Abstract: The invention is a water purification system through denitrifying reduction with faculative anaerobes in which a nitrate harmful in the breeding of creatures such as tropical fishes and coral for appreciation and fishes and shellfishes for food and the like is decomposed and denitrifying-reduced in a short time. In this case, an aerobic circulating pathway of water reduced through a filter using aerobes is separately arranged from an anaerobic circulating pathway of water reduced through a closed type anaerobic filter device (10) using anaerobes. A nitrate produced in the aerobic circulating pathway is exuded into the anaerobic circulating pathway through powdery sand (5). This nitrate is decomposed in the anaerobic circulating pathway. A nitrogen gas inside the anaerobic circulating pathway produced in the decomposition of the nitrate is discharged at an isolated state so as not to contact with water in the aerobic circulating pathway.

Abstract: This invention is a filter for a street curb inlet catch basin that comprises a removable filter basket assembly, a funnel to channel storm water into the basket, and a support structure that holds the filter in place within the basin by means of bracing the structure against the basins interior walls without altering the interior walls of the basin.

Abstract: In a collection container for bulk material with a conveying pump (204) or a suction tube arranged off center, with a container wall (202), and a substantially level container bottom, at least one removing arm (210) is adapted for movement in the vicinity of the container bottom. The removing arm (210) is arranged on a traction means and guided in the region of the container wall (202).

Abstract: The present invention provides treatment of wastewater containing oil, organic and inorganic industrial compounds, urea, and e.t.c. The resulting products will be purified water, dry fertilizer, pure carbomide, uncontaminated gas and liquid fuel, and other products that can be separated from the concentrate after ultrafiltration. In order to accomplish those and other objectives the present invention improves the system for cleaning wastewater by subjecting the wastewater to a magnetic field and heating it before the initial settling process. In addition, before ultrafiltration, the liquid is treated in an electroflotation device. The wastewater cleaning system can also be comprised of a urea separator for separating urea from other products.

Abstract: The Diffusion Bar Aerobic Treatment Plant (“DBATP”) is a device which processes sewage for buildings which are not connected to municipal sewer lines. It is comprised of a pre-tank which captures trash and allows anaerobic microorganisms to begin breaking down the sewage, an aerobic tank where aerobic microorganisms digest the sewage, and a post-tank which acts as a gravity separating clarifier in which solid particulate contaminants settle downward, leaving a clean effluent for discharge to the environment. The aerobic tank encompasses a diffusion bar, which emits air bubbles that activate and stimulate the aerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: An underdrain system having a bottom formed of concrete. The concrete bottom includes a plurality of generally cone shaped depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the generally cone shaped depressions. The underdrain system further includes an insert having at least one distribution orifice for distributing the flow. The insert is positioned beneath the porous plate and at least partially within the at least one generally cone shaped depression. The insert insures thorough distribution of any fluid passing through the porous plate, i.e., the fluid is evenly distributed over the entire surface area of the porous plate. In an alternative embodiment, an underdrain system is provided including a bottom formed of concrete. The bottom has a plurality of generally cone shaped depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the generally cone shaped depressions.

Abstract: A filter element (10) comprises a pleated filter media (34) having spaced apart pleats (40) and an external filter media surface (38) comprising the external peaks of the pleats (40) and a flexible foam filter media sleeve (42) in contact with the external filter media surface (38). The filter media sleeve (42) maintains the spacing between the external peaks of the pleats (40) of the pleated filter media (34).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a filter component, more particularly wherein the container contains a consumable composition.

Abstract: A nanoporous tubular filter having a membrane comprising a network of generally branched pores formed by anodization of a section of metal tubing. The network extends from an inner wall of the filter to and through an outer exposed wall area of the membrane, and has a first layer of pores with a diameter greater than that of pores of an adjacent second layer. Further, the network is integral with an outer support matrix having been formed of an outer wall of the section of tubing by removing selected portions of the outer wall, thus leaving the exposed wall area of the membrane. The outer support matrix corresponds with a patterned area formed of an external-coat applied to the tubing's outer wall. An electroplating of a magnetostrictive material deposited on the outer support matrix or on an interior surface is adapted for use as a diffusion ON-OFF switch.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a nozzle for supplying a melted resin into a mold. In the nozzle, there is a filter for removing foreign materials mixed in the melted resin. The filter has a cylindrically-shaped filter body. In the filter body, many small holes are formed. By supplying the melted resin into the mold, the melted resin passes through the small holes into outside of the filter body. In cleaning the filter, the melted resin flows from the outside into the inside. The small holes each are smaller on the inside than the outside.

Abstract: A filter sheet is provided which comprises a self-supporting fibrous matrix having immobilized therein particulate filter aid and particulate ion exchange resin, wherein said particulate filter aid and particulate ion exchange resin are distributed substantially uniformly throughout a cross-section of said matrix. A process for removing ionic impurities from a photoresist solution is also provided which comprises passing the photoresist solution through said filter sheet to remove ionic impurities therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ex situ processes for simple and economical destruction of air, water, and soil contaminants using naturally occurring microorganisms that are widely available in the environment. The processes utilize novel closed-loop recycle schemes which dramatically improve the efficiency, economics, and practicability of destruction of a wide variety of contaminants, especially VOCs and chloroethylenes, and particularly trichloroethylene (TCE). The processes may be applied on a batch or continuous basis to contaminated soil and groundwater, to contaminated effluents from a wide variety industrial operations, or to wherever such amenable contaminants are present. Certain contaminants, particularly chloroethylenes, are known to be difficult to biodegrade aerobically to non-toxic products without the employment of a primary substrate to induce cometabolic degradation.

Abstract: The apparatus is a small flow wastewater treatment system. The system uses a recirculating packed media filter for the initial treatment of effluent from a device such as a septic tank. The incoming wastewater is furnished to the recirculating packed media filter intermittently to permit air into the filter for maintaining high levels of oxygen for bacteria action. The recirculating packed media filter is followed by a subsurface flow constructed wetland. The wastewater entering the apparatus of the invention is divided into two parts so that 5 to 25 percent of the incoming flow bypasses the recirculating packed media filter and goes directly into the subsurface flow constructed wetland to encourage bacteria action that converts nitrates into gaseous nitrogen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing biofilms are described. The systems and methods are particularly suitable for use with conventional aqueous crossflow filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis systems. The addition of the enzyme/surfactant compound has been found to enhance the effectiveness of conventional crossflow filtration processes by decreasing or inhibiting the growth of biofilms and other contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing contaminants from lipophilic fluids, adsorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: The invention concerns, among other things, a precipitating chemical for separating preferably hydrocarbons from water, but also for separating other dissolved and/or suspended organic and/or inorganic substances and particles in an associated liquid, including mineral and/or rock particles, heavy metals, salts, phosphorous compounds, alcohols, lipids, aromatics and cellulose. The precipitating chemical is composed of bentonite, preferably sodium montmorillonite; of polymer, preferably of the polyacrylamide type; of sodium polyphosphate and/or lignite; and of water. The chemical is added to and mixed with waste liquid, after which chemical precipitation is activated through the addition of acid or base until the pH-value of the liquid mixture is 4.0 or less, or the pH-value being 8.0 or more. The liquid mixture then rests until the contaminant(s) flakes and separates from the liquid phase of the mixture and is then deposited or floated from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A system for treating waste water includes a dry-feed hopper and a wetting flume for receipt of dry flocculant and waste water. The dry-feed hopper includes a container with a volume of dry flocculant therein. A manifold receives a nozzle connected to an air source to periodically deliver dry flocculant to the wetting flume. An inline static mixer is provided after the wetting flume. The output of the inline static mixer is introduced into an agitation stage via a constricting nozzle which includes a base support and a cylindrical housing with an outer wall and an inner wall and is resiliently mounted to the top surface of said base support. A downward spiraling length of corrugated hose is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall. Waste water from the inline static mixer is introducing into the top entry port of the length of corrugated hose to exit at the bottom exit port of the corrugated hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining hydraulic pressure within a pressure sensing fluid filter assembly includes a pressure-sensing polymer thick film transducer associated with an oil filter assembly. Preferably, pressure sensors are provided on both the oil intlet and outlet areas of the filter. The pressure-sensing transducers send signals to a control module, which may compare pressure readouts at the inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Based on the pressure in the filter, the on-board sensing system will detect a clogged filter condition, and if necessary, the control module will send a signal to an in-dash display terminal, to indicate that an oil change is needed.

Abstract: A method and a device for the restriction of blooms of micro-organisms in an aqueous system are described. A smaller portion of the body of water in the system is subjected to a radiation treatment, preferably a UV-treatment, whereupon the treated quantity of water is returned to the aqueous system. The UV radiation will induce activation of latent viruses, and when these are returned to the water system, micro-organisms in this system will be killed or inactivated, and new micro-organisms will not be formed.

Abstract: A heated ultrasonic treating device (6) comprising a sump (13) through which suspended matter-containing liquid passes, a temperature-controllable heater (14) disposes in the sump (13), and a ultrasonic vibrator (15) disposed in the sump (13). The heated ultrasonic treating device (6) uses the ultrasonic vibrator (15) to apply ultrasonic waves while heating organic drain passing the sump (13) with the heater (14), thereby pulverizing suspended matters and reducing the amount of SS. In addition, a treating column, where pulverized suspended matter-containing liquid is aerobically treated by aerobic microorganisms, is prevented from efficiency lowering due to clogging.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, which are useful in removing dissolved oxygen from a fluid stream, preferably an aqueous stream. The compositions comprise blend of an oxime and a primary hydroxylamine. This invention also relates to a process for removing oxygen from an aqueous system, which comprises adding an oxime and a primary hydroxylamine to a fluid system.

Abstract: A method or process of treating a contaminated fluid (10) having at least one contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being volatile, hazardous, tacky and a combination thereof is provided. The method comprises contacting the contaminated fluid with an effective amount of an agent (12) selected from oxidizing agents, free radical producing agents and a combination thereof for an effective amount of time to convert a substantial amount of the at least one contaminant to at least one corresponding modified contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being non-volatile, less volatile than the converted contaminant non-hazardous, less hazardous than the converted contaminant, non-tacky and a combination thereof; and generating a treated fluid (14) having a level of the at least one contaminant and of the at least one corresponding modified contaminant to allow the treated fluid to at least meet requirements for release, reuse or further treatment.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Preferably, the filtration enabler comprises clay, ground glass, talc, mica, recycled rubber, sand, gravel, vermiculite, recycled plastic chips, an inert, non-absorbent material, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the polymeric absorbent may be further compounded to incorporate about 10 to 50% recycled or waste plastic scrap, scrap polyolefins, inorganic fillers, or other inexpensive, relatively inert solids. Other compounding materials may include clay, talc, mica, ground glass, silica, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shelf unit including a shelf having a box-like shape with an open front face and a plurality of modules having guide rails, the guide rail being engageable with a guide rail of a neighboring module. The module is inserted into the shelf through the open front face such that the guide rail slide along the guide rail of the neighboring module. The module is connected to the neighboring module with the guide rail being engaged with the guide rail of the neighboring guide rail.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Abstract: A boat onto which solder balls or columns are loaded for an attach process can be used in a universal attach line has a number of attach station to accommodate different types of attach processes. Depending on the process and the desired configuration and form factor of the array of solder balls or columns, a template is selected that covers some of the holes in the universal boat, and exposes other holes. The holes are configured and sized to hold solder balls in the holes such that the solder balls protrude above the top surface of the boat by a predetermined height. This prevents damage to the solder balls while ensuring that the solder balls protrude enough to accommodate imperfectly flat packages that are placed on the array of solder balls held in the boat. Vacuum applied through the holes help to securely hold the balls in place, and a substrate is placed onto the solder balls.

Abstract: A display device including a plurality of display panels, at least one of the panels having a dimension differing in at least one aspect from a corresponding dimension of another panel. The invention also includes sets of display panels for use with such a display device, and related display methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading and unloading plant in a sea or river port, in particular for ISO containers, comprising a container storage facility which is located along a quay and consists of individual line-type storage modules and at least one loading device for handling loads to and from a vessel on the quay. In this case, the loading plant for loading and unloading loads comprises at least one mobile harbor crane (5), whose load jib extends into the area of at least one transfer point (6) which is provided within a container storage facility (7) consisting of a number of storage modules (9, 9.1, 9.2) with a number of container rows that depends on the width of the module, and forms an interface between the mobile harbor crane (5) and the storage modules (9, 9.1, 9.2) of the container storage facility (7).

Abstract: A security device for a bottle having a neck fitted with a closure comprises a sleeve (10) adapted to fit over the neck of the bottle and a catch member (26) pivoted to the sleeve (10) for movement between free and locking positions. The catch member has an inner portion (13) which projects through an aperture (12) in the sleeve, into the bore thereof, which inner portion (13) is adapted to engage a shoulder of the bottle neck or an edge of the closure, thereby to resist removal of the sleeve (10) from a bottle neck when the device has been fitted thereto. A magnetic armature (38) is connected to the catch member (26) such that an applied magnetic field will move the armature (38) so as then to move the catch member to its free position and thereafter permit removal of the sleeve from the bottle. A housing (11) encloses the release mechanism and also a radio-frequency or other security responder whereby unauthorised removal of a bottle carrying the security device from a protected area will sound an alarm.

Abstract: A stopper for a bottle includes a resilient outer body having an axial bore, a rigid inner body disposed within the bore, and a valve actuator moveably disposed within an axial opening of the inner body. A lower flange portion of the outer body extends radially across the bore to an axial aperture having a sealing surface. The valve actuator has an upper operator portion connected to a lower valve body portion by a longitudinally extending shaft portion. The valve body portion is sealingly engageable with the sealing surface of the orifice to close the orifice.

Abstract: A method of etching a ferroelectric layer comprises etching a ferroelectric layer using boron trichloride gas and at least one auxiliary gas selected from the group consisting of a carbon-containing gas and a nitrogen-containing gas. The carbon-containing gas may include CHF3 or C2H4. The nitrogen-containing gas may include N2 or NF3. The method reduces side etching of ferroelectric layers, and in particular, PZT-based ferroelectric layers and thereby improves electrical performance and reliability of devices made therefrom.

Abstract: A method comprises depositing an organic material on a substrate; depositing additional material different from the organic material after depositing the organic material; and removing the organic material with a compressed fluid. Also disclosed is a method comprising: providing an organic layer on a substrate; after providing the organic layer, providing one or more layers of a material different than the organic material of the organic layer; removing the organic layer with a compressed fluid; and providing an anti-stiction agent with a compressed fluid to material remaining after removal of the organic layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring integrated flexure including a stainless-steel substrate for supporting a magnetic head slider thereon, a wiring conductor formed on the stainless-steel substrate, posts made of a flexible resin and interposed between the stainless-steel substrate and the wiring conductor for electrically isolating the wiring conductor from the stainless-steel substrate, and the posts disposed along the lengthwise direction of the wiring conductor with spacing from each other.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a distribution of a density of a plasma and/or a distribution of a chemical composition of a plasma, thereby adjusting the characteristics of a reaction used to process a substrate. The distribution of the density and/or the chemical composition are controlled by adjusting the geometry of recombination surfaces that are in contact with the plasma and which thereby stimulate the recombination of ions and electrons in particular regions of the plasma. For example, a recombination member having a predetermined geometry can be provided in order to adjust the plasma density and chemistry in one or more local regions. In addition, plasma density can be adjusted by providing a conductive shield to reduce the coupling of RF power to particular regions of the plasma, thereby reducing plasma density in these regions. By adjusting the distribution of the density and chemical composition of a plasma, uniformity of a plasma processes (e.g.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a method of removing at least a portion of a material from a substrate, comprising: a) first etching the material in a reaction chamber; b) second etching the material in the reaction chamber; and c) cleaning a component of the material from at least one sidewall of the reaction chamber between the first etching and the second etching.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic placement of indicia, such as logo, and manufacturer and material information, on planar workpieces, such as glass. This apparatus is suitable for line processing. When the workpiece arrives at the apparatus, a shuttle, housing a laser, moves over the workpiece to find the edges of the workpiece using an optical sensor also within the shuttle. The shuttle may then move to the interior of the workpiece according to a suitable offset as instructed by the software. When the shuttle is in position, the laser may impart one or more indicia to the workpiece at an orientation instructed by a software module. The indicia may consist, for example, of a graphics file, which may be made up of another graphics file such as a logo, and textual information regarding the workpiece properties, place or date of manufacture, or the like.

Abstract: An abrasive free formulation for chemical mechanical polishing and method for using the formulation for polishing copper and related materials. The abrasive free formulation has a high removal rate on copper and a low removal rate on barrier material. The abrasive free formulation comprises at least an oxidizing agent and an activating agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for generating a chemically active jet (active gas jet) by a plasma generated by electric discharge in a process gas. It is the object of the invention to find a novel possibility for generating a chemically active jet by a plasma generated by electric discharge in which high chemical activity develops at increased process gas velocity of the active gas jet on the surface to be treated and is electrically neutral already at the output of the arrangement, so that it does not pose a threat to the operating personnel, the environment and the treated surface. This object is met in that the discharge chamber has a conically narrowed end for increasing the velocity of the active gas jet, and a limiting channel for preventing propagation of the discharge zone into the free space for the surface to be treated is arranged following the narrowed end of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A quasi-CW diode-pumped, A-O Q-switched solid-state harmonic laser system (10) synchronizes timing of the quasi-CW pumping with movement of the positioning system (36) to reduce pumping while the positioning system (36) is moving from one target area (31) to the next target area (31) to form multiple vias in a substrate at a high throughput. Thus, the available UV power for via formation is higher even though the loading to the laser pumping diodes (14) remains the same as that currently available through conventional CW pumping with conventionally available laser pumping diodes (14). The quasi-CW-pumping current profile can be further modified to realize a preferred UV pulse amplitude profile.

Abstract: A laser material processing head for monitoring and adjusting a laser welding process. The present invention provides a laser material processing head having a laser source for providing a laser beam for laser welding a workpiece. A position sensor coupled to the laser material processing head measures the difference between the actual position of the workpiece and a predetermined theoretical position of the workpiece. An adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the laser beam in response to the position sensor. A closed loop controller interfaces the position sensor with the adjustment mechanism thereby providing a closed loop system within the laser material processing head.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting workpieces, which include a laser adapted to at least partially cut a workpiece, are described. The workpiece is a wafer having a plurality dies each with an integrated circuit. A mechanical cutter follows the laser and engages the workpiece. An embodiment of the mechanical cutter includes a cutting blade adapted to complete a cut through a workpiece. A method includes a two-pass cutting procedure. The first pass is made by a laser, which scribes the workpiece. The second pass is made by the mechanical cutter. In an embodiment, the mechanical cutter follows the scribe created by the laser. In an embodiment, the workpiece is supported by a table. The workpiece moves relative to the laser and the mechanical cutter.

Abstract: In a method for the laser drilling of holes in a circuit substrate with the aid of a perforated mask, a laser beam is moved in the region of the perforated mask on a circular path. The center point of the region lies concentrically with respect to the set position of the respective hole in the mask. Further, the diameter of the region is smaller than the diameter of the hole. At the same time, the diameter of the laser beam spot is chosen to be large enough that it always covers the center point of the perforated mask during the circular motion. As a result, an energy distribution of the laser energy, which is as uniform as possible, is achieved in the region of the perforated mask.

Abstract: Drilling holes in structures using two different lasers allows a precise hole to be formed quickly. While one laser cuts a hole quickly, a second laser precisely shapes the hole. One useful application of such a method is drilling holes in multilayered structures such as Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs). One laser can precisely remove a first layer (copper) and a portion of a second layer (dielectric material). During this removal the shape of the hole is precisely formed. A second laser can remove the remaining portion of the second layer, exposing a third layer (copper). The use of the second laser can allow rapid removal of the remaining portion of the second layer. When cutting through a PWB, the second laser can be of a type that minimally damages the third copper layer.