Abstract: An exchange coupling film includes a first antiferromagnetic layer formed on a pinned magnetic layer, and a second antiferromagnetic layer formed thereon. A composition ratio of an element X in the first antiferromagnetic layer is larger than that of the second antiferromagnetic layer. Preferably, a non-aligned state is created at an interface between the first antiferromagnetic layer and the pinned magnetic layer, whereby a large exchange coupling magnetic field is obtained upon heat-treatment.

Abstract: Before submitting a sample, including a first material layered upon a substrate, to an ion milling process, whereby a second material is sputtered onto the surface of the first material and the sample is then submitted to an etching process, an irregularity is formed on the surface of the first material. The overall process results in the formation of cones, or micro-tip structures, which may then be layered with a layer of low work function material, such as amorphous diamond. The irregularity in the surface of the first material may be formed by polishing, sandblasting, photolithography, or mechanical means such as scratching.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor metallization process for providing complete via fill on a substrate and a planar metal surface, wherein the vias are free of voids and the metal surface is free of grooves. In one aspect of the invention, a refractory layer is deposited onto a substrate having high aspect ratio contacts or vias formed thereon. A PVD metal layer, such as PVD Al or PVD Cu, is then deposited onto the refractory layer at a pressure below about 1 milliTorr to provide a conformal PVD metal layer. Then the vias or contacts are filled with metal, such as by reflowing additional metal deposited by physical vapor deposition on the conformal PVD metal layer. The process is preferably carried out in an integrated processing system that includes a long throw PVD chamber, wherein a target and a substrate are separated by a long throw distance of at least 100 mm, and a hot metal PVD chamber that also serves as a reflow chamber.

Abstract: DC plasma power supply for a sputter deposition of material layers on a substrate includes a plasma controller and a plasma input for the settings of the output voltage and output current providing plasma ignition and termination with no arcing and no striking voltage. Pre-defined voltages are applied in the vacuum state before sputtering and after sputtering until vacuum is restored in a sputtering apparatus.

Abstract: For eliminating dioxins from soot containing dioxins adhering to incineration ash by decomposing them, in an easy and simple manner and at low cost, into a harmless and useful oil and water and recovering the oil and water, a mixed gas 3 composed of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a particulate matter separator 6, where the mixed gas passes through a curtain of water 5 to cause the dioxin-entraining ash to be taken up in water. The ash-water mixture is separated into ash and water on a centrifuge 12. The ash is washed with washing water 22 to elute the oleaginous dioxins entrained by the ash to give an emulsion-like oil-water mixture and the resulting mixture is separated, by means of a centrifuge 23, into ash and the emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This ash is washed first with acidified water 26, then with alkaline washing water 28 and further with neutral water 29, followed by separation into moist ash and aqueous washings.

Abstract: A backing plate 1 for sputtering is constituted by a base portion 2 comprising a plate member made of aluminum or its alloy, a surface of which is attached with a target T of an ITO sintered body or the like and a cooling portion 3 in a flat plate shape having a cooling medium flow path 6 at an inner portion thereof. Further, the cooling portion 3 is integrally attached to a rear face of the base 2 by friction agitation bonding. The cooling portion 3 comprises a roll bond panel 4 made of aluminum or its alloy and inner hollow portions of bulged pipe portions 5 constitute the cooling medium flow path 6. Thereby, a backing plate which is light-weighted and has high cooling efficiency can be provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating cylindrical sputter targets for rotary cylindrical cathodes used in depositing a dielectric layer of desired alloy on non-planar substrates during sputtering. The method includes forming a cooling tube having a passage within to receive a cooling medium, then fabricating multiple annular rings including each of the basic metal constituents of the desired alloy and attaching the annular rings to the cooling tube such the exposed outer portions of the annular rings provide a homogeneous layer of the desired alloy on the non-planar substrates during sputtering.

Abstract: A multilayered air-fuel ratio sensor consists of a plurality of substrate layers. At least one heterogeneous boundary layer is interposed between the plurality of substrate layers. The heterogeneous boundary layer has a thickness in a range of 10 to 100 &mgr;m. The heterogeneous boundary layer absorbs thermal shocks or any other stresses acting on the substrate layers and stops the growth of cracks.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an exhaust constituent sensor comprising a planar sensing element securely held in place within a tubular shield by disposing a high temperature mat support between the tubular inner shield and the planar sensing element. The high temperature mat support comprises suitable mat material, e.g., ceramic fibers or metal mesh, and preferably, comprises silica fibers, alumina fibers, alumina fibers with vermiculite, or any other suitable mat material providing the desired support, strength, and thermal and electrical insulating properties described herein. It is within the scope of the invention that the high temperature mat support may be in the form of a fibrous material or a more rigid preform structure, wherein in both instances, the high temperature mat support is adapted to be disposed concentrically around the planar sensing element for secure packaging thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical measuring sensor for determining gas components and/or gas concentrations in gas mixtures, having a sensor element which has at least one signal-forming electrode having a supply lead of the signal-forming electrode and at least one electrical element whose electrical potential differs from the electrical potential of the supply lead of the signal-forming electrode. The supply lead of the signal-forming electrode is at least regionally surrounded by an electrically conducting shielding, so that fault currents appearing because of the potential difference between the supply lead of the signal-forming electrode and the electrical element flow at least predominantly between the electrical element and the shielding.

Abstract: A method for conducting capillary zone electrophoresis in which a lubricating detergent is added to help prevent sample buildup on the inner walls of the capillary. In a preferred embodiment the lubricating detergent is sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in a concentration of about 3 mM added to a protein sample before the sample is introduced into one end of a capillary. The SDS may added to the buffer, instead of the sample, before electrophoresis.

Abstract: To provide an electrode for a dielectrophoretic apparatus in which a background detected by reflecting an excited light on an electrode present under the substance (molecule) is reduced and an S/N ratio is enhanced. Also, there is provided an dielectrophoretic apparatus, in an apparatus in which a liquid containing substances to be separated is present in a non-uniform electric field formed by a dielectrophoretic electrode, and separation is carried out by a dielectrophoretic force exerting on the substances, wherein the collecting ability of substances is enhanced.

Abstract: The structure of the capillary head section is made such that the liquid contacting surfaces of the capillary holder, capillary, and adhesive are all the same plane, and this shared liquid contacting surface is made a mirror surface with a surface roughness of 3.2 s or less. In the shared liquid contacting surface, the ratio of the total area of the capillaries in the internal diameter area of the capillary holder is made 60 to 73%.

Abstract: The present invention provides inter alia copper electroplating compositions, methods for use of the compositions and products formed by the compositions. Electroplating compositions of the invention contain an increased brightener concentration that can provide effective copper plate on difficult-to-plate aperture walls, including high aspect ratio, small diameter microvias.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for uniform electroless plating of layers onto exposed metallizations in integrated circuits such as bond pads. The apparatus provides means for holding a plurality of wafers, and rotating each wafer at constant speed and synchronous within the plurality. Immersed in a plating solution flowing in substantially laminar motion and at constant speed, the method creates periodic superposition of directions and speeds of the motion of the wafers and the motion of the plating solution. The invention creates periodically changing wafer portions where the directions and speeds are additive and where the directions and speeds are opposed and subtractive. Consequently, highly uniformly layers are electrolessly plated onto the exposed metallizations of bond pads. If the plated layers are bondable metals, the process transforms otherwise unbondable pad metallization into bondable pads.

Abstract: A plurality of containers comprises a series of “volumes” each identified by a significant event or time period in a child's development to young adulthood. Each “volume” comprises a book-like container having a simulated binding whereby a series of the “volumes” can stand on a shelf and give the appearance of a row of large books. Each “volume” is identifiable on the binding as to the event or time period and a transparent pocket is included for a picture of the child from the event or time period. Within each “volume” are transparent sleeves for pictures and other two dimensional items as well as ample room for baby shoes. trinkets, ribbons, and small trophies, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-shaped storage case (1) made of metal or plastic with at least one internal storage compartment (8) for at least one article, which is defined by a base plate (6) and at least in sections by a cover plate (7) of the storage case (1) running parallel to this, wherein several storage compartments (8) at least partially separate from one another are arranged in the storage case (1) in a plane running parallel to the base plate (6) and/or cover plate (7) and are constructed to receive articles in the form of articles of daily use (9) and/or consumer articles and are also accessible from the outside via storage openings (23), and the storage openings (23) are arranged in at least one of the longitudinal side faces (4) and/or transverse side faces (5) preferably running perpendicular to the base plate (6) and/or cover plate (7).

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus or container for a compact disc having a central holding portion to retain the disc through a central aperture. The central holding portion has a plurality of inwardly directed radial arms that are depressible towards their inner ends. Each arm includes a raised mid section which includes a rib, lip or similar to engage over the disc. Also, a bearing means bears on the underside of the disc around the central aperture on the non-data carrying portion of the disc adjacent that aperture. The disc is firmly supported between these two points of contact.

Abstract: A brush protector with hinges, a button, a string, and air holes. The hinges enable the brush protector to be folded to form a cavity to contain a brush which can be retained in position by means of the string attached to the button. The air holes facilitate drying of the brush.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for applying substantially solid cosmetic material comprises a container defining at least one cavity to receive the cosmetic material and including an aperture disposed adjacent a distal end portion thereof in communication with the at least one cavity, the container further including a transparent portion to determine the amount of the cosmetic material remaining within the cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator may further include a cosmetic moving member for extracting and retracting the cosmetic material from and/or within the aperture.

Abstract: A box or packaging insert therefor is provided with a tensionable film. The film is tensioned by the action of tabs that swing 180 degrees, by the cinching action of cinching tabs, or by the downward folding of one or more side sections. One or more upwardly extending spacer flaps are provided, which may lock in place by the interaction of notches in the spacer flaps and extensions on the base panel.

Abstract: A body paint and applicator kit includes a plurality of paint containers, each having body paint. The colors of body paint within the different containers are selected to match a selected sport team's colors or theme colors. Each container has associated therewith a body paint applicator, preferably made of sponge material, which covers an outlet of the container that is configured to selectively apply body paint to a skin surface. The kit may include containers that have lid-forming bases whereby the containers are stackable. The kit may also include body decorating accessories, including any combination of paint removal tissue, stencil, pencil for writing on skin, or sport-related or theme-based decals having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface. The kit includes a carrying case configured to hold the paint containers and accessories.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization of a cracked naphtha stream is disclosed where very little of the valuable olefins are saturated. The process is a two staged process wherein the H2S is removed between the stages to prevent recombinant mercaptans formation. Because the H2S is removed between the stages milder conditions can be used in the second stage polishing reactor to achieve the same desulfurization levels with less olefin loss.

Abstract: A semiconductor device sorting method and apparatus involve development of small, self-contained and focused “qualification” or “sort” algorithm test programs or “modules”, each of which modules may test for the validity of a particular, selected grade of a memory or other semiconductor device based on the results of a test pattern associated with, or exhibited by, a particular device under test. Separating the test code from the main flow file of the test program into the aforementioned “plug in” qualification or sort modules permits the test code to be much simpler and facilitates better organization, as each qualification or sort module may be independent of any other qualification or sort module and only determines in response to its associated test pattern whether or not (TRUE or FALSE) a device qualifies in a given device grade.

Abstract: An in-line storm water drain filter and baffle box is installed within a storm water drain pipe to direct storm water runoff through the storm water drain pipe and through the filter and baffle box prior to the storm water drain water passing through an outfall into a lake, pond or retention area. The filter system includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a plurality of chambers formed therein. A housing cover allows for access into the housing and a plurality of filter screens are mounted over each of the plurality of housing chambers for collecting trash from the storm water passing therethrough. The housing has a generally arcuate bottom. The filter system also has inlet and outlet cover frames for holding removably mounted blocker dampers for blocking the ingress and egress of storm drain water during cleaning of the filter system. An oil collection boom is removably mounted in the housing adjacent the inlet for collecting oil in the drain water entering the housing inlet.

Abstract: A filter for removing particulate matter from water flowing into an inlet, such as a catch basin is disclosed. The filter may comprise an envelope of filter material adapted to receive an inlet cover device, such as a catch basin grate. The inlet device may be inserted within the envelope and placed in an opening of the inlet. Water, for example, may then be double filtered before entering the inlet. A roll filter comprising porous material is also disclosed that may be used in combination or alone when filtering runoff entering a curb drain or other inlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for removing amalgam particles and/or dissolved metals, such as mercury and silver from dental effluents. The system can include one or more of a particle collection vessel, a chemical doser, and a sorbent column.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for treating waste-containing water such as toilet waste. In one aspect, an apparatus for secondary treatment of effluent from a water treatment process, includes a medium-filled tank adapted for gravity flow of the effluent through a plurality of discrete zones formed in the medium, wherein effluent flow through zones is alternately upward or downward. Further, a waste treatment system includes a primary tank for receiving undiluted waste and a medium-filled secondary tank for receiving gravity feed of effluent from the primary tank, wherein the secondary tank is adapted for gravity flow of the effluent through a plurality of discrete zones formed in the medium, and wherein effluent flow through zones is alternately upward or downward.

Abstract: A tubular member is received coaxially within a tubular housing, has a plurality of lower and upper openings, and has a sealing flange between the top and the bottom ends of the hollow member. The flange cooperates with the housing to direct the wastewater to flow into the hollow member through the lower openings, while a portion of the solid waste matter is not permitted to flow through the lower openings, in a first filtration stage. The wastewater is then directed to flow upward and back out of the hollow member through the upper openings, while any remaining portion of the solid waste matter is not permitted to flow through the upper openings, in a second filtration stage.

Abstract: A polyacrylonitrile-based hollow fiber filtration membrane, wherein said membrane comprises a sponge structure free from polymer defect sites of sizes larger than 10 &mgr;m inside the membrane, pore sizes of the membrane continuously decrease towards both surfaces of the membrane, and the pore size on the outer surface of the membrane is differentiated from that on the inner surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for nitrifying denitrifying organic waste water to nitrify and denitrify the nitrogenous components in the waste water, which comprises making use of a microbe carrier composed of an organic thermoplastic high molecular compound (thermoplastic polyurethane) in both a nitrifying step and a denitrifying step, preferably in an alternate and repeated manner, wherein the compound has, in a state of complete swelling in water, a water absorption rate in the range of 50 to 3500%, a compressive yield stress of at least 1.0 MPa each being defined by a specific formula, and a particle diameter in the range of 1.0 to 30 mm. The process is capable of efficiently performing nitrifying and denitrifying steps, steadily achieving high treatment performances, contriving compactification of the treatment facility, and curtailing the treatment time and treatment cost, while the microbe carrier can withstand long-term service without any trouble.

Abstract: Improved liquid chromatography systems having components made of titanium, stainless steel, or organic polymeric material are useful in the separation of polynucleotide fragments, particularly large fragments of double-stranded polynucleotides, by Matched Ion Polynucleotide Chromatography (MIPC). The titanium, stainless steel, or polymeric components are treated so that they do not release multivalent cations into aqueous solutions flowing through the chromatography system. Alternatively, or in addition to utilizing materials made of the components listed above, a multivalent cation capture resin placed upstream of the separation column can be employed to remove multivalent ions from the system. The multivalent cation capture resin can be contained in a guard disk, a guard column, or a guard cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a membrane module, the membrane module having a plurality of porous membranes, the membranes being arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween and means for providing, from within the module, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles entrained in a liquid flow such that, in use, the liquid and bubbles entrained therein move past the surfaces of the membranes to dislodge fouling materials therefrom, the gas bubbles being entrained in the liquid by flowing the liquid past a source of gas to draw the gas into the liquid flow. The gas bubbles are preferably entrained into the liquid using a venturi type device. The membranes are preferably partitioned into discrete groups to assist cleaning while maintaining high packing density.

Abstract: Urea is readily isolated and recovered from natural products. Urea can be brought into the permeate side by treating a urea-containing fraction extracted from natural products or sewage containing urea, with a nanofiltration (NF) membrane or reverse osmotic (RO) membrane. A milk-derived composition containing urea at a level of more than 0.2% of the total solids can be obtained by treating natural products such as milk or milk materials with an NF membrane or RO membrane to bring a fraction containing urea into the permeate side.

Abstract: A method for treating liquids includes the steps of directing liquid into a hydrocyclone to form a liquid vortex having an inner surface defining an evacuated central portion. Photon radiation is emitted into the evacuated central portion of the liquid vortex using a photon generator positioned at an upstream end of the hydrocyclone so as to separated from the liquid. The radiation may be modulated to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Treating chemicals can also be added to the liquid to enhance the treatment effect. The photon radiation can include lightwaves or ultraviolet rays, microwave or millimeter wave radiation, or radio frequency radiation. The invention improves the treatment time per unit of volume liquid treated, as well as reducing the maintenance associated with such systems.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes receiving excess wastewater from the sewer system in a first portion of a shaft structure; allowing a first quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a tunnel in inhibitable fluid communication with the shaft structure; allowing a second quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a second portion of the shaft structure when flow into the tunnel is inhibited; injecting a treating agent into the second quantity of wastewater so as to treat the second quantity of wastewater; and allowing a portion of the second quantity of wastewater to flow from the second portion of the shaft structure to an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the shaft structure after the step of injecting a treating agent.

Abstract: Described is a method of isolating cell components, such as nucleic acids, from natural sources by filtering a sample of the digested natural sources such as cells or cell fragments. The method is characterized in that the sample is passed through a filter, the pore size of which decreases in the direction of flow of the sample through the filter.

Abstract: A purification system for separating phases of a solid/liquid/liquid mixture includes at least one cylindrical filter element including a filter medium for removing solid particulate matter, the filter medium having a bubble point of at least about 200 inches of water, and at least one coalescing element in spaced relationship to the filter medium for coalescing into droplets a first liquid of a solid/liquid/liquid mixture, which first liquid is wholly or partly immiscible in and forms a discontinuous phase with a second continuous phase-forming liquid of the solid/liquid/liquid mixture. The filter element may be detachably mounted adjacent to the coalescer element.

Abstract: A dish rack has a main deck piece formed of sheet metal of stainless steel, with a perforated region allowing wire form glass holders to be variably positioned thereon, and a row of spaced apart bands adjacent one edge for holding the plates, saucers, and the like. Rolled side edges space the deck piece above a supporting surface.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack including a grille having longitudinal rods; and a number of wheels connected to the grille by respective supporting rods, each having a fastening portion and a bent end bent substantially at a right-angle so as to be located a minimum distance from a respective longitudinal rod. Each wheel includes a hub fitted to a respective bent end; and a spacing member projecting axially from and connected integrally to the respective hub to form a single component, and which is arrested against a respective longitudinal rod. Each spacing member extends to such an extent that an axial dimension of each wheel is greater than the aforementioned minimum distance.

Abstract: A portable, disassembleable tack rack for use on uneven terrain is disclosed. The length and width of Applicant's tack rack can be adjusted. In addition, the lengths of a plurality of supporting legs are each independently adjustable such that Applicant's apparatus can be used on sloping terrain.

Abstract: A merchandise display panel system includes a slatwall or wire grid wall having face openings for mounting of product displays and one or more spaced display panels in spaced and substantially parallel relationship. Mounting apparatus for removably connecting the display panels to the face openings in the slatwall or grid wall include elongated rails and bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A display rack including a pair of substantially horizontally oriented members in substantially parallel spaced relation, a stop member associated with said first ends of said pair of substantially horizontally oriented members, a securing portion affixed to said second ends of said pair of substantially horizontally oriented members, and a carriage. The substantially horizontally oriented members each have first and second ends, the second ends of which are turned upwardly. The securing portion has at least one peg hook extending upwardly and rearwardly therefrom. The carriage includes a middle portion extending between and above the pair of substantially horizontally oriented members and a pair of engagement members that slidingly engage the pair of substantially horizontally oriented members.

Abstract: A shelf display is provided with a two dimensional array of separate spaced apart shelves which are fanned out in a horizontal direction. The shelves extend from a back wall inclined from the vertical and may be arranged either in columns or staggered from one row to another. The shelves are recessed so as to receive merchandising cartons and to provide support for the merchandising cartons as individual product units are removed therefrom. The shelves are spaced apart to allow light to enter the lower rows.

Abstract: A multi peg adapter device for providing increased display space beyond standard shelving devices. An elongated crossbar adapted to releasably support a plurality of commercially available peg holders and of adjustable length is provided to allow the product user to regulate the length of the multi peg adapter device to its preferred use. The device further has stabilizer engaging plates at both ends releasably engaging support arms to allow the multi peg adapter device to be secured to standard wall securing structures. Moreover the multi peg adapter device has vertical stoppers longitudinally spaced at equal intervals on the crossbar to prevent the peg holders from sliding along the same.

Abstract: A storage rack post protector for use in absorbing and dissipating direct impact loads and deflecting indirect or off-center loads to the column frame on which it is attached or located adjacent to, consisting of a material with greater flexibility and compressibility that the rack itself and formed into such a shape as to deflect impact loads.

Abstract: The invention provides a device child resistant container assembly. In one aspect, the container assemblies include a body member for releasable attachment to the container over a seal on the container, and a puncture member for puncture of the seal wherein the body member has a slot arrangement of horizontal and vertical slots. In another embodiment, the cap is non-releasable from the container. The invention provides child resistant, tamper-proof containers which can easily be opened by handicapped adults and the elderly.

Abstract: A lightweight form fitting container cover having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an integrally formed rim projecting downwardly from the bottom surface and defining an interior space within the rim, and further having at least one layer of deformable foam inserted into the interior space within the rim for a form fit over the upper rim of a container.

Abstract: A process for the double-side polishing of semiconductor wafers between two polishing plates which rotate in opposite directions and are covered with polishing cloth, so that at least 2 &mgr;m of semiconductor material is removed. The semiconductor wafers lay in plastic-lined cutouts in a set of a plurality of planar carriers which are made from steel and the mean thickness of which is 2 to 20 &mgr;m smaller than the mean thickness of the fully polished semiconductor wafers. The set comprises only those carriers whose difference in thickness is at most 5 &mgr;m, and each carrier belonging to the set has at least one unambiguous identification feature which assigns it to the set. An item of information contained in the identification feature is used in order for the plastic linings to be exchanged at fixed intervals and to ensure that the semiconductor wafers remain in the same order after the polishing as before the polishing. There is also a carrier which is suitable for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for speeding workpiece thoughput in low pressure, high temperature semiconductor processing reactor. The method includes loading a workpiece into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, bringing the chamber down to an intermediate pressure, and heating the wafer while under the intermediate pressure. The chamber is then pumped down to the operating pressure. The preferred embodiments involve single wafer plasma ashers, where a wafer is loaded onto lift pins at a position above a wafer chuck, the pressure is rapidly pumped down to about 40 Torr by rapidly opening and closing an isolation valve, and the wafer is simultaneously lowered to the heated chuck. Alternatively, the wafer can be pre-processed to remove an implanted photoresist crust at a first temperature and the chamber then backfilled to about 40 Torr for further heating to close to the chuck temperature. At 40 Torr, the heat transfer from the chuck to the wafer is relatively fast, but still slow enough to avoid thermal shock.