Abstract: A thermoelectric element can comprise a thermoelectric body, a first contact, and a second contact structure, wherein the first and/or second contact structure can comprise at least one porous metal structure embedded within an outer region of the thermoelectric body, and at least one metal layer overlying the outer region of the thermoelectric body and being in direct contact with the embedded porous metal structure. A method of making the thermoelectric element can include embedding the at least one porous metal structure within the outer region of the thermoelectric body by induction heating, followed by electroplating of the at least one metal layer.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A first external electrode is disposed on at least a first end surface and a first main surface of the multilayer body. A second external electrode is disposed on at least a second end surface and a first main surface of the multilayer body. A first joining member is electrically connected to the first external electrode. A second joining member is electrically connected to the second external electrode. Each of the first joining member and the second joining member includes a plurality of spherical cores.

Abstract: A stator includes a stator core, and a stator coil wound around the stator core. The stator coil includes a firm segment coil and a second segment coil. A first peeled portion that is present in an end portion of the first segment coil is joined to a second peeled portion of the second segment coil. At least one recess portion is provided in a joining surface of the first peeled portion, which faces the second peeled portion.

Abstract: A soldering and de-soldering station and systems including enhanced features for the soldering heating tools and load detection functionality.

Abstract: A method of operating a bonding machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) carrying a semiconductor element with a transfer tool; and (b) transferring the semiconductor element from the transfer tool to a bonding tool of the bonding machine without the transfer tool and the bonding tool contacting the semiconductor element at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining a composite sheet to a metallic substrate, wherein the composite sheet has at least one metallic top layer and at least one non-metallic layer which consists of a plastic material, wherein an opening is introduced into the composite sheet, and wherein at least one joining element is provided which is inserted into the opening of the composite sheet. A method for joining a composite sheet to a metallic substrate with process reliability and of specifying a corresponding structure is achieved by forming the joining element as a metallic sleeve, wherein the metallic sleeve is deformed, so that it joins together with the composite sheet in a form-fit and force-fit manner, and wherein the metallic sleeve is firmly bonded to the substrate with the end pointing towards the substrate using a filler material, wherein the filler material is arranged inside the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining two essentially metal sheet-type workpieces. In said method. the edge regions of the workpieces to be joined are placed at a distance from one another, at least one wire-shaped filler material is introduced into a zone between the edge regions before or during the joining process, and edge regions and the filler material are then heated to a predefined joining temperature by at least one first frictional element that moves in relation to the edge regions and the filler material, are subjected to a certain contact pressure, and are joined while being deformed.

Abstract: Methods and systems of attaching a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) material layer to a substrate. The methods include placing a braze material between the TSP material layer and the substrate, pressing at least one of the TSP material layer and substrate against the other of the TSP material layer and the substrate, heating the braze material to a temperature of at least 800° C., and cooling the braze forming a bond attaching the TSP material layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a solder joint includes the steps of providing a heat shield member formed as an arcuate preferably metallic shell attached to a spring-clamp by means of an obedient shaft; attaching the spring clamp to a structure adjacent the solder joint; moving the heat shield member by bending the obedient shaft so that the heat shield member is positioned in a location spaced-apart from the solder joint with the concave surface of the heat shield member facing the solder joint; and applying heat from a torch to the solder joint from the side opposite the heat shield so that the heat shield reflects the heat back onto the solder joint.

Abstract: Metallic components, including superalloy components such as turbine vanes and blades, are joined or repaired by electric resistance with a high electrical resistivity brazing alloy composition. In some embodiments the brazing alloy comprises filler metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, and cobalt base alloy and elements selected from the group consisting of phosphorous (P), boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), carbon (C), tellurium (Te) and manganese (Mn). In performing the method of the present invention a high electrical resistivity brazing alloy composition is introduced within a substrate defect or interposed between two substrates that are to be joined. An electric current is passed through the brazing alloy until the alloy melts and bonds to the adjoining substrate. High resistivity of the brazing alloy concentrates heat generated by the current flow in the brazing alloy rather than in the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for controllably reducing of the flow area of a turbine nozzle component are provided, as are embodiments of turbine nozzle components having reduced flow areas. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining a turbine nozzle component having a plurality of turbine nozzle flow paths therethrough, positioning braze preforms in the plurality of turbine nozzle flow paths and against a surface of the turbine nozzle component, and bonding the braze preforms to the turbine nozzle component to achieve a controlled reduction in the flow area of the turbine nozzle flow paths.

Abstract: A system for electrically connecting circuit boards includes a pair of board connectors configured to be electrically connected to respective circuit boards. Each of the board connectors includes a plurality of electrical conductors and a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the electrical conductors. An interconnector includes a plurality of electrical conductors, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to a respective electrical conductor of the board connectors, thereby electrically connecting the circuit boards. An interconnector housing is configured to cooperate with the housings of the board conductors to at least partially enclose the electrical connections between the electrical conductors of the interconnector and the board connectors.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic heater having enhanced joining strength between a heater section and a cylindrical metal member and having enhanced durability. A ceramic heater includes a heater section including a ceramic body and a heat-generating resistor configured to be buried in the ceramic body, a metal layer which is on part of a surface of the ceramic body and is configured to apply electric current to the heater section, and a cylindrical metal member, and inner surface of one end thereof being joined to the metal layer with a brazing material interposed therebetween, wherein the cylindrical metal member includes a brazing material restraining portion in an end face of the one end thereof, the brazing material restraining portion having lower wettability to the brazing material than that of other portions of the end face of the one end.

Abstract: A process for brazing flat tubes (10) deposits a layer (40) of brazing flux on one side of an edge (11) of the flat tubes (10). The flat tubes (10) are part of a heat exchanger which has particular application to heat exchange systems in automobiles.

Abstract: A welding method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of stacks of metal sheets are clamped together in sequence at a welding site between a pair of electrode caps across which welding current is supplied to spot weld together the sheets in each of the stacks in a series of welding operations in a production run. The electrode caps are pressed against the sheets in each of the stacks when each of the stacks is at the welding site with an applied force that includes a closing force to clamp the sheets together in a surface-to-surface interface fit plus a predetermined interjoint force that is increased progressively throughout the production run.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of brazing copper armature conductors to a commutator during the production of automotive starting motors. In the inventive method, two conductors of the armature are brazed together and are also brazed to the corresponding slot in a commutator in a single step. The process is aided by an inventive brazing clip which includes a cleat or inwardly bent tab that engages the conductor of an armature to hold it in place.

Abstract: A reflow method of a solder ball provided to a treatment object may include providing a coil, applying a current to the coil, and moving the treatment object through an internal space surrounded by the coil.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first component (10) comprising a titanium-containing alloy to a second metal component (12), wherein a coating layer (14,16) is applied to each of the first and second components in the region to be bonded. The coating layers (14,16) comprise a precious metal. An intermediate metallic layer (18) is interposed between the coating layer (14) of the first component and the coating layer (16) of the second component. The respective coating layers are held in contact with the intermediate layer (18) and the coating layers and the intermediate layer are heated to initiate melting of at least one of said layers so as to form a bond between the first and second components by brazing.

Abstract: A method of providing boiler tubes with a variably ribbed interior surface. A suitably dimensioned spindle with a channel having a desired pattern on the exterior surface of the spindle is wrapped by a wire-like member in the channel so as to form thereon a reverse image of the desired, patterned tube ribbing. A brazing metal paste is applied on the exterior surface of the wire-like member and the spindle is inserted into a tube to be ribbed. The wire-like member is released from the spindle to allow the wire-like member to conform to the inner surface of the tube, and the tube is heated to the melting temperature of the brazing metal paste so that the wire-like member bonds to the inner surface of the tube, and the metal tube is then cooled.

Abstract: A method for controlling a brazing process, including the steps of applying a welding current through an electrode (52) pressed to a metal surface (83) of a workpiece to form a welding arc. Further steps are continuously measuring the welding current and the welding time, continuously determining supplied energy on the basis of the welding current and the welding time, digitally switching current supplied from batteries of a DC source (10) and to maintain a substantially constant welding current, interrupting the supply of welding current when a predetermined amount of energy has been supplied and supplying heat to batteries when a temperature of the batteries is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the welding current for the resistance seam welding of an overlap seam of container bodies, a welding with changing welding current intensity is carried out for a container body of the production series, resulting in a changing welding of the seam, ranging from the welding with a too high temperature to the welding with a too low temperature. The electric energy for this welding is determined several times during this welding and/or the temperature of the weld seam is determined several times and the welding current intensity is determined at which the welding of the individual container body is too cold and the welding current intensity at which the welding is too hot. This determination is based on the determined electric energy values and/or on the determined temperature values and based on this determination a preferred range for the welding current intensity within these limits of too hot and too cold is determined.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a module and process for automatically attaching a junction box to a composite solar cell structure during the fabrication of a completed solar cell device. The electrical connection module further provides a thermode assembly including heating elements for forming a soldered connection between the junction box and the composite solar cell structure and a temperature sensing device in thermal communication with the heating elements for detecting a temperature profile during the connection process. The heating elements and temperature sensing device are linked to a controller configured to monitor and compare the energy input into the heating elements with the temperature near the tip of the heating elements throughout the connection process. The controller is further configured to compare the actual energy versus temperature profile to an expected profile throughout the connection process and verify whether a quality bond is achieved.

Abstract: A covering device for covering an area of an organic substrate, with a connecting zone between a closure cap and the substrate. It is proposed that the connecting zone includes, at least in certain areas, a heating element for heating the connecting zone during the creation of a connection between the closure cap and the substrate. Also provided is an organic substrate with a covering device and a production method for producing a covering device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the dry fluxing of at least one component and/or solder surface via electron attachment. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for removing oxides from the surface of a component comprising: providing a component on a substrate wherein the substrate is grounded or has a positive electrical potential to form a target assembly; passing a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas through an ion generator comprising a first and a second electrode; supplying an amount of voltage to at least one of the first and second electrodes sufficient to generate electrons wherein the electrons attach to at least a portion of the reducing gas and form a negatively charged reducing gas; and contacting the target assembly with the negatively charged reducing gas to reduce the oxides on the component.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated solar cell electrical connection module that is positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication line and is configured to ensure a robust and reliable bond is formed during the electrical connection process. The electrical connection module generally provides a module and process for automatically attaching a junction box to a composite solar cell structure during the fabrication of a completed solar cell device. The electrical connection module further provides a thermode assembly including heating elements for forming a soldered connection between the junction box and the composite solar cell structure and a temperature sensing device in thermal communication with the heating elements for detecting a temperature profile during the connection process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing an electric machine, an electric machine with a commutator, having commutator hooks for fixing electric wire windings with solder arranged between the commutator hooks and the wire winding and two electrodes arranged adjacent to each other which are pressed against the commutator hooks. An electric current is passed through the commutator hooks by means of electrodes such that the solder melts and forms a connection to the wire winding.

Abstract: A connection electrode that is formed of solder on an electronic component side and a tip portion of an elastic contact each other at a contact portion. Regarding the elastic contact, a resistive layer is formed in the tip portion, and the tip portion is placed in a clearance of an induction coil. When a predetermined high-frequency current is passed through the induction coil, electromagnetic induction causes the resistive layer to generate heat. Solder that forms the connection electrode is melt, and flows onto the tip portion of the elastic contact. Thus, the tip portion of the elastic contact and the connection electrode can be strongly bonded together at the contact portion that is a single point therebetween.

Abstract: A method for handling a stator bar at a braze station including lifting the stator bar from a platform, wherein the stator bar is in a substantially horizontal orientation on the platform; turning the stator bar from the horizontal orientation to an orientation at least 45 degrees off horizontal; aligning an upper end of the bar with a brazing station and positioning a lower end of the bar in a pit; turning the bar to reverse positions of the ends of the bar, and returning the stator bar to a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides quick temperature compensation method for an electric soldering iron and a quick temperature compensable electric soldering iron which includes a static temperature control circuit and a dynamic temperature control circuit, wherein the amount of the static temperature control is mainly depending on the temperature setting signal, real-time temperature detecting signal and the temperature additional signal, while the dynamic temperature control is made on the basis of Kalman digital filter principle. During the dynamic temperature control, the temperature regulation and control signal that has amplified through difference is identified by the function of the heat conduction transmission of the soldering iron head, and the temperature additional compensation is exported, when the temperature regulation and control signal accords with the function of the heat conduction transmission of the soldering iron head.

Abstract: Tubular ends are heated to a predetermined temperature above 1200 degrees Celsius and surrounded by a shield gas when the tubular ends are pressed together to form forge welded tubular ends. The forge welded tubular ends are then cooled down rapidly from said temperature above 1200 to at most 600 degrees Celsius within 3 minutes after the forge welding operation.

Abstract: A process for brazing flat tubes (10) deposits a layer (40) of brazing flux on one side of an edge (11) of the flat tubes (10). The flat tubes (10) are part of a heat exchanger which has particular application to heat exchange systems in automobiles.

Abstract: A method for the production of a screen, particularly a rigid screen, for the treatment of fibrous suspensions suitable for the production of paper, the method including the steps of: providing at least two screen layers; introducing a plurality of openings in the at least two screen layers, at least a portion of the openings being shaped and arranged such that the openings run through each of the at least two screen layers; and joining the at least two screen layers flat to one another thereby forming a flat joint, wherein the plurality of openings are introduced into the at least two screen layers before joining the at least two screen layers.

Abstract: A ceramic heater comprising a rod-like ceramic member in which a metallized layer is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the ceramic member, and a tubular metal fitting in which at least a part of the ceramic member is inserted, the inner surface of the tubular metal fitting and the metallized layer being brazed through a brazing member. The ceramic member has a small diameter portion in a region which is located closer to a first end of the ceramic member than the metallized layer and which is inside the tubular metal fitting. A part of the space between the small diameter portion and the inner surface of the tubular metal fitting is filled with the brazing member, the inner surface facing to the part of the small diameter. Consequently, even under severe conditions, such as a high temperature and/or a high pressure, a highly durable brazing structure, such as the ceramic heater, including a brazed portion which has high welding reliability can be obtained.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower includes an induction brazed joint coupling a first wind tower section and a second wind tower section.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for control of resistance brazing is provided in a resistance brazing apparatus which grips parts of a weld object between which a brazing material is interposed between a pair of electrodes, applies pressure to the parts of the weld object, and feeds power to said electrodes in that state for resistance brazing, including a power feed time measurement unit measuring a power feed time to said electrodes required from when an amount of displacement of a distance between the pair of electrodes reaches a first amount of displacement to when it reaches a second amount of displacement and a control unit decreasing the amount of power feed to the pair of electrodes when the power feed time is a lower limit threshold value or less and increasing the amount of power feed to the electrodes when the power feed time is the upper limit threshold value or more.

Abstract: A processing head is supported for pivotal movement around a pivot point in a processing apparatus. An urging member applies an urging force to the processing head at the pivot point. The processing apparatus allows establishment of point contact between the urging member and the processing head. When the surface of an object inclines from a predetermined attitude, the processing head is allowed to follow the inclination of the surface. The processing head is allowed to establish a predetermined attitude relative to the surface of the object. The processing head thus reliably enables a predetermined action to the object as desired.

Abstract: A method of detecting and calibrating dry fluxing metal surfaces of one or more components to be soldered by electron attachment using a gas mixture of reducing gas comprising hydrogen and deuterium, comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more components to be soldered which are connected to a first electrode as a target assembly; b) providing a second electrode adjacent the target assembly; c) providing a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas comprising hydrogen and deuterium between the first and second electrodes; d) providing a direct current (DC) voltage to the first and second electrodes to form an emission current between the electrodes and donating electrons to the reducing gas to form negatively charged ionic reducing gas and molecules of hydrogen bonded to deuterium; e) contacting the target assembly with the negatively charged ionic reducing gas and reducing oxides on the target assembly. Related apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for welding/brazing a tube to a member. The tube has an axially-extending first portion and has a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A filler material is obtained. The tube, the member and the filler material are positioned such that the filler material contacts the tube form and the member. A resistance current path is created through the tube, the filler material and the member which melts at least some of the filler material creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube, at least some of the member, and at least some of the filler material.

Abstract: A method for providing an electric connection between a wire (12) and a metal surface (10) by pressing a curved and stripped section (11) of the wire towards the metal surface and arranging a brazing pin (14) in close proximity to a concave side of the curved section. Electric power is supplied to the brazing pin in a pinbrazing process until a fluxing agent and a solder material carried by the brazing pin has been released and melted. A brazing gun (18) is electrically connected to a power supply (19), the brazing gun having an opening for holding a brazing pin, and the brazing pin having a circular cross section. A bending tool is used for bending a stripped section of an electric wire to a circular shape, wherein the diameter of the bent wire is adapted to the diameter of the brazing pin, and means are provide for pressing the bent wire against the metal surface while generating an arc between the brazing pin and the metal surface.

Abstract: A method for metallurgically joining a tube to a member. A tube having a flange is obtained, and a member is obtained. A welding/brazing electrode wheel is obtained having an axis of rotation and having a rim. The tube and the member are positioned with the flange contacting the member directly and/or indirectly through an intervening welding/brazing joining material. The rim of the electrode wheel is positioned in direct contact with the flange. A resistance welding/brazing current path is created through the flange and the member using at least the electrode wheel creating a seam weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member. During the current path creation step, the electrode wheel is rotated about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method for enhancing temporary solder ball connection comprises the application of thermal energy to the solder balls, heating them to a submelting “softening” temperature, whereby the compression force required to connect all balls in a BGA is achieved at much reduced force, avoiding damage to the package, insert, substrate and support apparatus. Several forms of heating apparatus, and temperature measuring apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for resistance welding/brazing a tube to a container. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A container is obtained having an orifice. A support tool is obtained with an expandable head. The tube form is positioned proximate the outer surface of the container and surrounding the orifice. The unexpanded head of the support tool is passed through the orifice of the container. The head of the support tool is expanded inside the container. The inner surface of the container is supported with the expanded head of the support tool. A resistance current path is created through the tube form and the container creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube form and at least some of the container.

Abstract: A method for welding/brazing a tube to a member. The tube has an axially-extending first portion and has a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A filler material is obtained. The tube, the member and the filler material are positioned such that the filler material contacts the tube form and the member. A resistance current path is created through the tube, the filler material and the member which melts at least some of the filler material creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube, at least some of the member, and at least some of the filler material.

Abstract: A method of dry fluxing metal surfaces of one or more components to be soldered, comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more components to be soldered which are connected to a first electrode as a target assembly; b) providing a second electrode adjacent the target assembly; c) providing a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas between the first and second electrodes; d) providing a direct current (DC) voltage to the first and second electrodes and donating electrons to the reducing gas to form negatively charged ionic reducing gas; e) contacting the target assembly with the negatively charged ionic reducing gas and reducing oxides on the target assembly.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to join a minute joint metal to a base metal in such a manner that the minute joint metal does not break in the joining, that the strength is not weakened in the base metal and the minute joint metal, and that the strength of the joining is increased. The invention comprises the steps of: contacting a minute joint metal, a base metal, and a brazing filler material to each other; pressing an electrically conductive tape toward these materials by means of a heating head; heating the electrically conductive tape; fusing the brazing filler material by means of the heat conducted from the electrically conductive tape which is heated; and joining the minute joint metal to the base metal with said fused brazing filler material.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing metallic strip for packaging comprising strip steel covered on at least one of its faces with a coating containing a sub-layer of tin and an external film of polymer, according to which: on one hand, a layer of tin is deposited on at least one of the faces of the steel strip; and on the other, a layer of tin is vacuum-deposited on one face of at least one polymer film; then at least one polymer film covered with tin and the steel strip having at least one layer of tin are brought together in such a way that the face of at least one film of polymer covered with tin or tin base alloy will be across from one face of the steel strip having a layer of tin and injecting a flux between the said faces to clean the surfaces covered with tin; and at least one polymer film is welded on the face of the steel strip.

Abstract: A process for forming metal components of controlled porosity by welding, in which a predetermined amount of metal elements (50) of oblong shape is introduced into a mold (10) in which it is distributed isotropically. The metal elements are then subjected to increasing pressure (P) until the component has its final shape. The walls of the mold are then held in position and an electric current (I) flows through the metal elements and welds them together by local melting at the points of contact due to the Joule effect.

Abstract: A method for enhancing temporary solder ball connection comprises the application of thermal energy to the solder balls, heating them to a submelting “softening” temperature, whereby the compression force required to connect all balls in a BGA is achieved at much reduced force, avoiding damage to the package, insert, substrate and support apparatus. Several forms of heating apparatus, and temperature measuring apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: In each odd-numbered unit current-supplying period of a plurality of unit current-supplying periods making up a set current-supplying time, a control unit subjects only positive switching elements to continuous switching operations at an inverter frequency while keeping negative switching elements in an OFF state, whereas in each even-numbered unit current-supplying period, the control unit subjects only the negative switching elements to continuous switching operations while keeping the positive switching elements in an OFF state. This allows a secondary current having a substantially trapezoidal current waveform to flow through a secondary circuit of a power supply apparatus in the positive direction in each odd-numbered unit current-supplying period but in the negative direction in each even-numbered unit current-supplying period.