Patent ID: 7258537
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for flattening a stack of interleaved sintered ceramic electronic packaging substrates and spacers, the ceramic substrates having opposing faces with undesired camber, the apparatus comprising: at least one heating zone including a heat transfer medium movable toward and away from the stack of interleaved ceramic substrates and spacers to apply a desired rate of heat by direct contact with or close proximity to sides of the stack, the heating zone further including a plunger for applying pressure to the stack of interleaved ceramic substrates and spacers in a direction normal to the faces of the substrates; at least one cooling zone including a heat transfer medium movable toward and away from the stack of interleaved ceramic substrates and spacers to remove heat introduced in the at least one heating zone by direct contact with or close proximity to sides of the stack; a reducing gas supply operatively connected to the at least one heating zone and at least one cooling zone to supply gas to maintain a controlled reducing atmosphere within the apparatus.