US4778097A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic wire bonding tool
Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
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Filing: 1986-12-04
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Granted: 1988-10-18
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Expires: 2006-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A tool for use in ultrasonically bonding a wire to a metal surface has a tip having a compound curved channel having a central concave surface and a peripheral non-convex surface along each edge of the central surface. The central surface has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of a portion of the wire's cross section. The total cross-sectional area of the channel should be at least 50% and less than 100% of the wire's cross-sectional area. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the central surface is an arc of a circle approximately centered on a line drawn between the outer edges of the peripheral surfaces of the channel. The preferred embodiment also has a beveled surface intersecting an end of the channel to provide a gradual transition for the wire shape from the bond to the undistorted wire. The tool when used to bond an appropriate wire by an ultrasonic bonding machine produces a wire whose outer shape in the bond area conforms to the shape of this tool's channel. The bond area attaches the wire to a metal pad with superior pull strength and electrical contact characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Hauser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:25
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K20/00; B23K20/10; B23K20/106; H; H10; H10W; H10W72/00; H10W72/071; H10W72/0711; H10W72/07141; H10W72/075; H10W72/07531; H10W72/07532; H10W72/07533; H10W72/50; H10W72/551; H10W72/552
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A tool for use in ultrasonic bonding a metal wire of predetermined cross section to a metal surface and having a tip with a compound curved cylindrical channel extending the length of said tip for pressing the wire when longitudinally placed in said channel against the surface, said channel having a central concave surface whose cross-sectional shape approximates a minor portion of the wire's cross-sectional shape, and said channel further including a pair of peripheral non-convex surfaces each intersecting one edge of the central concave surface, the total area of the channel cross section being less than the cross-sectional area of the wire.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A tool for use in ultrasonic bonding a metal wire of predetermined cross section to a metal surface and having a tip with a compound curved cylindrical channel extending the length of said tip for pressing the wire when longitudinally placed in said channel against the surface, said channel having a central concave surface whose cross-sectional shape approximates a minor portion of the wire's cross-sectional shape, and said channel further including a pair of peripheral non-convex surfaces each intersecting one edge of the central concave surface, the total area of the channel cross section being less than the cross-sectional area of the wire.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the wire has a circular cross section and wherein the central surface cross section is approximately the arc of a circle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tool of claim 2 wherein the circle defining the central surface cross section is centered approximately on the line connecting the exterior edges of the peripheral surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tool of claim 3 wherein the area of the channel cross section is at least approximately 50% of the wire's cross-sectional area.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tool of claim 2 wherein the area of the channel cross section is at least approximately 50% of the wire's cross-sectional area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The tool of claim 3 wherein the channel is bilaterally symmetrical.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the channel is bilaterally symmetrical.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the tip includes a flat surface through which the channel cuts, said tip including a beveled surface intersecting an end of the channel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tool of claim 8 wherein the beveled surface is flat and makes an inside included angle of approximately 150 degrees with the tip's flat surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The tool of claim 8 wherein the beveled surface is flat.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the area of the channel cross section is at least approximately 50% of the wire's cross-sectional area.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the peripheral surface cross sections each comprise circular arcs.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tool of claim 12 wherein the peripheral surfaces have a radius of curvature larger than that of the central surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A wire bonded to a metal pad surface and having a bond area whose outer surface conforms to the shape of the channel in the tip of the tool of claim 13.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A wire bonded to a metal pad surface and having a bond area whose outer surface conforms to the shape of the channel in the tip of the tool of claim 1.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-18 | 1992-04-18 | 1992-10-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-18 | 1996-04-18 | 1996-10-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-18 | 2000-04-18 | 2000-10-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |