Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a metal on a semiconductor substrate with high control over plated thickness on a die-level includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element (e.g., a plate with channels), where the element allows for flow of ionic current through the element towards the substrate during electroplating, where the element includes a plurality of regions, each region having a pattern of varied local resistance, and where the pattern of varied local resistance repeats in at least two regions. An electroplating method includes providing a semiconductor substrate to an electroplating apparatus having an ionically resistive ionically permeable element or a grid-like shield having a pattern correlating with a pattern of features on the substrate, and plating metal, while the pattern on the substrate remains spatially aligned with the pattern of the element or the grid-like shield for at least a portion of the total electroplating time.

Abstract: The invention provides pyrotechnic sheet material comprising a substrate of porous, vapour-permeable oxidizing polymeric film, for example a halogenopolymeric film, having a layer of oxidizable material for example magnesium, on at least part of its surface, the substrate and the oxidizable material being conjointly capable of reacting together on ignition. Advantageously at least part of the oxidizing material is accommodated within the polymer pores.The pyrotechnic sheet material burns faster than material comprising solid polymeric film.

Abstract: The invention provides pyrotechnic sheet material comprising a substrate of oxidizing polymeric film, for example a film of halogenopolymer, having a layer of oxidizable material, for example magnesium on at least part of its surface. The substrate and the oxidizable material are capable of reacting together exothermically on ignition. The oxidizable material is covered with an overlying protective barrier layer of passivating material comprising a passive metal or an oxide of a passive metal. The barrier layer is effective to extend the storage life of the pyrotechnic sheet material by providing a dense non-porous oxide layer which prevents oxidization of the oxidizable material until ignition of the pyrotechnic sheet material occurs.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for a gas bag safety restraint system for use in a motorized vehicle comprises a compressed supply of stored gas heated by means of a gasless pyrotechnic material in sheet form. The sheeted pyrotechnic material may advantageously be located within the compressed gas storage vessel in a thin container or in direct contact with the gas. The invention also includes a heating element for a hybrid inflator. The preferred pyrotechnic material comprises a substrate of an oxidizing polymeric material for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), coated with an oxidizable material, for example magnesium, which is capable of reacting exothermally with the oxidizing polymeric material. The pyrotechnic sheet produces solid products in very fine particle form which gives improved energy transfer to the stored gas. The invention facilities simple, cheaper constructions of hybrid inflators.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety restraint gas generator is provided in which the ignition system for the propellant comprises a pyrotechnic layer (22), e.g. a reactive film, preferably comprising a substrate of oxidizing polymeric film such as polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE) having at least a portion of its surface covered with a layer of oxidizable material, for example magnesium, which may be vapour-deposited on the surface. The propellant is preferably a propellant train (12, 14, 16, 18) which comprises a plurality of adjacent propellant grains such as toroidal discs which surround the pyrotechnic layer or are completeley encased thereby. The gas generator is simpler and more economical to manufacture, and has improved safety during use.