A load frame has an open region exposing a surface of an electronic
component. A heat sink is disposed on the load frame and has a surface in
thermal contact with the surface of the electronic component. A
non-influencing fastener is disposed within a bore in the heat sink and
threaded into the load frame for securing the heat sink to the load
frame. The non-influencing fastener includes a screw with a head; a
tapered ring disposed below the head of the screw and having a tapered
lower peripheral surface; a sealing ring engaging the tapered lower
peripheral surface of the tapered ring; and a load washer disposed
between the sealing ring and the load frame. Compression of the rings by
turning of the screw into the load frame causes the sealing ring to
expand against the bore of the heatsink. Preferably, the sealing ring has
a curved outer surface.