Abstract: An adhesive tape for the removal of a resist includes a curing adhesive layer having an initial tensile modulus of not smaller than 10 MPa at 100° C. after cured provided on a supporting base material, and/or an adhesive layer provided on a supporting base material having a flexural stiffness of not smaller than 1×10−4 (N·m) per unit width.

Abstract: An erosion resistant member that may be used in the processing of a substrate in a plasma of a processing gas, comprises at least a portion that may be exposed to the plasma of the processing gas and that contains more than about 3% by weight of an oxide of a Group IIIB metal. The portion may also further contain a ceramic compound selected from silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron carbide, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A plasma processing system for processing a substrate is disclosed. The system includes a process component capable of effecting a plasma inside a process chamber. The system also includes a gear drive assembly for moving the process component in a linear direction during processing of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a workpiece using a plasma are disclosed in the present invention. In treating a workpiece using a plasma, the apparatus includes at least one pin electrode for receiving a power source, a dielectric body having first and second sides, wherein the first side is coupled to the pin electrode and the second side has at least one capillary extending to a direction of the first side of the dielectric body, and each capillary is substantially aligned with each pin electrode, and a counter electrode electrically coupled to the pin electrode for generating the plasma from each capillary.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus that provides efficient heating of a dielectric structure without compromising the dielectric properties of the structure. A heating assembly is adapted to fit a circularly shaped dielectric lid of a plasma processing vacuum chamber. The heating assembly is placed between the RF coil and the atmospheric side of the dielectric lid. Although the active heating structure portion (a resistive heating wire or a thermal working fluid or both, per alternate embodiments) of the heating assembly is transparent to the electromagnetic fields produced by the coil, the conductive portion of the heating assembly takes on the role of shaping the electric field. The result of this averaging is the minimization of detrimental effects of electromagnetic potentials that are too high (e.g., sputtering of the dielectric by the plasma) and of electromagnetic potentials that are too low (e.g., heavy by-product depositions on the dielectric lid).

Abstract: An inner lead bonding apparatus including a bonding stage that holds a semiconductor chip by vacuum suction and moves the semiconductor chip to beneath a workpiece, a bonding head that is disposed on one side of work guides for guiding the workpiece and is driven horizontally, a bonding tool that is disposed on the bonding head so as to be above the workpiece and vertically movable, a recognition camera provided on the bonding head so as to be offset at a position that is separated from the bonding tool, and a tool cleaning section disposed on another side of the work guides; and an effective cleaning surface of the tool cleaning section is provided so as to be located beneath the bonding tool when the recognition camera has moved to the bonding position.

Abstract: A production method of and a production apparatus for an optical recording disc comprising two bonded round substrates, capable of obtaining a high quality optical recording disc by drastically reducing the number of bubbles remaining in a cured ultraviolet ray curing type resin of the completed optical recording disc.

Abstract: A wallpaper hanging device for applying a tangential wiping force to fresh wallpaper, where the device comprises a thin, flexible, curved body portion having a pair of parallel wiping edges, and a pair of curved shorter edges extending therebetween. The body portion may include a central embossed portion for stabilizing the device, and provide a convenient location for identifying logos, etc.

Abstract: A tool for installing tongue and groove flooring, such as laminate flooring planks, over a floor underlayment. The tool includes a pair of identical blocks. Each block has opposing first and second planar surfaces that are parallel to each other, a bottom edge, first and second end edges substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge, and an angled top edge. The bottom edge contains two longitudinal grooves, each groove being parallel to the adjacent planar surface. The grooves are of a size and shape adapted to receive the tongue of the tongue and groove flooring to be installed. Holes pass through the block for receiving removable fasteners which are secured to the floor underlayment during use. The process of using the tool includes placing glue into the groove of a new flooring plank to be installed. The tongues of the two adjacent, already installed planks to which the new plank is to be joined are inserted into the glued groove of the new plank.

Abstract: An energy saving shade system for residential dwelling windows having dimensions that vary within a range of frame widths and a range of frame heights, and including a pair of end caps, each being insertable in sealing relation against the top surface and one of the side surfaces of the frame. A pair of side rails, each having a cross-section to define channel openings of a depth equal to at least one half the range of frame widths are securable in sealing relation to respective side surfaces of the frame. A pair of shade supporting plates are receivable in the respective end caps, each of the shade supporting plates being laterally adjustable throughout approximately one half the range of frame widths. An impermeable, transparent shade and a thermal insulating shade of widths within the range of frame widths are wound on rollers mountable between the shade supporting plates, and extendible for the range of frame heights from the roller to the sill.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a paper web. The paper web is prepared from a low-grade furnish, which contains low-grade pulps, such as recycled pulp and/or groundwood pulp, and which, in one preferred embodiment, is a newsprint furnish. In accordance with the disclosed process, a pre-flocculated filler is added to the furnish prior to forming the paper web from the furnish. Filler will be retained in the web, and retention of undesired components of the furnish in the web will be reduced as compared with newsprint in which a filler is incorporated via conventional processes. Another embodiment contemplates the incorporation of a pre-flocculated coated broke slurry into a paper furnish prior to paper formation. The paper web formed via the process of the invention will have improved properties as a result of the incorporation of the pre-flocculated filler or treated broke into the web.

Abstract: A structural biocomposite material that incorporates small strands of agricultural straw, typically non-wood cellulosic straws, such as cereal grain straw.

Abstract: Paper comprised of suitable amounts of a hydroxy-phenoxyether polymer is effective to provide that paper with an increase in sizing or strength. Such paper may be prepared by intermixing dispersions or solutions of hydroxy-phenoxyether polymer with the pulp slurry or web during papermaking, or by application to formed paper. Paper may be coated or laminated by applying such dispersions or solutions.

Abstract: A process for sizing paper comprising adding to an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional fillers, an anionic or cationic sizing dispersion, and a sizing promoter comprising a cationic organic polymer having an aromatic group; and an anionic polymer having an aromatic group selected from step-growth polymers, polysaccharides and naturally occurring aromatic polymers, wherein the sizing dispersion and sizing promoter are added separately to the aqueous suspension.

Abstract: Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. According to one method, fibrous cationic colloidal alumina microparticles and a polymer are introduced to a papermaking pulp to form a treated pulp having improved retention properties. The fibrous cationic colloidal alumina microparticles are preferably a fibrous cationic acetate salt of boehmite alumina having a zeta potential of greater than about 25 and a weight ratio of alumina to acetate of less than about 4. The polymer can be a cationic polymer, a nonionic polymer, an amphoteric polymer under cationic conditions, or combinations thereof. The pulp may also be treated with at least one coagulant, at least one flocculant, at least one cationic starch, at least one cellulytic enzyme, and/or other conventional papermaking pulp additives. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp and then drained to form a paper or paperboard. Other papermaking processes are also described as is a papermaking apparatus for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: A system and process for measuring paper formation characteristics in real time is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus used in a papermaking process, and includes a rotating forming fabric having an upper and lower surface. A paper slurry is deposited upon the upper surface of the moving forming fabric to prepare a wet paper web. The wet paper web typically moves at a high rate of speed as it rides along upon the surface of the forming fabric Light is transmitted from a light source to the surface of the wet paper web, and then reflected from the surface of the wet paper web to a camera. An image is formed corresponding to the pattern of the reflected light, and in some instances data generated from the reflected light may be compared to other values to provide a feedback loop to adjust the parameters of the papermaking process in real time.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of cellulose paper pulps from vegetative masses, comprising: a tower for sterilizing the mass to form a culture medium; a first screw for mixing the sterilized mass with an inoculum and handling the same in a sterile environment; a first conditioning and reaction chamber for mixing and handling the inoculated mass in a sterile environment and controlled atmosphere of CO2 and O2, with controlled temperature and pH; a hydraulic pulper for the elementarization of the mass and its soaking up with suspensions of enzyme mixes; a hammer mill for the elementarization of vegetative material, to break up knots of stems and to pulverize leaves, detach bast from wood; a rotating tumbler having reels and counter reels for separating various fractions; a rotor compactor to reduce the volume of the vegetable mass and to remove air contained in the same; a second screw for mixing the compacted vegetetative mass with extracts containing enzymes and with water for handling in a sterile environment;

Abstract: A process for continuous reeling of a pulp sheet, particularly a paper sheet, where the sheet runs over a reel drum and is later wound on a winding unit. The pressing force in the nip between the horizontal reel and the reel drum being measured without any losses during the entire winding process. This process is implemented by a device having a reel drum and a horizontal reel supported on load-sensing devices.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric with increased stability is provided, due to the use of beam construction yarns which resist lateral, vertical and torsional deflection as well as compression when interwoven. The yarns are generally non-circular in cross-section and are preferably I-beam, H-beam, box-beam or a hybrid construction. Each type has certain advantages, with the hybrid construction being capable of multiple combined advantages.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing metallic glass which are capable of producing a bulk amorphous alloy of desired shape, in particular, a bulk amorphous alloy of desired final shape are provided. In the present invention, the molten metal at a temperature above the melting point is selectively cooled at a rate higher than the critical cooling rate, and the product comprises single amorphous phase which is free from the crystalline phase formed by the development of crystal nuclei through nonuniform nucleation. The present invention is capable of producing the bulk amorphous alloy which is free from casting defects such as cold shuts and which has excellent strength properties in a simple process at a high reproducibility.

Abstract: Process for making metallic microcylinders from pre-treated diacetylenic lipid tubules which includes placing the tubules into an electroless plating bath containing a metal plating reagent, depositing by electroless plating on the surfaces of the tubules enough of a metal to make the tubules electrically conducting, separating the tubules from the plating bath, treating the tubules to remove the lipid and form the metal microcylinders, washing and drying the microcylinders to produce the metal microcylinders having aspect radio of about 12, weight average length of about 20&mgr;, weight average outside diameter of about 1.5&mgr;, and weight average wall thickness of about a quarter of one micron.

Abstract: A method for the production of a cast article having a small hole comprises the steps of setting a linear core member in a cavity of a metal mold, injecting a molten metal into the cavity, and drawing out the core member from the resultant cast product to form a small hole. A linear core member having a surface film formed by surface coating or by subjecting to a surface treatment is used so that the surface film is partly or as a whole peeled off the linear core member upon drawing it from the cast product, thereby enabling the core member to be drawn from the inside of the cast product. Alternatively, the linear core member is so constructed as to elastically deform in the drawing direction upon drawing it from the cast product to have a diameter smaller than the original diameter.

Abstract: A multifunctional thermal installation includes a compressor, a switch valve, an evaporator, a condenser, a water heater, and an expansion valve. The water heater has a water inlet that is connected to an underground well. The evaporator and the condenser include at least a first group of heat exchangers and a second group of heat exchangers. The first group of heat exchangers is disposed in the water heater and the second group of heat exchangers and a fan associated with the second group of heat exchangers are disposed in a room. After integrating separate installations into a system, the present invention uses only a small amount of a non-renewable energy source and most of the required energy sources can be replaced by the renewable energy sources collected from the system itself. Thus, the environmental pollution caused by the consumption of energy sources can be reduced significantly. In addition, non-renewable energy sources can be conserved.

Abstract: The heat removal ability of a spiral finned counterflow two pass active heat sink (“Wagner” active heat sink) is increased by eliminating a slight recirculation of heated discharge air back into the cool intake air by conducting intake air to the Wagner active heat sink with a ductworks having an orifice proximate the intake end of the heat sink. The diameter of the orifice is larger than that of the Wagner active heat sink, and if the heat sink does not extend into the orifice, then a pusher fan may be located somewhere near the entrance of the duct to fill it with pressurized air that then exits from the orifice to form a curtain of cool air around the outside of the Wagner active heat sink. This curtain of cool air replaces the certain amount of heated discharge air that otherwise recirculates back into the input of the heat sink.

Abstract: A novel fluid heat transfer agent suitable for use in a closed heat transfer system, for example, wherein energy is transferred between an evaporator and a condenser in heat exchange relationship with the heat transfer agent that is caused to flow from one to the other. The novel heat transfer agent is a complex comprising a body of heat transfer fluid, for example, ethylene glycol or water, having suspended therein carbon nanoparticles in a quantity sufficient to enhance the thermal conductivity of the body of heat transfers fluid, per se. The carbon nanoparticles are selected from carbon in the form of sp2 type and sp3 type bonding and preferably comprise nanotubes or fullerenes and may have a coupling agent bonded thereto or enclosed therein when the nanotube or fullerene forms a hollow capsule. The coupling agent may be a polar organic group covalently bonded to the carbon nanoparticles and miscible in the fluid medium.

Abstract: An apparatus cabinet comprising one or more equipment bays, and at least one apparatus unit emitting heat in the equipment bay, the apparatus cabinet further comprising one or more inlets for drawing cooling air into the apparatus cabinet for cooling said apparatus unit, and one or more outlets for dissipating the air used for cooling from the apparatus cabinet, and the apparatus cabinet comprising a pressurization space and one or more fans interconnected to the pressurization space for changing the air pressure in the pressurization space to be different from the air pressure in the equipment bay, and a partition for separating the equipment bay and the pressurization space at least partly from one another, the partition comprising one or more air nozzles for conveying the air between the pressurization space and the equipment bay.

Abstract: This fouling reducing device for the tubes of a tubular heat exchanger is of the type that is comprised of at least one turbulence generating element lodged inside one of the tubes of said exchanger and made of a metallic alloy with a nickel content that is greater than 50% by weight and furthermore consists of at least one metal chosen from the group comprised of chrome and molybdenum to improve its resistance to corrosion when in contact with one of the hydrocarbons and namely with crude oil.

Abstract: A thermal interface includes nanofibrils. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of larger diameter fibers. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled nanotubes.

Abstract: Lid for a well plate having wells therein having pin-like members which project downwardly into the wells of said well plate. The invention has means and pins associated with each means for causing the pins to change temperature or vibrate ultrasonically or control the polarity and magnitude of an electrical charge placed on the pins. The means can, respectively, alter the temperature of a fluid contained in the wells or sever material contained in the liquid or attract or repel particles suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: A composite landing collar is disclosed which is preferably adhesive bonded to the liner string using a high temperature epoxy. The spacing during bonding is maintained within dimensional limits using spacers. The body features a bi-directional material, with an appropriate ratio in the warp and fills directions, for about a quarter of the wall thickness. A unidirectional material with the fibers axially aligned aids in reduction of thermal stresses in the thick wall during curing, as well as reducing shear stress concentration along the adhesive bonding interface.

Abstract: Methods for optimization of oil well production with deference to reservoir and financial uncertainty include the application of portfolio management theory to associate levels of risk with Net Present Values (NPV) of the amount of oil expected to be extracted from the reservoir. Using the methods of the invention, production parameters such as pumping rates can be chosen to maximize NPV without exceeding a given level of risk, or, for a given level of risk, the minimum guaranteed NPV can be predicted to a 90% probability. An iterative process of generating efficient frontiers for objective functions such as NPV is provided.

Abstract: A tool that is usable in a subterranean well to sample well fluid from a zone does not include a pump to remove well fluid from the zone for purposes of sampling. Instead, the tool includes a flow path that is in communication with the zone and a region of the well above the zone to use a pressure differential created or naturally occurring between the zone and the region of the well above the zone to flow well fluid from the zone. The tool may also include a flow path that is in communication with the region of the well above the zone and the region of the well below the zone to equalize pressure along the tool and thereby prevent unintended axial movement of the tool. A fluid sampler of the tool samples a composition of the well fluid from the zone.

Abstract: A perforation gun is secured to the inside bore of a well completion tube by a releasable connection module. The connection module mechanism includes radially expanding anchor dogs that are retained at an expanded position by a latching mechanism that may be released, alternatively, by combustion gas or by wireline. When the perforation gun is discharged, gas from the discharge combustion displaces a retaining piston. Displacement of the retaining piston releases a latch pin and allows the gun weight to shift a secondary release sleeve. Shift of the secondary release sleeve releases a latch dog retention pin and hence, releases the anchor dogs from a meshed connection with the completion tube. The secondary release sleeve may also be shifted by the upward pull of a wireline.

Abstract: A closed loop heat transfer system located on the surface near the wellhead for transporting hot fluid through a tubing located in the annulus between the well casing and the outer surface of the production string. The tubing extends down along the production string to a coil submerged in the oil reservoir in the vicinity of the production pump and back to the surface for reheating and recirculation. The tubing provides heat transfer from the hot fluid to the production fluid, as well as the downhole pump and the region of the oil reservoir surrounding the pump. The system is preferably operated to transfer enough heat to the oil to prevent paraffins from coagulating and forming deposits on the production string or sucker rods, if used. The higher temperature lowers the viscosity of the oil and increases oil production.

Abstract: A relatively thin walled sleeve having a premachined window is disposed at a casing window in a wellbore. The sleeve is set in place with the casing or on a separate run wherein the running tool also includes a dog to align the sleeve premachined window with the casing window both linearly and rotationally in the wellbore. The sleeve is swedged in place in part or completely and a subsequent run provides a lateral liner which extends through both the premachined window and the casing window and seals against the premachined window which will then prevent sand entering the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The apparatus comprises a control pod having a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with a surface controller through one or more dedicated electronic control wires. The solenoids translate electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the blowout preventer stack (i.e., closing of a blowout preventer). The system also provides a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical function of the blowout preventer stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.

Abstract: A method to set a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to displace a hollow device to a point where a stop means halts a displacement of said hollow device, thereby setting said hollow device into position. A method to retrieve a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to retrieve said hollow device from a location where said hollow device operates halted by a stopping means.

Abstract: A riser connector is provided for connecting a riser to a wellhead assembly having a bore therethrough. The connector includes a housing having a first and a second end. The first end of the housing has an opening and is adapted for mounting to the wellhead assembly with the opening in communication with the bore of the wellhead assembly. The second end has a first opening connectable to the riser having a diameter at least the same as the inner diameter of the riser, and a second opening, having a diameter at least substantially the same as the diameter of the bore of the wellhead assembly. The housing further includes a first conduit connecting the opening in the first end of the housing to the first opening in the second end of the housing, and a second conduit connecting the opening in the first end of the housing to the second opening in the second end of the housing. In use, first well operations are conducted through the riser in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A christmas tree to control the production from a subsea oil or gas well is disclosed. The christmas tree design including a tree body having a first flow port and a tree cap; a tubing hanger landed within the tree body; an actuation mandrel landed within the tree body, the actuation mandrel having a flow port; and a flow diverter disposed within the tree cap to divert flow through the flow port. The christmas tree arrangement allows for dual barriers within the tree cap without placing or retrieving any plugs from within the tubing hanger, thereby reducing the number of downhole trips required to complete and/or service the subsea well.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a preload force to an expansion cone for radially expanding a tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a wellbore casing. An annular piston is displaced in the axial direction by pressurizing an annular piston chamber. The axial displacement of the piston radially expands a tubular member into contact with a preexisting tubular member. The radially expanded liner hanger is then decoupled from the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow control system for an apparatus for radially expanding tubular members.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member under tension is provided, the member secured to and extending between a first and second fixed assembly. The apparatus comprises a first tubular assembly connectable at a first region to the tubular member to be tensioned and a second tubular assembly having a first and a second engageable portion, the second tubular assembly being arranged concentrically with respect to the first tubular assembly and movable longitudinally with respect to the first tubular assembly. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first fixed assembly, such that movement of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member to be tensioned is prevented.

Abstract: A power tool (1) includes a tool body (3) on which a battery (10) as a power source is mounted. A switch (7) is electrically connected to the battery for supplying power to a motor (6) that is disposed within the tool body. An ON lock mechanism (12,20) serves to lock the switch in an ON position. The ON lock state of the switch can be released or the switch can be turned OFF when the battery is removed from the power tool.

Abstract: An EMI gasket exhibits enhanced compliance in the direction orthogonal to the plane of the circuit board on which a chip or chip-and-socket assembly is mounted. Therefore, the gasket may be used with chips or chip-and-socket assemblies having a variety of heights. In an embodiment, a frame made from a sheet of metal has a planar portion with an opening formed therein. The opening is adapted to fit around a perimeter of an integrated circuit chip. The sheet of metal includes top and bottom planar surfaces. Top and bottom resilient conductive members are attached to the top and bottom planar surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a watertight plastic housing for an electrical device, having a base 2, a lid 12 of a size and shape to be friction-induced welded 13 to base 2. The housing has a fixed male-threaded nipple 1, which is hollow (opening 5), permitting wires 10 to pass through a housing wall. When the housing base is friction-induced welded to the lid, a prior art washer is externally seated on the nipple, the nipple is inserted into a hole 15 of a prior art junction box 16, and the nipple is secured to the junction box with a prior art nut, the housing and housing-to-junction box substantially provides a watertight seal.

Abstract: A stackable microcircuit layer formed from a plastic encapsulated microcircuit (PEM) and method of making the same is disclosed. The method involves the steps of starting with a commercially available PEM (e.g. a plastic Thin Small Outline Package or TSOP) that contains a microcircuit or die within an encapsulant and modifying the PEM to expose conductive members that are electrically connected to the microcircuit's bond pads. In the case of a TSOP, the preferred modifying step is accomplished by top grinding the TSOP in order to remove the lead frame that was secured above the die and encapsulated along with it in the TSOP. Next, reroute metallization is applied in order to connect the conductive members that were exposed by the top grinding, to an edge of the modified PEM. Finally, if appropriate, the modified PEM is thinned through backside grinding and diced to a desired area, in order to provide a stackable microcircuit layer that may form a part of a dense electronic package.

Abstract: A wire protection grommet is constructed for installation in a wire pull opening in the cell of a cellular raceway. The grommet is sized for insertion through the wire pull opening and defines central passages extending through the opening. The central passage has a radiused portion defining a wire pull strain relief to prevent wires that pass through the grommet from being bent beyond a predetermined bend radius. The grommet is constructed to lockingly engage into the wire pull opening so that it is not displaced during use. The distal end of the grommet may be weighted so that the grommet correctly orients itself in the opening during installation. The grommet may also include a wire storage section around which excess wiring can be wrapped. Hooks may be provided for retaining the excess wire on the wire storage section. The grommet may include an opening or slot which extends to the central passage and which is sized to permit wires to be slid into the passage.

Abstract: A base for an electrical outlet cover, an electrical outlet, and manufacturing method are disclosed, the base comprising a backing member containing various mounting apertures designed to permit the passage of fastening devices, other apertures to allow access to portions of the electrical outlet, and sidewalls adapted to support and strengthen the base and to provide a place of attachment for hinges to which a cover may be attached. At least a portion of the backing member adjacent to a mounting aperture is flexible, whereby upon the application of pressure the mounting aperture can expand to receive a screw head therethrough and upon the release or discontinuation of such pressure the mounting aperture can return to its relaxed state, thus allowing the base to be installed over an existing electrical outlet without the need to remove any mounting screws. An alternate embodiment is also disclosed, having a base mounting aperture backed by a retaining device.