Abstract: A closure and filter for a multi-use water bottle. The closure has a main body having an outlet through which fluid passes to be consumed by the user and an air valve remote from the outlet to provide an air channel through the closure distinct from the fluid outlet to allow flow of air into the bottle as fluid passes through the outlet.

Abstract: Androgynous modular connectors (e.g., modular spacecraft connectors) are disclosed herein. The modular connectors can include prismatic-shaped body with side panels, a base, and a face panel. The face panel can include three or more sides that define an opening. A claw assembly can be housed within the prismatic-shaped body. The claw assembly can include two or more extendable arms. A motor can be housed within the prismatic-shaped body. The motor can be operatively connected to the claw assembly. The motor can be configured to extend and retract the claw assembly.

Abstract: A method of improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. The method includes simultaneously forming a multiplicity of damascene wires and a multiplicity metal dummy shapes in a dielectric layer of a wiring level of an integrated circuit chip, the metal dummy shapes dispersed between damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires; and removing or modifying those metal dummy shapes of the multiplicity of metal dummy shapes within exclusion regions around selected damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires. Also a method of fabricating a photomask and a photomask for use in improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance.

Abstract: A method of improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. The method includes simultaneously forming a multiplicity of damascene wires and a multiplicity of metal dummy shapes in a dielectric layer of a wiring level of an integrated circuit chip, the metal dummy shapes being dispersed between damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires; and removing or modifying those metal dummy shapes of the multiplicity of metal dummy shapes within exclusion regions around selected damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires. Also a method of fabricating a photomask and a photomask for use in improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance.

Abstract: A method of improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. The method includes simultaneously forming a multiplicity of damascene wires and a multiplicity metal dummy shapes in a dielectric layer of a wiring level of an integrated circuit chip, the metal dummy shapes dispersed between damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires; and removing or modifying those metal dummy shapes of the multiplicity of metal dummy shapes within exclusion regions around selected damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires. Also a method of fabricating a photomask and a photomask for use in improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance.

Abstract: A fluid purification device comprises a tubular porous plastics filter member coated with a chemically treated resin whose side walls define an inner channel leading at one end to an outlet. The arrangement of the device is such that, in use, fluid is purified by passing through the resin coated side walls of the filter member into the inner channel.

Abstract: A valve for selectively providing access to a supply of drinking fluid retained within a portable flexible container (18) comprises a tubular body (1) having at one end a stem (2) insertable into an opening in communication with the container and at its other end an outlet (3) through which fluid from the container can leave the valve. A piston (6) is mounted for sliding movement within a central bore (4) of the body and is resiliently urged into engagement with an annular seating (11) positioned at the bore end closest to the outlet (3). Means are provided for moving the piston (6) against the action of the resilient means (14) to enable fluid to be drawn from the container past the piston and through the outlet.

Abstract: A portable flexible carrier for drinking fluid comprises a flexible fluid container (2) entirely encased within an outer separable cover (1) produced from a chemically hardened material which is impermeable to chemical toxins in liquid or gaseous form, biologically agents and radioactive particles. A tube (4) is connected to an opening of the flexible container (2) and extending beyond the confines of the cover (1) interior through which drinking fluid can be removed by suction from the container. The entire length of the tube (4) is encased within a conduit (5) produced from the chemically hardened material and an ON/OFF valve (6) in communication with the tube is provided to enable fluid to flow under suction from the carrier interior to the conduit. Means (19) is provided for selectively sealing the cover interior and its contents from the atmosphere.