Abstract: A method of forming integrated circuit structures, such as capacitors and conductive plugs, within contact openings formed in a photosensitive silicone ladder polymer (PVSQ) is disclosed. Contact openings with reduced striations and CD loss are formed in a photosensitive silicone ladder polymer (PVSQ) layer by patterning the PVSQ film employing a photomask with a predefined pattern, exposing the PVSQ film to i-line, developing the exposed PVSQ film in a mixture of anisole/xylene in a ratio of about 1:2 for about 30 seconds, and subsequently optionally annealing the undeveloped PVSQ film at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 600° C.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load and to the support assembly, and an exercise station operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly. The exercise station includes a user interface, at least one adjustment assembly configured to adjust a position of the user interface, and an actuator assembly selectively engageable with the at least one adjustment assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to approximately simultaneously enable vertical and horizontal adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to release the at least one adjustment assembly, and to approximately simultaneously disable adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to lock the at least one adjustment assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated two piece piston designed for reciprocable movement within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The piston has a crown of high-strength ferrous material that is precision cast net to finished dimensions on all inner and outer surfaces to provide a controlled thickness throughout to ensure mechanical and thermal consistency without any additional machining of the crown. The crown is attached to a separate skirt by the use of a wrist pin, wherein the skirt is made of ferrous or non-ferrous materials by casting or other means.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities (e.g., atomic sulfur) from a reticle for use in photolithography is provided. In one embodiment, a reticle (or photomask) comprising a plate, a first layer over the plate, and a photoresist layer over the first layer is provided. The photoresist layer is removed with a first chemistry comprising a sulfur-containing compound. At least a portion of the first layer is removed with a second chemistry comprising a sulfur-containing etchant, thereby exposing portions of the plate. Removing the photoresist layer and/or at least a portion of the first layer leaves sulfur on at least portions of the reticle. In a cleaning step, the reticle is contacted with one or more excited species of oxygen to remove residual sulfur and other contaminants, such as carbon, sulfur and oxygen-containing species. Methods of embodiments can be used to clean, e.g., binary photomasks, attenuated phase shift masks (APSMs) and high transmission attenuated photomasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for functional training exercises having a function-specific user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly for performing a functional training exercise that simulates an activity involving a hand-held device includes a load, a support assembly, and a force-transferring assembly. A user interface includes a handle configured to resemble at least a portion of the hand-held device that is grasped by a user. An interface coupling assembly pivotably couples the handle and the force-transferring assembly. A training force applied to the handle by the user during movement of the handle along a functional training path induces an associated force on the load. In particular embodiments, the handle is configured to resemble a golf club, a baseball bat, a racquet, a hockey stick, and a sporting device configured to be thrown, such as a baseball.

Abstract: A ductile repair cylinder liner for a diesel engine, the cylinder liner having an additional cooling groove with a parabolic varying cross-section machined into the outer surface of the cylinder liner immediately below the radially extending locating flange for the liner.

Abstract: A one-piece piston having an investment or other permanent or non-permanent mold/die precision cast piston crown, rod flange and piston skirt. The piston crown has a relative constant thickness, a flange requiring minimal machining and a skirt providing for a wall with a support against the angular shifting of the piston. This improves the distribution of heat within such crown and the angular stability of the piston wall at the piston rod connection.

Abstract: A flat panel field emission device includes a black matrix formed from an electrically insulative material such as praseodymium-manganese oxide. The insulative black matrix increases image contrast and reduces power consumption. For field emission devices which utilize a switched anode for selectively activating pixels, the insulative material reduces or eliminates problems associated with short circuiting of the pixels.

Abstract: A protective cover for a dual inline memory module (DIMM) circuit card includes a pair of cover members for substantially containing the DIMM circuit card. The cover members are secured to opposite sides of the DIMM circuit card. The pair of cover members defines a socket-receiving channel between respective printed-circuit-board (PCB) mating faces of the cover members. The cover members includes a plurality of positioning features engaging the DIMM circuit card for positioning a portion of the DIMM circuit card within the socket-receiving channel.

Abstract: A program, method and materials for enhancing creative thinking, communication, decision-making and strategic planning. The program, materials and method are based on the interplay between physical manipulation of symbolic objects and the effect of such manipulation on the ability to deal with actual objectives. For example, by physically manipulating building blocks, such as those having a stud configuration, (such as those sold under the LEGO® trademark), which are fastened together with studs from a top of one block fitting into receptacles on the bottom of another block, the thinking processes can be fostered and/or enhanced.

Abstract: A method for adjusting one or more dimensions of a photomask subsequent to etching of a defective pattern in the chrome-containing layer thereof is provided. The method includes subjecting the chrome-containing layer of a photomask to a wet etch process utilizing a solution comprising deionized water and ozone. The length of exposure is directly proportional to the degree of adjustment desired. Accordingly, the method of the present invention provides a way in which dimensions of a photomask may be adjusted by a small amount (e.g., a few angstroms) or more severely adjusted, for example, by 20-30 nanometers or more.

Abstract: A ductile repair cylinder liner for a diesel engine, the cylinder liner having an additional cooling groove with a parabolic varying cross-section machined into the outer surface of the cylinder liner immediately below the radially extending locating flange for the liner.

Abstract: A method of forming integrated circuit structures, such as capacitors and conductive plugs, within contact openings formed in a photosensitive silicone ladder polymer (PVSQ) is disclosed. Contact openings with reduced striations and CD loss are formed in a photosensitive silicone ladder polymer (PVSQ) layer by patterning the PVSQ film employing a photomask with a predefined pattern, exposing the PVSQ film to i-line, developing the exposed PVSQ film in a mixture of anisole/xylene in a ratio of about 1:2 for about 30 seconds, and subsequently optionally annealing the undeveloped PVSQ film at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 600° C.

Abstract: A grouser shoe for track drives commonly utilized by industrial and commercial equipment (e.g., bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, etc.) including a supportive pad and a ground engaging bar, the ends of such bar being bent to form wings, and method of manufacture thereof. The center portion of the bar provides the primary transmission of driveforce from the vehicle to the ground, while the wings provide for significant reduction in vibration, facilitate steering, provide easier turning, and extend the service life of the grouser shoe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece piston having a cast high-strength piston crown with a controlled and constant thickness together with a separate skirt of ferrous material.