Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a hardened mineral product, especially concrete. The method utilizes a hydration reaction with water for at least 1 hour, preferably for 4 to 40 hours, by producing a water/binding agent paste containing components for retardation of binding agent crystallization together with other possible admixtures, e.g., accelerators. When the binding agent reaches an appropriate degree of hydration, preferably 10 to 90%, the unset paste is complemented with fillers for producing the desired mineral mix, after which the end product is shaped as desired and hardened. The water/binding agent paste is agitaged in order to promote the hydration reaction, and when required, admixed with an additional amount of the retarding component of the binding agent crystallization. Furthermore, the invention includes an apparatus for hydrating the binding agent with a facility for subjecting the paste to compacting pressurization in order to improve hydration.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated multi-layer data carrier includes laminating a core layer, an intermediate substrate carrying an IC module, electrical contact pads, and electrical leads connecting the IC module to the contact pads, and a cover layer having contact apertures therein together under heat and pressure so that the IC module is pressed into the core layer and protected within the central core of the carrier while the contact pads are pressed outwardly into the apertures of the cover layer so that the contact pads are flush with the surface of the cover layer. Alternative embodiments are described wherein the core layer supports the contact pads in the apertures of the cover layer and where the laminating process is carried out such that the substrate is anchored between the core and cover layers.

Abstract: A process for forming an integrated circuit pin grid array package comprising a flexible metal tape adapted for use in tape automated bonding with a plurality of holes. Terminal pins are inserted in the holes and the tapes and pins are disposed within a mold so that a cavity is formed about the pins and tape. The cavity is filled with a polymer resin so as to at least partially surround and support the pins and tape and thereby form the plastic encapsulated pin grid array.

Abstract: The advantae of high alumina cement (early strength, resistance to sulphate attack) are preserved and its disadvantage (weakens with age) is solved by mixing it 50:50 with ground granulated blast furnace slag. This encourages formation of gehlenite octahydrate in preference to or to the exclusion of the harmful `conversion` (weakening) reaction.

Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions are disclosed containing a hydraulic cement and a graft copolymer, the graft copolymer containing a polyether backbone and side chains prepared by polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The graft copolymer functions as a plasticizer in the cement composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a resin sealed IC regulator, which comprises a first connecting terminal electrically connected to a generator, a second connecting terminal electrically connected to a device other than the generator, a monolithic IC which controls an operation of the generator, mounted on a conductive member, and connected to both the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal and a resin molded portion of an electric insulating resin sealing the monolithic IC and at least a portion of the first and second connecting terminals are connected to the monolithic IC.Whereby an IC regulator which can be effectively used with an electrical load can be obtained, and further, an IC regulator having a more reliable control performance and able to be produced at low production cost can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip with a light receiving element disposed in a surface of the semiconductor chip, and a light transmission window having a first surface facing the light receiving element and a second surface generally parallel to the first surface and for protecting the light receiving element. One of two liquid agents constituting a two-part adhesive is applied to the surface of the semiconductor chip so that the liquid agent surrounds the light receiving element, and the other of the liquid agents of the two-part adhesive is applied to the first surface of the light transmission window in correspondence with the former liquid agent. These liquid agents are brought into contact with each other to fix the light transmission window to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip and part of the light transmission window is then resin-molded so that the second surface of the light transmission window is exposed.

Abstract: In methods of producing an article that comprises a multichip assembly, in which the (typically electronic but not excluding opto-electronic) chips are bonded to a substrate by means of spaced-apart localized solder regions (frequently referred to as "solder bumps"), it is frequently desirable to be able to remove a given chip from the substrate and to replace it with another chip. According to the invention, such chip removal is accomplished by a technique that comprises heating the solder bumps between the given chip and the substrate to a temperature below the solidus temperature of the solder in a manner such that a temperature gradient exists across the solder bumps, and applying to the given chip simultaneously a torque and a lifting force sufficient to cause separation of the given chip from the substrate. The technique can be carried out such that the solder bumps remaining on the substrate after chip removal are of substantially uniform height, facilitating attachment of the replacement chip.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device which is capable of enlarging diameter of crystal grain of a polycrystalline conductor by a heat treatment which is carried out after surface lower portion of the polycrystalline conductor is made amorphous with ion-implanting atoms in the polycrystalline conductor by predetermined accelerating energy to thereby improve the uniformity of size of crystal grain. By this method, the uniformity of impurity concentration distribution is improved in the polycrystalline conductor and also in the impurity diffusion area, and further, the uniformity of resistance of a resistor or conductor formed by the polycrystalline conductor is improved.

Abstract: A process for the production of a refractory compound, e.g. a carbide or nitride, of a metallic or non-metallic element, by reacting a mixture of a compound of the metallic or non-metallic element having at least two groups reactive with hydroxyl groups and an organic compound having at least two hydroxyl groups to produce an oxygen-containing polymeric product, and pyrolysing the polymeric product, e.g. in an inert atmosphere to produce a carbide or in an atmosphere of reactive nitrogen compound to produce a nitride, in which the reaction mixture contains an aluminium compound containing at least one group reactive with hydroxyl groups.The presence of the aluminium compound in the reaction mixture leads to an increase in the proportion of carbon in the product initially produced by pyrolysis, and to a higher purity in the refractory compound which is ultimately produced.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for the controlled release of a therapeutically active ingredient into an environment of use is disclosed which comprises:(A) a core composition comprising(a) a plurality of controlled release solubility modulating units comprising solubility modulating agents each of which is a complexing agent or a surfactant and which is either (i) surround by a water insoluble cost containing at least one pore forming additive dispersed throughout said coat, or (ii) dispersed in an individual matrix substrate, and(b) A therapeutically active ingredient; and(B) a water insoluble microporous wall surrounding said core composition comprising:(i) a polymer material that is permeable to water but substantially impermeable to solute and(ii) 0.1 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of (i) and (ii), of at least one water leachable pore forming additive dispersed throughout said wall.

Abstract: Whisker reinforced composites having improved strength and toughness are prepared by a process including densification by essentially pressureless sintering. There is no need to hot press or hot isostatic press to achieve a density of 99+% of theoretical for 10 vol. % whiskers and 93+% for 20 vol. % whiskers. The composites are derived from the desired volume fraction of whiskers, a sintering aid preferably submicron in average size range, and a major portion of a pressureless sinterable matrix material having an average particle size of not more than about 0.5 micron. Yttria-alumina composites are sintered at less than about 1800.degree. C. and for less than about two hours to avoid surface degradation.

Abstract: A paste with improved workability is formed from at least 20% Portland cement. The paste when cured under ASTM conditions crystallizes into a substantially homogeneous mass of monolithic crystals of calcium silicate hydrate exhibiting a unique crystalline structure and having improved compressive strength.

Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac, flufenamic acid, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, phenylbutazone, piroxicam and sulindac are administered in micelles to alleviate their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The drugs are formulated with surfactants such as polyethoxylated nonionics to give micelle-forming compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic compositions which have been improved through the addition of a light-curing resin. Porcelain compositions are formulated to include a light-curing resin, generally of the acrylic monomer type, molded into a desired shape, and subjected to an appropriate light source to preset the molded object, for example, a porcelain inlay or margin. The present ceramic object having a thus improved integrity is transported or further manipulated, and then fired in a conventional porcelain firing oven. Ceramic compositions made in accordance with the present invention may be employed in all types of dental restoration procedures, including the fabrication of margins, inlays, crowns, laminates, as well as various non-dental applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides ceramic compositions for preparing multi-layer capacitors, having high dielectric constants between about 4900 and 5400, dissipation factors below about 2.0%, high insulation resistance capacitance products and stable temperature coefficient characteristics, by a process of mixing a major oxide component with one or more precipitated dopant components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing titanates and zirconates respectively of formulas MTiO.sub.3 and MZrO.sub.3 where M is Ba.sup.2+, Sr.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+ and Mg.sup.2+ to the exclusion of MgZro.sub.3, consisting of reacting an ester of formula M[H-(CH.sub.2).sub.n CO.sub.2 ].sub.2 where n=1-4 with the formula M'[O(CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3 ].sub.4 where M' is Ti or Zr bringing the reaction mixture to boil until the solvent is removed to yield a viscous translucent resin. The resin is cooled and further treated to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of an apparatus for growing tubular crystalline bodies. The control system comprises a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the crystal, a length sensor for measuring the length of the crystal, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the crystal, and a controller coupled to the weight, length and pressure sensors for controlling the operation of the crystal growing apparatus. The controller is coupled to the die heater of the apparatus for controlling the temperature of melt contained in the crucible of the apparatus based on the outputs of the weight, length and pressure sensors. To ensure the wall of the tubular crystalline body is maintained at a substantially uniform thickness, precise measurement of the weight of the body must be made. Compensation is provided by this invention for weight measurement errors that are created by pressure fluctations within the tubular crystalline body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aminoarylsulfonic acid-phenol-formaldehyde condensate and concrete admixture comprising the same for incorporation in cementing composition, for example, concrete, motar, cement paste and the like, for improving slumping characteristics.

Abstract: Geothermal wells with lost circulation problems are treated with a lightweight, high temperature (i.e. 350.degree. C.) cement slurry which incorporates pressure resistant hollow microspheres into the slurry wherein the spheres have been pretreated with an alkali compound such as Ca(OH).sub.2 for up to 20 hours and at 100.degree.-300.degree. C. Preferably, the alkali solution is a saturated aqueous solution and the treatment is for 10 hours.