. The mechanical breakaway member breaks away prior to breakage of the neutral conductor messenger to permit preferential separation of the separable power and neutral connectors based upon increased tension imparted to the neutral conductor messenger by a falling object.

Abstract: A bezel mounting assembly of the present invention includes a bezel (10), a front panel (30) defining a pair of first slots (32) therein, and an arc-shape resilient member (20) attached to the bezel for detaching the bezel from the front panel. The bezel includes a pair of first hooks (12) corresponding to the first slots of the front panel. A pair of retaining pieces (16) is formed on the bezel and each defines a sliding slot (17) therein. A cutout (18) is defined in a bottommost portion of the bezel. The resilient member includes a pressing portion (22). A number of protrusions (26) are formed on the resilient member and are received in the corresponding sliding slots of the bezel. The pressing portion is pressed to drive the first hook outwardly; the first hooks are thereby disengaged from the first slots of the front panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a toolbox may includes a plurality of walls that define at least in part an interior from/into which tools may be retrieved or deposited. A cable housing may be secured to an interior wall of the toolbox, with a reel secured therein for rotational winding and unwinding of a cable. A cable retention knob on the distal end of the cable may be available external the cable housing for enabling withdrawal of the cable external the toolbox. Further, a power spring may be operatively configured to apply a rotational force to the reel to enable tensioned winding/unwinding of the cable about the reel. In a particular example, the walls for the toolbox form an external shape adapted for installation across the bed of a pickup truck.

Abstract: A wiring device common in household circuits includes a flexible brush that is a separate piece from a screw plate that receives electrical power. A terminal screw can thread into the screw plate. The brush may be positioned between the screw plate and the head of the terminal screw and can have a clearance hole through which the threads if the terminal screw can pass. Good electrical and thermal conductivity is assured between the screw plate and the brush by tightening the screw. A ground strap can be employed to hold a cover to a base of the electrical device. The strap can include openings which engage snap tabs on the cover to lock all components into a complete assembly. The strap also can have hooks which engage the cover to prevent the cover from being pulled out of the strap. The wiring device can be an electrical switch, a receptacle, or any similar type of device.

Abstract: An electrical outlet covering apparatus includes a housing that has a back wall and a peripheral wall. The back wall has a pair of openings extending therethrough that are alignable with one of a pair of female outlets. The peripheral wall includes has a bottom wall that has a slot therein. A covering includes a front wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends away from the front wall. The perimeter wall has an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the housing. The covering is removably positionable on and over the housing. The perimeter wall has a notch therein that is aligned with the slot when the covering is positioned on the housing. A male power plug may be plugged into one of the female wall outlets and a cord attached thereto extended downwardly through the slot and notch.

Abstract: A three-conductor cable (10) including three stranded electric cables (1), each having a core that has a current conductor (2) and a neutral and/or return conductor. Each individual cable (1) is essentially characterized in that the neutral and/or return conductor is configured from a number of individual conductors (4), distributed concentrically around the current conductor (2), that an insulating sheath (3) is provided between the current conductor (2) an the distributed individual conductors (4) of the neutral and/or return conductor and that a protective jacket covers the neutral and/or return conductor.

Abstract: A multilayer wiring board includes a substrate, a first planar conductor layer, a second planar conductor layer, resin dielectric layers, filled vias, and stacked via structures. Each of the stacked via structures is disposed in the resin dielectric layers and is configured such that the filled vias are stacked substantially coaxially and are mutually connected together. A first end of the stacked via structure is connected directly to either the first planar conductor layer or the second planar conductor layer. A second end of the stacked via structure is unconnected, directly, to both the first planar conductor layer and the second planar conductor layer.

Abstract: By providing a cover member which is pivotally mounted to the base member and is constructed for being automatically securely affixed to the base member by frictional and locking engagement therewith, an efficient, easily manufactured and easily assembled conduit/cable connector is realized. In addition, the cover member comprises a pair of gripping fingers constructed for engaging and holding a flexible metal conduit and/or armored or metal clad cable. As a result of this construction, the operator is able to quickly and easily insert a flexible metal conduit and/or armored or metal clad cable into the gripping fingers of the cover member, and then arcuately pivot the cover member and the engaged metal conduit and/or armored or metal clad cable into the precisely desired mounted position with the base member.

Abstract: A keypad has keys (12) protruding through a housing (18) with at least one at-a-distance sensor (20) located approximately equidistant between each adjacent set of keys (12). Each key (12) has a tactile feedback element (32) located below and a primary graphic (10) displayed above. Graphics identifying additional functionality (14) are disposed off-center to primary graphic (10). Locator nubs (16) are located approximately equidistant between each adjacent set of keys (12).

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: A thin keyboard structure comprises a substrate, a flexible circuit and a keycap. The substrate comprises a base, a first portion with a first end, and a second portion with a second end. At least one of the first portion and the second portion protrudes from the base at an included angle. The first end is aligned with the second end and separated from the second end by some distance. The flexible circuit comprises a first contact fixed on the first end and a second contact fixed on the second end. The keycap having at least one connecting device is fixed on the portion that protrudes from the base.

Abstract: A switch comprises an input contact and at least one output contact, a single droplet of conductive liquid located in a channel, the droplet being in constant contact with the input contact, and a heater configured to heat a gas. The heated gas expands to cause the droplet to translate through the channel.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes an electrical switch having a dielectric housing mounting at least a pair of switch terminals having contact arms exposed at one side of the housing. A printed circuit board has a major flat surface and a side edge surface which faces the one side of the housing. At least a pair of L-shaped conductive contact pads are mounted on the printed circuit board. The L-shaped contact pads have terminating leg portions on the major flat surface of the circuit board for electrical connection to appropriate circuit traces on the board. The contact pads have contact leg portions at the side edge surface of the circuit board for engaging the contact arms of the switch terminals.

Abstract: A slider is provided with projections. Each projection is formed with tapered surfaces. A casing is provided with concave portions having the same shape as the projections. During the return of an operating body, the slider ascends while being inclined, and the slider stands upright as the tapered surface of the projection and the tapered surface of the concave portion of the casing slide on each other. Then, each projection is fitted into the corresponding concave portion, thereby positioning the slider.

Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed having improved operational characteristics wherein when a operating handle is rotated from an OFF position to an ON position the switch provides slow motion which accelerates as the operating handle is rotated to a full open position and then provides rapid establishment of electrical contact. The operating handle having a cam that when rotated from the ON position to the OFF position forces a cam follower downwards. As a result, a bridge having coil springs connected to the cam follower is forced downwards to separate at least one electrical contact placed in proximity to the bridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method arranged to use a combination of at least electrical resistance heating and mechanical friction heating to case a base material and/or a consumable material to reach a combination of temperature and pressure sufficient to cause welding. The method and apparatus configured for the simultaneous or substantially simultaneous application of both electrical resistance heating and friction heating to achieve welding is referred to as an electrofriction process, method or apparatus. This combination of resistance and friction heating allows the heating to be more localized within a relatively small weld zone, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall process and allowing the size, weight and strength and/or the cost of the application equipment and/or associated fixtures and power supplies to be reduced while enhancing its capability for operation in confined spaces and providing satisfactory welding performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating relatively cool microwave plasma. The present invention provides a microwave plasma nozzle that includes a gas flow tube through which a gas flows, and a rod-shaped conductor that is disposed in the gas flow tube and has a tapered tip near the outlet of the gas flow tube. A portion of the rod-shaped conductor extends into a microwave cavity to receive microwaves passing in the cavity. These received microwaves are focused at the tapered tip to heat the gas into plasma. The microwave plasma nozzle also includes a vortex guide between the rod-shaped conductor and the gas flow tube imparting a helical shaped flow direction around the rod-shaped conductor to the gas flowing through the tube. The microwave plasma nozzle further includes a mechanism for electronically exciting the gas and a shielding mechanism for reducing a microwave power loss through the gas flow tube.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of large metal matrix composite structures comprising the continuous joining by brazing or welding of aluminum matrix tape using an infrared laser to melt the surface of the tape while applying pressure to the tape and simultaneously contacting it with previously applied tape layers on a rotating mandrel. The apparatus utilized to accomplish this fabrication process may include a variety of pre and post-contact heaters and preferably includes instruments for the continuous monitoring and control of the process.

Abstract: Provided are a solder ball bonding method and a solder ball bonding device for performing bonding of a plurality of electrode portions formed on objects to be bonded by melting solder balls. The solder balls are suctioned by using a plurality of suction nozzles that follow the electrode portions of the objects to be bonded, and conveyed onto the electrode portions. A laser irradiation portion that is positioned above the suction nozzles is then moved in a direction along which the suction nozzles are arranged, while the solder balls are irradiated with laser light passing through suction openings of the suction nozzles by using the laser irradiation portion. Accordingly, it is possible to melt the plurality of solder balls on the electrode portions by using only a single laser irradiation portion.