Abstract: An improved CVD apparatus for depositing a uniform film is shown. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber, a substrate holder and a plurality of light sources for photo CVD or a pair of electrodes for plasma CVD. The substrate holder is a cylindrical cart which is encircled by the light sources, and which is rotated around its axis by a driving device. With this configuration, the substrates mounted on the cart and the surroundings can be energized by light of plasma evenly throughout the surfaces to be coated.

Abstract: A method for treating a moving surface, such as a rotating roller (11) or a moving belt (42), according to which method surface treatment elements (12), such as metallic brushes (12), are pressed against the surface to clean and smooth it. The brushes are cleaned at the edge of the surface. The brushes are connected to an endless chain (16) on which the brushes are moved in a transverse direction by a moving means (17). The apparatus may be mounted in conjunction with a roller or belt or connected to it via a doctor frame (31) or some other supporting structure (47).

Abstract: A new apparatus is provided that can be applied to clean outer edges of semiconductor substrates. Under the first embodiment of the invention, a brush is mounted on the surface of the substrate around the periphery of the substrate, chemicals are fed to the surface that is being cleaned by means of a hollow core on which the cleaning brush is mounted. The surface that is being cleaned rotates at a relatively high speed thereby causing the chemicals that are deposited on this surface (by the brush) to remain in the edge of the surface. Under the second embodiment of the invention, a porous roller is mounted between a chemical reservoir and the surface that is being cleaned, the surface that is being cleaned rotates at a relatively high speed. The chemicals that are deposited by the interfacing porous roller onto the surface that is being cleaned therefore remain at the edge of this surface thereby causing optimum cleaning action of the edge of the surface.

Abstract: A coherent body (B) of wet crushed ice is pumped along a pipe (5). The crushed ice body can be used as a means of cleaning the pipe wall, as a means of driving a product liquid out of the pipe for recovery, or as a barrier for preventing mixing of two different bodies of liquid (1,2) in the pipe to either side of it. Being coherent but flowable and non-tensile, the mass of crushed ice can negotiate internal constrictions, obstructions and junctions of the pipe readily, unlike conventional solid or gelled pigs.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method are provided wherein particles etc. adhering to a substrate after processing can be reduced.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention include an tubing disposed within an conduit to assure flow through the outer pipe. The tubing string is nearly neutrally buoyant or substantially buoyant and has a cleaning and monitoring tool attached to its end. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing material from an conduit includes an tubing extending through the conduit and having a flowbore adapted to flow fluids within the tubing and a monitoring and cleaning tool attached to and receiving the fluids from the tubing. The tool preferably includes a plurality of nozzles, a sonic measuring device, and an expandable element.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes an interior tub and a wash pump for pumping wash liquid to wash dishes located in the interior tub. A pump motor for driving the wash pump is regulated by a control unit that adjusts a spraying pressure of wash liquid. The method for operating a dishwasher includes sensing the degree to which wash liquid is soiled and regulating the speed of a pump motor for spraying wash liquid against the dishes, depending upon the degree to which the wash liquid is soiled. The regulation of the pump motor adjusts the wash liquid spraying pressure.

Abstract: A clean equipment for removing polymer residues on sidewalls of metal lines and method thereof are provided. The present clean equipment comprises a stripping solution bath, at least an organic solvent bath, an overflow bath and a dryer. A gas bubbler and a lattice-like cassette stage are positioned within the organic solvent bath. The gas bubbler provides gas flow in the organic solvent bath to increase the convection of the organic solvent. The lattice-like cassette stage is used for supporting cassettes for carrying wafers. By way of increasing the number of bubbling apertures of the gas bubbler and designing the gas bubbler structure in a way that preventing the bubbling apertures from being blocked by the lattice-like cassette stage, the convection effectiveness of the organic solvent is increased. Thereby, the stripping solution can be effectively removed with the organic solvent.

Abstract: In a substrate treating unit, a removal liquid supplying mechanism supplies a removal liquid to the surface of a substrate. In order to retain the removal liquid on the surface of the substrate for a fixed time, a spin chuck is operated to spin the substrate at such a low speed as to retain the removal liquid on the substrate, or spins the substrate intermittently, or temporarily stops spinning of the substrate. Thus, treatment with the removal liquid progresses without a further supply of the removal liquid, thereby restraining consumption of the removal liquid.

Abstract: A method is invented to remove lead based paint from a large outdoor steel structure without emission of the lead fragments to the environment. The method of this invention protects the surroundings from contamination by the lead contained in the paint material. The method of this invention utilizes the different thermal expansion coefficients of the paint and the steel structure. Adhesive materials, including but not limited to, epoxy resin monomers, sand particles, grout, are added on the surface of an existing lead based paint layer. A protection layer, including but not limited to a paper and fabrics, is laid on the top of the slurry to soak the monomers in. The epoxy resin is cured firmly by proper activator of, including but not limited to, heat and peroxide. Liquid nitrogen, which is supplied through a rubber hose, is sprayed on the surface of protection layer of, including but not limited to, a “Chang Ho Ji” paper.

Abstract: An automatic wine barrel washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base portion having a plurality of horizontal and vertical support members, a top portion mounted on said base portion. The top portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart roller support plates, and a plurality of sinks disposed within the top portion. Each of the sinks include a drain and drain lines. Motorized wash tubes having heads are provided, each of wash tube heads adapted for insertion into a wine barrel through the wine barrel bung hole. The wash tubes are in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water. Wash tube elevation means selectively raise and lower the wash tubes, and wash tube rotating means rotate the wash heads during a wash cycle. A barrel wash cycle is controlled by a PLC or microprocessor.

Abstract: A system for treating, in liquids, a mass-production parts contained in transport baskets, comprising at least one tank which contains liquid for submerging the transport baskets, at least one transport vehicle for the transport baskets, by means of which transport vehicle the transport baskets can be moved over the at least one tank, at least one basket carrier which is arranged at the transport vehicle in such a way that its height is adjustable, which is able to grip a transport basket, submerge same in the tank, rotatingly drive same around an axis and lift same out of the tank, as well as a clamp for securing the basket carrier relative to the at least one tank.

Abstract: At the present time, no device exists that allows people to connect standard umbrellas to standard lawn chairs. The ShadeMeister fills this void. Attaching umbrellas to lawn chairs will prove useful for those individuals who wish to have shade while sitting and watching outdoor athletic events, enjoying the beach, tailgate parties, and other outdoor activities. This device enables people to use the umbrellas and chairs that they already own and create shade for themselves with little cost and effort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlling apparatus of an automatic umbrella, which mainly includes a controlling slice being pivoted within a button by a pin and is possibly swung in an inclined or a horizontal position. It controls the umbrella to be opened or closed during pressing the button first or second time and it has a simple and utilized assembly.

Abstract: An improved collapsible frame structure for use on an outdoor sunshade or parasol which is equipped with a minor extension arm coupled to a main runner of a main mast and a main extension arm in pivotal connection to a top retainer of the main mast at one end and to a lower end of a secondary stretching strut at the other end. The main extension arm and the minor extension arm are mutually coupled to each other at their middle points. The secondary stretching strut is further pivotally coupled to an extended pivot end of either the minor runner or the top notch of the sunshade or parasol so as to permit the sunshade to be extended in an easier and smoother manner when the main runner is pushed up or pulled down by a user.

Abstract: A hunting accessory comprises a pair of essentially identical shells which are removably attachable to one another by hinges. At least one shell comprises an unbroken, continuous, waterproof hull useful as the lower portion of a blind in water or marshy areas. A second shell may include a separate openable portion with viewing openings disposed over the hunter's head and upper body when the assembly is used as a blind with a supine hunter concealed therein. The smaller portion is opened when the hunter has a shot at game in the vicinity. The device may also be used for the carriage of hunting equipment, and/or is useful as a closed container for containing and hauling loose materials (leaves, etc.) in an open vehicle. The two shells may be separated from one another, with one of the shells being useful as a game drag or the like.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module with a simple structure with less breakage by thermal stress is provided. For this purpose, the thermoelectric module includes p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) which are alternately placed, and outer electrodes (15) and inner electrodes (16), which are alternately placed between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14), and at least part of at least either one of the outer electrode (15) or the inner electrode (16) has a shape approximately along an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16). The inner electrodes (16) surround an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16).

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar photoelectric module having the two-sided light-absorbing characteristic to converse light energy source into electric energy source. The present solar photoelectric module comprises a solar cell module and a backlight module which is arranged at a backlight position of the photoelectric module so as to the present solar photoelectric module can directly absorb the solar light by the solar plate and utilizes the light-condensing effect of a backlight module and the two-sided light-absorbing effect to improve the output efficiency of the light source. The present invention further provides with advantages of high absorbing efficiency, small volume, and saving more space and it can apply to many related solar products.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides photovoltaic modules. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, at least two of which include a photosensitized nanomatrix layer and a charge carrier media. Preferably, the cells further include a catalytic media layer. The photovoltaic cells are disposed between a first electrical connection layer and a second electrical connection layer. In one embodiment, the cells are interconnected in series and the electrical connections layers each include conductive and insulative regions.

Abstract: Energy converting system including a cell array and a light concentrating unit directing concentrated light at the cell array, the cell array including a plurality of cells, wherein the cells are coupled together according to the flux of the concentrated light which reaches each of the cells.

Abstract: Device for generating power and providing shade in motor vehicles. A solar cell (1) having a reflective back surface layer is attached to a suitable body part (2) of a motor vehicle. An insulating and inner lining layer (3) is provided beneath the body part, which may be, for example, the body sheet of the roof of a vehicle. The solar cell mainly includes a supporting layer (11), a reflective layer (12) on the back of an active photovoltaic layer (13) and a protective layer (14) that covers the latter in an upward direction, i.e., toward the outside, in the direction of the incident radiation. The incident radiation, sunlight or daylight, is represented by the row of arrows (4), and the radiation reflected at the boundary between the photovoltaic layer and the reflective layer is represented by the two arrows (5).

Abstract: A solar cell having a multijunction solar cell structure with a bypass diode is disclosed. The bypass diode provides a reverse bias protection for the multijunction solar cell structure. In one embodiment, the multifunction solar cell structure includes a substrate, a bottom cell, a middle cell, a top cell, a bypass diode, a lateral conduction layer, and a shunt. The lateral conduction layer is deposited over the top cell. The bypass diode is deposited over the lateral conduction layer. One side of the shunt is connected to the substrate and another side of the shunt is connected to the lateral conduction layer. In another embodiment, the bypass diode contains an i-layer to enhance the diode performance.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises: an anode electrode including a conductive support and a porous semiconductor layer; a photosensitive dye; a charge transport layer; and a counter electrode support, wherein the anode electrode has the property of causing cathode luminescence having a luminous peak wavelength in a visible region and shows a haze rate H of 60% or more at a wavelength in the visible region.

Abstract: An air escape valve for a water line having a float switch mounted in a chamber connected to the water line. The float switch is connected to a solenoid valve that controls an air escape passageway from the chamber. The float switch is moved to the contact closed position and the solenoid valve to the valve closed position when water flows normally in the water line with sufficient water flowing into the chamber to raise and hold the float switch to the contact closed position. When enough air has entered the line to impede water flow, the water level in the chamber drops allowing the float switch to drop out of its contact closed position. This opens the electrical circuit to the solenoid so the solenoid valve no longer remains in its valve closed position, but moves to its normally biased valve open position. The air escape passageway is then open to allow the built-up air to escape, whereupon the water flow can return to normal.

Abstract: A vaporizer comprises disks each including an aperture at a central portion thereof. A hollow pipe having apertures for permitting radial outflow of a liquid extends through the aperture of each of the discs so as to form a stack of the discs. A resilient member applies a biasing force to the discs, and structure applies a force, via fluid control, against the biasing force to thereby remove the biasing force from the discs. Liquid in the hollow pipe is adapted to be delivered from the apertures to spaces between the discs and vaporized in the spaces between the discs.

Abstract: A water control valve configured for use with a bypass valve to automatically bypass cold or tepid water in a hot water supply line so as to maintain hot water at the fixture. The water control valve is useful for shower/tub facilities and for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashing machines. The water control valve for use with shower/tub facilities is adapted for the bypass valve to attach to or be adjacent to the water control valve by utilizing bypass ports, passageways and/or connectors. The water control valve for use with appliances is adapted to have a second outlet for connecting to a second water control valve or, for combination service valves, to have the bypass valve disposed in the tubular section between the hot and cold water components. The preferred bypass valve is a thermostatically controlled bypass valve of the type having a thermal actuating element.

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port. A plug is located within the housing and dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, with the upper and lower chamber being connected by a vent. The plug includes a fluid path between the inlet port and the bore. A yoke is adapted selectively close the fluid path in the plug. A diaphragm is located in the upper chamber and is connected to the yoke. A biasing member biases the yoke to open the fluid path through the plug. The diaphragm is configured to move the yoke to open the fluid path when pressure in the lower chamber and vented to the upper chamber through the vent is above a predetermined amount. The pressure regulator can also include a second biasing member used to positively close the fluid path through the plug.

Abstract: A pool cleaner reed valve for a pulsating submersible swimming pool cleaner which has a valve body (22) configured to fit into a pulsating valve enclosure. The body includes a rectangular inlet end (24) and an round outlet end (26) with a pair of filcrum points (30) and restricting boundaries (32) for retaining and confining valve movements. A pair of opposed rigid valve plates (50) are angularly juxtaposed within the valve inlet end contiguously engaging the fulcrum points and respective restricting boundaries such that each opposed blade rotates inwardly on the fulcrum point until the distal ends intimately engage as influenced by negative fluid pressure applied by a pool pump. A pair of torsion springs (70) surround each restricting boundary and interface with each valve plate returning them to a parallel position when fluid pressure is terminated. A resilient sleeve (72) is positioned on each spring for eliminating a metal to metal contact with the spring to the valve plate.

Abstract: A rotary slide for medium-carrying pipelines is proposed, comprising a housing (1) capable of being installed between two pipeline ends and having a stop member (9) for shutting off the pipeline and having an actuating device (8) for actuating the stop member, the housing possessing a first reception region (4) for receiving the stop member in the closed position of the rotary slide, a second reception region (5) for receiving the stop member in the open position of the rotary slide and a drive region (3) for receiving the actuating device, and the drive region (3) being arranged in the housing (1) separately from the first and the second reception region (4, 5). The rotary slide is distinguished by a compact and corrosion-resistant form of construction.

Abstract: A vapor vent system for a fuel tank having a vapor vent valve in the top of the tank with its outlet connected to a storage canister. In one embodiment the vent valve outlet is connected to the canister through a hose which is also connected to the filler tube for vapor recirculation. In another embodiment a conduit is connected at one end through the tank wall and the opposite end to the filler tube for vapor recirculation. A nozzle seal is provided in filler tube above the recirculation connection. The filler tube is sized, below the one-way valve connection, to effect a dynamic seal with refueling nozzle discharge to entrain vapor from the recirculation connection valve and any air leaking past the nozzle seal in the upper end of the filler tube and to create a negative pressure when vapor recirculation is cut off to ensure activation of the automotive nozzle shutoff.

Abstract: A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.

Abstract: A coupling system is disclosed for coupling fluid lines, which has no exposed moveable parts. The coupling system is resistant to accidental uncoupling due to vibration, impact or other physical hazards, resistant to dirt, debris, spills and other environmental hazards, can be coupled and uncoupled quickly and easily, and is resistant to accidental uncoupling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic, multi-way distributor comprising a body (10) with a water inlet passage (11) and several water outlet ways (12) towards just as many uses. A rotary diverter device (13) in said body is provided with an axial hole (16′) communicating with the water inlet passage and a lateral opening (16) designed to be positioned far away from or fully or partially in line with at least one of said outlet ways, in order to intercept the inlet water flow and to distribute water flow towards said uses, selevctively.

Abstract: A pilot control valve for mining hydraulics. The valve has an insert constructed as a valve cartridge, whose single or multipart valve housing has an input entry for pressure fluid, a connection opening for a load connection, an output opening, opening into the return flow and an axial boring to accept a valve closing body provided with a closing surface, liftable from a valve sealing seat arranged between the entry opening and the connection opening by an electromagnetic or piezoelectric switching device fastenable onto the valve housing. A singe part valve closing body is provided, having a collar shaped sealing surface and the moving part of the closing mechanism in the form of a shaft section, whereby the shaft section enters into a boring section of the axial boring during the lifting movement, closing a radial opening.

Abstract: A control valve system including a housing having an inlet, a first output, and a second output. The control valve system further includes a slidable valve positionable in a first position, where fluid communication is established between the inlet and the first output; a second position, where fluid communication is established between the inlet and the second output; and a third position, where fluid communication is prevented between the inlet and the first or second output. A solenoid valve assembly is coupled in fluid communication with the inlet and is positionable in an actuated position, where fluid communication is established with the inlet to move the valve from the first position to the second position, and a deactuated position. A piston selectively extendable to position the valve in the third position in response to fluid pressure within the first output.

Abstract: With a method of controlling the flow in a flow system where a liquid flow contains a particle concentration, the liquid flow is surrounded by a carrier liquid. The liquid flow and carrier liquid are led into a central channel in which there is provided an observation area (4) where measurements of the liquid flow are effected. The result of the measurements are used to lead the liquid flow into one of several channels, in that control liquids are introduced into the liquid flow before this reaches the channels, the control liquids being derived from a capillary pump structure which pumps on the basis of an electro-kinetic effect, e.g. an electro-osmotic effect. In a preferred embodiment, the pump structure consists of two capillary structures, to each of which an electrical field can be applied. Depending on the strength of the field, the amount of control liquid will be able to be controlled so that the liquid flow with the particle concentration can be led to one of two channels.

Abstract: The flexible pipe comprises a plastic sealing sheath and, an inner plastic sheath which define an annular space in which structural elements are placed, the said structural elements comprising at least one armour ply consisting of metal wires wound helically with a long pitch, a end fitting (12, 13) being fitted at each end of the said flexible pipe (1), the device (14) comprising at least one external anode electrically connected by connection means to the said armour ply, and it is characterized in that the anode is placed in an intermediate region (40) of the flexible pipe (1) distal from the said end fittings, the connection means connecting the anode to at least one of the metal wires in the said intermediate region.

Abstract: A composite pipe includes a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner layer and a covering layer of fiber-reinforced plastics material which are joined to one another by force-locking and form-locking through an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a PFA layer and a layer of glass or carbon fibers, in order to improve adhesive and shear strength between the PTFE inner layer and the covering layer. The PFA layer is adjacent the PTFE inner layer and the layer of glass or carbon fibers is adjacent the covering layer of fiber-reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of a power-loom yarn feed device, whereby a drive motor for a rotating winding element is accelerated, decelerated or stopped, on demand, for yarn storage and, in order to avoid slack yarn during the stopping of the motor, the motor is independently driven slowly during a crawl phase, such that the motor is first stopped and then after stopping is slowly rotated in the crawl phase.

Abstract: A method to adjust weaving parameters of weaving machines when changing the weaving rate based on optimized weaving-parameter values, one or more altering functions being used to determine and adjust weaving-parameter values which match the changed weaving rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a crossbeam for a heddle frame of a loom allowing to make, at low cost and without waste, a lightweight and very rigid crossbeam, whose heddle-support rod is positioned on the support section in an accurate position that is completely linear, controlled and capable of being reproduced. This manufacturing method is characterized in that one uses a rigid model that has at least one rectilinear groove having a width substantially equal to that of the heddle-support rod; one positions the non-rigid heddle-support rod in the groove to make it rectilinear; one lays a glue line on the junction zone; one positions a rigid support section that is not necessarily rectilinear in a predetermined manner on the model and on the heddle-support rod by flattening the glue line, and one maintains the support section and the heddle-support rod integral with the model, at least while the glue is setting.

Abstract: A bank section (112a, 112b) are formed between a plurality of electrodes (111) which are formed on the base body (2). A functional layer is formed on each electrode (111) by injecting a composition from a plurality of nozzles. A display device is manufactured which is provided bank sections (112a, 112b) between the functional layers formed on the electrode (111). A nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are disposed to be inclined in a main scanning direction scans on the base body (2). A liquid drop (110c1) of the composition which is injected initially for each functional layer is injected so as to contact at least a part of the bank sections (112a, 112b).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.

Abstract: Device by means of which a supply container subjected to positive pressure is connected in a sealed manner to a consumer element with the aid of a sealing element, sealing in the direction of the surroundings taking place before an opening element opens the valve of the supply container. This is realized by a sealing element which, as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) from the base of the cutout, is wider than the opening element, and by an amount of play, which allows the sealing element to accommodate the full displacement.

Abstract: A platform device for attaching to a working table includes a pair of rails slidably supported on a base, and a plate slidably supported on the rails. The base includes two grooves for slidably receiving the rails. One or more stops are secured on the base, and two end boards secured to the ends of the rails for selectively engaging with the stops and for limiting the movement of the rail relative to the base. One or more blocks are secured to the plate for selectively engaging with either of the end boards and for limiting the movement of the plate relative to the rail.

Abstract: A ferritic heat-resisting steel that shows a slight decrease in creep strength at the heat affected zone of the welded joint. The steel is characterized by consisting of, by mass %, C: less than 0.05%, Si: not more than 1.0%, Mn: not more than 2.0%, P: not more than 0.030%, S: not more than 0.015%, Cr: 7-14%, V: 0.05-0.40%, Nb: 0.01-0.10%, N: not less than 0.001% but less than 0.050%, sol. Al: not more than 0.010%, and O (oxygen): not more than 0.010%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and further characterized in that the density of carbide and carbonitride precipitates contained with a grain diameter of not less than 0.3 &mgr;m is not more than 1×106/mm2. This steel may further contain one or more of the following elements: a total of 0.1-5.0% of Mo and W; a total of 0.02-5.00% of Cu, Ni and Co; a total of 0.01-0.20 of Ta, Hf, Nd and Ti; a total of 0.0005-0.0100% of Ca and Mg; and 0.0005-0.0100% of B.

Abstract: A ductile particle-reinforced amorphous matrix composite characterized in that ductile powder is dispersed into amorphous matrix and the mixture is plastically worked to be consolidated and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The amorphous powder includes any alloy, which can be produced in the form of amorphous structure and which is selected from the group consisting of Ni-, Ti-, Zr-, Al-, Fe-, La-, Cu- and Mg-based alloys. The method for manufacturing a ductile particle-reinforced amorphous matrix composite, the method comprising steps of preparing a mixture consisting of amorphous powder and ductile powder, obtaining a billet by compacting the mixture in a hermetically sealing condition, and plastic working the mixture by processing the billet at the temperature in the super-cooled liquid region of the amorphous alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of depositing a catalytic layer comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of noble metals, semi-noble metals, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof in sub-micron features formed on a substrate. Examples of noble metals include palladium and platinum. Examples of semi-noble metals include cobalt, nickel, and tungsten. The catalytic layer may be deposited by electroless deposition, electroplating, or chemical vapor deposition. In one embodiment, the catalytic layer may be deposited in the feature to act as a barrier layer to a subsequently deposited conductive material. In another embodiment, the catalytic layer may be deposited over a barrier layer. In yet another embodiment, the catalytic layer may be deposited over a seed layer deposited over the barrier layer to act as a “patch” of any discontinuities in the seed layer. Once the catalytic layer has been deposited, a conductive material, such as copper, may be deposited over the catalytic layer.

Abstract: A method for annealing and galvanizing wires which comprises induction heating the wires in a first chamber at a first higher temperature to anneal the wires, cooling the wires to a second lower temperature in a second chamber and galvanizing the wires in a third chamber. The chambers are in serial communication and the heating, cooling and galvanizing steps are effected in an oxygen free atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing highly worked pieces of AlCuMg alloy, comprising the steps of: