US3711939A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for sealing
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-10
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Granted: 1973-01-23
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Expires: 1990-11-10
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for sealing flat packs for electronic micro circuits within a sealing chamber and modulating the atmospheric pressure within the chamber to assist in the formation of the desired seal.
Inventors
- 👤 M Stoll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:00
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B31/00; B65B31/02; H; H10; H10W; H10W90/00; H10W90/701; H10W90/751; H10W90/756
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
Method of sealing flat packages, especially flat packs for electronic components and circuits comprising, at least the steps of, heating the package to a temperature sufficient to soften a sealing portion thereof to wet and bond with at least an adjacent portion and post-pressurizing the package environment to balance internal pressure buildup and preclude blowing out of the softened sealing portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
Method of sealing flat packages, especially flat packs for electronic components and circuits comprising, at least the steps of, heating the package to a temperature sufficient to soften a sealing portion thereof to wet and bond with at least an adjacent portion and post-pressurizing the package environment to balance internal pressure buildup and preclude blowing out of the softened sealing portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is to an increased pressure only sufficient to maintain the softened sealing portion in position and prevent gas pressure flow thereof inwardly or outwardly of the package.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
Method as defined in claim 1 wherein said step of heating comprises heating to a sealing temperature and maintaining the temperature at said sealing temperature for a dwell period and wherein said post-pressurizing is applied at substantially the beginning of said dwell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said step of heating comprises heating to a sealing temperature and maintain the temperature at said sealing temperature for a dwell period and wherein said post-pressurizing is applied at substantially the end of the dwell period.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said step of heating comprises heating to a sealing temperature and maintaining the temperature at said sealing temperature for a dwell period and wherein said post-pressurizing is applied during said dwell period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is applied rapidly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is applied slowly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is applied along a programmed curve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
Method defined in claim 1 further comprising, at least the additional step of, vibrating the package to enhance the wetting of the softened seal portion with the adjacent portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
Method defined in claim 9 wherein said vibrating comprises a translatory scrubbing action.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
Method defined in claim 1 further comprising, at least the additional steps of, modulating the pressure to vibrate the package and thereby enhance the wetting of the softened seal portion with the adjacent Portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
Method defined in claim 1 further comprising, at least the additional step of, substrate heating of the package from below.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is to a higher pressure than the internal package pressure to force the sealing portion to the package inside to form a fillet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein the sealing is effectuated within a chamber further comprising, at least the additional step of, flushing the chamber by sequentially evacuating and backfilling thereof with inert or non-reactive gas.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
Method defined in claim 14 further comprising at least the additional steps of, evacuating and backfilling the chamber at least a second time to multiply the degree of freedom from contaminants.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method defined in claim 14 wherein said step of evacuating comprises connecting the chamber with an evacuated tank of substantially larger volume than the volume of the chamber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus for sealing a flat package, especially a flat pack for electronic components and circuits, comprising, in combination, means for heating at least a sealing portion to a softened state wherein said sealing portion may wet and bond with an adjacent portion and means for post-pressurizing the package environment to balance pressure buildup and enhance seal reliability.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus for sealing a flat package, especially a flat pack for electronic components and circuits, comprising, in combination, means for heating at least a sealing portion to a softened state wherein said sealing portion may wet and bond with an adjacent portion and means for post-pressurizing the package environment to balance pressure buildup and enhance seal reliability.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
Method defined in claim 1 wherein said post-pressurizing is to an increased pressure slightly higher than the internal pressure buildup to urge the softened sealing portion generally inwardly and provide an inward curving miniscus at the exterior of the sealing portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3383260A
Cited
US3405019A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-23 | 1976-07-24 | 1977-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-23 | 1980-07-24 | 1981-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-23 | 1984-07-24 | 1985-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |