Abstract: A method of making sputter targets using rotary axial forging is described. Other thermomechanical working steps can be used prior to and/or after the forging step. Sputter targets are further described which can have unique grain size and/or crystal structures.

Abstract: A method of making sputter targets using rotary axial forging is described. Other thermomechanical working steps can be used prior to and/or after the forging step. Sputter targets are further described which can have unique grain size and/or crystal structures.

Abstract: A method of making sputter targets using rotary axial forging is described. Other thermomechanical working steps can be used prior to and/or after the forging step. Sputter targets are further described which can have unique grain size and/or crystal structures.

Abstract: Sputtering targets and methods of making sputtering targets are described. The method includes the steps of: providing a sputtering metal workpiece made of a valve metal; transverse cold-rolling the sputtering metal workpiece to obtain a rolled workpiece; and cold-working the rolled workpiece to obtain a shaped workpiece. The sputtering targets exhibits a substantially consistent grain structure and/or texture on at least the sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of producing a valve metal mill form having dimensions sufficient to be divided to form a plurality of sputter targets is described. The method includes multidirectional deformation of an ingot to form a mill form having a preferred average grain size of about 100 microns or less and/or a texture substantially void of textural bands.

Abstract: Sputtering targets and methods of making sputtering targets are described. The method includes the steps of: providing a sputtering metal workpiece made of a valve metal; transverse cold-rolling the sputtering metal workpiece to obtain a rolled workpiece; and cold-working the rolled workpiece to obtain a shaped workpiece. The sputtering targets exhibits a substantially consistent grain structure and/or texture on at least the sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of forming a sputtering target assembly is described that involves explosively bonding a target grade plate and a backing plate member to form a bonded preform having dimensions such that a large target or several target assemblies can be obtained. The method includes optionally partitioning the bonded preform into a plurality of sputtering target assemblies. An interlayer can optionally be disposed between the target grade plate and the backing plate member before bonding. A bond quality test sample can be produced by the method. The sputtering target assemblies, the bonded preform, and the bond quality test sample are further described.

Abstract: A method of supplying a sputter target, including, supplying a sputtering target assembly to a user or an agent thereof where a sputter target of the sputtering target assembly is sputtered to form a spent target assembly; determining an amount of the sputter target consumed by the sputtering; and charging the user based on the amount sputtered or an amount not returned, is described.

Abstract: A method to recover components of a sputter target assembly having a target bonded onto a backing plate is described. The method includes hydriding the tantalum or niobium target to a tantalum hydride or niobium hydride, respectively and then separating the tantalum hydride or niobium hydride from the backing plate. Sputter targets are further described as well as subsequent process steps.

Abstract: A monolithic sputtering target assembly having a one piece assembly made from the same material is disclosed. Also disclosed are other sputtering target assemblies which have a backing plate and a sputtering target blank wherein the backing plate is made from or contains a metal, such as a valve metal, cobalt, titanium, or alloys thereof. Methods of recycling target assemblies are further disclosed as well as unique methods of providing target assemblies to fabricators.

Abstract: A tip up light bar assembly includes front and rear light bars pivotally supported above transversely opposed end assemblies joined by connector bars to form a rigid support structure. Each light bar is built on a rigid substrate having a uniform cross section. Longitudinally extending features of the rigid substrate provide locations for mounting light sources, electronic assemblies and lenses which, together with gaskets, define a weather-resistant enclosure surrounding the light sources and electronic assemblies. The light bars pivot at transversely opposed ends to a vertical position in which the light sources are elevated above traffic. Each end assembly includes a base plate, a pivotally mounted pivot plate. A gas spring reduces the dead weight of the light bar while a limit strap controls angular movement of the light bar relative to the base plate to approximately 90°. A motor-drive actuator exerts outward force on the pivot plates to move the light bars between a horizontal and vertical position.

Abstract: Sputtering targets and methods of making sputtering targets are described. The method includes the steps of: providing a sputtering metal workpiece made of a valve metal; transverse cold-rolling the sputtering metal workpiece to obtain a rolled workpiece; and cold-working the rolled workpiece to obtain a shaped workpiece. The sputtering targets exhibits a substantially consistent grain structure and/or texture on at least the sidewalls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a mobile battery charging arrangement (100, 104, 114) utilizes a controllable power switch (306) to selectively switch power from a vehicular power source (114), such as a vehicle battery, to a battery charging circuit (101) to provide a charge to a rechargeable portable battery (104) for a portable battery operated device such as a portable communication radio (106). A battery present detector (102) controls the controllable power switch (306) to switch in the power from the vehicular battery power source (114) to the battery charging circuit (101) only while the rechargeable portable battery (104) is electrically coupled to the battery charging circuit (101) for receiving a charge therefrom.

Abstract: A rear facing light bar for a passenger vehicle comprises a housing shaped to define a rearwardly directed roof extension which increases in depth in the downstream direction. The housing is permanently attached to the vehicle and supports, behind an outer lens, a linear array of individually controllable lights which are rearwardly directed.