Abstract: A system for cleaning a substrate according to the present invention comprises an apparatus for producing a sherbet-like composition consisting of snow ice grains and a chemical agent, holder means for holding a substrate to be cleaned, supply means for supplying to the substrate the sherbet-like composition for cleaning the substrate, and means for moving the sherbet-like composition being supplied relative to at least one of the surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: The wet treatment liquid feed nozzle of the invention comprises an introducing path 10 having an introducing port 7, a discharging path 12 having a discharging port 15, a crossing section 14 formed by causing the introducing path 10 and the discharging path 12 to cross at the other ends thereof, a nozzle assembly 50 having an opening section 6 opening to an object to be treated 1, provided at the crossing section 14, and pressure control means 13, for controlling the difference between the pressure of the wet treatment liquid in contact with the object to be treated 1 and the atmospheric pressure provided at least on the discharging path 12 side so that the wet treatment liquid having been in contact with the object to be treated 1 via the opening section 6 does not flow to outside the discharging path 12.

Abstract: A fluorometric method of ascertaining the purity of water used in semiconductor processing is described and claimed. A fluorometric method for monitoring and optionally controlling the water used in a semiconductor chip manufacturing process is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of polishing and/or cleaning a substrate using a multi-component polishing and/or cleaning composition, wherein the components of the polishing and/or cleaning composition are mixed at the point-of-use or immediately before delivery to the point-of-use. The present invention also provides a method of polishing and/or cleaning more than one substrate simultaneously using a single apparatus, wherein a different polishing or cleaning composition is delivered to each substrate.

Abstract: The present apparatus is a method and system for treating and drying the surface of an object. According to the described method, with a wet object positioned in a vessel, a drying vapor is introduced into the vessel. The drying vapor condenses on the surface of the object and reduces the surface tension of the residual process fluid, causing the residual process fluid to flow off of the surface. In one embodiment, wet processing of the object and a subsequent evacuation of process fluid is carried out in the vessel prior to introduction of the drying vapor.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a thin film solar cell sheet provided with a plurality of solar cells connected in series which comprises the following steps:

Abstract: In a photovoltaic element according to the present invention, a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film, a p-type semiconductor film, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, a n-type semiconductor layer and a backside electrode are stacked in turn on a transparent substrate. Then, an intermediate layer is provided between the second transparent conductive film and the p-type semiconductor layer so as to cover the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A thin film semiconductor layer (3) for serving as a photovoltaic layer is formed on a substrate 1 of a metal foil formed by electroforming. A surface of the metal foil of the substrate 1 is formed in a rough shape of approximately 0.1-10 &mgr;m of mean roughness depth (Rz).

Abstract: A trap primer that includes a spring-loaded piston wherein the trap primer includes a body and the piston is slidably received therein and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fingers.

Abstract: A template is provided for pump feet cups that is separately formed from the sump basin, positioned therein via sump basin flats to have a predetermined orientation with respect to the sump basin cover, and then attached to the sump basin to maintain a fixed position therein. A single template can be used with a variety of pump feet orientations by forming the template from a plurality of cups joined by a separable web. Foam or like material can be placed within the cups to receive the pump feet. Where the sump basin is formed from polyethylene material, the template can be molded from like material and then fixed to the lower interior surface of the sump basin by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring instrument installation on a process circuit capable of being subjected to a medium under high pressure, with a locking element between the measuring instrument and the process circuit. According to the invention the locking element is a ball valve 18 provided with a valve body as the ball housing and with a process circuit connection 2 and a measuring instrument connection 3. In addition a ball 7 which can be rotated back and forth between a pass position 6 and a lock position is installed in the ball housing, said ball being provided with a passage bore 8 that can be positioned in the pass position. Furthermore two ball seats 12, 13 pointing respectively in the direction of the process circuit connection 2 and of the measuring instrument connection 3 are provided, each being provided with a sliding sleeve 14, 15 spring-loaded and capable of sliding in the direction of the ball 7.

Abstract: A gas delivery system for propane or natural gas includes a gas service line, a pressure regulator connected in the gas service line, and a flow control valve device permanently installed at a predetermined location in the gas service line, e.g., upstream of the regulator or downstream of a gas meter in the case of a natural gas system. The flow control valve device includes a valve body incorporating an integral pressure tap for enabling a measurement of gas pressure at the predetermined locations. The valve device also includes a valve operator having an open position in which flow takes place through the valve device and a closed position in which flow through the valve device is blocked and a locking mechanism with a specialized key issued only to service personnel for selectively locking the valve operator in the open and closed positions.

Abstract: By incorporating two control valves 2A and 2B each including a valve mechanism portion 4A, 4B for opening and closing a fluid flow path 12a by displacement of a diaphragm valve 14 and a cylinder operating portion 5A, 5B for opening and closing the diaphragm valve 14 with a vale rod 25 to which a plurality of pistons 24 are connected into casings 7 and 8 connected to each other, the control valves 2A and 2B are integrated with each other. Flow paths 12b, 12b for connecting the control valves 2A and 2B are provided in the casing 7.

Abstract: The valve comprises a slider-valving member having two lateral valving elements (22, 22A, 22B) positioned on one and the other side of the transverse central plane, they being subjected to the direct action of thrust means (15) and movable axially between a first operative position defining said normal configuration of the slider-valving member (20, 20A, 20B), and a second operative position in which a further different communication condition between the channels is determined; spring means (23, 35, 45) are also provided, arranged to normally maintain the two lateral valving elements (22, 22A, 22B) in said first operative position.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve with a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, and defines all of the valve's inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. The valve may be connected to a manifold by press-fitting port nipples of the valve into corresponding channels in the manifold. The manifold is formed of a resilient, elastomeric material, and the port nipples include radial projecting barbs, which enable the valve to be fluidly-connected to the manifold without additional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Fittings with barbs can likewise be press-fit in other channels of the manifold to connect the valve assembly with fluid lines or other components in the fluid system. The fittings can also be provided unitary with the manifold, and/or adhesively attached to the manifold and/or to the fluid lines and other components.

Abstract: In a device (1) for actuating an overflow valve (5), in particular an overflow valve (5) incorporated in a return line (4) of a feed pump (2) and comprising a valve housing (6) and a valve body (7), the valve housing (6) of which is inserted in a fixed position in a housing (3) of the feed pump (2), with a compression spring (8) arranged between the valve housing (6) and the valve body (7) of the overflow valve (5) and a joining piece (11) attached to the valve body (7) of the overflow valve (5), with the joining piece (11) projecting from the valve housing (6) of the overflow valve (5) and having a position switch (12) assigned to the feed pump (2) held onto it via an adapter (9) which is fixed into the housing (3) of the feed pump (2), both the axial adjustment of the overflow valve (5) and the actuation of the control electronics of the feed pump (2) should be undertaken using a common housing (2); in addition, it should be possible for the procedures for assembling and dismantling the components of the de

Abstract: Disclosed is an accumulator comprising: a pressure vessel; an elastic bellows in which a compressed gas is sealed, an end of the bellows being fixed to an interior of the pressure vessel; a flow path having an opening communicating with the interior and an exterior of the pressure vessel; a valve connected to a movable end of the bellows to operatively close the opening according to elastic motion of the bellows; and a hydraulic chamber partitioned from a gas chamber formed in an interior of the bellows containing the compressed gas. The valve comprises an upper surface which can cover the opening, and plural circular protrusions which surround the entire circumference of the opening and can closely contact the circumference of the opening.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for a partition for receiving wires, hoses, or cables. The conduit assembly includes passages and foaming material, which expands on the outer surface of the conduit assembly. The conduit assembly is arranged in a through hole, which is formed in the partition. The foaming material expands when heated, thus fixing the conduit assembly in the partition. The conduit assembly further includes spare passages. Detachable plugs close the spare passages. When adding more wires, hoses, or cables to the conduit assembly, the plugs are removed.

Abstract: In manufacturing an exhaust pipe of two-passage construction, a metallic plate having a first end and a second end respectively elongated in a longitudinal direction of the exhaust pipe is prepared. The metallic plate is bent into a substantially S shape in cross section. It has a diametrically extending central partition plate and a substantially semicircular peripheral wall on each lateral side of said partition plate in such a manner that a groove of substantially V shape in cross section having a substantially closed end on a radially inner side and an open end on a radially outer side is formed at each diametrically outer portion of the partition plate. A target is provided so as to elongate along the groove in a manner to extend substantially radially outward from the closed end. A welding arc is generated between the target and a welding gun disposed on a side of the open end such that the substantially closed end and the target are welded together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal pipe excellent in dimensional accuracy, which is suitably used for a development sleeve, a fixing roller, or a photosensitive drum for electrophotographic apparatuses or electrostatic recording apparatuses such as copying machines or printers, or a base body thereof. The metal pipe is produced by cutting a long-sized metal pipe body into a specific length, to obtain a raw pipe, and adjusting the surface state and the dimensional accuracy of the raw pipe by cutting and polishing the outer peripheral surface of the raw pipe, wherein the raw pipe has an inner stress of 20 N/mm2 or less.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a distribution system for gas in gas bottles with a reservoir (3) for gas bottles (2) from which the gas bottles (2) can be removed with controlled access and/or to which the gas bottles (2) can be preferentially returned with controlled access characterised in that outside the reservoir (4) at least one filling station (12) is provided to fill the gas bottles (2) with the gas.

Abstract: A gasoline pump system for the concurrent filling of more than one car, tank or container with gasoline or other liquid petroleum products comprising: a plurality of fuel outlets, each for delivering a predefined type of fuel, wherein each outlet is supplied by a fuel pump from a reservoir containing one type of fuel and further including a flowmeter for measuring the amount of fuel delivered; a plurality of sets of interface means with a station operator, each set relating to one serviced car, wherein each set comprises input means for selecting the type of fuel for that serviced car and display means for indicating a filling status for that car; and a digital controller comprising an output for activating pumps for desired fuel types responsive to electrical signals received from the sets of interface means, input means for receiving signals indicative of the amount of fuel delivered from each of the flowmeter means, computer means for computing filling-related status information and for outputting the stat

Abstract: A filler pipe for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle having an internally located closure flap which closes a filling aperture at the end region of an internally located housing part made from plastic and can be brought into its open position by insertion of a fuel-pump nozzle in order to fill the fuel tank. An elastomeric seal is arranged on the housing part acting between the housing part and the closure flap. The seal is applied to a seal support which is connected to the plastic housing to provide a seal both relative to the closure flap and relative to the housing part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-oriented electrical steel sheet having crystal grains of small diameter and excellent workability before stress relief annealing and having crystal grains of largely grown diameter and excellent iron loss property after stress relief annealing and a method for producing the same, and relates to a low iron loss non-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in workability, containing, in weight %, 0.010% or less of C, 0.1 to 1.5% of Mn, 0.1 to 4% of Si, 0.1 to 4% of Al, wherein the latter three elements satisfy the formula Si+Mn+Al≦5.0%, and 0.0005 to 0.0200% of Mg, or further containing 0.005% or more of Ca, wherein the total amount of Mg and Ca is 0.0200% or less, or further containing 0.005% or more of REM, wherein the total amount of Mg and REM is 0.0200% or less, or further containing 0.005% or more of Ca and REM, wherein the total amount of Mg, Ca and REM is 0.0200% or less, and containing the remainder consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A valve seat is provided in which wear resistance can be ensured by optimizing the matrix structure without dispersing of expensive hard particles, and therefore the machinability can be improved and the holding down of cost can be achieved. The valve seat exhibits a metallographic structure consisting of only bainite single phase or only a mixed phase of bainite and martensite, has an area ratio of bainite and martensite in cross section of 100:0 to 50:50, and has a matrix hardness of 250 to 850 Hv.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive process for producing hydrogen absorbing alloy powder suitable for a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a high rate discharge property, a high capacity and a long cycle life for repetition of charge and discharge. The process comprises a step of an addition of a rare earth metal oxide and/or hydroxide to a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, a wet or dry mixing step and a thermal treatment step in an inert atmosphere or in a vacuum.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy energy-absorbing member, which satisfies the conditions of &agr;≧24 and (&agr;×&sgr;)≧6000, wherein &agr; (%) is the rupture elongation at a gauge distance of 5 mm, and &sgr; (MPa) is a 0.2% proof stress value, in the extruding direction of an aluminum alloy extruded material. This is an aluminum alloy energy-absorbing member that is lightweight, high in energy absorption, adequate in required mechanical strength, and preferable as an impact-absorbing member for an automobile, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a manufacturing method of a piston for a swash-plate type compressor being excellent in the wear-proof character, no blister being generated, and capable of manufacturing the piston by low cost.

Abstract: A cellular tire liner for high tire deflection applications comprising a cellular tire liner interposed between the interior surface of a tire and an air chamber with a substantial portion of the air chamber being essentially vee shaped and an annular interface that extends from the air chamber to the interior surface of the tire and disconnects the sidewall portions of the tire liner from each other.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a cord-reinforced layer such as carcass, belt, bead reinforcing layer which is made of metallic cords, each metallic cord is made up of six to twelve metallic filaments whose diameter is in a range of from 0.15 to 0.45 mm, the metallic filaments include waved filaments and unwaved filaments, each waved filament is two-dimensionally waved at a wave pitch and wave height before twisted, the wave pitch is in a range of from 5.0 to 35.0 times the diameter of the filament, and the wave height is in a range of from 0.2 to 4.0 times the diameter of the filament, and the metallic filaments are twisted together into the cord at a twist pitch of from 10 to 40 mm so that the two-dimensionally waved filaments are each subjected to a certain rotation around its axial.

Abstract: A natural stone edging tile having a top portion and a generally perpendicular facing portion can be mounted on the forward edge of a countertop substrate and has a portion extending rearward of the forward edge that is approximately half as thick as the forward edge and the same thickness as conventional stone tiles that can be mounted rearward of the edging tile. The conventional tiles have a thickness that is approximately half as thick as a typical stone slab countertop, but to a person viewing the countertop, the entire appears to have the substantial thickness of a typical slab countertop because the forward edge of the edging tile has such a thickness.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric Venetian blind comprises helical winding of a narrow, elongated strip, which, when properly overlapped and bonded along longitudinal glue lines, will form the vanes and front and rear facings of the blind. The strips may be formed of a single, uniform material, or of adjacent, longitudinally extending portions of relatively opaque and relatively translucent fabric. An alternative embodiment uses the same winding technique to similarly form a structure of only translucent fabric, but with pockets for subsequent insertion of opaque vanes. Several alternative strip configurations and assembly arrangements are disclosed. The disclosed method and structure may also be used to form products for other applications.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs are fabricated by forming unitary multicomponent fibers comprising a plurality of individual segments partially exposed at the surface of the fiber; bonding the multicomponent fibers, such as by thermal point bonding, and then hydroentangling the bonded multicomponent fibers with a water pressure from about 400 to 3000 psi wherein the entangling process separates the individual segments of the unitary multicomponent fibers into microfibers and also entangles the fibers to form an integrated nonwoven web. The nonwoven webs include entangled webs of thermoplastic multicomponent fibers and microfibers having partially degraded bond areas comprising from about 5% to about 50% at the surface area of the web.

Abstract: A product, apparatus and process for lamination of a sheet of polymer film onto a sheet of light weight web material. An incoming sheet of material is slit into narrow webs, which may be folded by a folding guide, and separated by use of turning bars and guides. The narrow webs then enter an embossing or laminating station. The lamination process joins the two sheets which are of different widths to allow the process to produce stock for different final products. The laminate of folded webs and polymer may be slit and/or unfolded prior to being stored on a take-up reel.

Abstract: A process is provided for punching a thin film (2), preferably one formed of a plastic, as well as a punching device for carrying out the process. In the process, the thin film (2) is fed by a feed device (1) to a downstream punching station (4) and transferred to a downstream processing station (13) after the punching operation. The thin film (2) to be punched is joined with a self-sticking reinforcing film (9) on the side facing away from the punching tool before being fed to the punching station (4).

Abstract: A labeling apparatus includes a supply of label strip including a carrier strip and a plurality of labels having an underside adhesively secured to the carrier strip, a drive for advancing the label strip over a separation plate to separate the labels from the carrier strip at a label pick-up position, and a label pick-up and placement device for picking up a label from the label pick-up position and placing the label onto an article. The labeler also preferably includes a fluid delivery device for delivering fluid flow to the underside of the labels at the label pick-up position to promote separation of the labels from the carrier strip. Accordingly, the labeler is able to effectively use older or lower cost label strip without labels sticking to the carrier strip. The fluid delivery device may comprise a nozzle body having an inlet port to be connected to a fluid source and an outlet port for directing the fluid flow to the underside of the labels.

Abstract: A unitary composite headliner adapted to be installed adjacent a motor vehicle roof comprises at least two reinforcing layers of recyclable polyester fibers configured to provide sufficient flexibility to the headliner to facilitate installation in the vehicle, while also providing sufficient rigidity to the headliner to enable the headliner to be self-supporting once installed in the vehicle. The headliner further comprises at least one inner layer of recyclable polyester fibers sandwiched between at least two of the reinforcing layers and configured to absorb sound and vibrations, and a cover member of polyester bonded to one of the reinforcing layers with a polyester adhesive. The inner and reinforcing layers are bonded together by differentially heating each layer to a predetermined temperature and compressing the layers together. Furthermore, the headliner is recyclable as a unit. A method of making the headliner is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical part mounting apparatus includes a pressure measuring member for measuring the pressure of a pressure head, and a moving speed control member for controlling the moving speed of the pressure head. Accordingly, the electrical part mounting apparatus can freely change the pressure and the moving speed of the pressure head to desired values, and is suitable for connection between electrical parts.

Abstract: An etching apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices which reduces contamination of the processing surface of a wafer by transporting a plurality of wafers stacked in a cassette with their processing surfaces facing down from the cassette supply chamber to one or more process chambers where the etching operation is performed on each wafer, one at a time. The apparatus has a load lock chamber for transferring the wafers stacked in the cassette from the cassette supply chamber, which is maintained under atmospheric conditions, to the process chamber, which is maintained under a strong vacuum. The process chamber has a cathode to which a wafer is clamped by a wafer holder with its processing surface facing down; the process chamber may also have a removable lower cover for easy repair and cleaning.

Abstract: A plasma is generated by feeding an antenna with radio-frequency electric power generated by a radio-frequency power source, and one end of the antenna is grounded to the earth through a capacitor of variable capacitance. A Faraday shield is electrically isolated from the earth, and the capacitance of the variable capacitor is determined to be such a value that the voltage at the two ends of the antenna may be equal in absolute values and inverted to reduce the partial removal of the wall after the plasma ignition. At the time of igniting the plasma, the capacitance of the capacitor is adjusted to a larger or smaller value than that minimizing the damage of the wall.

Abstract: An edge remover is provided in the vicinity of an edge portion of a wafer subjected to copper plating. An aqueous hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the edge portion of the wafer from a first nozzle provided at an inner side for a radial direction of the wafer. Next, diluted hydrofluoric acid is supplied to the edge portion of the wafer from a second nozzle provided at an outer side for the radial direction thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving etch uniformity in reticle etching by eliminating local effects at the edge of the reticle is disclosed. The present invention relates to a reticle frame which surrounds the reticle. The reticle frames are patterned with a pattern profile similar to that of the reticle to prevent edge uniformities of the reticle by allowing uniform plasma etching of the entire reticle surface. The reticle frames may also be used to move the reticle in and out of etch chambers without damaging them.

Abstract: A subcritical or supercritical water is used to selectively etch a silicon nitride film against a silicon dioxide film or to selectively etch a silicon dioxide film against a crystalline silicon region. This method is applicable to a process of forming a MISFET or a charge emitting device.

Abstract: A plasma is generated by feeding an antenna with radio-frequency electric power generated by a radio-frequency power source, and one end of the antenna is grounded to the earth through a capacitor of variable capacitance. A Faraday shield is electrically isolated from the earth, and the capacitance of the variable capacitor is determined to be such a value that the voltage at the two ends of the antenna may be equal in absolute values and inverted to reduce the partial removal of the wall after the plasma ignition. At the time of igniting the plasma, the capacitance of the capacitor is adjusted to a larger or smaller value than that minimizing the damage of the wall.

Abstract: A support-frame bonding apparatus has an upper pressing member to which a semiconductor device is supplied and a lower pressing member to which a support frame is supplied. An elastic member is provided to the lower surface of a pressing tool in the upper pressing member. The elastic member is formed of a conductive silicon rubber having a satin finish on the side facing the semiconductor device. The outline of the area of the elastic member contacting the semiconductor device is substantially identical to the outline of an adhesive layer. The semiconductor device and the support frame are superposed via the adhesive layer and pressed against each other, the support frame being heated by the pressing stage. Thus, the semiconductor device is bonded to the support frame via the adhesive layer. The satin finish on the surface of the elastic member prevents the elastic member from sticking to the seniconductor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing layers from a circuit side of a semiconductor die includes the use of a holder, for example a semiconductor wafer having an opening therein for receiving the semiconductor die. Additionally the holder can include one or more layers thereover which are removed at a similar rate as those layers which comprise the semiconductor die. A die is placed into the opening and a circuit side of the die is aligned with a front side of the holder, for example using a generally planar surface, and is secured to the holder with an adhesive material. Using a holder reduces uneven layer removal which is known to occur in conventional processing, for example excessive removal at the edges of the die. A potting jig which aids in aligning and securing the die to the holder is also described.

Abstract: A fabric light control window covering in which fabric vanes are adhesively bonded between two sheer fabric sheets such that relative movement between the sheer fabric sheets in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fabric vanes changes the angle of the fabric vanes and, thus, controls the amount of light admitted through the shade. The vanes are bonded to the sheer fabric sheets in a manner which tends to bias the sheer fabric sheets together to the nonlight admitting position. Also, disclosed are methods and apparatus for manufacturing the above window covering. The method features linear application of adhesive to the vane material which provides for a uniform appearance in the finished product. A heat setting process and apparatus is disclosed in which the bonded layers of sheer fabrics and vanes are fed between belts over hot and cool surfaces, under uniform tension and pressure.

Abstract: A new and improved way of continuously cooking fiber material, wherein temperatures and alkaline levels are controlled to be maintained within specific levels in different zones of the digesting process in order to optimize chemical consumption and heat-economy and at the same time achieve very good pulp properties. The digesting process includes a top separator that separates the transport liquid from the fiber material and permits the fiber material to be exposed to the cooking liquid.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for dispersing fibrous paper stock that includes delivering an aqueous fibrous paper stock, pressing some water out of the aqueous fibrous paper stock to form a highly consistent coarse fibrous paper stock, and introducing the highly consistent coarse fibrous stock into an effective area of a mallet roll having circulating mallets which cooperate with fixed peripheral impact sections. In this manner, the highly consistent coarse fibrous stock is loosened and distributed. The process also includes transporting the highly consistent fibrous paper stock into a dispersing machine, and dispersing the highly consistent fibrous paper stock in a dispersing machine.

Abstract: A multi-layer headbox for a paper or board machine including stock inlet headers each providing one stock and coupled to a tube bank which in turn is coupled to a respective intermediate chamber. The stock flows from the intermediate chambers into a turbulence generator and through pipes in the turbulence generator into a slice cone to be discharged therefrom onto a forming wire. The multi-layer headbox includes distribution valves for regulating the flow of dilution water across the width of the headbox. Each distribution valve communicates with a distribution plate placed in connection with the tube bank. From each valve, the dilution liquid is distributed at the same time to all the stocks that form the different layers of the web in the multi-layer headbox at a specific position of width of the multi-layer headbox.