APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY INC
8-K, 1997-05-23
SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


           Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
                                   Act of 1934


                           Date of Report: May 9, 1997



                      APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.
                      ------------------------------------
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)



        Delaware                       0-22646                 04-2962110
        --------                       -------                 ----------
(State or Other Jurisdiction         (Commission            (I.R.S. Employer
    of Incorporation)                File Number)        Identification Number)


   35 Cabot Road, Woburn, Massachusetts                           01801
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                        (Zip Code)



Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:    (617) 933-5560


                                 Not Applicable
                                 --------------
          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)






                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                    FORM 8-K

                                   May 9, 1997


         Item                                                      Page
         ----                                                      ----

Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.                      3
         ------------------------------------

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.                         4
         ---------------------------------

Signatures                                                          5

Exhibits




                                       -2-





ITEM 2.  ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.


         On May 9, 1997,  Applied Science and Technology,  Inc. (the "Company"),
through a wholly owned subsidiary,  acquired  substantially all of the assets of
Converter Power, Inc.,  ("CPI"), a Massachusetts  corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of ILC Technology, Inc., a California corporation.

         The acquisition was in the form of an asset purchase in which ASTeX/CPI
Acquisition Corp.  ("AAC"),  a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,  acquired
substantially  all of the assets of CPI in exchange for  $6,350,000  in cash and
45,000  unregistered  shares of the Company's  Common Stock (the  "Shares").  In
accordance with the provisions of an escrow  agreement,  the Shares will be held
for a minimum of twelve months and a maximum of  twenty-four  months,  following
the  closing.  If, by May 8, 1998,  the Shares  have not  increased  in value to
$1,000,000, the Company will pay CPI the difference between the market value and
$1,000,000,  such  difference  to be paid in  cash,  stock of the  Company  or a
combination  of both. The Company has agreed to use its best efforts to register
any additional shares which may be issued by the Company under this arrangement.

         CPI,  located  in  Beverly,  Massachusetts,  is a leading  producer  of
customized  power  supplies built to fit compactly into a variety of systems for
semiconductor   capital   equipment,   medical   and   industrial   lasers   and
electro-optics. The Company intends to operate CPI as a wholly owned subsidiary.

         The acquisition was funded by an $8,000,000  three-year  revolving loan
from  State  Street  Bank and Trust  Company  ("State  Street")  as well as by a
$4,983,051 term loan, also from State

                                       -3-





Street.  The amount of  consideration  exchanged was determined by  negotiations
between the parties. No material  relationship existed between the parties prior
to the transaction.



                                       -4-






ITEM 7.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(a)and (b)        The  required  financial  statements  are not included in this
                  report.  The Company  intends to file the  required  financial
                  statements  and pro  forma  financial  information  as soon as
                  practicable,  but not  later  than 60 days  from the date this
                  report must be filed.

       (c)        The following exhibits are filed herewith:


    Exhibit
      No.                                 Title
      ---       ----------------------------------------------------------------

     10(a)      Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 1997, by and among
                Applied Science and Technology, Inc., ASTeX/CPI Acquisition
                Corp., Converter Power, Inc. and ILC Technology, Inc.

     10(b)      Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 9, 1997,
                by and among ILC Technology, Inc. and ASTeX/CPI Acquisition
                Corp.

     10(c)      Warranty Bill of Sale dated as of May 9, 1997.

     10(d)      Unsecured Committed Revolver Loan Agreement ($8,000,000) by
                and between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust
                Company.

     10(e)      Unsecured Committed Revolver Promissory Note ($8,000,000)
                from the Company to State Street Bank and Trust Company.

     10(f)      Term Loan Agreement ($4,983,051).

     10(g)      Term Promissory Note ($4,983,051).

      99        Press Release dated May 9, 1997.



                                       -5-




                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                         APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.



                                         By: /s/ Richard S. Post
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Richard S. Post, Ph.D., President


Date:  May 22, 1997

                                       -6-



                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                          APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.



                                          By: /s/Richard S. Post
                                             -----------------------------------
                                              Richard S. Post, Ph.D., President


Date:    May 22, 1997









                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(a)



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND AMONG

                      APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.,

                          ASTEX/CPI ACQUISITION CORP.,

                              CONVERTER POWER, INC.

                                       AND

                              ILC TECHNOLOGY, INC.


                                      DATED

                                   MAY 9, 1997



















<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                          Page
                                                                                                          ----
<C>                                                                                                       <C>
1.       Sale and Purchase of the Converter Power, Inc. ("CPI") Assets ...................................   1

         1.1        Sale and Purchase of the CPI Assets...................................................   1

2.       Purchase Price and Method of Payment.............................................................   3

         2.1        Purchase Price........................................................................   3
         2.2        Determination of Market Value of ASTeX Shares.........................................   4
         2.3        Adjustments to Purchase Price.........................................................   4
         2.4        Assumption of Certain Liabilities.....................................................   7
         2.5        Closing...............................................................................   7
         2.6        Taxes and Allocation of Purchase Price................................................   8

3.       Representations and Warranties of ILCT and CPI...................................................   8

         3.1        Capitalization of CPI.................................................................   8
         3.2        Authorization.........................................................................   9
         3.3        Organization..........................................................................   9
         3.4        Subsidiaries..........................................................................   9
         3.5        Books and Records.....................................................................   9
         3.6        Financial Statements..................................................................  10
         3.7        Accounts Receivable; Inventories......................................................  10
         3.8        Tax Matters...........................................................................  10
         3.9        Title to Properties...................................................................  11
         3.10       Assets Adequate for Business..........................................................  12
         3.11       Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.................................................  12
         3.12       Employee Benefit and Pension Plans....................................................  13
         3.13       Required Consents, No Default.........................................................  14
         3.14       Litigation............................................................................  14
         3.15       Broker's or Finder's Fees.............................................................  14
         3.16       Copies of Documents...................................................................  15
         3.17       Intangible Property...................................................................  15
         3.18       Governmental Consents.................................................................  15
         3.19       Compliance with Agreements and Laws...................................................  15
         3.20       Employee Relations and Labor Matters..................................................  16
         3.21       Absence of Certain Changes or Events..................................................  16
         3.22       Indebtedness to and from Officers, Directors and Stockholders.........................  17
         3.23       Conflicts of Interest.................................................................  17
         3.24       CPI Personnel Information.............................................................  17

                                                       i




                                                                                                          Page
                                                                                                          ----

         3.25       Insurance of Properties...............................................................  18
         3.26       Insurance of Independent Contractors..................................................  19
         3.27       Compliance with Environmental Laws....................................................  19
         3.28       Guarantees, Warranties and Discounts..................................................  21
         3.29       Tort Claims...........................................................................  21
         3.30       Disclosure............................................................................  22
         3.31       Investment Purposes Only..............................................................  22
         3.32       Unregistered Securities...............................................................  22

4.       Representations and Warranties of AAC and ASTeX..................................................  23

         4.1        Organization and Related Matters......................................................  23
         4.2        No Breach of Statute or Contract......................................................  23
         4.3        Authorization of Agreement............................................................  23
         4.4        Validity of ASTeX Shares..............................................................  23
         4.5        No Broker's or Finder's Fees..........................................................  23

5.       Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of AAC and ASTeX.........................................  24

         5.1        Representations and Warranties of ILCT and CPI to be True and Correct.................  24
         5.2        Opinion of Counsel to ILCT and CPI....................................................  24
         5.3        Required Consents.....................................................................  25
         5.4        UCC Termination Statements............................................................  25
         5.5        Legal Proceedings.....................................................................  25
         5.6        Assignment of Agreements..............................................................  25
         5.7        ILCT's Insurance Plan.................................................................  25

6.       Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of ILCT and CPI..........................................  26

         6.1        Representations and Warranties of AAC and ASTeX to be True............................  26
         6.2        Opinion of Counsel to ASTeX and AAC...................................................  26

7.       Post Closing Covenants...........................................................................  27

         7.1        Hiring of CPI's Employees.............................................................  27
         7.2        Change of Name........................................................................  27



                                                       ii





                                                                                                         Page
                                                                                                         ----

8.       Indemnification .................................................................................  28

         8.1        Subjects Indemnified Against by ILCT..................................................  28
         8.2        Subjects Indemnified Against by AAC and ASTeX.........................................  28
         8.3        Conditions to Indemnification.........................................................  28
         8.4        Payment for Indemnification ..........................................................  29
         8.5        Survival of Indemnification...........................................................  30
         8.6        Intent of Parties.....................................................................  30
         8.7        Calculation of Claim Amount...........................................................  30

9.       Registration of Additional ASTeX Shares..........................................................  31

         9.1        Definitions...........................................................................  31
         9.2        Procedure.............................................................................  31
         9.3        Obligations of ASTeX..................................................................  32
         9.4        Condition Precedent...................................................................  33
         9.5        Indemnification.......................................................................  33
         9.6        Transferability.......................................................................  35
         9.7        Rule 144 Exception....................................................................  35

10.      Confidentiality..................................................................................  35

         10.1       Acknowledgement of Confidentiality....................................................  35
         10.2       Covenant Not to Disclose..............................................................  36
         10.3       Remedies for Breach of Confidentiality................................................  36
         10.4       Reverse Engineering and Modifications.................................................  36
         10.5       Remedies..............................................................................  36
         10.6       Survival..............................................................................  36

11.      General    . . . . . ............................................................................  36

         11.1       Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants.................................  36
         11.2       Press Releases........................................................................  37
         11.3       Payment of Expenses...................................................................  37
         11.4       Governing Law.........................................................................  37
         11.5       Notices...............................................................................  37
         11.6       Successors and Assigns................................................................  38
         11.7       Arbitration...........................................................................  38
         11.8       Headings..............................................................................  38
         11.9       Counterparts..........................................................................  39
         11.10      Waiver................................................................................  39
         11.11      Severability..........................................................................  39

                                                       iii





                                                                                                          Page
                                                                                                          ----

         11.12      Force Majeure.........................................................................  39
         11.13      Entire Agreement; Amendments..........................................................  39
         11.14      Additional Actions....................................................................  39
         11.15      Waiver of Bulk Sales Compliance.......................................................  39
         11.16      No Successor Liability................................................................  40

</TABLE>

                                       iv





SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.1(a)       Personal Property
Schedule 1.1(b)       Inventories
Schedule 1.1(c)       Material Contracts
Schedule 1.1(d)       Intellectual Property
Schedule 1.1(h)       Permits and Licenses
Schedule 1.1(i)       Cash and Accounts Receivable
Schedule 2.3(a)       Projected Balance Sheet
Schedule 2.6          Taxes and Allocation of Purchase Price
Schedule 3.2          Authorization
Schedule 3.5          Books and Records
Schedule 3.6          Audited Financial Statements
Schedule 3.7          Accounts Receivable; Inventories
Schedule 3.8          Taxes
Schedule 3.9          Title to Properties
Schedule 3.11         Agreements, Contracts and Commitments
Schedule 3.12         Employee Benefit and Pension Plans
Schedule 3.13         Required Consents, No Default
Schedule 3.14         Litigation
Schedule 3.17         Intangible Property
Schedule 3.18         Governmental Consents
Schedule 3.19         Compliance with Agreements and Laws
Schedule 3.20         Employee Relations and Labor Matters
Schedule 3.21         Absence of Certain Changes or Events
Schedule 3.22         Indebtedness to and from Officers, Directors and 
                      Stockholders
Schedule 3.24         CPI Personnel Information
Schedule 3.25         Insurance of Properties
Schedule 3.26         Insurance of Independent Contractors
Schedule 3.27         Compliance with Environmental Laws
Schedule 3.28         Guarantees, Warranties and Discounts
Schedule 3.29         Tort Claims
Schedule 5.3          Required Consents

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A             Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B             Warranty Bill of Sale
Exhibit C             Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit D             Sales Representative Agreement
Exhibit E             Officers' Certificates of ILCT and CPI
Exhibit F             ASTeX's Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement
Exhibit G             Officers' Certificates of ASTeX and AAC


                                       -1-





                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made on the 9th day
of May,  1997, by and among  Applied  Science and  Technology,  Inc., a Delaware
corporation  having its  principal  place of business at 35 Cabot Road,  Woburn,
Massachusetts  01801  ("ASTEX"),  ASTeX/CPI  Acquisition  Corp., a Massachusetts
corporation  having its  principal  place of business at 35 Cabot Road,  Woburn,
Massachusetts 01801 ("AAC"),  Converter Power, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation
having  its   principal   place  of  business  at  148  Sohier  Road,   Beverly,
Massachusetts  01915 ("CPI"),  ILC  Technology,  Inc., a California  corporation
having its principal place of business at 399 Java Drive, Sunnyvale,  California
94089 ("ILCT"), and the sole stockholder of CPI.

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS,  CPI is the owner of certain assets,  as hereinafter  defined,
including but not limited to, intellectual property rights, purchase orders, and
other assets relating to or comprising CPI's products and business; and

         WHEREAS, AAC wishes to purchase from CPI and CPI wishes to sell to AAC,
all of the assets of every kind and nature relating to CPI's  business,  for the
consideration set forth below and the assumption of certain of CPI's liabilities
as set forth below, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

         NOW,   THEREFORE,   intending  to  be  legally  bound  hereby,  and  in
consideration  of the mutual  premises and the  representations,  warranties and
covenants  herein  contained  and other  good and  valuable  consideration,  the
receipt and  sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto
agree as follows:

1.       SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE CPI ASSETS.

         1.1 SALE AND  PURCHASE OF THE CPI  ASSETS.  Based on and subject to the
terms,  provisions  and  conditions of this  Agreement and upon the basis of the
representations  and warranties made herein, CPI shall sell, convey,  assign and
deliver to AAC, and AAC shall  purchase from CPI, all right,  title and interest
in and to the all of the assets,  properties and rights owned,  used or held for
use  by  CPI  of  every  kind,  nature  and  description,  whether  tangible  or
intangible,  real,  personal or mixed and  wherever  located  pertaining  to the
business of CPI (the "BUSINESS") (collectively,  the "ASSETS") of every kind and
nature, including but not limited to the following:

                  (a) Personal Property. All machinery, equipment, computers and
computer equipment, tools, supplies, spare parts, furniture, fixtures, leasehold
improvements,  supplies  and  other  items  of  tangible  property  used  in the
Business,  including but not limited to, tangible  personal property as of April
30, 1997, plus (i) any replacements or additions thereto before the date of this
Agreement,  and (ii) any  express or implied  warranty by the  manufacturers  or
sellers of any item or

                                       -1-





component  part  thereof,  to the  extent  transferrable,  and  all  maintenance
records,  brochures,  catalogues and other  documents  relating to such personal
property  or to the  installation  or  functioning  thereof  (collectively,  the
"PERSONAL PROPERTY");

                  (b)   Inventories.   All   inventories   of   raw   materials,
work-in-process,  finished goods and materials and supplies,  wherever  located,
which are related to the  Business,  including  the  inventory  as  indicated on
Schedule 1.1(b) as of April 30, 1997, plus any replacements or additions thereto
prior  to the  date of this  Agreement  less any  inventory  disposed  of in the
ordinary course of business before the date of this Agreement (collectively, the
"INVENTORY");

                  (c) Contracts.  All rights, benefits and interest of CPI under
all contracts,  licenses,  leases,  commitments,  agreements,  purchase and sale
orders  and other  commitments,  including  but not  limited  to those  material
contracts  having a value of more than  $5,000.00  each and  listed on  Schedule
1.1(c) (the "Material Contracts List") (collectively, the "CONTRACTS");

                  (d) Intellectual Property.  All patents,  patent applications,
inventions  upon which  patent  applications  have not yet been  filed,  service
marks,  trade  names,  trademarks,  trademark  registrations  and  applications,
software,  copyrighted registrations and applications,  trade secrets, formulae,
technology,  designs,  processes,  inventions,  knowhow,  and other intellectual
property rights, both foreign and domestic,  and any and all goodwill associated
therewith,  presently owned, possessed or used by CPI, including but not limited
to the intellectual  property listed on Schedule 1.1(d) and including all rights
to the name "Converter Power, Inc." (collectively, the "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY");

                  (e) CPI  Software.  All  software,  including  all  object and
source code, in machine  readable and listing form),  documentation  (including,
but not limited to,  internal  documentation,  documentation  made  available to
customers  and  training  materials),  flowcharts,  source code notes,  software
tools,  compilers,  test routines and  information,  in whatever  form,  and all
revisions,  release  levels and versions of the  foregoing,  used on or with CPI
products or in CPI's Business (collectively, the "SOFTWARE");

                  (f)   Promotional   Materials.   All  sales  and   promotional
literature, data sheets, instructional materials, catalogs and similar materials
of CPI relating to the Business,  regardless of whether those materials exist in
written, electronic, magnetic or other form;

                  (g) Records. All financial,  accounting, sales and promotional
and operating  data,  books and records of CPI,  including,  but not limited to,
records,  files,  customer lists,  supplier lists,  accounting records, cost and
pricing information,  personnel records, business records,  maintenance records,
customer and supplier  lists,  business plans,  projections  studies or reports,
statistical  process  control data and similar  documents  and records,  whether
those materials exist in written, electronic, magnetic or other form;



                                       -2-





                  (h) Permits and  Licenses.  All permits,  licenses,  consents,
authorizations,  certificates,  registrations and other approvals granted by any
federal,  state, local or foreign court or other governmental authority required
or useful in the conduct of the Business and listed on Schedule  1.1(h),  to the
extent transferable (collectively, the "LICENSES");

                  (i) Cash and Accounts Receivable.  All cash, banking accounts,
certificates of deposit,  customer deposits,  and accounts receivable related to
the  Business,  excluding,  however,  any and all rights to tax  refunds for all
periods  ending  prior to March  31,  1997  (the  "RECEIVABLES"),  and all other
current assets, all as reflected on Schedule 1.1(i);

                  (j)  Intangibles.  All claims,  causes or rights of action and
intangible  property rights of CPI related to the Business,  including,  without
limitation,  obsolete product designs,  restrictive  covenants,  confidentiality
obligations and similar  obligations of present and former  employees,  officers
and consultants of CPI; and

                  (k) Claims.  All of CPI's claims against any parties  relating
to any right,  property or asset included in the Assets, or against any party to
the  Contracts,   including,  without  limitation,   unliquidated  rights  under
manufacturers and vendors' warranties or guaranties.

2.       PURCHASE PRICE AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.

         2.1 PURCHASE  PRICE.  The purchase  price for the Assets (the "PURCHASE
PRICE")  shall  be  (i)  Six  Million  Three  Hundred  Fifty  Thousand   Dollars
($6,350,000)  (subject to adjustment as described in Section 2.3) in cash,  (ii)
45,000  unregistered  shares of ASTeX Common Stock,  and (iii) the assumption of
certain liabilities of CPI, as described below, payable by AAC as follows:

                  (a) At Closing,  by certified check or wire transfer,  the sum
of Six Million Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($6,350,000);

                  (b) The issuance immediately following the Closing (as defined
in Section 2.5) of 45,000  unregistered  shares of ASTeX Common Stock,  $.01 par
value (the "ASTEX SHARES"). The ASTeX Shares will be held in escrow by O'Connor,
Broude & Aronson  (the "ESCROW  AGENT"),  to be released to CPI over time not to
exceed twenty four (24) months  following the Closing (the "FINAL ESCROW RELEASE
DATE") in accordance with the terms of the Escrow  Agreement  attached hereto as
EXHIBIT A (the "ESCROW AGREEMENT") and Section 2.3 (f); and

                  (c) If the ASTeX Shares have not  increased in market value to
at least $1,000,000 on May 8, 1998 (the "ESCROW  MEASUREMENT DATE") based on the
Measurement  Closing Price as defined in Section 2.2 below,  then on May 9, 1998
(the  "Initial  Escrow  Release  Date"),  ASTeX shall pay to CPI the  difference
between the market value of the ASTeX Shares  based on the  Measurement  Closing
Price for the  ASTeX  Shares  and  $1,000,000  (the  "Guaranteed  Value"),  such
difference to be payable in cash,  stock of ASTeX,  or a combination of both, at
ASTeX's discretion;  provided that, if the amount of such difference is $100,000
or less, ASTeX shall pay such amount in cash.

                                       -3-





Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the  Guaranteed  Value  shall  be  subject  to
adjustment  if any  ASTeX  Shares  issued  hereunder  are  returned  to ASTeX in
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Sections  2.3(e)  or 8.4  below.  In such
instance, the $1,000,000 Guaranteed Value described above shall be reduced based
upon the following formula:

                  Guaranteed Value =   $1,000,000 x (45,000 - N)
                                       -------------------------
                                        45,000

                 N = Number  of ASTeX  Shares  returned  to  ASTeX  pursuant  to
                     Section 2.3(e) or Section 8.4.

[For  illustration  purposes  only,  if 9,946 ASTeX Shares are returned to ASTeX
from  escrow  in  accordance   with  Section  2.3(e)  or  8.4,  then  additional
consideration  would be payable to CPI only if the remaining 35,054 ASTeX Shares
did  not  increase  in  market  value  to  $778,978   [$1,000,000  x  (45,000  -
9,946)/45,000].   In  such  instance,   the  ASTeX  Shares  and  the  additional
consideration  shall equal $778,978 with the value of any such shares calculated
using the Measurement Closing Price (as defined herein).]

         2.2 DETERMINATION OF MARKET VALUE OF ASTEX SHARES. The aggregate market
value for the ASTeX  Shares  shall be  determined  by using the  average  of the
closing price of ASTeX's Common Stock, $.01 par value, as reported by the NASDAQ
National Market System,  for the four calendar weeks  immediately  preceding the
Initial Escrow Release Date (the "MEASUREMENT CLOSING PRICE").

         2.3 ADJUSTMENTS TO PURCHASE PRICE.

                  (a)  Attached  hereto  as  Schedule  2.3(a)  is the  projected
balance sheet of CPI at March 29, 1997 (the "PROJECTED  BALANCE SHEET") prepared
in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  consistently
applied ("GAAP").

                  (b) The  Projected  Balance  Sheet  reflects a projected  book
value at that date (exclusive of intangible assets) for CPI of $3,917,000, prior
to reduction of an intercompany receivable of $696,000, yielding a projected net
book value of $3,221,000.

                  (c) Within  ninety  (90) days after the  Closing,  AAC, at its
cost and expense,  shall cause KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (the "AUDITORS") to prepare
and  deliver  to AAC and ILCT a draft of the  Final  Balance  Sheet of CPI as of
April 30,  1997 (as  defined  below).  The draft  Final  Balance  Sheet shall be
prepared  in  accordance   with  generally   accepted   accounting   principles,
consistently  applied,  followed in the  preparation  of the  Projected  Balance
Sheet.

                  (d) Within  ten (10)  business  days after its  receipt of the
draft Final Balance Sheet, ILCT shall give AAC written notice indicating whether
it accepts the draft Final  Balance  Sheet or disputes  the draft Final  Balance
Sheet. The failure to give any notice within that time shall be

                                       -4-





deemed to constitute a notice that the draft Final Balance Sheet is accepted. If
the draft Final Balance Sheet is disputed,  AAC, ILCT, accountants designated by
ILCT ("ILCT  ACCOUNTANTS") and the Auditors shall meet to attempt to resolve the
dispute.  If the dispute has not been resolved within fifteen (15) business days
after ILCT gives  notice that it disputes  the draft Final  Balance  Sheet,  the
outstanding  issues  shall be  submitted  to  another  "Big 6"  accounting  firm
selected by the Auditors and the ILCT Accountants for final resolution. The only
issue to be resolved by such other firm shall be whether the draft Final Balance
Sheet was prepared in accordance with the accounting  principles followed in the
preparation of the Projected Balance Sheet,  consistently  applied.  The fees of
such  other firm  shall be shared  and paid  equally by AAC and ILCT.  After any
disputes  have been  resolved,  whether  by  agreement  or by such other "Big 6"
accounting firm, the Auditors shall prepare a Final Balance Sheet which shall be
final and binding  upon the parties and  deliver  these  documents  to ASTeX and
ILCT. The draft Final Balance Sheet,  if there is no dispute under this Section,
or the final  balance sheet as determined  pursuant to this Section  2.3(d),  if
there is a dispute, is referred to as the "FINAL BALANCE SHEET."

          Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the  contrary,  the Final Balance
Sheet shall be subject to the following parameters:  (i) the warranty reserve as
set  forth on the Final  Balance  Sheet  shall be the lower of (A) the  warranty
reserve as  determined  pursuant to Section  2.3(d)  without  reference  to this
sentence,  and (B) the sum of the warranty reserve as set forth on the Projected
Balance Sheet plus $400,000; (ii) the obsolete inventory reserve as set forth on
the Final Balance Sheet shall be the lower of (A) the obsolete inventory reserve
as determined pursuant to Section 2.3(d) without reference to this sentence, and
(B) the sum of the  obsolete  inventory  reserve  as set forth on the  Projected
Balance Sheet plus $50,000; (iii) the accrued taxes payable reserve as set forth
on the Final  Balance  Sheet shall be the lower of (A) the accrued taxes payable
reserve as  determined  pursuant to Section  2.3(d)  without  reference  to this
sentence,  and (B) the sum of the accrued taxes payable  reserve as set forth on
the Projected Balance Sheet plus $100,000; and (iv) any reduction in the various
reserves  pursuant  to this  sentence  shall be  added to the net book  value as
reflected on the Final Balance Sheet.

                  (e) For purposes of this  Section  2.3(e),  the parties  shall
create a  "Modified  Final  Balance  Sheet" by taking the Final  Balance  Sheet,
reducing  the amount of any warranty  reserve,  obsolete  inventory  reserve and
accrued  taxes  payable  reserve to the  amount as  reflected  on the  Projected
Balance Sheet,  and adding the amount of such  reductions to the net book value.
If the  Modified  Final  Balance  Sheet  reflects  the net book  value of CPI as
defined  above of less than  $3,221,000,  then a number of ASTeX  Shares will be
returned  to AAC from  escrow,  using a price of $22.22  per ASTeX  Share on the
differential to determine the number of shares to be returned.  For illustration
purposes  only, if the Modified  Final Balance Sheet reflects the net book value
of CPI of  $3,000,000,  then an aggregate of 9,946 ASTeX Shares will be returned
to AAC ($221,000 divided by $22.22).

                  (f) (i) On the Initial  Escrow Release Date, AAC shall release
from  escrow  that  number of ASTeX  Shares  equal to the total  number of ASTeX
Shares  then held in  escrow,  plus the  number of shares  payable  pursuant  to
Section 2.1(c), less the following:

                                       -5-





                                    (a) 9001 shares,  which shall continue to be
         held in escrow with respect to any  shortfall in the warranty  reserve;
         plus

                                    (b)  unless CPI has  presented  ASTeX with a
         certificate from the Massachusetts  Department of Revenue releasing any
         liens  against the Assets as a result of any tax  liability  of CPI, an
         additional 4500 shares; plus

                                    (c) a  number  of  shares  equal  to (A) the
         dollar  amount  of any  liabilities  incurred  by AAC with  respect  to
         product  warranties (other than so-called  "product  liability" claims)
         with respect to products  shipped by CPI prior to the  Closing,  to the
         extent such dollar amount exceeds the warranty  reserve  established on
         the Projected Balance Sheet, (B) divided by $22.22; plus

                                    (d) a  number  of  shares  equal  to (X) the
         dollar  amount  of any  liabilities  incurred  by AAC with  respect  to
         obsolete  inventory  included in the Assets,  to the extent such dollar
         amount  exceeds  the  obsolete  inventory  reserve  established  on the
         Projected Balance Sheet, (Y) divided by $22.22.

ASTeX and AAC agree that, to the greatest extent  practicable,  the shares to be
retained  hereunder shall be the shares issued  pursuant to Section 2.1(c),  and
the  shares  to be  released  hereunder  shall  be the  ASTeX  Shares  initially
delivered into escrow in connection with the Closing, and that the parties shall
promptly deliver such instructions to the Escrow Agent.

                  (ii) On the Final Escrow  Release Date, AAC shall release from
escrow  theremaining  ASTeX Shares,  and any shares  issued  pursuant to Section
2.1(c), less the following:

                                    (a) a number of shares  equal to the  dollar
         amount  of any  liabilities  incurred  by AAC with  respect  to any tax
         liabilities assessed against CPI; plus

                                    (b) a  number  of  shares  equal  to (A) the
         dollar amount of any liabilities  incurred by AAC during the period May
         9, 1998 through May 8, 1999 with respect to product  warranties  (other
         than  so-called  "product  liability"  claims) with respect to products
         shipped by CPI prior to the Closing,  to the extent such dollar amount,
         plus the amount of such warranty liabilities incurred during the period
         May  9,  1997  through  May  8,  1998,  exceeds  the  warranty  reserve
         established on the Projected Balance Sheet, (B) divided by $22.22;

provided, that if AAC and ASTeX have previously received all or a portion of the
ASTeX  Shares as payment  for  indemnification  as provided in Section 8 of this
Agreement,  or have made a claim  for  indemnification  such that  there are not
adequate  ASTeX Shares  remaining or reserved to address the sums due hereunder,
then CPI shall pay to AAC,  in cash or in ASTeX  Shares  (valued at $22.22)  the
sums equal to the  deficiencies  after adjustment for all ASTeX Shares remaining
in escrow prior to such claim.

                                       -6-





                  (iii) The  provisions  of Section 8 limiting the  liability of
CPI and ILC to all  claims in excess of  $75,000  shall not apply to any  claims
under this Section 2.3(f).

         2.4      ASSUMPTION OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES.

                  (a) At the  Closing,  AAC shall  assume  and agree to pay when
due,  perform and discharge in accordance with the terms thereof,  and indemnify
and hold CPI and ILCT harmless from,  all of the  liabilities,  obligations  and
commitments of CPI (i) that are shown on the Projected  Balance Sheet, (ii) that
are disclosed in any Schedule attached to this Agreement, (iii) that arise after
the  Closing  in  connection  with the  Assets,  including  without  limitation,
contracts set forth in the Material  Contracts List, (iv) that arise after March
29,  1997 in the  ordinary  course of CPI's  Business,  and (v) that is  accrued
vacation to CPI employees not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate (collectively,
the "ASSUMED LIABILITIES").

                  (b)  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing   provisions  of  Section
2.4(a),  AAC shall not assume or agree to  perform,  pay or  discharge,  and CPI
shall remain liable for, all obligations,  liabilities and commitments, fixed or
contingent,  of CPI other than the Assumed  Liabilities.  Without  limiting  the
foregoing,  the Assumed  Liabilities  shall not include (i) any tax  liabilities
that are not disclosed in any Schedule  attached to this  Agreement  relating to
CPI's operations  prior to the Closing or the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement,   (ii)  costs  incurred  by  ILCT  or  CPI  in  connection  with  the
transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) liabilities with respect to judgments or
pending  or  threatened  litigation  or causes of action  which  occur  prior to
Closing  (other than  warranty  claims),  (iv) any broker's or finder's  fees or
commission and the fees of CPI and ILCT's legal counsel in connection  with this
transaction incurred by CPI or ILCT, (v) any and all debt due to ILCT, employees
or affiliates of CPI,  including  sums due employees by CPI arising out of CPI's
health insurance programs that is not disclosed in any Schedule attached to this
Agreement,  and (vi)  obligations  or liabilities  arising from any  warranties,
express or implied,  with  respect to any products  shipped  prior to Closing in
excess of any warranty  reserves set forth in the Final Balance Sheet. AAC shall
assume  all  claims for  product  liability  relating  to  products  sold by CPI
accruing on or after the Closing Date.

         2.5 CLOSING.  The closing (the  "CLOSING")  of the sale and purchase of
the Assets  under this  Agreement  shall take place at the offices of  O'Connor,
Broude & Aronson at Waltham, Massachusetts, at 10:00 a.m. on the 8th day of May,
1997,  or such other date and place as shall be agreed upon by the parties.  The
date of the Closing is hereinafter  referred to as the Closing.  All proceedings
to be taken and all documents to be executed and delivered by all parties at the
Closing shall be deemed to have been taken and executed  simultaneously,  and no
proceedings  shall be deemed to have been taken nor any  documents  executed  or
delivered until all have been taken, executed and delivered. At Closing:

                  (a)      AAC shall deliver to CPI the purchase price set forth
                           in Section 2.1(a);

                  (b)      The parties and the Escrow Agent shall enter into the
                           Escrow Agreement;

                                       -7-





                  (c) ASTeX  shall  deliver to its  transfer  agent  irrevocable
instructions  authorizing  the  transfer  agent to issue the ASTeX Shares in the
name of CPI and shall  cause a  certificate  evidencing  the ASTeX  Shares to be
delivered to the Escrow Agent;

                  (d) CPI shall  deliver to AAC a  warranty  bill of sale in the
form  attached  hereto as  Exhibit  B, and AAC  shall  deliver  to ILCT  payment
therefor as set forth above in this Section 2;

                  (e) The parties  shall deliver the  Certificates  described in
Sections 5.1 and 6.1, and the Opinions of Counsel  described in Sections 5.2 and
6.2 of this Agreement;

                  (f) CPI and AAC shall enter into the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement set forth in Exhibit C;

                  (g) AAC and ILCT  shall  enter  into the Sales  Representative
Agreement set forth in Exhibit D; and

                  (h) The  parties  shall  deliver  such  additional  documents,
including  but  not  limited  to,   certified   copies  of  charter   documents,
certificates of officers and secretaries of each corporation,  UCC-3 termination
statements, consents, as counsel to each of the parties may reasonably request.

         2.6 TAXES AND ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE. ASTeX shall pay any and all
taxes arising by virtue of the sale or transfer of the Assets. CPI shall pay any
and all income and capital gains taxes arising by virtue of CPI's receipt of the
Purchase  Price.  The  aggregate  amount of the Total  Purchase  Price  shall be
allocated  among the Assets as set forth in Schedule 2.6.  Schedule 2.6 shall be
prepared  within  ninety  (90) days after the  Closing  and shall be  reasonably
acceptable  to both  parties.  The  parties  agree  that  the  allocation  to be
reflected in Schedule 2.6 will be arrived at by arm's-length  negotiation and in
the judgment of the parties will  properly  reflect the fair market value of the
respective Assets. Such allocation will be binding on each party for federal and
state income tax purposes in connection with the purchase of the Assets and will
be consistently reflected by the parties in all of their tax returns.

3.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ILCT AND CPI.

         Subject to the  provisions  of Section  11.1,  ILCT and CPI jointly and
severally represent and warrant to AAC and ASTeX, upon which representations and
warranties AAC and ASTeX rely, and which  representations  and warranties  shall
survive the Closing,  notwithstanding  any  investigation of the affairs of ILCT
and CPI by AAC or ASTeX, as follows (items  disclosed in any Schedule hereto are
deemed  disclosed with respect to all  representations  and warranties set forth
herein):

         3.1  CAPITALIZATION  OF CPI.  CPI's  authorized  capital stock consists
solely of 1,000  shares of Common  Stock,  no par value per share,  of which all
1,000 shares are issued and  outstanding on the date hereof and all of which are
held of record and beneficially solely by ILCT. All such issued

                                       -8-





and outstanding shares of CPI Common Stock have been duly and validly issued and
are, fully paid and non-assessable.

         3.2  AUTHORIZATION.  This Agreement has been duly and validly  executed
and delivered by each of CPI and ILCT.  This Agreement and all other  agreements
and obligations  entered into and undertaken in connection with the transactions
contemplated  hereby to which CPI and ILCT are parties  constitute the valid and
legally binding obligations of CPI and ILCT, as applicable,  enforceable against
them in accordance with their respective terms except insofar as  enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar laws affecting the rights
of creditors  and general  equitable  principles.  The  execution,  delivery and
performance by CPI and ILCT of this  Agreement and the  agreements  provided for
herein,  and the consummation by CPI and ILCT of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby  and  thereby,  will not,  with or  without  the  giving of notice or the
passage of time or both,  (a) except as set forth in Schedule  3.2,  violate the
provisions of any law, rule or regulation applicable to CPI or ILCT; (b) violate
the provisions of the Articles of Organization,  as amended,  or the Bylaws,  as
amended,  of CPI or the  Articles  of  Incorporation,  as amended or Bylaws,  as
amended, of ILCT; (c) violate any judgment, decree, order or award of any court,
governmental body or arbitrator  having  jurisdiction over CPI or ILCT or any of
their  respective  assets or properties;  or (d) except as set forth in Schedule
3.2,  violate,  conflict with or result in the breach or termination of any term
or provision of, or constitute a default under, or cause any acceleration of any
obligation under, or cause the creation of any indebtedness under, any contract,
agreement, commitment, instrument permit, lease or license, applicable to CPI or
ILCT, or any of the Assets.

         3.3 ORGANIZATION. CPI is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the  Commonwealth of  Massachusetts,  and
has  all  requisite  power  and  authority  (corporate  and  other)  to own  its
properties  and to carry on its  business  as now being  conducted.  CPI is duly
qualified to do business and in good standing in all  jurisdictions in which its
ownership  of  property  or  the   character  of  its  business   requires  such
qualification and where failure to be so qualified would have a material adverse
effect on CPI. Certified copies of the Articles of Organization, as amended, and
Bylaws of CPI,  as  amended  to date,  have  been  delivered  to ASTeX,  and are
complete, and no amendments have been made thereto or have been authorized since
the date thereof, except as contemplated by Section 5.3.

         3.4 SUBSIDIARIES. CPI has no Subsidiaries or foreign sales corporations
and CPI owns or holds of record  and or  beneficially  no shares of any class in
the  capital  of any other  corporations  or in any other  business  enterprise.
"SUBSIDIARY"  shall mean any  corporation,  partnership,  joint venture or other
entity in which CPI has, directly or indirectly, an equity interest representing
10% or more of the capital stock thereof or other equity interests therein.

         3.5 BOOKS AND  RECORDS.  Except  as set forth in  Schedule  3.5 (a) the
minute books of CPI provided to AAC for review contain an accurate record of all
meetings and other corporate  action of the  stockholders  and directors of CPI,
and (b) the stock ledger of CPI  produced for AAC's review  contains an accurate
record of the holdings of the stock issued by CPI.

                                       -9-





         3.6      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                  (a) CPI  Financial  Statements.  CPI has delivered to AAC true
and complete copies of its unaudited  financial  statements as of the three year
period ending September 30, 1996 and its unaudited financial  statements for the
periods  ending March 29, 1997,  December 28, 1996,  March 30, 1996 and December
30, 1995 (the "CPI FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS").  The CPI Financial Statements are in
accordance  with the  books and  records  of CPI,  and (i)  present  fairly  the
financial  position  of CPI as of the  respective  dates and for the  respective
periods  indicated,  (ii) include all required material  adjustments,  and (iii)
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles
applied on a basis consistent with prior periods and practices.

                  (b) No Adverse Changes or Undisclosed  Liabilities.  Except as
set forth on Schedule  3.6,  since  March 29,  1997,  there has not  occurred or
arisen,  whether or not in the  ordinary  course of  business:  (i) any material
adverse  change in the assets,  financial  condition,  operations or business of
CPI, or (ii) any event,  condition or state of facts of any character  which has
or may reasonably be expected to materially and adversely  affect the results of
operations,  business,  financial  condition or prospects of CPI.  Except as set
forth on Schedule 3.6, CPI has no material  liabilities or  obligations,  fixed,
accrued,  contingent or otherwise, which are not fully reflected or provided for
on, or  disclosed  in the notes to,  the CPI  Financial  Statements  except  (i)
liabilities  and  obligations  incurred in the ordinary course of business since
March 29, 1997,  none of which  individually  or in the aggregate has been or is
materially adverse to the operations, business, financial condition or prospects
of CPI and (ii)  liabilities and  obligations  permitted or contemplated by this
Agreement.  Except for those liabilities described above, CPI or ILCT know of no
basis for assertion against CPI of any other liability, debt or obligation.

         3.7 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE; INVENTORIES. The accounts receivable reflected
on the Unaudited Financial  Statements have been collected or are collectible in
the amounts shown,  subject to a reasonable  allowance for doubtful  accounts as
set forth in the CPI  Financial  Statements.  All sales of CPI  inventory as set
forth in the CPI Financial Statements are final, other than normal and customary
warranty rights. There are no significant refunds, reimbursements, discounts, or
other adjustments  payable by CPI in respect to any of its accounts  receivable,
and CPI does not know and has  received  no  notice of any  defenses,  rights of
setoff,  assignments,   pledges,  liens,  encumbrances,   claims,  equities,  or
conditions  enforceable by third parties on or affecting the accounts receivable
or  inventories  of CPI,  except as set forth in Schedule  3.7. The  inventories
shown on the CPI Financial  Statements and the inventories  acquired since March
29, 1997  consist of items of a quantity  and  quality  usable or salable in the
normal course of the business of CPI, and the value at which the inventories are
carried  on the CPI  Financial  Statements  reflect  the lower of CPI's  cost or
market value.

         3.8      TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8 attached  hereto,  CPI
has paid either directly or through consolidated tax returns filed by ILCT (and,
as to any of the following which are

                                      -10-





payable after the Closing,  CPI has properly reserved against in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles) all income taxes, capital gains taxes,
withholding  and other  employment  taxes,  capital taxes,  sales and use taxes,
goods and services  taxes,  business  taxes,  ad valorem taxes,  property taxes,
excise taxes, customs and import duties, imposts, rates, levies, assessments and
fees, and all other taxes of every kind, character or description, including all
interest,  fines, and penalties relating thereto, imposed by any governmental or
quasi-governmental authority, domestic or foreign, whether federal, state, local
or  municipal  (collectively  the  "TAXES")  required  to be paid by CPI for all
periods prior to the Closing.  CPI has provided AAC with true and correct copies
of all tax returns of CPI since 1994. No outstanding assessments, reassessments,
notices  of  determination,  or notices  of any kind  whatsoever,  or notices of
increases  in tax rates  with  respect  to any such  Taxes  exist or to the best
knowledge  of CPI and ILCT could  become a lien on the  properties  or assets of
CPI. CPI has duly and timely  filed or caused to be filed all  reports,  returns
and other  documents  relating to or covering  all such Taxes,  which are due or
required  to be  filed at or prior  to the  date of  Closing,  and the  Taxes or
applicable  amount  shown  thereon  have been  timely  accrued or paid.  No such
filings have  contained  any  misstatement  or omitted any statement of any fact
that should have been included therein.

                  (b) None of the income tax  returns  for Taxes of CPI has been
audited  by  any  taxing  authority.   No  action,  suit,   proceeding,   audit,
investigation  or claim is pending or to the best  knowledge  of CPI or ILCT are
threatened, in respect of any Taxes for which CPI is liable, nor has CPI or ILCT
received  any notice of any  proposed  or asserted  deficiency  or claim for any
Taxes. No waiver of any statute of limitations with respect to any taxation year
has been executed by CPI; and no agreement,  waiver or consent  providing for an
extension  of  time  with  respect  to the  assessment,  reassessment  or  other
determination  of any Taxes against CPI, and no power of attorney granted by CPI
with respect to any matters relating to Taxes is currently in force.

                  (c) Subject to the  limitations  described in Section  2.3(f),
all reserves  established on the Final Balance Sheet for warranty  claims or for
obsolete  inventory are adequate to cover any and all costs and  obligations for
any appropriate warranty claim (other than so-called "product liability" claims)
or for the write-off of any obsolete inventory.

         3.9 TITLE TO  PROPERTIES.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.9, CPI has
good and marketable  title to all of its properties and assets  reflected in the
Financial  Statements  or acquired  since March 29, 1997 except  properties  and
assets  disposed of in the ordinary course of business since March 29, 1997, and
none of such  properties  or assets is subject to any  mortgage,  pledge,  lien,
security  interest,  lease,  charge,  encumbrance,  objection,  claim  or  joint
ownership. CPI is the sole and lawful owner of the Assets, and has and except as
set forth in Schedule 3.9, will convey to AAC good and marketable  title and all
proprietary  rights and  interests  in and to the Assets,  free and clear of all
encumbrances  of any kind  (including  claims for taxes)  except for the Assumed
Liabilities.  Except as set forth in Schedule  3.9,  the  delivery to AAC of the
instruments  of transfer of ownership  contemplated  by this Agreement will vest
good  and  marketable  title  to the  Assets  in  AAC,  free  and  clear  of all
encumbrances  of  any  kind  or  nature  whatsoever,   except  for  the  Assumed
Liabilities.  The  Assets  include  all assets  currently  used or useful in the
business or necessary for the operation of the

                                      -11-





Business as currently  conducted and include all assets on the Projected Balance
Sheet,  except materials and supplies  consumed and accounts  receivable paid in
the ordinary course of business and assets acquired after March 29, 1997. Except
as set  forth in  Schedule  3.9,  all  Assets  owned or leased by CPI are in the
possession  or under the control of CPI.  All leases  listed on Schedule 3.9 are
valid and in full force and effect,  and CPI or ILCT have not received notice of
any  alleged  default  (that has not been  cured or validly  waived in  writing)
thereunder.  Except for its interest as a tenant of real property  leased to it,
or as set forth on Schedule  3.9, CPI does not own any right,  title or interest
in or to real property of any kind.

         3.10 ASSETS ADEQUATE FOR BUSINESS.  The machinery,  equipment and other
assets owned or leased by CPI are in good working  order and are  sufficient  to
enable CPI to carry on its business as presently conducted. ILCT is not aware of
any defects in CPI's  equipment that would require the  replacement of, or major
repairs to, any item in excess of $25,000.00 in the aggregate.

         3.11 AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Except as shown on Schedule
3.11 or any other Schedule delivered by CPI hereunder,  CPI is not a party to or
liable in connection with and has not made or granted any oral or written:

                  (a) employment agreement or profit-sharing,  bonus, incentive,
deferred compensation, stock option or purchase, severance pay, employee benefit
or similar plan or arrangement;

                  (b) note,  loan,  credit,  security or guaranty  agreement  or
other obligation relating to the borrowing of money;

                  (c) license agreement,  or sales representative,  distributor,
franchise, advertising or property management agreement;

                  (d) agreement for the future  purchase by CPI of any material,
equipment, services or supplies in an amount in excess of $5,000 in any instance
or $25,000 in the aggregate;

                  (e)  agreement  for the future  sale by CPI of any  materials,
equipment, services or supplies in an amount in excess of $5,000 in any instance
or $25,000 in the aggregate;

                  (f)  insurance or indemnity  contract,  bank account and other
depositary  arrangement  (including  the  names of  persons  authorized  to draw
thereon) or power of attorney;

                  (g) agreement,  not elsewhere  specifically disclosed pursuant
to this  Agreement,  involving,  or  providing  any  benefit  to,  any  officer,
director, employee or stockholder of CPI;

                  (h) agreement or arrangement for the sale of any of its assets
or the grant of any preferential rights to purchase any of its assets,  property
or rights or requiring  the consent of any party to the transfer and  assignment
of such assets, property or rights;

                                      -12-





                  (i) any contracts, agreements or other arrangements imposing a
non-competition, non-solicitation or similar obligation on CPI; and

                  (j)  any  other  material  agreement  whether  or  not  in the
ordinary course of business.

         No third  party  has  given  notice  to CPI of any  claim,  dispute  or
controversy  with respect to any of the contracts  listed on Schedule  3.11, nor
has CPI or ILCT received notice or warning of alleged  nonperformance,  delay in
delivery or other noncompliance by CPI with respect to its obligations under any
of such  contracts,  nor, to the best  knowledge of CPI and ILCT,  are there any
facts  indicating  that  any of  such  contracts  may be  totally  or  partially
terminated or suspended by the other parties thereto,  or that CPI is in default
of any of its  obligations  thereunder.  CPI  enjoys  peaceful  and  undisturbed
possession under all leases under which it operates.

         3.12     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND PENSION PLANS.

                  (a) Except as listed in Schedule  3.12  attached  hereto,  CPI
does not  have,  and is not  subject  to any  present  or future  obligation  or
liability under, any pension plan, deferred compensation plan, retirement income
plan,  stock option or stock purchase plan,  profit sharing plan,  bonus plan or
policy, employee group insurance plan,  hospitalization plan, disability plan or
other employee benefit plan,  program,  policy or practice,  formal or informal,
with  respect to any of its  employees,  other  than  health  plans  established
pursuant to statute.  Schedule 3.12 also lists the general policies,  procedures
and  work-related  rules in effect with  respect to  employees  of CPI,  whether
written or oral,  including,  but not limited to, policies  regarding  holidays,
sick leave, vacation,  disability and death benefits,  termination and severance
pay,  automobile  allowances  and  rights to  company-provided  automobiles  and
expense reimbursements. (The plans, programs, policies, practices and procedures
listed  in  Schedule  3.12 are  hereinafter  collectively  called  the  "BENEFIT
PLANS"). All reports and returns filed with any governmental agency with respect
to such benefit plans owned by CPI filed with any regulatory agency within three
(3) years prior to the date hereof have been provided to AAC.

                  (b) CPI has never  had a defined  benefit  pension  plan.  The
pension  plans  included in the Benefit  Plans are  registered  under and are in
compliance  with all applicable  federal and state  legislation and all reports,
returns and filings  required to be made thereunder have been made. Such pension
plans have been  administered  in accordance with their terms and the provisions
of  applicable  law.  Each pension plan has been funded in  accordance  with the
requirements  of such  plans  and  based  on  actuarial  assumptions  which  are
appropriate  to the  employees  of CPI and the  business  of CPI.  Based on such
assumptions,  there is no unfunded  liability  under any such pension  plan.  No
changes  have  occurred  since the date of the most recent  actuarial  report in
respect of such pension plans which makes such report misleading in any material
respect and, since the date of such report, neither ILCT nor CPI has not made or
granted or committed to make or grant any benefit  improvements to which members
of the pension plans are or may become entitled which are not

                                      -13-





reflected in such actuarial report. No funds have been withdrawn by CPI from any
such pension plan or other Benefit Plans.

                  (c) No claims are pending or, to the best knowledge of CPI and
ILCT, threatened by any employee covered under the Benefit Plans or by any other
person which allege a breach of fiduciary  duties or violation of governing  law
or which may result in  liability  to CPI and, to the best  knowledge of CPI and
ILCT, no basis for such a claim exists.  No employees or former employees of CPI
are receiving  from CPI any pension or retirement  payments,  or are entitled to
receive any such  payments,  not covered by  insurance  or by a pension  plan to
which CPI is a party.

         3.13  REQUIRED  CONSENTS,  NO DEFAULT.  Except as described in Schedule
3.13, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor compliance by CPI
and ILCT with its terms and  provisions  will require the  affirmative  consent,
approval,  order or authorization of or any registration,  declaration or filing
with any third party or governmental  authority.  CPI is not in default under or
in violation of any  provision  of its Articles of  Organization,  as amended or
Bylaws, as amended. CPI is not in default under or in violation of any provision
of any  indenture,  mortgage,  lease,  loan or other  agreement to which it is a
party or is bound or to which its properties  are subject,  except such defaults
which in the aggregate are not  materially  adverse to the business or financial
condition of CPI. All of the rights of CPI under the Contracts  extending beyond
Closing are assignable to AAC and upon assignment shall continue  unimpaired and
unchanged  in AAC on or after the Closing  without (i) the consent of any person
(except  for any  consents(s)  which have been or will be obtained in writing by
CPI at or before  the  Closing  or as  provided  on  Schedule  3.13) or (ii) the
payment of any penalty,  the  occurrence of any  additional  obligations  or the
change of any term.

         3.14 LITIGATION.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14 attached hereto:
(a) there is no action,  suit or proceeding to which CPI is a party (either as a
plaintiff  or  defendant)  pending  or, to the best  knowledge  of CPI and ILCT,
threatened  before  any  court  or  governmental  agency,   authority,  body  or
arbitrator and, to the best knowledge of CPI and ILCT, there is no basis for any
such action,  suit or proceeding;  (b) neither CPI nor, to the best knowledge of
CPI and ILCT, any officer,  director or employee of CPI has been  permanently or
temporarily  enjoined  by any  order,  judgment  or  decree  of any court or any
governmental  agency,  authority  or body from  engaging  in or  continuing  any
conduct or practice in connection  with the business,  assets,  or properties of
CPI; and (c) there is not in existence on the date hereof any order, judgment or
decree of any court,  tribunal or agency  enjoining or requiring CPI to take any
action of any kind with respect to its business,  assets or  properties.  To CPI
and ILCT's  knowledge,  CPI has  delivered  to AAC all files,  letters and other
information  with respect to  complaints  of customers of CPI in the past twelve
months.

         3.15  BROKER'S  OR FINDER'S  FEES.  Broadview  Associates  is acting on
behalf of ILCT and will be entitled to a broker's or finder's fee in  connection
with the  transactions  contemplated  herein,  which sum will be paid  solely by
ILCT.


                                      -14-





         3.16 COPIES OF  DOCUMENTS.  Upon request,  ILCT will make  available or
cause CPI to make  available for  inspection  and copying by AAC or ASTeX or its
attorneys or accountants true and correct copies of all documents referred to in
this Section 3 or in any Schedule  delivered by ILCT or CPI to AAC in connection
with  this  Agreement  and any other  agreements  and  records  of CPI which AAC
requests.

         3.17 INTANGIBLE PROPERTY. Schedule 3.17 attached hereto sets forth: (i)
a true, correct and complete list and, where appropriate,  a description of, all
items of intangible  property owned by, or used or useful in connection with the
business of, CPI, including,  but not limited to, patents,  patent applications,
trademarks, proposed trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, any other confidential
information of CPI, trade names,  industrial  designs,  business names and other
intangible  property  whether or not registered and  applications for any of the
foregoing (the  "INTANGIBLE  PROPERTY");  and (ii) a true,  correct and complete
list of all licenses or similar  agreements  or  arrangements  to which CPI is a
party, either as licensee or licensor,  with respect to the Intangible Property,
except for software products that are generally commercially  available.  Except
as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 3.17. CPI owns or possesses adequate licenses
or other rights to use all Intangible  Property used in the business of CPI, and
the same are  sufficient to conduct its business as it has been and is now being
conducted.  There are no licenses,  sublicenses or grants relating to the use of
any of the  Intangible  Property  that are not set forth in Schedule 3.17 (other
than  licenses  with  respect  to  software   products  that  are   commercially
available).  To the best knowledge of CPI and ILCT, the operations of CPI do not
conflict  with or infringe  any patent,  trademark,  trade secret or trade name,
registered  or  unregistered,  owned,  possessed or used by any third party.  No
third  party has given  notice to CPI to the effect that the  operations  of CPI
conflict with or infringe any patent, patent right, copyright, computer software
right,  mask work right,  trademark,  trade secret or trade name,  registered or
unregistered, owned, possessed or used by any third party. To the best knowledge
of CPI and ILCT,  there are no facts that would give rise to a valid  claim that
CPI does not have the unrestricted right to use, free of any rights or claims of
others, all Intangible Property used in the conduct of the business of CPI.

         3.18   GOVERNMENTAL   CONSENTS.   No   consent,   approval,   order  or
authorization of, or registration,  qualification,  designation,  declaration or
filing with,  any  governmental  authority is required to be obtained or made by
ILCT or CPI in connection  with the execution and delivery of this  Agreement or
the sale and delivery of the Assets,  as contemplated by this Agreement,  except
such  filings as  described  in Schedule  3.18.  All such filings have been made
prior to and shall be effective on and as of the Closing or will be timely made.

         3.19  COMPLIANCE  WITH  AGREEMENTS  AND  LAWS.  CPI has  all  requisite
licenses,  permits and certificates,  including  environmental (other than those
permits and certificates  referenced in Section 3.28) health and safety permits,
from federal,  state and local authorities  necessary to conduct its business as
currently  conducted  (collectively,  the "PERMITS").  The Permits are listed on
Schedule 3.19, are valid and subsisting and in good standing and,  except as set
forth in Schedule 3.19, will be unaffected by the  transactions  contemplated by
this  Agreement.  Except as set forth in Schedule  3.19,  the business of CPI as
conducted through the date hereof has not violated any federal, state or local

                                      -15-





laws, regulations or orders (including, but not limited to, any of the foregoing
relating  to  employment  discrimination,   occupational  safety,  environmental
protection,   hazardous  waste,   conservation,   or  corrupt  practices),   the
enforcement  of which would have a material  adverse  effect on the  business or
prospects and  operations of CPI.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19, CPI has
had no notice or communication from any federal,  state or local governmental or
regulatory authority or otherwise of any such violation or noncompliance.

         3.20     EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND LABOR MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.20, CPI is in compliance
with all federal,  state and municipal laws respecting employment and employment
practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, and it is not
engaged in any unfair labor practice, and there are no arrears in the payment of
wages or social security taxes.

                  (b) None of the employees of CPI is  represented  by any labor
union, nor does CPI have any agreements,  whether  directly or indirectly,  with
any labor union,  employee association or other similar entity. CPI has not made
commitments  to or  conducted  negotiations  with any  labor  union or  employee
association  or similar entity with respect to any future  agreements.  No trade
union,  employee  association or other similar entity has any bargaining  rights
acquired by either  certification  or voluntary  recognition with respect to the
employees  of CPI.  There is no unfair  labor  practice  complaint  against  CPI
pending  before any federal,  state or local  agency.  There is no pending labor
strike or other pending organizational drive.

                  (c) CPI is in  compliance  with all  applicable  and  material
provisions of the Federal Fair Labor  Standards Act or any similar state statute
and all rules and regulations  under each. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.20,
there have been no organizing  attempts (known to ILCT or CPI), strikes or other
work  stoppages  which  CPI has  suffered.  Neither  ILCT nor CPI has  reason to
believe that any such  organizing  attempt,  strike or work stoppage is pending,
contemplated or threatened.

         3.21  ABSENCE  OF CERTAIN  CHANGES  OR  EVENTS.  Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.21  attached  hereto,  since March 29, 1997,  (a) CPI has not entered
into any  transaction  that is not in the usual and ordinary course of business,
(b)  and,  to the best  knowledge  of CPI and  ILCT,  there  has been no  event,
circumstance or condition  which has or could have a material  adverse effect on
CPI's  business.  Neither  CPI nor  ILCT  know  of any  existing  or  threatened
occurrence,  event or development  specific to the Business which, as far as can
be reasonably  foreseen  could have a material  adverse  effect on the Business.
Neither  CPI nor ILCT have been  notified by any (i)  suppliers  material to CPI
that such  suppliers  will not be willing to sell to AAC after the  Closing  the
lines of products  presently sold to CPI, or (ii) customers material to CPI that
such  customers  will not be willing to continue  purchasing  from AAC after the
Closing, without significant reductions,  products or services currently sold by
CPI.  CPI and ILCT  believe  that CPI's  relationships  with its  suppliers  and
customers are good commercial working relationships.


                                      -16-





         3.22 INDEBTEDNESS TO AND FROM OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS. CPI
is not  indebted,  directly  or  indirectly,  to any person  who is an  officer,
director or stockholder of CPI, in any amount whatsoever other than for salaries
for services rendered or reimbursable business expenses,  all of which have been
reflected on the Unaudited Financial Statements,  and no such officer,  director
or  stockholder  is indebted to CPI except for advances made to employees of CPI
in the  ordinary  course of  business  to meet  reimbursable  business  expenses
anticipated to be incurred by such obligor.  In addition,  CPI is not a party to
any agreement or  arrangement  whereby it engages in a  transaction  of any kind
with any affiliate  except on terms and conditions no less favorable to CPI than
would be customary for such transactions  between  unaffiliated  parties or upon
terms and conditions on which similar  transactions  with others could fairly be
expected to be entered into. All agreements and arrangements  with any affiliate
are fairly and accurately described in Schedule 3.22.

         3.23 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. No officer,  director or stockholder of CPI
nor, to the best knowledge of CPI or ILCT, any affiliate of any such person, now
has or within the last two years had, either directly or indirectly:

                  (a)  an  equity   or  debt   interest   in  any   corporation,
partnership, joint venture, association,  organization or other person or entity
which  furnishes or sells or during such period  furnished  or sold  services or
products to CPI or purchases or during such period  purchased from CPI any goods
or services,  or otherwise  during such period did business with CPI, except for
ownership of not more than two percent (2%) of the  outstanding  voting stock of
any entity which is listed on a national securities exchange; or

                  (b) a  beneficial  interest  in any  contract,  commitment  or
agreement to which CPI is or was a party or under which CPI is or was  obligated
or bound or to which any of CPI's  properties  may be or may have been  subject,
other than stock options and other contracts,  commitments or agreements between
CPI and such persons in their capacities as employees,  officers or directors of
CPI.

         3.24     CPI PERSONNEL INFORMATION.

                  (a) Schedule 3.24 attached hereto is a true and complete list,
as of the date of this Agreement, setting forth:

                           (i) The names and business addresses and positions of
         all directors and officers of CPI at the date hereof;

                           (ii) The names of all persons, if any, holding powers
         of attorney from CPI, and a summary statement of the terms thereof;

                           (iii)  The name  and  address  of each  bank or other
         institution  in which CPI has  established  an account for  investment,
         deposit, checking, savings or borrowing, or

                                      -17-





         through which credit is extended, a brief description thereof, and the
         names and titles of authorized signers and limits, if any;

                           (iv)  A  list  of  all  employees  and  their  annual
         compensation  together  with  their  social  security  numbers  and all
         independent contractors, consultants,  subcontractors with whom CPI has
         contracted  during the twelve  (12) months  preceding  the date of this
         Agreement,  and the social  security  numbers and their  commission and
         monies owed or paid by CPI to such independent contractors, consultants
         and subcontractors during said twelve (12) month period; and

                           (v) All  employees  who are  parties  to a written or
         oral   agreement   of   employment   (including   confidentiality   and
         non-competition agreements).

                  (b)   All    independent    contractors,    consultants    and
subcontractors  with whom CPI has  contracted  during  the  twelve  (12)  months
preceding the date of this  Agreement  have been treated as such by CPI and have
not been treated as employees  of CPI for which any  withholding  taxes or other
applicable tax may be due from CPI.

                  (c) No oral  contracts  of  employment  have been entered into
with any employees  employed by CPI which are not terminable in accordance  with
applicable law and CPI has not entered into any  agreements  with such employees
with respect to the termination of employment. CPI does not have any obligation
to reinstate any employees.

                  (d)  Except  as  disclosed  in  Schedule  3.24,  there  are no
outstanding,  pending or, to the best  knowledge of CPI and ILCT,  threatened or
anticipated assessment,  actions, causes of action, claims, complaints, demands,
orders, prosecutions or suits against CPI or any of its directors,  officers, or
to the best  knowledge  of CPI and  ILCT,  employees  pursuant  to or under  any
applicable rules,  regulations,  orders or laws,  unemployment  insurance,  tax,
employer's  health tax,  employment  standards,  labor  relations,  occupational
health and  safety,  human  rights,  workers'  compensation  and pay equity laws
relating to any past or present  employee or  consultant  of CPI,  nor is CPI or
ILCT  aware of any basis for any such  assessments,  actions,  causes of action,
claims, complaints, demands, orders, prosecutions or suits.

                  (e) All vacation pay, bonuses,  commissions and other benefits
relating to the  employees of CPI are  accurately  reflected in all respects and
have been accrued in its  Unaudited  Financial  Statements  in  accordance  with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and except as  otherwise  disclosed
herein.

         3.25  INSURANCE OF PROPERTIES.  All of CPI's  properties and operations
are adequately  insured,  by financially sound and reputable  insurers,  against
loss or damage of the kinds and in amounts to the best knowledge of CPI and ILCT
customarily insured against by such persons, and CPI carries, with such insurers
in customary amounts, such other insurance,  including larceny,  embezzlement or
other criminal  misappropriation  insurance and business interruption insurance,
as

                                      -18-





is to the best  knowledge  of CPI and  ILCT  usually  carried  by  companies  of
established  reputation  engaged  in the same or a  similar  business  similarly
situated.  Schedule  3.25  attached  hereto  and made a part  hereof  contains a
complete  and correct list of all policies of insurance of every kind and nature
covering CPI,  including  without  limitation,  policies of life,  fire,  theft,
employee  fidelity,  environmental  and  product  liability  coverage  and other
casualty and liability insurance, indicating the insurer, the policy number, the
type of coverage, the amount of coverage and the expiration date of each policy.
Such policies have been since January 1, 1993, and are in full force and effect.
Except for Directors' and Officers'  insurance  policies,  none of such policies
are "claims made" policies. Complete and correct copies of each such policy have
been made available to AAC prior to the execution of this Agreement.

         3.26  INSURANCE  OF  INDEPENDENT  CONTRACTORS.  Except  as set forth on
Schedule  3.26,  CPI  has  received  from  all of its  independent  contractors,
consultants  and  subcontractors  to whom it has paid  $25,000.00  or more since
January 1, 1993,  certificates  or other valid  evidence of insurance  that such
independent contractors,  consultants and subcontractors are adequately insured,
by financially sound and reputable insurers, against loss or damage of kinds and
in amounts reasonably deemed adequate by CPI.

         3.27     COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

                  (a) For purposes of this Agreement,  the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

                           (i)   "ENVIRONMENTAL   LAWS"  means  all   applicable
federal,  state,  municipal and local laws, rules,  regulations,  ordinances and
orders  issued  by  any  governmental  or  regulatory  agency  relating  to  the
environment,  occupational health and safety,  product safety, product liability
and  storage  and  transportation  of goods;  including,  but not limited to the
federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,  Compensation and Liability Act of
1980, as amended from time to time ("CERCLA");  the federal Hazardous  Materials
Transportation  Act,  as  amended  from  time  to  time;  the  federal  Resource
Conservation  and Recovery  Act, as amended  from time to time;  and the federal
Toxic Substances  Control Act, as amended from time to time; and the regulations
promulgated under such acts;

                           (ii)   "HAZARDOUS   SUBSTANCES"   means  any   waste,
pollutant,  contaminant,  material or  substance  which is or may be  dangerous,
hazardous,  toxic, explosive,  corrosive,  flammable,  infectious,  radioactive,
carcinogenic or mutagenic or which could otherwise pose a risk to health, safety
or the  environment or the value of the properties  owned by CPI or which is the
subject  of any  Environmental  Laws  governing  its  Release,  use,  storage or
identification,  including  without  limitation  any  substance  which  contains
polychlorinated  biphenyls ("PCBS"),  asbestos, lead, urea formaldehyde or radon
gas; and

                           (iii)  "RELEASE"  means  any  release,  spill,  leak,
emission, discharge, leach, dumping, emission, escape or other disposal.

                                      -19-





                  (b)  CPI,  the  operation  of  its  business,   and  the  use,
maintenance  and  operation by CPI of the property and assets now or  previously
owned or  leased  by CPI  (collectively,  the  "PREMISES")  have been and are in
compliance with all  Environmental  Laws and CPI has complied with all reporting
and monitoring  requirements under all Environmental  Laws. CPI has not received
any notice of any noncompliance with any Environmental Laws.

                  (c) CPI has  obtained all  permits,  certificates,  approvals,
registrations and licenses necessary to conduct its business and to own, use and
operate its properties and assets in compliance with all Environmental Laws.

                  (d) CPI has not used or stored any Hazardous  Substances on or
in any of the  properties  or  assets  owned  or used by CPI  and,  to the  best
knowledge of CPI, no hazardous substances have been used or stored on or in such
properties  or assets by any other  person.  CPI has not Released any  Hazardous
Substances on or from the  properties  and assets of CPI and no such Release has
resulted  from the  operation  of its  business  and the  conduct  of all  other
activities  of CPI or,  to the best  knowledge  of CPI and  ILCT,  of any  other
person.  Except  as  disclosed  in  Schedule  3.27,  CPI has not used any of its
properties or assets to produce,  generate,  store, treat, handle,  transport or
dispose of any Hazardous  Substances  and none of the real  properties or leased
premises  has been or is being used by CPI or, to the best  knowledge  of CPI or
ILCT, by any other person, as a landfill or waste disposal site.

                  (e) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,  CPI and
ILCT  are  not  aware  of any  underground  or  surface  storage  tanks  or urea
formaldehyde foam insulation,  asbestos,  PCBs or radioactive substances located
on or in any of the  properties  or  assets  owned  or used  by CPI.  CPI is not
responsible for any clean-up or corrective action under any Environmental  Laws,
and CPI has not been  notified of any claim that it may be  responsible  for any
such clean-up or corrective  action. CPI has never conducted or had conducted an
environmental  audit,  assessment or study of any of the properties or assets of
CPI.

                  (f) The sale of the Assets pursuant to this Agreement will not
give rise to any loss of any such  permits or  licenses  or any  requirement  to
obtain any  approval  or consent to such  change of control in order to maintain
any of such licenses and permits in force and effect.

                  (g) There are no  private  or  governmental  claims,  actions,
suits,  arbitrations,  investigations  or proceedings  pending against CPI by or
before any court or  governmental  or other  regulatory or  administrative  body
pending,  or, to the best knowledge of CPI and ILCT,  threatened which relate to
the  business of CPI or the  premises in respect of any air,  water,  surface or
subsurface  environmental  conditions  resulting directly or indirectly from the
use, treatment, storage, disposal, emission or discharge of Hazardous Substances
or other  pollutants or  contaminants  in, about, or relating to the premises or
the business of CPI.


                                      -20-





                  (h)  CPI  has  not  been  notified  that  it is a  potentially
responsible party under CERCLA or its state  counterparts,  and has not received
any request for information under that Act or its state counterparts.

         3.28  GUARANTEES,  WARRANTIES  AND  DISCOUNTS.  Except as  described in
Schedule 3.28 or in Schedule 3.11:

                  (a)  Neither  CPI  nor  ILCT  is a party  to or  bound  by any
agreement of guarantee, indemnification,  assumption or endorsement or any other
like  commitment of the  obligations,  liabilities  (contingent or otherwise) or
indebtedness of any person with respect to or in connection with CPI's business;

                  (b) CPI has not given any  guarantee or warranty in respect of
any of the products sold or the services  provided by it, except warranties made
in the  ordinary  course of its  business  and  which  conform  in all  material
respects with the form of CPI's standard  written  warranty,  a copy of which is
attached to Schedule 3.28;

                  (c) No repair  contracts or maintenance  obligations of CPI in
favor of the  customers  or  users of its  products  exist,  except  obligations
incurred in the ordinary  course of business and in  accordance  in all material
respects with CPI's standard terms, a copy of which has been provided to AAC;

                  (d) Schedule  3.28  reflects  the warranty  expense by product
category recorded by CPI since April 1, 1994;

                  (e) CPI is not now subject to any agreement or commitment, and
CPI has not,  within  three years  prior to the date  hereof,  entered  into any
agreement with or made any commitment to any customer which would require CPI to
repurchase  any products sold to such  customers or to adjust any price or grant
any refund, discount or other concession to such customer; and

                  (f) CPI is not  required  to  provide  any  letters of credit,
bonds  or  other  financial   security   arrangements  in  connection  with  any
transactions with its suppliers or customers.

         3.29 TORT  CLAIMS.  Schedule  3.29 is a true and  complete  list of all
personal injury, property damage or other tort claims for which CPI has received
written notice of such claim,  not including  service  calls,  and all accidents
known to ILCT and CPI which could  reasonably be expected to give rise to such a
claim, during the period from January 1, 1993 through the date of this Agreement
or claims  which were made prior to January 1, 1993 and which had not been fully
resolved  prior to that date,  whether or not covered by  insurance,  including,
without limitation, claims involving any product distributed or sold by CPI.



                                      -21-





         3.30 DISCLOSURE.  No  representation or warranty by ILCT or CPI in this
Agreement,  nor  any  statement,  certificate  or  Schedule  furnished  or to be
furnished  by or on behalf of ILCT or CPI  pursuant  to this  Agreement  nor any
document or  certificate  delivered to ASTeX and AAC pursuant to this  Agreement
contains or will contain any untrue or  misleading  statement of a material fact
or omits  or will  omit to  state a  material  fact  reasonably  related  to the
transactions  covered  by this  Agreement,  and  all  such  representations  and
warranties  are and on the Closing will be accurate and complete in all material
respects.

         3.31 INVESTMENT  PURPOSES ONLY. CPI represents that it is acquiring the
ASTeX Shares and any additional shares issued pursuant to Section 2.1(c) for its
own account and not with a view to  reselling  or  otherwise  distributing  such
shares in violation of any federal or state  securities laws and understands and
agrees that the shares to be issued  hereunder  are  restricted  on transfer and
must be held unless (i) they are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "ACT") or (ii) an exemption  from  registration  is available,  and
ASTeX has received an opinion of counsel, in form and substance  satisfactory to
it, to such effect.

         3.32 UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. CPI understands that the ASTeX Shares and
any additional shares issued pursuant to Section 2.1(c) have not been registered
under the Act, or the  securities  laws of any state,  in reliance upon specific
exemptions  from  registration  thereunder,  and agree  that such  shares may be
neither sold, offered for sale, transferred,  pledged, hypothecated or otherwise
disposed of except in compliance  with the Act and applicable  state  securities
laws. The  undersigned has been advised that ASTeX shall use its best efforts to
register the  additional  ASTeX Shares,  if any,  pursuant to Section  2.1(c) in
accordance with Section 8.3 below.  CPI  understands  that it is not anticipated
that there will be any market for resale of such shares until such  registration
is completed  and that it may not be possible for CPI to liquidate an investment
in such  shares on an  emergency  basis.  CPI  acknowledges  that the  following
restrictive  legend  shall be  placed  on the  reverse  side of the  certificate
representing  the  ASTeX  Shares  issued  pursuant  to  this  Agreement  and any
additional shares issued pursuant to Section 2.1(c):

     "The Shares  represented by this  certificate  have not been registered
     under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "ACT"),  or under any
     state law and, except pursuant to an effective  registration  statement
     under the Act and other laws, may not be offered, sold, transferred, or
     otherwise  disposed of without an opinion of counsel,  satisfactory  to
     the  Company,   that  such   disposition   may  be  made  without  such
     registration."

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, CPI understands,  and ASTeX agrees, that
the shares may be distributed to ILCT or transferred  pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with an opinion of counsel, satisfactory
to ASTeX, that such transfer may be made without registration.



                                      -22-





4.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AAC AND ASTEX.

         AAC and ASTeX  severally  represent  and warrant to CPI and ILCT,  upon
which   representations   and   warranties   CPI  and  ILCT   rely,   and  which
representations and warranties shall survive Closing, as follows:

         4.1  ORGANIZATION  AND  RELATED  MATTERS.  Each of AAC and  ASTeX  is a
corporation  duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good corporate  standing
under the laws of the Commonwealth of  Massachusetts  and the State of Delaware,
respectively,  and has full corporate  power to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.2 NO BREACH OF STATUTE OR CONTRACT.  Neither the execution,  delivery
and  performance of this Agreement and the  consummation  by AAC and ASTeX,  nor
compliance  with the terms and  provisions  of this  Agreement by AAC and ASTeX,
will  conflict  with or result in a breach of any of the  terms,  conditions  or
provisions of the Articles of Organization, or Bylaws, of AAC or the Certificate
of Incorporation, as amended of ASTeX or the Bylaws, as amended of ASTeX, or any
agreement to which AAC or ASTeX is a party or by which it is bound.

         4.3 AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT. The execution, delivery and performance
of this  Agreement  by AAC and ASTeX has been duly and  validly  authorized  and
approved by the Board of Directors of AAC and ASTeX and this  Agreement has been
duly authorized and approved by ASTeX, as the sole  stockholder of AAC. No other
proceedings  on  the  part  of AAC or  ASTeX  are  necessary  to  authorize  the
execution,  delivery and performance of this Agreement by AAC or ASTeX including
the  issuance  by ASTeX of the ASTeX  Shares  and any  additional  ASTeX  Shares
pursuant to Section 2.1(c).

         4.4 VALIDITY OF ASTEX SHARES. The ASTeX Shares and any additional ASTeX
Shares issued  pursuant to Section  2.1(c) have been duly  authorized  and, when
delivered  to the Escrow Agent  following  the Closing or to CPI  following  the
Escrow  Release Date,  will have been validly  issued and will be fully paid and
nonassessable.  None of the ASTeX Shares nor any additional  ASTeX Shares issued
pursuant to Section 2.1(c) will be subject to any restriction on transfer except
for those  imposed by applicable  securities  laws and as  contemplated  by this
Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

         4.5 NO BROKER'S OR FINDER'S FEES. No agent, broker,  investment banker,
person or firm  acting on  behalf  of AAC or ASTeX or any of its  affiliates  or
under the  authority  of any of them is or will be entitled  to any  broker's or
finder's fee or any other  commission  or similar fee directly or  indirectly in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated herein.



                                      -23-





5.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF AAC AND ASTEX.

         The  obligations  of AAC to purchase  the CPI Shares at the Closing are
expressly  subject to the fulfillment by ILCT and CPI, or waiver by AAC, of each
of the following conditions on or before the Closing:

         5.1  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  OF ILCT  AND CPI TO BE TRUE  AND
CORRECT. The representations and warranties of ILCT and CPI set forth in Section
3 hereof  shall be true and correct in all respects on the Closing with the same
effect as though  made at such  time.  CPI and ILCT  shall  have  performed  all
obligations  and complied  with all covenants  and  conditions  required by this
Agreement to be  performed or complied  with by them at or prior to the Closing.
Each of CPI and ILCT shall have  delivered to AAC a certificate of CPI and ILCT,
substantially  in the form of Exhibit E attached  hereto,  dated the Closing and
signed by a duly  authorized  officer of ILCT  evidencing  compliance  with this
Section 5.1.

         5.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL TO ILCT AND CPI.  AAC shall have  received  from
Fenwick & West LLP and Lucash, Gesmer & Updegrove, LLP, counsel to ILCT and CPI,
respectively,  opinions dated the Closing in form and substance  satisfactory to
ASTeX substantially to the effect that:

                  (i) CPI is a corporation organized and validly existing and in
         good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of  Massachusetts  and
         is duly qualified to do business in good standing in all  jurisdictions
         in which its  ownership  of property or the  character  of its business
         requires  such  qualification  and where the failure to be so qualified
         would have a material adverse effect on CPI;

                  (ii) CPI has the  corporate  power to carry on its business as
         now being conducted and to consummate the transactions  contemplated by
         the Agreement;

                  (iii) the  authorized  capital  stock of CPI consists of 1,000
         shares of Common Stock, no par value per share, and the 1,000 shares of
         Common Stock issued and  outstanding  constitute  all of the issued and
         outstanding  shares of Common Stock and have been duly authorized,  are
         validly issued and outstanding,  fully-paid,  nonassessable and free of
         preemptive  rights  and are  held of  record  by  ILCT.  As of the date
         hereof, the Board of Directors of CPI has not created or designated the
         rights and  preferences of any series of preferred  stock and no shares
         of preferred stock have been issued;

                  (iv) this  Agreement  has been duly and validly  executed  and
         delivered by each of CPI and ILCT and constitutes the valid and binding
         obligation  of  each  of CPI  and  ILCT  enforceable  against  them  in
         accordance with the terms hereof except insofar as  enforceability  may
         be limited by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar laws  affecting the
         rights of creditors and general equitable principles and;


                                      -24-





                  (v) neither the execution, delivery and performance by each of
         ILCT and CPI of this  Agreement,  nor  compliance  with the  terms  and
         provisions  hereof,  will  conflict  with or  result  in a breach of or
         constitute a default under the Articles of  Organization or Articles of
         Incorporation, as amended, or Bylaws, as amended of CPI and ILCT or, to
         the best knowledge of such counsel, any terms, conditions or provisions
         of any agreement,  contract, lease, license or commitment known to such
         counsel to which CPI and ILCT are parties,  or of any judgment,  order,
         decree or ruling of which such  counsel has  knowledge to which CPI and
         ILCT are parties, or any injunction to which it or they are subject, of
         any court or governmental authority;

                  (vi) except as set forth in any Schedule  hereto,  to the best
         knowledge of such counsel, CPI is not engaged in or threatened with any
         suit, action or legal, administrative,  arbitration or other proceeding
         or governmental investigation nor any legal impediment to the continued
         operation and use by CPI of its  properties  and assets in the ordinary
         course of its business,  nor any material dispute or disagreement  with
         any employee of CPI or any union; and

                  (vii)  all  authorizations,  consents  and  approvals  of  and
         filings with any and all applicable  governmental  authorities required
         in order to  permit  consummation  by ILCT and CPI of the  transactions
         contemplated  by this  Agreement  have been obtained or made and are in
         full force and effect on the date hereof.

         5.3 REQUIRED  CONSENTS.  ILCT shall have  obtained or shall have caused
CPI to obtain the  consent or approval  of each  person  listed on Schedule  5.3
attached  hereto,  whose consent or approval is required in connection with this
Agreement  and CPI shall have  delivered  to ASTeX and AAC votes of the Board of
Directors and  stockholders  of CPI  authorizing  Articles of Amendment to CPI's
Articles of Organization to effect, following Closing, a name change of CPI to a
name totally dissimilar from "Converter Power, Inc."

         5.4 UCC  TERMINATION  STATEMENTS.  CPI and ILCT shall have delivered to
AAC UCC-3 termination  statements relating to the termination of those financing
statements set forth in Schedule 3.9.

         5.5 LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.  No action or proceeding by or before any court
or any  governmental  body shall have been instituted or threatened to restrain,
prohibit or invalidate the  transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement  which
might  affect the right of AAC to own,  operate or control CPI after the Closing
or which might subject CPI to material liability.

         5.6 ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENTS. Except as provided in Schedule 3.13, each
of the contracts set forth on the Material  Contracts List shall have been fully
assigned to ASTeX.

         5.7 ILCT'S  INSURANCE  PLAN.  ILCT shall keep its  medical,  dental and
vision self insurance plan open until  September 1, 1997 for all claims prior to
the Closing Date submitted by

                                      -25-





participants  in accordance with said plan, and ILCT shall promptly pay all such
claims reimbursable under such plan.

6.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ILCT AND CPI.

         The  obligations  of ILCT and CPI at the  Closing  are  subject  to the
fulfillment  by AAC and  ASTeX,  or  waiver  by ILCT and CPI,  of the  following
conditions on or before the Closing:

         6.1  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES OF AAC AND ASTEX TO BE TRUE.  The
representations  and warranties of AAC and ASTeX under Section 4 hereof shall be
true in all  respects at the Closing with the same effect as though made at such
time. AAC and ASTeX shall have performed all  obligations  and complied with all
covenants and conditions  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by it prior to the Closing.  AAC and ASTeX shall have delivered to ILCT and
CPI a  certificate  of AAC and ASTeX in the form of Exhibit G hereto,  dated the
Closing and signed by  authorized  officers of each of AAC and ASTeX to all such
effects.

         6.2  OPINION  OF  COUNSEL  TO ASTEX AND AAC.  ILCT and CPI  shall  have
received from O'Connor,  Broude & Aronson,  counsel to ASTeX and AAC, an opinion
dated  the  Closing  in  form  and  substance   satisfactory  to  ILCT  and  CPI
substantially to the effect that:

                  (i) each of ASTeX and AAC is a corporation  duly organized and
         validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of
         Delaware and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, respectively;

                  (ii) each of ASTeX and AAC have the  corporate  power to carry
         on  its  business  as  now  being   conducted  and  to  consummate  the
         transactions contemplated by the Agreement;

                  (iii)  the  authorized  capital  stock  of ASTeX  consists  of
         10,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  $.01 par  value  per  share,  and
         1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,  $.01 par value per share, and the
         4,664,643 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding  constitute all
         of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and have been duly
         authorized,   are   validly   issued   and   outstanding,   fully-paid,
         nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. As of the date hereof, the
         Board of  Directors of ASTeX has not created or  designated  the rights
         and  preferences  of any  series  of  Preferred  Stock and no shares of
         Preferred Stock have been issued;

                  (iv) this  Agreement  has been duly and validly  executed  and
         delivered  by each of  ASTeX  and AAC and  constitutes  the  valid  and
         binding obligation of each of ASTeX and AAC enforceable against them in
         accordance with the terms hereof except insofar as  enforceability  may
         be limited by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar laws  affecting the
         rights  of  creditors  and  general  equitable   principles  and;  this
         Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of ASTeX and AAC
         and constitutes  the valid and binding  obligation of each of ASTeX and
         AAC; the issuance of the ASTeX Shares and the additional shares, if

                                      -26-





         any, issued pursuant to Section 2.1(c), have been duly authorized,  and
         the ASTeX Shares have been and the  additional  shares,  when issued in
         accordance with Section 2.1(c) will be, validly issued,  fully paid and
         non-assessable,  subject to the terms and  conditions of this Agreement
         and the Escrow Agreement;

                  (v) neither the execution, delivery and performance by each of
         ASTeX and AAC under this  Agreement,  nor compliance with the terms and
         provisions  hereof,  will  conflict  with or  result  in a breach of or
         constitute  a  default  under  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and
         Articles of Organization, respectively of ASTeX and AAC, as amended, or
         Bylaws,  as amended of ASTeX and AAC or, to the best  knowledge of such
         counsel,  any  terms,   conditions  or  provisions  of  any  agreement,
         contract,  lease,  license or commitment known to such counsel to which
         ASTeX or AAC are parties,  or of any judgment,  order, decree or ruling
         of which such counsel has  knowledge to which ASTeX or AAC are parties,
         or any  injunction  to which it or they are  subject,  of any  court or
         governmental authority;

                  (vi) except as set forth in any Schedule  hereto,  to the best
         knowledge  of such  counsel,  neither  ASTeX nor AAC is  engaged  in or
         threatened with any suit, action or legal, administrative,  arbitration
         or  other  proceeding  or  governmental  investigation  nor  any  legal
         impediment  to the  continued  operation and use by ASTeX or AAC of its
         properties and assets in the ordinary course of its business; and

                  (vii)  all  authorizations,  consents  and  approvals  of  and
         filings with any and all applicable  governmental  authorities required
         in order to permit  consummation  by ASTeX and AAC of the  transactions
         contemplated  by this  Agreement  have been obtained or made and are in
         full force and effect on the date hereof.

7.       POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

         7.1  HIRING OF CPI'S  EMPLOYEES.  AAC  agrees  that AAC  shall  hire at
Closing all  employees of CPI listed on Schedule  3.24 and that each such person
shall be entitled to receive  credit for the time he or she was  employed by CPI
for purposes of determining  such  employee's  eligibility to participate in the
various benefit plans including, without limitation, vacation, 401(k) retirement
plans,  and health plan benefits then generally  offered by AAC or ASTeX, as the
case may be.  Nothing in this section  shall be  construed  as any  guarantee or
obligation of continuing  employment by AAC to such  individuals.  ASTeX and AAC
agree that, from and after the Closing, all full-time employees shall be covered
by and  participate in ASTeX's and/or AAC's health  insurance plans (unless said
employee waives such coverage) on the same terms and conditions as are available
to all employees of ASTeX generally.

         7.2 CHANGE OF NAME.  CPI agrees to file  Articles of  Amendment  to its
Articles of Organization  with the Secretary of State of Massachusetts  promptly
following Closing, to effect the name change referred to in Section 5.3.


                                      -27-





8.       INDEMNIFICATION.

         8.1  SUBJECTS  INDEMNIFIED  AGAINST BY ILCT.  ILCT and CPI  jointly and
severally agree to defend,  indemnify and hold harmless AAC and ASTeX, and their
respective officers,  directors,  affiliates,  advisors, successor, and assigns,
from and against any and all  damages,  losses and  expenses  suffered by AAC or
ASTeX,  or any  subsidiary  of AAC or ASTeX,  resulting  from (i) any  breach of
warranty or agreement or  non-fulfillment  of any obligation on the part of ILCT
and CPI under this  Agreement  (including  the  Schedules  and  Exhibits to this
Agreement),  (ii) any  misrepresentation  in this  Agreement or in any Schedule,
Exhibit,  certificate  or other  instrument  furnished  by CPI or ILCT to AAC or
ASTeX hereunder or any failure to state herein or in any such Schedule,  Exhibit
certificate or instrument any fact required by the terms hereof or therein to be
stated or necessary to be stated in order to make the statements  made herein or
therein  not  misleading,  and  (iii)  all  demands,   assessments,   judgments,
settlements,  reasonable  costs and legal and other expenses  arising from or in
connection  with any  action,  suit,  proceeding  or claim  by any  third  party
resulting in damage or loss to AAC, ASTeX or any subsidiary of AAC or ASTeX as a
consequence of any such misrepresentation,  breach of warranty or nonfulfillment
of obligation.

         8.2  SUBJECTS  INDEMNIFIED  AGAINST  BY AAC AND  ASTEX.  AAC and  ASTeX
jointly and severally agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless ILCT and CPI,
and their respective officers, directors,  affiliates,  advisors, successor, and
assigns,  from and against any and all damages,  losses and expenses suffered by
ILCT or CPI, or any subsidiary of ILCT or CPI,  resulting from (i) any breach of
warranty or agreement or  non-fulfillment  of any  obligation on the part of AAC
and ASTeX under this  Agreement  (including  the  Schedules and Exhibits to this
Agreement),  (ii) any  misrepresentation  in this  Agreement or in any Schedule,
Exhibit,  certificate or other  instrument  furnished by AAC or ASTeX to ILCT or
CPI  hereunder or any failure to state herein or in any such  Schedule,  Exhibit
certificate or instrument any fact required by the terms hereof or therein to be
stated or necessary to be stated in order to make the statements  made herein or
therein  not  misleading,  and  (iii)  all  demands,   assessments,   judgments,
settlements,  reasonable  costs and legal and other expenses  arising from or in
connection  with any  action,  suit,  proceeding  or claim  by any  third  party
resulting in damage or loss to ILCT,  CPI or any  subsidiary of ILCT or CPI as a
consequence of any such misrepresentation,  breach of warranty or nonfulfillment
of obligation.

         8.3 CONDITIONS TO  INDEMNIFICATION.  The obligations and liabilities of
ILCT, CPI, AAC and ASTeX  hereunder with respect to its indemnities  pursuant to
this  Section 8,  resulting  from any claim or other  assertion  of liability by
third parties, shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

                  (a) The Indemnified Party (the party seeking  indemnification)
must give the  Indemnifying  Party notice in writing within fifteen (15) days of
(i) any  claim or  potential  claim,  (ii) the  commencement  of any  action  or
proceeding,  or  (iii)  the  occurrence  of  any  other  event  giving  rise  to
indemnification rights under this Section 8 with respect to a third party claim,
and, in each case,  the basis  therefor  and the  amount,  or an estimate of the
amount of the claim, provided,  however, that failure to give such notice within
such fifteen (15) day period shall not affect the Indemnified Party's

                                      -28-





right to be  indemnified  under this  Agreement  unless the failure to give such
notice  within  such time period  adversely  affects  the  Indemnifying  Party's
ability to defend  themselves  against the claim giving rise to the  Indemnified
Party's  claim for  indemnification  or to cure the default  giving rise to such
claim. The  Indemnifying  Party at their sole cost and expense may, upon written
notice to the  Indemnified  Party  assume the defense of any such claim or legal
proceeding if the Indemnifying  Party  acknowledges in writing their obligations
to indemnify  the  Indemnified  Party with respect to such claim and has counsel
reasonably  acceptable to the Indemnified  Party. In such event, the Indemnified
Party shall be entitled to  participate  in (but not control) the defense of any
such action, with its counsel and at its own expense.

                  (b) If the  Indemnifying  Party within fifteen (15) days after
notice of a claim  hereunder fails to defend such claim,  the Indemnified  Party
shall be entitled to undertake  the defense,  compromise  or  settlement of such
claim  at the  reasonable  expense  of and  for  the  account  and  risk  of the
Indemnifying  Party subject to the right of the Indemnifying  Party to cooperate
in the  defense of such claim with  counsel  of their  choosing  and  reasonably
acceptable  to the  Indemnified  Party  at any  time  prior  to the  settlement,
compromise or final determination thereof.

                  (c) The  Indemnifying  Party will not, without the Indemnified
Party's  written  consent,  which  consent  shall not be required as relating to
monetary payments by the Indemnifying  Party,  settle or compromise any claim or
consent to any entry or judgment which does not include as an unconditional term
thereof the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff to the Indemnified  Party of
a release  from all  liability  with  respect  to such  claim  which , as to any
matters  other than  monetary  payments  will not be  unreasonably  withheld  or
delayed.  The  Indemnified  Party shall not settle or compromise  any claim by a
third party for which it is entitled to  indemnification  hereunder  without the
prior written  consent of the  Indemnifying  Party,  unless suit shall have been
instituted and the  Indemnified  Party shall have assumed the control of defense
of such claim in accordance with Section 8.2(b).

                  (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and
agree that O'Connor,  Broude & Aronson,  Fenwick & West LLP and Lucash, Gesmer &
Updegrove,  LLP shall be acceptable  counsel to defend,  or  participate  in the
defense of, claims hereunder.

                  (e) Before seeking indemnification hereunder, the Indemnifying
Party shall use its reasonable  efforts to obtain the proceeds of any applicable
insurance  policies and apply such proceeds to the  satisfaction  of any claims.
Such  insurance  proceeds shall offset the liability of the  Indemnifying  Party
hereunder.

         8.4 PAYMENT FOR  INDEMNIFICATION.  The Indemnifying  Party shall pay to
the  Indemnified  Party the amount of  established  claims  for  indemnification
within  fifteen  (15) days after the  establishment  thereof (the "DUE DATE") in
cash or by certified check. The parties hereby agree that with respect to claims
where ILCT and/or CPI are the Indemnifying  Party, such claim shall be satisfied
first,  by  releasing  shares  held under the Escrow  Agreement  (the  "Escrowed
Shares")  in the  amount of such  claim,  calculated  using a value per share of
$22.22, and second, if the amount of

                                      -29-





such  claim is in excess  of the  value of the  Escrowed  Shares  determined  as
provided  above,  by delivery of cash or a certified check in the amount of such
excess, and where ASTeX and/or AAC are the Indemnifying  Party, such claim shall
be  satisfied  by delivery  of cash or a  certified  check in the amount of such
claim. Any amounts not paid by Indemnifying  Party when due under this Section 8
shall bear  interest  from the Due Date thereof until the date paid at the lower
of eighteen  percent  (18%) per annum or the highest  rate  allowed by law.  The
Indemnifying  Party shall be required to indemnify the Indemnified Party for any
claims or  liabilities  hereunder  unless and until the aggregate of such claims
exceeds $75,000, whereupon the Indemnifying Party shall be required to indemnify
the  Indemnified  Party for the  excess,  if any, of the full amount of all such
claims over $75,000 up to an amount not to exceed $6,350,000.

         8.5 SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION.  The indemnification  provided in this
Section 8 shall survive the Closing as set forth in Section 11.1.

         8.6   INTENT  OF   PARTIES.   The   parties   hereto   intend  for  the
indemnification  provisions  of  this  Section  8 to  be  construed  as  a  full
indemnification  in accordance  with its terms,  notwithstanding  the use of any
"SUBSTANTIAL" or "MATERIAL" standard contained elsewhere in this Agreement.  The
parties  acknowledge  and  agree  that  subject  to the  provisions  of the last
sentence of this Section 8.6,  the  provisions  of this Section 8 shall be their
exclusive  remedy  for any  monetary  claims  arising  out of or related to this
Agreement  and that no party  shall have any other  right to money  damages  for
breach of this Agreement,  or in contract,  tort or otherwise  arising out of or
related  to  this   Agreement,   except  as   described   in  this   Section  8.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  nothing in the preceding sentence shall preclude
any party  from  bringing  a claim or claims  based on common law fraud or other
similar remedies.

         8.7      CALCULATION OF CLAIM AMOUNT.

                  (a) For  purposes  of this  Section  8,  damages,  losses  and
expenses  suffered  by AAC and ASTeX shall mean only the  portion  thereof  that
exceeds  the policy  limits of any  applicable  insurance.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  AAC or ASTeX shall be  entitled to file a claim for  indemnification
hereunder  and a Claim under the Escrow  Agreement  regardless  of whether  such
claim is covered by  insurance.  For  purposes of this  Section 8, should CPI or
ILCT be required to pay any  consideration  to AAC or ASTeX under this Section 8
(whether in cash, by return of ASTeX Shares, or other  consideration  acceptable
to ASTeX or AAC), CPI or ILCT shall pay to AAC the full amount due hereunder.

                  (b) The  amount of any Claim  shall be (i)  increased  to take
account of any net tax cost incurred by AAC or ASTeX arising from the receipt of
indemnity  payments hereunder (grossed up for such increase) and (ii) reduced to
take  account of any net tax benefit  realized by AAC or ASTeX  arising from the
incurrence  or payment of any such  Claim,  provided  that for  purposes of this
Section  8, tax costs and  benefits  shall not be deemed to occur to the  extent
that an indemnity  payment results in a reduction or increase in the basis of an
asset of AAC or ASTeX,  provided further,  that the amount of any Claim shall be
reduced by the amount of any tax benefit, as the case

                                      -30-





may be, when and only to the extent that AAC or ASTeX actually realizes such tax
benefit,  provided,  however, that such tax benefit is realized prior to the end
of ASTeX's 1999 fiscal year.

                  (c)  Any  payments  made  to  AAC  or  ASTeX  pursuant  to the
provisions  of this  Section 8 shall be  treated  for tax  purposes  but not for
purposes of Section 2.3 as an adjustment to the Purchase Price.

9.       REGISTRATION OF ADDITIONAL ASTEX SHARES.

         9.1      DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Section:

                  (a) The term "1933 ACT" means the  Securities  Act of 1933, as
amended;

                  (b) The  term  "REGISTER",  "REGISTERED",  and  "REGISTRATION"
refer  to a  registration  effected  by  preparing  and  filing  a  registration
statement in  compliance  with the 1933 Act and the  declaration  or ordering of
effectiveness of such registration statement;

                  (c) The term  "REGISTRABLE  SECURITIES"  means any  additional
ASTeX Shares issued pursuant to Section 2.1(c) of this Agreement.

                  (d) The term "HOLDER"  means CPI, ILCT and any person  holding
Registrable  Securities to whom these registration  rights have been transferred
pursuant to this Section.

         9.2  PROCEDURE.  ASTeX  shall use its best  efforts  to file as soon as
practical  after the Escrow  Release Date but in no event later than thirty (30)
days after the Escrow Release Date register the Registrable Securities,  subject
to the following:

                  (a)  ASTeX  shall  not be  required  to  cause a  registration
statement pursuant to this Section to become effective prior to thirty (30) days
following the effective date of an underwritten registration statement initiated
by ASTeX;

                  (b)  ASTeX   shall  in  no  event  be   required  to  register
Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section having an aggregate market value
(before  deduction of underwriting  discounts and expenses of sale) of less than
One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

                  (c) In the case of any registration  effected pursuant to this
Section, the Holders shall bear underwriter's discounts and commissions (but not
underwriter's expenses, or ASTeX's legal, accounting or printing expenses or SEC
and state registration and qualification  fees and expenses,  which will be paid
by ASTeX) with such additional  expenses of the registration  being borne by all
Holders  pro-rata  on the  basis of the  amount  of  securities  so  registered;
provided,  however,  that if any such cost of expense is attributable  solely to
one selling  Holder and does not  constitute  a normal cost or expense of such a
registration, such cost or expense shall be allocated to

                                      -31-





that selling  Holder.  In addition,  each selling Holder shall bear the fees and
costs of any separate counsel it may select.

                  (d) ASTeX,  at its option,  may  include  any of the  Holders'
Registrable  Securities in an underwriting,  but only if such Holders accept the
terms of the  underwriting  as agreed upon  between  ASTeX and the  underwriters
selected  by it, and then only in such  quantity  as will not, in the opinion of
the underwriters,  jeopardize the success of the offering by ASTeX. If the total
amount of  securities  that all selling  stockholders  request to be included in
such offering exceeds the amount of securities that the underwriters  reasonably
believe  compatible  with the  success  of the  offering,  ASTeX  shall  only be
required to include in the offering so many,  if any, of the  securities  of the
selling Holders as the  underwriters  believe will not jeopardize the success of
the offering (the  securities so included to be  apportioned  pro-rata among all
selling stockholders according to the total amount of securities owned by them).

         9.3 OBLIGATIONS OF ASTEX.  Whenever  required under this Section to use
its best efforts to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, ASTeX
shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

                  (a)  Prepare  and  file  with  the   Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  ("SEC") a  registration  statement  on Form S-3 with respect to such
Registrable  Securities  and use its best  efforts  to cause  such  registration
statement to become and remain effective;  provided, however, that in connection
with any proposed  registration intended to permit an offering of any securities
from  time to time,  ASTeX  shall in no event  be  obligated  to cause  any such
registration to remain effective beyond such time as the Registrable  Securities
are eligible for resale under Rule 144 of the 1933 Act.

                  (b)  Prepare  and  file  with  the  SEC  such  amendments  and
supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
with  such  registration  statement  as may be  necessary  to  comply  with  the
provisions  of the 1933 Act with respect to the  disposition  of all  securities
covered by such registration statement.

                  (c)  Furnish  to the  Holders  such  numbers  of  copies  of a
prospectus,   including  a  preliminary  prospectus,   in  conformity  with  the
requirements  of the 1933 Act, and such other  documents as they may  reasonably
request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable  Securities  owned
by them.

                  (d)  Use  its  best   efforts  to  register  and  qualify  the
securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or
Blue Sky laws of such  jurisdictions as shall be reasonably  appropriate for the
distribution of the securities covered by the registration  statement,  provided
that ASTeX  shall not be  required  in  connection  therewith  or as a condition
thereto  to qualify to do  business  or to file a general  consent to service of
process in any such states or jurisdictions, and further provided that (anything
in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding with respect to the bearing of
expenses) if any  jurisdiction in which the securities are to be qualified shall
require that  expenses  incurred in  connection  with the  qualification  of the
securities in that

                                      -32-





jurisdiction  be borne by  selling  shareholders,  then such  expenses  shall be
payable  by  selling  shareholders  pro-rata,  to the  extent  required  by such
jurisdiction.

         9.4  CONDITION  PRECEDENT.  It shall be a  condition  precedent  to the
obligations  of ASTeX to take  any  action  pursuant  to this  Section  that the
Holders  shall  furnish  to ASTeX such  information  regarding  themselves,  the
Registrable  Securities  held by them, and the intended method of disposition of
such  securities as ASTeX shall  reasonably  request and as shall be required in
connection with the action to be taken by ASTeX.

         9.5  INDEMNIFICATION.  In the  event  any  Registrable  Securities  are
included in a registration statement under this Section:

                  (a) To the extent  permitted by law,  ASTeX will indemnify and
hold  harmless  each  Holder  requesting  or  joining  in  a  registration,  any
underwriter  (as defined in the 1933 Act) for it, and each  person,  if any, who
controls such Holder or underwriter  within the meaning of the 1933 Act, against
any losses, claims, damages, or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may
become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise,  insofar as such losses, claims,
damages,  or  liabilities  (or actions in respect  thereof)  arise out of or are
based on any untrue or alleged  untrue  statement of any material fact contained
in such registration  statement,  including any preliminary  prospectus or final
prospectus  contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto, or arise
out of or are based upon the  omission or alleged  omission  to state  therein a
material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements
therein not  misleading  or arise out of any  violation  by ASTeX of any rule or
regulation  promulgated  under,  or any provision of, the 1933 Act applicable to
ASTeX and relating to action or inaction  required of ASTeX in  connection  with
any such registration; and will reimburse each such Holder, such underwriter, or
controlling person for any legal or other expenses  reasonably  incurred by them
in connection  with  investigating  or defending any such loss,  claim,  damage,
liability, or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement (contained
in this Section) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss,
claim, damage,  liability,  or action if such settlement is effected without the
written  consent of ASTeX which consent shall not be  unreasonably  withheld nor
shall  ASTeX be  liable  in any such  case for any  such  loss,  claim,  damage,
liability  or action to the  extent  that it arises  out of or is based  upon an
untrue  statement or alleged  untrue  statement or omission or alleged  omission
made in connection with such  registration  statement,  preliminary  prospectus,
final prospectus,  or amendments or supplements thereto, in reliance upon and in
conformity with  information  furnished in connection  with  registration by any
such Holder, underwriter, or controlling person.

                  (b) To the extent permitted by law, each Holder  requesting or
joining in a registration  will indemnify and hold harmless  ASTeX,  each of its
directors, each of its officers who have signed the registration statement, each
person,  if any, who controls ASTeX within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and each
agent,  advisor and any  underwriter  for ASTeX  (within the meaning of the 1933
Act) against any losses,  claims,  damages, or liabilities to which ASTeX or any
such director,  officer,  controlling person, agent, advisor, or underwriter may
become subject, under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages,  or  liabilities  to  which  ASTeX  or  any  such  director,   officer,
controlling person, agent, advisor or underwriter may become subject, under the

                                      -33-





1933 Act or otherwise,  insofar as such losses, claims,  damages, or liabilities
(or  actions  in  respect  thereto)  arise out of or are based  upon any  untrue
statement or alleged  untrue  statement of any material  fact  contained in such
registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus
contained therein or any amendments or supplements  thereto,  or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not
misleading,  in each case to the extent  that such untrue  statement  or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged  omission was made in such  registration
statement,  preliminary  or  final  prospectus,  or  amendments  or  supplements
thereto,  in reliance upon and in conformity with information  furnished by such
Holder for use in connection with such  registration,  and each such Holder will
reimburse any legal or other expenses  reasonably  incurred by ASTeX or any such
director,  officer,   controlling  person,  agent,  advisor  or  underwriter  in
connection  with  investigating  or  defending  any such  loss,  claim,  damage,
liability, or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement (contained
in this Section) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss,
claim, damage,  liability,  or action if such settlement is effected without the
consent of such Holder (which  consent shall not be  unreasonably  withheld) and
provided  further,  that the  total  amounts  payable  in  indemnity  (including
reimbursement  of expenses  incurred  referred to above) by a Holder  under this
Section in respect of any violation  shall not exceed the net proceeds  received
by such Holder in the registered offering out of which such violation arises.

                  (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified  party under this
Section of notice of the  commencement  of any action,  such  indemnified  party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party
under this subsection, notify the indemnifying party who shall have the right to
participate in, and, to the extent the  indemnifying  party so desires,  jointly
with any other  indemnifying  party  similarly  notified,  to assume the defense
thereof with counsel  mutually  satisfactory to the parties  provided,  however,
that an indemnified  party shall have the right to retain its own counsel,  with
the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of
such indemnified  party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying  party would
be  inappropriate  due to actual or potential  conflict of interest between such
indemnified  party and any  other  party  represented  by such  counsel  in such
proceeding.  The  failure  to  notify  an  indemnifying  party  promptly  of the
commencement  of any such action,  if  prejudicial to his ability to defend such
action,   shall  relieve  such  indemnifying  party  of  any  liability  to  the
indemnified  party  under this  subsection,  but the  omission  so to notify the
indemnifying party will not relieve him of any liability that he may have to any
indemnified party otherwise than under this Section.

                  (d) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
circumstances  in  which  the  indemnification  provided  for in  the  foregoing
paragraphs of this Section 8 is applicable in accordance  with its terms but for
any reason is held to be unavailable from ASTeX, the Holder or the underwriters,
the  Company,  the  Holder and the  underwriters  will  contribute  to the total
losses, claims, liabilities,  expenses and damages (including any investigative,
legal and other expenses  reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount
paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted, but
after  deducting any  contribution  received by ASTeX or the Holder from persons
other than underwriters,  such as persons who control ASTeX or the Holder within
the meaning of the Act, officers of ASTeX who signed the registration  statement
and directors of ASTeX who also may be liable for  contribution)  to which ASTeX
or the Holders and any one or

                                      -34-





more  of the  underwriters  may be  subject  in  such  proportion  as  shall  be
appropriate to reflect the relative  benefits  received by ASTeX and any selling
stockholders  other than the Holder on the one hand and the Holder on the other.
If,  but only if, the  allocation  provided  by the  foregoing  sentence  is not
permitted by applicable  law, the  allocation of  contribution  shall be made in
such  proportion  as is  appropriate  to reflect not only the relative  benefits
referred to in the foregoing  sentence but also the relative  fault of ASTeX and
the selling stockholders other than the Holders if any, on the one hand, and the
Holder, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions which resulted
in such  loss,  claim,  liability,  expenses  or  damage,  or action in  respect
thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable  considerations with respect to
such  offering.  Such relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged
omission  to state a material  fact  relates to  information  supplied by ASTeX,
other selling  stockholders,  the underwriters and the Holder, the intent of the
parties and their relative  knowledge,  access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission. In no event shall the sums due by
Holder  exceed  the net  proceeds  received  by such  Holder  in the  registered
offering out of which such violation arises.

         9.6 TRANSFERABILITY.  The registration rights of the Holders under this
Section may be  transferred  to any  transferee  of any  Registrable  Securities
provided,  however, that ASTeX is given written notice by the Holder at the time
of such transfer  stating the name and address of the transferee and identifying
the  securities  with  respect to which the rights  under this Section are being
transferred.

         9.7 RULE 144  EXCEPTION.  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary in
this Section, ASTeX shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities
that, at the time such  registration  would occur,  may be sold pursuant to Rule
144 under the 1933 Act.

10.      CONFIDENTIALITY.

         10.1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of CPI and ILCT recognize
and acknowledge that (i) all plans, systems, methods, designs, procedures, books
and  records  relating  to  CPI's  business  operations,  technical  information
(including functional and technical specifications, designs, drawings, analysis,
research,  processes,  computer  programs,  algorithms,  methods,  ideas and the
like),  business  information (sales and marketing research,  materials,  plans,
accounting  and  financial  information  and the like)  personnel  and practices
(whether  instituted or commenced prior to or subsequent to the date hereto) and
other information  designated as confidential  expressly or by the circumstances
in which it is  provided,  (ii) all other  records,  documents  and  information
concerning its business activities,  practices, and procedures,  and any name or
style under which it shall have been operated  prior hereto,  and (iii) any logo
or other descriptive or illustrative form thereof, as they may have existed from
time-to-time, constitute and will constitute valuable, special and unique assets
to be  transferred  to AAC  hereunder  (collectively  (i),  (ii) and  (iii)  are
referred to as the "Confidential  Information").  Each of CPI and ILCT therefore
covenants  and agrees that it will not,  following  the date of this  Agreement,
disclose any part thereof that is confidential,  or use or permit to be used any
such  name,  style,  logo  or  form,  to or by any  person,  firm,  corporation,
association or other entity, for any reason or purpose whatsoever.  Confidential
Information does not

                                      -35-





include  information ILCT and CPI can prove by clear and convincing  evidence as
(i) in the  public  domain  through  no  wrongful  act of ILCT  or CPI,  or (ii)
received  by ILCT or CPI from a third  party who was not known to ILCT or CPI to
be bound by a confidentiality agreement relating to such information.

         10.2  COVENANT  NOT TO  DISCLOSE.  With  respect  to  the  Confidential
Information,  ILCT and CPI  hereby  agree that at all times they shall not sell,
commercialize or disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity.

         10.3 REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF  CONFIDENTIALITY.  CPI and ILCT acknowledge
that the unauthorized use,  commercialization  or disclosure of the Confidential
Information would cause irreparable harm. CPI and ILCT acknowledge that remedies
at law would be inadequate to redress the actual or threatened unauthorized use,
commercialization  or disclosure of such  Confidential  Information and that the
foregoing  restrictions  may be enforced by temporary and  permanent  injunctive
relief.  In addition,  any award of injunctive  relief shall include recovery of
associated costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees).

         10.4 REVERSE ENGINEERING AND MODIFICATIONS.  Neither ILCT nor CPI shall
develop or market  products  or  systems,  etc.  similar to the Assets that were
developed in whole or in part by reverse  engineering or otherwise imitating the
functionality  of the Assets.  Neither  ILCT nor CPI shall have the right at any
time to modify or permit  modification of the Assets so as to create  derivative
works, without the prior written consent of ASTeX and AAC.

         10.5 REMEDIES.  Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed as
prohibiting ASTeX or AAC from pursuing any other remedies available to either of
them for any such breach or threatened  breach of the provisions of this Section
10, including  recovery of damages and an equitable  accounting of all earnings,
profits and other benefits arising from such violation.

         10.6  SURVIVAL.  The terms of this Section 10 shall survive the Closing
and shall not be subject  to the  limitations  on  indemnification  provided  in
Section 8 or the  limitations  on survival of  representations,  warranties  and
covenants contained in Section 11.1.

11.      GENERAL.

         11.1  SURVIVAL  OF  REPRESENTATIONS,   WARRANTIES  AND  COVENANTS.  The
representations  and warranties of any party contained herein or in any Schedule
or certificate  delivered  hereunder,  shall remain in full force and effect and
shall be  unaffected  by any  investigation  made by AAC or ASTeX  hereunder and
shall survive the Closing and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated
hereby for a period of eighteen (18) months;  provided that the  representations
and  warranties  described in Section  3.8(a) and (b) shall  survive the Closing
until the expiration of any applicable  statute of limitations  relating thereto
and the representations and warranties described in Section 3.8(c) shall survive
the  Closing  for a period of two (2)  years,  and the  covenants  described  in
Section 10 shall  survive  indefinitely.  All claims and actions  for  indemnity
pursuant  to Section 8 for breach of any  representation  or  warranty  shall be
asserted or maintained in writing on or prior to the

                                      -36-





expiration of the  applicable  period.  All covenants and  agreements  contained
herein which are to be performed or fulfilled  after the Closing  shall  survive
and remain in full force and effect.

         11.2 PRESS RELEASES.  No party shall issue any press release or written
statement  for general  circulation  relating to the  transactions  contemplated
hereby,  (except for such filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
are as required by law in the opinion of its counsel), without the prior written
consent of ILCT and ASTeX,  which consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld or
delayed.

         11.3 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  Whether or not the transactions contemplated
hereby are  consummated,  ASTeX shall pay its and AAC's own  expenses,  and ILCT
shall  pay its own and  CPI's  expenses,  in  connection  with the  negotiation,
authorization,   preparation,  execution  and  performance  of  this  Agreement,
including,  without  limitation,  all fees and  expenses of  investment  banking
firms, agents, representatives, counsel and accountants.

         11.4 GOVERNING  LAW. This Agreement  shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise, by the
internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in which it has been executed
and in which it has a situs. ILCT and CPI consent to the exclusive  jurisdiction
of the  courts of the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  and any  federal  court
located  therein,  and to the  appropriateness  of the venue of such courts,  in
connection  with any dispute  which may arise  pursuant to this  Agreement or is
related to the transactions contemplated hereby.

         11.5 NOTICES. Any payments, notices or other communications required or
permitted  hereunder  shall be given in writing and deemed to have been properly
given if and when  delivered  personally or sent by certified mail or recognized
overnight delivery service, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed
as follows:

     if to ASTeX and AAC:     Applied Science and Technology, Inc.
                              35 Cabot Road
                              Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
                              Attention:Richard S. Post, Ph.D., President
                                        Mr. John M. Tarrh, Senior Vice President

     with a copy to:          O'Connor, Broude & Aronson
                              950 Winter Street, Suite 2300
                              Waltham, Massachusetts 02154
                              Attention:  Neil H. Aronson, Esquire

     if to CPI and ILCT:      Converter Power, Inc.
                              148 Sohier Road
                              Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
                              Attention: Steve Joyner
                                         Chief Operating Officer

                                      -37-





     and if to ILCT:          ILC Technology, Inc.
                              399 Java Drive
                              Sunnyvale, California 94089
                              Attention: Richard D. Capra
                                         Chief Operating Officer

    with copies to:           Fenwick & West LLP
                              Two Palo Alto Square
                              Palo Alto, California 943306
                              Attention:  Kathy Tallman Schuda, Esquire

                              Lucash, Gesmer & Updegrove, LLP
                              40 Broad Street
                              Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                              Attention: Jill Swaim, Esquire

or such other  address as shall be  furnished  in writing by any party,  and any
such payment, notice or communication shall be deemed to have been made or given
three  business days after the date so mailed (except that a notice of change of
address shall not be deemed to have been given until  received by the addressee)
or on the date of actual receipt, whichever first occurs.

         11.6  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall  inure to the  benefit of the  parties  and their  respective  successors,
assigns, heirs, executors,  administrators and legal representatives,  provided,
however, that ILCT and CPI shall not delegate any of their obligations hereunder
to any party  without the prior  written  consent of AAC and ASTeX other than in
accordance with a transfer of registration rights described in Section 9.6.

         11.7 ARBITRATION.  Any dispute,  controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement,  including, but not limited to, any breach, or as to
its existence, validity, interpretation, performance or non-performance, breach,
or  damages,  including  claims in tort,  shall be decided  by a single  neutral
arbitrator in binding arbitration  pursuant to the commercial  Arbitration Rules
of the American  Arbitration  Association then in effect.  The arbitration shall
take place in Boston,  Massachusetts,  and in no other place. The parties to any
such  arbitration  shall be limited to the  parties  to this  Agreement  (or any
successor  thereof).  The arbitration  shall be conducted in accordance with the
procedural laws of the United States Federal  Arbitration  Act, as amended.  The
written  decision  of the  arbitrator  shall be final  and  binding,  and may be
entered  and  enforced  in any court of  competent  jurisdiction  and each party
specifically  acknowledges  and agrees to waive any right to a jury trial in any
such  forum.  Each  party to the  arbitration  shall pay its fees and  expenses,
unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.

         11.8 HEADINGS. The descriptive headings of the several Sections of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.

                                      -38-





         11.9  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in one or  more
counterparts, all of which together shall considered one and the same agreement.

         11.10 WAIVER. The failure of any party to this Agreement at any time or
times to required  performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect
such party's  right at a later time to enforce the same.  No waiver by any party
of any  condition,  or of the breach of any term,  covenant,  representation  or
warranty  contained in this Agreement,  whether by conduct or otherwise,  in any
one or more  instances  shall be  deemed  to be or  construed  as a  further  or
continuing  waiver  of any such  condition  or  breach  or a waiver of any other
condition or the breach of any other term, covenant,  representation or warranty
of this Agreement.

         11.11  SEVERABILITY.  The parties intend that in the event that any one
or more of the provisions  contained herein shall, for any reason, be held to be
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, then such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement,
and this  Agreement  shall be  construed  as if such  provision  had never  been
contained herein.

         11.12  FORCE  MAJEURE.  Notwithstanding  any  other  provision  of this
Agreement,  no party  shall be  deemed  in  default  of this  Agreement  or bear
liability to the other parties for any delay,  failure in performance,  loss, or
damage arising from causes beyond its  reasonable  control,  including,  but not
limited  to the  following:  fire,  work  stoppage,  embargo,  explosion,  power
failure,  earthquake,  nuclear  accident,  volcanic  action,  flood,  war, civil
disturbance,  interventions of military authority,  acts of God or public enemy,
or other causes  beyond its  reasonable  control,  whether or not similar to the
foregoing.

         11.13 ENTIRE AGREEMENT,  AMENDMENTS. This Agreement contains the entire
agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated
herein, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings,  whether written
or oral,  among the parties  hereto with  respect to the subject  matter of this
Agreement.  This  Agreement  may be  supplemented,  amended or  revised  only in
writing and signed by all of the parties hereto.

         11.14 ADDITIONAL  ACTIONS.  At any time and from time to time after the
Closing, upon request and without further  consideration,  either party promptly
shall  execute and  deliver  such  instruments  of sale,  transfer,  conveyance,
assignment  and  confirmation  and take  such  other  action  as may  reasonably
requested to more effectively transfer,  convey and assign to AAC and to confirm
AAC's title to, all of the Assets, to put AAC in actual possession and operating
control thereof, to assist AAC in exercising all rights with respect thereto and
to carry out the  purpose  and  intent  of this  Agreement,  and all  agreements
referenced herein.

         11.15  WAIVER OF BULK SALES  COMPLIANCE.  The parties  acknowledge  and
agree  that  CPI  and  ILCT  have  not  complied  with  notification  and  other
requirements  of the bulk  sales laws in force in the  jurisdictions  where such
laws may be  applicable to CPI, ILCT or the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.


                                      -39-





         11.16 NO  SUCCESSOR  LIABILITY.  It is  expressly  understood  that the
parties intend that neither AAC nor ASTeX shall be considered a successor to CPI
by reason of any theory of law or equity,  and that AAC and ASTeX  shall have no
liability  except as otherwise  provided in this Agreement for any obligation or
liability  of CPI.  Nothing in this  Agreement  will be  construed as giving any
person,  firm,  corporation  or other entity,  other than the parties hereto and
their successors and permitted assigns,  any right,  remedy or claim under or in
respect of this Agreement or any provision hereof.



                                      -40-




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed by a duly authorized
officer of each of AAC,  ASTeX,  CPI and ILCT as of the day and year first above
written.

ASTeX/CPI ACQUISITION CORP.                   CONVERTER POWER, INC.



By:                                           By:
   -------------------------------               --------------------------- 
      Richard S. Post, Ph.D.                      Steven Joyner
      President                                   President

APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
    INC.                                      ILC TECHNOLOGY, INC.



By:                                           By:
   -------------------------------               --------------------------- 
      Richard S. Post, Ph.D.                      Richard D. Capra
      President                                   President



                                      -41-





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(b)



                       ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT



         THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION  AGREEMENT (the  "Agreement") is entered
into on this 9th day of May, 1997, by and between  ASTeX/CPI  Acquisition  Corp.
("AAC"),  a  Massachusetts  corporation and Converter  Power,  Inc.  ("CPI"),  a
Massachusetts corporation.

         For good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and  sufficiency  of
which is hereby acknowledged, CPI hereby assigns and transfers to AAC all of its
right, title and interest,  powers, remedies,  benefits,  options and privileges
in, to and  under,  at law and in equity,  all  contract,  leases,  instruments,
licenses,  and other  agreements  described in Section 1.1 of the Asset Purchase
Agreement  by  and  among  Applied  Science  and  Technology,   Inc.,  AAC,  ILC
Technology,  Inc. and CPI (the "Contracts").  Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed to be a modification  of, or limitation on, any provision of the Asset
Purchase  Agreement,  including the  representations  and  warranties  set forth
therein.

         Subject to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement and
the Escrow  Agreement (as defined in the Asset Purchase  Agreement),  AAC hereby
assumes  and  agrees  to pay,  perform  and  discharge  when  due,  the  duties,
liabilities  and  obligations of CPI in accordance with the terms of Section 2.4
of the Asset  Purchase  Agreement.  AAC  agrees to  defend,  indemnify  and hold
harmless CPI (including any director, officer, employee representative or agent)
and their successors, assigns or legal representatives, from and against any and
all damages,  losses, costs, expenses or liabilities suffered or incurred by CPI
resulting from AAC's failure to pay,  perform or discharge when due, in whole or
in part, the duties,  liabilities and obligations arising subsequent to the date
hereof under the Contracts.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have  executed  this  Assignment  and
Assumption Agreement on the date set forth above.

CONVERTER POWER, INC.                     ASTEX/CPI ACQUISITION CORP.



By:                                       By:
   ------------------------                   ----------------------------
      Duly Authorized                           Duly Authorized





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(d)


                              WARRANTY BILL OF SALE


         KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that Converter Power, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation  ("Grantor"),  pursuant to appropriate  corporate action  heretofore
taken by the Grantor and an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 9, 1997(the
"Agreement"),  by and among Grantor,  Applied  Science and  Technology,  Inc., a
Delaware corporation,  ASTeX/CPI Acquisition Corp., a Massachusetts  corporation
("Grantee")  and ILC  Technology,  Inc.,  a California  corporation,  for and in
consideration  of the payment by the Grantee to the Grantor in  accordance  with
the terms and  conditions  as provided in the  Agreement  and for other good and
valuable  consideration,  the receipt of which is hereby  acknowledged,  Grantor
hereby sells, conveys,  transfers,  assigns and delivers to Grantee, and Grantee
hereby purchases and acquires from Grantor, all of the right, title and interest
in and to the Assets of Grantor  (as defined in the  Agreement)  subject to, and
with the benefit of, the warranties,  representations and terms set forth in the
Agreement including the Schedules thereto.

         Grantor  hereby  covenants to execute and deliver to Grantee,  upon its
request  therefore,  such  further  instruments  of  assignment  and transfer as
Grantee shall  prepare and submit to Grantor and as may be reasonably  necessary
to: (a) pass to Grantee title to the properties,  assets and rights assigned and
transferred or attempted to be assigned and transferred,  or otherwise  provided
for herein or in the  Agreement;  (b) evidence  such  assignment  or transfer to
Grantee; or (c) otherwise fulfill and discharge Grantor's  obligations under the
Agreement.

         This   Warranty   Bill  of  Sale  shall  in  all  events  be  construed
consistently  with the terms of the Agreement  and shall not alter,  diminish or
expand the identity of the assets acquired.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Converter Power, Inc. has caused this instrument to
be signed and its  corporate  seal to be hereto  affixed by its proper  officers
hereunto duly authorized as of this 9th day of May 1997.

Attest:                                   CONVERTER POWER, INC.



_______________________________             By:_________________________________

                                               ______________________, President

(SEAL)







COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX                            ss:


         BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared ,
President of Converter Power,  Inc., and acknowledged to me that he executed the
foregoing instrument for the purposes and consideration therein expressed and as
the act and deed of said corporation.

         GIVEN, under my hand and seal of office on this 9th day of May 1997.



                                         ---------------------------------------

                                         ------------------------, Notary Public
                                         My commission expires:
                                                               -----------------






                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(e)




                   UNSECURED COMMITTED REVOLVER LOAN AGREEMENT

         This Unsecured  Committed Revolver Loan Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is
entered  into this 1st day of May,  1997,  by and  between  APPLIED  SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY, INC. ("BORROWER") a Delaware corporation with its principal place of
business at 35 Cabot Road,  Woburn,  Massachusetts  01801, and STATE STREET BANK
AND TRUST COMPANY ("Bank"), a Massachusetts trust company organized and existing
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                                   BACKGROUND

         WHEREAS,  the  Borrower  has  requested  that  the  Bank  establish  an
Unsecured  Committed  Revolver  Loan (the  "REVOLVER")  in favor of the Borrower
payable in the principal amount of $8,000,000.00; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Borrower  has  requested  that,  while the  Revolver  is
outstanding,  the Bank  issue from time to time,  Standby  Letters of Credit and
direct advances against such line of credit for the account of the Borrower; and

         WHEREAS, the Bank has agreed to establish such a Line of Credit subject
to the terms and conditions hereof;

         IN CONSIDERATION THEREOF, the parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.0 When used  herein,  the terms set forth  below  shall be defined as
follows:

         "BORROWING BASE" shall mean as of any time, a sum equal to the total of
the percentages set forth below:

         (a)      100% Borrower's cash on hand; plus

         (b)      80% of all Eligible Accounts Receivable.

Notwithstanding  the amount of the  Borrowing  Base,  no Loans  hereunder  shall
exceed the sum of Eight Million ($8,000,000.00) Dollars.

         "ELIGIBLE  ACCOUNTS  RECEIVABLE"  shall have the  meaning  set forth in
Paragraph 2.7 herein.

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall mean each and every event specified in Article
IX of this Agreement or set forth under the Note, as an event of default.







         "LIEN"  shall  mean  any  mortgage,  deed of  trust,  pledge,  security
interest,  hypothecation,  assignment, depositor arrangement,  encumbrance, lien
(statutory or other),  or preference,  priority or other  security  agreement or
preferential agreement,  charge, or encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including,  without  limitation,  any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement,  any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as
any of the  foregoing and filing of any  financing  statement  under the Uniform
Commercial  Code or comparable  law of any  jurisdiction  to evidence any of the
foregoing).

         "LOAN  DOCUMENTS"  shall mean this  Agreement,  the Note, and any other
instrument or  instruments  entered into pursuant to or in connection  with this
Agreement,  as such  instruments  may be amended,  supplemented or modified from
time to time.

         "LOANS"  shall mean  Market  Rate  Loans,  Prime Rate Loans and Standby
Letters of Credit issued by the Bank from time to time hereunder.

         "MARKET  RATE"  shall mean an amount  equal to the Base Market Rate (as
hereinafter defined) plus 150 basis points. For purposes of this definition, the
term "Base Market Rate" shall mean the fixed rate of interest quoted by the Bank
on the date the Loan funds under the Market Rate Note are advanced,  in its sole
discretion,  which  rate shall be  determined  solely by the Bank based upon the
Bank's cost of funds.

         "MARKET RATE LOAN" means that portion of the Loan for which interest is
based on the Market Rate as set forth in Article II hereof.

         "NOTE" shall mean the Promissory  Note of Borrower,  executed as of the
date hereof and delivered simultaneously herewith.

         "MAXIMUM  ADVANCE  LEVEL" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
2.7 herein.

         "OBLIGATIONS"  shall  mean any and all  indebtedness,  obligations  and
liabilities of Borrower to Bank arising under any  agreements  with the Bank, of
every kind and description,  direct or indirect,  secured or unsecured, joint or
several,  absolute or contingent,  due or to become due,  whether for payment or
performance,  now existing or hereafter arising; including,  without limitation,
all indebtedness  under the Loan (including by renewal or extension of the Loan)
any and all sums which may be advanced by Bank pursuant to this Agreement or any
other  agreement  between the Bank and the Borrower,  and all  interest,  taxes,
fees,  charges,  expenses and reasonable  attorney's fees chargeable to Borrower
under this Agreement.

         "PRIME  RATE"  shall mean the rate of interest  announced  from time to
time by Bank at its head office in Boston, Massachusetts as its "Prime Rate".






         "PRIME RATE LOAN" means that portion of the Loan for which  interest is
based on the Prime Rate as set forth in Article II hereof.

         "TANGIBLE  NET  WORTH"  means the  excess of total  assets  over  total
liabilities,  total  assets  and  total  liabilities  each to be  determined  in
accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles  ("GAAP")  consistent
with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in
Section 6.7  excluding,  however,  from the  determination  of total  assets all
assets which would be classified as intangible,  without  limitation,  goodwill,
patents, trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, franchises, and intangibles.

         1.1 Accounting  Terms. All accounting  terms not  specifically  defined
herein shall be construed in accordance  with GAAP  consistent with that applied
in the preparation of the Borrower's financial statements and all financial data
submitted  pursuant to this Agreement  shall be prepared in accordance with such
principles,   except   interim   financial  data  may  be  subject  to  year-end
adjustments.

                                   ARTICLE II

                          AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOANS

         2.1. Revolver;  Expiration. The Bank shall from time to time make Loans
to the  Borrower  under  and  pursuant  to the terms of this  Agreement  and the
obligations  to repay as  evidenced  under  the Note of even  date,  in the form
annexed  hereto as Exhibit  2.04,  in an  aggregate  amount not to exceed  Eight
Million  ($8,000,000.00)  Dollars and as further limited as provided in Sections
2.7 and 2.8  below.  The  Revolver  specifically  includes  a maximum  amount of
$8,000,000.00 under this section.  The principal amount of the Revolver shall be
payable on expiration of this Agreement on May 31, 2000 (the "Expiration") or on
Event of Default (subject to and as provided herein).

         2.2  Borrowing.

         (1) Prime Rate  Borrowing.  The Borrower  shall give the Bank a request
for Prime Rate Borrowing  (effective upon receipt) of any Prime Rate Loans under
the Line of Credit,  specifying the date and amount thereof, not later than 2:00
P.M.  on the  date  of such  request  and  upon  fulfillment  of the  applicable
conditions  set  forth in  Article  III and  assuming  no Event of  Default  has
occurred  or is  occurring  hereunder,  the Bank shall make such Prime Rate Loan
available to the Borrower in immediately available funds by crediting the amount
thereof to Borrower's  primary operating account with the Bank.  Notwithstanding
the  foregoing,  the provisions of this Section 2.2 shall not apply in the event
the Borrower  enters into a LMCS Agreement with Bank, a current form of which is
attached as Exhibit 2.2(1).






         (2) Notice and Manner of Market Rate Loan Borrowing. The Borrower shall
give the Bank at least one (1) business day notice (effective upon receipt) of a
request  for a loan based upon the  Market  Rate under the Line (a "Market  Rate
Loan"), specifying the date and a maturity of either 30, 60, 90 or 180 days from
the  date of the  Bank's  funding  (if  any)  of  such  Market  Rate  Loan  (the
"Maturity").  Not later than 2:00 p.m.  on the date of such Market Rate Loan and
upon fulfillment of any applicable  conditions set forth herein,  the Bank shall
make such Loan  available  to the  Borrower in  immediately  available  funds by
crediting the amount thereof to the Borrower's  primary  operating  account with
the  Bank.  In the  event the  Borrower  and Bank  enter  into the  Bank's  LMCS
Agreement,  the provisions  above (except for any  capitalized  definitions  and
limits on length of  Maturity)  shall not  apply,  and the  manner and method of
borrowing  requests  by  Borrower  shall be  governed  by such  LMCS  Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Maturity of any Market Rate
Loan be later in time than the Expiration.  If the Borrower requests such Market
Loan with a Maturity  after the  Expiration,  the Date of such  Maturity of such
Loan shall be deemed to be the Expiration.

         2.3. Interest.

         (1) Prime  Rate  Loans.  The  Borrower  shall pay  interest  monthly in
arrears to the Bank on the outstanding and unpaid  principal amount of the Prime
Rate Loans,  at a fluctuating  interest rate per annum equal to the Bank's Prime
Rate in effect from time to time.  Each change in such  interest rate shall take
effect simultaneously with the corresponding change in such Prime Rate. Interest
on Prime Rate Loans shall be  calculated on the basis of actual days elapsed and
a 360-day year.

         (2) Market Rate  Loans.  The  Borrower  shall pay  interest  monthly in
arrears to the Bank on the outstanding and unpaid principal amount of the Market
Rate Loans at the Market Rate.

         (3)  Payment.  Interest  on the  Loans  shall be paid by  debiting  the
Borrower's  primary operating account with the Bank on the first business day of
each month.

         (4)  Default  Rate.  Any  principal  amount not paid  immediately  upon
acceleration  by reason of an Event of Default shall bear  interest  thereafter,
until paid,  at a rate equal to the  aggregate  of the Prime Rate plus four (4%)
percent per annum (the "DEFAULT RATE").

         (5) Additional Charges. In addition to all other amounts payable by the
Borrower  hereunder and under the Note, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank a fee
of One-Fourth of One (1/4%)  percent per annum on the unused portion of the Line
of Credit.






         2.4.  Note.  All Loans  relative to the Revolver made by the Bank under
this  Agreement  shall be evidenced  by, and repaid with  interest in accordance
with a promissory note of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit 2.4 duly completed
and fully  executed in the  principal  amount of Eight  Million  ($8,000,000.00)
Dollars,  dated the date of this  Agreement and payable to the Bank. The Bank is
hereby  authorized  by the Borrower to endorse on any  schedule  attached to the
Note the amount of each Loan and of each  payment of  principal  received by the
Bank on account of the Revolver or on any other  schedule or record of the Bank,
which  endorsement  shall be prima  facie as to the  outstanding  balance of the
Loans under the Line of Credit  made by the Bank;  provided,  however,  that the
failure to make such  notation  with  respect  to any Loan or payment  shall not
limit or otherwise  affect the  obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement
or the Note.

         2.5.  Other Payments.

         (1) Prime  Rate  Loans.  Any Prime  Rate Loan may be repaid in whole or
part without  penalty.  The Borrower  shall pay all principal,  interest,  fees,
commissions  and  other  charges  due from it to Bank  hereunder  to Bank at its
offices at 225 Franklin Street, Boston,  Massachusetts 02110, U.S.A., or at such
other  address of which Bank may,  from time to time give written  notice to the
Borrower.

         (2) Each Market Rate Loan shall be repaid in full on its  Maturity.  In
the event of prepayment of the Market Rate Loan, in whole or in part,  either at
the Borrower's  initiative or upon the exercise by the Bank of its rights in the
event of an Event of Default,  the  Borrower  agrees to pay to the Bank its lost
net interest  income  resulting from the prepayment.  Therefore,  the Borrower's
payment to the Bank in respect of such prepayment shall consist of the principal
amount  being  prepaid,  all interest  owing up to the date of such  prepayment,
together with the Bank's lost net interest income, if any, computed as described
below.  As of the date of  prepayment  of any Market  Rate  Loan,  the Bank will
determine the interest rate differential between the rate stated herein for such
Market Rate Loan and the yield on a United States Government  Treasury Note with
the  maturity  closest to such  Market  Rate Loan as the same is reported in The
Wall Street Journal of that day (reporting the previous day's activity).  In the
event that the rate  differential  so  determined is such that the Treasury Note
yield is greater than the Market Rate Loan yield,  no lost net  interest  income
shall be paid to the Bank, nor, in any event,  shall any such sum be owed by the
Bank to the Borrower.  In the event that the rate  differential so determined is
such that the Market Rate Loan yield is greater  than the  Treasury  Note yield,
the  difference  shall be multiplied by the principal  amount of the Market Rate
Loan which is being  prepaid,  computed  monthly for the remaining  term of such
Market  Rate Loan;  the  present  value of such  monthly  compensation  shall be
calculated and paid to the Bank as its lost net interest income. For the purpose
of computing  present value, the interest rate used for discounting shall be the
bond equivalent yield of the United States Treasury Bill rate as reported in The
Wall  Street  Journal  of that  day  (reporting  the  previous  day's  activity)
reflecting  a term  closest  to the








remaining term of the Loan. Any lost net interest  income paid or payable to the
Bank  hereunder as a result of any prepayment of a Market Rate Loan is sometimes
referred to as a "Market Rate Premium". To the extent there is due from Borrower
to the Bank any Market Rate  Premium,  the amount of such  Market  Rate  Premium
shall be reduced  dollar for dollar by the amount the Borrower  pays to the Bank
in default  rate  interest  pursuant to the second  paragraph of the Market Rate
Note.

         2.6. Standby Letters of Credit.

         The Bank may issue  standby  letters of credit  for the  account of the
Borrower  for  beneficiaries  to be  identified  by the Borrower  (the  "STANDBY
LETTERS  OF  CREDIT")  in an amount  not to exceed  $3,200,000.00  upon  written
request of Borrower.  Any Standby  Letters of Credit issued  hereunder  shall be
evidenced  by and  subject  to the  Bank's  Standby  Letter of Credit  Agreement
substantially in the form of Schedule 2.6 attached hereto (the "SLC Agreement").
The  aggregate  amount of Standby  Letters of Credit  issued by the Bank for the
accounts of the Borrower  and  outstanding,  shall reduce  dollar for dollar the
amounts  available  under the Revolver.  Amounts drawn under Standby  Letters of
Credit shall be deemed  additional  Loans under this  Agreement and the Borrower
shall  pay  Bank  such  costs,  interest  and  charges  as set  forth in the SLC
Agreement.

         In the event an Event of  Default  occurs  under  this  Agreement,  the
Borrower shall deliver forthwith to the Bank, to be held by the Bank and treated
as  collateral  for the  outstanding  Standby  Letters  of  Credit,  cash of the
Borrower  equal  to One  Hundred  (100%)  percent  of the  aggregate  amount  of
outstanding Standby Letters of Credit.

         2.7.  Limitations on Loans.  The aggregate of the Loans  outstanding to
the  Borrower  under  the  Note  shall  at no time  exceed:  the  lesser  of (a)
$8,000,000.00;  and  (b)(i)  Eighty  (80%)  percent of the  Borrower's  Eligible
Accounts Receivable, plus (ii) One Hundred (100%) percent of the Borrower's cash
on hand ((i)-(ii),  (the lesser of (a) and (b) the "MAXIMUM ADVANCE LEVEL"). If,
at any time, the aggregate Loans  outstanding  exceed the Maximum Advance Level,
the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Bank such sums as to bring the balance
down to the Maximum Advance Level.

         For purposes of this Agreement, the term "ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE"
shall mean Accounts (as defined in the  Massachusetts  Uniform  Commercial Code)
owing to the Borrower which meet the following specifications:

         (i) The Account is less than  ninety  (90) days past the  invoice  date
         from a  customer  from whom there are no  receivables  in excess of one
         hundred   twenty   (120)  days  past  the   invoice   date  except  for
         insignificant  amounts;  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  with regard to
         Accounts of customers who are reporting  companies under the Securities
         Exchange  Act of 1934,  as amended and are  current in their  reporting
         under such Act, (the "Public  Accounts") all Public  







         Accounts  less than  ninety  (90) days past the  invoice  date shall be
         Eligible  Accounts  Receivable,  provided  that not more than ten (10%)
         percent  of the Public  Accounts  are in excess of one  hundred  twenty
         (120) days past due;

         (ii) The Account arises from the performance of services or a bona fide
         sale or lease of goods;

         (iii) The Account is not subject to a prior assignment,  claim, lien or
         security interest;

         (iv) The  Account is not  subject to  set-off,  credit,  allowances  or
         adjustments,  except  discounts  for prompt  payment and  allowances or
         adjustments set forth on the original invoice;

         (v) The Account is owed by an account debtor whose place of business is
         not outside of the United States; and

         (vi)  The  Account  is not  owed  by  subsidiary  or  affiliate  of the
         Borrower.

         2.8.  Exclusion  of  Certain  Eligible  Accounts  Receivable  From  the
Borrowing  Base.  The Bank shall have the right in its sole  discretion,  at any
time and for any reason,  to exclude any Eligible  Accounts  Receivable from the
Borrowing  Base,  except that the Bank shall be obligated to act in a reasonable
manner in making any such exclusion.

         2.9.  Certification of Borrowing Base. Prior to the making of the first
Loan  relative  to the Line of  Credit  hereunder  and  monthly  thereafter  the
Borrower  will  deliver to the Bank a  Certificate,  in  substantially  the form
attached as Exhibit 2.9 and  approved  by the Bank:  (a) listing the  Borrower's
then  existing  Accounts  Receivable  having  been  earned by  performance;  (b)
containing such  information in respect to such Accounts  Receivable and cash on
hand as the Bank may request;  and (c) containing a calculation of the Borrowing
Base as of the  date of the  Certificate.  Thereafter,  at  predetermined  times
agreed to by the Bank and the  Borrower,  the Borrower  will deliver to the Bank
similar Certificates in respect to all Accounts Receivable of the Borrower as to
which rights have been earned by  performance  not  previously  certified to the
Bank, and other  information  requested by the Bank. With each such Certificate,
the Borrower will upon request by the Bank, furnish to the Bank such information
as to each Account  Receivable  identified  on the  Certificate  as the Bank may
request,  together  with a  duplicate  of the  invoice  copies  of the  shipping
documents or other evidence of delivery, if any, and all contracts,  guaranties,
orders and other  documents  requested by the Bank,  or, if the Bank at any time
shall relieve the Borrower of the obligation to furnish such documents with such
Certificates, the Borrower will keep all such documents segregated and available
for inspection by the Bank and will furnish same to the Bank upon request.







                                   ARTICLE III

                              USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS

         3.0 The  proceeds  of the  Loans  hereunder  shall be used only for the
purpose of Standby  Letters of Credit  working  capital needs as well as for the
acquisition of Sorbios GmbH and Converter Power,  Inc. for no other purpose (the
"ACQUISITION").

                                   ARTICLE IV

                        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE LOAN

         4.0 The  undertaking  of the  Bank  to make  Loans  is  subject  to the
condition  precedent  that the Bank shall have  received on or before the day of
such Loan each of the following in form and substance  satisfactory  to the Bank
and its counsel:

         4.1 A  certificate  of even date  herewith  of an officer of  Borrower,
identifying  the officer or officers of  Borrower,  authorized  to execute  this
Agreement,  the Note, and such other documents to be delivered  pursuant to this
Agreement,  and affixed thereto shall be true copies of resolutions of Borrower,
authorizing the transactions  contemplated  herein, the execution,  delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Note, and any other document or instrument to
be delivered pursuant hereto;

         4.2  The Note, duly executed by Borrower and delivered to Bank;

         4.3 An opinion of Borrower's counsel in form and substance satisfactory
to the Bank and its counsel.

         4.4  Certificate of legal existence and tax good standing for Borrower;

         4.5  A certified copy of the corporate charter documents of Borrower;

         4.6  A certified copy of the By-Laws of Borrower;

         4.7 Such other documents or certificates as may be reasonably requested
by Bank and/or as are required under the terms of this Agreement,  and any other
documents or agreements to which Bank, and the Borrower are parties;

         4.8 UCC-3  negative  pledge  statements  duly executed by Borrower such
form and substance as the Bank or its counsel shall require.






                                    ARTICLE V

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         5.0 As a  material  inducement  to  Bank  to  make  Loans  to  Borrower
hereunder, Borrower represents and warrants to Bank and such representations and
warranties shall be continuing representations and warranties during the term of
this  Agreement  and  so  long  thereafter  as  any  Obligations   shall  remain
outstanding, as follows:

         5.1 The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated,  validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the state of its  incorporation;  has the
corporate  power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in
which it is now engaged or proposed to be engaged in; and is duly qualified as a
foreign  corporation  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  each  other
jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.

         5.2 The  execution,  delivery and  performance  by the Borrower of this
Agreement,  the Note and other Loan  Documents  to which it is a party have been
duly  authorized by all necessary  corporate  action and do not and will not (1)
require  any  consent or  approval  of the  stockholders  of the  Borrower;  (2)
contravene  the Borrower's  charter or bylaws;  (3) violate any provision of any
law, rule, regulation (including, without limitation,  Regulation U of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), the violation of which would have a
material  adverse  effect on the business or  operations  of the Borrower or any
order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination,  or award presently in
effect having  applicability;  (4) result in a breach of or constitute a default
under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other  agreement,  lease,
or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or its  properties
may be bound or affected;  (5) result in, or require, the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties now owned or hereafter
acquired by the  Borrower;  and (6) cause the  Borrower to be in violation of or
default under any such law, rule, regulation, or any such indenture,  agreement,
lease,  or instrument  which default would have a material and adverse effect on
the business or operation  of the Borrower or under any order,  writ,  judgment,
injunction, decree, determination or award.

         5.3 This  Agreement  is,  and each of the  other  Loan  Documents  when
delivered under this Agreement will be, legal, valid, and binding obligations of
the  Borrower  enforceable  against  the  Borrower,  in  accordance  with  their
respective  terms,  except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy,  insolvency,  and other similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally and general equity principles.

         5.4 The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its consolidated
subsidiaries  as of June 29, 1996 and the  related  consolidated  statements  of
income,  cash flows and  stockholders'  equity for the fiscal  year then  ended,
reported on by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and set forth in the  Borrower's  1996 Form
10-K,  a copy of which  has been  delivered  to the  Bank,  fairly  present,  in








conformity  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  the  consolidated
financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated  Subsidiaries as of such
date and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for such fiscal
year, and since the date through which the financial statements cover, there has
been (a) no material  adverse change in the condition  (financial or otherwise),
business,  or  operations  of  Borrower;  (b) no  damage,  destruction  or  loss
materially adversely affecting Borrower's business; (c) no declaration of making
of any dividend or other  distribution  to  stockholders  of the  Borrower  with
respect  to  Borrower's  capital  stock or any  direct or  indirect  redemption,
purchase or other acquisition of any such stock; (d) no increase in compensation
payable or to become payable by Borrower to any of its executive officers or any
general wage increase except in the ordinary course of the Borrower's  business;
or (e) no  materially  adverse  controversy  with  employees,  labor  unions  or
governmental  agencies.   There  are  no  liabilities  of  Borrower,   fixed  or
contingent, which are material but are not reflected in the financial statements
or in the notes thereto,  other than liabilities  arising in the ordinary course
of business.

         5.5  Neither  the  business  nor the  properties  of the  Borrower  are
affected  by any fire,  explosion,  accident,  strike,  lockout  or other  labor
dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake,  embargo, act of God or of the public
enemy,  or other casualty  (whether or not covered by insurance)  materially and
adversely  affecting  such  business  or  properties  or  the  operation  of the
Borrower.

         5.6 The Borrower has not  materially  violated,  nor is the Borrower in
material violation of, any applicable law, regulation,  or any order,  judgment,
or decree  which  violation  would have a  material  and  adverse  effect on the
business  or  operations  of the  Borrower.  The  Borrower is not a party to any
contract or other agreement,  or subject to any  restrictions  under its charter
documents,  bylaws or other  corporate  instrument,  or  subject  to any  order,
judgment,  rule, regulation,  or decree of any court or governmental  authority,
which  materially  and  adversely  affects its business,  properties,  assets or
financial  condition or which restricts or otherwise limits its incurring of the
Loan or its performance and observance of its Obligations. Neither the execution
and  delivery by Borrower,  nor the  compliance  by Borrower  with the terms and
conditions,  of this  Agreement,  or any Loan  Document  to which  Borrower is a
party, conflicts or will conflict with, constitutes or will constitute a default
under,  or results or will result in any violation of, the charter  documents or
By-laws  of  Borrower,  any award of any  arbitrator,  and any law,  any  order,
judgment,  rule, regulation or decree of any court or governmental authority, or
any agreement or instrument to which  Borrower is a party or any of its property
is  subject;  nor does the same  result  nor will it result in the  creation  or
imposition of any Lien upon any of its property except the Liens created by this
Agreement or any other Loan Document.






         5.7  Except as set forth in  Borrower's  1996  Form  10-K,  there is no
pending or, to the Borrower's knowledge, threatened action or proceeding against
or affecting the Borrower before any court,  governmental  agency, or arbitrator
which may, in any one case or in the aggregate,  materially adversely affect the
financial condition, operations,  properties, or business of the Borrower or the
ability of the Borrower to perform its  Obligations  under the Loan Documents to
which it is a party.

         5.8 The Borrower has satisfied all judgments and the Borrower is not in
default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction,  or decree of any court,
arbitrator,  or federal,  state,  municipal,  or other  governmental  authority,
commission, board, bureau, agency, or instrumentality, domestic or foreign.

         5.9 The Borrower has good and clear record and marketable  title to all
properties and assets which it purports to own, free and clear of all mortgages,
liens, pledges, charges,  security interests and encumbrances,  other than those
being  granted to the Bank,  pursuant  hereto,  if any,  and those  reflected on
Schedule 5.9.

         5.10 There are currently  five  subsidiaries  of Borrower and except as
set  forth  on  Schedule  5.10,  Borrower  has no  investments  in the  stock or
securities of any other corporation, firm, trust or other entity.

         5.11 To the best knowledge of the Borrower, the Borrower possesses, all
licenses, permits, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade names,
or rights thereto, to conduct its business substantially now as conducted and as
presently  proposed to be  conducted,  and the  Borrower is not in any  material
violation of any rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing.

         5.12 The Borrower has filed all income tax returns,  excise tax returns
and other tax returns  (federal,  state, and local) required to be filed and has
paid all taxes,  assessments,  and governmental charges and levies thereon to be
due, including interest and penalties.  To the best of the Borrower's knowledge,
no audit or  investigation  is presently  being conducted with regard to any tax
return or tax obligation of Borrower.

         5.13 No employee pension benefit plan or other plan (within the meaning
of Section 3(2) of the  Employees  Retirement  Income  Security Act of 1974,  as
amended  ("ERISA"))  which is or was  sponsored at any time,  by Borrower or any
member of a  controlled  group of  corporations  within  the  meaning of Section
414(b) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1954,  as amended (the  "Code"),  or any
member of a group of commonly  controlled  trades or businesses  (whether or not
incorporated) within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code of which Borrower
is a member  ("Plan"):  (i) has  incurred an  "accumulated  funding  deficiency"
(within the meaning of Section  302(a)(2) of ERISA),  or which could result in a
liability of Borrower (which  liability could  materially  adversely  affect the
financial  conditions of Borrower) under Section 409 of ERISA or Section 4975 of
the Code or pursuant to any  agreement or 








statute with respect to  liabilities  incurred by an person under such sections.
No material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"), to a
Plan,  or to any  participant  in or  beneficiary  of a Plan has been or, to the
present  knowledge of Borrower,  is expected to be incurred  with respect to any
Plan by Borrower, and there has been no event or condition which presents a risk
of  termination of any Plan by PBGC.  None of the following  events has occurred
or, to the  knowledge  of  Borrower,  is expected to occur,  with respect to any
multi-employer plan (as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) to which
any Borrower or any member of a controlled  group of  corporations or any member
of a group of commonly  controlled  trades or businesses of which  Borrower is a
member,  contributes on behalf of its employees (the  "Contributing  Employers")
which has resulted or could result in any material  liability of the Borrower to
PBGC, to such  multi-employer  plan, or to any  participant in or beneficiary of
such multi-employer plan: (i) a withdrawal, either complete or partial, from any
such plan (within the meaning of Section 4203 or Section 4205, respectively,  of
ERISA) by a  Contributing  Employer;  (ii) the  termination of any such plan; or
(iii) the  recording  of a  reorganization  index (as defined by Section 4241 of
ERISA) in excess of zero by any such plan.

         5.14  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.14, the Borrower has never:

         (a)    owned,  occupied,  or  operated  a site or  vessel  on which any
                hazardous  material  or oil was or is  stored,  transported,  or
                disposed  of (the terms site,  vessel,  and  hazardous  material
                respectively being used in this Agreement with the meaning given
                those terms in M.G.L. c. 21E); or

         (b)    directly  or  indirectly   transported,   or  arranged  for  the
                transport of any hazardous material or oil; or

         (c)    caused or been legally  responsible for any release or threat of
                release of any hazardous material or oil; or

         (d)    received   notification  from  any  federal,   state,  or  other
                governmental  authority  of any  potential  or known  release or
                threat of release of any hazardous material or oil from any site
                or vessel  owned,  occupied,  or operated by the Borrower or any
                person for whose conduct the Borrower is responsible,  and/or of
                the  incurrence  of any  expense  or loss  by such  governmental
                entity.

         5.15  Schedule 5.15 annexed  hereto is a listing of all patents  and/or
patents  pending,  trademarks,  copyrights,  licenses and similar  agreements in
which the Borrower has an interest.









         5.16  Schedule  5.16 is a  complete  and  correct  list  of all  credit
agreements,  indentures, purchase agreements (other than for materials, supplies
and  services  entered  into in the ordinary  course of  business),  guaranties,
leases (requiring lease payments in the aggregate of $600,000.00 annually),  and
other investments,  agreements,  and arrangements  presently in effect providing
for or relating to extensions of credit  (including  agreements and arrangements
for the issuance of Standby  Letters of Credit or for  acceptance  financing) in
respect of which the  Borrower or any  subsidiary  is in any manner  directly or
contingently  obligated;  and the maximum principal or face amounts of credit in
question,  which are  outstanding  and which can be  outstanding,  are correctly
stated,  and all Liens of any  nature  given or  agreed to be given as  security
therefor are correctly described or indicated in such Schedule.

         5.17  Borrower is not in default with respect to any agreement to which
it is a party or by which it is  bound,  which  default  would  have a  material
adverse effect on the Borrower's business, operations and financial statement.

         5.18 No consent or  approval  of any  person,  no waiver of any lien or
other  similar  right,  and no consent,  license,  approval,  authorization,  or
declaration  of any  governmental  authority,  bureau,  or  agency is or will be
required in connection  with the  execution,  delivery,  performance,  validity,
enforcement,  or priority of this Agreement,  the Note, or any other  agreement,
instrument, or document to be executed or delivered in connection herewith.

         5.19 No  representation,  warranty,  or statement by Borrower contained
herein or in any  certificate or other document  furnished or to be furnished by
Borrower  pursuant  hereto contains or at the time of delivery shall contain any
untrue  statement  of  material  fact,  or omits,  or shall  omit at the time of
delivery, to state a material fact necessary to make it not misleading.

         5.20 The Borrower is not an "investment  company" within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         6.0  Borrower  covenants  and  agrees  that  during  the  term  of this
Agreement  and so long  thereafter as any  Obligations  remain  outstanding  the
Borrower will:

         6.1 Keep  adequate  records  and books of  account,  in which  complete
entries will be made in accordance with GAAP  consistently  applied,  subject to
year end  adjustments,  reflecting all financial  transactions  of the Borrower,
including  complete  records  of all  accounts  of  Borrower,  as defined in the
Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code.






         6.2 Maintain,  keep, and preserve all of its  properties  (tangible and
intangible)  necessary  or useful in the proper  conduct of its business in good
working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Borrower shall use
its best  efforts to  maintain  in full force and  effect all  rights,  patents,
licenses,  permits  and  privileges  necessary  for the  proper  conduct  of its
business.

         6.3  Continue  to engage in an  efficient  and  economical  manner in a
business  of the  same  general  type  as  conducted  by it on the  date of this
Agreement.

         6.4 Maintain  insurance with financially sound and reputable  insurance
companies or  associations  in such amounts and covering  such risks as the Bank
shall reasonably  require and as are usually carried by companies engaged in the
same or a similar business and similarly  situated,  which insurance may provide
for reasonable deductibility from coverage thereof.

         6.5  Comply in all  material  respects  with  applicable  laws,  rules,
regulations, and orders, such compliance to include, without limitation,  paying
before the same  become  delinquent  all taxes,  assessments,  and  governmental
charges  imposed upon it or upon its  property,  noncompliance  with which would
have a  material  and  adverse  effect on the  business  and  operations  of the
Borrower.

         6.6 At any reasonable time during business hours and from time to time,
permit  the Bank or any agent or  representative  thereof  to  examine  and make
copies of and abstracts  from the records and books of account of, and visit the
properties of the Borrower and to discuss the affairs, finances, and accounts of
the  Borrower  with any of  their  respective  officers  and  directors  and the
Borrower's  independent  accountants.  Such visits will be conducted in a manner
which does not interfere with the normal operations of the Borrower.

         6.7  Furnish to the Bank:

         (1) Promptly  after the  commencement  thereof,  notice of all actions,
suits, and proceedings before any court or governmental department,  commission,
board, bureau,  agency, or instrumentality,  domestic or foreign,  affecting the
Borrower,  which, if determined adversely to the Borrower, could have a material
adverse  effect on the  financial  condition,  properties,  or operations of the
Borrower;

         (2) Such other  information  respecting  the  condition or  operations,
financial or otherwise,  receivables,  inventory,  machinery or equipment of the
Borrower as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request.

         (3)  Promptly  upon the  mailing  thereof  to the  shareholders  of the
Borrower  generally,  copies  of all  financial  statements,  reports  and proxy
statements so mailed.









         (4) Within  five  business  days of the filing  thereof,  copies of all
registration  statements  (other than the exhibits  thereto and any registration
statements on Form S-8 or its  equivalent)  and reports on Forms 10-K,  10-Q and
8-K (or  their  equivalents)  which  the  Borrower  shall  have  filed  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

         (5) The  Borrower  will,  at the  time of  delivery  to the Bank of the
reports  referred  to in the above  subsections  (1) and (2) deliver to the Bank
certificates signed by any individual duly authorized by the Borrower certifying
that such  individual  has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement and stating
in his opinion,  if such be the fact,  that the Borrower has not been and is not
in default as to any of the covenants and  agreements of the Borrower  contained
in this Agreement.

         6.8 From time to time,  execute  and deliver to the Bank all such other
and  further  instruments  or  documents  and take or cause to be taken all such
other and further action as the Bank may  reasonably  request in order to effect
and confirm or vest more  securely in the Bank all rights  contemplated  in this
Agreement.

         6.9 Other than its subsidiaries, maintain all of its operating Accounts
with the Bank.

         6.10  Conform,  adhere to, and observe  all  covenants  and  warranties
contained  in any  other  agreement  between  the  Bank  and  the  Borrower,  or
instrument furnished by the Borrower to the Bank.

         6.11 Preserve and maintain its corporate existence and good standing in
the  jurisdiction of its  incorporation,  and qualify and remain  qualified as a
foreign  corporation  in  each  jurisdiction  in  which  such  qualification  is
required.

         6.12 Use the proceeds of the Loans only for the purpose  intended.  The
Borrower acknowledges the Loans have been and shall be made available subject to
the terms hereof.

         6.13 The Borrower  will  punctually  and promptly make all payments and
perform all other  obligations  which may be required of it with  respect to any
indebtedness (whether for money borrowed, goods purchased,  services rendered or
however  such  indebtedness  may  otherwise  arise)  owing to persons,  firms or
corporations other than the Bank,  including,  without limitation,  indebtedness
which may be  secured  by a  security  interest  in assets  of the  Borrower  or
property of the Borrower,  and all  obligations  under the terms of any lease in
which the  Borrower is the lessee.  The  provisions  of this  section  shall not
preclude the Borrower  from  contesting in good faith and  diligently  defending
against any such indebtedness or obligation.

         6.14 Pay and/or perform  promptly when due all of the  Obligations  and
liabilities of Borrower including, without limitation, the payment of all sales,
use, excise, personal property, income, withholding,  corporate,  franchise, and
other  taxes,  assessments,  and  governmental  charges  upon or relating to its
ownership or use of any of its assets or its income, or the







operation of its business or  otherwise  for which  Borrower is or may be liable
except to the extent the same are being  diligently  contested in good faith and
adequate  provision has been made for payment and upon such request shall submit
to Bank proof  satisfactory to Bank that such payments and/or deposits have been
made.

         6.15 Pay or cause to be paid when due all amounts  necessary to fund in
accordance with their terms all such deferred compensation plans, whether now in
existence  or  hereafter  created,  and the  Borrower  will  not  withdraw  from
participation  in, permit the  termination or partial  termination of, or permit
the  occurrence  of any other event with respect to, any  deferred  compensation
plan maintained for the benefit of its employees under  circumstances that could
result in liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty  Corporation,  or any of its
successors or assigns,  or to the entity which  provides funds for such deferred
compensation plan.

         6.16 Promptly notify Bank if any time (i) a Plan incurs an "accumulated
funding deficiency" (as defined in Sections 412(a) of the Code),  whether or not
waived;  (ii) a  "reportable  event"  (within the meaning of Section  4043(b) of
ERISA) occurs with respect to a Plan;  (iii) Borrower engages in any transaction
which  violates  Section 406 or Section 407 of ERISA or which could  result in a
liability  under Section 409, 501 or 502 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or
pursuant to any agreement or statute with respect to liabilities incurred by any
person  under  such  sections,  which  liability  could  materially  affect  the
financial condition of such Borrower;  (iv) Borrower incurs a material liability
to the PBGC or to any  participant  in or  beneficiary of a Plan with respect to
any Plan;  (v) an event occurs or a condition  arises  which  presents a risk of
termination  of any Plan by the PBGC;  (vi) Borrower is notified by the Internal
Revenue  Service or the  Department  of Labor that the Plan is not or may not be
qualified  under  Section  401(a)  of the  Code or that  the  trust  established
thereunder  is not or may not be  exempt  from tax under  Section  501(a) of the
Code;   (vii)  any  of  the   following   events  occurs  with  respect  to  any
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) to which the borrower
or any member of a group of commonly  controlled trades or businesses within the
meaning  of  Section  414(c)  of the Code of which any  Borrower  is a member or
contributes on behalf of its  employees:  (A) a withdrawal,  either  complete or
partial,  from any such plan (within the meaning of Section 4202 or Section 205,
respectively,  or  ERISA)  by a  Contributing  Employer  or a  decision  by  the
Contributing  Employer to withdraw  completely or partially  from such plan; (B)
the termination of any such plan; or (C) the recording of a reorganization index
(as defined by Section 4241 of ERISA) in excess of zero by any such plan.







         6.17 (a)  Provide  the Bank with  written  notice  upon the  Borrower's
obtaining  knowledge of any  potential or known  release or threat of release of
any hazardous material or oil at or from any site owned,  occupied,  or operated
by the  Borrower  (the  Bank  acknowledges  receipt  of  notice  of the  matters
contained in Schedule 5.14);  upon the Borrower's  receipt of any notice to such
effect from any federal, state, or other governmental authority; and/or upon the
Borrower's  obtaining knowledge of any incurrence of any expense or loss by such
governmental  authority  in  connection  with the  assessment,  containment,  or
removal of any hazardous  material or oil for which expense or loss the Borrower
may be liable;  and (b) in the event of a release of hazardous  material or oil,
take  all  such  action,   including  without  limitation,   the  conducting  of
engineering  tests (at the expense of the Borrower) to confirm that no hazardous
material or oil is or ever was stored on any site owned,  occupied,  or operated
by the Borrower.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         7.0 Borrower  agrees that during the term of this Agreement and so long
thereafter as any Obligations remain outstanding, it will not, without the prior
written  consent of Bank,  which consent shall not be  unreasonably  withheld or
delayed:

         7.1 (i)  sell or  convey  all or  substantially  all of the  Borrower's
assets,  (ii) except for the  Acquisition  Transaction  enter into any merger or
consolidation or (iii) effect any reorganization or recapitalization.

         7.2 Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any subsidiary
(if any exist) to create,  incur,  assume,  or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or
with respect to any of its properties, now owned or hereafter acquired, except:

         (1)    Liens in favor of the Bank;

         (2) Liens for  taxes or  assessments  or other  government  charges  or
levies  if not yet due and  payable  or, if due and  payable,  if they are being
contested in good faith by  appropriate  proceedings  and for which  appropriate
reserves are maintained;

         (3) Judgment and other similar  Liens arising in connection  with court
proceedings,  provided  the  execution  or other  enforcement  of such  Liens is
effectively  stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively  contested
in good faith and by  appropriate  proceedings,  provided  they do not adversely
affect the Borrower in a material way;

         (4)  Purchase-money  Liens on any  property  hereafter  acquired or the
assumption of any Lien on property existing at the time of such acquisition,  or
a Lien incurred in connection with any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement of a capital lease;








         (5)    Permitted Encumbrances, as identified on Schedule 5.9;

         (6) Any Lien existing on any asset of any  corporation at the time such
corporation becomes a consolidated subsidiary of Borrower;

         (7) Any Lien on any asset of any corporation  existing at the time such
corporation  is  merged  or  consolidated   with  or  into  the  Borrower  or  a
consolidated subsidiary;

         (8) Any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition  thereof by
the Borrower or a consolidated  subsidiary and not created in  contemplation  of
such acquisition;

         7.3 Except  with  respect to the  Acquisition  Transaction,  redeem any
shares of the  Borrower,  merge or  consolidate  with (unless it is the survivor
corporation) or sell,  assign,  lease,  or otherwise  dispose of (whether in one
transaction  or in a series of  transactions)  all or  substantially  all of its
assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to any person.

         7.4 Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any subsidiary
(if at any time  existing)  to  create,  incur,  assume or suffer to exist,  any
obligation  as lessee for the rental or hire of any real or  personal  property,
except:  (1) leases existing on the date of this Agreement and any extensions or
renewals  thereof;  (2) leases,  of which the total annual  obligation under any
such lease is not more than $600,000.

         7.5 Sell, lease, assign,  transfer, or otherwise dispose of, any of its
now owned or hereafter acquired assets (including, without limitation, shares of
stock and indebtedness of subsidiaries,  receivables,  and leasehold interests),
except:  (1) for inventory  disposed of in the ordinary course of business;  (2)
the sale or other  disposition of assets no longer used or useful in the conduct
of its business or (3) in connection with the Acquisition Transaction.

         7.6 Assume,  guarantee,  endorse, or otherwise be or become directly or
contingently  responsible  or liable,  or permit any  subsidiary (if at any time
existing) to assume,  guarantee,  endorse, or otherwise be or become directly or
contingently responsible or liable (including,  but not limited to, an agreement
to purchase any obligation,  stock, assets,  goods, or services, or to supply or
advance any funds, assets,  goods, or services, or to maintain a minimum working
capital or net worth,  or  otherwise  to assure the  creditors  of any person or
entity  against  loss) for  obligations  of any  person or  entity,  except  (1)
guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or
similar transactions in the ordinary course of business;  (2) in connection with
the  Acquisition  Transaction;  and (3)  guaranties of  residential  real estate
mortgages  of  employees  not to exceed  $500,000  for any single  mortgage  and
$1,000,000 in the aggregate.







         7.7 Enter into any  transaction,  including,  without  limitation,  the
purchase,  sale, or exchange of property or the  rendering of any service,  with
any  affiliate,  or  permit  any  subsidiary  to  enter  into  any  transaction,
including,  without limitation,  the purchase,  sale, or exchange of property or
the rendering of any service,  with any affiliate,  or the making of advances to
any  affiliates  except in the  ordinary  course of business and pursuant to the
reasonable requirements of the Borrower's or such subsidiary's business and upon
fair and reasonable  terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such  subsidiary
than would obtain in a comparable  arm's-length  transaction with a party not an
affiliate.

         7.8  Declare  or pay any  dividends;  or  purchase,  redeem,  retire or
otherwise  acquire  for  value  any  of  its  capital  stock  now  or  hereafter
outstanding;  or make any  distribution  of assets to its  stockholders  as such
whether  in cash,  assets,  or  obligations  of the  Borrower;  or  allocate  or
otherwise set apart any sum for the payment of any dividend or  distribution  on
or for the purchase,  redemption,  or  retirement  of, any shares of its capital
stock;  or make any other  distribution  by reduction of capital or otherwise in
respect of any shares of its capital stock; or permit any of its Subsidiaries to
purchase or  otherwise  acquire  for value any stock of the  Borrower or another
Subsidiary,  except that (1) the Borrower may declare and deliver  dividends and
make  distributions  payable  solely  in  common  stock of the  Borrower  or any
subsidiary;  (2) the Borrower may declare  dividends in an amount  sufficient to
pay taxes,  for profits not  distributed,  if the Borrower  elects S Corporation
status;  and (3) with the  written  consent  of the  Bank,  which  shall  not be
unreasonably  withheld, the Borrower may purchase or otherwise acquire shares of
its  capital  stock  by  exchange  for or out of the  proceeds  received  from a
substantially concurrent issue of new shares of its capital stock.

         7.9 Except with respect to the Acquisition Transaction, make, or permit
any  subsidiary  to make,  any loan or  advance  to any party  (except  loans to
employees,  each of which shall not exceed $50,000 at any time),  or purchase or
otherwise  acquire,  or permit any subsidiary to purchase or otherwise  acquire,
any capital stock, assets, obligations, or other securities of, make any capital
contribution  to, or otherwise  invest in or acquire any interest in any entity,
except:  (1) direct  obligations of the United States of any agency thereof with
maturities  of one year or less  from the date of  acquisition;  (2)  commercial
paper of a domestic issuer rated at least "A-1" by Standard & Poor's Corporation
or "P-1" by Moody's Investor's  Service,  Inc,; (3) certificates of deposit with
maturities  of one  year or less  from  the date of  acquisition  issued  by any
commercial  bank having  capital  and  surplus in excess of One Hundred  Million
($100,000,000)  Dollars;  (4) stock,  obligations,  or  securities  received  in
settlement  of debts  (created in the ordinary  course of business  owing to the
Borrower or any Subsidiary;  and (5) investments made pursuant to the Borrower's
investment policy as set forth in Schedule 7.9.







         7.10 Except as otherwise provided above, issue evidence of indebtedness
or create,  assume, become contingently liable for, or suffer to exist bank debt
in addition to Obligations to the Bank; provided, however, that the Borrower may
incur  liabilities  which  are  incurred  or arise  in the  ordinary  course  of
Borrower's  business  other  than  indebtedness  arising  with  respect to money
borrowed  or the  issuance  of Standby  Letters of Credit for the account of the
Borrower both of which shall be prohibited.

         7.11 Sell or  otherwise  dispose of any shares of capital  stock of any
subsidiary, except in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 7.3,
or permit any  subsidiary to issue any  additional  shares of its capital stock,
except director's qualifying shares.

         7.12  Change its name without prior written notification to the Bank.

         7.13  Without  prior  written  notice to the Bank,  open or operate any
place of business  other than those  places  listed on Schedule  7.13,  attached
hereto and made a part hereof.

         7.14 Except in connection  with the Acquisition  Transaction,  make any
loan,  advance,  pay  any  bonus,  or  grant  any  extension  of  credit  to any
corporation, partnership, person or other entity, except extensions of credit to
customers or otherwise in the ordinary course of business.

         7.15 Except in connection  with the  Acquisition  Transaction,  make or
permit  any  substantial  change in, or cease in whole or in part,  its  present
business, or engage in any other activities apart from its present business.

         7.16  Undertake  negative  covenants in substance  similar to those set
forth herein in favor of any other party.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                               FINANCIAL COVENANTS

         8.0 So long as the Note shall remain  unpaid or the Bank shall have any
commitment under this Agreement:

         (1) The Borrower will maintain Minimum Working Capital of not less than
$13,000,000.00 at the end of each calendar quarter.

         (2) The Borrower  will maintain at all times a Maximum Debt to Tangible
Net Worth ratio of no more than: (i) 2.0:1 by fiscal year end 1997;  (ii) 1.75:1
by fiscal year end 1998; and (iii) 1.50:1 by fiscal year end 1999.

         (3) As of June 28, 1997, the Borrower's  fourth  quarter,  the Borrower
will maintain a Tangible Net Worth of not less than $13,500,000.00.  Thereafter,
the  Borrower's  Tangible Net Worth will  increase (as of the end of each of the
Borrower's quarters) by a minimum of 40% of the prior quarter's Net Income.








         (4) The Borrower will maintain Minimum Debt Service Coverage defined as
the ratio of aggregate Net Income of the Borrower plus  aggregate  depreciation,
plus aggregate amortization, less aggregate Capital Expenditures not financed on
a long-term  basis to Current  Maturities  of Long Term Debt of the  Borrower of
0.75:1 at fiscal year end 1997,  1.15:1 at fiscal  year end 1998,  and 1.75:1 at
fiscal year end 1999 and thereafter.  This covenant shall be tested on a rolling
quarterly basis for a four fiscal quarter period.

         (5) The Borrower  will not suffer a negative Net Income  during any two
consecutive quarters.

         (6)  The  Bank  acknowledges  that  Borrower  anticipates  writing  off
research  and  development  costs in fiscal  year 1997 and agrees to amend where
appropriate the financial covenants in this Article VIII to make them consistent
with such write off.

         All of the foregoing covenants shall be tested quarterly beginning June
28, 1997. Notwithstanding the foregoing covenants listed above, the Bank, in its
sole discretion may revise such covenants to reflect the in-process research and
development write-off in connection with the Acquisition.

         Capitalized  terms  otherwise  not defined  herein  shall be defined in
accordance with GAAP.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                   EVENTS OF DEFAULT, ACCELERATION AND SETOFF

         9.0 The  occurrence  of any one or more of the  following  events shall
constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

         (1) Failure of the  Borrower to pay within ten (10) days the  principal
of, or interest on, the Note as and when due and payable; or

         (2) Any material  representation or warranty made or deemed made by the
Borrower  in this  Agreement,  or in any of the  Loan  Documents,  or  which  is
contained in any certificate, document, opinion, or financial or other statement
furnished at anytime under or in connection  with any Loan Document  shall prove
to have been  incorrect  in any  material  respect  on or as of the date made or
deemed made; or

         (3) The Borrower  shall fail to perform or observe any  material  term,
covenant,  or agreement  contained in any Loan Document (other than the Note) on
its part to be performed or observed  within  twenty (20) days after  receipt of
notice from the Bank; or






         (4) The Borrower  shall (a) fail to pay any  indebtedness  for borrowed
money (other than the Note) of the Borrower or any interest or premium  thereon,
when due,  subject to any grace or cure period  relating  to such  indebtedness,
(whether by scheduled maturity,  required prepayment,  acceleration,  demand, or
otherwise),  (whether or not related to this  transaction or owed to the Bank or
another  person) or (b) fail to perform or observe any material term,  covenant,
or  condition on its part to be  performed  or observed  under any  agreement or
instrument  relating to any such indebtedness,  when required to be performed or
observed, subject to any grace or cure period relating to such indebtedness,  if
the effect of such failure to perform or observe is to accelerate,  or to permit
the acceleration  after the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, of the
maturity of such  indebtedness,  unless such failure to perform or observe shall
be waived by the holder of such indebtedness;  or any such indebtedness shall be
declared  to be due and  payable,  or  required  to be prepaid  (other than by a
regularly scheduled required prepayment),  prior to the stated maturity thereof;
or

       (5)  There exists any Breach or Default under:

                   (i)  that certain  $8,000,000.00  Term Loan  Agreement  among
                        Bank and Borrower  dated December 21, 1995 as amended by
                        that certain  Amendment  and  Ratification  of Term Loan
                        Agreement of even date  herewith and all  documents  and
                        certificates executed in connection therewith, including
                        without  limitation  that certain Term  Promissory  Note
                        (Market  Rate) as of  December  21,  1995  delivered  by
                        Borrower to Bank;

                   (ii) that certain  $4,983,051,00  Term Loan  Agreement  among
                        Bank and Borrower of even date hereof and all  documents
                        and  certificates   executed  in  connection  therewith,
                        including   without   limitation,   that   certain  Term
                        Promissory  Note (Market Rate) and Term  Promissory Note
                        (Prime Rate).

         (6) The  Borrower  (a) shall  generally  not, or shall be unable to, or
shall admit in writing its  inability to pay its debts as such debts become due;
or (b) shall make an assignment for the benefits of creditors, petition or apply
to any tribunal for the appointment of a custodian,  receiver, or trustee for it
or a substantial part of its assets; or (c) shall file a petition or application
or  otherwise  commence any  proceeding  under any  bankruptcy,  reorganization,
arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, or liquidation law or statute of
any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect; or (d) shall have any such
petition or application  filed or any such  proceeding  commenced  against it in
which an order for relief is entered or  adjudication or appointment is made; or
(e) by any act or  omission  shall  indicate  its consent  to,  approval  of, or
acquiescence  in any such petition,  application,  or  proceeding,  or order for
relief, or the appointment of a custodian,  receiver,  or trustee for all or any
substantial  part of its  properties;  or (f) shall  suffer  any  custodianship,
receivership, or trusteeship; or







         (7) One or more judgments,  decrees, or orders for the payment of money
in excess of an aggregate of Ten Thousand  ($10,000.00) Dollars in the aggregate
shall be rendered  against the  Borrower or any of their  Subsidiaries  and such
judgments,  decrees,  or orders shall continue  unsatisfied  and in effect for a
period of thirty  (30)  consecutive  days  without  being  vacated,  discharged,
satisfied, or stayed or bonded pending appeal; or

         (8) The service of any process on the Bank attaching by trustee process
any  assets  of the  Borrower  held  by  the  Bank  in an  amount  greater  than
$25,000.00; or

         (9) Borrower shall suffer any uninsured material loss, uninsured theft,
uninsured substantial damage, to or of any property;

         9.1 If any Event of Default  shall occur and continue  beyond any grace
period  provided under this Agreement then or at any time  thereafter,  Bank may
declare  all  Obligations  to be due  and  payable,  without  notice  except  as
expressly  required,  protest,  presentment  or demand,  all of which are hereby
expressly waived by Borrower.

         9.2  Simultaneously  with the sending of a notice of default Bank shall
have the right to setoff any and all deposits or other sums at any time or times
credited by or due from Bank to Borrower,  whether in a special account or other
account or  represented  by a certificate  of deposit,  which deposits and other
sums shall at all times constitute  additional  security for the Obligations and
may be setoff against all or any part of the Obligations at any time if Borrower
is the primary  obligor  with respect to such  Obligations,  or, at or after the
maturity of Obligations if Borrower is secondary obligor.

                                    ARTICLE X

                               TERM OF AGREEMENT;

         10.0 The term of this  Agreement  shall commence on the date hereof and
shall  continue in full force and effect and be binding upon Borrower  until the
later of the  Expiration  or all  Obligations  shall  have been  fully  paid and
satisfied.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         11.0 The  failure  of Bank at any time or times  hereafter  to  require
strict performance by Borrower of any of the provisions,  warranties, terms, and
conditions  contained  in this  Agreement or in any other  agreement,  guaranty,
note, instrument, now or at any time or times hereafter executed by Borrower and
delivered to Bank shall not waive,  affect, or diminish any right of Bank at any
time or times hereafter to demand strict performance  thereof;  and no rights of
Bank  hereunder  shall be deemed to have been waived by any act or  knowledge of
Bank, its agents, officers, or employees








unless such waiver is contained in an instrument in writing signed by an officer
of Bank and directed to Borrower  specifying  such waiver.  No waiver by Bank of
any of its rights shall operate as a waiver of any other of its rights or any of
its rights on a future occasion.

         11.1 All  notices  and other  communications  provided  for under  this
Agreement  and under the other Loan  Documents  to which the Borrower is a party
shall be in writing and mailed or hand delivered:

                If to the Borrower:         Applied Science and Technology,
                                            Inc.
                                            35 Cabot Road
                                            Woburn, MA 01801
                                            ATTN:  John M. Tarrh

                With a copy to:             Neil H. Aronson, Esquire
                                            O'Connor, Broude & Aronson
                                            950 Winter Street
                                            Waltham, MA 02154

                If to the Bank:             State Street Bank and Trust
                                            Company
                                            225 Franklin Street
                                            Boston, MA 02110
                                            ATTN: Suzanne L. Dwyer

                With a copy to:             Bradley W. Snyder, Esquire
                                            Ron M. Hadar, Esquire
                                            Looney & Grossman
                                            101 Arch Street
                                            Boston, MA 02110

or such other address as shall be  designated by such party in a written  notice
to the other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section 11.1.
All such  notices and  communication  shall be effective  when  deposited in the
mail,  addressed as aforesaid,  registered  or certified  mail,  return  receipt
requested,  or sent by messenger or overnight courier with a signed receipt,  or
the date of actual receipt, whichever first occurs.

         11.2 This  Agreement  contains  the entire  understanding  between  the
parties  hereto with respect to the  transactions  contemplated  herein and such
understanding  shall not be modified except in writing signed by or on behalf of
the parties hereto.

         11.3  Wherever  possible,  each  provision of this  Agreement  shall be
interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under  applicable law.
Should any portion of this  Agreement be declared  invalid for any reason in any
jurisdiction,  such declaration shall have no effect upon the remaining portions
of this  Agreement,  and  furthermore,  the  entirety  of this  Agreement  shall
continue in full force and effect in all other  jurisdictions and said remaining
portions of this Agreement shall continue in









full force and effect in the subject  jurisdiction as if this Agreement had been
executed with the invalid portions thereof deleted.

         11.4 The provisions of this  Agreement  shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the  successors  and  assigns of Bank and the  Borrower,
provided,  however,  that the  Borrower  may not  assign  any of its  rights  or
delegate any of its obligations  hereunder  without the prior written consent of
Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

         11.5 This Agreement,  the Note and all other  documents  hereunder have
been  made and  delivered  in The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  and shall be
governed  by, and  construed  in all  respects in  accordance  with the laws and
decisions of The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  and  Borrower  submits to the
Jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts  for all purposes with respect to this Agreement
and all other documents hereunder and its relationship with Bank.

         11.6 The Borrower will pay or reimburse  the Bank,  on demand,  for all
reasonable expenses (including, without limitation,  reasonable counsel fees and
expenses) incurred or paid by the Bank in connection with the enforcement by the
Bank of its rights as against the  Borrower  or any other  person  primarily  or
secondarily  liable to the Bank hereunder or  thereunder;  and after an Event of
Default  or  demand,  for  the   administration,   supervision,   protection  or
realization on any collateral held by the Bank as security for any obligation of
the Borrower or any other person  primarily or  secondarily  liable with respect
thereto;  and in the defense of any action  against the Bank with respect to its
rights or liabilities hereunder or thereunder.  In addition,  the Borrower shall
pay any and all stamp  and other  taxes and fees  payable  or  determined  to be
payable in connection with the execution,  delivery, filing and recording of any
of the Loan  documents  and the other  documents to be delivered  under any such
Loan documents.

        11.7 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,  each
of which  shall be  deemed to be an  original  but all of which  together  shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.

        11.8 The section  headings herein are included for convenience  only and
shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

        11.9 BORROWER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY THE BORROWER MAY HAVE IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING,  IN LAW OR EQUITY,  IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.
BORROWER AND BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND  INTENTIONALLY  WAIVE ANY
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION  ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR
IN  CONNECTION   WITH  THIS  AGREEMENT.   BORROWER  HEREBY   CERTIFIES  THAT  NO
REPRESENTATIVE  OR AGENT OF BANK HAS REPRESENTED,  EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE,  THAT
BANK WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT
TO JURY TRIAL  PROVISION.  BORROWER  ACKNOWLEDGES  THAT BANK HAS BEEN INDUCED TO
ENTER INTO BANK'S LENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH BORROWER BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.









        11.10 No delay or  omission  on Bank's  part in  exercising  any  right,
remedy or option shall operate as a waiver or such or any other right, remedy or
option or of any default.

        11.11  The  terms  of  the  Commitment  Letter  issued  by the  Bank  in
connection with the Loan, as modified by the Loan  Documents,  shall survive the
Closing.

        11.12 No  provision  of this  Agreement  or the Note or any  other  Loan
document  shall  require  the  payment or permit the  collection  of interest in
excess of the maximum  permitted by law. If any such excess interest is provided
for  herein or in the Note or any other  Loan  document,  Borrower  shall not be
obligated to pay such excess,  and the right to demand the payment of any excess
is hereby waived.

        11.13 Nothing  contained herein or in any Loan Document shall affect the
terms of any agreements  between the Borrower and the Bank with respect to other
loans.

        11.14 Any matter disclosed by Borrower in this Agreement or any Schedule
hereto,  or excepted from any  representation,  warranty or covenant of Borrower
herein,  shall be deemed  disclosed for all purposes of this Agreement and to be
an exception from all such representations, warranties and covenants.

        11.15 In the event the  Acquisition  Transaction  does not  close,  this
Agreement  shall  be null and  void  with no  further  force  or  effect  and no
liabilities to the parties  hereunder,  except the Borrower shall pay the Bank's
reasonable legal and processing costs.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                               ASSIGNMENT BY BANK

        12.0 If at any time or times, by assignment or otherwise, Bank transfers
or assigns any Obligations and/or security  therefor,  such transfer shall carry
with it the power and rights of Bank under this  Agreement  with  respect to the
Obligations and security  assigned or transferred and the assignee or transferee
shall  become  vested  with  said  powers  and  rights  whether  or not they are
specifically  referred to in the  transfer or  assignment.  If and to the extent
Bank retains any Obligations or security, Bank shall continue to have the rights
and powers herein set forth with respect thereto.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                    SECURITY

        13.0  After  an  Event of  Default,  the  Bank in its sole and  absolute
discretion  may  require a  security  interest  in any or all of the  Borrower's
assets,  including  without  limitation any trademarks,  patents,  copyrights or
other  intellectual  property  (the  "Secured  Assets").  In the  event  Bank so
requests, the Borrower hereby grants to Bank a security interest in such Secured
Assets and the Borrower will execute and deliver to the Bank any








writings, UCC Financing Statements,  US Patents and Trademark Office Filings and
do all things reasonably necessary, effectual or requested by the Bank to create
and  perfect  a  security   interest  in  the  Secured   Assets  (the  "Security
Documents").  A carbon,  photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or
any  financing  statements  executed  pursuant  to the  terms  hereof  shall  be
sufficient  as a  financing  statement  for  the  purpose  of  filing  with  the
appropriate authorities.

        13.1 In addition to any other rights provided herein,  Documents and the
Borrower hereby irrevocably  constitutes and appoints the Bank as the Borrower's
true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution,  at the sole cost and
expense of the Borrower  but for the sole benefit of the Bank,  to sign and file
or record on behalf of the Borrower any financing or other statement in order to
perfect or protect the Bank's security  interest.  All powers conferred upon the
bank by this Agreement,  being coupled with an interest, shall be irrevocable so
long as any Obligation of the Borrower to the Bank shall remain unpaid.



                     [THIS SECTION INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]



        IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each  of the  parties  hereto  have  caused  this
Agreement  to be signed in their  name and  behalf by an  officer  or  officers,
thereunto  duly  authorized as an  instrument  under seal as of the day and year
first written above.

                                    BORROWER:

                                     APPLIED SCIENCE AND
                                         TECHNOLOGY, INC.


                                     By:____________________________
                                           John M. Tarrh
                                     Its: Senior Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer


                                     BANK:

                                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                          COMPANY

                                     By:____________________________

                                     Its:___________________________


                                        ----------------------------
                                        (Print Name)








                             EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES


2.2(1) LMCS Agreement

2.4      Promissory Note

2.6      Form of Standby Letter of Credit Agreement

2.9      Form Borrowing Base Certificate

5.9      Permitted Encumbrances

5.10     Subsidiaries

5.14     Environmental Matters

5.15     Patents/Licenses/Trademarks

5.16     Debt

7.9      Investment Policy

7.13     Places of Business






                                  SCHEDULE 5.9
                             PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES





                                  SCHEDULE 5.10
                     SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER





                                  SCHEDULE 5.14
                              ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS





                                  SCHEDULE 5.15
                           PATENTS/LICENSES/TRADEMARKS





                                  SCHEDULE 5.16
                                      DEBT





                                  SCHEDULE 7.9
                                INVESTMENT POLICY





                                  SCHEDULE 7.13
                               PLACES OF BUSINESS




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(f)



                  UNSECURED COMMITTED REVOLVER PROMISSORY NOTE

$8,000,000.00                                                        May 1, 1997
Principal Sum                                              Boston, Massachusetts


         FOR VALUE  RECEIVED,  the  undersigned  APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the "BORROWER") hereby promises
to pay to the order of STATE  STREET  BANK AND TRUST  COMPANY,  a  Massachusetts
trust company  (hereinafter called the "BANK") at the office of the Bank located
at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or such other places as the
holder hereof shall designate, EIGHT MILLION AND 00/100 ($8,000,000.00) DOLLARS,
or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all loans made by the Bank
to the Borrower,  together  with  interest  commencing on June 1, 1997 on unpaid
balances as follows:  (i) on Prime Rate Loans pursuant to that certain Unsecured
Committed  Revolver  Loan  Agreement,  dated as of the date hereof,  between the
Borrower and the Bank (the "REVOLVER AGREEMENT"),  at the Prime Rate (as defined
below) payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each calendar month;  (ii)
on Market Rate Loans (as defined in the Revolver  Agreement)  at the Market Rate
(as defined  below) plus one hundred  and fifty  basis  points  (1.50%)  payable
monthly in arrears on the first of each month until the sooner of  Maturity  (as
defined in the Revolver  Agreement).  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  all loans
made by Bank  for the  Borrower  hereunder  shall  be due and  payable  with all
interest  hereon  (if  any)  on the  Expiration  (as  defined  in  the  Revolver
Agreement).  Interest based upon the Prime Rate shall  fluctuate  based upon the
Bank's Prime Rate in effect from time to time.  Each change in the Prime Rate of
interest shall take effect  simultaneously with the corresponding change in such
Prime Rate.  "PRIME RATE" shall mean the rate of interest  announced by the Bank
in Boston from time to time as its "Prime  Rate".  "MARKET  RATE" shall mean the
fixed rate of interest quoted by the Bank on the date a Market Rate Loan is made
by the Bank (in its sole  discretion),  which rate shall be determined solely by
the Bank based upon the Bank's cost of funds. After  acceleration,  or maturity,
interest  shall  accrue and be payable at the Prime Rate plus Four (4%)  Percent
per annum.  Any rate of interest  set forth herein  shall be  calculated  on the
basis of actual days elapsed and a 360-day year.

         All loans  hereunder  and all  payments  on  account of  principal  and
interest hereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to any transfer hereof,
endorsed on a grid on the last page of this Note.  The entries on the records of
the Bank (including any appearing on this Note) shall be prima facie evidence of
amounts outstanding hereunder.

         Prime Rate Loans, as defined in the Revolver Agreement,  may be prepaid
without  premium or penalty.  In the event that less than the total  outstanding
balance is prepaid,  payments shall first be applied to outstanding  charges, if
any,  then to


                                      -1-


interest,  with the  balance to  principal  to be applied to the next  principal
installments(s)  due or in the inverse  order of maturity,  at the option of the
Borrower to be exercised in writing. If no written direction is given, then said
payment shall be applied to principal in the inverse  order of maturity.  In the
event any Market Rate Loan (as defined in the Revolver  Agreement) is prepaid in
part or in whole,  such  prepayment  shall be made together with the  applicable
amounts computed as provided in the Revolver  Agreement.  In the event that less
than the total outstanding  balance is prepaid,  payments shall first be applied
to outstanding charges, if any, then to interest, with the balance to principal.

         If any one or more of the Events of Default, as defined in the Revolver
Agreement,  shall occur, the entire unpaid principal amount of this Note and all
of the unpaid interest accrued thereon may become or be declared due and payable
in the manner and with the effect provided in the Revolver Agreement.

         Any  deposits  or other  sums at any time  credited  by or due from the
holder to any maker,  endorser  or  guarantor  hereof in the  possession  of the
holder  may at all times be held and  treated  as  collateral  security  for the
payment of this Note.  The  holder may apply or set off such  deposits  or other
sums against  said  liabilities  at any time in the case of the maker,  but only
with respect to matured liabilities in the case of any endorser or guarantor.

         No delay or omission on the part of the holder in exercising  any right
hereunder  shall  operate as a waiver of such right or of any other  right under
this Note.  A waiver on any one  occasion  shall not be construed as a bar to or
waiver of any such right and/or remedy on any future occasions.

         Every maker,  endorser and guarantor of this Note, or of the obligation
represented hereby, waives presentment,  demand, notice,  protest, and all other
demands and notices in connection  with the delivery,  acceptance,  performance,
default or enforcement of this Note,  assents to any  substitution,  exchange or
release of  collateral,  and/or to the addition or release of any other party or
person primarily or secondarily liable.

         The undersigned  will pay all reasonable  expenses of every kind of the
enforcement of this Note, or of any of the rights  hereunder,  and hereby agrees
to pay to the holder on demand the amount of any and all such expenses  incurred
by it.  After  deducting  all  reasonable  legal or other  expenses and costs of
collection of this Note and all costs of storage,  custody, sale and delivery of
collateral  held  hereunder,  the residue of any proceeds of  collection or sale
shall be applied to the payment of  principal or interest on this Note or on any
or all the other liabilities  aforesaid,  due or to become due, in such order of
preference  as the holder  shall  determine,  proper  allowance  for interest on
liabilities  not then being  made,  and any over  surplus  shall be  returned to
undersigned.



                                      -2-



         As herein  used,  the word  "holder"  shall  mean the  payee,  or other
endorsee of this Note, or bearer if it is at the time payable.

         This  Note  shall  take  effect  as a sealed  instrument  and  shall be
governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

         THE BORROWER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY THE BORROWER MAY HAVE IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING,  IN LAW OR EQUITY,  IN CONNECTION  WITH THIS NOTE. THE
BORROWER AND THE BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND  INTENTIONALLY  WAIVE
ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF, UNDER,
OR IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THIS  NOTE.  THE  BORROWER  HEREBY  CERTIFIES  THAT  NO
REPRESENTATIVE  OR AGENT OF THE BANK HAS  REPRESENTED,  EXPRESSLY OR  OTHERWISE,
THAT THE BANK WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS WAIVER
OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL PROVISION.  THE BORROWER  ACKNOWLEDGES  THAT THE BANK HAS
BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE BANK'S LENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BORROWER BY,
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this Note has been duly executed and delivered as
an instrument under seal as of the day and year first written above.

                                    APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.



____________________________        By:_______________________________
Witness                                  John M. Tarrh
                                    Its: Senior Vice President and
                                         Chief Financial Officer



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(g)


                               TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

         This Term Loan Agreement  (this  "AGREEMENT")  is entered into this 1st
day  of  May,  1997,  by  and  between  APPLIED  SCIENCE  AND  TECHNOLOGY,  INC.
("BORROWER") a Delaware  corporation  with its principal place of business at 35
Cabot Road, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, and STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
("BANK"), a Massachusetts trust company organized and existing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                                 W H E R E A S:

         Borrower  desires  to  borrow  the sum of  Four  Million  Nine  Hundred
Eighty-Three  Thousand  Fifty-One  Dollars   ($4,983,051.00)  from  Bank,  which
borrowing  is  sometimes  referred  to herein as (the  "LOAN"),  for its working
capital  needs as well as for the  acquisition  of  Sorbios  GmbH and  Converter
Power,  Inc. (the "Acquisition  Entities").  Bank is willing to make the Loan in
consideration  of the undertakings of Borrower set forth herein and in the other
documents evidencing and/or constituting the Loan.

         IN CONSIDERATION THEREOF, the parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.0 When used  herein,  the terms set forth  below  shall be defined as
follows:

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall mean each and every event specified in Article
IX of this Agreement or set forth under the Note, as an event of default.

         "NOTE" shall mean the Term Promissory Note of Borrower,  executed as of
the date hereof and delivered simultaneously herewith.

         "LOAN  DOCUMENTS"  shall mean this  Agreement,  the Note, and any other
instrument or  instruments  entered into pursuant to or in connection  with this
Agreement,  as such  instruments  may be amended,  supplemented or modified from
time to time.

         "LIEN"  shall  mean  any  mortgage,  deed of  trust,  pledge,  security
interest,  hypothecation,  assignment, depositor arrangement,  encumbrance, lien
(statutory or other),  or preference,  priority or other  security  agreement or
preferential agreement,  charge, or encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including,  without  limitation,  any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement,  any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as
any of the  foregoing and filing of any  financing  statement  under the Uniform
Commercial  Code or comparable  law of any  jurisdiction  to evidence any of the
foregoing).


                                      -1-



         "MARKET  RATE"  shall mean an amount  equal to the Base Market Rate (as
hereinafter defined) plus 150 basis points. For purposes of this definition, the
term "Base Market Rate" shall mean the fixed rate of interest quoted by the Bank
on the date the Loan funds under the Market Rate Note are advanced,  in its sole
discretion,  which  rate shall be  determined  solely by the Bank based upon the
Bank's cost of funds.

         "MARKET RATE LOAN(S)" means that portion of the Loan for which interest
is based on the Market Rate as set forth in Article II hereof.

         "OBLIGATIONS"  shall  mean any and all  indebtedness,  obligations  and
liabilities  of Borrower to Bank arising under any  agreement  with the Bank, of
every kind and description,  direct or indirect,  secured or unsecured, joint or
several,  absolute or contingent,  due or to become due,  whether for payment or
performance,  now existing or hereafter arising; including,  without limitation,
all indebtedness  under the Loan (including by renewal or extension of the Loan)
any and all sums which may be advanced by Bank pursuant to this Agreement or any
other  agreement  between the Bank and the Borrower,  and all  interest,  taxes,
fees,  charges,  expenses and reasonable  attorney's fees chargeable to Borrower
under this Agreement.

         "PRIME  RATE"  shall mean the rate of interest  announced  from time to
time by Bank at its head office in Boston, Massachusetts as its "Prime Rate".

         "PRIME RATE LOAN(S)"  means that portion of the Loan for which interest
is based on the Prime Rate as set forth in Article II hereof.

         "TANGIBLE  NET  WORTH"  means the  excess of total  assets  over  total
liabilities,  (total  assets  and total  liabilities  each to be  determined  in
accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles)  ("GAAP") consistent
with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in
Sections  6.7(1) and (2) excluding,  however,  from the  determination  of total
assets all assets which would be classified as intangible,  without  limitation,
goodwill,  patents,   trademarks,   tradenames,   copyrights,   franchises,  and
intangibles.

         1.1.  Accounting  Terms. All accounting terms not specifically  defined
herein shall be construed in accordance  with GAAP  consistent with that applied
in the  preparation of the Borrower's  financial  statements,  and all financial
data submitted  pursuant to this Agreement  shall be prepared in accordance with
such principles,  except interim financial data which may be subject to year-end
adjustments.



                                      -2-



                                   ARTICLE II

                            AMOUNT AND TERMS OF LOANS

         2.0 Promptly  following the  execution and delivery of the Note,  Bank,
agrees to make  advances  to  Borrower  under the Loan under and  subject to the
following terms and conditions:

         (a) The Loan is  structured  as a  $4,983,051.00  unsecured  term loan.
Funds shall be  available  under the Loan only in  accordance  with the terms of
this  Agreement.  The Loan  will be due May 31,  2002  ("Maturity")  and will be
evidenced by a Term Promissory Note of Borrower dated the date hereof and issued
in the original principal amount of $4,983,051.00.

         (b) The Borrower shall pay interest to the Bank on the  outstanding and
unpaid  principal  amount of the Loan,  at interest  rates as called for in each
Note.  Interest  shall be  calculated  on the basis of actual days elapsed and a
360-day year.

         (c) The Borrower may at any time prepay any Prime Rate Loans portion of
the Loan in whole or in part without  penalty with accrued  interest to the date
of such repayment on the amount prepaid. To the extent any part of the Loan is a
Prime Rate Loan,  Borrower  may at anytime  convert  such Loan to a Market  Rate
Loan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing.  To the extent Bank has made a Market Rate
Loan  to  Borrower,  such  Loan  may  not be  pre-paid  except  pursuant  to the
provisions of sub-section (d) hereof.

         (d) In the event of  prepayment of the Market Rate Loan, in whole or in
part,  either at the  Borrower's  initiative or upon the exercise by the Bank of
its rights in the event of, an Event of Default,  the Borrower  agrees to pay to
the Bank its lost net interest income resulting from the prepayment.  Therefore,
the Borrower's  payment to the Bank in respect of such prepayment  shall consist
of the principal amount being prepaid, all interest owing up to the date of such
prepayment,  together with the Bank's lost net interest income, if any, computed
as described  below.  As of the date of prepayment of any Market Rate Loan,  the
Bank will  determine  the  interest  rate  differential  between the rate stated
herein for such  Market  Rate Loan and the yield on a United  States  Government
Treasury Note with the maturity  closest to such Market Rate Loan as the same is
reported in The Wall Street  Journal of that day  (reporting  the previous day's
activity).  In the event that the rate  differential  so determined is such that
the Treasury Note yield is greater than the Market Rate Loan yield,  no lost net
interest income shall be paid to the Bank, nor, in any event, shall any such sum
be owed by the Bank to the Borrower.  In the event that the rate differential so
determined  is such that the Market Rate Loan yield is greater than the Treasury
Note yield,  the difference  shall be multiplied by the principal  amount of the
Market Rate Loan which is being prepaid, computed monthly for the remaining term
of such Market Rate Loan; the present value of such monthly  compensation  shall
be  calculated  and paid to the Bank as its lost net  interest  income.  For the
purpose of computing



                                      -3-


present  value,  the  interest  rate  used  for  discounting  shall  be the bond
equivalent yield of the United States Treasury Bill rate as reported in The Wall
Street Journal of that day (reporting the previous day's activity)  reflecting a
term closest to the  remaining  term of the Loan.  Any lost net interest  income
paid or payable to the Bank  hereunder as a result of any prepayment of a Market
Rate Loan is  sometimes  referred to as a "MARKET RATE  PREMIUM".  To the extent
there is due from  Borrower to the Bank any Market Rate  Premium,  the amount of
such Market Rate  Premium  shall be reduced  dollar for dollar by the amount the
Borrower  pays to the Bank in  default  rate  interest  pursuant  to the  second
paragraph of the Market Rate Note.

                                   ARTICLE III

                              USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS

         3.0 The  proceeds  of the Loan  hereunder  shall  be used  only for the
Borrower's  acquiring  the  Acquisition  Entities and for no other  purpose (the
"ACQUISITION  TRANSACTION")  and  refinancing  certain of the  Borrower's  prior
obligations to Bank made in connection  with the acquisition by Borrower of ETO,
Inc.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE LOAN

         4.0 The  undertaking  of the Bank to make the  Loan is  subject  to the
condition  precedent  that the Bank shall have  received on or before the day of
such Loan each of the following in form and substance  satisfactory  to the Bank
and its counsel:

         4.1 A  certificate  of even date  herewith  of an officer of  Borrower,
identifying  the officer or officers of  Borrower,  authorized  to execute  this
Agreement,  the Note, and such other documents to be delivered  pursuant to this
Agreement,  and affixed thereto shall be true copies of resolutions of Borrower,
authorizing the transactions  contemplated  herein, the execution,  delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Note, and any other document or instrument to
be delivered pursuant hereto;

         4.2  The Note, duly executed by Borrower and delivered to Bank;

         4.3 An opinion of Borrower's counsel in form and substance satisfactory
to the Bank and its counsel.

         4.4 Certificate of legal existence and tax good standing for Borrower;

         4.5  Documents  and  Certificates   evidencing  registration  and  good
standing  in  all  jurisdictions   where  the  Borrower  has  applied  for  such
registration;



                                      -4-


         4.6 A certified copy of the corporate charter documents of Borrower;

         4.7  A certified copy of the By-Laws of Borrower;

         4.8 UCC-3 Negative Pledge Statements  executed by Borrower in such form
and substance as Bank and its counsel shall require.

         4.9 Such other documents or certificates as may be reasonably requested
by Bank and/or as are required under the terms of this Agreement,  and any other
documents or agreements to which Bank, and the Borrower are parties;

                                    ARTICLE V

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         5.0 As a  material  inducement  to Bank to make  the  Loan to  Borrower
hereunder,  Borrower,  represents and warrants to Bank and such  representations
and warranties  shall be continuing  representations  and warranties  during the
term of this Agreement and so long  thereafter as any  Obligations  shall remain
outstanding, as follows:

         5.1 The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated,  validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the state of its  incorporation;  has the
corporate  power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in
which it is now engaged or proposed to be engaged in; and is duly qualified as a
foreign  corporation  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  each  other
jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.

         5.2 The execution,  delivery,  and  performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement,  the Note and other Loan  Documents  to which it is a party have been
duly  authorized by all necessary  corporate  action and do not and will not (1)
require  any  consent or  approval  of the  stockholders  of the  Borrower;  (2)
contravene  the Borrower's  charter or bylaws;  (3) violate any provision of any
law, rule, regulation (including, without limitation,  Regulation U of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), the violation of which would have a
material  adverse  effect on the business or  operations  of the Borrower or any
order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination,  or award presently in
effect having  applicability;  (4) result in a breach of or constitute a default
under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other  agreement,  lease,
or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or its  properties
may be bound or affected;  (5) result in, or require, the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties now owned or hereafter
acquired by the  Borrower;  and (6) cause the  Borrower to be in violation of or
default under any such law, rule, regulation, or any such indenture,  agreement,
lease,  or instrument  which default would have a material and adverse effect on
the business or operation  of the Borrower or under any order,  writ,  judgment,
injunction, decree, determination or award.


                                      -5-




         5.3 This  Agreement  is,  and each of the  other  Loan  Documents  when
delivered under this Agreement will be, legal, valid, and binding obligations of
the  Borrower  enforceable  against  the  Borrower,  in  accordance  with  their
respective  terms,  except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy,  insolvency,  and other similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally and general equity principles.

         5.4 The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its consolidated
subsidiaries  as of June 29, 1996 and the  related  consolidated  statements  of
income,  cash flows and  stockholders'  equity for the fiscal  year then  ended,
reported on by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and set forth in the  Borrower's  1996 Form
10-K,  a copy of which  has been  delivered  to the  Bank,  fairly  present,  in
conformity  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  the  consolidated
financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated  Subsidiaries as of such
date and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for such fiscal
year, and since the date through which the financial statements cover, there has
been (a) no material  adverse change in the condition  (financial or otherwise),
business,  or  operations  of  Borrower;  (b) no  damage,  destruction  or  loss
materially adversely affecting Borrower's business; (c) no declaration of making
of any dividend or other  distribution  to  stockholders  of the  Borrower  with
respect  to  Borrower's  capital  stock or any  direct or  indirect  redemption,
purchase or other acquisition of any such stock; (d) no increase in compensation
payable or to become payable by Borrower to any of its executive officers or any
general wage increase except in the ordinary course of the Borrower's  business;
or (e) no  materially  adverse  controversy  with  employees,  labor  unions  or
governmental  agencies.   There  are  no  liabilities  of  Borrower,   fixed  or
contingent, which are material but are not reflected in the financial statements
or in the notes thereto,  other than liabilities  arising in the ordinary course
of business.

         5.5  Neither  the  business  nor the  properties  of the  Borrower  are
affected  by any fire,  explosion,  accident,  strike,  lockout  or other  labor
dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake,  embargo, act of God or of the public
enemy,  or other casualty  (whether or not covered by insurance)  materially and
adversely  affecting  such  business  or  properties  or  the  operation  of the
Borrower.

         5.6 The Borrower has not  materially  violated,  nor is the Borrower in
material  violation of, any applicable law or regulation,  which violation would
have a material and adverse effect on the business or operations of the Borrower
or any order,  judgment,  or decree. The Borrower is not a party to any contract
or other agreement,  or subject to any restrictions under its charter documents,
bylaws or other corporate instrument,  or subject to any order, judgment,  rule,
regulation,  or decree of any court or governmental authority,  which materially
and adversely affects its business, properties, assets or financial condition or
which restricts or otherwise limits its incurring of the Loan or its performance
and  observance  of its  Obligations.  Neither  the  execution  and  delivery by
Borrower, nor the compliance by Borrower


                                      -6-


with the terms and conditions,  of this Agreement, or any Loan Document to which
Borrower  is a party,  conflicts  or will  conflict  with,  constitutes  or will
constitute a default  under,  or results or will result in any violation of, the
charter  documents or By-laws of Borrower,  any award of any arbitrator,  and to
Borrower's knowledge,  any law, any order, judgment,  rule, regulation or decree
of any court or governmental  authority, or any agreement or instrument to which
Borrower is a party or any of its property is subject;  nor does the same result
nor will it result in the  creation  or  imposition  of any Lien upon any of its
property except the Liens created by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

         5.7  Except as set forth in  Borrower's  1996  Form  10-K,  there is no
pending or, to the Borrower's knowledge, threatened action or proceeding against
or affecting the Borrower before any court,  governmental  agency, or arbitrator
which may, in any one case or in the aggregate,  materially adversely affect the
financial condition, operations,  properties, or business of the Borrower or the
ability of the Borrower to perform its  Obligations  under the Loan Documents to
which it is a party.

         5.8 The Borrower has satisfied all judgments and the Borrower is not in
default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction,  or decree of any court,
arbitrator,  or federal,  state,  municipal,  or other  governmental  authority,
commission, board, bureau, agency, or instrumentality, domestic or foreign.

         5.9 The Borrower has good and clear record and marketable  title to all
properties and assets which it purports to own, free and clear of all mortgages,
liens, pledges, charges,  security interests and encumbrances,  other than those
being  granted to the Bank,  pursuant  hereto,  if any,  and those  reflected on
Schedule 5.9.

         5.10 There are currently five wholly-owned subsidiaries of Borrower and
except as set forth on Schedule  5.10,  Borrower has no investments in the stock
or securities of any other corporation, firm, trust or other entity.

         5.11 To the best knowledge of the Borrower, the Borrower possesses, all
licenses, permits, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade names,
or rights thereto, to conduct its business substantially now as conducted and as
presently  proposed to be  conducted,  and the  Borrower is not in any  material
violation of any rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing.

         5.12 The Borrower has filed all income tax returns,  excise tax returns
and other tax returns  (federal,  state, and local) required to be filed and has
paid all taxes,  assessments,  and governmental charges and levies thereon to be
due, including interest and penalties.  To the Borrower's knowledge, no audit or
investigation  is presently being conducted with regard to any tax return or tax
obligation of Borrower.


                                      -7-



         5.13 No employee pension benefit plan or other plan (within the meaning
of Section 3(2) of the  Employees  Retirement  Income  Security Act of 1974,  as
amended  ("ERISA"))  which is or was  sponsored at any time,  by Borrower or any
member of a  controlled  group of  corporations  within  the  meaning of Section
414(b) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1954,  as amended (the  "Code"),  or any
member of a group of commonly  controlled  trades or businesses  (whether or not
incorporated) within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code of which Borrower
is a member  ("Plan"):  (i) has  incurred an  "accumulated  funding  deficiency"
(within the meaning of Section  302(a)(2) of ERISA),  or which could result in a
liability of Borrower (which  liability could  materially  adversely  affect the
financial  conditions of Borrower) under Section 409 of ERISA or Section 4975 of
the Code or pursuant to any  agreement or statute  with  respect to  liabilities
incurred by an person under such sections.  No material liability to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty  Corporation  ("PBGC"),  to a Plan, or to any participant in or
beneficiary  of a Plan has been or, to the present  knowledge  of  Borrower,  is
expected to be incurred with respect to any Plan by Borrower, and there has been
no event or condition  which presents a risk of termination of any Plan by PBGC.
None of the following  events has occurred or, to the knowledge of Borrower,  is
expected  to occur,  with  respect to any  multi-employer  plan (as that term is
defined  in  Section  3(37) of ERISA) to which any  Borrower  or any member of a
controlled group of corporations or any member of a group of commonly controlled
trades or businesses of which Borrower is a member, contributes on behalf of its
employees (the  "Contributing  Employers") which has resulted or could result in
any material liability of the Borrower to PBGC, to such multi-employer  plan, or
to  any  participant  in or  beneficiary  of  such  multi-employer  plan:  (i) a
withdrawal,  either complete or partial,  from any such plan (within the meaning
of  Section  4203 or Section  4205,  respectively,  of ERISA) by a  Contributing
Employer;  (ii) the  termination  of any such plan;  or (iii) the recording of a
reorganization  index (as defined by Section 4241 of ERISA) in excess of zero by
any such plan.

         5.14  Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 5.14, the Borrower has never:

         (a)    owned,  occupied,  or  operated  a site or  vessel  on which any
                hazardous  material  or oil was or is  stored,  transported,  or
                disposed  of (the terms site,  vessel,  and  hazardous  material
                respectively being used in this Agreement with the meaning given
                those terms in M.G.L. C. 21E); or

         (b)    directly  or  indirectly   transported,   or  arranged  for  the
                transport of any hazardous material or
                oil; or

         (c)    caused or been legally  responsible for any release or threat of
                release of any hazardous material or oil; or


                                      -8-



         (d)    received   notification  from  any  federal,   state,  or  other
                governmental  authority  of any  potential  or known  release or
                threat of release of any hazardous material or oil from any site
                or vessel  owned,  occupied,  or operated by the Borrower or any
                person for whose conduct the Borrower is responsible,  and/or of
                the  incurrence  of any  expense  or loss  by such  governmental
                entity.

         5.15  SCHEDULE 5.15 annexed  hereto is a listing of all patents  and/or
patents  pending,  trademarks,  copyrights,  licenses and similar  agreements in
which the Borrower has an interest.

         5.16  SCHEDULE  5.16 is a  complete  and  correct  list  of all  credit
agreements,  indentures, purchase agreements (other than for materials, supplies
and  services  entered  into in the ordinary  course of  business),  guaranties,
leases (requiring lease payments in the aggregate of $600,000.00 annually),  and
other investments,  agreements,  and arrangements  presently in effect providing
for or relating to extensions of credit  (including  agreements and arrangements
for the issuance of letters of credit or for acceptance financing) in respect of
which the Borrower or any subsidiary is in any manner  directly or  contingently
obligated;  and the maximum  principal  or face  amounts of credit in  question,
which are outstanding and which can be outstanding,  are correctly  stated,  and
all Liens of any nature  given or agreed to be given as  security  therefor  are
correctly described or indicated in such Schedule.

         5.17  Borrower is not in default with respect to any agreement to which
it is a party or by which it is  bound,  which  default  would  have a  material
adverse effect on the Borrower's business, operations and financial statement.

         5.18 No consent or  approval  of any  person,  no waiver of any lien or
other  similar  right,  and no consent,  license,  approval,  authorization,  or
declaration  of any  governmental  authority,  bureau,  or  agency is or will be
required in connection  with the  execution,  delivery,  performance,  validity,
enforcement,  or priority of this Agreement,  the Note, or any other  agreement,
instrument, or document to be executed or delivered in connection herewith.

         5.19 No  representation,  warranty,  or statement by Borrower contained
herein or in any  certificate or other document  furnished or to be furnished by
Borrower  pursuant  hereto contains or at the time of delivery shall contain any
untrue  statement  of  material  fact,  or omits,  or shall  omit at the time of
delivery, to state a material fact necessary to make it not misleading.

         5.20 The Borrower is not an "investment  company" within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.




                                      -9-


                                   ARTICLE VI

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         6.0  Borrower  covenants  and  agrees  that  during  the  term  of this
Agreement  and so long  thereafter as any  Obligations  remain  outstanding  the
Borrower will:

         6.1 Keep  adequate  records  and books of  account,  in which  complete
entries will be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, subject to year end adjustments,  reflecting all financial
transactions  of the  Borrower,  including  complete  records of all accounts of
Borrower, as defined in the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code.

         6.2 Maintain,  keep, and preserve all of its  properties  (tangible and
intangible)  necessary  or useful in the proper  conduct of its business in good
working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Borrower shall use
its best  efforts to  maintain  in full force and  effect all  rights,  patents,
licenses,  permits  and  privileges  necessary  for the  proper  conduct  of its
business.

         6.3  Continue  to engage in an  efficient  and  economical  manner in a
business  of the  same  general  type  as  conducted  by it on the  date of this
Agreement.

         6.4 Maintain  insurance with financially sound and reputable  insurance
companies or  associations  in such amounts and covering  such risks as the Bank
shall reasonably  require and as are usually carried by companies engaged in the
same or a similar business and similarly  situated,  which insurance may provide
for reasonable deductibility from coverage thereof.

         6.5  Comply in all  material  respects  with  applicable  laws,  rules,
regulations, and orders, such compliance to include, without limitation,  paying
before the same  become  delinquent  all taxes,  assessments,  and  governmental
charges  imposed upon it or upon its  property,  noncompliance  with which would
have a  material  and  adverse  effect on the  business  and  operations  of the
Borrower.

         6.6 At any reasonable time during business hours and from time to time,
permit  the Bank or any agent or  representative  thereof  to  examine  and make
copies of and abstracts  from the records and books of account of, and visit the
properties of the Borrower and to discuss the affairs, finances, and accounts of
the  Borrower  with any of  their  respective  officers  and  directors  and the
Borrower's  independent  accountants.  Such visits will be conducted in a manner
which does not interfere with the normal operations of the Borrower.

         6.7  Furnish to the Bank:



                                      -10-


         (1) Promptly  after the  commencement  thereof,  notice of all actions,
suits, and proceedings before any court or governmental department,  commission,
board, bureau,  agency, or instrumentality,  domestic or foreign,  affecting the
Borrower,  which, if determined adversely to the Borrower, could have a material
adverse  effect on the  financial  condition,  properties,  or operations of the
Borrower;

         (2) Such other  information  respecting  the  condition or  operations,
financial or otherwise,  receivables,  inventory,  machinery or equipment of the
Borrower as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request.

         (3)  Promptly  upon the  mailing  thereof  to the  shareholders  of the
Borrower  generally,  copies  of all  financial  statements,  reports  and proxy
statements so mailed.

         (4) Within  five  business  days of the filing  thereof,  copies of all
registration  statements  (other than the exhibits  thereto and any registration
statements on Form S-8 or its  equivalent)  and reports on Forms 10-K,  10-Q and
8-K (or  their  equivalents)  which  the  Borrower  shall  have  filed  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

         (5) The  Borrower  will,  at the  time of  delivery  to the Bank of the
reports  referred  to in the above  subsections  (1) and (2) deliver to the Bank
certificates signed by any individual duly authorized by the Borrower certifying
that such  individual  has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement and stating
in his opinion,  if such be the fact,  that the Borrower has not been and is not
in default as to any of the covenants and  agreements of the Borrower  contained
in this Agreement.

         6.8 From time to time,  execute  and deliver to the Bank all such other
and  further  instruments  or  documents  and take or cause to be taken all such
other and further action as the Bank may  reasonably  request in order to effect
and confirm or vest more  securely in the Bank all rights  contemplated  in this
Agreement.

         6.9 Other than its subsidiaries, maintain all of its operating Accounts
with the Bank.

         6.10  Conform,  adhere to, and observe  all  covenants  and  warranties
contained  in any  other  agreement  between  the  Bank  and  the  Borrower,  or
instrument furnished by the Borrower to the Bank.

         6.11 Preserve and maintain its corporate existence and good standing in
the  jurisdiction of its  incorporation,  and qualify and remain  qualified as a
foreign  corporation  in  each  jurisdiction  in  which  such  qualification  is
required.

         6.12 Use the  proceeds of the Loan only for the purpose  intended.  The
Borrower  acknowledges the Loan has been and shall be made available  subject to
the terms hereof.


                                      -11-



         6.13 The Borrower  will  punctually  and promptly make all payments and
perform all other  obligations  which may be required of it with  respect to any
indebtedness (whether for money borrowed, goods purchased,  services rendered or
however  such  indebtedness  may  otherwise  arise)  owing to persons,  firms or
corporations other than the Bank,  including,  without limitation,  indebtedness
which may be  secured  by a  security  interest  in assets  of the  Borrower  or
property of the Borrower,  and all  obligations  under the terms of any lease in
which the  Borrower is the lessee.  The  provisions  of this  section  shall not
preclude the Borrower  from  contesting in good faith and  diligently  defending
against any such indebtedness or obligation.

         6.14 Pay and/or perform  promptly when due all of the  Obligations  and
liabilities of Borrower including, without limitation, the payment of all sales,
use, excise, personal property, income, withholding,  corporate,  franchise, and
other  taxes,  assessments,  and  governmental  charges  upon or relating to its
ownership  or use of any of its assets or its income,  or the  operation  of its
business  or  otherwise  for which  Borrower  is or may be liable  except to the
extent  the same are being  diligently  contested  in good  faith  and  adequate
provision  has been made for payment and upon such request  shall submit to Bank
proof satisfactory to Bank that such payments and/or deposits have been made.

         6.15 Pay or cause to be paid when due all amounts  necessary to fund in
accordance with their terms all such deferred compensation plans, whether now in
existence  or  hereafter  created,  and the  Borrower  will  not  withdraw  from
participation  in, permit the  termination or partial  termination of, or permit
the  occurrence  of any other event with respect to, any  deferred  compensation
plan maintained for the benefit of its employees under  circumstances that could
result in liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty  Corporation,  or any of its
successors or assigns,  or to the entity which  provides funds for such deferred
compensation plan.

         6.16 Promptly notify Bank if any time (i) a Plan incurs an "accumulated
funding deficiency" (as defined in Sections 412(a) of the Code),  whether or not
waived;  (ii) a  "reportable  event"  (within the meaning of Section  4043(b) of
ERISA) occurs with respect to a Plan;  (iii) Borrower engages in any transaction
which  violates  Section 406 or Section 407 of ERISA or which could  result in a
liability  under Section 409, 501 or 502 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or
pursuant to any agreement or statute with respect to liabilities incurred by any
person  under  such  sections,  which  liability  could  materially  affect  the
financial condition of such Borrower;  (iv) Borrower incurs a material liability
to the PBGC or to any  participant  in or  beneficiary of a Plan with respect to
any Plan;  (v) an event occurs or a condition  arises  which  presents a risk of
termination  of any Plan by the PBGC;  (vi) Borrower is notified by the Internal
Revenue  Service or the  Department  of Labor that the Plan is not or may not be
qualified  under  Section  401(a)  of the  Code or that  the  trust  established
thereunder  is not or may not be  exempt  from tax under  Section


                                      -12-

501(a) of the Code; (vii) any of the following events occurs with respect to any
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) to which the borrower
or any member of a group of commonly  controlled trades or businesses within the
meaning  of  Section  414(c)  of the Code of which any  Borrower  is a member or
contributes on behalf of its  employees:  (A) a withdrawal,  either  complete or
partial,  from any such plan (within the meaning of Section 4202 or Section 205,
respectively,  or  ERISA)  by a  Contributing  Employer  or a  decision  by  the
Contributing  Employer to withdraw  completely or partially  from such plan; (B)
the termination of any such plan; or (C) the recording of a reorganization index
(as defined by Section 4241 of ERISA) in excess of zero by any such plan.

         6.17 (a)  Provide  the Bank with  written  notice  upon the  Borrower's
obtaining  knowledge of any  potential or known  release or threat of release of
any hazardous material or oil at or from any site owned,  occupied,  or operated
by the  Borrower  (the  Bank  acknowledges  receipt  of  notice  of the  matters
contained in Schedule 5.14);  upon the Borrower's  receipt of any notice to such
effect from any federal, state, or other governmental authority; and/or upon the
Borrower's  obtaining  knowledge of any incidence of any expense or loss by such
governmental  authority  in  connection  with the  assessment,  containment,  or
removal of any hazardous  material or oil for which expense or loss the Borrower
may be liable;  and (b) in the event of a release of hazardous  material or oil,
take  all  such  action,   including  without  limitation,   the  conducting  of
engineering  tests (at the expense of the Borrower) to confirm that no hazardous
material or oil is or ever was stored on any site owned,  occupied,  or operated
by the Borrower.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         7.0 Borrower  agrees that during the term of this Agreement and so long
thereafter as any Obligations remain outstanding, it will not, without the prior
written  consent of Bank,  which consent shall not be  unreasonably  withheld or
delayed:

         7.1 (i)  sell or  convey  all or  substantially  all of the  Borrower's
assets,  (ii) except for the  Acquisition  Transaction  enter into any merger or
consolidation;  (iii) effect any  reorganization  or  recapitalization;  or (iv)
except with  respect to the  Acquisition  Transaction,  redeem any shares of the
Borrower,  merge or consolidate with (unless it is the survivor  corporation) or
sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a
series of  transactions)  all or  substantially  all of its assets  (whether now
owned or hereafter acquired) to any person.

         7.2 Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any subsidiary
(if any exist) to create,  incur,  assume,  or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or
with respect to any of its properties, now owned or hereafter acquired, except:


                                      -13-




         (1) Liens in favor of the Bank;

         (2) Liens for  taxes or  assessments  or other  government  charges  or
levies  if not yet due and  payable  or, if due and  payable,  if they are being
contested in good faith by  appropriate  proceedings  and for which  appropriate
reserves are maintained;

         (3) Judgment and other similar  Liens arising in connection  with court
proceedings,  provided  the  execution  or other  enforcement  of such  Liens is
effectively  stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively  contested
in good faith and by  appropriate  proceedings,  provided  they do not adversely
affect the Borrower in a material way;

         (4)  Purchase-money  Liens on any  property  hereafter  acquired or the
assumption of any Lien on property existing at the time of such acquisition,  or
a Lien incurred in connection with any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement of a capital lease;

         (5)    Permitted Encumbrances, as identified on Schedule 5.9;

         (6) Any Lien existing on any asset of any  corporation at the time such
corporation becomes a consolidated subsidiary of Borrower;

         (7) Any Lien on any asset of any corporation  existing at the time such
corporation  is  merged  or  consolidated   with  or  into  the  Borrower  or  a
consolidated subsidiary;

         (8) Any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition  thereof by
the Borrower or a consolidated  subsidiary and not created in  contemplation  of
such acquisition;

         7.3 Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any subsidiary
(if at any time  existing)  to  create,  incur,  assume or suffer to exist,  any
obligation  as lessee for the rental or hire of any real or  personal  property,
except:  (1) leases existing on the date of this Agreement and any extensions or
renewals  thereof;  (2) leases,  of which the total annual  obligation under any
such lease is not more than $600,000.00.

         7.5 Sell, lease, assign,  transfer, or otherwise dispose of, any of its
now owned or hereafter acquired assets (including, without limitation, shares of
stock and indebtedness of subsidiaries,  receivables,  and leasehold interests),
except:  (1) for inventory  disposed of in the ordinary course of business;  (2)
the sale or other  disposition of assets no longer used or useful in the conduct
of its business or (3) in connection with the Acquisition Transaction.



                                      -14-


         7.6 Assume,  guarantee,  endorse, or otherwise be or become directly or
contingently  responsible  or liable,  or permit any  subsidiary (if at any time
existing) to assume,  guarantee,  endorse, or otherwise be or become directly or
contingently responsible or liable (including,  but not limited to, an agreement
to purchase any obligation,  stock, assets,  goods, or services, or to supply or
advance any funds, assets,  goods, or services, or to maintain a minimum working
capital or net worth,  or  otherwise  to assure the  creditors  of any person or
entity  against  loss) for  obligations  of any  person or  entity,  except  (1)
guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or
similar transactions in the ordinary course of business;  (2) in connection with
the  Acquisition  Transaction;  and (3)  guaranties of  residential  real estate
mortgages  of  employees  not to exceed  $500,000  for any single  mortgage  and
$1,000,000 in the aggregate.

         7.7 Enter into any  transaction,  including,  without  limitation,  the
purchase,  sale, or exchange of property or the  rendering of any service,  with
any  affiliate,  or  permit  any  subsidiary  to  enter  into  any  transaction,
including,  without limitation,  the purchase,  sale, or exchange of property or
the rendering of any service,  with any affiliate,  or the making of advances to
any  affiliates  except in the  ordinary  course of business and pursuant to the
reasonable requirements of the Borrower's or such subsidiary's business and upon
fair and reasonable  terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such  subsidiary
than would obtain in a comparable  arm's-length  transaction with a party not an
affiliate.

         7.8  Declare  or pay any  dividends;  or  purchase,  redeem,  retire or
otherwise  acquire  for  value  any  of  its  capital  stock  now  or  hereafter
outstanding;  or make any  distribution  of assets to its  stockholders  as such
whether  in cash,  assets,  or  obligations  of the  Borrower;  or  allocate  or
otherwise set apart any sum for the payment of any dividend or  distribution  on
or for the purchase,  redemption,  or  retirement  of, any shares of its capital
stock;  or make any other  distribution  by reduction of capital or otherwise in
respect of any shares of its capital stock; or permit any of its Subsidiaries to
purchase or  otherwise  acquire  for value any stock of the  Borrower or another
Subsidiary,  except that (1) the Borrower may declare and deliver  dividends and
make  distributions  payable  solely  in  common  stock of the  Borrower  or any
subsidiary;  (2) the Borrower may declare  dividends in an amount  sufficient to
pay taxes,  for profits not  distributed,  if the Borrower  elects S Corporation
status;  and (3) with the  written  consent  of the  Bank,  which  shall  not be
unreasonably  withheld, the Borrower may purchase or otherwise acquire shares of
its  capital  stock  by  exchange  for or out of the  proceeds  received  from a
substantially concurrent issue of new shares of its capital stock.

         7.9 Except with respect to the Acquisition Transaction, make, or permit
any  subsidiary  to make,  any loan or  advance  to any party  (except  loans to
employees,  each of which shall not exceed  $50,000.00 at any time), or purchase
or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary to purchase or otherwise acquire,
any capital stock, assets, obligations, or other securities of, make


                                      -15-


any capital  contribution  to, or otherwise invest in or acquire any interest in
any entity,  except:  (1) direct  obligations of the United States of any agency
thereof with  maturities of one year or less from the date of  acquisition;  (2)
commercial  paper of a domestic issuer rated at least "A-1" by Standard & Poor's
Corporation or "P-1" by Moody's  Investor's  Service,  Inc,; (3) certificates of
deposit with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition  issued
by any  commercial  bank  having  capital  and  surplus in excess of One Hundred
Million ($100,000,000) Dollars; (4) stock,  obligations,  or securities received
in settlement of debts (created in the ordinary  course of business owing to the
Borrower or any Subsidiary;  and (5) investments made pursuant to the Borrower's
investment policy as set forth in Schedule 7.9.

         7.10 Except as otherwise provided above, issue evidence of indebtedness
or create,  assume, become contingently liable for, or suffer to exist bank debt
in addition to Obligations to the Bank; provided, however, that the Borrower may
incur  liabilities  which  are  incurred  or arise  in the  ordinary  course  of
Borrower's  business  other  than  indebtedness  arising  with  respect to money
borrowed or the  issuance  of letters of credit for the account of the  Borrower
both of which shall be prohibited.

         7.11 Sell or  otherwise  dispose of any shares of capital  stock of any
subsidiary, except in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 7.3,
or permit any  subsidiary to issue any  additional  shares of its capital stock,
except director's qualifying shares.

         7.12  Change its name without prior written notification to the Bank.

         7.13  Without  prior  written  notice to the Bank,  open or operate any
place of business  other than those  places  listed on SCHEDULE  7.13,  attached
hereto and made a part hereof.

         7.14 Except in connection  with the Acquisition  Transaction,  make any
loan,  advance,  pay  any  bonus,  or  grant  any  extension  of  credit  to any
corporation, partnership, person or other entity, except extensions of credit to
customers or otherwise in the ordinary course of business.

         7.15 Except in connection  with the  Acquisition  Transaction,  make or
permit  any  substantial  change in, or cease in whole or in part,  its  present
business, or engage in any other activities apart from its present business.

         7.16  Undertake  negative  covenants in substance  similar to those set
forth herein in favor of any other party.



                                      -16-


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                               FINANCIAL COVENANTS

         8.0 So long as the Note shall remain  unpaid or the Bank shall have any
commitment under this Agreement:

         (1) The Borrower will maintain Minimum Working Capital of not less than
$13,000,000.00 at the end of each calendar quarter.

         (2) The Borrower  will maintain at all times a Maximum Debt to Tangible
Net Worth ratio of no more than: (i) 2.0:1 by fiscal year end 1997;  (ii) 1.75:1
by fiscal year end 1998; and (iii) 1.50:1 by fiscal year end 1999.

         (3) As of June 28, 1997, the Borrower's  fourth  quarter,  the Borrower
will maintain a Tangible Net Worth of not less than $13,500,000.00.  Thereafter,
the  Borrower's  Tangible Net Worth will  increase (as of the end of each of the
Borrower's quarters) by a minimum of 40% of the prior quarter's Net Income.

         (4) The Borrower will maintain Minimum Debt Service Coverage defined as
the ratio of aggregate Net Income of the Borrower plus  aggregate  depreciation,
plus aggregate amortization, less aggregate Capital Expenditures not financed on
a long-term  basis to Current  Maturities  of Long Term Debt of the  Borrower of
 .75:1 at fiscal  year end 1997,  1:15:1 at fiscal  year end 1998,  and 1.75:1 at
fiscal year end 1999 and thereafter.  This covenant shall be tested on a rolling
quarterly basis for a four fiscal quarter period.

         (5) The Borrower  will not suffer a negative Net Income  during any two
consecutive quarters.

         Capitalized  terms  otherwise  not defined  herein  shall be defined in
accordance with GAAP.

         All of the above covenants shall be tested quarterly beginning June 28,
1997. Notwithstanding the covenants listed above, the Bank in its discretion may
revise  such  covenants  to reflect  the  in-process  research  and  development
write-off in connection with the Acquisition.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                   EVENTS OF DEFAULT, ACCELERATION AND SETOFF

         9.0 The  occurrence  of any one or more of the  following  events shall
constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

         (1) Failure of the Borrower to pay within ten (10) days,  the principal
of, or interest on, the Note as and when due and payable; or



                                      -17-


         (2) Any material  representation or warranty made or deemed made by the
Borrower  in this  Agreement,  or in any of the  Loan  Documents,  or  which  is
contained in any certificate, document, opinion, or financial or other statement
furnished at anytime under or in connection  with any Loan Document  shall prove
to have been  incorrect  in any  material  respect  on or as of the date made or
deemed made; or

         (3) The Borrower  shall fail to perform or observe any  material  term,
covenant,  or agreement  contained in any Loan Document (other than the Note) on
its part to be performed or observed  within  twenty (20) days after  receipt of
notice from the Bank; or

         (4) The Borrower  shall (a) fail to pay any  indebtedness  for borrowed
money (other than the Note) of the Borrower or any interest or premium  thereon,
when due,  subject to any grace or cure period  relating  to such  indebtedness,
(whether by scheduled maturity,  required prepayment,  acceleration,  demand, or
otherwise),  (whether or not related to this  transaction or owed to the Bank or
another  person) or (b) fail to perform or observe any material term,  covenant,
or  condition on its part to be  performed  or observed  under any  agreement or
instrument  relating to any such indebtedness,  when required to be performed or
observed, subject to any grace or cure period relating to such indebtedness,  if
the effect of such failure to perform or observe is to accelerate,  or to permit
the acceleration  after the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, of the
maturity of such  indebtedness,  unless such failure to perform or observe shall
be waived by the holder of such indebtedness;  or any such indebtedness shall be
declared  to be due and  payable,  or  required  to be prepaid  (other than by a
regularly scheduled required prepayment),  prior to the stated maturity thereof;
or

         (5)    There exists any breach or default of the Borrower under:

                (i)      that certain  $8,000,000.00  Term Loan Agreement  among
                         Bank and Borrower dated December 21, 1995 as amended by
                         that certain  Amendment and  Ratification  of Term Loan
                         Agreement of even date  herewith and all  documents and
                         certificates    executed   in   connection   therewith,
                         including   without   limitation   that   certain  Term
                         Promissory  Note  (Market  Rate) of  December  21, 1995
                         delivered by Borrower to Bank;

                (ii)     that certain $8,000,000.00 Unsecured Committed Revolver
                         Loan  Agreement  among Bank and  Borrower  of even date
                         herewith and all documents and certificates executed in
                         connection  therewith,  including  without  limitation,
                         that certain Unsecured  Committed  Revolver  Promissory
                         Note of even date  herewith  delivered  by  Borrower to
                         Bank.



                                      -18-


         (6) The  Borrower  (a) shall  generally  not, or shall be unable to, or
shall admit in writing its  inability to pay its debts as such debts become due;
or (b) shall make an assignment for the benefits of creditors, petition or apply
to any tribunal for the appointment of a custodian,  receiver, or trustee for it
or a substantial part of its assets; or (c) shall file a petition or application
or  otherwise  commence any  proceeding  under any  bankruptcy,  reorganization,
arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, or liquidation law or statute of
any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect; or (d) shall have any such
petition or application  filed or any such  proceeding  commenced  against it in
which an order for relief is entered or  adjudication or appointment is made; or
(e) by any act or  omission  shall  indicate  its consent  to,  approval  of, or
acquiescence  in any such petition,  application,  or  proceeding,  or order for
relief, or the appointment of a custodian,  receiver,  or trustee for all or any
substantial  part of its  properties;  or (f) shall  suffer  any  custodianship,
receivership, or trusteeship; or

         (7) One or more judgments,  decrees, or orders for the payment of money
in excess of an aggregate of Ten Thousand  ($10,000.00) Dollars in the aggregate
shall be rendered  against the  Borrower or any of their  Subsidiaries  and such
judgments,  decrees,  or orders shall continue  unsatisfied  and in effect for a
period of thirty  (30)  consecutive  days  without  being  vacated,  discharged,
satisfied, or stayed or bonded pending appeal; or

         (8) The service of any process on the Bank attaching by trustee process
any  assets  of the  Borrower  held  by  the  Bank  in an  amount  greater  than
$25,000.00; or

         (9) Borrower shall suffer any uninsured material loss, uninsured theft,
uninsured substantial damage, to or of any property;

         9.1 If any Event of Default  shall occur and continue  beyond any grace
period  provided under this Agreement then or at any time  thereafter,  Bank may
declare  all  Obligations  to be due  and  payable,  without  notice  except  as
expressly  required,  protest,  presentment  or demand,  all of which are hereby
expressly waived by Borrower.

         9.2  Simultaneously  with the sending of a notice of default Bank shall
have the right to setoff any and all deposits or other sums at any time or times
credited by or due from Bank to Borrower,  whether in a special account or other
account or  represented  by a certificate  of deposit,  which deposits and other
sums shall at all times constitute  additional  security for the Obligations and
may be setoff against all or any part of the Obligations at any time if Borrower
is the primary  obligor  with respect to such  Obligations,  or, at or after the
maturity of Obligations if Borrower is secondary obligor.



                                      -19-


                                    ARTICLE X

                                TERM OF AGREEMENT

         10.0 The term of this  Agreement  shall commence on the date hereof and
shall  continue in full force and effect and be binding upon Borrower  until all
Obligations shall have been fully paid and satisfied.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         11.0 The  failure  of Bank at any time or times  hereafter  to  require
strict performance by Borrower of any of the provisions,  warranties, terms, and
conditions  contained  in this  Agreement or in any other  agreement,  guaranty,
note, instrument, now or at any time or times hereafter executed by Borrower and
delivered to Bank shall not waive,  affect, or diminish any right of Bank at any
time or times hereafter to demand strict performance  thereof;  and no rights of
Bank  hereunder  shall be deemed to have been waived by any act or  knowledge of
Bank, its agents,  officers,  or employees unless such waiver is contained in an
instrument  in writing  signed by an officer of Bank and  directed  to  Borrower
specifying such waiver.  No waiver by Bank of any of its rights shall operate as
a waiver of any other of its rights or any of its rights on a future occasion.

         11.1 All  notices  and other  communications  provided  for under  this
Agreement  and under the other Loan  Documents  to which the Borrower is a party
shall be in writing and mailed or hand delivered:

If to the Borrower: Applied Science and Technology,
                    Inc.
                    35 Cabot Road
                    Woburn, MA 01801
                    ATTN: John M. Tarrh

With a copy to:     Neil H. Aronson, Esquire
                    Peggy Hill, Esquire
                    O'Connor, Broude & Aronson
                    950 Winter Street
                    Waltham, MA 02154

If to the Bank:     State Street Bank and Trust
                    Company
                    225 Franklin Street
                    Boston, MA 02110
                    ATTN:  Suzanne L. Dwyer

With a copy to:     Bradley W. Snyder, Esquire
                    Ron M. Hadar, Esquire
                    Looney & Grossman, LLP
                    101 Arch Street
                    Boston, MA 02110


                                      -20-



or such other address as shall be  designated by such party in a written  notice
to the other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section 11.1.
All such  notices and  communication  shall be effective  when  deposited in the
mail,  addressed as aforesaid,  registered  or certified  mail,  return  receipt
requested,  or sent by messenger or overnight courier with a signed receipt,  or
the date of actual receipt, whichever first occurs.

         11.2 This  Agreement  contains  the entire  understanding  between  the
parties  hereto with respect to the  transactions  contemplated  herein and such
understanding  shall not be modified except in writing signed by or on behalf of
the parties hereto.

         11.3  Wherever  possible,  each  provision of this  Agreement  shall be
interpreted in such a manner as to be  effective and valid under applicable law.
Should any portion of this  Agreement be declared  invalid for any reason in any
jurisdiction,  such declaration shall have no effect upon the remaining portions
of this  Agreement,  and  furthermore,  the  entirety  of this  Agreement  shall
continue in full force and effect in all other  jurisdictions and said remaining
portions  of this  Agreement  shall  continue  in full  force and  effect in the
subject  jurisdiction  as if this  Agreement  had been executed with the invalid
portions thereof deleted.

          11.4 The provisions of this Agreement  shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the  successors  and  assigns of Bank and the  Borrower,
provided,  however,  that the  Borrower  may not  assign  any of its  rights  or
delegate any of its obligations  hereunder  without the prior written consent of
Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

          11.5 This Agreement,  the Note and all other documents  hereunder have
been  made and  delivered  in The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  and shall be
governed  by, and  construed  in all  respects in  accordance  with the laws and
decisions of The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  and  Borrower  submits to the
Jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts  for all purposes with respect to this Agreement
and all other documents hereunder and its relationship with Bank.

         11.6 The Borrower will pay or reimburse  the Bank,  on demand,  for all
reasonable expenses (including, without limitation,  reasonable counsel fees and
expenses) incurred or paid by the Bank in connection with the enforcement by the
Bank of its rights as against the  Borrower  or any other  person  primarily  or
secondarily  liable to the Bank hereunder or  thereunder;  and after an Event of
Default  or  demand,  for  the   administration,   supervision,   protection  or
realization on any collateral held by the Bank as security for any obligation of
the Borrower or any other person  primarily or  secondarily  liable with respect
thereto; and in the defense of any

                                      -21-


action against the Bank with respect to its rights or  liabilities  hereunder or
thereunder.  In  addition,  the  Borrower  shall pay any and all stamp and other
taxes and fees  payable  or  determined  to be payable  in  connection  with the
execution,  delivery,  filing and recording of any of the Loan documents and the
other documents to be delivered under any such Loan documents.

        11.7 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,  each
of which  shall be  deemed to be an  original  but all of which  together  shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.

        11.8 The section  headings herein are included for convenience  only and
shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

        11.9 BORROWER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY THE BORROWER MAY HAVE IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING,  IN LAW OR EQUITY,  IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.
BORROWER AND BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND  INTENTIONALLY  WAIVE ANY
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION  ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR
IN  CONNECTION   WITH  THIS  AGREEMENT.   BORROWER  HEREBY   CERTIFIES  THAT  NO
REPRESENTATIVE  OR AGENT OF BANK HAS REPRESENTED,  EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE,  THAT
BANK WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT
TO JURY TRIAL  PROVISION.  BORROWER  ACKNOWLEDGES  THAT BANK HAS BEEN INDUCED TO
ENTER INTO BANK'S LENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH BORROWER BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

        11.10 No delay or  omission  on Bank's  part in  exercising  any  right,
remedy or option shall operate as a waiver or such or any other right, remedy or
option or of any default.

        11.11  The  terms  of  the  Commitment  Letter  issued  by the  Bank  in
connection with the Loan, as modified by the Loan  Documents,  shall survive the
Closing.

        11.12 No  provision  of this  Agreement  or the Note or any  other  Loan
document  shall  require  the  payment or permit the  collection  of interest in
excess of the maximum  permitted by law. If any such excess interest is provided
for  herein or in the Note or any other  Loan  document,  Borrower  shall not be
obligated to pay such excess,  and the right to demand the payment of any excess
is hereby waived.

        11.13 Nothing  contained herein or in any Loan Document shall affect the
terms of any agreements  between the Borrower and the Bank with respect to other
loans.

        11.14 Any matter disclosed by Borrower in this Agreement or any Schedule
hereto,  or excepted from any  representation,  warranty or covenant of Borrower
herein,  shall be deemed  disclosed for all purposes of this Agreement and to be
an exception from all such representations, warranties and covenants.


                                      -22-



        11.15 In the event the  ACQUISITION  Transaction  does not  close,  this
Agreement  shall  be null and  void  with no  further  force  or  effect  and no
liabilities to the parties  hereunder,  except the Borrower shall pay the Bank's
reasonable legal and processing costs.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                               ASSIGNMENT BY BANK

        12.0 If at any time or times, by assignment or otherwise, Bank transfers
or assigns any Obligations and/or security  therefor,  such transfer shall carry
with it the power and rights of Bank under this  Agreement  with  respect to the
Obligations and security  assigned or transferred and the assignee or transferee
shall  become  vested  with  said  powers  and  rights  whether  or not they are
specifically  referred to in the  transfer or  assignment.  If and to the extent
Bank retains any Obligations or security, Bank shall continue to have the rights
and powers herein set forth with respect thereto.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                    SECURITY

        13.0  After  an  Event of  Default,  the  Bank in its sole and  absolute
discretion  may  require a  security  interest  in any or all of the  Borrower's
assets (the  "SECURED  ASSETS").  In the event Bank so  requires,  the  Borrower
hereby  grants  to Bank a  security  interest  in such  Secured  Assets  and the
Borrower  will  execute  and  deliver  to the Bank any  writings  UCC  Financing
Statements and do all things reasonably necessary, effectual or requested by the
Bank to create and  perfect a  security  interest  in the  Secured  Assets  (the
"SECURITY  Documents").  A carbon,  photographic  or other  reproduction of this
Agreement  or any  financing  statements  executed  pursuant to the terms hereof
shall be sufficient as a financing  statement for the purpose of filing with the
appropriate authorities..

        13.1 In addition  to any other  rights  provided  herein,  the  Borrower
hereby irrevocably  constitutes and appoints the Bank as the Borrower's true and
lawful attorney,  with full power of substitution,  at the sole cost and expense
of the Borrower but for the sole benefit of the Bank, to sign and file or record
on behalf of the Borrower any  financing or other  statement in order to perfect
or protect  the Bank's  security  interest  in the  Secured  Assets.  All powers
conferred upon the bank by this Agreement, being coupled with an interest, shall
be  irrevocable  so long as any  Obligation  of the  Borrower  to the Bank shall
remain unpaid.


                                      -23-



        IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each  of the  parties  hereto  have  caused  this
Agreement  to be signed in their  name and  behalf by an  officer  or  officers,
thereunto  duly  authorized as an  instrument  under seal as of the day and year
first written above.

                                BORROWER:

                                APPLIED SCIENCE AND
                                TECHNOLOGY, INC.


                                By:____________________________
                                   John M. Tarrh
                                Its: Senior Vice President and
                                     Chief Financial Officer



                                BANK:

                                STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                COMPANY

                                By:___________________________
                                 Its duly authorized


                                 ----------------------------
                                     (Print Name)


                                      -24-


                             EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES



5.9           Permitted Encumbrances

5.10          Subsidiaries

5.14          Environmental Matters

5.15          Patents/Licenses/Trademarks

5.16          Debt

7.9           Investment Policy

7.13          Places of Business



                                      -25-
     





                                  SCHEDULE 5.9
                             PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES










                                  SCHEDULE 5.10
                     SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER









                                  SCHEDULE 5.14
                              ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS










                                  SCHEDULE 5.15
                           PATENTS/LICENSES/TRADEMARKS










                                  SCHEDULE 5.16
                                      DEBT









                                  SCHEDULE 7.9
                                INVESTMENT POLICY










                                  SCHEDULE 7.13
                               PLACES OF BUSINESS




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(h)


                              TERM PROMISSORY NOTE


$4,983,051.00                                              BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
PRINCIPAL SUM                                                        MAY 1, 1997


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  APPLIED  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,  INC., a Delaware
corporation  (the  "BORROWER")  with its principal place of business at 35 Cabot
Road, Woburn,  Massachusetts 01801, promises to pay to the order of STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (the "BANK"), a Massachusetts trust company organized and
existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,  the principal sum
of Four Million Nine Hundred  Eighty Three  Thousand  Fifty One  ($4,983,051.00)
Dollars to be paid in principal payments of $83,050.85 beginning on June 1, 1997
and on the  first  day of  each  month  thereafter  for 59  consecutive  months,
together with interest on the principal amount hereof from the date hereof, at a
rate per annum:  (i) for Prime Rate Loans (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement
(as hereafter  defined)),  a fluctuating interest rate equal to the Bank's Prime
Rate in effect from time to time;  and (ii) for Market Rate Loans (as defined in
the Term Loan  Agreement)  at the Market  Rate.  All Market Rate Loans and Prime
Rate Loans are due and payable on the maturity date, May 31, 2002(subject to the
provisions  hereof  relating  to the  Events  of  Default).  Each  change in the
interest  rate on Prime  Rate  Loans will take  effect  simultaneously  with the
corresponding  change in such Prime  Rate.  "Prime  Rate" shall mean the rate of
interest  announced by the Bank in Boston from time to time as its "PRIME RATE".
"MARKET RATE" shall mean an amount equal to the Base Market Rate (as hereinafter
defined) plus 150 basis points. The term "BASE MARKET RATE" shall mean the fixed
rate of  interest  quoted by the Bank on the date the loan funds under this Note
are advanced,  in its sole discretion,  which rate shall be determined solely by
the Bank based upon the Bank's cost of funds.

         Interest  shall be calculated on the basis of actual days elapsed and a
360 day year.  If this  Note is not paid in  accordance  with the terms  hereof,
interest  on  unpaid  balances  shall  thereafter  be  payable  on  demand  at a
fluctuating  interest rate per annum equal to four percent (4%) above the Bank's
Prime Rate in effect from time to time.

         Capitalized  terms  which  are not  defined  in this Note but which are
defined in the Term Loan Agreement  between the Bank and the Borrower,  dated as
of the date hereof (the "TERM LOAN AGREEMENT")  shall have the meanings assigned
to those terms in the Term Loan  Agreement.  The Borrower is referred to in this
Note as a "Maker." This Note is issued  pursuant to the Term Loan  Agreement and
the holder is entitled to the benefit and  protection  of all of the  covenants,
terms and conditions of said Term Loan Agreement.


                                      -1-


         The  Borrower  has  the  right  under  certain  circumstances  and  the
obligation under certain other  circumstances to prepay the entire amount of the
principal  of this Note on the terms and  conditions  specified in the Term Loan
Agreement.  In the  event of  prepayment,  in whole  or in part,  either  at the
Borrower's initiative or upon the exercise by the Bank of its right in the event
of demand or an Event of Default hereunder or under the Term Loan Agreement, the
Borrower shall pay to the Bank its lost net interest income  resulting from such
prepayment as provided for in the Term Loan Agreement.

         If any one or more of the  Events of  Default,  as  defined in the Term
Loan Agreement, shall occur, the entire unpaid principal amount of this Note and
all of the unpaid  interest  accrued  thereon may become or be declared  due and
payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Term Loan Agreement.

         Any  deposits  or other  sums at any time  credited  by or due from the
holder to any maker,  endorser  or  guarantor  hereof in the  possession  of the
holder  may at all times be held and  treated  as  collateral  security  for the
payment of this Note.  The  holder may apply or set off such  deposits  or other
sums against  said  liabilities  at any time in the case of the maker,  but only
with respect to matured liabilities in the case of any endorser or guarantor.

         No delay or omission on the part of the holder in exercising  any right
hereunder  shall  operate as a waiver of such right or of any other  right under
this Note.  A waiver on any one  occasion  shall not be construed as a bar to or
waiver of any such right and/or remedy on any future occasions.

         Every maker,  endorser and guarantor of this Note, or of the obligation
represented hereby, waives presentment,  demand, notice,  protest, and all other
demands and notices in connection  with the delivery,  acceptance,  performance,
default or enforcement of this Note,  assents to any  substitution,  exchange or
release of  collateral,  and/or to the addition or release of any other party or
person  primarily or  secondarily  liable.  Nothing in this  paragraph  shall be
construed  to  prevent  any  maker,   endorser  or  guarantor  from  paying  all
obligations under this Note at its stated maturity, namely May 31, 2002.

         The undersigned  will pay all reasonable  expenses of every kind of the
enforcement of this Note, or of any of the rights  hereunder,  and hereby agrees
to pay to the holder on demand the amount of any and all such expenses  incurred
by it.  After  deducting  all  reasonable  legal or other  expenses and costs of
collection of this Note and all costs of storage,  custody, sale and delivery of
collateral  held  hereunder,  the residue of any proceeds of  collection or sale
shall be applied to the payment of  principal or interest on this Note or on any
or all the other liabilities  aforesaid,  due or to become due, in such order of


                                      -2-


preference  as the holder  shall  determine,  proper  allowance  for interest on
liabilities  not then being  made,  and any over  surplus  shall be  returned to
undersigned.

         As herein  used,  the word  "holder"  shall  mean the  payee,  or other
endorsee of this Note, or bearer if it is at the time payable.

         This  Note  shall  take  effect  as a sealed  instrument  and  shall be
governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

         THE BORROWER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY THE BORROWER MAY HAVE IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING,  IN LAW OR EQUITY,  IN CONNECTION  WITH THIS NOTE. THE
BORROWER AND THE BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND  INTENTIONALLY  WAIVE
ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF, UNDER,
OR IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THIS  NOTE.  THE  BORROWER  HEREBY  CERTIFIES  THAT  NO
REPRESENTATIVE  OR AGENT OF THE BANK HAS  REPRESENTED,  EXPRESSLY OR  OTHERWISE,
THAT THE BANK WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS WAIVER
OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL PROVISION.  THE BORROWER  ACKNOWLEDGES  THAT THE BANK HAS
BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE BANK'S LENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BORROWER BY,
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this Note has been duly executed and delivered as
an instrument under seal as of the day and year first written above.

                                   APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
                                   INC.



____________________________        By:_______________________________
Witness                                  John M. Tarrh
                                    Its: Senior Vice President and
                                         Chief Financial Officer


Due:  May 31, 2002


                                      -3-

                                                                      EXHIBIT 99


ASTeX Acquires Converter Power, Inc

WOBURN,  Mass.,  May 9  /PRNewswire/  -- Applied  Science and  Technology,  Inc.
(Nasdaq:  ASTX) ("ASTeX") today announced that it has acquired all of the assets
of  Converter  Power Inc.  ("CPI") of  Beverly,  MA.  CPI, a  subsidiary  of ILC
Technology,  Inc.  (Nasdaq:  ILCT),  is a leading  producer of customized  power
supplies  built to fit  compactly  into a variety of systems  for  semiconductor
capital equipment, medical and industrial lasers and electro-optics.

ASTeX  acquired all of CPI's assets for $6.35  million in cash and 45,000 shares
of ASTeX  Common  Stock;  ASTeX  Common  Stock will be escrowed for a minimum of
twelve  months.  State  Street  Bank & Trust  Company  of Boston,  MA,  provided
financing for the acquisition through a three-year revolving loan facility and a
five-year term loan.  Over the past four years,  CPI has tripled its revenues to
$12.2 million in its most recent fiscal year ending September 28, 1996, and been
a profitable contributor to ILCT's business.

Dr. Richard Post,  President and Chief Executive  Officer,  stated,  "CPI's core
technology complements our existing product lines and fits well with our overall
growth strategy. The switching power supplies it manufactures are used in all of
our microwave,  RF and ozone products. This acquisition takes advantage of CPI's
focus on switching  power supplies so that ASTeX can continue to focus on system
solutions and our ETO subsidiary can focus on high-powered RF solutions. This is
one more step in  building  a strong  global  company,  and is an example of the
continuing  consolidation  of the supplier  base for the  semiconductor  capital
equipment market.  With CPI, ASTeX gains major new customers and new markets for
its  products,  while  significantly  expanding  its  manufacturing  and product
development capabilities. We expect CPI to be accretive to annual earnings going
forward,  although we will have a  non-recurring  expense  for CPI's  in-process
research and  development,  which will be accounted for in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1997."

ASTeX is a leading provider of innovative production technology through delivery
of  components  and  systems  for  semiconductor,   medical,   and  CVD  diamond
applications.  ASTeX markets its systems to producers of CVD diamond,  while its
microwave  and RF power  generators,  plasma  sources and ozone  generators  and
subsystems are marketed to the world's leading semiconductor and medical capital
equipment manufacturers.  Typical semiconductor applications include manufacture
of leading  edge  devices  such as Pentium  and  PowerPC  chips,  while  medical
applications include diagnostic imaging and sterilization.

"Safe Harbor"  statement under the Private  Securities  Litigation Reform Act of
1995: This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks
and  uncertainties,  including,  but not limited  to, the impact of  competitive
products  and  pricing,  product  demand  and  market  acceptance,  new  product
development, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability of raw materials,
the regulatory  environment,  fluctuations in operating  results and other risks
detailed  from time to time in the  Company's  filings with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.



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