Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned using megasonic energy to agitate cleaning fluid applied to the wafer. A source of energy vibrates an elongated probe which transmits the acoustic energy into the fluid. The probe has a solid cleaning rod and a flared or stepped rear base. In one form, the probe is made of one piece, and in another, the rod fits into a socket in the base. This enables a rod to be made of material which is compatible with the cleaning solution, while the base may be of a different material. A heat transfer member acoustically coupled to the probe base and to a transducer conducts heat away from the transducer. A housing for the heat transfer member and the transducer supports those components and provides means for conducting coolant through the housing to control the temperature of the transducer. In another arrangement, an end of the housing is coupled between the transducer and the probe.

Abstract: A method for removing organic contaminants from a semiconductor surface whereby the semiconductor is held in a tank and the tank is filled with a fluid such as a liquid or a gas. Organic contaminants, such as photoresist, photoresidue, and dry etched residue, occur in process steps of semiconductor fabrication and at times, require removal. The organic contaminants are removed from the semiconductor surface by holding the semiconductor inside a tank. The method may be practiced using gas phase processing or liquid phase processing. The tank is filled with a gas mixture, a liquid, and/or a fluid, such as water, water vapor, ozone and/or an additive acting as a scavenger (a substance which counteracts the unwanted effects of other constituents of the system).

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel devices and methods for cleaning filters, preferably pool filters. The subject device and methods provide the advantages of cleaning the entire circumference of a cylindrical pool filter while minimizing the spray of water and debris onto the operator.

Abstract: An automatic empty container return machine includes a detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category, an input unit located upstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to the detection unit, an output unit located downstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers that have been identified by the detection unit as being of the predetermined category, a transport stage having a conveyor for transporting empty containers from the input unit through the detection unit to the output unit, and a self-cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of the input unit, detection unit, output unit and transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean surfaces thereof that are preselected to be cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of recycling and reusing an aqueous degreasing solution for further use as a component of a coolant solution which is itself recycled and reused in metal cutting machines. Also disclosed is a method of degreasing parts, and a degreasing apparatus which is controlled such that an appropriate amount of the aqueous degreasing solution is introduced into the coolant solution. Finally, disclosed herein is a method and system for preparing a coolant in which an aqueous degreasing solution is further utilized as a feeder solution for a coolant solution, with the resulting solution being able to be separated into its component parts and reused in the cutting and cleaning of metals to form metal parts.

Abstract: In an awning comprising a roller tube for winding up an awning fabric, wherein the roller tube is actuated in the winding direction by a torsion spring, provision is made for the roller tube to be disposed in a housing and supported with its one end in a first face-end cover of the housing, and for the torsion spring to be disposed in the interior of this first end of the roller tube, and for the roller tube to be supported in the region of its opposite second end via a bearing journal extending away from a face-end cover.

Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell comprising: a support substrate having a first electrode layer, a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices and a second electrode layer stacked thereon, and an intermediate layer having an uneven surface being sandwiched between any two of the photoelectric conversion devices stacked adjacent each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stacked photovoltaic element formed by stacking, on a substrate, at least a pin junction constituent element having a microcrystalline semiconductor in an i-type semiconductor layer and a pin junction constituent element having an amorphous semiconductor in an i-type semiconductor layer, wherein a current is controlled by the pin junction constituent element having the microcrystalline semiconductor in the i-type semiconductor layer, thereby obtaining a stacked photovoltaic element with a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and a reduced variation in the photoelectric conversion efficiency for a long light irradiation time.

Abstract: Combination of a float valve for venting a fuel tank allowing venting in the inclined position, preventing the ejection of liquid, fulfilling the OPD and ROV functions and the function of degassing during filling, and of a capacity equipped with a draining system capable of trapping small quantities of liquid fuel entrained with the gases and of returning them to the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and controlling a property of colloidal substances that undergo at least one of a temperature dependent phase transition and a temperature dependent adsorption-desorption process is disclosed. The colloidal particles are characterized by performing successive measurements of light attenuation or emission by a colloidal mixture at two or more temperatures and at one or more wavelength. The difference or ratio of the measurements at two or more temperatures provides a measure of the colloidal stability with respect to temperature. The amount of certain organic colloids that are unstable to temperature variation may be determined from the magnitude of the measurement change. This method may be specifically applied to determining the tackiness and propensity to deposit of colloidal pitch or wood resin in pulp or paper process water as an indication of the effectiveness of a chemical control program.

Abstract: A Ti alloy poppet valve consists of a valve stem and a valve head, and is employed as intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. O2 is put into the valve in a furnace at very slight amount and heated to introduce oxygen atoms into titanium of the valve to form a Ti-O interstitial solid solution without making titanium oxides. The valve is strengthened to increase hardness and wear resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing facilities gas lines to a plurality of processing chambers. The apparatus comprises a rack having at least one modular gas control panel coupled thereon. A plurality of gas control panel feeds is coupled between the facilities gas lines and at least one gas control panel. Process gases are provided to individual chambers by a plurality of chamber gas lines are respectively coupled between at least one gas control panel and the plurality of processing chambers.

Abstract: A pressure-control valve (1) comprises a first control piston (1), which is disposed between a first pressure chamber (6), which adjoins the first control piston (1) and is connected to at least one working line (A, B), and a second pressure chamber (7), which adjoins the first control piston (1) and is pushed against a stop (3) by a first preloading spring (4). A throttle (8) connects the first pressure chamber (6) and the second pressure chamber (7). The second pressure chamber (7) is connected to a second control piston (11), which is preloaded by a second preloading spring (17) and which, when a predetermined pressure in the second pressure chamber (7) is exceeded, is displaced to an extent such that a control edge (12) of the second control piston (11) clears a connection of the second pressure chamber (7) to a hydraulic fluid discharge point (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure regulator comprising a housing including a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, a moveable pressure boundary member configured to isolate the high pressure chamber from the low pressure chamber, a pintle valve, including a pintle stem and a pintle retainer, the pintle stem extending through the moveable pressure boundary member and carrying the pintle retainer, the pintle retainer being disposed in the low pressure chamber, and a resilient member interposed between the pintle retainer and the moveable pressure boundary member.

Abstract: A fuel tank comprises a shell made by assembling together at least two tank portions each made by molding a thermoplastic material and, when assembled together, defining the inside surface of the tank. The tank has a fuel pump fixed to its inside surface before the tank portions are assembled together.

Abstract: A three-way flow control valve for refrigeration cycles having two parallel heat exchangers is disclosed. This valve is designed to selectively feed refrigerant to both heat exchangers, or one of the two heat exchangers as desired. The three-way flow control valve of this invention consists of a hollow cylindrical casing opened at its first and second ends. A first valve housing is held in the first end of the casing, and is provided with a first refrigerant outlet and a first orifice formed in the first refrigerant outlet. A second valve housing is held in the second end of the casing, and is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a second refrigerant outlet, and a second orifice formed between the refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet. A first valve means is axially set within the first valve housing so as to be axially movable to control the opening ratio of the first orifice.

Abstract: A port block, which is provided with an outlet port with a first end communicating with a fluid supply passage and with a second end communicating with the outside, is movably carried on a guide rail which is provided with an opening for making communication between the outside and the fluid supply passage formed in the longitudinal direction. A seal belt, which is engaged with an opening of the guide rail, is curved downwardly at the inside of the port block by the aid of an inner port cover which is arranged at the inside of the guide rail and an outer port cover which is arranged at the outside of the guide rail.

Abstract: A cost effective apparatus for preparing dialysate solution which can finely adjust the concentration of dialysate solution. The apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into three compartments 21, 22, 23 by a movable partitions 24, 25, a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21, a solution tank 5, a dialysate solution preparing line 31 connecting the solution tank 5 and the first compartment 21, a dialysate solution preparing line 32 connecting the solution tank 5 and the third compartment 23, a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate solution preparing line 32, a powder supply means 7 provided above the solution tank 5, and a dialysate solution transporting line 6 for transporting the dialysate solution prepared and filled in the third compartment 23 to the point of use, a by-pass line 81, and a circulating line 91.

Abstract: A split reed has a weaving reed formed by successively arranging dents respectively provided with recesses forming a weft yarn guide path having a back surface, and an auxiliary reed respectively provided with recesses forming a weft yarn guide path having a back surface. The weaving reed and the auxiliary reed are attached to a slay or the respective dents of the weaving reed and the auxiliary reed are formed so that the back surface of the weft yarn guide path of the auxiliary reed is included in a plane behind a plane including the back surface of the weaving reed with respect to the cloth fell of a fabric on the loom when the weaving reed and the auxiliary reed are attached to the slay.

Abstract: A gas cushion proportioning microsystem to proportion liquid volumes in the microlitre and sub-microlitre ranges, comprising a liquid reservoir including a storage space for the liquid being proportioned the boundary line of which is broken through by an outwardly leading liquid passage and a gas passage, a gas displacement system which has a micropump to pump a gas and a connection to the gas passage, and a proportioning control in an operative communication with the micropump to generate a negative pressure or positive pressure by actuating the micropump and to apply the negative pressure or positive pressure to the liquid reservoir in order to receive liquid in the storage space through the liquid passage or to deliver it from said space.

Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a container, of the type having a removable container cap applied on a neck with a central opening, has a sub-container body mounted in the container neck which is formed with a proximate end having screw threads which can be engaged with internal screw threads in the container neck for holding them securely together to allow the ingredients to be shaken out of the sub-container body and mixed with fluid in the container. The sub-container body can have inner divider walls forming multiple compartments with respective orifices for dispensing ingredients selectively from the compartments. The sub-container body may be sealed to the underside of the cap with a sealing film, or seated on the neck rim and held by the cap. In one version, the proximate end of the sub-container body has a protruding shape with inclined walls for guiding it into the neck opening.

Abstract: An electromagnetic steel sheet having a low iron loss and a high magnetic flux density, with silicon, nitrogen and an added element bismuth or germanium prior to secondary recrystallization, to accelerate precipitation of fine BN and silicon nitride, improving the texture of the primary recrystallized grains of the steel sheet immediately before subjecting it to secondary recrystallization annealing, and combining the primary recrystallization annealing, cold rolling and further the texture improving treatment. Addition of bismuth or germanium or both to the steel prior to secondary recrystallization is combined with primary recrystallization annealing and warm rolling in the presence of limited aluminum and vanadium impurities limited to 0.002 wt % Al or less and 0.010 wt % V or less.

Abstract: A magnetic material has a composition expressed by the following general formula,

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of stains, especailly water stains, on the exterior surface of aluminum alloy products. The method entails contacting the exterior surfaces of these products, particularly sheet or plate products, extrusions and/or forgings made from 5000 or 6000 Series aluminum alloys, with an organophosphonic or organophosphinic acid-derived material. Preferably, liquid forms of this material are added to an alcohol or water-based carrier solution, then sprayed, dipped, painted or rolled onto the surfaces of flat sheet or plate products to enhance their brightness. Other more complex shapes may be dipped into material baths.

Abstract: A process for the phosphatizing of metal surfaces composed of steel, zinc-coated steel or steel coated with zinc alloy, of aluminum and/or of aluminum-magnesium alloys, characterized in that the phosphatizing solution contains:

Abstract: A steel sheet for heat shrink band of the present invention has anhysteretic magnetic permeability of 15,000 or higher at 0.35 Oe and yield stress of 24 kgf/mm2 or more. The steel sheet can be manufactured by a method comprising the steps of: hot rolling and/or cold rolling a steel containing 0.01 to 0.15% C by weight; annealing the rolled steel sheet at a temperature ranging from 650 to 900° C.; and temper rolling the annealed steel sheet at a rolling reduction rate of 1.5% or less. A CRT made of the steel sheet causes very little color deviation and practically no deformation of the panel surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-strength, high damage-resistant rail consisting essentially of 0.6 to 0.85 wt % of C, 0.1 to 1.0 wt % of Si, 0.5 to 1.5 wt % of Mn, 0.035 wt % or less of P, 0.040 wt % or less of S, and 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing seamless line pipes within the quality grade range X 52 to X 90, with a stable yield strength up to a temperature of use of 200° C., and with an essentially constant stress-strain characteristic, by hot-rolling a pipe blank made from a steel which contains the following alloying elements (% by weight): 1 C 0.06-0.18% Si max. 0.40% Mn 0.80-1.40% P max. 0.025% S max. 0.010% Al 0.010-0.060% Mo max. 0.50% V max. 0.10% Nb max. 0.10% N max. 0.015% W >0.30-1.

Abstract: The invention provides a ferritic heat-resistant steel having excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, especially excellent steam oxidation-resistant characteristics. In high-Cr ferritic heat-resistant steel, ultra-fine oxide particles having a size of not larger than 1 &mgr;m are formed just below the oxide films and formed on the steel base, whereby the adhesiveness between the films and the base is enhanced. The ferritic heat-resistant steel contains Cr in an amount of from 8.0 to 13.0% by weight, and at least one of Rh and Ir in a total amount of from 0.3 to 5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A steel plate for paint use which contains C (0.12% or less), Si (1.0% or less), Mn (2.5% or less), P (0.05% or less), S (0.02% or less), and Cr (0.05% or less), Cu (0.05-3.0%), Ni (0.05-6.0%), Ti (0.025-0.15%), and Cu+Ni (0.50% or more), with PCM being 0.23% or less, in terms of mass %. Said steel plate may contain at least one additional component selected from B (0.0005-0.0030%), Al (0.05-0.50%), Ca (0.0001-0.05%), Ce (0.0001-0.05%), La (0.0001-0.05%), Nb (0.002-0.05%), V (0.01-0.10%), Zr (0.002-0.05%), and Mo (0.05-0.5%), in terms of mass %.

Abstract: In a welded structure and welded pipe, having members joined to each other by welding wherein, at least one of the members is formed of Fe—Ni-base low thermal expansion coefficient alloy, there is provided a welded structure and welded pipe having a weld metal free from cracking and achieving an excellent toughness and stress corrosion cracking resistance. Further, a welding material is provided which can form such a weld metal and is excellent in workability and weldability in fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a copper-based alloy characterized by: having a composition of 58.0 to 63.0% by weight of Cu, 0.5 to 4.5% by weight of Pb, 0.05 to 0.25% by weight of P, 0.5 to 3.0% by weight of Sn, 0.05 to 0.30% by weight of Ni, and the balance of Zn and inevitable impurities; having a texture uniformly fragmented to acquire excellent corrosion resistance and hot working property; having undergone a given drawing work and heat treatment to be exalted in mechanical properties including tensile strength, proof strength and elongation; and having internal stress thoroughly removed to excel in stress-corrosion cracking resistance.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a rolled, forged or extruded aluminum alloy product more than 12 mm thick, heat treated by solutionizing, quenching and artificial aging, with a microstructure characterized by the following parameters:

Abstract: An alloy comprising tantalum and silicon is described. The tantalum is the predominant metal present. The alloy also has a uniformity of tensile strength when formed into a wire, such that the maximum population standard deviation of tensile strength for the wire is about 3 KSI for an unannealed wire at finish diameter and about 2 KSI for an annealed wire at finish diameter. Also described is a process of making a Ta—Si alloy which includes reducing a silicon-containing solid and a tantalum-containing solid into a liquid state and mixing the liquids to form a liquid blend and forming a solid alloy from the liquid blend. Another process of making a Ta—Si alloy is described which involves blending powders containing tantalum or an oxide thereof with powders containing silicon or a silicon-containing compound to form a blend and then reducing the blend to a liquid state and forming a solid alloy from the liquid state.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a tread portion provided with oblique grooves to define narrow and circumferentially long blocks therebetween, the oblique grooves inclined at angles &thgr; of not more than 60 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire, each of the long and narrow blocks provided with at least tow sipes each extending across the block from one of the adjacent oblique grooves to the other, while inclining reversely to the oblique grooves, to subdivide the block into at least three block pieces.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion arranging a plurality of blocks each provided with at least one sub-groove having a special groove shape and can improve the wear resistance in correspondence to the difference of input directions of external forces generated by the difference of the tire mounting position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a rubber sidewall composition of a lug and groove configuration which is designed to be ground contacting. Such sidewall configuration is of a rubber composition comprised of a blend of natural rubber and cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber which contains carbon black and silica together with a coupling agent.

Abstract: A mold for tire vulcanization that includes axially opposite sidewalls and a tread band molded with a raised pattern formed with at least one circumferential groove. The mold has a pair of axially opposite cheeks corresponding to the sidewalls of the tire and a matrix interposed between the cheeks, which corresponds to the tread band. The matrix has a plurality of ribs projecting in a raised configuration from a bottom surface. The sectional profile of the bottom surface comprises two distinct concave side portions and the sectional profile of the surface tangent to the ridge of the ribs in the area included between the side portions has a convexity directed radially inwardly.

Abstract: A tire having a crown which includes a ply of circumferentially oriented, helically wound reinforcing threads. This ply is arranged such that in sensitive zones, for example, beneath the grooves of the tread pattern, the laying pitch of the circumferential reinforcing threads is greatly increased. This substantially reduces the risks of damage to the circumferential reinforcing threads in these zones.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass extending between bead portions through a tread portion and sidewall portions, and a belt disposed radially outside of the carcass in the tread portion, wherein the belt comprises at least one monofilament cord ply made of parallel monofilament cords, each monofilament cord is a single metallic filament having a circular cross sectional shape, a diameter of from 0.35 to 0.70 mm, a tensile strength of from 2800 to 3700 Newton/sq.mm, and a bending rigidity of from 35 to 260 gf cm, and the cord count of the monofilament cords in the monofilament cord ply is in a range of from 30 to 50 /5 cm.

Abstract: At least one carcass ply (3) is formed by depositing a strip-like element (13) comprising longitudinal thread-like elements (13a) incorporated into a layer of elastomer material (13b), onto a toroidal support (11). Deposition of the strip-like element (13) takes place in alternated deposition sections (23, 24) each comprising two radially-extending side portions (23a, 24a, 23c, 24c) and a crown portion (23b, 24b) extending at a radially external position. The side portions of each deposition section (23, 24) are at least partly overlapped with side portions belonging to an adjacent deposition section. Associated with the carcass ply (3) are annular structures (4) comprising a circumferentially inextensible annular insert (32) axially external to an anchoring element (31). A belt structure (5), a tread band (8) and sidewalls (9) are combined with the thus formed carcass structure (2) to define a tire (1) to be submitted to a vulcanization step.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for manufacturing an optical assembly for use in an optical flying head are provided. The optical assembly may include a solid immersion lens and a magnetic coil. Techniques are provided for fabricating the solid immersion lens and the magnetic coil. Techniques are also provided for installing the optical assembly into a slider for the optical flying head. Other embodiments are described in which a solid immersion lens is installed in or is integral with a transparent slider. A magnetic coil may also be installed in these embodiments.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for manufacturing a laminated optical disc that include an adhesive applying device adapted to apply an adhesive to a first substrate, forming an adhesive layer having a specific thickness between the first substrate and a second substrate superimposed onto the first substrate, and a centering device insertable within a common center hole of the superimposed substrates. The centering device includes at least two contact pins configured to simultaneously contact an inside circumferential edge of the common center hole, where the contact pins retractably extend in substantially opposite directions to press against the inside circumferential edge of the common center hole and align the superimposed substrates. The manufacturing apparatus and method may further include a provisional bonding device adapted to partially cure the adhesive layer between the aligned substrates, the provisional bonding device partially bonding and provisionally fastening the aligned substrates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber assembly, the method comprising: (a) providing a plurality of layers, each layer comprising sintered fibers of piezoelectric material aligned substantially parallel; (b) laminating the plurality of layers; and (c) applying a matrix material to the laminated layers to affix the layers and form a fiber assembly.

Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-colored composite foil (14) of thermoplastic synthetic material and a method and a device for its manufacture. The device according to the invention comprises a first extruder device (20) with a first forming tool (22), whereby the extruder device produces a first plastified synthetic material melt and extrudes same by the first forming tool in order to manufacture a carrier foil or carrier layer (10) with a first color (28) and with a depression.

Abstract: A decorative article is produced by creating a preform comprised of a solidified puddled mass of resin from a molten stream of resin discharged down onto a collecting surface. The preform is trimmed, reheated to be smoothed and selectively reshaped, and providing with a mounting to create a decorative article. The purge discharged from an injection molding machine is utilized to create a preform to recover the cost of the purged resin otherwise discarded or recycled.

Abstract: A composite assembly for assembling documents and including a substrate sheet, and adhesive layer, and a release liner disposed over the adhesive layer. The release liner includes a tab extending from a lateral surface of the substrate sheet. To assemble a document, the pages of the document are printed on the substrate sheets, the substrate sheets are ordered and aligned, the release liners are removed by the tab being grasped and pulled to peel the release liners from the adhesive layers, and the pages are bonded together by pressure.

Abstract: Reinforced foil susceptor structures are disclosed. These structures are thin, allowing them to heat quickly when used in an induction heating process, but are also easy to handle and sturdy. The susceptor structures may comprise two foil layers (e.g., aluminum having a thickness of no greater than 2 mils) sandwiching between them a reinforcing layer (e.g., made from a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer), and having an induction activateable adhesive on one or both outer surfaces. In another embodiment, the susceptor structure comprise a single foil layer which carries a reinforcing layer on one or both of its outer surfaces, and an induction activateable adhesive on one or both of its outer surfaces. The method of joining articles using these susceptor structures is also disclosed.