Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A low-temperature method of forming a circuit pattern on a plastic substrate, which comprises the steps of: (a) applying a slurry, comprising a vaporizable solvent, greater than about 93 percent to about 98 percent by weight of powdered noble metal and a small quantity of binder in the shape of the circuit pattern desired, to a release layer; (b) vaporizing the solvent; (c) covering the powdered metal and binder with a curable adhesive layer to hold the powdered metal in place on the release layer; (d) providing a plastic substrate; (e) laminating the plastic substrate with pressure and heat to cause compacting of said powder and bonding of said compacted powder to said substrate by said curable adhesive layer, which adhesive is cured, said heat being insufficient to destroy said plastic substrate and release layer; and (f) separation of the release layer from the metal powder and adhesive to leave a circuit pattern on the plastic substrate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A low-temperature method of forming a circuit pattern on a plastic substrate, which comprises the steps of: (a) applying a slurry, comprising a vaporizable solvent, greater than about 93 percent to about 98 percent by weight of powdered noble metal and a small quantity of binder in the shape of the circuit pattern desired, to a release layer; (b) vaporizing the solvent; (c) covering the powdered metal and binder with a curable adhesive layer to hold the powdered metal in place on the release layer; (d) providing a plastic substrate; (e) laminating the plastic substrate with pressure and heat to cause compacting of said powder and bonding of said compacted powder to said substrate by said curable adhesive layer, which adhesive is cured, said heat being insufficient to destroy said plastic substrate and release layer; and (f) separation of the release layer from the metal powder and adhesive to leave a circuit pattern on the plastic substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 in which the pattern is compacted prior to or after covering the powdered metal and binder with the adhesive.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 or claim 2 in which the slurry includes an amount of silver which is less than about 50 percent by weight of the solids in the slurry.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 or claim 2 in which solder flux is applied in the slurry.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 in which the powdered metal includes fluxing lubricants.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 in which the powdered noble metal includes other metal particles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the other metal is nickel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the other metal is tin.