Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming an interconnect to a cobalt or nickel silicide having a TiN diffusion barrier. The inventive method comprises providing an initial structure having vias to exposed silicide regions positioned on a substrate; annealing the initial structure in a nitrogen-containing ambient, wherein a nitrogen passivation layer is formed atop the exposed silicide region; depositing Ti atop the nitrogen passivation layer; annealing the Ti in a nitrogen-containing ambient to form a TiN diffusion barrier and an amorphous Ti cobalt silicide between the TiN diffusion layer and the cobalt or nickel silicide and depositing an interconnect metal within the vias and atop the TiN diffusion barrier. The nitrogen passivation layer substantially restricts diffusion between the Ti and silicide layers minimizing the amorphous Ti cobalt silicide layer that forms. Therefore, the amorphous Ti cobalt or Ti nickel silicide is restricted to a thickness of less than about 3.0 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated testing method for identifying void heads in magnetic storage systems in which a first bit error rate is determined using data written at a first overshoot amount. A second bit error rate is determined using data written at a second rate current in a second overshoot amount. A physically damaged transducer head is identified based upon a comparison of the first bit error rate to the second bit error rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated testing method for identifying void heads in magnetic storage systems in which a first bit error rate is determined using data written at a first overshoot amount. A second bit error rate is determined using data written at a second rate current in a second overshoot amount. A physically damaged transducer head is identified based upon a comparison of the first bit error rate to the second bit error rate.

Abstract: An electric kettle having a housing, a heating element, and a filter system. The filter system has a connecting frame and a filter member. The connecting frame is stationarily connected to the housing and forms a vent conduit with the housing. The filter member is removably received in the connecting frame and has a top located at an exterior of the housing. A user can remove the filter member by moving the top of the filter member without having to move other components of the kettle.

Abstract: A filled pastry roll is made from a continuously supplied strip of pastry by apparatus in which a conveyor conveys the pastry through a sequence of treatment stations. A receiving station includes a cutter which cuts a square of pastry from the leading end of the strip. A feeding station includes means for feeding a filling onto the square. A first folding station includes a movable deflector which folds one corner of the square over the filling. A second folding station includes a pair of opposed deflectors which fold the two adjacent corners inwards in succession, so that they overlap. A rolling station includes two parallel platforms between which the folded pastry is rolled by relative reciprocation of the platforms.

Abstract: Apparatus providing a controlled environment for intensive cultivation of vegetable matter, e.g. bean sprouts is disclosed. A valve regulates the supply of water from a reservoir to a water-spray inlet in the roof of a cultivation chamber having an air vent and a water drainage outlet. A timing device, operatively connected to a valve actuating mechanism, opens the valve for a predetermined length of time at predetermined intervals. The water supplied to the spray inlet is heated by a thermostatically controlled heater. The chamber may be thermally insulated and its interior may be heated by a thermostatically controlled heater.