Abstract: A method for stabilization of liquid mercury in which powdered copper particles are cleaned with a chemically reactive fluid suitable for removing surface oxidation from the surface. “Clean” powdered copper particles are mixed with liquid mercury to form a powdered copper/liquid mercury mixture. The mixture is then hardened to form an amalgam. Amalgams in which the amount of mercury is greater than 50% by weight of the total amalgam may be produced in accordance with the method of this invention.

Abstract: A process is provided for heap leaching ore to recover nickel. The process is particularly effective for ores that have a tangible clay component (i.e., greater than about 10% by weight). The process includes sizing the ore (where necessary), forming pellets by contacting ore with a lixiviant and agglomerating. The pellets are formed into a heap and leached with sulfuric acid to extract the metal values, including nickel. The leachate may be subjected to a nickel recovery operation without the need for intermediate neutralization.

Abstract: A method of producing raw material pellets, including forming pellets from a mixture of an iron oxide powder, a coal powder and a binder material after adding adjusting water to the mixture, and drying the pellets, wherein the binder material comprises at least one of tar and at least one of carboxymethylcellulose and polyvinylalcohol.

Abstract: Processes and systems to recover at least one perfluorocompound gas from a gas mixture are provided. In one embodiment the inventive process comprises the steps of a) providing a gas mixture comprising at least one perfluorocompound gas and at least one carrier gas, the gas mixture being at a predetermined pressure; b) providing at least one glassy polymer membrane having a feed side and a permeate side; c) contacting the feed side of the at least one membrane with the gas mixture; d) withdrawing from the feed side of the membrane as a non-permeate stream at a pressure which is substantially equal to the predetermined pressure a concentrated gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one perfluorocompound gas; and e) withdrawing from the permeate side of the membrane as a permeate stream a depleted gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one carrier gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching and scrubbing a hot gas using a liquid in a single packed column while controlling mist formation. Hot gas is introduced at the bottom of the column and drawn upward countercurrent to the scrubbing liquid. The column has three stages, each packed and fed liquid from above. The first stage is a quench region wherein the gas flow rate, liquid flow rate and liquid temperature are controlled such that the quench rate does not exceed 5.4° C./ft2 of packing to prevent formation of an aerosol mist. The second and third stages for scrubbing employ packed regions separately supplied with increasingly cooler and purer liquid.

Abstract: For purifying dust-containing air, particularly in underground mining and tunnel construction, a dust separator 1 in the form of a rotary washer 1 is proposed. The drive 5 of said rotary washer 1 is equipped with a gear unit 10 in order to enable long-term operation with a straight characteristic. Furthermore, disposed downstream of the fan impeller 6 is a special separating element 11 in the form of a demister 20, which is disposed so as to be suspended approximately horizontally in the air stream. Clogging of the demister 20 is therefore effectively prevented and so uniform and reliable operation is guaranteed. The demister 20 together with its associated jetwashing device 22 may be swivelled by a positioning motor 23 into an, in each case, optimum position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for removing particulate matter and aerosols from a gas stream generated by gasification prior to the gas stream being used as fuel in an internal combustion device or as synthesis gas for subsequent processing. The present invention consists of first cooling the gas stream, then oil scrubbing it to further cool it and to remove particulates and some tars, and finally passing the gas stream through one or more vortex chambers to remove additional tars. Each vortex chamber employs a high-speed fan that forces the tar droplets against the interior wall of the vortex chamber where the tar coalesces and is removed.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method and a device for reducing the number of water vapour molecules per unit volume in a housing (1) by providing an end (11) of the housing (1) which has a lower thermal inertia than the rest of the housing with perforations (15). When the temperature outside the housing (1) falls some of the more energetic water vapour molecules in the housing (1) will leave the housing (1) via the perforations (15) and a small number of the less energetic molecules will enter the housing from the surroundings. This will lead to a nett flow of water vapour molecules out of the housing (1).

Abstract: A hand-holdable electro-kinetic electro-static ionic air refreshener-conditioner for a pet shelter or litter box includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. Optionally, a sensor detects odor adjacent the refreshener-conditioner causes the ion generator to be activated when sensed odor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner that includes a main housing having an inlet and an outlet. A motor moves air from the inlet to the outlet, and a first filter is arranged between the inlet and the outlet for filtering the air. An inner wall and an outer wall that is spaced apart from the inner wall form a cavity between the walls. The cavity is located between the first filter and the outlet. The inner wall has an inner opening that permits air to flow from the first filter into the cavity, and the outer wall has an outer opening. A back cover is removably secured to the outer wall over the outer opening to seal the cavity and guide the air from the cavity to the outlet. The back cover includes an access opening that is removably secured to the back cover over the access opening to seal the access opening. A filter cartridge is removably disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: Entirely asphaltic, micro-crystalline wax- and aluminum-based coating compositions, which are fully flexible and accommodate any expansion or contraction in steel structures, are prepared from various combinations of components, e.g. those selected from microcrystalline wax, naphthenic and paraffinic oils, oil-soluble alkali-metal sulfonate, gilsonite, linseed oil, naphthenic acid, solvent, a viscosity modifier, aluminum paste, attapulgite, emulsifier, milled cellulose fiber, ground mica, and silica gel, according to a described stepwise mixing procedure.

Abstract: Provided is a water based white color tone pigment ink for a ballpoint pen comprising titanium oxide, a complementary colorant comprising a pigment or a pseudo pigment obtained by dyeing resin particles with a dye, a resin emulsion, a thickener, water, a polar solvent and other additives, wherein the pigment has an average particle diameter of 100 nm or more; the pseudo pigment has an average particle diameter of 200 nm or more; the resin contained in the resin emulsion has an average particle diameter of 200 nm or more; and the ink has a viscosity of 500 mPa·s to 5000 mPa·s. Vivid drawn lines having a poster color tone can be obtained well even on writing paper having a dark hue. The ink is stable even in long term storage and excellent in a follow-up property and can write continuously.

Abstract: High brightness kaolin pigments and methods of making high brightness kaolin pigments are provided. Both delaminated and nondelaminated clays are provided having typical brightness of 87 or higher. The pigments have high brightness and good opacity, providing an optimum pigment for paper coating and paper filler. Also provided are blended high brightness kaolins having increased opacity properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel quinacridone mixed crystal pigments consisting of a) from 82.5 to 99% by weight of unsubstituted &ggr;-phase quinacridone of the formula (I) in which R1 and R2 are hydrogen atoms and b) from 1 to 17.5% by weight of one or more 2,9- and/or 3,10-substituted quinacridones of the formula (I) in which the substituents R1 and R2 are identical or different and are chlorine, bromine or fluorine atoms or C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy or carboxamido groups which can be substituted by C1-C6-alkyl groups, and R1 can additionally be a hydrogen atom, and to pigment preparations comprising said quinacridone mixed crystal pigments.

Abstract: Pigment concentrates comprising a pigment, a liquid carrier medium and a dimerdiolalkoxylate, wherein a dimer portion of the dimerdiolalkoxylate comprises from about 36 to about 44 carbon atoms, and wherein the at least one dimerdiolalkoxylate has from about 1 to about 200 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of dimerdiol, are described in conjunction with methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Pigment concentrates comprising a pigment, a liquid carrier medium and a diol alkoxylate of the general formulae (I), (II) and/or (III) are described in conjunction with methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns cementing compositions, particularly for squeeze cementing, comprising a liquid phase and a solid phase constituted by particulate materials which are insoluble in said liquid phase, in particular a microcement. The compositions of the invention comprise additives of a nature and composition such that variations in viscosity of the composition due to fluid loss are minimized. Preferably, the compositions comprise at least one “very fine” additive formed from particles which are smaller than the cement, with a ratio of the average grain sizes of the particles of said additive and those of the cement in the range 5 to 100, preferably about 10, the respective proportions of the solid particles corresponding to a packing volume fraction close to the maximum, and the porosity of the solid mixture being such that the mixture is in a state of hindered settling.

Abstract: A process for growing a single crystal silicon ingot having an axially symmetric region substantially free of agglomerated intrinsic point defects. The ingot is grown generally in accordance with the Czochralski method; however, the manner by which the ingot is cooled from the temperature of solidification to a temperature which is in excess of about 900° C. is controlled to allow for the diffusion of intrinsic point defects, such that agglomerated defects do not form in this axially symmetric region. Accordingly, the ratio v/G0 is allowed to vary axially within this region, due to changes in v or G0, between a minimum and maximum value by at least 5%.

Abstract: A method of lowering the resistivity of resultant silicon crystal from a Czochralski crystal growing process by adding arsenic dopant to the melt in multiple stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a photoresist film including a photoresist coating unit for coating a photoresist on a wafer, a first chamber in which a nitrogen gas of high pressure and low temperature is dispersed for planarizing the surface of the photoresist film formed on the wafer, the first chamber connected to the photoresist coating unit, and a second chamber in which a dried nitrogen gas of high temperature is dispersed for removing a solvent contained within the photoresist film and baking the photoresist film, the second chamber connected to the first chamber. During the baking process in the second chamber, heat is transferred from the photoresist film to the wafer by dispersing the dried nitrogen gas of high temperature from a nozzle at the upper side of the second chamber.

Abstract: A transferring device which operates on an apparatus for producing optical discs comprising several different work stations, each arranged to perform a predetermined operation on the discs being processed. The transferring device performs a sequential transfer of each disc between the different work stations following a path comprising two parallel advance lines, one forward line and one return line, respectively, which are disposed laterally on opposite sides relative to the longitudinal extension axis of a support arm. The support arm supports a first and a second series of pick-up heads arranged to execute the optical disc transfer on the forward and return lines during the forward and return strokes of the support arm, respectively.

Abstract: Coating blade for applying coating material onto a travelling web (41), particularly coating liquid onto a travelling paper web, comprising a steel band (3), which, along the edge section (7) intended to engage the web (41), is provided with a wear-resistant coating (5). Said coating is constituted by a material which has a hardness according to Shore A of from about 30 to about 80.

Abstract: A process used to coat particles in an upward flowing fluidized bed dryer includes an insert disposal within the dryer. The insert includes a vertically adjustable cylindrical partition and a vertically adjustable spray nozzle wherein the cylindrical partition has a diameter-to-length ratio greater than 1. The particles are fluidized using a gas and are processed through a coating zone containing the cylindrical partition and become coated with the liquid spray. The particles exit the coating zone and enter the reconditioning zone wherein the liquid is allowed to dry onto the particles. The particles fall into the fluidized bed and are reprocessed through the coating zone by a draft effect created by the atomizing gas in the spray nozzle. The insert provides liquid coating flexibility allowing for the coating of liquid fat onto the particles. Additionally, since less fluidizing gas is required and not all of the particle bed needs to be fluidized, the coating process is more efficient and gentle.

Abstract: Coating apparatus including a coating vessel including a vertical wall having a vertical interior surface having a circular cross section and an imaginary vertical axis, an open top and a bottom, a vertical shaft supported on the bottom of the coating vessel, the shaft having an axis aligned coaxially with the imaginary vertical axis of the interior surface having the circular cross section, and a coating liquid inlet/outlet adjacent to the bottom of the coating vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the controlled placement of a shear-thinnable polymer composition into a moving web. The controlled placement is preferably performed by applying the polymer composition onto a surface of a moving web, shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web, and curing the polymer composition. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the moving web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the moving web. A plurality of macro and micro tension zones are established and are monitored for controlling the apparatus and process.

Abstract: A continuous plasma CVD apparatus, characterized in that frequency of high-frequency bias is in the range of 50-900 KHz, a blocking condenser is provided between a thin film and a high-frequency source so that the product C·f of electrostatic capacity C of the blocking condenser and frequency f of the high-frequency source is 0.02 [F·Hz] or more, and the total of impedances of all the rollers provided in the route of from a substrate unwind roller to a rotating drum is 10 k&OHgr; or more and the total of impedances of all the rollers provided in the route of from the rotating drum to a wind roller is 10 k&OHgr; or more. According to this apparatus, it becomes possible to continuously form a film without causing damage and deterioration of the substrate.

Abstract: A modular vacuum system may have vacuum chamber modules, power supply modules and control system modules. The vacuum chamber modules may be defined with a clear interface between them. There may be several interfaces on a transfer chamber module that provide connections to any process chamber module. The interfaces may provide common facilities and electrical connections to matching connections on the process chambers and may also provide some configurability with a removable optional facilities interface. The power supply modules may provide all of the power necessary for one corresponding chamber module and be built into cabinets for connecting together as a modular and scalable system. The modular control system may have objects that represent each chamber module in the vacuum system; and may have a system level that configures, initiates, distributes and controls the objects.

Abstract: In the chemical vapor deposition apparatus, a substrate stage for mounting a substrate is provided inside a reaction chamber of the apparatus. A source gas inlet for introducing a source gas and exhaust outlets and for exhausting the source gas are provided. Exhaust outlet valves provided for exhaust outlets are open and shut successively with time. The direction of the flow of source gas relative to the fixed substrate varies with time. The present chemical vapor deposition apparatus allows the improved evenness of film thickness, the composition ratio, and the like within the substrate surface as well as the reduction of particles of foreign substance generated inside the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for use in the manufacture of a microelectronic device is set forth. The method includes a first step in which a workpiece including exposed aluminum metallized surfaces and residues is provided. The workpiece, including the exposed aluminum metallized surfaces, is then treated with an alkaline, water-based solution containing one or more components that form an aluminosilicate on the exposed aluminum metallized surfaces. The solution reacts with the residues and assists in removing them from the workpiece. Preferably, the solution is comprised of DI water, and ammonium hydroxide based component, such as TMAH, silicic acid, and aluminum hydroxide.

Abstract: An improved approach for cleaning and recycling materials is based on pressurized solvents including liquid propane, butane, dimethyl ether, and supercritical carbon dioxide. The approaches are particularly suitable for cleaning sorbent materials. The approach allows for recycling of the sorbent materials, the solvent and the contaminents, typically oils and the like.

Abstract: Steel compositions and processes are described that provide optimum resistance to austenite grain coarsening in cold-formed and carburized components for automotive and machine structural applications. The steel compositions include, in weight percent, 0.1-0.3% C 150-220 ppm N and a grain refining addition selected from the group consisting of Al, V plus Al and Nb plus Al, the balance comprising iron and other alloying elements typically found in carburizing grades of steel. The steels are processed by reheating to a temperature in the vicinity of solution temperature of the least soluble species of grain refining precipitate and then hot worked. The hot-worked steel is cooled at an accelerated rate to 500° C. and then subcritically annealed, cold formed in at least one operation with intermediate anneals subcritically annealed after the last cold-forming operation, and carburized quenched and tempered (6).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive material is produced by annealing an alloy consisting essentially of an amorphous phase and comprising Fe, Dy, and Tb as primary components, at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf, V, W, Mo, Si and B and/or at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Al, Ga, Ge, Cu, Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Os, Ir, and Rh.

Abstract: Soft magnetic powder of Fe—Al—Si system of which magnetostrictive constant &lgr; takes a positive value at the room temperature is employed to produce a magnetic composite article so that a temperature characteristic of core-loss of the article takes a negative value at the room temperature. Excellent magnetic characteristics such as a low core-loss and a high permeability can be obtained at a high frequency band.

Abstract: A duplex stainless steel alloy has been developed, which contains in weight-%: C maximum 0.05 Si maximum 0.8 Mn 0.3-4 Cr 27-35 Ni 3-10 Mo 0-3 N 0.30-0.55 Cu 0.5-3.0 W 2.0-5.0 S maximum 0.010 balance Fe and normally occurring impurities and additions. The content of Fe is 30-70 volume-%. The steel alloy well suited in those chloride environments, where demands are made on good resistance to crevice corrosion. A relatively high content of W has at the same time given a good effect on both the pitting- and crevice corrosion properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a BA-finished stainless steel product having superior antibacterial properties and corrosion resistance and a method for producing the same. Specifically, after a stainless steel product is subjected to BA treatment, the stainless steel product is immersed in a solution containing Ag ions having a concentration of 0.0001 to 1.0 mol/l so that a BA film contains, in area percentage, 0.0002 to 0.05% of Ag particles and Ag compounds, and further, stainless steel product contains 0.001 to 0.10% by weight of Ag and optionally further contains 0.001 to 0.30% by weight of V.

Abstract: A high strength cast aluminum-beryllium alloy including magnesium represented by the formula (25-60% Al)+(40-75% Be)+(0.1-1.25% Mg)+(0<X≦5%)+(0<Y≦4%)+(0<Z≦0.75%)=100, wherein: X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and copper; Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon and silver; and Z is at least one element selected from the group consisting of iron, titanium, zirconium, boron, antimony, strontium, germanium, scandium and the rare earth elements.

Abstract: A method of producing a silicon based alloy is described which comprises melting a silicon alloy containing greater than 50 wt. % silicon and preferably including aluminium. The melted alloy is then inert gas atomized to produce powder or a spray formed deposit in which the silicon forms a substantially continuous phase made up of fine, randomly oriented crystals in the microstructure. The alloy produced by the method has particularly useful application in electronics packaging materials and a typical example comprises an alloy of 70 wt. % silicon and 30 wt. % aluminium. Such an alloy is an engineering material which, for example, is machinable.

Abstract: A hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having both high strength and good formability. A process for producing said hot-dip galvanized steel sheet without requiring additional steps of surface grinding and pre-plating. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is produced by forming a hot-dip galvanizing layer on a base cold-rolled steel sheet composed of C (0.02-0.20 mass %), Mn (1.50-2.40 mass %), Cr (0.03-1.50 mass %), Mo (0.03-1.50 mass %), 3Mn+6Cr+Mo (no more than 8.1 mass %), Mn+6Cr+10 Mo (no less than 3.5 mass %), Al (0.010-0.150 mass %), and Fe as the principal component, with Ti limited to 0.01 mass % or less, Si limited to 0.04 mass % or less, P limited to 0.060 mass % or less, and S limited to 0.030 mass % or less, and said base steel sheet having the composite microstructure composed mainly of ferrite and martensite.

Abstract: A low-smoke producing pyrotechnic composition including a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material, an oxidant and a colorant is disclosed together with the use of selected metal salts of a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material as the colorant.

Abstract: A new compound, 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene suitable for use as an explosive, as well as an intermediate for preparing the compound consisting of a heterocyclic 5- or 6-ring of the general formula wherein n=at least 1. The compound is prepared by nitrating a heterocyclic 5- or 6-ring containing the structural element wherein Y is an alkoxy group, with a nitrating acid at a low temperature, preferably 0-30° C., and selecting the acidity of the nitrating acid for obtaining a substantial yield of a product containing the structural element and hydrolyzing said product in an aqueous medium for separating 1,1-diamino-2,2--dinitroethylene which is recovered as a precipitate.

Abstract: A tire tag protector is used to cover a tire tag on the inside of a pneumatic tire during a high-voltage, non-destructive test procedure. The tire tag protector includes a layer of dielectric and is configured to fit completely over the tire tag inside a pneumatic tire, the tire tag protector may also include a layer of conductive material. The tire tag protector is temporarily attached to the tire by an adhesive or by prongs that engage the tire tag. The tire tag protector prevents the high-voltage electrode used in the test procedure from snagging on the tire tag and prevents the sensitive electronic equipment of the tire tag from being damaged by the high-voltage test environment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing concrete structures utilize a generally flat composite material insert. The insert is inserted into a slot formed in a preexisting section of concrete and bonded to the preexisting section using an adhesive. The insert is installed such that a portion of the insert extends beyond the preexisting structure and into a void where damaged concrete has been removed and where the new concrete is to be poured. The insert then functions to join the preexisting section and the new concrete section. Alternatively, the insert may comprise an extension to attach an external fixture to the concrete section. Alternatively, a slot can be created within two preexisting concrete sections, adhesive added to the slot, and an insert installed in the slot. Again, the insert functions to join the two concrete sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrous acoustical material for reducing noise transmission. This fibrous acoustical material comprises first, second and third fibers. The first fiber has a first fineness of 1.5-20 deniers and a first softening point. The second fiber has a second fineness of 1.5-15 deniers. At least a surface of the second fiber has a second softening point which is at least 30° C. lower than the first softening point. The third fiber has a third fineness of 1.5-15 deniers. At least a surface of the third fiber has a third softening point which is lower than the second softening point and at least 80° C. lower than the first softening point. The first, second and third fibers are respectively in amounts of 10-90 wt %, 5-85 wt % and 5-85 wt %, based on a total weight of the first, second and third fibers. The first, second and third fibers are each within a range of from 20 to 100 mm in average fiber length. The fibrous acoustical material has an average apparent density of from 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A process for producing a tubular article is provided which, comprising winding a first thermoplastic sheet film on a cylindrical member with the wind-starting portion and the wind-ending portion thereof overlapped, placing a metal tube outside the above wound film either (a) by winding a metal sheet with both of the sheet ends thereof abutted or (b) by fitting a metal tube, winding a second thermoplastic sheet film on the metal tube with the wind-starting portion and the wind-ending portion thereof overlapped, fitting a tubular member outside the wound second thermoplastic sheet film, and heating at least the first and second thermoplastic films to bond the overlapped portions of the thermoplastic sheet films. The tubular article produced according to the present invention has significantly improved film properties such as heat resistance (thermal expansion, break strength at high temperatures, etc.

Abstract: A simplified pressure sealing apparatus for acting on business forms having pressure activated cohesive to seal the cohesive has only two or three pressure-seal rollers for effecting proper sealing. The pressure seal rollers may receive a folded business form substantially immediately from the output of a folder, or one of the pressure-seal rollers may function to both assist in folding the form, and then pressure sealing it. The form may be held in a flip plate above the nip between first and second pressure-seal rollers, or a separate set of idler nip wheels may hold the form in position once it has passed completely through the sealing nip. In either case the form may pass completely through the sealing nip yet be moved through the sealing nip in the opposite direction, and then diverted to a stack.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the manufacture of a spunbonded fabric consisting of thermobonded curled bicomponent fibers where the bicomponent fibers consist of two plastic materials with different properties. The process according to the invention consists of three steps: the fibers spun from the two plastic materials are drawn off uncurled and stretched in a first step. In a second step the fibers are placed on a sieve belt and thermobonded. In a third step the bicomponent fibers of the obtained nonwoven fabric are finally curled by lengthwise and/or transverse stretching and heat treatment.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a ferroelectric liquid crystal device, the following steps are applied in order to effect spacing apart of two substrates and by spacers. The spacers are applied to a surface of a transfer member, and the transfer member is then pressed onto a receiving surface of one of the substrates. The transfer member is then removed so as to transfer the spacers from the transfer member to the receiving surface at the required positions. Finally the other substrate is pressed onto the spacers on the receiving surface so as to form an assembly of the two substrates spaced apart by the spacers. Such a sequence of steps enables the spacers to be placed in the required positions in a particularly straightforward manner, whilst minimising the number of fabrication steps used in the process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing an optical disk with multiple layers efficiently with improved reliability. An optically transparent sheet is laminated on a first information recording surface, and an ultraviolet light hardened resin is formed thereon which has a second information recording surface.

Abstract: The bonding of components is facilitated by a conductive pattern which generates heat upon being irradiated with microwave or RF energy. The electrically conductive pattern is positioned on a first component surface and a curable resin having adhesive properties is applied thereto. A second component surface is placed in contacting relation with the resin and the conductive pattern is irradiated with microwave or RF energy to facilitate curing wherein the components are bonded together along the pattern. The conductive pattern can be utilized without adhesive resin wherein heat generated via the application of microwave or RF energy causes components to fuse together. The conductive pattern can be enveloped by polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material becomes the adhesive for bonding components when microwave or RF energy is applied.