Abstract: A cryosurgical probe incorporating various forms of auxiliary instrumentation mounted on the catheter or conductive tip, such as a temperature sensor, a heater, an ultrasonic transducer, or an optical element of a viewing, illumination, or laser system, and a method for employing such a probe for ablation of uterine tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated wig manufacturing system. A two-dimensional thin wig base (11) of fabric material woven by resin fiber, for example, is supplied to above a conveyor table (21), whereas an artificial hair (30) is supplied to the underside of the base. The base is subjected to tensioning rollers (23) so that it is placed on the table in a stretched condition. A reciprocating needle (41) penetrates the stretched base to engage the artificial hair, which is pulled above to thereby transplanted on the base. The hair transplanting operation in such a manner is repeated at different points, as the table is moved in predetermined direction(s) with a predetermined pitch. After the hair transplanting operation is completed, the base is released from being stretched, thereby allowing shrinkage of the base due to its material shrinkability. The base with the artificial hairs transplanted is then formed into a three-dimensional configuration to provide fittability to a human head.

Abstract: A hair grooming brush with a plurality or rows of curved wavy bristles, rather than traditional straight bristles found on brushes and combs. The curvature of the bristles produces a springiness to the bristles when pressure is applied during the combing action. The springiness of the numerous rows of bristles, translates into a massaging effect upon the hair and scalp. Rows of curved bristles are more effective at untangling the hair. The three different sections of the bristle, the lower, middle and tip sections, can be either straight or curved. Additionally the rows can alternate between various formations of bristles.

Abstract: The present invention resides in self adhesive hair extensions and a method of attaching then to the head of a wearer. The self adhesive hair extensions comprise a plurality of either natural or synthetic hair strands attached to a base support unit comprising a strip of woven material or hair attachment weave or welt at one end. A fastener comprising a self adhesive tape portion and removable backing is sewn or otherwise secured by stitching it to the hair extensions in order to prevent the adhesive tape from being separated or repositioned during use.

Abstract: A flossing tip for a power dental flossing device. The tip is elongated and includes a base portion, a central portion having a generally rectangular cross-section, and an enlarged end portion including a disk shape. The tip is compressible. The base portion supports the tip when the tip is coupled to the dental flossing device. The central portion couples the base portion to the end portion. The end portion is inserted between a pair of adjacent teeth of a user, and helps guide and orient the tip between the adjacent teeth. When in use, the rectangular cross-section of the tip provides multiple points of contact against a tooth for cleaning, and also helps maintain the tip in proper orientation with respect to the teeth. The enlarged end portion assists in positioning the tip, provides additional cleaning edges, and helps prevent trauma to the gums.

Abstract: A flossing tip for a power dental flossing device. The tip is elongated and includes a base portion, a central portion having a generally rectangular cross-section, and an end portion. The base portion supports the tip when the tip is coupled to the dental flossing device. The central portion couples the base portion to the end portion. The end portion is inserted between a pair of adjacent teeth of a user, and helps guide and orient the tip between the adjacent teeth. When in use, the rectangular cross-section of the tip provides multiple points of contact against a tooth for cleaning, and also helps maintain the tip in proper orientation with respect to the teeth.

Abstract: A cleaning system and a cleaning method is provided with a cleaning medium comprising a magnetic substance and a magnetic field generating device for applying a magnetic force to the magnetic substance in the cleaning medium so that the magnetic substance and the area to be cleaned are rubbed together. The area to be cleaned is cleaned by the rubbing action of the cleaning medium. The interior of the cleaned object not reachable by hands or instruments can be easily cleaned with this device. The cleaning medium, made of a magnetic substance, is guided into the interior of the cleaned object. The magnetic field generating device generates a magnetic field in the cleaning medium and thereby applies a force to the magnetic substance. By rubbing the magnetic substance on the inner wall surface of the area to be clean, the object can be cleaned efficiently.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cleaning probes, capable of simplifying a cleaning process without causing a damage to the probes, and a cleaning system for use in carrying out the method. A cylindrical body supported so as to be opposed to a probe card with probes formed thereon is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator and an ultrasonic wave generation device for causing the ultrasonic vibrator to undergo ultrasonic vibration. By causing the ultrasonic vibrator to undergo ultrasonic vibration by the agency of the ultrasonic wave generation device, a standing wave comprising nodes and antinodes occurring in concentric circles is generated inside the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that remove a scrubber brush from contact with a wafer surface prior to slowing down the scrubber brush's rotational rate. The scrubbing method may comprise rotating a scrubber brush at a non-reduced rate, while the scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and removing the scrubber brush from contact with the wafer while rotating the scrubber brush at the non-reduced rate. The scrubbing apparatus has a controller programmed to perform the scrubbing method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a product recovery system for recovering residual product from processing food or feed in manufacturing facilities, and more particularly to a product recovery system for recovery of residual raw or processed food or feed from processing plant lines and equipment. The product so recovered is useful as an ingredient in further food or feed manufacture. The product recovery system provides the further utility of removing the residual product from the waste effluent stream of the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: The present invention cleans contaminants from pipes. The first step may be pulling a vacuum on the pipe to be cleaned. The pipe is then filled with a solvent, which is preferably a fluorocarbon solvent. After the pipe is filled with solvent, a cleaning solution is pumped at a high velocity through the pipe. The cleaning solution preferably comprises the fluorocarbon solvent, and a fluorosurfactant. The pipe is then rinsed with solvent. A particle counter is used to determine whether the solvent rinse contains an acceptably low number of particles. The solvent is then blown out of the pipe by a gas, such as dry air. A vacuum is then pulled on the pipe. Subsequently, a hot dry gas is pumped through the pipe to evaporate and remove any remaining solvent. The gas is preferably hot, dry air. The gas exiting from the pipe is then checked to confirm that it contains an acceptably low level of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A scrub washing apparatus comprises a spin chuck for holding a substrate to be processed substantially horizontally, a nozzle for supplying a washing liquid to the substrate mounted on the spin chuck, an arm vertically and horizontally movably supported, an output shaft provided at the arm, a sponge brush connected directly or indirectly to the output shaft, for scrubbing the substrate on the spin chuck in contact therewith, a press mechanism moving the sponge brush downward together with the output shaft, for pressing the sponge brush against the substrate on the spin chuck, and a rotation drive mechanism provided above the press mechanism at a position where the rotation drive mechanism is capable of being engaged with the output shaft, for directly rotating the sponge brush by engaging with the output shaft.

Abstract: A beach umbrella stabilizer comprising an outer tubular sleeve and a telescoping inner tubular sleeve which interact to form an impact-type slide hammer arrangement is disclosed. The inner tubular sleeve of the stabilizing device can be forced into the sand by the slide hammer arrangement. After the stabilizing device is securely anchored into the sand, a beach umbrella can be attached to the end thereof by means of a clamp. The height of the stabilizing device can be adjusted thus permitting the overall height of the beach umbrella to be similarly adjusted.

Abstract: A hands free umbrella apparatus that is easily packed and stored without any bulkiness. There is a spring loaded height adjustment mechanism used with a stem and attachment sleeve and two external support belts that utilize hook and loop fasteners or belt buckles to secure the support belts around the user. The external support belts can be conveniently wrapped around the stem and attachment sleeve of the umbrella apparatus and secured by another hook and loop fastener while in storage.

Abstract: The present invention a collapsible shelter comprises spaced apart first and second upright pleated wall sections disposed substantially parallel to each other, first and second slanted pleated roof sections joined at upper ends to form a saw tooth roof peak, and joined at lower ends to upper ends of said wall section to form saw tooth wall-roof junctions, wherein said pleated wall sections together with said pleated roof sections form a tunnel member which is collapsible by folding said pleated sections onto each other in accordion style.

Abstract: An orchard tent folding structure comprises two frame sets and a shelter member having a plurality of tubular members and a plastic cloth. The frame sets comprise a rod member which is provided with a power source to drive the rod member to turn, a sprocket wheel and a slide wheel linked with the sprocket wheel by a chain member. The sprocket wheel turns along with the rod member. The chain member is formed of a chain section and a steel cable section. The shelter member is fastened at one side with the chain section, and at other side with a first steel cable and a second steel cable of the frame sets.

Abstract: An integrated thin-film solar battery having a plurality of unit elements connected in series includes a substrate, a plurality of spaced apart first electrode layers formed on the substrate; a plurality of semiconductor layers disposed on said plurality of first electrode layers in such a manner that each of the semiconductor layers is formed on two adjacent first electrodes and has a connection opening located on one of the two first electrodes, an electrically conductive layer formed on each of the semiconductor layers except on the region of the connection opening, and a second electrode layer disposed on each of the electrically conductive layers such that the second electrode layer is electrically connected to one of the two adjacent first electrode layers through the connection opening, to form a region interposed between the second electrode layer and the other first electrode layer as the unit element.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell comprises a p-layer, an i-layer and an n-layer formed in this order as a pin junction on a substrate in which the p-layer and the i-layer are thin silicon films each containing a crystalline component, and the p-layer contains p-type impurities of 0.2 to 8 atom % and has a thickness of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: A space photovoltaic power generation system comprises a plurality of power satellites (1) arranged in space, each of which converts electrical energy, into which sunlight has been photoelectric-converted, into a microwave, and transmits the microwave to an electric power base (4). The system can thus transmit a microwave of high power to the electric power base (4). As each of the plurality of power satellites (1) changes its attitude in space, and its relative location therefore changes, each of the plurality of power satellites (1) can adjust an amount of phase adjustment to be made to the microwave which each of the plurality of power satellites will transmit. A control satellite (2) measures the location of each of the plurality of power satellites (1) for the phase adjustment, and calculates the amount of phase adjustment for each of the plurality of power satellites (1). The control satellite (2) then transmits the amount of phase adjustment to each of the plurality of power satellites (1).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for the transfer of fluid or fuel, including, in one embodiment a container where a flexible tube is associated with a first opening in the container and where a vacuum pump is associated with a second opening in the container. The vacuum pump, a manually operated device, is suitable for creating a vacuum within the container so as to initiate the flow of liquid through a siphoning tube. Furthermore, the vacuum pump is an inexpensive design and is not directly exposed to the liquid being siphoned or stored within the container. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the method of using a diverter and an end-weighted siphon tube, operatively connected to a vacuum source, in order to more easily transfer liquid from an enclosed reservoir.

Abstract: A combination sheath and frost-resistant wall hydrant include a hydrant having a wall-penetrating conduit and intermediate wall bracket. There is an internal valve seat between the bracket and indoor or inlet end, and so is located in a presumptively warm indoor climate and spaced back from the wall and/or outdoors so as to reduce chances of freezing outdoor temperatures freezing water stopped behind the valve seat. The sheath telescopes over the hydrant's inlet end until the sheath's leading end mates against the hydrant's bracket. The leading end is vented for venting leakwater from the hydrant outdoors and not indoors in cases if the hydrant bursts by freezing because water got stopped in the conduit between the valve seat and outlet and failed to drain despite an open outlet. The sheath's trailing end seals onto the hydrant somewhere behind the valve seat.

Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising a flexible fluid conduit having first and second ends, a first valve seat disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second valve seat disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance from each other. A first plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are disposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, with the first and second plurality of valve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a check valve for preventing the backflow of fuel from a fuel tank with an apparatus for limiting the fill level. The check valve is fixed to the end segment, projecting into the fuel tank, of a filler pipe and has a movable valve part exposing an inlet opening. The apparatus for limiting the fill level is arranged, viewed from the fuel tank, in front of the check valve and has a flap capable of closing an inlet opening and being actuated by a float. The flap, which is capable of closing the inlet opening is operatively connected to the rotatably mounted float via a transmission linkage in such a way that a comparatively slight rotation of the float will bring about a much greater rotation of the flap to adopt the closed position.

Abstract: A damping valve comprising a one-piece damping-valve body with axial through-passages for each direction of flow, at least one side of the damping-valve body having arranged on it at least one valve disk that at least partially covers an outlet opening of a through-passage, the damping-valve body having a radial inflow opening to the through-passages. The outlet openings of the through-passages for a first direction of flow on one side of the damping-valve body have a trapezoidal cross section, and the outlet openings of the through-passages for a second direction of flow on the other side of the damping-valve body open into a common encircling annular channel. The through-passages with outlet openings with the trapezoidal cross section are arranged on a larger pitch circle than the through-passages that open into the annular channel.

Abstract: An engine valve (6) such as an intake valve or exhaust valve is driven to open or close a corresponding intake or exhaust port by attracting an armature (1) onto one of first and second electromagnets (2, 3) and a position of the armature, viz., the position of the engine valve is measured by a permanent magnet (7) and a Hall effect device (8). An adhesive layer (9) whose hardness is lower than the drive axle (5) is used to attach the permanent magnet (7) onto the drive axle (5).

Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.

Abstract: A fuel transfer apparatus for providing fuel to a vehicle engine from a plurality of fuel tanks. A transfer pump is positioned intermediate a pair of fuel tanks and is operable to transfer fuel therebetween. Fuel is provided to the engine from a first one of the two fuel tanks. Excess fuel is returned to the first one of the two fuel tanks. When the level in the first fuel tank is less than the level in the second fuel tank by a predetermined amount, the transfer pump transfers an amount of fuel from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank. Fuel level sensors are utilized to monitor the level of fuel in the two fuel tanks and report to a microprocessor which controls the transfer pump. The microprocessor utilized to control the transfer pump may be incorporated into the transfer pump, may be a stand alone microprocessor, or may comprise an existing vehicle circuit board such as, e.g., the electronic control module (ECM).

Abstract: The sewer hose for a recreational vehicle includes a valve coupling disposed at both ends of the sewer hose so that the body of the sewer hose may be closed off after the sewer hose is used to empty the holding tank of the recreational vehicle. The valve couplings and sewer hose have exterior dimensions small enough to fit in the standard sewer hose storage compartment.

Abstract: A fluid line connector assembly includes a first part defining a fluid channel; and a second part including an outer body and a member mounted for adjusting movement relative to the outer body in a direction normal to an axis of engagement in response to relative motion of the first part and the second part when the first part and the second part are connected, the member defining a fluid channel within the body. The first and second parts together define the axis of engagement along which the first and second parts are releasably connectable, the fluid channel of the first part being adapted to connect to the fluid channel of the second part, and, when the first and second parts are connected, the fluid channel of the second part remains in fluid flow connection with the fluid channel of the first part during adjusting movement of the member relative to the outer body of the second part.

Abstract: The distributor comprises a compartmented base body having several outlets and a lateral inlet for the liquid, a cover being secured on top of said base body, this latter housing in its inside a rotatable obturator bell governed by a control means being external to the cover. This distributor is characterized in that an apertured disc is fitted onto the compartments of the base body, and another apertured disc is fitted to the open bottom of the obturator bell and rotates with this latter, the opposite surfaces of these two discs being smoothed up in order to thus obtain between said discs a tightly abutting arrangement. Each of said two apertured discs is fitted onto the base body and onto the obturator bell, respectively, with the intermediary of a seal, and said obturator bell is provided with resilient means causing the disc being fitted to said bell to exert a pressure against the disc being fitted to the base body.

Abstract: The invention describes a shut-off valve having a double seat with an upper valve seat (7) of a diameter D1 and a lower valve seat (8) of a diameter D2 different to the diameter D1 (D1<D2), and a double-head setting member (12, 11, 10, 14) which in the closed condition prevents passage therethrough of a medium which is to be sealed off. The annular surface (D2−D1) of the double-head setting member (12, 11, 10, 14), which is acted upon by the medium to be sealed off and affords a closing force, and is formed from the outside diameter D2 and the inside diameter D1, is divided by a diameter D3 (D1<D3<D2) into at least two regions (10, 14) in order to distribute the closing force to the upper valve seat (7) and the lower valve seat (8).

Abstract: An actuating means for a valve that is both opened and closed with a snap-action. The bidirectional, bi-stable snap acting valve has adjustable resistive forces governing the snap action of the valve. The bi-stable snap action mechanism can be incorporated into the operation of the valving element or the valving actuators.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic diverter valve is provided which has a valve body with a fluid inlet zone communicating with a fluid diversion zone, which in turn communicates with a fluid outlet zone. In the fluid inlet zone there is at least one inlet for a fluid, at least one air inlet and a venturi passage for guiding the fluid as a jet. In a passage downstream of the venturi passage the air inlet communicates with the fluid jet exiting the venturi passage and the jet enters the diversion zone. Depending on whether the air inlet is blocked or not, the fluid jet either continues straight through the diversion zone to a first outlet from the valve body or, if the air stream is blocked, the jet is diverted to impinge upon a wall in the diversion chamber, the wall being arranged to be directed toward a different one of the outlet openings in the fluid outlet zone.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly, such as for ventilating the interior of a motor vehicle body, comprises a frame moulded from rigid thermoplastics material defining side walls, end walls and a dividing wall which form apertures controlled by flap valves. The flap valves can be moulded in situ from flexible material but which is not compatible with the rigid material of the frame and therefore does not adhere to it during the moulding process. The material of the flap valves is provided with a series of holes through which protrude studs having enlarged heads to form hinges to enable the flap valves to flex between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the flap valves seal against seats. Other embodiments are shown in which the flap valves can be moulded of rigid material with hinge formations arranged to hingeably interlock with corresponding formations on the frame.

Abstract: A dual size plumbing end cap is disclosed which capable of sealing the end of two sizes of pipe includes a fluid impervious membrane having a first cylindrical wall extending therefrom and configured to envelop an end of a pipe having a first diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the pipe. A second cylindrical wall is associated with the membrane and has a diameter which is larger than the first wall. The second wall is configured to envelop an end of a second pipe having a second diameter and, cooperatively with membrane, seal the end of the second pipe. The end cap may include a test fitting which extends through the membrane and is configured to securely connect to a test gauge, air source, or water source.

Abstract: In a super-insulation support system disposed in an annular space between concentric inner and outer corrugated tubes, a number of axially spaced rings is provided, which are interconnected by axially extending rods mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship alternately to the inside and the outside of the axially spaced rings thereby forming a cylindrical frame structure, which is disposed adjacent the inner corrugated tube and super-insulation is disposed on the cylindrical frame structure and supported thereby at a distance from the corrugated inner tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a surface fastener having a stabilized configuration, wherein a foundation cloth of the surface fastener has a double weaving structure and engaging elements are fixed firmly. This surface fastener is composed of a double weaving structure. Front foundation cloth and rear foundation cloth are woven with a plain weaving structure using warp yarn and weft yarn of double pick. Engaging element yarn is woven such that it strides over a warp yarn laterally and alternately every several picks, such that a loop portion of an engaging element is protruded from the surface. Then, a thermal melting yarn of synthetic fiber having a lower melting point than the synthetic fiber of each of the warp yarn, weft yarn and engaging element yarn is inserted and woven so as to intervene between the front foundation cloth and the rear foundation cloth. By melting the thermal melting yarn by heating, the front foundation cloth and the rear foundation cloth are welded together integrally.

Abstract: A yarn cutting device for mechanical looms, having two mutually movable blades which are arranged on a mounting surface, at least one of the blades being operable by a drive. The drive is constructed as an electrically energized linear motor, whereby a compact flat construction is achieved which has few movable parts.

Abstract: An anti-balloon device, to be placed downstream of a weft feeder for weaving looms or the like and particularly downstream of a pre-measuring weft feeder for air jet looms, comprising a structure which forms a substantially tubular through cavity, preferably substantially frustum-shaped and suitable to be crossed by an unwinding thread that arrives from the weft feeder and suitable to control the passage of the thread, by opposing the centrifugal force that affects it. According to the invention, the structure is shaped like a bottomless basket which is formed by rods lying longitudinally between end elements which connect the rods, typically end rings which are mutually angularly spaced so as to surround the cavity in order to control the passage of the thread.

Abstract: New or unused consumable product is distributed with a package capable of capturing the used or spent product for transmission to a recycling or disposal facility. The package is preaddressed for delivery to an appropriate reclamation center or disposal facility, with prepaid delivery charges for a commercial package service. At the reclamation center or disposal facility, the used or spent product is separated from the package for recycling and reusable portions of the package are again packaged with new or unused product, with any waste materials being properly handled. In the exemplary embodiment of motor oil, the package includes a drain pan jug for capturing the used motor oil and a shell for transmitting the drain pan jug and its contents to a reclamation facility. The shell may be reused until no longer serviceable, at which time it may be recycled. The drain pan jug, after use, may be shredded and utilized as fuel.

Abstract: A post valve yoke (35, 150) is operative to engage with a tank or cylinder (154) for placing the tank in fluid communication with a high pressure source of gas. The yoke includes a yoke body (148). The upper ends of the yoke body include a bore (160). A plunger (158) is operative to slide through the bore. The yoke body includes an opening (146) that is operative to receive a post valve (152) of the tank. The yoke is operative to urge the post valve with the plunger into sealed engagement with a passageway (144) in the lower end (174) of each yoke responsive to the movement of a lever arm (156) in pivoting connection with the plunger. A trigger lock (176) is operative to lock the lever arm in an engaged position to prevent the yoke from accidently disengaging with the post valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more compositions to be filled with a spiral configuration into a single container. Each product may have completely different chemical and physical properties, and each product may have a different function and purpose. The method includes providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate storage bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto; rotating a container, for receiving a resulting product formed by the at least two compounds, into position relative to a support and alignment funnel; pumping the at least two compounds through the respective hoses into a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles for filling the container; and combining predetermined amounts of each of the at least two compounds for creating the resulting product housed in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the at least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A coping jig for guiding a router in cutting the end of a section of decorative trim, preferably for creating an inside corner. The coping jig includes a stationary molding stage that receives a section of molding to be cut. A template platform is mounted above the molding stage by a plurality of resilient mounting members. The resilient mounting members allow the angle of the template platform to change relative to the molding stage. The template platform includes at least one template having a trim pattern formed on an edge surface of the template. The trim pattern is used to guide the router in cutting the molding positioned between the template and the molding stage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for prevention nitridation or carburization of metal surfaces in contact with a fluid including nitriding agents or carburizing agents where the method involves adding to the fluid an effective amount a sulfur-containing compound and a phosphorus compound, where the amount of phosphorus-containing compound is less than the amount of sulfur-containing compound. The simultaneous addition of both a sulfur compound and a phosphorus compound prevents nitridation and/or carburization and sulfidation of the metal surfaces in contact with fluids containing nitriding and/or carburizing agents significantly increasing the metal's lifetime.

Abstract: Isotropic magnetic alloy powder having an intrinsic magnetic induction of at least two third of its magnetic remanence and method for making same are provided. The powder is made from an alloy having a composition comprising, by weight percentage, approximately 15 to 35 percent of one or more rare earth metals, approximately 0.5 to 4.5 percent of boron, and approximately 0 to 20 percent of cobalt, balanced with iron. The alloy powder is made by a process wherein an amount of the alloy is melt and spun in an inert environment, preferably at a distance between an orifice and a wheel being less than one and one half inches, into ribbons, followed by crushing the ribbons into powder and annealing the powder.

Abstract: An inner ring and an outer ring are composed as follows. These members are fabricated with a steel for bearing containing carbon 0.6 wt % or higher. A carbonitrided layer is formed in a raceway surface. The amount of residual austenite at a position of 2% Da depth in the raceway surface is determined to be 1.0 vol % or lower. Hardness at the position of 2% Da depth is set to be HRC58 or more. Nitrogen content (Np) at the position of 2% Da depth is 0.05 wt % or more. A multiple Gd of an impression resistance expressed with the following formula (1) is 1.

Abstract: A heat resistant steel which comprises, by mass %, C: 0.01-0.25%, Cr: 0.5-8%, V: 0.05-0.5%, Si: not more than 0.7%, Mn: not more than 1%, Mo: not more than 2.5%, W: not more than 5%, Nb: not more than 0.2%, N: not more than 0.1%, Ti: not more than 0.1%, Ta: not more than 0.2%, Cu: not more than 0.5%, Ni: not more than 0.5%, Co: not more than 0.5%, B: not more than 0.1%, Al: not more than 0.05%, Ca: not more than 0.01%, Mg: not more than 0.01%, Nd: not more than 0.01%, with Fe and impurities accounting for the balance, the chemical composition of which satisfies the relations C−0.06×(Mo+0.5 W)≧0.01 and Mn+0.69×log(Mo+0.5 W+0.01)≦0.60 wherein the symbols for elements represent the contents, on the % by mass basis, of the elements in the steel, and in which, among precipitates inside grains, precipitates having an average diameter of not more than 30 nm are present at a density of not less than 1/&mgr;m3.

Abstract: A Ti—Ni shape memory alloy with ductility, including Ti of 50˜66 atomic % in a composition, and in which precipitation of TI2Ni phases at grain boundaries is suppressed.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. In one implementation, a physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from 50 at % to 70 at %. A physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and tin, with tin being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. In one implementation, a conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. A conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from 50 at % to 70 at %. A conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and tin, with tin being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. In one implementation, a physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from 50 at % to 70 at %. A physical vapor deposition target includes an alloy of copper and tin, with tin being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. In one implementation, a conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.001 at %. A conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and silver, with the silver being present in the alloy at from 50 at % to 70 at %. A conductive integrated circuit metal alloy interconnection includes an alloy of copper and tin, with tin being present in the alloy at from less than 1.0 at % to 0.