Abstract: A brush core and the method for making a brush core for use in substrate scrubbing are provided. The substrate can be any substrate that may need to undergo a scrubbing operation to complete a cleaning operation, etching operation, or other preparation. For instance, the substrate can be a semiconductor wafer, a disk, or any other type of work piece that will benefit from a brush core that can deliver uniform controlled amounts of fluid through the brush along an entire length of the brush core. The brush core is defined by a tubular core having a length that extends between a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening into a bore that is defined through a middle of the tubular core and extends along an inner length of the tubular core. A first plurality of holes are oriented along a plurality of first lines that extend in the direction of the length of the tubular core, and each of the first plurality of holes define paths to the bore of the tubular core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning edges of substrates is described. The present invention provides a cleaning mechanism that cleans particles off the edge of the wafer based on friction and/or a difference in tangential velocity at a point of contact between the wafer and the cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: An improved wafer holder with spindle assembly and wafer holder actuator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the vertical motion of a shaft drives an arm positioning member in a rotational motion. The arm positioning member is coupled to a first position of an arm such that the arm moves in a horizontal motion when the arm positioning member rotates. A substrate holding member is coupled to the arm at a second position, such that the horizontal motion of the arm moves the substrate holding member between an open and a closed position. The shaft of the above described embodiment is moved in a vertical motion by an actuator. A first cylinder of the actuator expands and engages a spring which moves the shaft upward and a second cylinder of the actuator retracts to disengage the first cylinder thereby moving the shaft downward.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced protein-based biocomposite particulate material containing a legume-based thermosetting resin and cellulosic material, and rigid biocomposite pressure-formed materials produced therefrom, are provided. The particulate material and resultant pressure-formed materials contain the legume-based resin and fibrous cellulosic material in amounts such that the ratio of cellulose solids to resin solids is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0. Particularly preferred pressure-formed materials also include a secondary thermosetting binder, such as an isocyanate.

Abstract: A cellulose mixture including a protein based adhesive binder and colorant. The mixture can be compression molded or extruded and upon curing in the presence of microwave or radio frequency energy or in thermally controlled appliance, produces board or shape formed stock. The produced stock exhibits colorations and a grain pattern comparable to natural stone. Unlike stone, the material exhibits a light weight, low density, structural rigidity and ready machinability. A preferred method includes admixing separate, colorized batches of feedstock, each feedstock includes shredded waste newsprint, soybean flour, water and a colorant; reducing the moisture content of each feedstock or a proportioned admixture of several feedstocks, such as by air drying or compressing or performing the admixture in the presence of heat; compacting the admixture to final shape; and curing the shaped material. Final forming and finishing apparatus complete the process.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced protein-based biocomposite particulate material containing a legume-based thermosetting resin and cellulosic material, and rigid biocomposite pressure-formed materials produced therefrom, are provided. The particulate material and resultant pressure-formed materials contain the legume-based resin and fibrous cellulosic material in amounts such that the ratio of cellulose solids to resin solids is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0. Particularly preferred pressure-formed materials also include a secondary thermosetting binder, such as an isocyanate.

Abstract: A dielectric inset mountable within a conical horn antenna for focusing an impinging electromagnetic wave front as a planar wave front at an attached wave guide. In one construction a homogeneous inset having an ellipsoidal forward surface and conical aft surface is fitted into a double flared conical antenna including a cylindrical, hybrid mode matching section. In various alternative compound constructions, materials of differing dielectric constants and geometrical shapes are arranged to facilitate a size and weight reduction of the inset and focus the incident wave front relative to the wave guide. In other embodiments, still lower density materials, including suspended metallic particulates are used.

Abstract: A small aperture horn antenna comprising an outer conical shell and interiorly of which are formed at least first and second conically flared, dielectric-coated stages of differing flare angles which are coupled to one another via an intermediate cylindrical stage. The dielectric coating is applied to form a uniformly smooth horn interior surface. Mountable to the antenna input aperture are various reflective and homogeneous dielectric refractive focusing lenses and to the output is a low noise waveguide converter. A remotely controlled, axial mount assembly enclosed in a gas-filled, roof mountable radome is also disclosed. Alternatively, the same antenna geometry may be used to transmit a directive electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An improved aeration system for use with a storage structure for storing particulate material such as grain. The storage structure includes a large flexible cover which is vertically movable relative to a center vertical support. The aeration system includes a vessel adjacent the lower end of the support. Air inlet pipes extend radially outwardly from the vessel. One or more fans are in communication with the air inlet pipes to hold the cover down and to aerate the material. The cover hold down and the aeration begin during initial filling of the storage structure and continues after filling is completed. In another embodiment a second plurality of air inlet pipes extend inwardly from the cover periphery toward the support. Fans are in communication with the second plurality of air inlet pipes to aid in providing the hold down forces and in the aeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a particulate material in a storage assembly. The storage assembly includes a wall for retaining the particulate material and a cover. A cap is positioned above the cover and mounts a vertically movable ring assembly. During filling, the ring assembly is adjusted to tension the cover. A flow of fluid is provided through said stored particulate material for maintaining the temperature within the stored particulate material within a predetermined upper and lower limit and also urges the cover into contact with the particulate material.

Abstract: A method of reducing the liberation of dust particles from a dry particulate matter is disclosed. The particulate matter is transferred to a location where it falls through the air, a small amount of water is introduced onto the particles of material in the material stream, the water being added in the amount of at least 1.01 % and no more than 1% of the weight of the dry particulate matter. The wetted particles contact each other and are distributed generally uniformally throughout the remainder of the material. The delivery of the wetted particles is delayed by a period of at least one second. A smooth path is provided for the material stream after the uniform distribution and prior to discharge at the discharge location.

Abstract: A solar heat concentrator-collector comprising, in combination, solar radiation concentrator means and collector means for receiving the concentrated solar energy and providing for conversion of the energy into usable or more readily convertable form. The concentrator means may be any of a variety of concentrators known and used in the art, however the collector means of the present invention functions extremely well with a line focus Fresnel array, the array including a plurality of generally parallelly disposed elongated self-supporting elements or panels each with a reflective surface, and with each element or panel having means for positioning its reflective surface in an operative solar viewing disposition.

Abstract: A solar heat concentrator comprising, in combination, solar radiation concentrator means and absorber means for converting the concentrated solar energy into usable form. The concentrator means is essentially a line focus Fresnel array, and includes a plurality of generally parallelly disposed elongated self-supporting elements with reflective surfaces, each element having means for positioning the reflective surfaces in an operative solar viewing disposition, as well as in an inoperative or idle disposition wherein the reflective surfaces are protected from adverse affects due to the elements, including wind, dust, hail, and the like.