Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition apparatus for titanium-nitride application that is useful for preventing contaminants caused by arching between a substantially planar substrate and a substrate supporting apparatus during the deposition cycle. The apparatus includes a chemical vapor deposition chamber having a substrate-supporting heater. An annular housing supported by the heater, and a conductive strap that connectively secures the substrate-supporting heater to the annular housing by using holes instead of conventional slots. The conductive strap is designed as a flexure to flex with process temperature changes to improve electrical connectivity at its terminal connection and to prevent degradation. The annular housing has a top and a bottom surface and a cylindrical wall extending peripherally below the surfaces. The cylindrical wall encircles an isolator ring.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the removal of metal residue or nodules from surfaces that are target surfaces during the process of metal sputtering. A polishing bit is applied in a rotating manner to a surface on which nodules have been formed, this application removes the nodules from the target surface and prepares the surface for further processing steps.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the removal of metal residue or nodules from surfaces that are target surfaces during the process of metal sputtering. A polishing bit is applied in a rotating manner to a surface on which nodules have been formed, this application removes the nodules from the target surface and prepares the surface for further processing steps.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the removal of metal residue or nodules from surfaces that are target surfaces during the process of metal sputtering. A polishing bit is applied in a rotating manner to a surface on which nodules have been formed, this application removes the nodules from the target surface and prepares the surface for further processing steps.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a bioceramic composite in which an alumina based ceramic substrate is coated with an intermediate calcium pyrophosphate layer to cement a porous calcium phosphate material to the alumina based ceramic substrate. In one aspect of the invention, the porous calcium phosphate material is a porous lattice made from natural bone. A bioceramic composite which includes an alumina-based ceramic substrate, an intermediate calcium pyrophosphate layer and a porous natural bone material bonded to the intermediate calcium pyrophosphate layer is also disclosed.