Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising: (a) silica abrasive; (b) an amine-based compound, wherein the amine-based compound comprises a carbon to nitrogen ratio of about 1:1 to about 3:1; (c) optionally a buffer; and (d) water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 9 to about 12. The invention also provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate, especially a substrate comprising polysilicon, using the inventive polishing composition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for dispensing a substance into one of multiple patterns. The system includes a container to hold a substance and a pump in flow communication with the substance. The pump directs the substance from the container to a housing. The housing includes a first removable component with first openings that define a first pattern. The first removable component is in flow communication with the pump. The first removable component is replaceable with a second removable component defining second openings that define a second pattern different from the first pattern. The pump directs the substance through the first openings such that the substance forms a first pattern on a surface positioned proximate to the housing that is based on the first pattern of the first removable component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle including elements pivotally coupled together at a first end. The apparatus also includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of an element and connected to a power source where a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the element. Plastic material including first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. Upon pivoting the first elements from an open position to a closed position the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first and second plastic layers.

Abstract: A system is provided for heating food. The system includes a housing and a slot, where the slot extends in a direction from the top to the bottom. The system also includes heating elements adjacent the slot. A lever is provided along one of the sides of the housing. The lever is operatively connected to the heating elements and a movable platform within the slot. The system also includes an insert comprising two elements that are rotatable about a hinge from an open position to a closed position. The insert in the closed position defines a recess to hold food. A width of the insert in the closed position is based on a width of the slot. The pair of heating elements are configured to thermally couple with the two elements of the insert upon placement of the insert in the slot and actuation of the lever.

Abstract: A system is provided for brewing a hot beverage. The system includes a housing and a first water reservoir located at a first region of the housing. The system also includes a second water reservoir located at a second region of the housing. The system also includes a first receptacle defined by the housing that is configured to receive a first filter. The system also includes a second receptacle defined by the housing configured to receive a second filter. The system also includes a cavity defined by the housing to position one of a first container and a second container The system is configured to brew a first or second volume of hot beverage to fill the respective first or second container based on placement of the respective first or second filter in the respective first or second receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle including elements pivotally coupled together at a first end. The apparatus also includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of an element and connected to a power source where a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the element. Plastic material including first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. Upon pivoting the first elements from an open position to a closed position the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first and second plastic layers.