Abstract: A structure to enable damascene copper semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. There is a silicon nitride film for providing a diffusion barrier for Cu as well as an etch stop for the duel damascene process. Directly above the silicon nitride film is a silicon oxynitride film. The silicon oxynitride film is graded, to form a gradual change in composition of nitrogen and oxygen within the film. Directly above the silicon oxynitride film is silicon oxide. The silicon oxide serves as an insulator for metal lines. Preferably, the film stack of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride and silicon oxide is all formed in sequence, within the same plasma-processing chamber, by modifying the composition of film-forming gases for forming each film.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate (1) has two side surfaces (64, 65) in a lengthwise direction (X) and two side surfaces (66, 67) in a widthwise direction Y intersecting each other, and is also provided with at least one flat surface (68) in a thicknesswise direction (Z). Internal electrode films (2 to 11) are embedded in the ceramic substrate (1) with film surfaces thereof extending roughly parallel to the flat surface (68) of the ceramic substrate (1). External electrodes (44, 55) are each provided on the flat surface (68) of the ceramic substrate (1) toward one of the two ends of the ceramic substrate (1) in the lengthwise direction (X), are electrically continuous with the internal electrode films (2 to 11) and are formed over distances (d11, d12) and (d21, d22) from the two side surfaces (66, 67) in the widthwise direction (Y).

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a contact element, provision is made of a laminated body which has an insulating film, an electrically conductive layer stacked on the insulating film, and bump holes opened. A treatment is carried out so as to remove organic materials and the like from an interior of the bump holes and/or a surface of the insulating film before bumps are formed on the bump holes. The treatment may be a plasma treatment or an X-ray irradiation.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting electronic components by using a plurality of conductive studs on a surface of a first electronic component and a plurality of corresponding conductive vias on the surface of a second electronic component. Camber on the surface of electronic components may be overcome by coating the surface with a dielectric, planarizing the dielectric, and forming conductive vias corresponding to the contact pads thereon. The conductive studs are substantially lead-free and preferably comprise of copper.

Abstract: There is provided a connection method of a semiconductor element in which even in the case where a semiconductor element includes a sealing inhibited region, it can be easily electrically connected to a substrate, and thinning and miniaturization can be realized.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises a plurality of holes in an interlayer insulating film beneath a bonding pad wherein a plug is buried in the respective holes and is made of the same conductive film (W/TiN/Ti) as a plug in a through-hole. Any wire as a second layer is not formed in a lower region of the bonding pad. The plug buried in the holes is connected only to the upper boding pad and is not connected to a lower wire.

Abstract: The package includes a chip located on a substrate with signal transferring device electrically connected between them. Solder balls connect the substrate and thus electrically connect the substrate to external circuits. Molding compound is covered to protect the chip and signal transferring means. The heat-slug is capped over the molding compound through a conductive glue. All area of the upper surface of the heat-slug is exposed to the ambient to improve the capability of spreading heat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: There is provided an infection molding apparatus capable of preventing an occurrence of over-packing which is comprised of: a pair of dies for forming a plurality of cavities therebetween; die closing devices for closing the pair of dies under a prescribed pressure; an injection device for Injecting a molten resin into respective cavities under a prescribed pressure; and a control device for controlling the die closing devices and the Injection device, and further the apparatus comprises a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting respective pressures in respective cavities, wherein the control device controls the injection device and/or the die closing devices to reduce a rate of injection of the molten resin and/or a force of closing of the dies, otherwise to stop the injection and/or the die closing operation when a pressure difference between cavities is found to be greater than a prescribed value on the basis of sensed values from the respective pressure sensors.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor-driven injection molding machine in which heat generation of a drive section including a drive motor is monitored, and when the drive section enters an overload state, the drive motor is stopped. In the method, during molding, heat generation value (overload factor) of the drive motor is estimated from load current flowing through the drive motor. When the estimated heat generation value (overload factor) reaches a preset stopping point or when a thermostat attached to the drive section outputs an overload detection signal indicating an overload state, the drive motor is stopped.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor-driven injection molding machine which includes a plurality of drive motors. In the method, load current flowing through at least one drive motor serving as a drive source is detected in order to estimate heat generation value of the drive motor. When the estimated heat generation value reaches a preset stopping point, the drive motor is stopped. When the estimated heat generation value reaches a preset alarming point, which is lower than the stopping point, an alarm is issued.

Abstract: A molding system has an extruder for concentrically extruding an outer tubular strand having an inner diameter and an inner tubular strand having an outer diameter from respective annular nozzle openings defined between respective inner and outer nozzle walls. The outer strand at least is are of a resin that swells transversely as it issue from the respective nozzle opening. The nozzle walls are positioned such that the outer diameter of the inner strand is substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the outer strand and the inner strand is separated by a space from the outer strand as the strands issue from the respective nozzle openings. An outer wall of the inner strand engages an inner wall of the outer strand at a spacing from the nozzle openings after substantially all swelling of the strands has taken place. A closeable mold has a passage for drawing the strands through the passage by applying suction to a downstream end of the passage.

Abstract: Melt delivery system and method including a first melting chamber and a laterally adjacent second melt pour chamber arranged side-by-side to one another with a suitable isolation valve therebetween. A melting/melt delivery system is includes a transport mechanism having a horizontally translatable carriage disposed on a carriage support frame. A shaft mechanism is disposed on the carriage for rotation relative thereto and for carrying a melting vessel in a manner that the melt-filled vessel can be horizontally translated from the melting chamber where a charge is melted in the vessel to the adjacent mold pour chamber where the melt is poured into a casting mold or vessel by rotation of the shaft mechanism. The carriage is translated by an actuator on the carriage support frame, and the shaft mechanism is independently rotated by an actuator on the carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing a tap hole of a metallurgical vessel, in particular a converter, for the purpose of separating a molten metal and slag, having a slag stopper 1, which is situated outside the vessel, which provides an actuable closure element 8 that can be inserted into a tap hole, leaving an annular gap relative to the wall of the tap hole, and which provides a number of lines, in particular a pressurized-gas line 10 intended for the supply of the closure element, the slag stopper 1 comprising a connecting frame 2, which carries and fixes the parts of the slag stopper, this connecting frame, for its part, being secured releasably at a connecting point 11 on the metallurgical vessel 12. This allows a significant reduction in the time required for servicing or changing the slag stopper.

Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flange fixture intended to hold a flange to a tube for welding the flange to said tube, whereby it comprises: a) a cylindrical central body comprising at least three evenly distributed expansion holders as well as one cylindrical part provided with threads, whereby the expansion holders are each arranged to receive at least a radially movable expansion means, and whereby the cylindrical part being provided with threads is arranged to receive one controlling device influencing the radially movable expansion means for obtaining an outwardly directed movement; b) a first cylindrical shaft axially and rotatably mounted arranged in the central body and comprising a second controlling device arranged in the end thereof facing away from the central body; c) an axially and rotatably arranged second shaft in said shaft, which second shaft in its end receives at least three evenly distributed second expansion holders, which are each arranged to receive at least one radially moveable s

Abstract: A sheet cutter for finishing a booklet by cutting, with a cutter, edges of a bundle of sheets folded double, wherein it is possible to load booklets on a booklet stand of a booklet storing section that stores a plurality of booklets which have been subjected to cutting processing, by overlapping sheet faces, with a folded portion of each booklet facing upward.

Abstract: A paper feeding mechanism with a separator and paper blocking mechanisms. When feeding paper, a lift plate carrying paper is moved up to allow a pick-up roller and the separator to move one sheet from the lift plate. After feeding paper, the lift plate is lowered away from the pick-up roller, and the paper blocking mechanism pushes excess paper back to the lift plate.

Abstract: Interactive games provide a player with an opportunity to use skill and knowledge of conventional game strategy to facilitate greater player interest. The games described herein include simulated versions of blackjack, draw poker, hold'em, pick seven and roulette which are playable on video display terminals, scratch-off cards or pull tab cards interchangeably. Each casino game described herein has been modified for use with the card and video format to provide a simulated game which incorporates the strategy of the related casino game.

Abstract: A guide roller with a sealing element (14) formed in one piece in a T-shape having a first axial sealing portion (15) that is placed securely onto a shoulder of the inner race, a second sealing portion (16) that extends radially outwardly and is located inside a second groove of the outer race (13), and a third sealing portion (17) that extends radially inwardly branching off from the first sealing portion (15) at its inner end is provided so that axial contact between the shoulder and the outer race (10) is prevented by the third sealing portion (17).

Abstract: A heeling apparatus includes a shoe with a unique feature in the heel that allows one to walk, run, or roll seamlessly. The appearance is that of normal footwear because of the covert wheel assembly. The stealth wheel in the heel gives one the ability to roll or slide in areas you could only walk. Heeling is a new activity that employs a unique method of rolling and requires a newly learned skill set of balance, positioning, and coordination.

Abstract: A operating system for slider locking pins includes an air compressor connected to an air supply tank. An air pressure protection valve is connected to the air tank to protect the brake system of the trailer. A flipper valve is connected to the air pressure protection valve and provides selective fluid communication between the air tank and a plurality of locking pin driver assemblies. Each locking pin driver assembly is adapted to move a locking pin to a disengaged position when in fluid communication with the air tank while being adapted to move the locking pin to the engaged position when not in fluid communication with the air tank. Each driver assembly is configured to substantially provide protection to each of its elements from adverse weather conditions and articles thrown up from the road. In one embodiment, the driver assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the frame of the sliding undercarriage. A traveling bracket is connected to a locking pin.

Abstract: An attachment stay is fixed to corresponding fork pipes, a shaft is inserted between through holes of respective attachment stays, one end of a cushion arm is rotatably supported on the shaft via a ball bearing and a needle bearing, and a lower end of a shock absorber is rotatably attached to a middle section of the cushion arm to provide a front suspension structure offering a high degree of freedom during assembly of the cushion arm.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus for use in snow is provided. The apparatus typically includes an elongate member including an intermediate portion positioned between a pair of longitudinally opposed upturned end portions. The elongate member includes a bottom surface configured to glide over snow and a laterally upwardly curved surface. The apparatus further includes a traction layer positioned above the elongate member. The traction layer is typically a pliant foam layer. The apparatus may also include a translucent layer through which indicia is viewable, beveled edges, stringers, and/or an elongate member with layers of varying stiffness.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system comprising at least one movable engaging member that, when engaged, secures a snowboarder's boot from vertical or horizontal movement is disclosed. In one embodiment, a binding system having two active sides is disclosed, allowing a snowboarder to engage the binding by stepping downwardly onto the binding mechanism, thus reversibly forcing tensioned engaging members between an extended and a retracted position and back to an extended position, thereby securing the snowboarder's boot to the upper surface of a snowboard. A preferred embodiment utilizes positioning keys that properly orientate a snowboarder's boot into binding engagement. Other embodiments include snowboard boots having active binding mechanisms positioned on the boot itself, such mechanisms engageable with static members secured to the surface of a snowboard.

Abstract: A leather covering piece for a vehicle interior lining comprises a leather piece and an intermediate layer connected with the leather piece. A hardenable mass is applied onto the intermediate layer or the leather piece. The hardened mass gives the leather covering piece such an inherent rigidity that it maintains a curved shape and can be inserted into an injection mold. The stacking of prefabricated leather covering pieces is also possible. The shape of the leather covering piece already corresponds to that of the finished product, in particular of the vehicle interior lining for which it is used. The leather covering piece is back-molded in order to obtain a stable carrier piece which gives the entire interior lining more stability.

Abstract: A protective cushion or airbag for a vehicle occupant's head which can introduce gas into chambers simultaneously or with desired time lags among the chambers. A cushion comprises an occupant-side sheet and an body-side sheet which are superposed on each other and sewn together so as to form vacant chambers between the sheets. A cylindrical member is disposed between upper portions of the sheets. Gas supplied through a rear end of the cylindrical member is introduced into the chambers openings and a front end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: The invention provides the combination of a seat frame and a cover, having a seam, covering the seat frame. An air bag unit, having an air bag, is disposed inside the cover and is supported by the frame. An intensifier sleeve, having a pair of sheets, sandwiches the air bag therebetween with the sheets being connected to the seam of the cover and supported by the seat frame. A fastener is included and has outboard and inboard portions with the portions being connected the free edges of the sheets. The portions each include a back panel and a series of J-shaped hooks. The seat assembly is characterized by an alignment device disposed on the portions to ensure that the J-shaped hooks are aligned when the J-shaped hooks are interleaved with one another such that the outboard portion is securely interconnected to the inboard portion. This ensures that the sheets are securely supported on the seat frame and that the sheets will remain supported on the seat frame during a deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus with a steering wheel is formed of a steering wheel section having a wheel center portion, wheel spoke portions extending radially outwardly from the wheel center portion and a wheel section attached to the wheel spoke portions; a retainer attached to the steering wheel section; an air bag mounted on the retainer and disposed in the wheel center portion and the wheel spoke portions; an inflator connected to the retainer for inflating the air bag; and a module cover connected to the retainer for covering the air bag. The module cover has a cover center portion and cover spoke portions extending from the cover center portion corresponding to the wheel center portion and the wheel spoke portions. The air bag apparatus for the driver's seat is made compact and has a slim appearance.

Abstract: A passenger seat air bag module for supporting and deploying an air bag at a location relative to the instrument panel of a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, an air bag sack, a gas generator for generating gas for inflating the air bag sack, and a cover element for covering a deployment opening through which the air bag sack is moved when it is deployed. To withdraw the cover element, a drive mechanism applies a pulling force to the cover element via a pulling force transmitting element. The drive mechanism includes a drive block having a plurality of paired cylinder bores and associated drive pistons and a push bar driven outwardly by the drive pistons. The outward movement of the push bar effects withdrawal of the cover element from its deployment opening covering position to its withdrawn position by the pulling force transmitting element.

Abstract: A steering device for a car, comprises an inner column for rotatably supporting one end of a steering shaft, an outer column, for rotatably supporting the other end of the steering shaft, in which the inner column is slidably fitted, a couple of clamp members formed integrally with the outer column and each having an embracing surface for embracing the inner column, and fastening means for making the couple of clamp members embrace and thus fasten the inner column by moving the couple of clamp members close to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display unit for displaying photographs and other articles, wherein said display unit is collapsible to form a compact unit for convenient transport.

Abstract: A panel assembly for transferring fluids from one location to another comprises a panel structure with openings, a nozzle projecting through each opening and a sleeve affixed between the nozzle and its respective opening. Each nozzle includes a tubular portion with a connection end adapted for connection to a transfer conduit. The connection ends of the nozzles are preferably aligned with a common reference plane. Each sleeve has an outer surface with a length that is greater than a combination of a thickness of the panel and any deformity on the panel. With this arrangement, alignment of the connection ends with the common reference plane is independent of any deformity on the panel. A method of constructing a panel assembly includes determining if any defects are present on the inner surface of the tubular portion before installing the nozzle on the panel, and precluding potential inner surface defects during installation of the nozzle on the panel.

Abstract: In the joint 40 for duplex pipes, a clearance between the first outer pipe seal unit 110 and the second outer pipe seal unit 210 is defined larger than a clearance existing between the first inner seal portion 120 and the second inner pipe unit 220. Furthermore, the wire diameter of the O-ring 301 which functions as the sealing member for the outer pipe is defined larger than the wire meter of the O-ring 401 which functions as the sealing member for the inner pipe.

Abstract: A device on a conduit end for joining the conduit (1) to a coupling (4) or some other receiver of the end of the conduit, which is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Two external annular beads (2, 2′) are pressed out from the conduit wall on the conduit end and accommodate between themselves an O-ring (3). In an arrangement for joining, the receiver (4) has a conical inlet and means, which together with the rear annular bead (2) form engaging means for a tightening means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle driving apparatus capable of being mounted easily even in a narrow space such as under-floor of the vehicle. The vehicle driving apparatus comprises a first and a second generators driven by an engine for driving front wheels, and a motor driven by receiving a power supply from the second generator to drive rear wheels, the first and second generators being installed in the vicinity of an engine within an engine room, the motor being arranged in the vicinity of a differential gear with which a reduction mechanism is integrated and is positioned substantially in a central part of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively operating and locking a pivotal window. The window is pivotally attached to a window frame so as to pivot between open and closed configurations. The mechanism includes an actuating rod slidably mounted to the window frame. A guiding arm is pivotally mounted to the window frame. An actuating arm is pivotally attached to the actuating rod. The distal end of the actuating arm is attached to the window by attachment component allowing for angular compensation. The distal end of the guiding arm is pivotally attached to the actuating arm intermediate the longitudinal ends of the latter. A pin and slot arrangement allows for selective pivotal or locking action between the guiding and actuating arms depending on their relative pivotal relationship.

Abstract: A door latch 100 comprises a housing 110 fixed to a hinged door, and a knob 140 is slidably guided within a slit 112 formed to the housing 110. A bolt 130 inserted to a bolt guide 120 is fixed to the knob 140 using a screw 160. The sliding movement of said knob 140 is limited by both end portions 112a and 112b of a slit 112, against which said knob 140 collides. A plastic damper 150 is equipped to the position of collision for muffling collision noise. A ball 136 providing detent for said bolt is also made of plastic, providing a further muffling effect.

Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle roof (1) with a main roof element (3) and at least one other roof element (2, 4), which are movably joined to one another, and with a main bearing mechanism (6) which pivotally mounts the main roof element (3) on the body and transfers the former in the opening process of the motor vehicle roof, together with the roof element (2, 4) coupled thereto, into a stowed position, the coupled roof element (2) being moved via its connecting means (13) which is controlled by the main bearing means (6) during motion of the main roof element (3) roughly parallel to, under or over the main roof element (3) when the main roof element (3) which is supported on the body side is pivoted by the main bearing means (3).

Abstract: An automotive impact energy absorbing structure has a structural member having an inner panel, and an interior member spaced from the inner panel by an interval extending therefrom toward the inside of a compartment. A hollow body is disposed within the interval. Impact energy applied to the hollow body from inside the compartment is absorbed by deformation of the hollow body.

Abstract: An automotive impact energy absorbing structure has a structural member having an inner panel, and an interior member spaced from the inner panel by an interval extending therefrom toward the inside of a compartment A hollow body is disposed within the interval. Impact energy applied to the hollow body from inside the compartment is absorbed by deformation of the hollow body.

Abstract: An improvement on a vehicle floor structure is provided which includes joint members each of which has a closed hollow structure and joins a rear extension of one of side sills, one end of a rear seat cross member, and a front end of one of rear side members. Each of the joint members is installed between one end of the rear seat cross member and one of the side sills and has a lower-rigidity region formed adjacent the end of the rear seat cross member for facilitating ease of a lateral collapse of a vehicle body in the lower-rigidity region upon occurrence of a side collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sunroof for a motor vehicle having roof with an opening, the sunroof including a cover panel for closing the roof opening, a pair of guide rails for supporting the cover panel, a drive device for moving the cover panel vertically and horizontally with relative to the roof in a open and closed position. The sunroof also includes a shade device which can be pulled vertically to cover panel the drive device from the inside while the cover panel is in the open position. The shade device is mounted such that it is fixed with respect to a respective guide rail in a lengthwise direction relative to the roof, while the cover panel is mounted such that it can be moved in the lengthwise direction with respect to the shade device.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a sunroof includes a sunroof panel, a track, an actuating mechanism, and a panel securing member operable to assist in securing a rear section of the panel to the track when the panel is in a closed position. In another aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly includes a spring biased finger and a panel securing member which are movable relative to a track to secure a rear section of a sunroof panel depending on the positional relationship of the finger relative to a camming member.

Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and is coupled with the support section above the floor surface for forming a high chair. The seat element is displaceably mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively removed from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface.

Abstract: Base for vehicle seat comprising two slide rails and two pivoted transverse shafts each supported by the two slide rails, these control shafts being rigidly fixed respectively to two control levers actuated simultaneously to pivot in two opposed actuating directions. The control shafts are rigidly fixed respectively to two control means, which are able to unlock the two slide rails respectively when the control shafts pivot respectively in their actuating directions from their rest positions.

Abstract: A method of fixing bristles into ferrules of brush heads, comprises providing a composition comprising an epoxy resin, applying the composition to end portions of the bristles, locating the end portions of a bunch of the bristles within a ferrule with the resin in contact with the ferrule, and effecting curing of the resin to adhere the bristles to the ferrule. The resin composition is such that the curing is effected in no more than 60 minutes and the resin on curing adheres within and to the ferrule and does not undergo excessive shrinkage during curing or subsequent cooling such that its adhesion to the bristles and the ferrule is not lost.

Abstract: A rim for a spoked bicycle wheel having a tubeless tire comprises a continuous outer circumferential wall without any holes or openings, and a plurality of supports for nipples for tightening the spokes, the said supports supporting the nipples outside the section making up the rim.

Abstract: At a surface opposite to a mounting surface 28 at a part of the mounting flange 13, a projecting part 27 is provided so as to surround the opening part of the mounting holes 23 for press-fitting each stud thereinto. A finishing process of the mounting surface 28 is carried out after the stud 24 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 23.

Abstract: A power controller for a vehicle can operate electrical load upon stopping of engine or turning OFF of a key switch, and lowering of remaining capacity of a main battery can be prevented. The control system has a control portion controlling operation of a power generator and an electrical load mounted on an automotive vehicle. The control system also includes remaining capacity measuring means for measuring a remaining capacity of a battery. The control portion drives a predetermined power load when an engine is stopped or a key switch is held OFF, and operation of the power load is stopped when a remaining capacity of the battery measured by the remaining capacity measuring means becomes smaller than a predetermined value.