Abstract: Disclosed are methods of cleaning articles of manufacture using hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon fluids. The methods comprise generally the steps of (a) providing a hydrofluorocarbon and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbon fluid in liquid or supercritical state; (b) contacting an article of manufacture with said fluid; and (c) removing substantially all of said fluid from said article of manufacture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of stripping resist efficiently in a short amount of time. A stripping solution under high pressure is jetted from a nozzle to a rotating wafer. The resist layer on the wafer is applied with the jetted stripping solution, and the resist layer can be efficiently stripped in a short amount of time by the multiplied effect by the physical effect caused by the impact of the jetted stripping solution and the chemical effect of the stripping solution.

Abstract: A processing apparatus essentially includes a rotatable rotor 21 for carrying semiconductor wafers W, a motor 22 for driving to rotate the rotor 21, a plurality of processing chambers for surrounding the wafers W carried by the rotor 21, for example, an inner chamber 23 and an outer chamber 24, a chemical supplying unit 50, an IPA supplyig unit 60, a rinse supplying unit 70 and a drying fluid supplying unit 80. With this constitution of the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the wafers from being contaminated due to the reaction of treatment liquids of different kinds, with the improvement of processing efficiency and miniaturization of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chamber cleaning gas for Si film, SiO2 film, Si3N4 film or high-melting metal silicite film, the gas comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of CF3CF═CF2, 1

Abstract: In the present invention a car wash system is provided with a plurality of additive supplies, often referred to as solutions in the car wash industry, each supply feeding to a manifold including a common meter that has a value associated with each of the separate additive supplies for controlling flow from each of the supplies. A single variable speed pump under control of the computer pumps water through the meter and against the vehicle to be washed. The flow of the water through the meter aspirates additives from the supplies that mix with the water stream in the meter. Opening and closing of the valves to admit one or more of the additives to the water stream is responsive to a pre selected car wash cycle that is controllable by a controller.

Abstract: An umbrella system for rafts and other moving vehicles is described. The umbrella system includes a support system offset from the umbrella so that the support mast. The support system also includes one or more quick-connection/quick-disconnection systems so that the umbrella system can be quickly removed from the raft or vehicle and disassembled into several, shorter, more compact parts. The preferred umbrella opening and closing system does not include cables, cranks, or other complex structure, but rather is made from a handle underneath the center of the umbrella that can be manually pushed and pulled upward and downward, respectively, to open and close the umbrella. The umbrella system can be adjusted to shade a large area by a few simple adjustments of a preferred pivotal joint, or by quick detachment of the support system from the raft and re-attachment in another location on the raft, for example.

Abstract: A walker for providing a patient having a breathing disorder the ability to carry an oxygen bottle safely upon the walker. The walker has a pair of side frames having front vertical bars that are connected by a pair of cross members. Wheels are attached to the front bars of the frame for propelling the walker. An open top canvas bag containing the oxygen bottle is suspended from the top cross member so that the center of gravity of the bottle lies in a common vertical plane with the wheel axis and is centered between the frames. Stabilizers are provided to prevent the bottle from moving side to side or out of the frame.

Abstract: A flexible blast curtain will reduce casualties and property damage in the event of a terrorist bombing by intercepting flying debris and dissipating over pressure through deflection of the curtain. The blast curtain may be attached directly to buildings or mounted on frames anchored in close proximity to buildings. The curtain provides complete visibility and easy pedestrian ingress and egress for the buildings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tent, and more particularly, to a waterproof structure of a tent floor corner portion which can obtain a perfect waterproof effect of a tent corner portion by forming a cut hole by cutting away a plurality of corner portions formed by fabric cloth sides and a fabric cloth floor surface of a tent, connecting a tarpaulin corner cloth to the cut hole to be overlapped with each other, attaching overlapped portions by sewing and heat-sealing a plurality of tarpaulin disc members sewn with a webbing tape to the tarpaulin corner cloth, which can manufacture a better-looking tent by differentiating the color of the tarpaulin corner cloth and presenting a variety of peculiar designs, and which can acquire a very economic effect by obtaining a maximum waterproof effect with a minimum amount of an expensive tarpaulin cloth.

Abstract: A machine for the automated assembly of wafers such as solar cells into strings, comprising a control system, a cell loader with wafer inspection station, a cell tab loader, a string assembly station, and a platen with adjacent pairs of individual cell, opposing edge grippers having multiple sets of vertically operable pincer action fingers for holding cells in string alignment during soldering. The string assembly station has a cooperating cell support and tab tail support mechanism providing for a tab tail hand off from one to the other with a platen indexing movements of cell pitch distance. The platen moves from the string assembly station through a soldering station consisting of a preheat, soldering, and cooling zones spaced a cell pitch distance apart. A string unloader moves completed strings through a string inspection station placing strings in a good or bad string holding area.

Abstract: A backup power supply apparatus includes at a light source absorbing device which consists of at least one light source absorbing element. The light source absorbing element is pivotally engaged with each other and is foldable for housing inside a casing to facilitate carrying outdoors for use. The light source absorbing element may be unfolded to absorb light source to generate electric power output required by a load.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises a solar cell section and a thin film battery section. The solar cell section includes one or more solar cells, which generate electrical power and charge electricity in the thin film battery section when they receive light. The thin film battery section can be attached to or fabricated on the non-light-receiving side of or separated apart from the solar cell section and comprises one or more thin film batteries. This invention eliminates the requirement of using a bulky rechargeable battery to store the energy generated by the solar cell section. Thus, the rechargeable solar battery not only has the recharging capability, it is also thin and light. This invention is very usefully especially for portable devices and solar powered devices.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell comprises a p-layer, an i-layer and an n-layer formed in this order as a pin junction on a substrate in which the p-layer and the i-layer are thin silicon films each containing a crystalline component, and the p-layer contains p-type impurities of 0.2 to 8 atom % and has a thickness of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-weight thin-film photovoltaic cells, methods for making cells, modules made from cells, and methods for making modules from cells. The invention teaches a manner in which individual cells may be bonded to one another, eliminating the need for an additional support substrate and interconnecting leads, thus reducing the overall weight and thickness of individual cells and modules of the cells.

Abstract: A charge transfer material comprising a basic compound having negative charge and represented by the following general formula (I):

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a gel electrolyte that contains a gelling agent and an electrolyte, wherein the gelling agent contains at least one kind of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a first polymer in which polysulfonic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two, a second polymer in which polycarboxylic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two, a third polymer in which a quatertiary ammonium salt of polysulfonic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two and a fourth polymer in which a quatertiary ammonium salt of polycarboxylic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: A burst disk assembly has a burst disk which is interposed within the high pressure relief vent of a superconducting magnet. The burst disk is a composite design constructed of a solid carbon graphite center surrounded by an integrally formed stainless steel ring. A captured burst disk flange insures proper placement and seating of the burst disk during replacement and supports the burst disk so as to prevent it from falling or dropping out of the assembly during replacement of the ruptured burst disk. A deformable gasket contiguous to the burst disk seals the burst disk to the captured burst disk flange when the disk and the flange are pressed together. Attachment bolts are used to provide even application of pressure along the face of the burst disk and the captured burst disk flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying oxygen includes an oxygen-rich gas supplying unit for discharging an oxygen-rich gas. The oxygen-rich gas supplying unit is provided with a first passage through which the oxygen-rich gas flows, a side surface of the first passage having an opening formed therein, a second passage through which an atmospheric air flows, one end of the second passage is attached to a periphery of the opening formed in the side surface of the first passage in such a manner that the first passage communicates with the second passage, an oxygen sensor for measuring an oxygen concentration of the oxygen-rich gas and installed in the side surface of the first passage, and a valve assembly for closing and opening the second passage and attached to the second passage.

Abstract: A fuel vapor venting system for fuel tanks having a saddle-shaped upper wall. A vapor vent valve is disposed entirely within the tank in each vapor dome compartment formed by the upper tank wall. The vent valves are interconnected by a conduit passing under the lowest portion of the upper tank wall and a drain valve installed in the lowest point of the conduit. The drain valve may be pressure operated or float operated.

Abstract: A fluid diverter apparatus and method includes, in a processing system utilizing multiple fluids, a containment enclosure. A first drain connects the processing system with the containment enclosure. A remotely manipulable diverter is connected to the first drain inside the containment enclosure. A second drain is connected to the diverter on one end and to a first recovery system outside of the containment enclosure on the other end. A third drain is connected to the diverter on one end and to a second recovery system outside of the containment enclosure on the other end.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting an object, such as a valve or a spa jet about an aperture in a wall such as a bath or shower wall. The assembly has the advantage that the object can be mounted such that it projects a predetermined distance from the front surface of the wall and can be secured to the wall by rotating a member on the front side of the wall.

Abstract: A valve and tank enclosure assembly for use on a snowplow that includes a frame, a valve assembly, a tank, and a cover. The frame and cover of the enclosure cooperate to provide a seal from water spray. Hydraulic lines within the enclosure are routed such that moisture is prevented from contacting the valve assembly. The tank is mounted within the frame at three-locations and elevated so that forces from vehicle operation are isolated from acting upon the tank. The assembly also includes a pivoting shelf supporting the valve assembly, the pivoting shelf providing wide-open access to the valve assembly from a range of directions.

Abstract: A security device for valve assemblies provided with an external threaded plug (7) for protecting the respective valving member, comprising a plug covering cap (2, 12) generally in the shape of a cup the inner diameter of which exceeds the outer diameter of the plug, and provided at its mouth an anti-withdrawal member (22) arranged to engage the base of said plug.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: A guided ball check valve in which the ball is guided to prevent radial wander. The guided ball valve comprises a valve housing having a cylindrical bore. A conical valve seat is provided at a first end of the cylindrical bore. Axial grooves are formed into the cylindrical wall of the bore to provide means for the passage of fluid through the check valve when open. A spherical ball slides in the cylindrical bore between a closed position in which the spherical ball is seated against the conical valve seat and an open position in which a gap is formed between the spherical ball and the conical valve seat. The spherical ball has diameter substantially equivalent to that of the cylindrical bore such that the cylindrical wall of the bore engages and guides the spherical ball as the spherical ball linearly translates between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing the injection of hydrate inhibitors into a valve cavity without washing out the valve seals, generally comprising a valve having a sealing member, such as a gate or a ball, that provides for fluid communication between the valve cavity and the valve flowbore. One embodiment of a valve constructed in accordance with the present invention is an expanded gate valve comprising a valve body having a flowbore intersecting a valve cavity and a gate assembly disposed within said cavity. The gate assembly is a parallel expanding gate assembly having ported, juxtaposed members that are moveable into a sealing arrangement with upstream and downstream valve seats disposed about the flowbore. The gate assembly further comprises a flow path that enables direct fluid communication between the aligned ports and the valve cavity.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator capable of generating free fluid jets having distinctive, controllable and industrially/commercially useful flow patterns has a switching chamber having an inlet port that allows a pressurized fluid to enter and flow through the oscillator, an exhaust passage having a sidewall that forms one boundary wall of the switching chamber, a container passage having a sidewall that forms the second boundary wall of the switching chamber, a compliance member connected to the distal end of the container passage, and an expansion chamber connected to the distal end of the exhaust passage, with the expansion chamber having an exhaust orifice that allows fluid to flow from the oscillator. In operation, such an oscillator yields a contained fluid jet that issues from the inlet port into the swishing chamber and alternately switches its flow direction between the container and exhaust passages.

Abstract: A compact orifice and an orifice clogging preventing mechanism respectively integrated with a hydraulic control unit in the orifice of a fluid passage of the hydraulic control unit formed by inserting plate between two parts and the orifice clogging preventing mechanism. One groove type fluid passage formed in the first part is in communicate with a groove type fluid passage formed in the second part via a group of small holes formed in a plate. The groove type fluid passage in the second part is in communicate with a separate groove type fluid passage in the first part from the groove type fluid passage in the first part via an orifice formed on the plate and the diameter of each small hole in the group of small holes is set to a smaller value than that of the orifice.

Abstract: An integrated pneumatic manifold for installations that require electrical and other components to be separated from a harmful or dangerous environment, in which pneumatic (and/or hydraulic) devices operate, the manifold comprising a block that has drilled into it a large number of passages that are directed in various directions and located at various levels, some passages crossing partially and some wholly with others and cavities machined in various positions. The block has mounting points for components on its surfaces and passive and active pneumatic components are integrated into the cavities and passages of the block. The block serves as a separation between the safe and harmful environments and as a substitution for many passive and active pneumatic components that would normally be individually connected.

Abstract: A mobile water modifying system adapted to be readily interposed into a water pipe structure or network extending between a preconstructed facility and an external water supply is provided. The system can receive water from the water supply, modify the water, and transfer the modified water to the facility. The system includes a plurality of valved connectors to connect to the water pipe structure and control water pressure as the system is interposed into the water pipe structure or network. Different modes of water modification can be effected by incorporating different types of water modifiers in the system. These water modifications include heating water, cooling water and treating water to remove organic and non-organic contaminants. Methods also are provided for correcting an interruption in the supply of usable water to a facility and for avoiding such interruptions during repair or replacement at the facility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reinforcing duct work is provided. In one embodiment, a reinforcement comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end. A pair of plugs is insertable into the first and second ends of the conduit. Each of the plugs has a groove extending along the circumference of the plug, and the plugs are crimped inside the conduit along the grooves. Each of the plugs may have a threaded end extending out of the plug and being retractable into said plug. Alternatively, each of the plugs may have an internally threaded opening extending at least partially through the plug. In this embodiment, the conduit can be secured to duct work by aligning the conduit with holes in the duct work, and inserting a bolt through the holes and into the internally threaded openings of the plugs.

Abstract: A reinforced pipe for transporting a fluid comprising aggressive gases and/or liquids, such as wet natural gas, comprising a plastic inner pipe and, surrounding the inner pipe, a reinforcing layer with fibres which have a high tensile strength, such as aramid fibres or fibres made from steel with a high carbon content. A barrier layer, which is impermeable or of low permeability to the fluid, is located between the inner pipe and the reinforcing layer, which barrier layer is stuck so that it rests completely against the inner pipe.

Abstract: An insulated pipeline comprises an inner pipe, and an outer poly sleeve co-axial with the inner pipe. The inner pipe and the outer poly sleeve are in spaced relationship to define an annulus. An insulating core within the annulus encases lengthwise the inner pipe, and comprises a plurality of pre-cured syntactic elements. A first binder fills interstices in the annulus. The pre-cured syntactic elements include microspheres and a second binder. Each of the pre-cured syntactic elements may also include macrospheres. The pre-cured syntactic elements are preferably extruded and cylindrically shaped. In addition, in one embodiment, the second binder is preferably more rigid than the first binder.

Abstract: A small diameter metal tube having at least two inner diameters is provided. A method for producing this metal tube is also provided. In this method, a plate member having a development shape of the metal tube is blanked from a metal thin plate so that the plate member is left partly tied to the metal thin plate, the plate member is press formed into a tubular body having the at least two inner diameters, and the plate member partly tied to the metal thin plate is cut apart to produce the metal tube having at least two inner diameters.

Abstract: The patterned scarf is made up of a first and a second layer of fabric (2, 4) which are interwoven at the edges (6, 8). The scarf has colours and/or patterns which are formed with weft threads (12) by spaced out insertions between warp threads (10) of the same colour. The warp threads (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) consist of a textured yarn consisting of chemical fibres, in order to improve the appearance of the fringes (14) at the transverse edges (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing a filled flexible pouch is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical cup member having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween the upper end and lower end. An inside portion of the side wall includes a pair of opposed guide channels for receiving the flexible pouch, and the side wall includes a slot positioned adjacent guide member. The side wall includes a notched opening positioned above each of the guide channels. The apparatus also includes a pouch opening lever arm pivotally attached to the side wall of the cup member, having a lower portion below the pivotal attachment with a wheel at an outer end and an upper portion above the pivotal attachment with an outwardly extending push member at an outer end. The manufacturing process includes the steps of placing the flexible pouch into the guide channels of the cylindrical cup member, while the lever arm is pivoted outwardly.

Abstract: Sample processing devices with electrophoresis channels and methods of loading the electrophoresis channels with electrophoresis sieving polymer while rotating the sample processing device are disclosed. In some instances, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation of the sample processing device. In other sample processing devices, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged in curved arcs that are concentric about the center of the sample processing device (which preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation).

Abstract: This invention relates to a service coupling for coupling a vehicle to a service port such that one or more services are transferable therebetween. The coupling comprises a plug comprising at least one service engagement portion; and a receptacle comprising an opening to receive the plug, and at least one service engagement portion positioned to engage the plug service engagement portion when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The engagement is such that a service is transferable between the plug and receptacle. At least one of the plug and receptacle service engagement portions is arcuate thereby enabling engagement to be maintained between the plug and receptacle engagement portions when the plug is rotated about the axis and within the arc-length of the arcuate engagement portion.

Abstract: A glycol proportioning station that provides a deicing mixture of glycol and water to tank trucks that in turn spray the deicing mixture onto aircraft. The invention includes a remote control that is positioned where the truck is loaded and which runs in parallel with the controls on the main unit of the system. The proportioning system operates with an economy of parts by employing constant flow rates of both water and glycol. The desired percentage of glycol in the effluent is obtained by initially setting the position of one or more modulating valves provided on each of separate water and glycol lines and then employing a refractometer feedback loop to modulate the flow in one or both of the input lines. A static mixer positioned along the effluent line upstream of the in-line refractometer provides a uniform glycol-water mixture. The system provides other novel features such as a “last fill” option that prevents the system from freezing when it is not being used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connectivity device for passively connecting a vehicle to a service port. The connectivity device comprises a mount for mounting to one of the vehicle or service port; a deployment apparatus movably attached to the mount; a plug for coupling to a receptacle in the other of the vehicle or service port; and, a compliant member attaching the plug to the deployment apparatus. The compliant member provides sufficient compliance for the plug to engage the receptacle when the connectivity device is in range of but not perfectly aligned with the receptacle.

Abstract: A balloon neck fitting includes a check valve section having a peripheral housing and a peripheral flange extended radially outward from the peripheral housing for engaging with a larger balloon. The housing includes a chamber for receiving a gas supplying nozzle, and one or more extensions engaged with the neck of the balloons. Another housing is formed on top of the housing and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the housing for engaging with a neck of a smaller balloon, and for allowing the smaller balloon to be inflated and received in the larger balloon.

Abstract: A soft magnetic powder material which includes an iron system powdered particle having an insulating coat with high insulation performance, a polyamide system resin, and a thermoplastic resin having a melting point equal to or higher than 200° C.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for optimizing heat treatment of precipitation-hardened alloys having at least one precipitate phase by decreasing aging time and/or aging temperature using thermal growth predictions based on a quantitative model. The method includes predicting three values: a volume change in the precipitation-hardened alloy due to transformations in at least one precipitation phase, an equilibrium phase fraction of at least one precipitation phase, and a kinetic growth coefficient of at least one precipitation phase. Based on these three values and a thermal growth model, the method predicts thermal growth in a precipitation-hardened alloy. The thermal growth model is particularly suitable for Al-Si-Cu alloys used in aluminum alloy components. The present invention also discloses a method to predict heat treatment aging time and temperature necessary for dimensional stability without the need for inexact and costly trial and error measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of surface treatment of metallic materials, more particularly, to a method of the surface self-nanocrystallization of metallic materials by the bombarding of supersonic fine particles. The method comprises the step of bombarding the surface of metallic substrate material with fine particles at supersonic speed of 300-1200 m/s carried by a compressed gas, which is ejected from a nozzle. The present method can be used for the surface self-nanocrystallization of metallic parts with a complicated structure or a large area, and the nanometer layer obtained is homogeneous. In addition, it can be operated in a simple way with low energy consumption, low cost, high efficiency of production and high surface nanocrystallization rate of from 1 cm2 to 10 cm2/min.

Abstract: A article that is formed from high carbon steel has a circumferential surface that is hardened for the full circumference of the surface without a softened tempered segment in the surface. To this end, the article is heated until its temperature exceeds the Ms temperature for the high carbon steel, but only by 50° F. to 100° F. Then, while the article is maintained above the Ms temperature, a small localized area of the circumferential surface is subjected to a focused heat source which elevates the temperature of the steel at that area of the circumferential surface and immediately behind it above the lower critical temperature for the steel, so that at least some of the steel at the area transforms into austenite. The article rotates relative to the focused heat source, so that the localized area progresses over the entire circumferential surface, thus converting the steel along the entire surface into austenite.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high Cr system seamless steel pipe having a high inside surface quality with a high efficiency and at a reduced production cost is provided. An initial material including Cr at a content of 10 to 20%, and impurities S and P at respective contents of not more than 0.050% is used to form a finished pipe, and when using parameters, the total soaking period &Sgr;t1 (hours) for soaking the initial material to form a primary pipe material as a billet or bloom and the total soaking period &Sgr;t2 (hours) for soaking the primary pipe material, a finished pipe is formed at a heating temperature of 1,200° C. under the condition that the following equation (b) is satisfied: 1 F = f + 0.6 × ( 1 - 1 e ∑   ⁢ t1 ) + 0.8 × ( 1 - 1 e ∑ t2 ) > - 9.

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

Abstract: An iron-based alloy comprises 1.5 to 2.5 wt % of C, 0.25 to 4.75 wt % of Ni, and W and V in quantities surrounded by the line L as shown in FIG. 1 of the attached drawings with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The iron-based alloy is obtained by a first heat treatment for applying a solid solution treatment by rapidly cooling the iron-based alloy from a temperature of an austenite forming temperature or more to consequently obtain a mixed matrix comprising a base matrix of martensite and remaining austenite phases and a non-molten carbide, and a second heat treatment for cooling the iron-based alloy after precipitating an MC type carbide within an eutectoid transformation temperature range to consequently precipitate a low carbon content austenite phase.