Abstract: A method of processing waste water comprises atomizing waste water under selected atmospheric conditions to achieve substantially complete phase change of the water. The atomization is conducted by spraying waste water from a nozzle mounted on a tower adjacent a catchment area for collecting ice crystals produced by the phase change of the atomized waste water into ice crystals, under atmospheric conditions favorable to freezing of atomized water droplets into ice.

Abstract: A trench isolation structure for a semiconductor is provided including an isolation ring and an isolation path. The isolation ring surrounds active semiconductor areas and is bordered on the outside by inactive semiconductor area. The isolation path extends from the isolation ring through the inactive semiconductor area. A first level conductor on the isolation path electrically connects or capacitively couples a device in the active semiconductor area to a location on the substrate outside the isolation ring. The isolation path has a configuration derived from the layout of the conductor.

Abstract: Slurry compositions comprising an oxidizing agent, copper corrosion inhibitor, abrasive particles; surface active agent and polyelectrolyte are useful for polishing or planarizing chip interconnect/wiring material such as Al, W and especially Cu.

Abstract: A trench isolation structure for a semiconductor is provided including an isolation ring and an isolation path. The isolation ring surrounds active semiconductor areas and is bordered on the outside by inactive semiconductor area. The isolation path extends from the isolation ring through the inactive semiconductor area. A first level conductor on the isolation path electrically connects or capacitively couples a device in the active semiconductor area to a location on the substrate outside the isolation ring. The isolation path has a configuration derived from the layout of the conductor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions capable of controlling weight in an animal, preferably a human, which methods involve administering diet compositions that modulate, and preferably reduce, synthesis and secretion of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and modulate, and preferably increase synthesis and secretion of growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), compared to pre-administration amounts in the animal. The administration of such diet compositions results in a reduced appetite and a regulated metabolism that enhance weight control, including weight loss and reduction of obesity.

Abstract: A trench isolation structure for a semiconductor is provided including an isolation ring and an isolation path. The isolation ring surrounds active semiconductor areas and is bordered on the outside by inactive semiconductor area. The isolation path extends from the isolation ring through the inactive semiconductor area. A first level conductor on the isolation path electrically connects or capacitively couples a device in the active semiconductor area to a location on the substrate outside the isolation ring. The isolation path has a configuration derived from the layout of the conductor.

Abstract: A method of processing waste water comprises atomizing waste water under selected atmospheric conditions to achieve substantially complete phase change of the water. The atomization is conducted by spraying waste water from a nozzle mounted on a tower adjacent a catchment area for collecting ice crystals produced by the phase change of the atomized waste water into ice crystals, under atmospheric conditions favourable to freezing of atomized water droplets into ice.

Abstract: A process for making a crackstop on a semiconductor device is disclosed. The process involves creating and metallizing a groove surrounding the active region on a chip at the same time as other functional metallization is occurring, and then selectively etching out the metal in the groove after final passivation. In various embodiments the groove passes through the surface dielectric or the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment the groove is replaced by hollow metal rings that can be stacked through multiple dielectric layers.

Abstract: A method is presented for controlled formation of microcavities for various semiconductor and micro-machine applications. The method involves the steps of defining a void in a support structure, sealing the void with a resilient gas-permeable material such that a chamber is formed, diffusing gas into the chamber through the gas permeable material to create a pressurized chamber, and then allowing expansion of the pressurized chamber within the resilient material, thereby creating an enlarged cavity. The applications set forth include the production of large capacitors, field isolation structures, tubular sensors for chromatography, pressure sensors, and cooling channels for integrated circuits.

Abstract: A gerotor structures is disclosed having a fluid bypass means for selectively siphoning off the high pressure fluid from the expanding gerotor cells so as to disable the operation of the device.

Abstract: This relates to a valve assembly or hydrant which is particularly suitable for use in conditions where freezing temperatures may be encountered, such as in water supply systems for snowmaking equipment and the like as commonly used in ski resort areas. The valve assembly comprises a valve body, a perforated valve insert in the valve body, a control member movable along the valve insert, and a ball engaging a valve seat in the valve insert. Movement of the control member releases the ball and then progressively opens the perforation thus providing accurate and stable flow control under a wide range of back pressures. The flow closure and control are separate from one another and the shut-off is not prone to failure or fouling as a result of debris in the water supply. The valve assembly can be controlled in such a manner as to provide a straight line flow versus valve opening position function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel vapor condensor apparatus and method for continuously stripping condensate from a supply of compressed gas using the cold weather approach. One or more condensing assemblies are employed, each one of which includes spaced apart inner and outer tubular sections which extend between the top and bottom of the assembly ends. The inner tubular section defines a first passageway for the passage of a heat-exchange cooling fluid therethrough. A second passageway through which the compressed gas passes is defined by the spacing between the inner and outer tubular sections. Condensate discharge means is located at the bottom end of the assembly for exhausting the condensate which forms in the second passageway.

Abstract: This invention relates to a snow-making nozzle used in the production of artificial snow and which is to be connected to a pressurized supply of water and a pressurized supply of air for the concurrent passage of air and water therethrough. The nozzle has an upstream conically convergent section and a downstream conically divergent section. At the common point of intersection of these two sections, which is normal to the nozzle axis, an annular throat is defined. A restrictor, being a body of revolution, is fixedly positioned in the divergent and convergent sections and includes a conically convergent downstream portion commencing proximate from the annular throat and within the divergent section of the nozzle. The design is conducive to uniform velocity profiles, uniform particle size of snow produced and reduced air-to-water ratios when operating at ambient temperatures approaching the freezing point of water than was previously obtainable in nozzles intended for two phase flow.