Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device includes a body having a first channel and a second channel spaced from the first channel. A shroud is operably fixed to the body and encloses a chamber which is configured in a hermetically sealed-off relation from the first and second channels when the device is in a non-activated first state and is in open communication with at least one of the first and second channels when the device is in an activated second state. A reactant and an inert gas are disposed in the chamber such that the inert gas protects the reactant from being exposed to contaminants when the device is in said non-activated first state. A method of constructing a disposable diagnostic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaginal shield assembly for protecting female genitalia from urine includes a panel that has a plurality of intersecting sides such that the panel has a triangular shape for positioning over female genitalia. The panel has a urine slot extending through the panel that is aligned with a urethra when the panel is positioned over the female genitalia. In this way the urine can pass through the urine slot. The panel is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit the urine from contacting the female genitalia. In this way the panel inhibits irritation that would develop from the urine contacting the female genitalia.

Abstract: An OBD system is provided for monitoring an ozone depletion system that includes a catalyst coating containing MnO2 applied to a heat exchange surface on a moving vehicle over which atmospheric air passes. A physical characteristic of the catalyst coating or a material containing a physical characteristic within the catalyst coating is sensed to determine the presence or absence of the catalyst coating for detecting catastrophic failure of the ozone depleting system and/or degradation or wear of the catalyst coating to ascertain the efficiency of the catalyst coating.

Abstract: A multi-step CMP system is used to polish a wafer to form metal interconnects in a dielectric layer upon which barrier and metal layers have been formed. A first polish removes an upper portion of the metal layer using a first slurry and a first set of polishing parameters, leaving residual metal within the dielectric layer to serve as the metal interconnects. A second polish of the wafer on the same platen and polishing pad removes portions of the barrier layer using a second slurry under a second set of polishing parameters. The second polish clears the barrier layer from the upper surface of the dielectric layer, thereby forming the metal interconnect. To reduce dishing and dielectric erosion, the second slurry is selected so that the barrier layer is removed at a faster rate than the residual metal within the dielectric layer. A cleaning step may be optionally performed between the first and second polishes.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool for disassembling blowers on certain diesel engines such as those known as Detroit Diesel Engines includes a pair of hydraulically operated pistons that are pressurized by a manually operated hydraulic pump which translates the pistons at the same time to force the shafts of the gears in the blower to slide off of their respective shafts at the same time and onto the respective pistons. This captures the gears and prevents damage to the blower and its component parts. The hydraulic tool includes a platen that is bolted to the casing of the blower by utilizing the tapped holes that are used to bolt the end cover plate of the blower.