Abstract: Photoresist masks are stripped using a H.sub.2 -N.sub.2 plasma to prevent increasing the dielectric constant of an exposed carbon-containing dielectric material. Embodiments of the present invention include forming a low dielectric constant, carbon-containing layer, e.g., a polymeric layer, on an exposed metal feature overlying a wafer, forming a photoresist mask on the dielectric layer, forming an opening in the dielectric layer exposing the metal feature and a portion of the dielectric layer, preheating the wafer and stripping the photoresist mask using the H.sub.2 -N.sub.2 plasma.

Abstract: A technique for driving with continuous synchronized movement a plurality of parallel pulling cables of a transportation installation in a direction parallel to the cables comprising at least one vehicle connected in line to the cables. Each cable is driven by a separate independent drive device powered by a dedicated power source. Drive forces in each drive device are monitored and used to control the drive device speed of at least one drive device so as to maintain equal cable speeds.

Abstract: A terminal station of an aerial rope transport installation is equipped with a generator (26) of a high-frequency signal modulated in amplitude by the information to be transmitted. This generator (26) is coupled to the looped rope (10) by a transformer (30) which induces a current in the looped rope forming the secondary winding. The cars (20) are equipped with an autonomous receiver (48) which detects the magnetic field generated by the current induced in the looped rope and restores the information transmitted by the rope.

Abstract: A safety line 20 of an aerial ropeway transport installation 10 comprises in one of the stations a safety generating unit 22, which emits a square wave AC signal on the line.In the opposite station the line 20 is earthed by means of a diode 24. The safety generating unit 22 includes a measuring device of the positive and negative voltages at the line terminals to distinguish between a line break and a line short-circuit.A localizer indicates the location of the fault.

Abstract: A detachable chair or gondola lift is disclosed wherein an alternator is driven by a rope bull-wheel. The alternator supplies a synchronous motor for driving friction wheels or other mechanisms for driving the cars in an end station of the chair or gondola lift. The electrical connection between the alternator and the synchronous motor ensures synchronous rotation of the motor. The alternator can be connected to the bull-wheel by a multiplier gear, the bull-wheel being either a tension bull-wheel or a driving bull-wheel. In the case of a tension bull-wheel, the alternator is mounted on the bull-wheel support carriage to avoid a flexible mechanical transmission. The alternator can be coupled to the high speed shaft of a driving bull-wheel reducer gear, for example, by a trapizoidal belt transmission. At low speed, the excitation of the alternator is increased to preserve the synchronism of the movements.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt retractor is provided with means for varying sensitivity of the locking mechanism. Force applied via a return component to a mobile support associated with the locking mechanism varies blocking sensitivity in proportion to the length of belt protracted.