Abstract: We are able to significantly reduce variations in critical dimension from target for features in a patterned photoresist, where the patterned photoresist is generated during the fabrication of a reticle (photomask) to be used in semiconductor processing. The ability to maintain the targeted critical dimension of patterned photoresist features which were imaged using a direct write process depends upon the use of a photoresist binder resin system which provides a sufficiently dense structure to sterically hinder the movement of photoacid-labile groups after irradiation of such groups (writing of the pattern). As importantly, the photoacid groups which are used to generate the pattern need to be such that they are activated only at temperatures above about 70° C., and preferably at temperatures in the range of 110° C. to 150° C. Further improvement in uniformity of developed photoresist feature size across the reticle surface is achieved by controlling a combination of variables during development.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed comprising a transmission input, a transmission output, and a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) arranged to be coupled between the transmission input (205) and output (240) by means of at least one clutch (230,250) thereby to enable transfer of drive between the input and the output at a continuously variable transmission ratio. The variator is connected to a hydraulic control circuit (50) and so subject to a hydraulic control pressure which is adjustable by the control circuit and is also influenced by changes in variator ratio. The variator is constructed and arranged such as to adjust its ratio to provide a variator reaction torque which corresponds to the control pressure. The transmission further comprising means (311,310) for adjusting the torque capacity of the clutch while it is engaged so that by controlling torque loading applied to the variator, the clutch influences the control pressure and the reaction torque.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealable swab is formed of an elongated stem having a swab collection material, such as a wad of cotton-like material or a spoon-shaped or a paddle-shaped end portion on one end. A tubular capsule enclosing and normally sealing the swab collection material within the capsule. The capsule is formed with an open top and a closed bottom within which a central opening is formed. The stem is slideably extended through the opening so that a portion of the stem with the swab collection material is arranged within the capsule. The open upper end of the capsule is closed by a cover that can be manually opened or closed with one-handed motion. When the cap is opened, the stem is moved endwise for moving the sample material outwardly of the capsule so that it may contact and accumulate material to be sampled, or, alternatively, may disperse sample material that was previously applied upon the swab.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a continuously variable transmission having a continuously variable ratio unit that is controlled by at least one hydraulic actuator acting on a movable torque transmission element. The actuator has opposed first and second working chambers. The circuit includes first and second flow lines that are connected to two respective actuator working chambers. The lines feed fluid thereto and therefrom A pressurized supply of fluid urges fluid flow through the flow lines. A variable control valve is incorporated in both flow lines. Each valve generates an adjustable back pressure therein. A further valve is connected between the two flow lines. The further valve has a variable opening and is located upstream of the variable control valve. Opening of the further valve enables flow fluid from one flow line to the other to reduce pressure difference between the lines.

Abstract: A money clip comprising a generally flat housing having an internal cavity and an elastic band secured to the housing for encircling and holding a wad a paper money between the band and housing. A magnifying glass is normally concealed within the cavity and is pivotally connected to the housing. The magnifying glass may be manually swung outwardly and inwardly of the cavity, to a location adjacent the housing, through an opening formed in the housing. The magnifying glass may be swung outwardly of the housing temporarily and by manually holding the clip with magnifying glass positioned over an object the print on the object may be read by the user, without disturbing the wad of paper money held by the money clip. Thereafter, the magnifying glass may be swung back into the housing cavity.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an actuator of a microvalve, a controller is provided for supplying a voltage to the actuator. The controller provides an initial voltage to the actuator which is effective to actuate the microvalve. Then, the controller provides a pulsed voltage to the actuator which is effective to continue the actuation of the microvalve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a proportional microvalve having a first, second and third layer, and having high aspect ratio geometries. The first layer defines a cavity with inlet and outlet ports. The second layer, doped to have a low resistivity and bonded between the first and third layers, defines a cavity having a flow area to permit fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ports. The second layer further defines an actuatable displaceable member, and one or more thermal actuators for actuating the displaceable member to a position between and including an open and a closed position to permit or occlude fluid flow. The third layer provides one wall of the cavity and provides electrical contacts for electrically heating the thermally expandable actuators. The thermal actuators and the displaceable member have high aspect ratios and are formed by deep reactive ion etching such that they are displaceable in the plane of the second layer while being very stiff out of the plane.

Abstract: A money clip comprising a generally flat housing having an internal cavity and an elastic band secured to the housing for encircling and holding a wad a paper money between the band and housing. A magnifying glass is normally concealed within the cavity and is pivotally connected to the housing. The magnifying glass may be manually swung outwardly and inwardly of the cavity, to a location adjacent the housing, through an opening formed in the housing. The magnifying glass may be swung outwardly of the housing temporarily and by manually holding the clip with magnifying glass positioned over an object the print on the object may be read by the user, without disturbing the wad of paper money held by the money clip. Thereafter, the magnifying glass may be swung back into the housing cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit is disclosed for a continuously variable transmission comprising a continuously variable ratio transmission unit (“variator”) 10, the circuit comprising a supply line 106 and means (which may take the form of a pump 110) for providing a flow of pressurised fluid in the supply line, means (which may comprise a pressure control valve 116) for generating a back pressure in the supply line, and at least one connection for feeding fluid from the supply line to a hydraulic actuator 100 acting on a movable torque transmission 23-37 element (which may comprise a roller 28) of the variator 10. The valve means 152 connected to the supply line allows pressure in the supply line to be selectively modified in response to rate of flow in the supply line.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit is disclosed for a continuously variable transmission having a continuously variable transmission unit (“variator”) in which the position of at least one ratio determining element (e.g. A roller 28 of a toroidal race rolling traction type variator) is influenced by means of a hydraulic actuator (100, 100′, 100″). The control circuit comprises a flow line (106) through which hydraulic fluid is fed to and from the actuator means (eg. A control valve 116 disposed in the flow line) for adjusting pressure in the flow line, and a first valve (125) connected to the flow line so that opening of the first valve diverts flow of fluid to/from the flow line.

Abstract: A variator assembly is disclosed comprising a variator of the toroidal-race rolling-traction type having input and output discs, rollers which are acted on by hydraulic roller control actuators and are positioned between the discs to transmit torque from one disc to the other and hydraulic end loading means (200) supplied with fluid at an end load pressure to apply an end load to bias the discs and the rollers toward each other thereby enabling the transmission of torque. The assembly further comprises reaction pressure supply means connected to the roller control actuators to cause them to apply an adjustable reaction force to the rollers. In accordance with the invention hydraulically influenced valve means (204) are provided which respond to the reaction pressure and the end load pressure to control the end load pressure and thereby maintain a relationship between the end load and reaction pressures. Further adjustment means (350) to adjust the relationship between the end load and reaction pressures.

Abstract: We are able to significantly reduce variations in critical dimension from target for features in a patterned photoresist, where the patterned photoresist is generated during the fabrication of a reticle (photomask) to be used in semiconductor processing. The ability to maintain the targeted critical dimension of patterned photoresist features which were imaged using a direct write process depends upon the use of a photoresist binder resin system which provides a sufficiently dense structure to sterically hinder the movement of photoacid-labile groups after irradiation of such groups (writing of the pattern). As importantly, the photoacid groups which are used to generate the pattern need to be such that they are activated only at temperatures above about 70° C., and preferably at temperatures in the range of 110° C. to 150° C. Further improvement in uniformity of developed photoresist feature size across the reticle surface is achieved by controlling a combination of variables during development.

Abstract: A long lasting, fragrance emitting, artificial flower display includes a number of artificial flowers and at least one flower-like stem upon which a number of bud or berry-like artificial formations are secured. Each formation is formed of a manually breakable capsule which is wrapped within an absorbent paper-type wrapper. The capsule contains a scent emitting, liquid substance which is released when the capsule is manually broken by squeezing the formation. The capsules may be broken, one by one, by successively squeezing them when desired to release the scent emitting substance for absorption by its respective wrapping so that the substance may evaporate and emit its scent into the surrounding area.

Abstract: A portable medical data strip chart recorder in which a drive roller for drawing the strip across a platen includes integral motive means for rotating the roller at a selected angular velocity. A D.C. motor is mounted internally and concentrically with the roller shaft which upon energization drives the roller and hence the strip paper at a desired linear velocity. The incorporation of a D.C. motor internally of the drive shaft permits reduction in size and weight of the recorder as well as achieving a more efficient drive power transmission.