Abstract: Improvements in the design of a low mass wafer holder are disclosed. The improvements include the use of peripherally located, integral lips to space a wafer or other substrate above the base plate of the wafer holder. A uniform gap is thus provided between the wafer and the base plate, such as will temper rapid heat exchanges, allow gas to flow between the wafer and wafer holder during wafer pick-up, and keep the wafer holder thermally coupled with the wafer. At the same time, thermal disturbance from lip contact with the wafer is reduced. Gas flow during pick-up can be provided through radial channels in a wafer holder upper surface, or through backside gas passages. A thicker ring is provided at the wafer holder perimeter, and is provided in some embodiments as an independent piece to accommodate stresses accompanying thermal gradients. Self-centering mechanisms are provided to keep the wafer holder centered relative to a spider which is subject to differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: A plasma etching apparatus for etching of a sample having an etching chamber having a sidewall, an exchangeable jacket which is held inside of the sidewall and a heating mechanism provided proximate to a top end of the exchangeable jacket for generating heat which radiates toward an interior of the etching chamber, the sample being disposed in the etching chamber. An evacuation system which evacuates the etching chamber, an etching gas supply which supplies an etching gas into the chamber and a plasma generator which generates a plasma for performing etching of the sample in the etching chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for treating samples, and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes processing apparatus (a) for treating the samples (e.g., plasma etching apparatus), (b) for removing residual corrosive compounds formed by the sample treatment, (c) for wet-processing of the samples and (d) for dry-processing the samples. A plurality of wet-processing treatments of a sample can be performed. The wet-processing apparatus can include a plurality of wet-processing stations. The samples can either be passed in series through the plurality of wet-processing stations, or can be passed in parallel through the wet-processing stations.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for treating samples, and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes processing apparatus (a) for treating the samples (e.g., plasma etching apparatus), (b) for removing residual corrosive compounds formed by the sample treatment, (c) for wet-processing of the samples and (d) for dry-processing the samples. A plurality of wet-processing treatments of a sample can be performed. The wet-processing apparatus can include a plurality of wet-processing stations. The samples can either be passed in series through the plurality of wet-processing stations, or can be passed in parallel through the wet-processing stations.

Abstract: A plasma process apparatus capable of preventing generation of plasma in an unwanted location and performing uniform plasma processing with stability is obtained. The plasma process apparatus includes a processing chamber having an internal wall surface; a microwave radiating member having one wall surface and the other wall surface that faces the internal wall surface of the processing chamber, and being disposed such that a space is formed between the other wall surface and a portion of the internal wall surface, and propagating and radiating microwaves within the processing chamber; and a reactive gas supply member, including a reactive gas supply passage having a space formed between the other wall surface of the microwave radiating member and the internal wall surface; and a microwave transmission preventing member disposed on a region, which faces the reactive gas supply passage, of the other wall surface of the microwave radiating member.

Abstract: A plasma generator according to the invention includes a rectangular waveguide into which a microwave is introduced, a coaxial tube connected in a T shape to the rectangular waveguide through their respective openings, a vacuum sealing window for blocking the openings with an insulator to thereby vacuum seal the interior of the coaxial tube against the rectangular waveguide, and an insulator arranged in the coaxial tube as linked to the vacuum sealing window, thus facilitating microwave matching.

Abstract: A system for making wallboard or backerboard sheets may include a mixer for mixing materials for making aerated concrete, at least one face layer supply, and a former downstream from the mixer for forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete. The former is preferably also for securing at least one face layer from the at least one face layer supply onto at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material. The former may include a mold downstream from the mixer for receiving the materials for making aerated concrete therein and allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body, an autoclave downstream from the mold for curing the body, and a saw blade downstream from the autoclave for sawing the body into sheets of core material. A magnetic field generator is provided adjacent the saw blade for causing the saw blade to be substantially flat to saw substantially flat sheets of core material from the body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for registering and bonding upper and lower substrate plates together through a sealer material and in such a way as to form a gap of a predetermined width between the two substrate plates. Registered substrate plates are provisionally pressed to form a joined substrate assembly, which is then pressed under heated conditions at a hot press station, thereby compressing the sealer material into a flattened form and at the same time thermally hardening the sealer material to form a predetermined gap space between the two substrate plates. In order to correct positional deviations which occur to the upper and lower substrate plates in the course of the hot pressing, on the basis detected positional deviations of upper and lower substrate plates of a hot-pressed substrate assembly, upper and lower substrates are set in offset positions instead of aligned positions when registering them at the provisional press station to cancel predicted positional deviations at the hot press station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set-down box of a labelling machine, including:

Abstract: A pleated blind having a plurality of flexible tubular fabric slats connected together in side by side relationship. The slats may be adhered together by any suitable means. The slats may be flattened and then allowed to expand under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: Expandable and collapsible window coverings are disclosed including a web of non-rigid material and a stiffener intermittently applied to the web to provide stiffened regions along the web separated by regions of the non-rigid material. In this manner, the regions of non-rigid material can act as hinges between the stiffened regions. Methods for forming these window coverings are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves an insulating glass arrangement with at least one area between the panes, sealed up by glass panes (1, 1′) and an edge layer connection (2), and with a foil shade located in the area between the panes consisting of a sun-blocking foil the end (40) of which is attached to one of the sides of the glass panes (1, 1′) to be covered and which rolls up to a winding (41) on a movable winding shaft (3) or rolls out to a flat surface (42). It also consists of a winding drive unit for transmitting a torque to the winding shaft and of a lateral guide mechanism (5a, 5b) for guiding a bearing system of the winding shaft (3) along a linear path (S), and of a shade drive unit for actuating the foil shade. According to the invention, an internal linear guide mechanism (6a, 6b) is provided for aligning the winding shaft (3) at a right angle to the linear path (S).

Abstract: A decorative panel is comprised of a frame having a removable or hinged frame member; at least one decorative panel insert removably placed within the frame; and retaining means for removably retaining at least one panel insert within the frame. Alternatively, the frame may be provided with a recess on the interior thereof in which the panel insert is positioned, and a sub-frame is provided to retain the panel insert in the recess in the frame. The sub-frame may be held in place with magnets or other fastening means.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door The plug is mounted about an overhead shaft and used for operatively connecting the overhead shaft to a torsion spring coaxially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions. The collar is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring therein and the torsion spring has a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar. The flange is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft. The plug further includes a shouldering floor of a given length faced against the hooking slot and extending inside the collar, from the second portion towards the first portion thereof, between the collar and the overhead shaft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a mobile privacy screen includes a support frame defining an opening, a screen member made of a flexible material, wherein the screen member is disposed across the opening and is attached the support frame at a periphery of the screen, and an outrigger extending from the support frame and having an end adapted to engage a support surface. In other embodiments, the privacy screen further comprises a wheel attached to the end of the outrigger, and the support frame further comprises a handle. A method of reconfiguring a workspace is also provided detailing the moving of the mobile privacy screen from one location to a second location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a process by inputting a deviation between setpoint and process variables to a controller to calculate a controlled/manipulated variable, and then inputting the controlled/manipulated variable to the process, wherein conditions for the process variable to settle within a finite length of time are determined from the final-value theorem, the transfer function of the controller is derived from the conditions, and the value of or change in the controlled/manipulated variable with which to control the process is calculated using the transfer function.

Abstract: Process for exchanging an intermediate roll in a calender and a calender. The calender has more than three rolls arranged to form a pressing plane obliquely oriented at a predetermined angle to a vertical, the intermediate roll to be exchanged being positioned immediately above a neighboring roll.

Abstract: Lamella and headbox of a web production machine. The lamella is formed of at least one high-performance polymer. The at least one high-performance polymer includes high stability, high heat resistance, and good to very good resistance to at least one of alkaline solution and acid. The headbox includes the lamella.

Abstract: A continuous-casting mold has two parallel and spaced mold end plates having opposite ends and inner and outer faces and two parallel and spaced mold side plates extending generally perpendicular to the end plates, having inner and outer faces, and having opposite ends bearing on the respective side-plate ends. The inner faces form a generally rectangular mold passage having four corners. Respective rigid cooler plates bearing inward on the outer faces of the mold plates have ends at the corners. Respective clamps at the corners engage the cooler-plate ends, press the cooler plates inward on the mold plates, and thereby press the side-plate ends against the end-plate ends.

Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing steel strips are provided. In an illustrated embodiment, a method includes continuously casting molten low carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness having austenite grains that are coarse grains of 100-300 micron width; and providing desired yield strength in the cast strip by cooling the strip to transform the austenite grains to ferrite in a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a selected cooling rate of at least 0.01 ° C./sec to produce a microstructure that provides a strip having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The low carbon steel produced desired microstructure.

Abstract: A plain carbon steel strip is continuously cast in a twin roll caster and passes to a run out table on which it is subjected to accelerated cooling by means of cooling headers whereby it is cooled to transform the strip from austenite to ferrite at a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a cooling rate of not less than 90° C./sec, such that the strip has a yield strength of greater than 450 MPa. The strip after casting and before cooling is passed through a hot rolling mill to reduce the thickness of strip by at least 15% and up to 50%.

Abstract: Heat dissipation fins 12 provided on a metal flat plate 10 with a predetermined distance and a metal base plate provided with a plurality of bottom-expanded recesses 15 on the flat surface 14 with a predetermined distance are prepared and pressing portions corresponding to the bottom-expanded recesses on the flat plate between fins to press down protrusions provided on the back side of the flat plate into the bottom-expanded recesses to fix the heat dissipation fins and the base plate securely. Number of components of the heat sink is reduced and construction has become simple. The manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A heatsink for dissipating heat from a heat-generating source such as an electronic component includes heatsink plates, wherein the individual heatsink plates are bound together at a binding portion to form a heat-absorbing portion for contacting a heat-dissipating surface of the electronic component, and portions of the heatsink plates opposite the heat-absorbing surface are separated from each other to collectively act as a heat-dissipating portion binding the heatsink plates together. To provide the separation between heat-dissipating portions of the heatsink plates, the heatsink includes spacers interposed between the binding portions of neighboring heatsink plates or the heatsink plates are spread out apart from each other by being bent at angles. The heatsink plates include fins spaced apart from each other at an interval. The binding element is preferably a rivet.

Abstract: The invention has as an object providing a two-block heat exchanger that can improve the heat exchange capacity by distributing the refrigerant evenly in the refrigerant path. The invention is a two-block heat exchanger, and the refrigerant distribution part provides two separate refrigerant paths R1 and R2 through which the refrigerant flows and an opening provided at both of the respective ends of these refrigerant paths R1 and R1. Among the two refrigerant paths R1 and R2, the open end of the space Sout 1 (refrigerant circulation space) on the exit side formed by the one opening of the one refrigerant path R1 is connected to the open end of the space Sin 2 (refrigerant circulation space) on the entrance side formed by one opening of the other refrigerant path R2. After the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant path R1 of each refrigerant distribution part, and refrigerant flows through the refrigerant path R2 of each of the refrigerant distribution parts.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has two inlets and two outlets for two counterflow air paths through a stack plates. The plates are vacuum-formed, each having a section with zigzag walls forming multiple flow channels between adjacent plates. The edges of the plates have walls that nest with one another and are retained and sealed between ribs on two side plates. Four grilles at the inlets and outlets have bars with recesses retaining the edges of pairs of plates, the bars being separated by spaces allowing air to flow between adjacent pairs of plates and into or out of the air paths.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel flat tubes are juxtaposed in a direction perpendicular to their greater axis at predetermined distance the one from the other, the internal space of which being divided by means of intercalary means of a thermally conducting material into a plurality of first flowing channels that are parallel and constitute first flowing paths for a first fluid, a second fluid flowing through spaces between adjacent flat tubes.

Abstract: A heat radiator for dissipating heat from an electronic device, which is mounted on a board or which is installed in a casing, to the outside thereof is basically composed of a substrate having plenty of through holes, which are produced by press molding and sintering. The substrate having a low thermal expansion coefficient is made of a copper-tungsten alloy or a copper-molybdenum alloy in which the copper content is smaller than the tungsten content or molybdenum content. The through holes each having a circular shape or a rectangular shape are infiltrated with the compound having a high thermal conductivity and composed of a copper-tungsten alloy or a copper-molybdenum alloy in which the copper content is greater than the tungsten content or molybdenum content.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through a plurality of production wells. A selected number of heat sources may be positioned in the formation for each production well.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas generating fluid may be introduced into the portion. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation Synthesis gas may be used as a feed stream in an ammonia synthesis process. Ammonia may be used as a feed stream in a urea synthesis process.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may also be applied to the formation to increase a permeability of the formation. The permeability may increase uniformly throughout the treated portion of the formation. The permeability may increase to a relatively high permeability as compared to the initial permeability.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion ring for a packer assembly comprises first and second ring portions that are divided into a plurality of discrete arcuate segments. The segments are adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein each segment is in contact with adjacent segments, and an expanded position wherein gaps are formed between the segments. At least one of the ring portions is adapted to face a resilient sealing sleeve of the packer assembly. The first ring portion is circumferentially offset from the second ring portion such that at least one of the first and second ring portions extends across the gaps during movement of the segments toward the expanded position. In this manner, extrusion of the sealing sleeve through the gaps is prevented.

Abstract: A petroleum well has an electronic module and a number of sensors which communicate with the surface using the tubing string and casing as conductors. Induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically impede AC flow through the (tubing or casing if so configured) with the resulting voltage potential useful for power and communication. A high bandwidth, adaptable spread spectrum communications system is used to communicate between the downhole electronics module and a surface master spread spectrum modem. Downhole sensors, such as pressure, temperature, acoustic and seismic sensors accurately assess downhole physical conditions. In a preferred form, the electronics module and sensors are wireline insertable and retrievable into a side pocket mandrel in the tubing string.

Abstract: A method of and process for fractured well diagnostics for production data analysis for providing production optimization of reservoir completions via available production analysis and production logging data provides a quantitative analysis procedure for reservoir and fracture properties using commingled reservoir production data, production logs and radial flow and fractured interval analyses. This permits the in situ determination of reservoir and fracture properties for permitting proper and optimum stimulation treatment placement and design of the reservoir. The method is a rigorous analysis procedure for multilayer commingled reservoir production performance. Production logging data is used to correctly allocate production to each completed interval and defined reservoir zone. This improves the simulation and completion design and identifies zones to improve stimulation. The method supports computing the individual zone production histories of a commingled multi-layered reservoir.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method of operation is described for collecting fluid samples in a downhole environment. The tool is connectable on a work string and is activated by dropping a ball through the work string. On activation a sleeve arranged on the body of the tool is caused to shift from a first to a second position thereby creating a chamber between the sleeve and body. The sample fluid is drawn into the chamber as it is created and is prevented from exiting by a non-return valve. The tool locks the sleeve in the second position to fix the chamber. The sample can then be retrieved along with the tool.

Abstract: In a drilling apparatus of the type comprising a housing, a proximal seal, a distal seal, a fluid chamber defined by an interior of the housing between the proximal seal and the distal seal, the fluid chamber containing a lubricating fluid having a fluid chamber pressure, a pressure compensation system for compensating for the effects of an ambient pressure exerted on an exterior of the apparatus. The pressure compensation system includes a pressure port in the housing so that the ambient pressure can be communicated to the fluid chamber and a supplementary pressure source for exerting a supplementary pressure on the lubricating fluid contained in the fluid chamber so that the fluid chamber pressure is maintained higher than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A waste recovery station for a beach cleaner for recovering waste raked up by a beach cleaner. A waste recovery station for a beach cleaner includes a pair of station members arranged in parallel with each other through a required spacing. Each station member is provided with a pair of support posts with a foot such as, for example, a circular or square flat plate fixed to a lower end of each support post and is also provided with a guide member fixed to upper ends of the support posts. In the guide member, a longitudinally intermediate portion is formed as a horizontal portion and front and rear end sides are formed as slant portions and are bent downwardly at an obtuse angle. The beach cleaner A is lifted by the guide members while passing between the station members, whereby waste caught on rakes is allowed to drop onto the sand.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the attitude of an agricultural implement drawn by an agricultural tractor, the device including a lift; two deflection sensors located at the attachment points of the bottom arms of the lift to the frame of the agricultural tractor; and an electronic central control unit for processing data received from the sensors and controlling lifting and lowering of the implement by the lift as a function of the data detected by the two sensors; the device being characterised in that each of the sensors has locking means for adjusting the position of each of the sensors with respect to the frame so that each of the sensors assumes a predetermined tilt with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A method the method of transferring a roll of sod while inhibiting an unwinding of the roll of sod comprising the steps of: (a) rolling a slab of sod into a first sod roll; (b) forcing the first sod roll onto a sod roll handling mechanism containing a second sod roll with the first sod roll forming pressure contact with the second sod roll on the sod roll handling mechanism; and (c) advancing the sod roll handling mechanism with the second sod roll while maintaining the first sod roll and the second sod roll in pressure contact to thereby inhibit the unwinding of the first sod roll as the first sod roll is transferred to the handling mechanism and an sod harvester guidance system for maintaining a full cut.

Abstract: An aeration machine 10 comprising a drive mechanism 16 connected to sets of tines 18 by a vibration absorbing linkage arrangement 34. The arrangement 34 enables the tines 18 to remain vertical when extending into the ground thereby avoiding elongation of the holes formed thereby.

Abstract: A garden auger having an auger blade with a substantially rectangular body section for use with a drill motor. The preferred auger body including toed-in wings for rapidly clearing earth from the created hole and cutters formed at one end of the auger blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new frame support that prevents implement frames and parts from experiencing high forces and instead, transmits the forces through the ground working tools down to the ground. The frame support can be used in conjunction with the suspension system of any implement adapted for travel over the ground and preferably, the invention is used in conjunction with an agricultural packer. The packer may be of any size, but typically is of a five-section configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the frame support is a rigid protrusion fixed to the packer frame above the packer coil. The frame support could also be a flat plate, or a rolling element. The frame support is adapted to contact the packer coil during the wing up and wing down operations of the implement. When the frame support and the packer coil contact, the high forces incurred during the wing up and wing down operations are transmitted through the frame support and packer coil down to the ground.

Abstract: A coupling device for mounting an agricultural implement on a tractor equipped with a belt drive, which includes two coupling halves which are connected to each other by several coupling rods, designed in such a way that no components working on the linear drive principle are needed. According to the invention, the lower right and left coupling rods include in each case a lower front and a lower rear rod section which are connected to each other, and which are freely movable relative to each other. One end of the lower rear rod section carries an expanded portion, which is located inside a housing of the end region of the lower front rod section. A plurality of elastically deformable equalizing bodies are inserted between the inner surfaces of the housing of the end region and the outer surfaces of the expanded portion, limiting the movement of the lower rear rod section in relation to the lower front rod section.

Abstract: A weed extractor is designed with a first shaft (302) having a handle end and a distal end and a second shaft (300) having a handle end and a distal end. A bit assembly has an upper alignment device (202) connected to the distal end of the first shaft and a lower alignment device (208) connected to the distal end of the second shaft. A latch (306) is connected between the handle end of the first shaft and the handle end of the second shaft. The latch has a first position permitting the bit assembly to move between an open position and a closed position and a second position arranged to hold the bit assembly in the closed position.

Abstract: A soil-working machine comprising a chassis, a rotor connected to the chassis, driven in rotation during work about a substantially horizontal axis directed transversely to a direction of forward travel of the machine, at least one guard connected to the chassis with an articulation of pivot type, the axis of which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and at least one adjustable retaining device which limits, downward only, the angular travel of the guard about the articulation. The soil-working machine additionally includes at least one locking device which limits, upward, during transport, the angular travel of the guard so as to keep the latter in the position defined by the setting of the retaining device.

Abstract: An automatic spring-reset shank for agricultural use has a high retaining force and an improved trip clearance. The field use position of the shank is defined by a saddle in the mount weldment. The raised position of the shank is defined by the upper edge of a slot in a vertical guide plate for the shank assembly, located in the mounting weldment. The shank assembly pivots about a location which is below and forward of the transverse frame member or toolbar to which it is mounted. The action line of the spring is located at an angle of approximately 65° above the horizontal, and it is inclined rearwardly and upwardly, never crossing the horizontal axis (i.e., center) of the main pivot.

Abstract: A tillage tooth for use in an implement which performs shallow tillage with tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points include wings mounted to either side of a central tooth. The wings are constructed and arranged to provide a greater rise to lift soil adjacent their inner edges than is provided by the outer edges of the wings. This imparts a lifting and lateral rolling motion to tilled soil and enhances a smooth finish.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle tow bar for self-powered aerators for grassy areas, such as golf courses. U-shaped members attached to the tow bar slide over the front axle housing of the self-powered aerator and allow the aerator to be towed swiftly from place to place using a tow vehicle, speeding the golf course aeration process. A corresponding method also is provided.

Abstract: An end gate for a grader blade includes a first body attachable to a grader blade. A second body is provided which supports a barrier member. The second body is pivotally secured to the first body for movement between a lowered operative position and a raised transport position. Upon the barrier member sustaining an impact when in the lowered operative position, the second body pivots to the raised transport position thereby reducing damage to the barrier member resulting from the impact.

Abstract: An air cylinder is connected to a centrifugal mesh clutch mechanism connected to an air motor. A driver bit is mounted to a front face of a piston of the air cylinder. A hexagonal shaft is mounted to a rear face thereof and the hexagonal shaft is fitted to a hexagonal hole formed at an anvil of the centrifugal mesh clutch mechanism. A hole having a diameter larger than that of the hexagonal shaft is formed at center of a rotor of the air motor to thereby enable to freely lift the piston and the driver bit in the air cylinder. By simultaneously driving the air motor and the air cylinder by pressurized air, the hexagonal shaft, the piston and the driver bit advance while rotating integrally to thereby fasten a screw.