Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma system includes an atmospheric pressure plasma source that generates a glow discharge-type plasma. The atmospheric pressure plasma source comprises a plasma head, a heating element and an active cooling element and the heating element and active cooling element control the plasma head temperature to a set-point temperature independent of variations in plasma generating power or plasma power ON/OFF status.

Abstract: After CMP and before an epitaxial growth step, the substrate is prepared by an atmospheric plasma which includes not only a reducing chemistry, but also metastable states of a chemically inert carrier gas. This removes residues, oxides, and/or contaminants. Optionally, nitrogen passivation is also performed under atmospheric conditions, to passivate the substrate surface for later epitaxial growth.

Abstract: In a system made from an edge trim strip and a bridging component for the bridging, especially in optical manner, of a structural transition between the edge trim strip and the bridging component, a simple and secure connection of the edge trim strip and the bridging component should be made possible with the simplest possible fabrication and design of the edge trim strip. The securing of the bridging component to the edge trim strip is accomplished solely by a fastening leg provided on the edge strip and forming an undercut, and the fastening leg is the sole leg of the cross section profile of the edge trim strip serving to secure the bridging component. The bridging component has a locking means in the form of a locking groove, which is able to engage at top and bottom with the fastening leg provided with the undercut in a locking manner.

Abstract: After CMP and before an epitaxial growth step, the substrate is prepared by an atmospheric plasma which includes not only a reducing chemistry, but also metastable states of a chemically inert carrier gas. This removes residues, oxides, and/or contaminants. Optionally, nitrogen passivation is also performed under atmospheric conditions, to passivate the substrate surface for later epitaxial growth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using the downstream active residuals of a reducing-chemistry atmospheric plasma to provide multiple advantages to pre-plating surface preparation with a simple apparatus. As the downstream active species of the atmospheric plasma impinge the substrate surface, three important surface preparation processes can be performed simultaneously: 1. Organic residue is removed from the surface of the plating base. 2. Oxidation is removed from the surface of the plating base. 3. All surfaces on the substrate are highly activated by the downstream active residuals thus creating a highly wettable surface for subsequent plating operations.

Abstract: A method of removing oxidation from certain metallic contact surfaces utilizing a combination of relatively simple and inexpensive off-the-shelf equipment and specific chemistry. The method being a very rapid dry process which does not require a vacuum or containment chamber, or toxic gasses/chemicals, and does not damage sensitive electronic circuits or components. Additionally, the process creates a passivation layer on the surface of the metallic contact which inhibits further oxidation while allowing rapid and complete bonding, even many hours after surface treatment, without having to remove the passivation layer. The process utilizes a room-ambient plasma applicator with hydrogen, nitrogen, and inert gasses.

Abstract: A method of removing oxidation from certain metallic contact surfaces utilizing a combination of relatively simple and inexpensive off-the-shelf equipment and specific chemistry. The method being a very rapid dry process which does not require a vacuum or containment chamber, or toxic gasses/chemicals, and does not damage sensitive electronic circuits or components. Additionally, the process creates a passivation layer on the surface of the metallic contact which inhibits further oxidation while allowing rapid and complete bonding, even many hours after surface treatment, without having to remove the passivation layer. The process utilizes a room-ambient plasma applicator with hydrogen, nitrogen, and inert gasses.

Abstract: A trim panel includes a decorative surface, one sub-section of which consists of leather. The trim panel consists of a flat support that also covers the sub-section and at least one additional layer on a visible face of the support. In addition, the layer is recessed in the sub-section or doubles back on itself towards the sub-section along one edge of the latter. A leather trim is located on the visible face of the support in the sub-section, the trim covering the latter.

Abstract: A method of removing oxidation from certain metallic contact surfaces utilizing a combination of relatively simple and inexpensive off-the-shelf equipment and specific chemistry. The method being a very rapid dry process which does not require a vacuum or containment chamber, or toxic gasses/chemicals, and does not damage sensitive electronic circuits or components. Additionally, the process creates a passivation layer on the surface of the metallic contact which inhibits further oxidation while allowing rapid and complete bonding, even many hours after surface treatment, without having to remove the passivation layer. The process utilizes a room-ambient plasma applicator with hydrogen, nitrogen, and inert gasses.

Abstract: A trim panel includes a decorative surface, one sub-section of which consists of leather. The trim panel consists of a flat support that also covers the sub-section and at least one additional layer on a visible face of the support. In addition, the layer is recessed in the sub-section or doubles back on itself towards the sub-section along one edge of the latter. A leather trim is located on the visible face of the support in the sub-section, the trim covering the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals or their alloys with a thin barrier layer consisting of the metal and an oxide ceramic layer provided thereon whose surface has been coated with fluoropolymers, characterized in that the fluoropolymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of a solution by vacuum impregnation, followed by removing the non-wetting portions of the solution and drying.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser pump (1) comprising a manually insertable pump shaft (6) aid pump shaft (6) is surrounded by at least three sleeve sections (16, 17, 18) that can be slid into each other in a telescopic manner. A return spring (8) is preferably disposed between pump shaft (6) and the sleeve sections (16, 17, 18). All parts of the dispenser pump (1), which enter in contact with a liquid that is to be pumped, are made of plastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals or their alloys with a thin barrier layer consisting of the metal and an oxide ceramic layer provided thereon whose surface has been coated with fluoropolymers, characterized in that the fluoropolymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of a solution by vacuum impregnation, followed by removing the non-wetting portions of the solution and drying.

Abstract: An adjustable stirrup leather and a saddle including such a stirrup leather for suspending a stirrup relative to a saddle seat wherein a spring element is provided within the stirrup leather to provide a torsional force to properly align the stirrup for a rider's foot when the saddle is placed on a mount. In a preferred embodiment the spring element is vertically adjustable depending upon an adjusted length of the stirrup leather.

Abstract: An assist step for a stirrup associated with a saddle wherein the step is secured to or formed integrally with an outer side element of the stirrup which is pivotally mounted at a base of the stirrup such that when pivoted downwardly relative to the base, the step provides a platform for assisting a rider in mounting a saddle. The outer side element also functions as a safety breakaway portion for the stirrup to permit release of a rider's foot in the event a rider falls from the saddle.

Abstract: An auxiliary step for a stirrup associated with a saddle wherein the auxiliary step is mounted so as to be pivotable from a first position generally adjacent to the stirrup to a second position spaced below the stirrup to thereby assist a rider in mounting the saddle. In a preferred embodiment, the step is positively urged to the first or raised position adjacent to the stirrup when not being used to assist the rider in mounting.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus for dredging waterways containing sediment includes a hood having a passage for water and sediment to enter the hood under the influence of a submersible dredge pump apparatus. The dredge pump apparatus includes an inlet line having an inlet opening positioned in the passage of the hood, and an outlet line which communicates with the inlet line and extends exteriorly to a spoil collection area. A dredge pump draws water and sediment from within the passage into the inlet opening and through the inlet and outlet lines. To prevent clogging of the inlet line by sediment and ensure a continuous dredging operation, replacement water is introduced adjacent to the inlet opening from a water source in response to sensed pressure variations in the inlet line caused by the onset of clogging. A closed dredging circuit is created by using the spoil collection area as the source of replacement water.

Abstract: Covers are mounted so as to cooperatively close and seal the mouth or opening into conventional backhoe and clam-shell excavating buckets with the covers being positioned or positionable so as to engage the buckets after the buckets have been operated or manipulated to excavate earthen material or debris to thoroughly enclose such materials within the buckets until such time as the material is deposited into an appropriate receptacle or deposit site.