Abstract: A solder assembly 10 which is selectively and operably connectable to a controller 12 and which has several “guns” 74, 76 which each allow for the selective creation of a several circuits, thereby allowing for the creation of substantial even solder connections.

Abstract: A solder assembly 10 which is selectively and operably connectable to a controller 12 and which has several “guns” 74, 76 which each allow for the selective creation of a several circuits, thereby allowing for the creation of substantial even solder connections.

Abstract: A device for heating and closing heat-retractable clamps for surgical use includes a housing which encloses an electronic power and control circuit, a power cord connected to the circuit, and a heating unit for applying heat to the clamps. The electronic power and control circuit includes a power supply, a controller and a regulating circuit for delivering different predetermined amounts of heat, each corresponding to a clamp of a given size. The heating unit is capable of being sterilized in an autoclave and includes a linking cord, one end of which is capable of being plugged into the housing for the electronic circuit and the other end of which is coupled with a sleeve having a pair of electrodes and a control switch for operating the electrodes.

Abstract: A soldering iron includes a housing for accommodating therein at least one heating element and a soldering bit which is releasably secured to the housing. The heating element includes a heat-transmitting contact surface provided on an end face thereof which faces the soldering bit. A heat reception surface of said soldering bit is located opposite the contact surface and in direct contact therewith with no intermediate layer therebetween. A temperature sensor is located adjacent the contact surface and between the contact surface and a filament winding of the heating element.

Abstract: In a fixing device for fixing a soldering tip to a soldering device, the soldering tip comprises a front working end and a rear fixing end opposite the front working end, and the soldering device comprises a joining end for fixing the fixing end. A rotational-symmetric section is arranged at least at one end. In order to enable in a constructive and simple manner a safe and easily detachable fixing of a soldering tip in the soldering device, one end comprises a conical section, which is provided with an outer cone at least at some portions in the circumferential direction. This outer cone is arranged eccentrically with respect to the rotational-symmetric section, wherein the other end is provided with an inner cone in which the outer cone is supported rotatable between an insertion position and a fixing position.

Abstract: A portable electric soldering tool includes a housing forming a handle and a power head. A heating rod with a main and a secondary heating coil extends from the power head, the rod having an axial bore with a stainless steel lining to prevent solder from building up in the heating rod. A pump draws molten solder through the axial bore of the heating rod. A disposable solder collecting cartridge is removably mounted in the power head to collect solder drawn through the heating rod. The cartridge includes a barrel formed of a heat resistant plastic. Sealing gaskets are disposed at the open ends of the barrel, and a solder accumulator is disposed in the barrel to collect molten solder. The main and secondary heating coils are connected to a power switch. An electric motor for the pump is connected in series with the secondary heating coil. A selector switch energizes alternatively the main heating coil or the secondary heating coil and motor.

Abstract: An air-operated soldering device includes a pair of air cylinders which are operable to clamp a workpiece between the cylinders and a base. A clip holder is then advanced against the workpiece by a clip holder air cylinder. A pair of electrodes are then advanced against the workpiece by a pair of electrode air cylinders, and the electrodes are used to solder electrical contacts to the workpiece. An air operated position sensor is used as a limit switch to determine when the workpiece is properly positioned in the soldering device.

Abstract: A device for removal of a tick from the skin of a host and alternately to be used as a flashlight, such device having an open-ended casing for receiving the tick in a V-shaped alignment guide and slot defined in the casing, such tick to be trapped in the slot with structure to apply heat from an illuminating heating element in proximity to the tick to cause it to release its grip from the skin of the host after which it can be removed, with such illuminating heating element also acting as the light source when the device is used in its alternate flashlight mode.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out a soldering wand control system. With a wand having a heated tip, a heater element and a thermostat for measuring tip temperature, an output signal of tip temperature is provided. Using an analog to digital converter, tip temperature is transmitted to a CPU along with a set point temperature. The CPU also connects with a binary switch which is toggled to input an operator generated signal for changing tip temperature. In the preferred form, the binary switch is a reed switch which is physically mounted for easy operation by an operator moved magnet. This enables easy input of a binary signal for changing the circuit and its operation. In one form, the binary switch is a reed switch mounted on a printed circuit board within the cabinet and is magnetically sensitive by virtue of an external magnet which causes operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained desoldering gun having a built-in vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is operated by a low voltage electric motor which is electrically connected in at least partial series with a heating tip. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a full wave bridge rectifier is used to supply power to the vacuum pump motor and a built-in vacuum pump while using a half-wave bridge rectifier to supply power to the heater. In exemplary embodiments, the vacuum pump is provided for drawing molten solder and when a trigger is activated the motor is subsequently energized and the output of the heating tip is increased.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum or venturi effect pickup tool is disclosed having a body and a forwardly extending tubular member, which may be curved, carrying a rotatable pickup head on its forward end. A rotatable nozzle is carried by the forward portion of the body and an elastomeric tube connected to the nozzle and to the pickup head and extending loosely over the tubular member retains the pickup head to the tubular member and provides a rotational, positioning control of the pickup head by rotating the nozzle about its connection to the body of the tool.

Abstract: A cover for a flashlight handle comprising at least one heating coil positioned proximate to the handle so that heat generated by the heating coil warms the area gripped by a user. In the preferred embodiment, the heating coil is disposed within a flexible sleeve which is attached to the flashlight handle so that at least a portion of the flashlight handle is disposed within the flexible sleeve. A power source is preferably disposed within the flashlight handle. A switch in electrical communication with the power source and the heating coil is operative to enable a user to providing power to the heating coils.

Abstract: A hand held pickup tool is disclosed having a pickup head which may selectively operate as a suction cup for holding small parts or as a venturi effect lift device. For the suction cup mode the tool is supplied with a vacuum and in the venturi lift mode with a positive air flow. A pneumatic circuit is disclosed which includes a venturi vacuum generator operated by a source of shop compressed air. By a simple air switch, the operator may select whether the circuit provides vacuum to the pickup tool or whether the venturi generator is, effectively bypassed to supply a positive air flow to the tool. Various examples of pickup heads for the tool are disclosed which function selectively either as suction holders or venturi lift devices.

Abstract: A hot air torch for the welding of plastic featuring an air flow around and about the inner portions of tubular members which entrains unwanted internally generated heat prior to the welding tip to provide a torch body which is safe to the touch while at the same time providing suitably heated air at the welding tip. Excess accumulated heat is vented overboard in the vicinity of the welding tip.

Abstract: A portable electric soldering tool includes a housing forming a handle and a power head. A heating rod extends from the power head, the rod having an axial bore with a stainless steel lining to prevent solder from building up in the heating rod. A heating coil heats the heating rod. The heating rod directs melted solder into an extraction tube in which a curved wafer is disposed to collect the solder. A diaphragm pump is mounted in the power head and has an oblong piston head, which is mounted with the long axis aligned on a longitudinal axis of the tool, which facilitates a more compact unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained desoldering gun having a built-in vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is operated by a low voltage electric motor which is electrically connected in at least partial series with a heating tip. The heating tip reduces the voltage in the circuit and reduces the size of the motor required to operate the pump. In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the heating tip which is not in partial series with the motor is electrically connected in parallel with the motor. In alternate embodiments, the heating tip can include separately formed first and second heating elements, the first heating element being connected in parallel with the motor and the second heating element being connected in series with the motor. Such a configuration allows the second heating element to be energized only when the motor of the vacuum pump is energized.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing and bonding the seams and edges of resilient and other types of floors, whereby specially formulated hot-melt sealants/adhesives are applied in molten form at the flooring installation site using a heated gun equipped with a specially designed tip. The hot-melt sealant/adhesive flows into and completely fills the seam and bonds to the edges of the flooring producing a bead of material that extends above the surface of the flooring. The specially designed tip facilitates this process by guiding along easily in the groove of the seam or joint and directing the molten sealant/adhesive accurately into the seam. The tip allows the seam or joint width to be very narrow and enhances sealing and adhesion by imparting heat to the edges of the flooring material. Upon cooling, a spatula knife or other appropriate tool is used to skive off the excess bead of material leaving it flush with the flooring.

Abstract: A low wattage device for heat-liquefying material is described which employs a low volume mass electrical heat exchanger structure to generate a high power density within a dispensing tip; and simultaneously by actuation of an operator controlled momentary on/off switch for energizing the heat exchanger structure heater, the heat-liquefiable material is pressed into effective contact with the heat exchanger structure. The heat exchanger structure is formed by positioning a resistive heating element in contiguous relation to the outer wall of a low volume thermal conducting mass formed into a heat-liquefying material conductor and generates sufficiently high heat at a relatively low wattage to effectively achieve the desired melting within a few seconds. In a further feature, an insulating shield partially envelopes the heat exchanger structure to prevent contact with the resistive heating element and to minimize heat loss.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vacuum desoldering apparatus includes a timing mechanism to ensure that vacuum is maintained for a necessary minimum amount of time, even if a vacuum actuation switch of the desoldering tool is prematurely deactivated by the operator. If the operator presses the vacuum actuator switch for a period of time longer than the predetermined minimum time, vacuum will flow until the switch is released. However, if the operator actuates the switch very briefly, that is, for less than the predetermined minimum vacuum actuation time, the vacuum supply is maintained in an activated state for the predetermined minimum time.

Abstract: A solder gun or soldering iron contains a pair of electrical terminals that hold a solder tip containing a pair of straight parallel leads. Each lead has a substantially U-shaped cross-section that creates a circular cavity filled which is filled with an insulative material. The soldering tip is made from either a low impedance material such as copper or high impedance material such as a multi-layer material of steel, copper and nickel that automatically maintains the soldering tip at a constant temperature. The soldering device also comprises a universal connector that receives both a solid solder tip and a hollow soldering tip. A rack extending around the soldering device allows quick and easy exchange of various solder tips into the universal connector. In another embodiment of the invention, the soldering device includes a multiple position trigger that both initiates heating of a solder tip and activates a suction mechanism.

Abstract: A self contained desoldering gun (10) with a built in vacuum pump (40). Vacuum pump (40) is operated by a low voltage DC electric motor (50) which is connected electrically in series with heating tip (20). Heating tip (20) reduces the voltage in the circuit and reduces the size of the motor required to operate pump (40). A second heating element may be used when motor (50) is energized.

Abstract: A safe soldering device includes a retractable heat shield which can be moved between a first position in which the solder tip of the device is exposed for soldering operation and a second position in which the solder tip is covered by the heat shield. Preferably, the heat shield is biased towards the second position and may be locked in the first position for ease of use. When the soldering device is equipped with a vacuum system, the heat shield may serve to guide the flow of gases and heat from the solder tip away from the work area. The heat shield is preferably made of non-heatsinking plastic.

Abstract: An induced-draft fan pipe mounting device for mounting an induced-draft fan pipe to an electric soldering iron, including a mounting strip mounted around the handle of the electric soldering iron and having a series of through holes along the length, two connecting plates connected together by a screw to hold the mounting strip on the handle of the electric soldering iron, each connecting plate having a first lug at one side inserted through one through hole on the mounting strip and overlapped on a back side of the mounting strip, and two opposite second lugs respectively covered over the back side of the mounting strip; and an induced-draft fan pipe holder having two lugs at one end respectively fastened to either two adjacent through holes on the mounting strip, a holding device at an opposite, which receives the induced-draft fan pipe.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron is disclosed in which a gas such as compressed air is electrically heated and then forced through a metallic soldering tip which is deeply slotted or finned for maximum heat transfer thereto. Soldering is then accomplished by applying the thusly heated tip to the workpiece. The slots may be formed to exhaust the hot gas forwardly over the tip to add heat to the workpiece and control the gaseous environment thereof; or the slots may be formed to exhaust the hot gas laterally or rearwardly to help in removing pollutants from the operator's environment.

Abstract: A soldering iron includes a handle, a power source such as a rechargeable battery in the handle, and two electrical terminals connected to the battery through a switch; a soldering iron tip is secured to the terminals and includes a pair of electrical leads, and a wire heating element connected to the leads and encapsulated in a ceramic filled shell, wherein the tip has relatively low mass and a relatively high resistance heating element, and in battery operated irons can produce about 520 solder joints per battery charge.

Abstract: A soldering tip overcomes the gravitational effects on molten solder and supplies a large molten solder sphere for contact with a surface to which solder is to be applied. A conical or cylindrical spiral or helix of solder-wettable material, preferably in the form of a compressional spring is attached to the soldering tip with the central axis of the helix aligned with the axis of the soldering tip, preferably by welding. Solder supplied to the soldering tip flows between the coils of the helix and forms a meniscus at the lower end of the helix so that only the molten solder meniscus touches the surface during application of solder. The increased surface tension acts to overcome gravitational effects and assures a more even flow of solder to the surface.

Abstract: A solder-desolder system includes a hand held tool having an electrically heated soldering tip which is a hollow tube through which molten solder may be removed from the workpiece by a steady inward flow of air or by a strong impulse, vacuum stroke. Also supplied to the workpiece is a flow of solder melting hot gas which may be inert for improved soldering performance. The hot gas is directed over the heated soldering tube and may independently melt the solder or it may be utilized to preheat the work. In any event, the system provides in a compact hand held soldering tool a jet of hot air within which is a hot soldering tube tip within which a vacuum flow removes molten solder from the workpiece.A further aspect of the solder-desolder system is a trigger in the handle of the tool which selectively connects the hollow tube to an ambient air driven venturi to provide the vacuum stroke.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing apparatus comprises a housing including a supply chamber for receiving and holding a solid adhesive, an electrically powered heater, and a spray nozzle assembly. A pneumatically actuated plunger pushes solid adhesive towards the melt chamber wherein the solid adhesive is progressively melted for passage into the spray nozzle assembly which includes a plurality of air jets which impinge upon the stream of melted adhesive exiting a nozzle to create an adhesive spray.

Abstract: A hand-held electric curling iron has a hollow elongated barrel selectively insertable sequentially into one of a plurality of different diameter cylindrical hair rollers during the process of curling hair. The barrel communicates with an electric heater-blower assembly in the curling iron handle and has a plurality of apertures along its length for delivering a stream of heated air radially outwardly into the interior of the roller for heating the hair wound thereon. Each roller is provided at its ends with projecting collars for receiving and locating the barrel within the roller with a circumferential gap between the perforated portion of the roller and the barrel. The collars have circumferential apertures which cooperate with a retaining clip on the handle for securing the roller in place during use.

Abstract: A device for mounting an induced-draft fan pipe on an electric soldering iron which includes a pipe holder fastened to an electric soldering iron by a mounting device for holding a flexible, heat-resisting pipe being connected to an induced-draft fan for removing waste gas and dust from workpieces, the pipe holder having pairs of symmetrical side ribs bilaterally extended from a longitudinal body thereof, the side ribs being bent into respective open-end loops for holding the pipe, the longitudinal body of pipe holder being bent into shape fitting over the soldering bit of the electric soldering iron.

Abstract: Self-aligning tip elements are achieved in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention by providing a edge surface of each tip element with key and notch formations which will interfit with each other in a prescribed orientation when the tip elements are inserted into the bobbins of the a tweezer handpiece and the tip elements are brought together by squeezing-together the legs of the tweezer handpiece. By utilizing a symmetric arrangement of key and notch formations on each tip element, a pair of like tip elements can be used together instead of requiring special left and right tip elements.

Abstract: A hair clip for heating and styling clasped hair, whether damp or dry, into a linear configuration in the scalp area of a user. The clip comprises a pair of biasable jaws including a pair of plates for storing heat and releasing such heat to style clasped hair held between the pair of plates. Supports extend laterally from the hair clip to permit it to freestand and heat and style the hair in a perpendicular fashion to the scalp, giving the remaining hair lift away from the scalp. The hair clips are heated by biasably gripping a heated plate positioned within a base structure of an electric heating unit. The heated hair clips are used in a method of styling dry or damp hair into a linear configuration generally perpendicular to the scalp.

Abstract: Soldering-vapor exhaust device comprising vacuum generator means and filter arrangements for filtering and for the direct evacuation of soldering vapors at a soldering point, via a suction pipe provided on a soldering iron, the latter being provided with a suction opening adjacent to the soldering bit of the soldering iron and connected to the filter arrangement via a suction line, the vacuum generator means comprising a linear motor acting as pumping means, arranged downstream of the filter means in an intake chamber and being driven by an electromagnetic a.c. field, and which serves a pumping means.

Abstract: A specialized desoldering unit head is provided for the limited purpose of removing high-density solid state electronic components from circuit boards in a single step, without damaging the circuit board. In the typical case of a four-sided component with a row of leads on each side, the unit includes an electrically heated head which fits over the component with a heat-conducting blade fitting over each of the rows on the four sides of the component. The head has depth limiters stop means formed by at least one adjustable screw threaded through at least one laterally extended cross-strap on the head and positioned to engage against the top of the component to limit the lowering of the heated blades relative to the rows of leads so that the heated blades do not touch the circuit board, or even the horizontal portion of the surface-mounted leads of the lead rows, but only mounds of solder which have been applied over the leads to facilitate their heating and the removal of the component.

Abstract: A device for removing deer ticks and similar insects from a person's skin is disclosed. The device includes a heatable pointed needle and a spoon member located in spaced relationship alongside the needle with the bowl of the spoon facing the needle. The needle is used for poking the tick in order to cause it to retract its stinger and back off of the skin, at which point the tick may be removed in its entirety by scooping it with a spoon member located next to the hot needle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the needle and spoon member are carried on a body unit or base member in the form of a hand held gun, and the needle may be heated by an internal, self-electrical power source and heating element, or by a secondary heat source. In a second embodiment, the needle and spoon are mounted on a base member which may be attached to a flame-type cigarette lighter to heat the needle.

Abstract: A medical tubing sealer has its electrodes extending from a handle in line therewith and one electrode shiftable by a lever transverse to the major dimension of the handle to provide a particularly ergonomic configuration. The lever acts upon the clamping electrode via a leaf spring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a modular ball head from a prosthesis stem by heat expanding the modular ball head and subjecting it to an impact force in a direction such that it is removed from the prosthesis stem. A housing receives the modular ball head therein while the prosthesis stem is still within a patient's femur. A heater within the housing heats the modular ball head. An impact hammer comprised of a mass slideably mounted on a rod is attached to the housing and has an anvil stop at one end. The housing is thermally insulated to retain heat while protecting an operator and the patient from burns. The heat generated is controlled as to amount and duration.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically heating an electrically conductive workpiece by passage of electric current therethrough includes a pair of hinged levers, each having a handle end and a jaw end. The jaw end of each lever is provided with a refractory metal ribbon heater selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Nichrome, chromel, tungsten, and molydenum. The ribbon has an elongate cross-section and is bent to form a V-shaped contactor for achieving good thermal contact with a workpiece of relatively high conductivity, such as copper, aluminum or brass pipes and fittings. A copper conductor assures good electrical contact between the ends of the metal ribbon heater and the jaw and serves as a positioning block. A bolt and wing nut detachably secure the metal ribbon heater to the jaw.

Abstract: A component installation/removal tweezer-type handpiece having two arms and a tinnable or nontinnable tip including a pair of legs respectively removably mounted with respect to the arms and a plurality of serially connected bands attached to the first and second legs such that an opening is formed within the serially connected bands so that the bands are adapted, upon closure of the tweezer-type handpiece, to clamp the terminals of an electronic component or the like and transmit heat to the terminals. In another embodiment a tweezer-type or probe-type handpiece includes a tinnable or nontinnable tip having first and second legs and one or more bands extending between the legs whereby the band(s) is adapted to transfer heat to terminals associated with an electronic component. In all embodiments of the invention the tips may be provided with a variety of sheathing or overlayer combinations to achieve a variety of application requirements.

Abstract: A battery-powered dispenser for hot melt adhesive includes an elongated housing supporting a battery power source therein. A heat exchanger is supported within the housing interior and includes an elongated heat exchanger and a resilient support guide sleeve for receiving a to-be-melted low temperature stick. The heat exchanger includes a discharge nozzle and a recess for receiving and supporting an escott heating element which is operatively coupled to the battery power source.

Abstract: A hair styling iron for selectively effecting hair straightening or curling includes a generally circular cross-section electrically heated barrel. A tongue is movable relative to the barrel for selectively clamping a strand of hair between the tongue and the peripheral surface of the barrel for curling hair wound therearound. The barrel comprises a first and second pipes each having a generally semi-circular cross section with a top rounded outer surface and a flat bottom outer surface. The pipes are movable relative to each other between a closed position where the flat bottom surfaces are kept in closed relation to each other and an open position where the bottom surfaces are spaced away from each other. In the closed position, a strand of hair can be held between the opposing flat bottom surfaces of the first and second pipes in order to substantially straighten or uncurl the hair. Thus, the hair styling iron can alone provides hair curling and straightening capabilities.

Abstract: A contact heater for soldering and desoldering electronic components that is heated by hot air supplied into a cavity of the contact heater. A thermally conductive heating blade is used to contact an area to be heated, while a heat shield protects adjacent electronic components from external heat generated by the contact heater.

Abstract: An electrically powered hand held hair curling appliance includes a barrel (2) for delivering warm air to the hair. The barrel (2) is selectively manually adjustable in diameter to allow curls of different diameters to be formed. The barrel (2) includes a number of barrel elements (3), each provided with a plurality of apertures (3d). The elements (3) are manually movable radially outwardly or inwardly to expand or contract the barrel (2), with the elements (3) overlapping one another when contracted, but always allowing unobstructed air flow from the interior of the barrel (3) out through apertures (3d) to the hair.

Abstract: A smokeless carpet seaming iron for melting an adhesive on a carpet tape wherein non-contaminated air is discharged into the ambient from the seamer includes a housing which contains a vent outlet and an open bottom. First and second filters are disposed internally of said housing and are accessible externally of said housing for removal and replacement. An electrically heated sole plate is disposed internally of said housing for creating heat at said open bottom of said housing. And a motor and a fan with filters are disposed internally of said housing between the first and second filters for creating a suction within said housing drawing smoke and fumes created during the carpet seaming operation through the open bottom into the housing for filtration by the first and second filters before discharge through a vent head to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron has an elongated hollow handle casing having a tubular hollow holder extending from one end thereof and supporting a soldering bit heated by an electric heater within the holder. A forked suction pipe is secured to the holder and includes a main pipe having an intake port at one end disposed adjacent to the soldering tip and an outlet port at its other end connected to an induced-draft fan assembly through a flexible air pipe. A branch pipe of the suction pipe extends laterally from the main pipe and has an intake port connecterd to the interior of the casing through a heat resistant hose. Actuation of the induced-draft fan causes soldering fumes generated at the tip to be drawn into the main pipe and for cooling ambient air to be drawn through the casing from an inlet at its other end to remove excess heat from the casing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for vertically removing semiconductor integrated circuits (91) from high density multichip hybrid microcircuits without interfering with close proximity neighboring devices. An integrated circuit (91) is vertically removed by simultaneously applying tensile and torsional forces thereto. By using the present invention to transfer some of the tensile force torsionally, high density multilayer interconnect substrates (93) survive the rework process without damage. The present invention employs techniques which allow for accurate and repeatable removal of closely spaced integrated circuit devices. Removal of an integrated circuit (91) is accomplished by bonding a special thermode device (70, 70') directly to the integrated circuit (91) using a thermoset, or a thermoplastic, die attach material (90). Once the thermode (70, 70') has been attached, tensile and torsional forces are applied to the integrated circuit (91) through the attached thermode (70, 70').

Abstract: A housing supports a pair of insulating posts carrying electrical conductors connected a battery set located in the housing. A nonconductive base carries an exposed electric heating wire on the upper surface thereof, opposite ends of the heating wire being connected to electrically conductive side plates connected on the base, a spring biases the base upwardly so that the side plates are normally spaced from the conductors and the upper part of the base carrying the exposed heating wire extends through a hole in a cover supported by the housing. A press bar is pivoted to the housing and can be moved downwardly to engage an object to be sealed supported on the upper part of the base in contact with the exposed heating wire to urge the base downwardly and cause the side plates to engage the conductors and heat the heating wire.

Abstract: A curling iron has an elongated heating tube and a clamp secured to an end of the tube which is attached to a handle. The heating tube has at least one generally flat surface having a longitudinal depression between 0.003 and 0.008 inch deep generally in the center of the surface. In one embodiment, the tube has relatively wide top and bottom surfaces which each have such a depression, and relatively narrow, sharply rounded side surfaces having a radius between about 0.03 and 0.1 inch. The clamp has a relatively short clamping surface which extends over a portion of the length of the heating tube. Hair strands which are wrapped around the tube are not curled over the flat surface or surfaces of the tube. The depressed portions of the heating tube do not contact the straight lengths of the hair directly, so that the straight lengths absorb less heat from the tube, and normal operating temperatures are more easily preserved in the heating tube.