Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) component or microfluidic component comprising a free-hanging or free-standing microchannel (1), as well as methods for manufacturing such a microchannel, as well as a flow sensor, e.g. a thermal flow sensor or a Coriolis flow sensor, pressure sensor or multi-parameter sensor, valve, pump or microheater, comprising such a microelectromechanical system component or microfluidic component. The MEMS component allows to increase the flow range and/or decrease the pressure drop of for instance a micro Coriolis mass flow meter by increasing the channel diameter, while maintaining its advantages.

Abstract: Enhanced inserts are formed having a cylindrical grip and a protrusion extending from the grip. An ultra hard material layer is bonded on top of the protrusion. The inserts are mounted on a rock bit and contact the earth formations off center. The ultra hard material layer is thickest at a critical zone which encompasses a major portion of the region of contact between the insert and the earth formation. Transition layers may also be formed between the ultra hard material layer and the protrusion so as to reduce stresses formed on the interface between the ultra hard material and the protrusion.

Abstract: A furnace includes a core tube that has an elongate boundary wall and is configured to accommodate wafers for processing the wafers in a treatment atmosphere. The furnace includes a cooling chamber defined between the elongate boundary wall and an outer casing of the furnace, wherein the outer casing includes a heating element and has first lateral, circumferentially spaced openings in proximity of a first end of the outer casing and second lateral, circumferentially spaced openings in proximity of a second end of the outer casing. Cooling gas is supplied through one of the first and second lateral, circumferentially spaced openings to a region of one end of the cooling chamber and provides for a cooling atmosphere. The cooling gas is guided along the cooling chamber with a uniform distribution of flow and discharged through one of the first and second lateral, circumferentially spaced openings from a region of an opposite end of the cooling chamber.