The thermal conduction module for removing heat from one or more chips located therein consists of a housing made of heat conductive materials forming a cap over the chips. The housing contains one or more openings, one opposite each of the chips. More than one heat conductive element is included in each of the openings and are free to move lengthwise within the opening. The heat conductive elements are spring loaded so that the end of each element contacts the associated chip thereby lowering the thermal resistance of the interface therebetween. Side spring means are located between the sides of adjacent heat conductive elements forcing them away from one another and into contact with the opening wall.

A heat sink for a well logging instrument aids in dissipating heat from electronic components. The heat sink is of rigid, heat conductive metal. The heat sink has an outer surface that is arcuate for mating with the inner surface of the instrument housing. The electrical components are mounted directly to the heat sink. Springs located on each end of the heat sink urge the heat sink outer surface into contact with the housing.

An apparatus for consistently applying a predetermined centrally located compressive force to an element positioned between a first compressive member and a second compressive member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bracket which holds compressive members in a clamping relationship about the element. The bracket includes a force generating web, a first leg and a second leg. The bracket is arranged to provide a centrally located compressive force when in the clamped relationship.

A workpiece chuck includes an upper assembly on which can be mounted a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. A lower assembly is mountable to a base that supports the chuck. A non-constraining attachment means such as vacuum, springs or resilient washers applied to the chuck holds the upper assembly to the lower assembly, the lower assembly to the base and can hold the wafer to the top surface of the upper assembly. By holding the chuck together by non-constraining means, the chuck layers can move continuously relative to each other under expansion forces caused by temperature effects, such that mechanical stresses on the chuck and resulting deformation of the chuck and workpiece over temperature are substantially eliminated. A plurality of support members including inclined surfaces provided between an upper and lower portion of the chuck maintain the top surface of the chuck and any workpiece mounted thereon at a constant height over temperature.

A diamond heatsink for semiconductor devices comprises a stud into which the diamond is pressed. The stud is held by friction in the end of a hollow split cylindrical holder. The holder is clamped in a base or wall member by a locknut which is screwed into the base or wall member and urges two half-conical collets into contact with the holder. The holder is also mounted by a screw thread in the locknut to allow the position of the semiconductor device to be adjusted.