Abstract: A presensitized plate comprising a support for a lithographic printing plate including an anodized layer formed on an aluminum plate and a recording layer recordable by infrared laser exposure on the support, wherein in a section of the anodized layer after the recording layer is provided, an atomicity ratio of carbon to aluminum (C/Al) represented by Auger Electron Spectroscopic analysis is 1.0 or less. In the case of being used as an on-machine development type, it exhibits a good on-machine development characteristic, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and high scum resistance during printing and while left (ink discharging). In the case of being used as a conventional thermal positive or negative working type, it exhibits an efficient use of heat for image formation, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and a slight possibility of scum occurrence at non-image areas.

Abstract: A positive photoresist composition comprises: a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or a radiation, in which the compound contains (A1) a sulfonate compound of a sulfonium, and (A2) a sulfonate compound of an N-hydroxyimide or a disulfonyldiazomethane compound; and a resin capable of decomposing by the action of an acid to increase the solubility in an alkali developing solution, in which the resin contains a repeating unit having a specific lactone structure.

Abstract: Resists of the invention contain an added acid component which has been found can significantly enhance stability during storage between manufacture and use. Preferred resists of the invention contain an ester-based solvent such as ethyl lactate or propylene glycol methyl ether acetate in addition to the acid component.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising (A1) a compound that generates an alkanesulfonic acid in which the &agr;-position is substituted with a fluorine atom upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation, (A2) an onium salt of an alkanesulfonic acid in which the &agr;-position is not substituted with a fluorine atom, and (B) a resin that has a monocyclic or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon structure and is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase a solubility rate in an alkali developing solution.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising (A) a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and (B-1) a resin having a group which is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkaline developing solution and containing at least one structure represented by formulae (I), (II) and (III) as described in the specification or (B-2) a resin having at least one monovalent polyalicyclic group represented by formula (Ib) as described in the specification and a group which is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkaline developing solution. The positive photosensitive composition containing the resin according to the present invention has high transmittance to far ultraviolet light particularly having a wavelength of 220 nm or less and exhibits good dry etching resistance.

Abstract: A phase change optical recording medium includes at least a supporting substrate and a recording layer essentially consisting of AgInSbTe alloy compositions implementing recording and readout steps utilizing changes in reflectivity. The recording medium is characterized by the relation v0≧0.7 vWH, where the critical relative velocity of phase change, v0, defined by the value of v, at which the differential coefficient, −dR(v)/dv, reaches a maximum, when the recording medium moves against an optical unit during the recording steps at a relative velocity, v, ranging from minimum and maximum relative velocities warranted for the recording medium, vWL and vWH, respectively. When the reflectivity is measured with varying erase power PE at the linear relative scanning velocity v0, the reflectivity of the recording layer as a function of erase power, R(PE), preferably has a minimum. The recording layer has an activation energy of deterioration equal to or greater than 1.

Abstract: A method of forming a TFT-LCD device with a rough pixel electrode is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. First, a first passivation layer is formed on the transparent insulator substrate to cover the transistor. The first passivation layer is etched to form contact holes therein to expose a source structure and a drain structure of the transistor. A pixel electrode is formed on the first passivation layer and filled into the contact holes to connect electrically to the drain structure. A second passivation layer is formed on the first passivation layer and the pixel electrode to cover uniformly the transistor for planarization. Then a lithography procedure is done to etch the second passivation layer to make surfaces thereof rough.

Abstract: A pattern accuracy of a semiconductor integrated circuit device is to be improved. When an ordinary photomask is to be replaced with a resist mask, in setting a planar size of a shielding pattern formed by resist film, a correction quantity L is subtracted from a planar size of a corresponding shielding pattern formed of metal. Conversely, when the resist mask is to be replaced with the ordinary mask, in setting a planar size of the shielding pattern formed of metal, the correction quantity L is added to the planar size of the corresponding shielding pattern formed by resist film.

Abstract: The present invention uses a double exposure and double etching method to improve critical dimension uniformity. A coating layer is formed on a wafer that includes a first area and a second area. The first area and the second area are separately patterned with different processing conditions. By means of this two-stage patterning, the CD uniformity between wafer center and wafer edge is successfully improved over the conventional single-stage patterning process. The fabrication yield is thus enhanced.

Abstract: A method for producing structures in chips is realized by carrying out a sequence of structuring steps in a self-adjusting manner. By structuring a first auxiliary layer applied on a substrate, a first masking structure is formed after a first masking procedure, which first masking structure has at least one partial region projecting beyond the surface of the substrate. After this, a further structuring step is carried out, for instance, by etching, implantation or CVD, using the previously produced first masking structure as a mask. After this, the first masking structure with a view to forming a second masking structure is inverted by applying at least one second auxiliary layer onto the first masking structure. The thus formed structure is at least partially taken off and the thus denuded first auxiliary layer is selectively removed, whereupon the second masking structure is used as a mask for a further structuring step.

Abstract: The invention includes a photolithographic method in which overlapping first and second exposure patterns are formed on a photosensitive material from light passed through a single reticle. The first exposure pattern of the radiation comprises features separated by about a minimum feature spacing that can be accomplished with a single reticle exposure at the time of the photolithographic processing, and the overlapping first and second patterns comprise features separated by less than the minimum feature spacing. The invention also includes a photolithographic method of forming overlapping exposure patterns on a photosensitive material from light passed through a single reticle wherein the reticle is moved between a first exposure to a first light and a second exposure to a second light.

Abstract: A dual damascene process is provided on a semiconductor substrate, having a conductive structure and a low-k dielectric layer covering the conductive structure. A first hard mask and a second hard mask are sequentially formed on the low-k dielectric layer, in which at least the hard mask contacting the low-k dielectric layer is of metallic material. Next, using photolithography and etching, a first opening is formed in the second hard mask over the conductive structure, and a second opening is then formed in the first hard mask under the first opening. The diameter of the first opening is larger then the second opening. Afterward, the low-k dielectric layer that is not covered by the first hard mask is removed, thus a via hole is formed. Thereafter, the first hard mask that is not covered by the second hard mask is removed, and then the exposed low-k dielectric layer is removed to reach a predetermined depth. Thereby, a trench is formed over the via hole.

Abstract: A method for reducing light reflectance in photolithographic manufacturing process is disclosed including providing an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer including at least one via opening extending substantially perpendicular to a thickness therethrough, and, conformally forming an anti-reflectance coating (ARC) layer over said IMD layer such that the ARC layer is formed over sidewalls of the at least one via opening to reduce light reflectance.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming barrier ribs of a plasma display panel (PDP), in which the rear substrate is protected from camber and damage occurring in the pressing process, and the mold can be separated easily by manufacturing a soft mold using elastic silicon rubber and forming uniform barrier ribs in a press method using the soft mold. In addition, a method for manufacturing a transparent soft mold is suggested, and uniform barrier ribs are formed by pressing a photosensitive barrier rib paste with the transparent soft mold, exposing them to a particular light source to reduce contact surface between the mold and the paste and thus make the mold separated easily.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-structure having a plurality of step-like elements, includes the steps of etching a first region of a substrate, corresponding to a lowest step of the step-like element, with an appropriate depth, whereby a surface of the lowest step of the step-like element is defined, and etching, subsequently, a second region of the substrate, corresponding to another step of the step-like element, with an appropriate depth, whereby a surface of that step of the step-like element is defined.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a phase grating image sensor is disclosed. The method uses conventional photolithography and etching methods to form a plurality of phase grating lens into the conventional flattening layer on which the conventional micro-lens is formed. That is, the invention utilizes phase gratings to replace the conventional micro-lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate-engraving-type chromeless phase-shift mask enabling to adopt a manufacturing method which poses no problem in quality, gives a high operating efficiency, and permits arrangement of characters and symbols, and a manufacturing method thereof. The substrate of the invention has a character/symbol section, on a surface of a transparent substrate, comprising characters and/or symbols engraved in the form of a slit-shaped or lattice-shaped pattern comprising concave grooves only in a prescribed portion corresponding to the characters and/or symbols.

Abstract: In a developing processing of a wafer having a resist film low in the dissolving rate in a developing solution formed thereon and subjected to an exposure treatment, a developing solution of a low concentration is supplied first onto a wafer and the wafer is left to stand for a prescribed time to permit a developing reaction to proceed, followed by further supplying a developing solution having a concentration higher than that of the developing solution supplied first onto the wafer, leaving the substrate to stand and subsequently rinsing the wafer, thereby improving the uniformity of the line width in the central portion and the peripheral portion of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrally sensitized photothermographic silver halide element comprising a support layer having on at least one surface thereof a photothermographic composition which displays uniform image density across its surface when exposed to floodlight or uniform incandescent light exposure at radiation wavelengths to which the element is sensitive, said element comprising at least two layers, including a top layer and a photothermographic emulsion layer, said photothermographic emulsion layer comprising a binder, a light insensitive silver source, a reducing agent for silver ion and infrared radiation sensitive silver halide grains, wherein the coherent radiation is rendered more diffuse in its passage through the element than when it strikes the top layer. This may be accomplished at least in part by 1) the top layer of the element having haze induced therein of 0.

Abstract: A three-part color developing kit includes (I) a first concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 11 to about 13.5 and comprising at least 0.25 mol/l of sulfite ions, at least 2.5×10−5 mol/l of iodide ions, at least 0.05 mol/l of bromide ions, and at least 0.5 mol/l of a buffer having a pKa of from about 11 to about 13.5, (II) a second concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 3 to about 6 and comprising at least 1 g/l of a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, and at least 0.05 mol/l of an organic antioxidant, and a third concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 1 to about 3 and comprising at least 0.05 mol/l of a color developing agent, and at least 0.005 mol/l of sulfite ions.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing photolithography on a substrate which has a first region on a lower level and a second region on an upper level, wherein a first pattern area exists within said first region, a second pattern area exists within said second region, and at least said first and second regions are coated with a photoresist, the method comprising:

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing an exposed colour reversal photographic film. This method enables the water consumption of the washing baths to be limited, the water levels being maintained by a counter-current coming from the bath placed downstream, an equivalent volume of water being discharged through an overflow. The wash waters are recovered and treated by a nanofiltration unit capable of giving a permeate which can be recycled to the washing baths. This method makes it possible to overcome the problem of the presence of tin (II) in the first washing bath supplied with water by a counter-current coming from the reversal bath. This process also makes it possible to overcome the problems of discharges of chemical substances to the drains while maintaining a good sensitometry of the developed films.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element comprising nacreous pigment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one layer of oriented polyester and nacreous pigment.

Abstract: A photothermographic material is disclosed, comprising a support having thereon an image forming layer containing an organic silver salt, further thereon a protective layer and optionally an interlayer between the support and the image forming layer, wherein at least one of the image forming layer and the interlayer contains an alkoxy-silane compound having at least two primary or secondary amino groups or a salt thereof or a Schiff base formed through dehydration condensation of an alkoxy-silane compound having at least one primary amino group and a ketone compound.

Abstract: Infrared emitter with luminous radiation for a supply of gas at very low pressure and of primary atmospheric air via venturi, said supply comprising at least one gas injector, an injector holder, a safety valve, a gas supply connector, especially for raised heating appliances for directional heating towards the ground and/on the sides in the agricultural, industrial, craft and service sectors,

Abstract: A detonation flame arrestor including an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and fill media. The outer cylinder and inner cylinder are secured to a canister flange on one end and include a domed face (cap) on the other end. On assembly, the inner cylinder secured to the canister flange is positioned inside the outer cylinder secured to the canister flange, altogether forming a canister. The fill media is inserted in the canister between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. Both the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder include a tapered spiral wound wire screen which forms their respective cylindrical circumferences. Contaminates are constrained between adjacent windings of the tapered wire screen.

Abstract: A pilotless flare ignitor which is capable of igniting waste gas issuing continually or sporatically from a flare stack and may include an ignitor housing having an open end which extends into the flare stack. At least two pairs of electrodes are mounted in the ignitor housing, and the electrodes of each electrode pair are positioned to define a spark gap for producing a spark in the ignitor housing. A timer controls the duration of the spark and repeatedly and continually alternates the spark among the multiple electrode pairs. As the gas continually or intermittently and sporadically flows upwardly through the flare stack and into the ignitor housing, the spark, alternating between the electrodes of the multiple electrode pairs, is continually present in the ignitor housing to ignite the waste gas in the ignitor housing and flare stack.

Abstract: A positive pressure gradient is maintained across an open access port of an interface chamber such as a load lock chamber which provides an interface between a low pressure chamber such as a transfer or buffer chamber, and a high pressure area such as a staging area or factory interface area. When the access port of the interface chamber is open to the high-pressure area, the positive pressure gradient may be used in some applications to inhibit the flow of gasses from the high-pressure area into the interior of the interface chamber.

Abstract: A furnace assembly for heating an optical waveguide preform includes a furnace. The furnace includes a muffle and a heating device. The muffle defines a furnace passage. The furnace passage has a length extending from a first end to a second end. The heating device is operative to heat the furnace passage. A process gas supply provides a process gas to the furnace passage. A handle is disposed in the furnace passage and is adapted to hold the waveguide preform. A flow shield is positioned between the first and second ends and extends across the furnace passage between the handle and the muffle. The flow shield is arranged and configured to restrict flow of the process gas from the first end to the second end of the furnace passage.

Abstract: A thermoshrinking tunnel oven for making thermoshrinking plastic material film packages comprises a bottom plate and a top plate having openings for allowing thermoshrinking hot air to pass therethrough, the cross-sections of the openings being controlled by perforated sliders which are independently slidably mounted on the plates.

Abstract: An anchor implanting device for orthodontics used for implanting an wire supporting anchor supporting a teeth supporting wire which supports a plurality of teeth and correct the teeth, comprises a tooth supporter supportedly enclosing a portion between a pair of neighboring teeth elastically in a transverse direction relative to an array direction of the teeth; a locating projection projected inward in a radial direction from the tooth supporter and positioned between the pair of neighboring teeth and a gum; at least one anchor positioning unit extended from the tooth supporter, positioned on the side of the gum so as to establish an implanting position of the wire supporting anchor. With this configuration, the present invention provides an anchor implanting device for orthodontics, allowing a wire supporting anchor to be implanted on the predetermined position of the gum in an easy manner.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic implant brackets for straightening teeth, wherein the implant is implanted into the palate roof of the mouth, includes a patient removable palate anchor connector as well as patient removable tooth connectors which attach the ends of palatal wires to tabs which are adhesively bonded to a tooth. Due to the geometries of the connectors, the connectors have low insertion and removal forces, positive locking of connected sections, and resist rotation in all planes. During removal, a captive actuator stud is simply pulled up or pressed down to deploy or retract the dual locking studs which operate in a plane orthogonal to the direction of movement.

Abstract: A dental tray & mixing tip assembly with a material delivery system is provided, the tray comprises at least one material retention surface; and a rapid flow delivery device, the device comprises a channel having an inlet and at least one outlet, the channel and the retention surface being situated on a horizontal plane, the channel being designed to deliver material from the inlet through the outlet and onto the retention surface and a mixing tip comprising a mixing tube having an entrance and an exit; a mixing device situated within the tube, and the exit of the tip being connected to the inlet of the tray.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having varying rigidity. A joint in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes rigid intraorally when an uncured immobilizing agent previously applied to the joint is cured. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling; its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory; and its subsequent rigidity durably locks the tray into a pressure-relieved position.

Abstract: A stable dental prosthesis system includes transparent guides with radio opaque markers therein to accurately position an implant in a jaw. To make the prosthesis for the implant, an implant analog is used with an abutment that can be mounted in the dental lab replica of the relevant section of a patient's mouth securely. The analogs have a pin or other protrusion that projects from the base of the analog. The system also includes a perforated tray for accommodating protruding implant impression copings therethrough when the impression mold is made of the dental patient's mouth. A generally flat articulation wafer connects one impression of one jaw to an opposing wax impression of an opposite jaw, so that upper and lower prosthesis are in positional register. A flexible frame may also be provided for temporary teeth before osseointegration of the implant with the jaw bone.

Abstract: A radiographic guide being comprised of a first material and a second radio-opaque material, and further comprises a top and bottom surfaces having grooves providing for a means of securing said guide in a stable position in a patient's bite path, and wherein said second material may comprise a calibration template, wherein said template comprises four calibration means of varying height and being disposed of within said first material. The calibration template of said radiographic guide may be displayed in a panoramic x-ray film and may further provide for a self-contained calibration system for determining the actual distance from a patient's gum line to a nerve or sinus of a patient from a distorted distance from said patient's gum line to a nerve or sinus depicted in said panoramic x-ray film.

Abstract: A radiographic bitewing for determining the depth for a dental implant comprising a patient bite portion and an extension portion, wherein said bite portion is adapted for placement between a patient's upper row of teeth and lower row of teeth, and wherein said extension portion is aligned in a substantially perpendicular position relative to said bite portion and comprises at least one radio-opaque calibration template, wherein said calibration template comprises a first vertical bar having a first dimension, a second vertical bar having a second dimension, a third vertical bar having a third dimension, and a fourth vertical bar having a fourth dimension.

Abstract: The invention generally provides flocked files for debriding root canals during endodontic procedures. The flocked files comprise a shank with a periphery surface and fibers that are flocked or otherwise attached to the periphery surface. The periphery surface comprises at least one flocked surface segment over which the fibers are dispersed and may include at least one abrading surface segment that is suitable for abrading or scraping the walls of the root canal. The fibers may be composed of various materials and may comprise various textures, Deniers, lengths, and flexibility. The fibers abrade and loosen potential irritants in the root canal architecture, including the recessed regions and the accessory canals, without requiring unnecessary reshaping and removal of dentin from the root canal. The fibers also capture and carry loosened debris out from the root canal.

Abstract: An implant analog includes an abutment that can be mounted in the dental lab replica of the relevant section of a patient's mouth more securely than heretofore possible. Because of the implant analog, a crown will attach more accurately to the implant in the patient's mouth. The analogs have a pin or other protrusion that projects from the base of the analog. The analog has substantially the same height and dimensions as a conventional implant and abutment.

Abstract: A direct bonding dental arch bar comprised of a flexible base portion having a first side and a second side, which may be comprised of a woven medical grade nylon. This arch bar further comprises a dental positioning device, where said positioning device is an at least one guideline and locking lug, and may utilized to secure this arch bar to a patient's row of teeth prior to adhesion to the teeth is permitted. Furthermore, a light curable adhesive is used that enables said flexible base portion to be secured to at least one tooth when exposed to light, and in particular a blue light spectrum.

Abstract: A dental diagnostic system for analyzing tooth structure, restorative materials within a tooth structure, and disease states of a tooth includes an analyzer which may be attached to a variety of dental probes, dental drills, and instruments to afford adaptability to a variety of clinical situations in providing diagnostic information on the naturally occurring tooth structure, man-made materials placed or found within the tooth structure, diseased or otherwise affected, infected or effected tooth structure, as well as tooth structure that has been eroded, worn by attrition, abraded, abfracted, fractured, crazed, broken or otherwise compromised through patient use, misuse, fatigue or longevity of use; and a method of diagnosing using the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating creativity, spontaneity and inspiration includes a container that has a removable lid, interior surfaces and exterior surfaces. A series of journal writing, life, artistic and summary writing exercises are enclosed in the lid. Each of the writing exercises is focused upon one of a group of identified blocking influences. Each of the life exercises is a physical or mental activity for life style enhancement and is focused upon one of a group of methods of stimulating creative processes. Each of the artistic exercises is focused upon one of a group of artistic media. A collection of art supplies suitable for completion of the artistic exercises is provided. The summary writing exercises are focused on recording the results of each of the journal writing, life and artistic exercises.

Abstract: A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.

Abstract: A doll for educating caregivers about Shaken Baby Syndrome comprises a head portion, a body, and may comprise transparent skin. The head portion may have a simulated brain disposed therein. The head portion is floppably connected to the body. The doll may further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber containing simulated blood, the simulated blood being visible in the first chamber after acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, but otherwise being concealed from view in the second chamber. A plurality of acceleration sensors may be disposed within the doll to detect acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, and the plurality of acceleration sensors may trigger warnings to the caregiver when portions of the doll experience acceleration sufficient to endanger an infant.

Abstract: A user inputs the conclusion of a paper using a client device. A server device asks the user a question about a reason to support the inputted conclusion, and the user answers the question using the client device. If the answer is not self-evident, the server device treats the received answer as a new assertion and asks the user a question about a reason to support the new assertion. The server device repeats questions until all reasons inputted by the user become self-evident. The server device displays a logical structure of the paper which indicates a logic of the paper based on the assertion and reason given by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for monitoring test question response time from a remote location are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a mechanism by which tests may be proctored to users from a remote location as a test administration service and providing alert notifications to the users based on the amount of time that has elapsed during the test taking process as well as the amount of time remaining to take the test. With the present invention, test progress data is obtained from the user and forwarded to a proctor workstation. A proctor device may monitor the user's test progress to determine if expected progress on the test is being attained. The testing progress data may be recorded along with test input data from the user's client device for later use. Moreover, the administering of the test may be done by a third party as a test administration service to which a test developer may subscribe.

Abstract: An interactive training application has three components: a lesson engine, a lesson delivery system, and a lesson authoring tool. The lesson engine runs an interactive, multimedia training exercise based on the contents of a lesson file, which comprises a plurality of pages. Each page includes a navigation item, associated with another page, and a reference to multimedia content. The lesson delivery system displays a menu of lessons to a student, fetches a lesson file corresponding to the student's selection, and invokes the lesson engine upon the lesson file. The lesson authoring tool provides a graphical interface for inputting and editing storyboards, from which the lesson authoring tool is configured for generating a lesson file.

Abstract: A computerized education management system for users classified into hierarchical levels of administrative, super agency, agency, center and class levels employs a plurality of files classified into a plurality of different types of files with rights of access to the different types of the files for the different hierarchical levels. The different rights including read only access, copy access and full access with rights to modify and create records. Copy access enables a user to copy files to a level permitting the user with full access rights. The different file types including a teacher assignment file type, a student class assignment file type, a lesson plan file type and a student achievement file type.

Abstract: A novel display device suitable for educational purposes includes two rectangular surfaces connected to each other in a V-shape or tent-type relationship and held in place by means of metal O-rings connected through apertures in the upper surfaces of the rectangular materials, A strap member connected to the base of each of the two rectangular surfaces at the central portion thereof serves to permit reversal of the rectangular surfaces, thereby enlarging the scope of use of the display device.