Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A machine for bonding leads to a substrate having top and bottom surfaces that are non-coplanar; wherein said machine is comprised of: a carrier for said substrate which includes a frame having a set of stops that terminate in a single plane and which are arranged in a pattern with a central opening; a forcing means, in said carrier, for pinning said top surface of said substrate directly against all of said stops simultaneously, such that a portion of said top surface is exposed through said opening and is aligned with said single plane, by pushing on said bottom surface; and, a bonding module having blades which lie parallel to said single plane and which move through said opening and bond leads to the exposed portion of said top surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A machine for bonding leads to a substrate having top and bottom surfaces that are non-coplanar; wherein said machine is comprised of: a carrier for said substrate which includes a frame having a set of stops that terminate in a single plane and which are arranged in a pattern with a central opening; a forcing means, in said carrier, for pinning said top surface of said substrate directly against all of said stops simultaneously, such that a portion of said top surface is exposed through said opening and is aligned with said single plane, by pushing on said bottom surface; and, a bonding module having blades which lie parallel to said single plane and which move through said opening and bond leads to the exposed portion of said top surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A machine according to claim 1 wherein said forcing means includes several pistons which are spaced apart from each other and which move by different distances to compensate for said non-coplanar surfaces and push against said bottom surface with equal force.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A machine according to claim 2 wherein said carrier further includes an insulating member mounted on said pistons, a heating member on said insulating member, and a holder for said substrate on said heating member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine according to claim 3 and further including a base member having a smooth flat surface on which said carrier slides such that said stops remain in said plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 4 wherein said stops are attached to said frame such that said plane in which said stops terminate is mechanically selectable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A machine according to claim 5 wherein said opening is at least three inches across in one direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
147 words
A machine for bonding leads to a planar surface of a substrate having non-uniform thickness; wherein said machine is comprised of: a carrier for said substrate which includes an aligning member that terminates in a single plane and which has a central opening; a forcing means, on said carrier, for forcing said planar surface of said substrate directly against said aligning member such that a portion of said planar surface is exposed through said opening and is oriented parallel to said single plane; and, a bonding means having blades which lie parallel to said single plane and which move through said opening and bond leads to the exposed portion of said substrate wherein, said blades of said bonding means tend to push said planar surface out of said single plane, but said forcing means keeps said planar surface against said aligning member and in said single plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
147 words
A machine for bonding leads to a planar surface of a substrate having non-uniform thickness; wherein said machine is comprised of: a carrier for said substrate which includes an aligning member that terminates in a single plane and which has a central opening; a forcing means, on said carrier, for forcing said planar surface of said substrate directly against said aligning member such that a portion of said planar surface is exposed through said opening and is oriented parallel to said single plane; and, a bonding means having blades which lie parallel to said single plane and which move through said opening and bond leads to the exposed portion of said substrate wherein, said blades of said bonding means tend to push said planar surface out of said single plane, but said forcing means keeps said planar surface against said aligning member and in said single plane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A machine according to claim 7 wherein said forcing means includes at least one spring for forcing said planar surface of said substrate against said frame member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A machine according to claim 7 wherein said forcing means includes at least one spring for forcing said planar surface of said substrate against said frame member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 7 wherein said forcing means includes at least one cam for forcing said planar surfaces of said substrate against frame member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
83 words
A bonding machine which is comprised of: a frame having a plurality of contact points that define a single plane; a forcing means, for orienting a workpiece parallel to said single plane by pinning said workpiece against said contact points; said frame having an opening which exposes a portion of said workpiece as it is pinned against said contact points; and, a bonding means having a blade which is parallel to said plane and which contacts said exposed workpiece portion through said opening.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
83 words
A bonding machine which is comprised of: a frame having a plurality of contact points that define a single plane; a forcing means, for orienting a workpiece parallel to said single plane by pinning said workpiece against said contact points; said frame having an opening which exposes a portion of said workpiece as it is pinned against said contact points; and, a bonding means having a blade which is parallel to said plane and which contacts said exposed workpiece portion through said opening.