Abstract: Through the use of crushed foam glass derived from old glass or blast-furnace slag by way of aggregate for a casting compound which is bound with a binder, a building material was obtained that enables very wide-ranging applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of introducing a sealing composition into the subterranean zone comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and a rapidly acting thixotropy providing gelling agent, and allowing the sealing composition to remain at rest in the zone whereby the sealing composition rapidly gels and then sets into a hard impermeable mass therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segregation reducing agent consisting of curdlan and alkaline materials and a hydraulic composition containing the segragation reducing agent, particularly, the present invention relates to the segregation reducing agent prepared by alkalifying a curdlan-producing fermentation broth per se or a curdlan powder with an alkaline material, and also relates to hydraulic compositions, concrete and mortar, comprising the segregation educing agent. This segregation reducing agent can provide a great segregation reduction effect for hydraulic compositions even at its small amount as well as guarantee the strength, filling ability and fluidity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-levelling concrete and a method for making a structural part from said concrete. The concrete which comprises aggregate and solid particles with size grading not more than 12 mm, comprises a superplasticizer which is a compound containing a least an amino-(dialkylene phosphonic) group and at least a polyalkylated chain, or one of its salts. The method is implemented by advantageously pumping the concrete using one or several immersion tubes with their injecting end at a lower level than the framework.

Abstract: Prior to housing the crucible in the bowl, a consumable buffer ply is applied over at least a portion of the inside face of the bowl, the ply being constituted essentially by a non-rigid carbon fiber fabric for protecting the bowl from both physical and chemical interactions with the crucible. The buffer ply is essentially constituted by a flexible fabric selected from: a woven cloth, a knit, a multidirectional sheet, and a thin felt. Prior to putting the ply into place in the bowl, it is possible to form a thin deposit of pyrolytic carbon on the fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: A method for growing bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystal boules, preferably using a modified HVPE process, is provided. The single crystal boules typically have a volume in excess of 4 cubic centimeters with a minimum dimension of approximately 1 centimeter. If desired, the bulk material can be doped during growth to achieve n-, i-, or p-type conductivity. In order to have growth cycles of sufficient duration, preferably an extended Ga source is used in which a portion of the Ga source is maintained at a relatively high temperature while most of the Ga source is maintained at a temperature close to, and just above, the melting temperature of Ga. To grow large boules of AlGaN, preferably multiple Al sources are used, the Al sources being sequentially activated to avoid Al source depletion and excessive degradation.

Abstract: A rotatable cover plate assembly (10) has a cavity (13) and a rotatable base plate assembly (12) has a cavity (42) with a semiconductor wafer (14) mounted therein. The cover plate assembly (10) comes down onto the base plate assembly (12) enclosing the semiconductor wafer (14) and a dispenser (28) in a chamber formed by the cavities (13) and (42). The cover and base plates (16) and (40) are rotated as a single assembly, and coating material dispensed by the dispenser (28) onto the semiconductor wafer (14). A flow regulator (25) coupled via an exhaust manifold (20) controls the rate of evaporate of solvent from the dispensed coating material.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling and/or monitoring a semiconductor processing apparatus while predicting its processing results.

Abstract: The present invention is a film forming unit for discharging a coating solution from a coating solution discharge nozzle toward a substrate to form a layer on a surface of the substrate, which has a supply flow path for supplying a cleaning fluid to a discharge flow path continuing to a discharging port of the coating solution discharge nozzle. When the cleaning fluid is positively supplied directly to the discharge flow path of the coating solution discharge nozzle, the supply pressure of the cleaning fluid as well as the capability of cleaning is added. Therefore, further effective cleaning is attained in compare with the conventional case where a coating solution discharge nozzle is simply dipped into a cleaning fluid. In consequence, even when the discharging port of the nozzle is minute, it is possible to perfectly remove the contamination. This allows the discharge pressure to remain constant so as to form a uniform coating layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a finely-divided powder spray apparatus having a spray nozzle pipe for discharging spacers for liquid crystal displays from the tip together with a gas flow, which is disposed at a prescribed distance from a member to be sprayed, and comprising: a touch panel which enters control factors for controlling the moving-speed of the tip of the spray nozzle pipe at individual spray points the surface of the glass substrate; and an actuator driver which controls the moving speed of the tip of the spray nozzle pipe in accordance with the control factor entered by the touch panel.

Abstract: A treatment solution supply apparatus according to the present invention is a treatment solution supply apparatus for supplying a treatment solution onto a substrate which is disposed in a predetermined processing position on a mounting portion, comprising a treatment solution supply nozzle for supplying the treatment solution onto the substrate and a nozzle holder for releasably holding the treatment solution supply nozzle. The treatment solution supply nozzle is disposed in a predetermined stand-by position and the nozzle holder is movable in three dimensions. The movability of the nozzle holder in three dimensions makes it possible to finely adjust the position of the treatment solution supply nozzle and thereby, supply the treatment solution accurately to an appropriate position on the substrate.

Abstract: A dispenser device for dryable fluids is positioned at a product packaging machine dispenser station, with a first conveyor for feeding pieces of packaging material through the dispenser station, and a second conveyor for feeding the products to be packaged; the dispenser device being between the first and the second conveyors and designed to dispense a dryable fluid, consisting of an adhesive substance, onto the pieces at the dispenser station; the device having a dispenser part, with a plurality of nozzles for dispensing the adhesive substance and being located in a cylindrical shell of a hollow body; the shell having an opening which is opposite the pieces in the dispenser station, and the dispenser part being mobile relative to the hollow body between an operating position, in which the nozzles are at the opening, and a non-operating position in which the nozzles are at least at a cleaning and/or washing station inside a sealed chamber formed by the dispenser part and the shell.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an interior of a coating booth is proposed in which blast air is used as at least one of the means for cleaning. For primary cleaning of the coating booth, blast air and corresponding suction operations are used, whereby blowing and suction can be carried out simultaneously, cyclically or sequentially. The invention also relates to a coating booth. The floor and/or the ceiling of the coating booth are formed by a separate floor part and/or a ceiling part which are movable relative to the peripheral wall. The floor part and/or the ceiling part include a cleaning device which can optionally be integrated with the respective floor part and/or ceiling part. The floor part and/or the ceiling part hence operate as a cleaning device for the coating booth. The cleaning device can be displaced in the interior space of the coating booth in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A patterned coating on a prosthesis, for example a stent, and a method for forming the coating are disclosed. Additionally, an apparatus for forming the patterned coating is disclosed.

Abstract: A showerhead diffuser apparatus for a CVD process has a first channel region having first plural independent radially-concentric channels and individual gas supply ports from a first side of the apparatus to individual ones of the first channels, a second channel region having second plural independent radially-concentric channels and a pattern of diffusion passages from the second channels to a second side of the apparatus, and a transition region between the first channel region and the second channel region having at least one transition gas passage for communicating gas from each first channel in the first region to a corresponding second channel in the second region. The showerhead apparatus has a vacuum seal interface for mounting the showerhead apparatus to a CVD reactor chamber such that the first side and supply ports face away from the reactor chamber and the second side and the patterns of diffusion passages from the second channels open into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for coupling radio-frequency (RF) power to a metal plate in a ceramic pedestal. Perforations in the metal plate allow ceramic-to-ceramic bonding through the metal plate. The power from an RF power feed is distributed to the perforated metal plate via several electrodes that are spaced away from the centerline of the RF power feed, thus splitting power distribution. A ceramic bonding disk between the metal plate and the RF power feed provides mechanical support for the metal plate and a ceramic body to bond to through the perforations, thus reducing cracking of the metal plate and the surrounding ceramic material.

Abstract: A method of processing perforated gypsum boards is disclosed. When the gypsum boards have been perforated the following steps are performed while the boards are being moved individually along a path. The moving boards are sprayed with pressurized water which is directed towards the opposite surfaces of the boards so as to enter apertures or slots formed by the perforation of the boards, and then water is removed from the moving boards by blowing pressurized air against the boards and sucking water therefrom, wherein dust on the boards is entrained into the water and removed from the boards together with the water.

Abstract: A process and system for conditioning a bulk container for ultra-high purity liquefied gas. Vapor is generated in the container from a conditioning quantity of the ultra-high purity liquefied gas by imposing a temperature difference on the container so that the vapor condenses when a temperature difference is achieved. The resulting liquid reflux, e.g., the condensed liquid drips or flows back to the conditioning quantity of the liquified gas, washes or removes contaminants, e.g., particles, metal and moisture, from the interior surface of the container. A portion of the vapor is vented from the container for reclamation. The used conditioning liquid may also be reclaimed.

Abstract: A container cleaning apparatus comprises a solvent cleaning unit having a solvent cleaning chamber, and a rinsing unit having a rinsing chamber connected to the solvent cleaning chamber. Containers are conveyed by a conveyor through the solvent cleaning chamber and the rinsing chamber. The containers are cleaned by jetting a water-soluble or partially water-soluble solvent against the containers in the solvent cleaning chamber. Shutter devices have shutters disposed at an entrance to the solvent cleaning chamber and an exit from the solvent cleaning chamber, respectively, and capable of being moved between closed positions to close the entrance to and the exit from the solvent cleaning chamber and to isolate the solvent cleaning chamber from the rinsing chamber, and open positions to permit the containers to move from the solvent cleaning chamber to the rinsing chamber.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for cleaning a contaminated cannula so that it may be reused includes moving the contaminated cannula from a drug reconstitution station where the cannula is used to prepare a drug solution into a first rinsing station where the cannula is cleaned. A database is referred to to determine what drug solution the cannula has been contaminated with, and to determine a first amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed internally through the cannula, and a second amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed externally about the cannula so that there is effectively no contaminant remaining inside and outside of the cannula. The first amount of cleaning fluid is passed internally through the cannula. The second amount of cleaning fluid is passed externally about the cannula. After the cannula is cleaned, the cannula is moved to the drug reconstitution station to prepare another drug solution.

Abstract: A method for preparing a semiconductor wafer surface is provided which includes providing a plurality of source inlets and a plurality of source outlets and applying isopropyl alcohol (IPA) vapor gas through the plurality of source inlets to the wafer surface when the plurality of source inlets and outlets are in close proximity to the wafer surface. The method also includes applying a fluid through the plurality of source inlets to the wafer surface while applying the IPA vapor gas, and removing the applied IPA vapor gas and fluid from the wafer surface through the plurality of source outlets.

Abstract: A substrate treatment assembly for treating a work object on a surface of a substrate by supplying to the work object a wet ozone-containing gas wetted with a treatment solution includes a substrate heating device for maintaining a substrate at a temperature higher than room temperature, a wetting device for producing a wet ozone-containing gas by wetting an ozone-containing gas with a treatment solution, a supply device for supplying the wet ozone-containing gas to a work object on a surface of the substrate, a gas conduit connecting the wetting device to the supply device, and a heating device for heating the wet ozone-containing gas to a temperature approximately equal to or greater than the temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: There are provided a band-shaped tray 12 having grasping grooves 12a for grasping opposite side ends of wafers 1, and a cleaning tank 20 to which the wafers 1 inserted in the tray 12 are conveyed by a conveyor robot 2 to be cleaned. The cleaning tank 20 is provided with guides 22 for mounting the tray 12 in the tank, a bottom portion 26 formed substantially in V-shape conforming to the bottom-face shape of the wafer 1, and flow ports 24 via which cleaning fluid is supplied into the tank. An outer side face of the cleaning tank 20 is provided with an overflow tank 30 for containing the cleaning fluid overflowing from the cleaning tank 20, and the overflow tank 30 is provided with a circulation line 32 for circulating the cleaning fluid again into the cleaning tank 20.

Abstract: A hot forming die (10) has forming surfaces (16, 18) and the forming surfaces have a nickel oxide layer (20). A stop off material coating (22) builds up on the nickel oxide layer (20) in operation. A method of cleaning the forming surfaces (16, 18) of the hot forming die (10) includes washing the forming surfaces (16, 18) of the hot forming die (10) in water to remove the stop off material (22) without removing the nickel oxide layer (20) from the forming surfaces (16, 18). The forming surfaces (16, 18) may be soaked in water (26) and/or a jet (30) of pressurized water may be directed onto the forming surfaces (16, 18). The stop off material is quickly removed without damaging the forming surfaces (16, 18). The retention of the nickel oxide layer (20) improves the quality of the hot-formed articles and the interval between cleaning of the hot forming die (10) is increased.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for removing engine deposits in a recprocating internal combustion engine by introducing a cleaning composition into an air-intake manifold of a warmed-up and idling reciprocating internal combustion engine and running the engine while the cleaning composition is being introduced. One such cleaning composition suitable for these methods comprises a first solution containing a mixture of: (a) a phenoxy mono- or poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol; (b) at least one solvent selected from (1) an alkoxy mono- or poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol and (2) an aliphatic or aromatic organic solvent; and (c) at least one nitrogen-containing detergent additive; and a second solution containing a mixture of: (d). a phenoxy mono- or poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol; (e) a cyclic carbonate; and (e) water.

Abstract: A thixocast Fe-based alloy material is provided, from which a cast product having mechanical properties uniform over the whole thereof can be produced. The Fe-based alloy material comprises 1.8% by weight≦C≦2.5% by weight, 1.0% by weight≦Si≦3.0% by weight, 0.1% by weight≦Mn≦1.5% by weight, 0.5% by weight≦Ni≦3.0% by weight, and as the balance, iron (Fe) including inevitable impurities. The eutectic crystal amount Ec is in a range of 10% by weight<Ec<50% by weight.

Abstract: A process for producing a ferritically rolled steel strip, in which liquid steel is cast in a continuous-casting machine (1) to form a slab and, utilizing the casting heat, is conveyed through a furnace device (7) undergoes preliminary rolling in a preliminary rolling device (10) and, in a final rolling device (14), is finishing-rolled to form the ferritic steel strip with a desired final thickness, in which process, in a completely continuous, an endless or a semi-endless process, the slab is rolled in the austenitic range in the preliminary rolling device (10) and, after rolling in the austenitic range, is cooled to a temperature at which the steel has a substantially ferritic structure, and the strip is rolled, in the final rolling device, at speeds which substantially correspond to the speed at which it enters the final rolling device (14) and the following thickness reduction stages, and in at least one stand of the final rolling device (14), the strip is ferritically rolled at a temperature of between 8

Abstract: In a process for producing a workpiece from a chromium alloy, consisting of: 32-37 % by weight chromium, 28-36 % by weight nickel, max. 2 % by weight manganese, max. 0.5 % by weight silicon, max. 0.1 % by weight aluminum, max. 0.03 % by weight carbon, max. 0.025 % by weight phosphorus, max. 0.01 % by weight sulfur, max. 2 % by weight molybdenum, max. 1 % by weight copper, 0.3-0.7 % by weight nitrogen, remainder iron and production-related admixtures and impurities, the workpiece is cold worked and, by means of the cold working, is brought to a yield strength of at least 1000 MPa (Rp0.2≧1000 MPa).

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for supplying a plurality of labels to a labeling device. The device includes a carton containing a stack of labels. The labels are packaged in the carton with the top ends of the labels adjacent to a bottom wall of the carton and the bottom ends of the labels are positioned at an open top end of the carton. A feed carriage of the labeling device is filled by inverting and positioning the carton on the feed carriage with the open end facing the bottom wall of the feed carriage. The carton is then removed from the feed carriage, leaving the labels on the feed carriage in an upright position. The feed carriage is then delivered to the labeling device for applying the labels to the containers.

Abstract: A die system for use in formation of a welded flashing, comprising a body portion comprised of a conducting material, the body portion having a first end and a second end; an indent portion at the first end of said body portion adapted to accept a portion of the flashing during welding; and where the portion of the flashing accepted in the indent portion of the body portion is folded away from an operational connection between the first end of the body portion and a welder during welding.

Abstract: A thermal shock-resistant ceramic article and a method of manufacturing the article include alternating layers of a first material (2) comprising a fusible, particulate ceramic composition and a second material (3), typically comprising a porous, pyrolyzable material. The layered structure increases the article's work of fracture and toughness, and may lead to improved thermal shock-resistance. The method advantageously uses a sheet, film or sleeve to prepare the article for firing. The composition, thickness, and porosity of the second material (3) will affect the desired properties. The method is particularly adapted for manufacturing cylindrical articles, including stopper rods, nozzles, and pouring tubes for the metal casting industry.

Abstract: A tire carcass is produced by a method in which a narrow carcass ply member including a plurality of cords coated by, and embedded in a rubber material is extruded from an extruder, and an inner liner member is simultaneously extruded from the extruder integrally with the carcass ply member. A narrow band-shaped laminated body is thereby efficiently formed, in which the inner liner member is integral with the carcass ply member.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a transmission electron microscope (TEM) slide is described. A die having device structures formed thereon is provided. A thermal adhesive fills the surface of device structures formed on the die. The thermal adhesive is covered by a glass piece. A polishing step is performed to a non-device side of the die to form a thin sheet from the die. The glass piece is removed to expose the thermal adhesive. A sacrificial layer is then formed above the exposed thermal adhesive on the thin sheet. A slicing step is performed to form a TEM slide from the thin sheet.

Abstract: A filter forming and joining method of the present invention automatically forms a succession of metal-free cylindrical filter elements from a pleat block of pleated filter material, each pleat block having a first end pleat at a first end of the pleat block and a second end pleat at a second end of the pleat block. The method includes using a pleat block isolator for isolating successive individual pleat blocks from other pleat blocks in a succession of pleat blocks in preparation for filter formation, a filter former for manipulating each isolated pleat block along a forming path into a hollow cylinder shape, the hollow cylinder-shaped isolated pleat block having a first end pleat and a second end pleat positioned adjacent each other, and a filter joiner for bonding together the adjacent first and second end pleats of each hollow cylinder-shaped isolated pleat block producing a metal-free cylindrical filter element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a returnable plastic crate provided on at least one surface with an ink only label that is removable without destructive treatment of the said surface, said label being adhered to said at least one surface by an activated adhesive layer.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including an absorbent body that has a water-decomposable top sheet, a water-decomposable back sheet, a water-decomposable adsorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an adhesive layer provided on the back sheet to fit the absorbent article to an external support; and a water-decomposable release sheet for protecting the adhesive layer before use with covering the adhesive layer. The release sheet includes a release layer that faces the adhesive layer, a water-decomposable fibrous layer, and a water-soluble polymer layer sandwiched between the release layer and the fibrous layer. A basis weight of the release layer is at least 0.05 g/m2 but smaller than 0.3 g/m2, and an equilibrium contact angle between a surface of the release layer and a water drop thereon is at least 100 degrees.

Abstract: In a state where a gas barrier sheet (10) having a gas barrier layer is held between a heat plate (12) and a pressing plate, the gas barrier sheet is disposed between two molds together with a sub tank (44) and a separator (46) constituting attachment parts, the molds are then closed and a resin is injection-molded forming a resin layer (36). A method for manufacturing a resin container by melt-adhering an intermediate molded product (38) and another intermediate molded product (38) constituting a pair therewith by heating with a heat plate (12) thereafter, and a resin container manufactured by this manufacturing method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound insulating structure cover panel that compliments the sound attenuation material. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a laminated blank having an interior face which will be observable from the passenger compartment. The side opposite the interior face of the blank has a generally non-permeable polymeric layer adjacent to a primary backing and a secondary backing layer overlying the polymeric layer. In the preferred process, the previously described blank is elevated to a desired temperature and positioned in a closed forming mold such that the perimeter of the blank is retained in a fixed position. The forming mold is closed with a controlled pressure that is sufficient to expand the blank, conform it to the mold and render a panel having a desired permeability.

Abstract: Redetachable, self-adhesive device having a plate, the sides and/or front side of which have fastening means, if appropriate, and the rear side of which has a strip of an adhesive film which is adhesive on both sides and is adhesively attached in such a way that one end of the adhesive film protrudes beyond the plate as a grip, the adhesive film being of such a kind that the adhesive bond achieved with it can be released again by pulling in the direction of the bonding plane, stretching the strip, characterized in that the rear side of the plate (1) has laterally alongside the adhesively attached adhesive film (5) spacers (3A, 3B), the height of which is less than the thickness of the adhesive film (5).

Abstract: A flap fusion sheet is formed by folding a flap continuous in the longitudinal direction in two, overlaying the side ends and fusing the inner sides of the side ends by heat to form a sleeve, at one side of a continuous backing sheet formed by laminating layers made of low melting point polyolefin on both sides of a flat yarn cloth made of high melting point polyolefin, and fusing the outer side of the sleeve in the longitudinal direction at least at other positions than the end portions in the width direction of the backing sheet.

Abstract: A surface covering has a base to which is laminated a rigid vinyl film. The film is precoated with an electron beam cured wearlayer. The preferred wearlayer composition is a polymerizable organic urethane-polyester wearlayer coating. The coated printed film is prepared by application of a polyester urethane acrylate composition to a printed sheet of rigid vinyl film and the coating is exposed to a low accelerating energy Electro-curtain to form an abrasion resistant topcoat with no apparent degradation of printed rigid vinyl film.

Abstract: A process for producing multilayered thin plasters with a carrier material based on polyurethane with the steps of applying at least one layer of uncured polyurethane to a transfer layer, applying an adhesive composition to a release layer, laminating the uncured polyurethane on the transfer layer and the adhesive composition on the release layer together using a doctor blade, passing the laminate through nip rolls downstream of the doctor blade, and rolled out the uncured polyurethane and adhesive composition to the ultimate thickness.

Abstract: A method for producing integral capacitance components for inclusion within printed circuit boards. Hydrothermally prepared nanopowders permit the fabrication of a very thin dielectric layers that offer increased dielectric constants and are readily penetrated by microvias. Disclosed is a method of preparing a slurry or suspension of a hydrothermally prepared nanopowder and solvent. A suitable bonding material, such as a polymer is mixed with the nanopowder slurry, to generate a composite mixture which is formed into a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be placed upon a conductive layer prior to curing, or conductive layers may be applied upon a cured dielectric layer, either by lamination or by metallization processes, such as vapor deposition or sputtering.

Abstract: A heat sealing jaw (10), particularly for use in a form-fill-seal machine for the sealing of plastics bags incorporating a zipper seal, comprises a plurality of spaced heat sealing wires (12) in its active surface and a plurality of pressure switches (13) underlying the wires. When the jaw is moved into contact with the zipper and an overlying host material the zipper imparts pressure to a switch or switches and this effects heating of a predetermined wire or wires to create the seal at the correct position. Thus, the seal is made at the correct position even if the position of the zipper on the host material should change. A pair of aligned jaws (10) are preferably used, one on each side of the host material.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal laminate for a circuit board includes a first step of press-bonding a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 1 having a segment orientation ratio SOR within a range not smaller than 0.90 and smaller than 1.15 along the longitudinal direction of the film, to a metal sheet 3 between hot rolls while the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 1 is in a tense or non-tense state; and a second step of heating the laminate obtained in the first step to a temperature not lower than the melting point of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film.

Abstract: Adhesive bonds can be formed by a process that includes applying a dispersion containing a polyurethane which has structural units of formula (I) —N═C═N—  (I) to a surface. The dispersion is first coated onto the surface to form a coating. The coating is dried to give an essentially anhydrous coating. The dried coating is then subjected to heat activation. The adhesive bond is formed by joining the heat activated coating to itself or to another surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing adhesives having improved adhesion, in the form of their aqueous dispersions or water-redispersible dispersion powders, by emulsion polymerization in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol with or without drying of the dispersion obtainable by this process, which comprises polymerizing a comonomer mixture comprising a) one or more monomers from the group consisting of the vinyl esters of unbranched and branched carboxylic acids of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with branched and unbranched alcohols of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, vinylaromatic compounds, vinyl halides and alpha-olefins, and b) from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the overall weight of the comonomers, of a vinyl ester of alpha-branched tertiary monocarboxylic acids of 11 carbon atoms, in the presence of c) from 0.1 to 15% by weight, based on the overall weight of the comonomers, of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A protecting sheet applied to a wafer is removed by using an adhesive tape with a prescribed length, by bonding the adhesive tape to an edge portion of the protecting sheet and then pulling the adhesive tape. During pulling, a guide roller is held in contact with the protecting sheet and, while the guide roller is held in a fixed position, a peeling head portion and a table are moved in the opposite direction with each other to thereby remove the protecting sheet.

Abstract: A needle is inserted through the glue between a windshield and a frame surrounding the windshield. Two ends of string are inserted from an outside of the windshield to an inside thereof. One end is attached to a first hand tool so that the string forms an acute angle with the bottom end of the windshield. The end is pulled until the string cut through the windshield adhesive and moves along the edge of the windshield and forms a right angle with the edge of the windshield. The other end is attached to a second hand tool and pulled until the other end also forms a right angle. The hand tools are then moved so that the string again forms acute angles. The string is pulled until the string has been pulled along the entire circumference of the windshield and the windshield may be removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for combining the manufacturing of a fixed-abrasive substrate and the chemical mechanical planarization of semiconductor wafers using a single process path.