Abstract: Methods for producing doped polycrystalline semiconductors and for producing doped monocrystalline semiconductors from predoped monocrystalline and polycrystalline semiconductors. The methods for producing doped polycrystalline semiconductors may include (1) providing a reactor for chemical vapor deposition, (2) creating a vapor within the reactor that includes a silicon compound and a preselected dopant, and (3) providing a substrate, exposed to the vapor, onto which the silicon and the dopant in the vapor are deposited to form doped polycrystalline silicon. The methods for producing doped monocrystalline semiconductors may include (1) selecting a first amount of a first semiconductor, the first semiconductor having a first concentration of the dopant, (2) selecting a second amount of a second semiconductor, and (3) using the first and second amounts to grow a monocrystalline semiconductor having a preselected concentration of the dopant.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a large and perfect oxide crystal useful for oxide superconductors and laser transmitting elements. In the present method for preparing a large oxide single crystalline material such as superconductive crystals of RE123, a crystal precursor material is supercooled prior to the solidification thereof in the course of crystal growth of the oxide by a supercooling solidification process, followed by subjecting said precursor material to continuous slow heating while keeping the supercooled condition to promote crystal growth, as shown in FIG. 7. Seed crystals may be added to the crystal precursor material prior to solidification, if necessary, as also shown in FIG. 7.

Abstract: A method and system for determining melt level and reflector position in a Czochralski single crystal growing apparatus. The crystal growing apparatus has a heated crucible containing a silicon melt from which the crystal is pulled. The crystal growing apparatus also has a reflector positioned within the crucible with a central opening through which the crystal is pulled. A camera generates images of a portion of the reflector and a portion of a reflection of the reflector visible on the top surface of the melt. An image processor processes the images as a function of their pixel values to detect an edge of the reflector and an edge of the reflection in the images. A control circuit determines a distance from the camera to the reflector and a distance from the camera to the reflection based on the relative positions of the detected edges in the images.

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon single crystal by a Czochralski method comprises bringing a seed crystal into contact with a melt, performing a necking operation, and growing a single crystal ingot, wherein concentration of interstitial oxygen incorporated during the necking operation is 1 ppma (JEIDA) or more. The rate of success in making dislocation-free crystals is improved in a seeding method in which a necking operation is performed.

Abstract: A seed crystal 1 for manufacturing a single crystal incorporating an unconformity portion B formed at a predetermined position apart from a leading end thereof and structured to conduct the heat of melt and interrupt propagation of dislocation caused from thermal stress produced when dipping in the melt has been performed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing compound semiconductor epitaxial wafer allowing sharp changes in alloy composition and growth of high-quality epitaxial layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for melting semiconductor material in a crucible which is located in a container, and is enclosed by a fixed heating device. The invention also relates to a heating device which is suitable for carrying out the process. The process is one wherein a heater of a displaceable heating device is lowered from a lock chamber above the container through an open shut-off valve into the container in the direction of the semiconductor material, and the semiconductor material is melted using the fixed heating device and the lowered heater. The heater is then raised back out of the container into the lock chamber after the semiconductor material has been melted. A door is provided in the lock chamber to allow the displaceable heater to be removed after the semiconductor material has been melted.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition system includes plural meshed conveyer belts extending in parallel for transferring semiconductor wafers at intervals, a reactant gas injector located over the plural meshed conveyer belts for creating reacting zone over the conveyer belts and a driving mechanism for moving the plural conveyer belts, wherein the driving mechanism moves the conveyer belts at different speeds so as to give rise to a rotation of each semiconductor wafer in the reacting zone, thereby uniformly exposing the entire surface of the semiconductor wafer to the reactant gases, which creates the depositing conditions different in the reacting zone.

Abstract: A film (e.a., a paint film) transfer device includes case, a supply reel around which paint film transfer tape is wound, and a take-up reel for taking-up used tape which is supplied from the supply reel and used. The supply and take-up reels are rotatably mounted in the case. The outermost peripheries of the supply reel and the take-up reel are constantly contacting each other, such that the take-up reel is rotated as the supply reel is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an interior surface of a conduit. The apparatus has a center rod with a substantially square cross-section that extends axially along the interior surface of the conduit. An index carriage slidably engages the substantially square cross-section of the center rod so that the index carriage maintains a fixed rotational orientation relative to the center rod. An index motor having a variable index position is carried by the index carriage. A coating device for coating the interior surface of the conduit is rotatably attached to the index carriage and connected to the index motor. As such, the coating device has an elevation position that corresponds to the index position of the index motor. A drive motor carried by a drive carriage propels the drive carriage longitudinally along the center rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out the deposition of a paste like and/or viscous material, such as solder paste, on a substrate through the apertures or openings of a stencil are provided for use, for example, in screen printing in the mounting of components on a printed circuit board. A hollow receptacle for the material is provided with a lower aperture which is orientated towards the stencil. The lower aperture of the receptacle is delimited defined such that its length is adjusted to the dimensions of the substrate and that its width is a function of the speed of execution of the screen printing. This delimitation is implemented by sealing members preferably comprising two wipers on respective sides of the aperture, transverse with respect to the direction of displacement of the receptacle, orientated one towards the other and inclined with respect to the horizontal between the wipers at an angle of between 120° and 180°.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of semiconductor wafers during heat treatment of the wafers in a furnace comprises a plurality of rails extending essentially vertically between a top and bottom plate. Each rail contains a plurality of teeth arranged such that the space between adjacent teeth can receive a portion of a single semiconductor wafer. Each tooth contains a raised support structure, typically a ledge, located on the top surface of each tooth for supporting the wafer, usually from the edge of the wafer inward to a point located from the center of the wafer a distance equal to between about 25% and about 75% of the wafer's radius. Such an apparatus with its relatively long teeth is especially designed to uniformly support larger wafers, i.e., wafers having a nominal diameter greater than about 200 millimeters, such that their own weight does not cause the wafers to sag and thereby produce crystal dislocations or slip when the wafers are heated to high temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid dispense apparatus including a chuck having a support surface, a dispense nozzle directed toward the support surface, and a controller. The controller is connected to the dispense nozzle and the chuck and contains instructions which, when executed by the controller, perform the method including rotating the chuck at a first speed, dispensing a process liquid from the dispense nozzle, rotating the chuck at a reduced second speed, and distributing the process liquid while rotating the chuck at the reduced second speed.

Abstract: A method of disposing a wafer on a support member protruding from a surface. The method includes supporting the wafer in a first position defined by a lift extending through the surface and manipulating the surface to place the wafer on the support member.

Abstract: A drying unit is disposed above a cleaning tank containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning semiconductor wafers W. A wafer boat holding semiconductor wafers moves between the cleaning tank and the drying unit. The drying unit has a fixed base surrounding an opening formed in the cleaning tank, a liftable top cover placed on the fixed base, and an O ring interposed between the fixed base and the liftable top cover. The liftable top cover can be moved vertically by a first lifting means.

Abstract: Simple, efficacious, easily manufacturable, convenient to use and cost-effective contact lens care cleaning compositions comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents are disclosed. The compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses. Also disclosed is a one-step cleaning and disinfecting regimen, whereby an effervescent tablet composition capable of generating carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is dissolved in a disinfecting solution or rinsing/disinfecting/storage solution.

Abstract: Cleaning solutions for removing contaminants from integrated circuit substrates comprise fluoroboronic acid and phosphoric acid. Methods of removing contaminants from integrated circuit substrates comprise contacting the substrates with cleaning solutions comprising fluoroboronic acid and phosphoric acid. The integrated circuit substrates are then contacted with aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A method for removing a stain from a surface of a structure which includes the steps of spraying an aggregating agent comprising a cationic linear organic polymer onto the surface of such structure having a stain produced thereon, dissociating the stain particles by use of Coulomb force f generated between the stain particles and the aggregating agent, displacing slightly the stain particles along the surface of the structure to cause peeling thereof from the surface to be cleaned, and simultaneously, aggregating the same for cleaning. Another embodiment includes maintaining water permeability of a road by easily eliminating a stain adhering to the surfaces of granular aggregate particles forming a drainage-type pavement layer of a road without the use of various mechanical tools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing gases produced during off-service cleaning of a processing chamber which operates under vacuum in a wafer fabrication tool. The apparatus includes a ventilation fixture providing a manifold having an internal cavity in fluid communication with a source of vacuum and at least one intake aperture, and a quick disconnect fitting connected to the source of vacuum and in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The manifold is portable and located adjacent to the processing chamber during cleaning.

Abstract: In a method for strip-wound core strips composed of amorphous ferromagnetic material, an amorphous ferromagnetic strip composed of a cobalt-based alloy which contains additives of iron and/or manganese in a proportion of between 1 and 10% by atomic weight of the alloy is cast from a melt by means of rapid solidification. The amorphous ferromagnetic strip is then subjected to a magnetic field transversely with respect to the strip direction as it passes through heat treatment. Once the strip-wound core strips have been cut to length from the heat-treated, amorphous ferromagnetic strip, strip-wound cores, preferably toroidal strip-wound cores, are wound. These strip-wound cores can be used to produce inductive components which have excellent magnetic characteristics, and, in particular, inductive components can be produced whose toroidal strip-wound cores have a mean diameter of d≦10 mm.

Abstract: Metal surfaces are contacted with a solution of a process bath (1), for example a phosphating or pickling solution, which comprises several components in aqueous solution, the composition of the process bath (1) being maintained within a given range by addition of solutions or gases, in particular air. The profitability is improved considerably if the solution of the process bath (1) is circulated via a first line (2) and a circulating pump (3) and the solution to be added and/or the gas to be added is fed to the process bath where, as a consequence of the ending of the line (2), vigorous thorough mixing prevails, or if the solution to be added or the gas to be added is fed to a suction pump (4), the solution to be added or the gas to be added mixing with the circulated solution.

Abstract: A hard magnetic alloy in accordance with the present invention is composed of at least element T selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni, at least one rare earth element R, and boron (B). The hard magnetic alloy has an absolute value of the temperature coefficient of magnetization of 0.15%/° C. or less and a coercive force of 1 kOe, when being used in a shape causing a permeance factor of 2 or more. A hard magnetic alloy compact in accordance with the present invention has a texture, in which at least a part or all of the texture comprises an amorphous phase or fine crystalline phase having an average crystal grain size of 100 nm or less, is subjected to crystallization or grain growth under stress, such that a mixed phase composed of a soft magnetic or semi-hard magnetic phase and a hard magnetic phase is formed in the texture, and anisotropy is imparted to the crystal axis of the hard magnetic phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rolling bearing comprising an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements, at least one of the inner race and the outer race being formed of an alloy steel which comprises: 0.7≦C≦0.9% by weight; 0.1≦Si≦0.5% by weight; 0.5≦Mn≦1.1% by weight; and 0.1≦Cr≦0.6% by weight; and including, in its surface layer, at least one of 0.8≦C≦1.4% by weight and 0.01≦N≦0.3% by weight. The rolling bearing can be obtained at an extremely low cost and has a long life in a severe environment particularly under contaminated lubrication.

Abstract: Disclosed are bake-hardenable sheet steel with good anti-aging property and a method for producing it. While controlling its C, P, S and N contents, the chemical composition of the sheet steel is defined to comprise not larger than 1.0% of Si, not larger than 3.0% of Mn, from 0.01 to 0.20% of Al and from 0.001 to 0.2% of Ti, in terms of % by weight. The value A (=(AIQUENCH−AI)/AIQUENCH) of the sheet steel is defined to be not smaller than 0.4 and the value AIQUENCH thereof to be not smaller than 30; or the ratio of the mean misorientation, M (degree), to the mean grain size, G (&mgr;m), M/G, of the sheet steel is defined to be not smaller than 0.8. The steel may additionally contain from 0.001 to 0.2% of Nb and/or from 0.0001 to 0.0080% of B. While controlling its Si, Mn, S, Al and N contents, the chemical composition of a steel slab is defined to comprise from 0.005 to 0.02% of C, not larger than 0.05% of P and from 0.025 to 0.19% of Nb, with satisfying the condition of 0.

Abstract: A soft cold-rolled steel sheet contains: 0.06 wt. % or less C, 0.1 wt. % or less Si, 0.5 wt. % or less Mn, 0.03 wt. % or less P, 0.03 wt. % or less S, 0.006 wt. % or less N, 0.009 wt. % or less B and the balance being Fe. The method comprises the steps of: continuously casting a steel to produce a slab; hot-rolling the slab to form a hot-rolled steel sheet; cold-rolling the hot-rolled steel sheet to produce a cold-rolled steel sheet; and continuously annealing the cold-rolled steel sheet.

Abstract: A rolling bearing comprises races including an inner race and an outer race formed of an alloy steel material; and a plurality of rolling elements formed of a ceramic material and interposed between the inner race and the outer race in such a manner as to be capable of rolling, wherein at least one of the inner race and the outer race is formed of an alloy steel containing 0.7-1.5 wt. % Si, 0.5-2.0 wt. % Cr, and 0.5-2.0 wt. % Mo in a steel, and is subjected to carbonitriding treatment on the surface of the alloy steel material. The rolling bearing excels in the durability and heat resistance even if it is used in a high-temperature high-speed environment, and does not cause a noise fault.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment for welded products by pulse impact energy, preferably ultrasonic, at original production, during the active life period for maintenance and after failure in a repair stage to improve the strength at the weld sites and to fashion stress patterns that reduce stress centers and micro-stress defects. The basic method steps are nondestructive in nature, inducing interior pulse compression waves that temporarily plasticize the metal to relax stresses and redistribute stress patterns in a gradient of metallic grain structure between a higher strength substantially grainless white layer at the weld seam to an internal base metal region in the welded body. Thus, a renewed longer life span and higher strength weld joint regions are generated in welded products.

Abstract: At least both ends of a sheet bar in the length direction, which is obtained by roughly rolling a steel slab including 0.1 wt % or less of C, 0.5 wt % or less of Si, 1.0 wt % or less of Mn, 0.1 wt % or less of P, 0.05 wt % or less of S, 0.20 wt % or less of Al, and 0.015 wt % or less of N, are heated so that the temperature at both ends of the sheet bar in the length direction is 15° C. or more higher than the temperature of the remainder of the sheet bar. The rolling finish temperature is Ar3+20° C. to Ar3+100° C. in both end portions of the sheet bar in the length direction, and Ar3+10° C. to Ar3+60° C. in the remainder, and the rolling finish temperature in the both end portions in the length direction is 10° C. or more higher than that of the remainder, so that a steel strip after cold rolling and annealing has r values within ±0.3 of the average r value, and &Dgr;r within ±0.

Abstract: There is provided a property recovering method which can be applied to a high-temperature member whose properties such as strength and ductility have been deteriorated by the long-term use at a high temperature to recover its properties to those before the use, enable its reuse, and contribute to the effective use of resources and the conservation of environment. A Ni-base heat resistant alloy having a particular composition, whose properties have been deteriorated by heat history, is subjected to first-stage solution treatment, in which the alloy is held at a temperature of 1175 to 1225° C. for 1 to 5 hours and then furnace-cooled, then subjected to second-stage solution treatment, in which the alloy is held at a temperature of 1115 to 1165° C. for 1 to 5 hours and then air-cooled, and further subjected to aging treatment, in which the alloy is held at a temperature of 810 to 860° C. for 22 to 26 hours.

Abstract: Dynamic balancing compositions are described which include an epoxy resin component and a curing component. The curing component contains at least one of a polyamide agent or polyamine agent. The balancing compositions drastically reduce the time required for balancing because, immediately after their application, they can be rotated and balanced in the uncured state. The balancing compositions also have an increased pot life and can be colored with pigment to approximate the color of copper windings.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an interior panel for a vehicle door includes mandrels which hold rolls of vinyl laminate and fiberglass reinforcing mat and from which sheets of vinyl laminate and reinforcing mat are pulled in overlying relation with respect to each other. The vinyl and mat sheets are tacked together, cut to a predetermined length by a cutting mechanism, and moved into a heater by a pin-chain conveyor system. In the heater, the vinyl and mat are heated until the vinyl, which is supported at its edges by the pin-chain conveyor, sags a sufficient amount to indicate that the vinyl is sufficiently softened. The heated vinyl and mat are then moved to a vacuum mold part and thereafter a vacuum is applied to draw the vinyl to a molding surface of the vacuum mold part. A vacuum assist, carried on a carrier, engages the mat and heated vinyl within the vacuum mold part to press the mat into the heated vinyl to partially embed the mat into the vinyl to secure the mat to the vinyl.

Abstract: When green sheets are laminated and integrally fired for a window spacer plate formed with at least a plurality of windows, a covering plate for covering the windows, and a through hole plate having through holes, communicating with the windows, it is arranged to make a ratio t/w of thickness t of the green sheet for the window spacer place to length w of the through holes formed in the green sheet for the through hole plate, in its minor axis direction one or more, and to form a functional film actuator on the outer surface of the covering plate after firing. A gap (separation) is prevented from being generated in the interface between each ceramics plate in producing a ceramics substrate used for the functional film element.

Abstract: The prism assembly of the present invention includes: a prism made of plastics having light transmittivity; and a glass plate which is joined to a plane of the prism obliquely intersecting a light incidence plane of the prism and whose one surface carries a dichroic layer formed thereon.

Abstract: An electrographic imaging element useful for forming colored images is described. The element contains an imaging layer structure and a support structure. The support structure contains an electrically conductive polymeric release layer formed by polymerizing a mixture containing a polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated ammonium precursor; a polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated, organo-silicone precursor; a polymerizable precursor containing at least two polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated functional groups; optionally, a polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated acidic precursor containing at least one carboxylic acid group; and, optionally, a monofunctional precursor containing one polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated functional group. The element is particularly useful for forming large size images, such as are required for banners, billboards, and other out-of-doors advertisements.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a composite vessel includes the steps of: A) preforming (e.g., by winding fiber and at least one thermoplastic substance onto a thermoplastic liner) a thermoplastic shell which has at least one opening for access to the interior; B) extruding a circular cross section of a fluid parison of thermoplastic material (which preferably is chosen to have a melting point lower than that of the thermoplastic shell) into the interior of the thermoplastic shell through the opening; C) in a mold, applying at least one force (such as gas under pressure) which tends to urge the fluid parison toward the interior walls of the thermoplastic shell (which may be preheated prior to introduction into the mold) such that the fluid parison imparts heat to the thermoplastic shell; D) continuing step C) until the thermoplastic shell and the fluid parison consolidate to form a composite vessel; E) cooling the vessel until it is solidified; and F) removing the vessel from the mold.

Abstract: In a method of making rolls or strips of material having no flaws except joints a supply of material, such as a roll of fabric is inspected for flaws. If any flaws are discovered portions of the material containing the flaws are cut away. The material is attached together after each portion is removed to create a joint for each reattachment. The portions that are cut away are sized so that the joints will be separated by a multiple of a selected distance from one another. The resulting material can then be fabricated into a panel of window covering material in which all the joints are co-linear along a perpendicular to the surface of the material. The joints are positioned so that they will be on a cut line for subsequent processing. In one embodiment the material is wound into a tubular structure that is cut along the joints to form a panel of window covering material.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a multi-layer feminine hygienic pad comprising a plurality of long sheets of a thermoplastic resin as a backing sheet, a plurality of long sheets of a porous film of a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of sheets of a fluid-absorbing macromolecular compound.

Abstract: A tampon applicator member can be made from a roll of sheet-like material. A flowable material is applied to one surface of the sheet-like material and is transformed into a solid polymeric layer. The coated material is separated into a plurality of applicator blanks. A first surface of each blank, corresponding to the first surface of the individual sheet-like web, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a coated portion. An adhesive is applied to the uncoated portion of the first surface of a blank, and the blank is rolled to form a tubular member having a longitudinal seam. The seam has a first edge of the inner surface of the structural member superposed over and adhered to an uncoated opposite edge of the outer surface of the structural member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a single face corrugated web in which a steam cloud is injected between the corrugated medium web and the liner web directly at the line along which the webs converge. This type of steam injection allows faster corrugator speeds without sacrificing bonding quality. An adhesive slurry of water and starch granules is applied to the flute tips to form glue lines on the corrugated web prior to the convergence of the webs. The injected steam cloud directed at the web convergence line adds heat without promoting premature dehydration to facilitate proper conditions for effective cooking of the adhesive slurry to thoroughly gelatinize the adhesive. In some applications, dry steam is preferred because dry steam does not significantly interfere with subsequent dehydration of the adhesive gel during the formation of the initial green bond.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an automotive door trim includes the steps of: forming a door trim main body which has a core layer, a foam layer, and a skin sheet, having at least one accessory in a predetermined position thereof, and a plurality of grooves for defining the predetermined surface area; placing the door trim main body on a lower die which has at least one hole corresponding to the accessory of the door trim main body; forming a slit in corresponding groove of the door trim main body by fusing the skin sheet and the foam layer with a thermal cutter of a first upper die; providing a second upper die having a cloth cutter; providing a clamping device under the second upper die for holding an ornamental member which has a bonding agent on a corresponding surface of the predetermined surface area; moving the lower die under the clamping device; lowering the clamping device thereby contacting the ornamental member and the door trim main body; lowering the second upper die thereby cutting the ornamental mem

Abstract: In security printing apparatus for attaching a foil imprint of predetermined shape to stock (10) such as bank note sheets, a tape (8; 108)) carrying foil to be printed and a layer of hot-melt adhesive is conveyed with the stock past a heated printing roll (2; 102). In order to allow high printing speeds the adhesive is at least partially activated by pre-heating just prior to printing. The pre-heating means may comprise hot air, radiation or heated guide means for the foil carrier web. Details of pattern or shape may be etched on the foil, either before or after printing, by means of laser beam, the details being defined by a mask moving with the foil.

Abstract: The method of varnishing a printed medium is characterized in that: a laminated material 9 consisting of two connected layers is used for the production of the template F; the upper layer 11 of the material is cut along the pattern of the template which is to be formed, while the lower layer 13 is kept whole; the areas of the upper layer corresponding to the areas not to be varnished are detached from the lower layer; and the laminated material is applied to a press device 5 capable of interacting with an opposing cylinder 7, the upper layer of the laminated material collecting the varnish from a distribution device 1,3 and applying the varnish to the medium to be varnished.

Abstract: A prefabricated multi-layered flexible product which can be used as a liner for an outer shell or as a stand-alone product. A substrate fabric material is placed in parallel with a synthetic film membrane to form a two ply laminate, and with outer substrate fabric material(s) to form multi-ply laminates. A thermoplastic film is strategically placed in between the layers to enhance bonding. The laminate(s) and/or separate sheets of above materials are assembled by using a radio frequency welding process and then out into two or three dimensional forms, which in their bonded state form either a prefabricated component liner or a prefabricated stand-alone product. The form may be a glove, sock, shirt, boot/shoe, hat, jacket, pant, etc.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing a layer of a laminated, disposable absorbent product, such as a fluid-permeable cover layer, an absorbent core layer or a fluid-impervious backing layer thereof, with a comparatively small amount of waste matter. The method comprises the steps of longitudinally cutting a continuous web of starting material according to a cyclic pattern constructed with line segments corresponding to the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product. The cutting operation divides the continuous web in two strips, each strip having a patterned longitudinal edge whose outline corresponds to the cyclic pattern. The strips are crossed and joined to one another in a parallel and in a phase relationship to form a compound web having longitudinal edges producing repeatedly the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: Method for making polymer particulates, such as spherical powder and whiskers, by melting a polymer material under conditions to avoid thermal degradation of the polymer material, atomizing the melt using gas jet means in a manner to form atomized droplets, and cooling the droplets to form polymer particulates, which are collected for further processing. Atomization parameters can be controlled to produce polymer particulates with controlled particle shape, particle size, and particle size distribution. For example, atomization parameters can be controlled to produce spherical polymer powders, polymer whiskers, and combinations of spherical powders and whiskers. Atomizing apparatus also is provided for atoomizing polymer and metallic materials.

Abstract: Process of applying a self-adhesive film to a surface of an automobile or other vehicle. Later removal of the film is facilitated by first applying a parting layer to the surface, except for surface regions being covered by the perimeter and certain other areas of the self-adhesive film.

Abstract: A steel service pipe is connected to a main by a tee. A flexible assembly is inserted through the open end of the pipe and through the tee into the main. The flexible assembly includes a section of lower stiffness and a ball and socket connection of even lower stiffness at its leading end. The ball is connected to a weight. The weight falls down on entering the tee and creates a turning moment on the assembly. A plastic pipe is inserted through the open end of the pipe over the assembly and is inserted through the tee into the main. The pipe has a corrugated leading end which is more flexible than the remainder of the pipe and has a tapered nose terminating in a cylindrical mouth which enters an aperture in a liner in the main.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for polishing a semiconductor wafer. This invention describes a novel in situ method for eliminating residual slurry and slurry abrasive particles on the wafer. A reactant is added to the slurry during the end of the Chemical Mechanical Polish (CMP) process to dissolve the slurry and etch the abrasive particles.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing device comprises a holder having sealing members and supporting a semiconductor substrate so that an open space is formed above the semiconductor substrate and a sealed space is formed below the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a first main surface exposed to the open space and a second main surface exposed to the sealed space. When the holder is immersed in an etching solution, the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate is exposed to the etching solution and subjected to wet etching while the etching solution does not flow into the sealed space.

Abstract: A plasma etching apparatus including a vacuum processing chamber, a plasma generation device, a processing gas supply for supplying processing gas to the processing chamber, an electrode for holding a sample to be processed in the vacuum processing chamber, and an evacuation system for reducing the pressure of the vacuum processing chamber. The processing gas includes at least one kind of gas having a composition for forming a polymerized film by plasma discharge, wherein the processing gas is made plasmatic by plasma discharge in the processing chamber. At least one surface of an inner wall surface of the processing chamber in contact with plasma in the processing chamber and a surface of an internal component part is controlled to a predetermined temperature which is lower than the temperature of the sample to be processed and a strong polymerized film is formed on the inner wall surface of the processing chamber.