Abstract: A modular sign stand. The preferred embodiment consists primarily of a base portion attached to a breakaway column The base portion is intended to be driven into the ground. The breakaway column supports an attached sign The breakaway column is pierced by one or more breakaway holes at a position just above the ground. When the sign stand is struck by a moving vehicle, the one or more breakaway holes cause the breakaway column to fracture in a predictable fashion near its attachment to the base.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for supporting a frame from a utility container. The apparatus comprises a plurality of support members being configured to form a box. The support members are slidably attached to each other. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator being positioned between and attached to the support members. When the actuator is caused to lengthen, the support members slide away from each other until the box maintains position in the utility container thereby providing support to the frame.

Abstract: A reusable building foundation system assembled from a plurality of modular composite panels forming the outside and inside containment barriers for a form fill concrete foundation or wall. The panels are removably engageable by an interconnection frame along the vertical edge(2) of each panel having through holes(9) providing for fastening with threaded devices. The horizontal top-line(3) and bottom-line(4) of each inside panel interconnects with the opposing top-line(3) and bottom-line(4) of the outside panel via snap on metal connector bands(6,11) allowing for adjustment of the width and angle of the wall while increasing rigidity to the entire form system. Each panel is constructed and arranged having first a core of rigid, light, and durable medium such as balsa wood or rigid foam shaped into structural support ribs then covered in a coating of fiberglass and resin making for a light, durable and easily transportable system.

Abstract: A casting form suspendable from a form support member erected on a surface for forming a cast-in-place structural member. The form includes a pliable tubular segment including an open upper end and an aperture formed through the length of the pliable tubular segment. A form suspension assembly is attachable to the form support member and the pliable tubular segment for suspending the pliable tubular segment above a surface upon which a cast-in-place structural member is to be formed and cast.

Abstract: A concrete form apparatus includes a rectangular panel having first connector elements along a first edge thereof and second connector elements along a second edge thereof. The first connector elements are aligned with the second connector elements and are complementary and structure. The first and second connector elements can connect a plurality of the panels together with the first and second edges thereof adjacent to each other. Third connector elements are connected to the panel in spaced-apart relationship and are engageable with clamps for securing walers to the panel. For example, the first connector elements may be hook-like latches and the second connector elements may be buttons. The third connector elements may be buttons. A plurality of the rectangular panels are arranged adjacent to each other in edge-by-edge relationship. The rectangular panels are connected together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for focus error detection operable to receive light reflected from an inspected object and to determine a focus error on a surface of the inspected object, the focus error detection apparatus including optics and at least one detection apparatus, whereas the optics and the at least one detection apparatus define at least a first focus error detection path and a second focus error detection path, the first focus error detection path detects focus errors with a greater sensitivity than the second focus error detection path, while the second focus error detection path detects focus errors over a greater focus error range than the first focus error detection path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sensor device for equally receiving light signals. The optical sensor device is composed of several optical sensor elements. The whole object of using the optical sensor elements to equally receive light signals depends on the formation of the optical sensor elements at an inclined plane on both sides of a substrate. Or, to make a central beaming pathway by equally increasing the height on both sides of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photoconductive switch module. The photoconductive switch module comprises a first substrate having light-emitting elements, a second substrate having photoconductive switch elements, whose number is equal to that of the light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements face the photoconductive switch elements so that the photoconductive switch elements are turned on/off in accordance with lighting/ distinction of the light-emitting elements. The photoconductive switch module further comprises a third substrate arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The third substrate has through holes, whose number is equal to that of the light-emitting elements. Drive light emitted from a light-emitting element is trapped within a through hole to travel to a photoconductive switch element. The first substrate and the third substrate are connected to each other by heating and pressure contacting of first metal members.

Abstract: An optical characterisation device has a guiding body 200 and a diffractive structure 220 integrated with it. The guiding body 200 delivers radiation to the diffractive structure 220 at a preselected angle and the diffractive structure 220 diffracts at least a portion of radiation guided to it to give spatial resolution according to wavelength. A position sensitive detector 235 detects the position of the spatially resolved radiation and thus the radiation can be characterised according to wavelength. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to monitor and adjust the wavelength of a radiation source, using a feedback connection 135. By using the integrated approach, a very small structure can be realised and the structure can be relatively simply fabricated and assembled. The guiding body 200 might be either capable of supporting multimode propagation of the radiation or might be a single mode waveguide.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining a rotation angle (&PHgr;) and/or an angular difference (&dgr;) in a divided shaft (3), which has a number of phase tracks (1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) disposed on it, which are provided with codes. Via an evaluation unit, each group of tracks (1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) supplies a phase signal (&agr;1, &agr;2), which is respectively ambiguous with regard to a rotation of the shaft (3). The at least two phase signals (&agr;1, &agr;2) are added up in a weighted fashion to produce a signal S from which the integer portion and the non-integer portion are calculated. The non-integer portion is proportional to the angular difference (&dgr;) between the two track groups. The torque (M) is determined through multiplication with the spring rate of an interposed torque rod. The unambiguous torque (&PHgr;) is determined from the integer portion of the signal (S) and a phase value (&agr;1) or (&agr;2) with the aid of a weighted addition.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a sensor head, an encoder scale, and an optical wavefront dividing element. The sensor head includes a substrate, a light source, a first optical detector, and a second optical detector. The light source, the first optical detector, and the second optical detector are disposed on the substrate. The scale includes a first track and a second track. The optical wavefront dividing element is disposed between the sensor head and the scale. A light beam emitted by the light source is divided into a first beam and a second beam by the wavefront dividing element. The first beam is incident on the first track and the second beam is incident on the second track. Light from the first beam diffracted by the first track is incident on the first optical detector. Light from the second beam diffracted by the second track is incident on the second optical detector.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for simple fluorescence spectrometry in a down hole environment. The apparatus and method utilization of two UV light bulbs and an optically clear UV coupler and a fluid containment system. The optically clear UV coupler and fluid containment system are made of sapphire. The apparatus is attached in a manner that enables light transmitted from a light source on the far side of the fluid containment system to pass through a pathway in a plate holding the UV bulbs. UV light illuminates the fluid, which in turn fluoresces light. The fluoresced light is transmitted back towards the UV bulb mount and through the pathway towards an optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses for mass spectrometry are disclosed wherein a time slice of ions are selectively accumulated in an ion reservoir of a mass spectrometer and subsequently are allowed to undergo an ion-molecule reaction with a reactive species or are dissociated with coherent radiation prior to mass analysis. These methods and apparatuses are amenable to mass spectrometric analysis of singly or multiply charaged ions of peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, oligonucleotides, nucleic acids and small molecules as prepared by combinatorial or classical medicinal chemistry.

Abstract: A robust gas sensor can be manufactured in a simple manner and at low cost, and have no movable optical components. A measured gas cell (3) has a wall defining a cylindrical space with a measured gas inlet. The measured gas cell (3) is limited in the longitudinal axial direction by a reflective, flat first cover element (1) and by a reflective, flat second cover element (5) arranged at a spaced location from and in parallel to the first cover element (1). The height of the measured gas cell (3) corresponds approximately to 1 to 3 times the diameter of the cover elements (1, 5). The second cover element (5) accommodates a radiation source (6) and two detector elements (23, 24) with at least one measuring detector and one reference detector. The radiation source (6) is arranged displaced by 30% to 60% of the radius of the second cover element (5) from the center of the second cover element (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fibre optic temperature measurement with an optical fibre having a radiation coupling in area and a detector-associated radiation coupling out area. Such a device is characterized in that the optical fibre is constructed with high transmission in the infrared (IR) spectral range, particularly in the range from approximately 2 &mgr;m to approximately 20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An image compensation method is provided. At least one light source and a plurality of reflecting elements each capable of reflecting light from the light source are provided. Each reflecting element reflects a beam of light from the light source to produce a beam of reflected light having a unique color content. The reflecting elements are shifted to a location where one of the reflecting elements is capable of reflecting light from the light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a gamma ray interaction are disclosed. A medium that emits light in response to an interaction between a gamma ray and the medium is provided. A plurality of photodetectors is used to detect the light and determine a first three-dimensional position of the interaction. A field is produced in the medium that directs ionization electrons resulting from the interaction to a collector. A portion of a shutter system that corresponds to the interaction is opened. The shutter selectively blocks and permits the passage of the ionization electrons to the collector. A second three-dimensional position of the interaction is determined by localing a two-dimensional position of the interaction in the collector and determining a third dimension based on a time of arrival of the ionization electrons relative to when the light is detected.

Abstract: An X-ray detector (401, 501, 601) has a detecting element that comprises a semiconductor heterostructure where an undoped Germanium layer (402, 502) is enclosed between two oppositely doped Gallium Arsenide layers (403, 404, 503, 505).

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between biomolecule and non-biomolecule crystals. The method comprises providing electromagnetic radiation to a sample comprising a crystal, allowing the electromagnetic radiation to interact with components of the crystal, and detecting effected changes, if any, in the quantity or character of the electromagnetic radiation, whereby a biomolecule crystal is capable of being distinguished from a non-biomolecule crystal. A device adapted for distinguishing between biomolecule and non-biomolecule crystals comprises a sample support, a source for a type of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation can be provided to the sample, and a detector for the electromagnetic radiation wherein changes in the quantity or character of the electromagnetic radiation can be detected. The device can comprise more than one source of electromagnetic radiation for providing more than one type of radiation.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a methods and devices for ionizing a sample material. The subject invention also relates to an ionization source and to a method of sampling gas-phase ions from a sample. An ionization source in accordance with the subject invention can be used in conjunction with mass spectrometry or other sampling techniques. The subject invention can utilize a means for desorbing gas-phase ions and neutral molecules from a sample and a means to generate reagent ions where the reagent ions ionize the desorbed neutral molecules so as to increase the population of gas-phase ions. The subject invention can incorporate laser radiation for desorbing gas-phase ions and neutral molecules from a sample. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides an ionization source that uses a pulsed laser for desorption, so as to produce a population of desorbed neutral molecules from a sample, as well as a number of gas-phase sample ions.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for determining whether spectral data obtained from a region of a tissue sample are affected by an artifact. Artifacts include, for example, lighting artifacts such as glare and shadow and obstruction artifacts, such as blood, a speculum, a smoke tube, or other obstruction. Additionally, the invention provides an apparatus and methods for obtaining redundant spectral data of a given region of a sample. A redundant set of spectral data is useful where one or more artifacts affect some but not all sets of the spectral data, such that the redundant set of data is unaffected by the artifact and is representative of the tissue. An embodiment of the invention comprises using representative spectral data in diagnosing a condition of a region of tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of a sample's fluorescence decay properties. A repetitively pulsed excitation light source generates pulsed fluorescence in the sample. A fluorescence wavelength selector receives a portion of the pulsed fluorescence emanating from the sample and outputs fluorescence photons whose wavelengths lie within a specified wavelength range. A photodetector receives the fluorescence photons within the specified wavelength range as an input from the fluorescence wavelength selector and outputs a time-dependent electrical signal. An array of memory elements stores a representation of the time-dependent electrical signal as a time-series of analog voltages or charges. Successive elements in the array correspond to a time increment of no greater than 4 ns. An analog-to-digital converter transforms the time-series of analog voltages or charges into a corresponding digitized fluorescence waveform.

Abstract: A radiation image storage panel comprises a substrate and a stimulable phosphor layer overlaid on the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of protruding regions over an entire surface of the substrate. The stimulable phosphor layer comprises a plurality of pillar-shaped structures of a stimulable phosphor, which pillar-shaped structures extend in a layer thickness direction of the stimulable phosphor layer, each of the pillar-shaped structures of the stimulable phosphor having been formed with one of the protruding regions of the substrate as a starting point of the pillar-shaped structure and with a vapor phase deposition technique. A surface of the stimulable phosphor layer is formed with only the pillar-shaped structures of the stimulable phosphor, which pillar-shaped structures extend respectively from the protruding regions of the substrate.

Abstract: In the context of charged-particle-beam (CPB) microlithography systems, robotic manipulators are disclosed for conveying objects such as reticles and substrates simultaneously with performing exposures without causing significant perturbation of the charged particle beam. To such end, the subject manipulators comprise moving members that are made of substantially non-magnetic materials. As the moving members move in the vicinity of a magnetic field controlling exposure-beam trajectory, the beam trajectory is less affected by stray magnetic fields that otherwise would be generated if the moving members were made of magnetic materials. Hence, for better throughput, reticle and/or substrate conveyance can be conducted while exposures are being performed, without adversely affecting exposure accuracy.

Abstract: An ion beam implanter includes an ion beam source for generating an ion beam moving along a beam line and a vacuum or implantation chamber wherein a workpiece is positioned to intersect the ion beam for ion implantation of a surface of the workpiece by the ion beam. The ion beam implanter further includes a workpiece support structure coupled to the implantation chamber and supporting the workpiece. The workpiece support structure includes a rotation member rotatably affixed to the implantation chamber. Rotation of the rotation member with respect to the implantation chamber changes an implantation angle of the workpiece with respect to the portion of the ion beam beam line within the implantation chamber. The workpiece support structure further includes a translation member movably coupled to the rotation member and supporting the workpiece for linear movement along a path of travel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for ion implantation of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an ion beam generator for generating an ion beam, a deflection device for deflecting the ion beam to produce a deflected ion beam, and a drive device for rotating the deflection device about an axis of rotation to thereby cause the deflected ion beam to rotate about the axis of rotation and to produce a rotating ion beam. The apparatus may include a controller for controlling the deflection and/or the rotation of the ion beam to produce a desired distribution of the ion beam over the surface of the workpiece. The apparatus may further include an angle compensation device for causing the rotating ion beam to have a substantially constant angle of incidence on the workpiece.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography apparatus, which uses a patterned emitter, includes a pyroelectric plate emitter that emits electrons using a patterned metal thin layer formed on the pyroelectric plate as a mask. When the emitter is heated, electrons are emitted from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned dielectric layer, and not from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned metal thin layer, and a pattern of the emitter is thereby projected onto a substrate. To prevent dispersion of emitted electron beams, the electron beams may be controlled by a permanent magnet, an electro-magnet, or a deflector unit. A one-to-one or x-to-one projection of a desired pattern on the substrate is thereby obtained.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the body position of a passenger in a vehicle sitting in a seat a plurality of light transmitters is situated in or on the back rest, staggered by height, and emit light signals in the direction of one or a plurality of light receiver(s) situated in particular above the back rest. A conclusion may be drawn regarding the form of the blockage of the light signals by the passenger based on the light signals received, which in turn makes it possible to draw a conclusion regarding the posture, in particular the head position or the body inclination. The positions of the light transmitters and light receivers may be exchanged in an analogous manner.

Abstract: A first piston and a second piston are accommodated in a piston chamber of a cylinder. The first piston is connected to a main valve member which opens and closes a main flow passage. The second piston is connected to a second rod having a stopper whose position can be adjusted. Pressure fluid is supplied to the second pressure chamber to move the second piston forward to a position where the stopper abuts against the abutting portion. In this state, pressure fluid is supplied to the first pressure chamber to move the first piston to a position where the first piston abuts against the second piston, thereby opening the main valve member by a stroke of the first piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic vapor recovery valve comprising a valve body, a top head assembly, and means for demountably attaching the a top head assembly to the valve body. The top head assembly can be removed from the valve body assembly without requiring substantial rotation of the top head assembly which enables the valve to be easily be removed for cleaning without requiring removal of any attached hydraulic lines.

Abstract: A sealing device for a modulating valve of the type having a valve body defining a flow passage, an inlet and outlets, a valve displaceable in the flow passage to control an opening of the flow passage, and an actuator having an actuator rod rotatably coupled to the valve for displacing the valve in the flow passage. The sealing device comprises a body surrounding the actuator rod of the modulating valve. Connection means are adapted to secure the body of the sealing device to the valve body. Sealing means are provided between the body of the sealing device and the actuator rod and between the body of the sealing device and the valve body, to prevent fluid flow therebetween. The body of the sealing device and the sealing means are adapted to conceal and contain fluid leaks between one of the valve and the actuator rod, and the valve body, whereby no fluid is lost due to a leaking modulating valve.

Abstract: A rapidly actuating gate valve having function of a ball valve is disclosed. A rack extends from a gate. An axial control rod passes through the screw hole of the gate body and then passes through an axial hole. Then the gear of the axial control rod is exactly engaged to the rack of the gate. Retaining threads of a retaining bush around the axial control rod passes through a water-stop ring so as to be locked to the axial control rod to a screw hole of the gate body. Thereby, the axial control rod can drive the gear to rotate; and meanwhile, the rack is driven so that the gate moves upwards or downwards. Thus, the opening of the gate is controlled rapidly to control the volume of the flow. Other than the effect of the original gate, it has a function of a ball valve.

Abstract: Anti-pumping dispense valves, constructed according to principles of this invention, comprise a fluid transport housing having a fluid inlet passage extending into the housing, a fluid outlet passage extending out of the housing, and a fluid transport chamber disposed within the housing. The fluid transport chamber includes an valve seat. An actuator housing is attached to the fluid transport housing and includes an actuator chamber that is in contact with the fluid transport chambers. A diaphragm/poppet assembly is disposed within the fluid transport chamber and comprises a poppet positioned downstream of the seat for placement against the seat to stop fluid flow through the first fluid transport chamber. An actuator is disposed within the actuator chamber for moving the diaphragm/poppet assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion for use as a lubricant in the production of threads, containing:

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolytic solution comprising an electrolyte salt dissolved in an organic solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for controlling the hydrate mix of a compound, or a composition comprising the compound, the compound being capable of forming a plurality of hydration forms of differing stability and also of dissolution to give a solution that, when frozen below the eutectic point, is a eutectic mixture. This invention further relates to disodium salt of fosfluconazole in the form of its trihydrate, its hexahydrate, or as a mixture of tri- and hexahydrates.

Abstract: Methods for controllably polishing fiber optic connectors that include a ferrule enclosing single or multiple optical fibers by manipulating the ingredients of the polishing composition to control the relative polishing rates of the ferrule material and the optical fiber material to obtain the desired connector end face surface finish and geometry.

Abstract: An optically active compound of the general formula (1) useful as a chiral dopant, and use thereof for a liquid crystal composition, 1

Abstract: A method of making zinc sulfide based electroluminescent phosphors is described wherein a first-fired zinc sulfide material having a hexagonal &bgr;-ZnS crystal structure is at least partially converted to a distorted hexagonal &bgr;-ZnS crystal structure by ultrasonic irradiation. The first-fired material is then fired at a lower temperature to form an electroluminescent phosphor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ionic liquids comprising a phosphate or borate anion. The ionic liquids may be made via metathesis or via a reaction between boric or phosphoric acid with metal hydroxide and an alcohol.

Abstract: A catalyst system and method for making carbon fibrils is provided which comprises a catalytic amount of an inorganic catalyst comprising nickel and one of the following substances selected from the group consisting of chromium; chromium and iron; chromium and molybdenum; chromium, molybdenum, and iron; aluminum; yttrium and iron; yttrium, iron and aluminum; zinc; copper; yttrium; yttrium and chromium; and yttrium, chromium and zinc. In a further aspect of the invention, a catalyst system and method is provided for making carbon fibrils which comprises a catalytic amount of an inorganic catalyst comprising cobalt and one of the following substances selected from the group consisting of chromium; aluminum; zinc; copper; copper and zinc; copper, zinc, and chromium; copper and iron; copper, iron, and aluminum; copper and nickel; and yttrium, nickel and copper.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from &pgr;-&pgr; stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.

Abstract: A thermosetting-resin-based coating that is capable of forming a substantially flame-resistant barrier upon being exposed to heat. The coating includes a thermoset resin, an acid catalyst having a pKa value of less than 2, a filler selected from glass, mica, talc, perlite, vermiculite and combinations thereof, and an organic-intumescent material. The thermoset coating is at least 75 percent of the total weight of the coating.

Abstract: A lift apparatus includes a base frame having a pair of ground engaging caster assemblies and a pair of horizontally extending divergent legs each having an inner end attached to the base frame and an outer end with a roller attached thereto, the casters and the rollers permitting the lift apparatus to roll across the ground surface. A dual parallelogram linkage includes a pair of the posts attached to the base frame and is attached to vehicle support arms. An actuator is connected between the linkage and the base frame and is manually actuated to selectively raise and lower the vehicle support arms between a lowered position for engaging and disengaging from a vehicle and a fully raised position.

Abstract: An improved design that would allow one workman to easily elevate a heavy concrete tie to the base of the rail and hold it in position while tie is connected to the rail with retainer clips. Improvements are made in the handle design that allow the workman to remain in a more upright position at the time the tie comes in contact with the rail. Also added is a safety grip ring near the upper end of the handle. Design improvements are also made at the foot end of the handle unit. At this point the improved tool design will allow more leverage to be applyed to the tie and a varity of hook devises to be used on lower end of tool, depending on what type of concrete tie is to be used. 1 IMPROVED TIE LIFTER AND HOLDER Field of search 294/15-17,19.1, 294/26,82.1, 82.11; 254/43,44, 113,119-121,131 References Cited U.S.

Abstract: A cable is installed in a guide tube by means of blowing (and, optionally, synergetic pushing) and lubricating the cable during this installation. Lubricating the cable is done after the cable has passed the cable blowing equipment and hence takes place in a pressurized airflow passage. A hollow chamber filled with foam-plugs saturated with lubricant forms the cable lubricator. To avoid buckling, cable guide blocks are placed, which also divide the lubricator in different sub-chambers, each with its own foam-plug and content of lubricant. The airflow, needed to propel the cable during blowing, can bypass the lubricator.

Abstract: A means for encasing a connection zone formed by joining an end of a fish tape to an object, e.g., a cable or wire, to be fished through an opening and/or conduit. The encasing means preferably is a protective guide being a hollow tube generally cone or funnel shaped for encasing the connection zone. By encasing the connection zone, the protective guide creates a smooth transition from the relatively small fish tape wire to the relatively large object being fished. The protective guide reduces the likelihood of the connection zone getting snagged on an opening or conduit through which a wire or cable is to be fished. The protective guide can have one or more lateral slits through its outer surface and extending from a second larger end toward a first smaller end for decreasing the outside diameter of the protective guide upon the exertion of pressure against the protective guide.

Abstract: A strap winder (10) is provided for winding up an elongated strap (58). The strap winder (10) is actuated by a power-operated driver, e.g., a pneumatic torque or a wrench (12) or an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor (281) and includes a body (26) and a shaft (28) that is rotatably supported by the body (26). The shaft (28) has, at one end, a slot (52a) configured for receipt of a strap (58). The other end of the shaft (28) is configured to connect with the power-operated driver and a guide plate (30) is provided that is supported by the body (26) and extends is a direction that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (28). An optional guard plate (286) is pivotably mounted in parallel relation to guide plate (30) to protect the user from inadvertent contact with the rotating shaft (28) or the strap thereon. When winding is done, the guard plate (286) can be pivoted out of the way so that the coiled strap (58) can be removed from the shaft (28).

Abstract: A three dimensional structure comprising at least two materials capable of being deposited by vapor deposition. The structure is fabricated by the controlled vapor deposition of the materials onto a substrate.

Abstract: A dummy active region is formed in which abrading processes are averaged. A semiconductor device is characterized in that an active region for forming an actual device, a device separation region being formed by a trench, and a dummy active region formed substantially in a rectangular shape are included, and the length of the short side of the dummy active region is less than 1 &mgr;m.