Abstract: An electric-cable-grounding piercer has a piercer blade (1) with a trunk end attached to a double-acting hydraulic piston (2) in a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (3) from which a blade housing (4) is extended from a blade end. An insertion-pressure tube (7) is positional in fluid communication intermediate an insertion-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a pump-outlet conveyance (36) from a hydraulic pump (9). A withdrawal-pressure tube (10) is positional in fluid communication intermediate a withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the outlet conveyance from the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a control valve (35) for directing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the insertion-pressure end and to the withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder selectively.

Abstract: An improved LOCOS isolation process is disclosed wherein an oxidizable layer is conformably dieposited to overlie a silicon nitride oxidation mask. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a composite layer comprising a buffer layer and an oxidation resistant material is patterned to form an oxidation mask on a silicon substrate. A layer of an oxidizable material is conformably deposited to overlie the oxidation mask. During the oxidation process used to form electrical isolation structures in the substrate, a substantial reduction in lateral oxidation encroachment is realized.