Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin structure over a substrate. The fin structure includes a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom and the top portions have different materials. The device also includes a liner layer on a sidewall of the bottom portion, a dielectric layer on side surfaces of the liner layer, an interfacial layer, and a gate structure over the dielectric layer and engages the fin structure. A top surface of the liner layer extends below a bottom surface of the top portion. The interfacial layer has a first section on and directly contacting sidewall surfaces of the bottom portion and a second section on and directly contacting top and sidewall surfaces of the top portion. The gate structure includes a high-k dielectric layer and a metal gate electrode over the high-k dielectric layer. The high-k dielectric layer directly contacts the first section of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin structure over a substrate. The fin structure includes a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom and the top portions have different materials. The device also includes a liner layer on a sidewall of the bottom portion, a dielectric layer on side surfaces of the liner layer, an interfacial layer, and a gate structure over the dielectric layer and engages the fin structure. A top surface of the liner layer extends below a bottom surface of the top portion. The interfacial layer has a first section on and directly contacting sidewall surfaces of the bottom portion and a second section on and directly contacting top and sidewall surfaces of the top portion. The gate structure includes a high-k dielectric layer and a metal gate electrode over the high-k dielectric layer. The high-k dielectric layer directly contacts the first section of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin structure over a substrate. The fin structure includes a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom and the top portions have different materials. The device also includes a liner layer on a sidewall of the bottom portion, a dielectric layer on side surfaces of the liner layer, an interfacial layer, and a gate structure over the dielectric layer and engages the fin structure. A top surface of the liner layer extends below a bottom surface of the top portion. The interfacial layer has a first section on and directly contacting sidewall surfaces of the bottom portion and a second section on and directly contacting top and sidewall surfaces of the top portion. The gate structure includes a high-k dielectric layer and a metal gate electrode over the high-k dielectric layer. The high-k dielectric layer directly contacts the first section of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed regarding orthopedic support devices adapted for stabilizing a part of a body of a wearer, in which an integrated pressure modulation mechanism is adapted to be coupled to at least one evacuable bladder containing molded beads. An exemplary orthopedic support device comprises an orthopedic walker adapted for stabilizing a foot of a wearer. The orthopedic walker comprises an integrated adjustable stabilization system comprising an integrated pressure modulation mechanism, a bladder, a plurality of molded beads inside the bladder, and a bladder coupling. The bladder coupling couples the bladder with the integrated pressure modulation mechanism.

Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: A fitting suite for connecting a first board and a second board includes a wedge and at least one fitting. The fitting has a locking pin coupled with the first board and a fitting head spaced from the first board. The wedge has a mounting coupled with the second board and a fork spaced from the second board. The fork is detachably secured with the fitting. Thus, the fitting head is clamped by the fork and the second board, and the fork is clamped by the fitting head and the first board.

Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: A fitting suite for connecting a first board and a second board includes a wedge and at least one fitting. The fitting has a locking pin coupled with the first board and a fitting head spaced from the first board. The wedge has a mounting coupled with the second board and a fork spaced from the second board. The fork is detachably secured with the fitting. Thus, the fitting head is clamped by the fork and the second board, and the fork is clamped by the fitting head and the first board.

Abstract: A composite structure adopted in composite closet, cabinet, combination house, mechanical assembly, wooden interior decoration or other composite furniture is provided. The composite structure includes a first board and a second board. The first board contains at least one male fitting, wherein said male fitting has a fitting head and a locking pin thereof and the radius of said fitting head is larger than the radius of said locking pin. The second board contains at least one groove on the lateral. Said groove has a wedge therein and said wedge has a mounting extending a fork thereon. Said fork has a slot with width smaller than the radius of said fitting head. Wherein said locking pin is located in said slot and then said fitting head is clipped by said fork and a groove base if said male fitting and said wedge is fastened.

Abstract: Methods of removing alkyl alkanesulfonate esters from aqueous or anhydrous compositions are provided. The invention provides methods for the conversion of alkyl alkanesulfonate esters of the formula RSO3R? to the corresponding acids of the formula RSO3H. The alkyl alkanesulfonate esters are present in an organic medium, which may contain significant amounts of water or which may be anhydrous or substantially anhydrous. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for purifying aqueous or anhydrous alkanesulfonic acids by removing alkyl alkanesulfonate esters.

Abstract: An automated food handling system for food servings comprising a transfer means for transporting food servings therealong; a plurality of treatment modules coupled in parallel to the transfer means; means for sensing and recognizing the type of food servings being transported on the transfer means; and means for automatically diverting the food serving from the transfer means into one of the treatment modules. The treatment modules may be machines that bring the food servings to the desired temperature. An inventory system is also provided.

Abstract: An automated food handling system for food servings comprising a transfer means for transporting food servings therealong; a plurality of treatment modules coupled in parallel to the transfer means; means for sensing and recognizing the type of food servings being transported on the transfer means; and means for automatically diverting the food serving from the transfer means into one of the treatment modules. The treatment modules may be machines that bring the food servings to the desired temperature. An inventory system is also provided.