Abstract: A method of improving planarity of semiconductor wafer surfaces containing damascene and dual-damascene circuitry using chemical-mechanical polishing techniques. The method includes using a first polishing step to substantially remove excess surface metal up to a detected end point. After rinsing, a second step of chemical-mechanical polishing is applied, using a second slurry that has a higher selectivity for dielectric than metal, preferably from 1.8 to 4 or more times greater. The second step of polishing, in accordance with the invention, has been found to substantially eliminate dishing and improve planarity.

Abstract: A composition and method for stripping tin or tin-lead alloys, and any underlying copper-tin intermetallic, from a copper surface. The composition includes an aqueous solution of approximately 5-60% nitric acid by weight, approximately 0.5-30% ferric nitrate by weight, and a nitric acid stabilizer selected from the group consisting of an amino-triazole, an amino-isoxazole, and a linear amino sulfone in the form H.sub.2 N--SO.sub.2 --R, where R is any alkyl or benzene group, wherein the stabilizer is present at a concentration sufficient to inhibit exothermic conditions, emission of toxic NOx gas, and copper attack. A soluble source of halogen ion, such as hydrochloric acid, can be added to the composition to yield a uniform, reflective, bright pink copper appearance, and to further reduce sludge formation. In addition, sludge formation can be eliminated by adding a soluble source of sulfate ion (SO.sub.4.sup.-2) to the composition.

Abstract: A security device for the protection of cargo transport containers for use in the cargo transport industry. Once activated, the device notifies a security company that a break-in has taken place through the use of a cellular phone network. The security device utilizes a pair of cables exposed to the outside of the cargo transport container. In use, the cables are threaded through the door handles of the cargo transport container. Once the cables are joined on the outside of the cargo transport container, the device is armed. The security device becomes secure once a security code is entered by a user. Once the security code is entered and the cables are connected, the cargo doors may not be opened unless done by an authorized person. Should the pair of cables become disconnected or cut during transport of the container, the device will transmit a high frequency signal to a security company via a cellular telephone network.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating heterogeneous mixtures of at least two components, including immiscible liquid/liquid solutions as in separating oil from water, or solid/liquid mixtures as in separating solid waste from sewage water. The apparatus allows for pre-separation before the influent enters the separator proper. The apparatus and a method provide for heterogeneous solutions to enter the apparatus at the same end at which the effluent is removed and in which an amount of separation occurs prior to the formal entrance to the separator tank. The tank geometry and structure are such that liquid/liquid solutions as well as solid/liquid solutions may be separated. The geometry and structure of the tank are also such that there is significant reduction in flow turbulence, laminar flow is utilized, and significant performance degradation in the purity of the resulting effluent are not seen as fluid flow continues.

Abstract: A battery operated device for indoor use in deterring domesticated animals from approaching or climbing on an object. The device incorporates a sensor which senses the approach of the animal and relays a signal to a motor, thus activating the pump to deliver the fluid contained within a reservoir to a mist sprayer. The device delivers the fluid in a misting manner coming in contact with the approaching animal, so as to not damage any indoor furnishings. The sensing mechanism is of the type capable of detecting the presence of a magnetic field, of detecting the animal through the elevated temperature of the animal or the detecting the approach of the animal within a certain proximity to the sensor. The device remains undetectable to the approaching animal and thus the animal is unable to associate the device with the offensive spray of fluid.

Abstract: A roofing system which employs grooved batt members. The grooves ran across the width of the batt members on a back side of the batt members and are longitudinally spaced along the length of the batt members. The grooved sides of the batt members are placed adjacent to the top of the roof structure to allow water and other liquid elements to drain through the batt members and off of the roof structure.

Abstract: A dual porosity PTFE tube including an inner surface of expanded PTFE material having a first porosity and an outer surface of expanded PTFE material having a porosity different from that of the inner surface. The preferred method includes the step of forming inner and outer preformed tubular billets of PTFE resin particles mixed with a lubricant; the outer billet is adapted to closely fit around and concentric to the inner billet. Porosity of the inner and outer surfaces is varied by changing, in the respective billets, the lubrication level and/or the PTFE resin characteristic average particle size. The inner billet is placed inside the outer billet, and the two are extruded together, thereby melding the two billets. The extrudate is then longitudinally expanded and sintered. The inner surface of the resulting PTFE tube exhibits a different porosity than the outer surface of the tube; the porosities of the inner and outer surfaces are both within a range of about 0.10-200.mu..

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coloring or increasing the visibility of an archer's arrow is presented. The apparatus comprises a hollow tubular sleeve which is made of a natural or synthetic stretchable rubber or shrinkable plastic. The hollow tubular sleeve is applied to an existing arrow shaft and made or caused to fit snugly to the arrow shaft. Cresting and fletching can then be performed wherein the crests and feathers or vanes may be adhered to either the hollow tubular sleeve or the arrow shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of continuous flow zone electrophoresis for separation of particulates or biological samples, including cells and sub-cellular components, in a separation chamber configured to enhance separation of the sample components. The peak-to-peak distance between sample components in a non-equilibrium continuous flow zone electrophoretic fractionator is amplified by selective manipulation of particle residence time within the separation chamber.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for an acoustical partition are presented. The acoustical partition comprises a wall section defining an enclosed space, a frame structure contained within the wall section, and an insulation layer contained within the frame structure such that an air cavity is created at the centermost area within the wall section. The acoustical partition may also include a sound absorption layer placed on a front side of the wall section, and a fabric layer positioned over the sound absorption layer in such a way as to provide an airspace between the sound absorption layer and the fabric layer.

Abstract: A circular or bar-type slide rule made of a durable rigid material for converting a golf handicap index into a converted playing handicap based upon the slope rating of a golf course. A method for calculating a converted playing handicap by aligning the player's handicap index value on a first logarithmic scale, locating the golf course slope rate on a second logarithmic scale so that the aligned value of the converted playing handicap may be read on the first scale.

Abstract: A new and improved plastic bag hanger device is presented for employing plastic bags, especially those plastic bags with handles which are used for bagging groceries, as liners for all sizes of trash receptacles The device comprises a clip member having an upwardly protruding flange and a downwardly protruding flange located on opposite sides of the clip member. The clip member is secured over the rim of a trash receptacle with plastic bag handles hooked onto the upwardly protruding flange if the trash receptacle is tall, or the downwardly protruding flange if the trash receptacle is short. The plastic bag hanger device may also include a second upwardly protruding flange for storing extra plastic handled bags.