Abstract: A method for etching a metallic surface on an integrated circuit (IC) is provided to minimize electrical resistance between the metallic surface and subsequently applied chemical vapor deposition (CVD) copper. The metallic surface is etched with the ions of an inert gas, such as Ar, at low energy levels. A low energy level minimizes the penetration of ions into the metallic surface, and the use of an inert gas minimizes chemical interactions between the metallic surface and the ions. CVD copper is then applied to the etched surface. In one embodiment, an inert gas and oxygen ions are used to prepare the metallic surface. The inert gas ions are used to etch the metallic surface to improve conductivity, and the oxygen ions promote the formation of an oxide layer to improve adhesion between the metallic surface and the copper. An IC comprising a copper stud to interconnect dielectric interlevels with improved electrical conductivity is also provided.

Abstract: A polarizer film tool, for removal of polarizer film from an LCD panel, is provided. The tool includes a take-up cylinder whose rotational action pulls the film from the LCD and wraps the removed film around itself. Two padded rotating stabilization cylinders guide the LCD in a preferred path through the tool to equally distribute the force used to hold the LCD as the polarizer film is pulled from its surface. The padded cylinders allow for deviations in the preferred path to accommodate any discrete parts mounted on the LCD that have a higher profile than the LCD surface. A method for removing the polarizer film with the above-mentioned tool is also provided.

Abstract: A single port antenna connector assembly, mateable with either a retractable antenna or a hardline connector, is provided. When the antenna connector is mated with the connector assembly, it engages a signal contact supplying an antenna signal. When the hardline connector is mated, it engages a signal contact supplying a conductive signal to test equipment, or to an auxiliary antenna. The signal contacts have different positions in the assembly, with each connector being differentiated to engage only its corresponding signal contact. In addition, the design of connector assembly permits the antenna to be withdrawn through the connector assembly, at least partially, past the unused test signal contact. The antenna has at least two positions so that the profile of the antenna can be reduced for either storage, or for lower gain operation when the device is in a standby mode of operation.

Abstract: A radio transceiver is provided for wireless communications, having an interface connection that is selectable between either an antenna or a cable interface. The radio transceiver is engaged to the antenna through an impedance matching network which translates the antenna impedance to match that of the radio transceiver. The radio transceiver can, alternately, be connected to external test equipment or performance enhancement equipment through the cable interface. Since the radio transceiver has the same impedance as most external test equipment, the antenna matching network is not required or used when test equipment is connected to the cable interface. In the present invention the cable interface at least partially disconnects the matching network whenever the cable interface is in use. Once the antenna has been disconnected, the impedance of the cable interface matches that of the radio transceiver.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tool for securing wire to grapevines by staples. The tool comprises a long handle pivotally mounted to a plate, the plate is bent at a 90 degree angle, one of the plate's side faces the handle. The handle has two circular depressions for holding the staples.