Abstract: An electrostatic chuck device provided with a dielectric plate with a surface embossed to give it a plurality of projections, an electrode, and an external power source, wherein substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections are covered by conductor wiring and the conductor wiring electrically connects the substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections. At the time of substrate processing, when the embossed projections contact the back of the substrate, the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring is made the same in potential due to the migration of the charges, the generation of force between the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring being in contact with the same is prevented, and a rubbing state between the two is prevented. Due to this, the electrostatic chuck device reduces the generation of particles, easily and stably removes and conveys substrates, and realizes a high yield and system operating rate.

Abstract: A device for fast, easy and cost-effective de-airing of different shape, size and thickness laminates that comprises a flexible vacuum ring with a built-in longitudinal channel that can be matingly mounted about a periphery of a multi-ply laminate, and a male connector part attached to one end of the flexible vacuum ring, where the male connector is shaped such that the longitudinal channel can slide onto the male connector to form an airtight seal while still providing gas flow through the flexible vacuum ring mounted about the periphery of the laminate. The device can be readily applied to and removed from the assemblies to be laminated, and is constructed to be applicable to any size, shape or thickness laminate, particularly the one with sharp corners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making elongated articles are disclosed. One method includes feeding at least one base string along an axis, wrapping at least one monofilament around the axis to produce a number of monofilament wraps per length of base string which are transported by the base string, bonding the wraps to the base string with ultrasonic energy, and cutting the wraps at a point downstream of where the wraps are bonded to the base string. The result is an article having two rows of monofilament segments connected to the base string.

Abstract: A holder for a magnetic transfer device comprising a first holder portion and a second holder portion which are movable toward and away from each other. Between the first and second holder portions, there is formed an interior space where a master carrier with information is held in intimate contact with a slave medium. At least one of the first and second holder portions has an interior pressing surface provided with an elastic member having elastic characteristics. The elastic member has a deformation quantity of 5 to 500 &mgr;m in a pressure-applied direction when pressure is applied.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus for laminating a sheet material and thin films to be hot laminated has heat shield to keep the working temperature thereof. It includes a transmitting and heating roller disposed at one side of a transmission passage of the hot laminating apparatus for heating a thin film in contact therewith and transmitting the sheet material with the thin films through the transmission passage. The hot laminating apparatus further includes a heat shield disposed around the transmitting and heating roller, and covered with a heat-reflective material on an inner surface thereof for reflecting the dissipated thermal energy back to the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: An adhesive tape dispenser having an improved mechanism for gripping the device while dispensing tape. The dispenser has spaced apart side walls and an upper wall connected thereto. The upper wall has a leading edge that is provided with a blade for cutting the adhesive tape. The upper wall is also provided with a shallow recess for placement of the index finger of the user. The recess may include a plurality of corrugations. The position of the recess allows the user to have both an improved grip on the dispenser and to apply directed pressure to the upper wall thereby allowing the tape to be cut more easily. The upper wall of the dispenser is also provided with wings that offer increased protection to the palm of the user's hand so that the rotating roll of tape does not cause injury to the user.

Abstract: In the methods for treatment of caustic effluents described in the specification, a spent caustic refinery effluent is supplied to a submerged combustion gas evaporator in which hot combustion gas containing carbon dioxide is injected into the caustic liquid to concentrate the liquid and convert a hydroxide constituent to a carbonate. Where the caustic effluent is from a petroleum refinery, oil in the waste liquid is separated from the aqueous constituent before, during or after concentration.

Abstract: A shade assembly for shading a window opening comprising a double pane formed of two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, a light blocking member deployable within the space, a storage unit for stowing the light blocking member when retracted, and a drive mechanism for deploying and retracting light blocking member. Also claimed is a method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle with the described shade assembly.

Abstract: A modular covering for architectural openings includes a peripheral frame that supports a plurality of rotatable elements that might support strips or sheets of flexible material or rigid slats. The peripheral frame includes a drive system for rotating the members about their longitudinal axis and the members are mounted in the peripheral frame and joined to the drive system in a releasable manner so that they can be replaced. The covering elements supported by the rotatable members can therefore be easily replaced in the covering by replacing the pivotal member itself so as to allow for varied aesthetics and functionality.

Abstract: A motorized window covering includes an actuator that is controlled by a remote control unit. The remote control unit emits a blinking visible light beam and an invisible encoded light beam superimposed thereon. The blinking visible light beam allows a user to accurately direct the encoded light beam, which carries the control data, toward the actuator. Consequently, the user can control individual actuators within an array of actuators.

Abstract: A blind for a window has a winding rod and a hanging wound onto the winding rod. Two belts on opposed sides of the hanging are supported on four end rollers arranged in pairs. A drive is connected to a first end roller or to an additional drive roller and drives the belts in a circulating movement. The winding rod rotates synchronously with the circulating belts. A leading end of the hanging is attached laterally to the belts. A device for compensating a reduction of a circumference of the hanging on the winding rod during gradual unwinding from the winding rod is provided. A circumference of the first roller or of the additional drive roller is smaller than a circumference of the hanging when wound completely onto the winding rod and is greater than a circumference of the hanging when completely unwound from the winding rod.

Abstract: A sun shield which can be moved between an operating position under a translucent or transparent roof area of a motor vehicle roof (4) and a rest area next to this roof area, with a shade tarp (10) which is located underneath the roof (4) and which can be wound onto a take-up roller (12). A free end (22) of the shade tarp (10) is fixed in a transverse bow (18, 118) with pre-tensioning in the transverse direction in the transverse bow (18). Fixing of the free end (22) of the shade tarp (10) in the transverse bow (18, 118) is preferably via insertion of a turn-down portion of the free end of the tarp (10) into a groove of the transverse bow (18, 118) where it is held by pins or clamping elements formed by plastic deformation of areas of the transverse bow (18, 118).

Abstract: Fibrous organic biomass is converted into pulp in a flow-type process which uses pretreatment of the biomass, specific selection of acid and alkali agents and a low concentration of fiber to liquor.

Abstract: A method for washing a fibre suspension with washing liquid, in which, in accordance with the invention, the fibre suspension is introduced into an annular treatment channel (24) that has an inlet end (72) and an outlet end (73) and is concentric with an axis of rotation (5) to form an inner annular layer (74), washing liquid simultaneously being introduced into the treatment channel to form an outer layer (75), which surrounds the inner annular layer. The fibre suspension and washing liquid are caused to rotate in the treatment channel whilst moving from said inlet end to said outlet end, fibres in the fibre suspension being caused to move into the outer layer of washing liquid, under the influence of the centripetal force, so that an accept (29), the liquid phase of which completely or mostly consists of washing liquid, is discharged at the outlet end of the treatment channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for manufacturing bleached thermomechanical aspen pulp having reduced yellow after treatment with aluminum based chemicals such as alum which are used in paper making processes. In this improved process the pulp is washed prior to, after or between the bleaching stages or a combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A papermaking process, and a paper product made from the process, wherein a biodegradable plastic is used with papermaking material. The biodegradeable plastic may be provided as a substrate, with the papermaking material being applied to the substrate. The papermaking material may include recycled paper fibers and/or agricultural crop material. Recycled wood fibers may be applied in a fibrous state or agricultural plant material may be powdered and applied to the substrate. The surface material is affixed to the substrate by the application of heat and pressure or by the use of vegetable slime juice as an adhesive.

Abstract: Produce a printing paper that offers sufficient bulk and flexibility by using a bulk-increasing/softening agent with a HLB of 6 or below, which is either a liquid or a solid with a melting point of 40° C. or below, wherein the agent may be an ester compound of polyhydric alcohol and higher fatty acid or a long-chain alkyl ammonium salt, and by adjusting the surface temperature of the paper during a preheating drying period (a period during a drying process before the temperature of a wet paper becomes constant) to at least 10° C. higher than the melting point of the bulk-increasing/softening agent.

Abstract: Compositions comprising

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved paper production process, according to which a branched polymer prepared in reverse phase emulsion is used as the main retention aid, and then bentonite is used as the secondary retention aid (a dual type system). The two additions are separated by a stage for shearing the fibrous suspension (or mass).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in connection with bleaching pulp having a consistency of 7-20%, preferably 8-16%, said arrangement comprising a bleaching tower having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening for pulp, a transfer line comprising a feed line operatively connected to the inlet of the tower and a discharge line operatively connected to the outlet of the tower, and at least one pump arranged in the feed line. The arrangement further comprises at least two propeller or turbine type devices for increasing the pressure of the pulp flowing in the transfer line.

Abstract: A belt for a papermaking machine has minute projections and recesses randomly formed in a shoe-contacting surface of the belt by a powdery material contained in a high molecular weight elastic section formed on a base body. The surface roughness RZ of the shoe-contacting surface is between 50 and 500 microns; the particle diameter of the powdery material is between 5 and 500 microns; and the content of the powdery material in the high molecular weight elastic section is between 5 and 50 percent by weight. A lubricant is held in the minute projections and recesses, and consequently more lubricant may be supplied between the belt and the shoe with which it cooperates. As a result, friction between the belt and the shoe is reduced, and less energy is required to drive the papermaking machine.

Abstract: A process for coating a metallic component with a corrosion-resistant layer comprises providing a metallic shaping tool that is at least partially sprayed with concentrated mold release agent. The component is cast in the metallic shaping tool, the concentrated mold release agent being fired into a surface of the component during the solidification of the component.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum nitride/aluminum base composite material comprising the steps of; (A) charging aluminum nitride powder into a container provided in a molten metal pressure apparatus, (B) applying pressure to the aluminum nitride powder in the container, (C) pouring a molten aluminum base material into the container, and, (D) applying pressure to the molten aluminum base material in the container to fill the aluminum base material in space between the aluminum nitride powder particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing metallic ingots or strands, especially from steel and Ni and Co based alloys, by melting self-consuming electrodes in an electroconductive slag bath, using an alternating current or a direct current in a short water-cooled mould which opens downwards, via which an electric contact can be produced for the slag bath. The supplied melt current is passed via the consumable electrode, the bottom plate, the remelt ingot and the melting bath, and optionally at least one electroconductive element of the mould, to the slag bath. The current distribution can be regulated in a controlled manner and the return circuit of the melt current passes back via at least one other electroconductive element of the mould, which is electrically isolated in relation to a first part of the mould which forms the remelt ingot. The proportion of the entire melt current supplied via the bottom plate is selected between 0 and 100%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip casting machine for production of a metal strip, comprising two adjacent case-width casting rollers (22, 24), forming a casting gap (15′), with side seals (25) arranged on the front face thereof. The rotating casting rollers are mounted on a machine mount (32). Between the above and the side seals (25), the metal melt, introduced by means of at least one casting tube (13), or similar, is protected by at least one gaseous medium. At least said casting rollers (22, 24) are surrounded on at least the case width and front face thereof as well as the side seals by a preferably multi-component housing (30, 60, 80). An optimal sealing of the casting rollers as well as the metal strip and the metal strip appearing from between the rollers can thus be achieved in a simple manner.

Abstract: Methods for making various titanium base alloys and titanium aluminides into engineering components such as rings, tubes and pipes by melting of the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequent centrifugal casting of the melt in the graphite molds rotating along its own axis under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas are provided, the molds having been fabricated by machining high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, wherein the graphite has been made by isostatic pressing or vibrational molding, the said molds either revolving around its own horizontal or vertical axis or centrifuging around a vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a heat transfer passage in the vicinity of a source of dissipated heat on a satellite to collect heat dissipated by the source and a fluid loop including an evaporator having over part of its path a maximum surface area of its external walls in contact with external walls of the heat transfer passage.

Abstract: A cushion comprises a metal plate and a container. The metal plate includes a plurality of positioning members projecting from a periphery thereof. The container includes an upper piece and a lower piece that together define an interior space therebetween. An inlet is defined in the lower piece, allowing filling of liquid into the interior space. The positioning members extend into the interior space of the container and are integrally formed with the container such that the positioning members are fixed to the container.

Abstract: In a hydronic heating system including a heating element that is a length of tubing that conducts water mounted in a wall, floor or ceiling of an area heated by the system against a radiating metal sheet, the method of providing the radiating metal sheet including the steps of: forming a unitary sheet of metal by bending and folding it longitudinally to provide a first protuberance of double thickness and bending and folding it longitudinally to provide a second protuberance of double thickness, the protuberances being evenly spaced apart providing a longitudinal metal slot for holding the tubing, the rest of the metal sheet providing radiation surfaces that extend away from the protuberances in a common plane, whereby the protuberances are substantially perpendicular to the common plane, and the metal slot accommodates the insertion therein of the tubing from one side of the sheet so that the tubing is held therein in intimate thermal contact with the sheet metal, whereby the sheet is heated by conduction of

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting heat within a precision stage system substantially without introducing significant disturbance forces to the system are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for substantially removing heat from a first location within an overall stage apparatus includes providing the heat from the first location to a heat transferring mechanism that carries the heat away from the first location. The heat is transferred from the heat transferring mechanism to a second location associated within the stage apparatus. The second location includes a material that is arranged to store the transferred heat. The method also includes storing the heat substantially within the material. In one embodiment, the heat is generated at the first location.

Abstract: A modular capillary pump loop (CPL) cooling system and associated components. The modular CPL cooling system transfers heat from high-power circuit components, such as microprocessors disposed within computer chassis, to other locations within or external to the chassis, where the heat can be more easily removed. In various embodiments, the CPL cooling system includes one or more evaporators connected to one or more condensers via flexible liquid transport and vapor transport lines. A wicking structure, such as a volume of sintered copper, is disposed within each condenser. The wicking structure draws working fluid (e.g., water) in a liquid state into the evaporator based on a capillary mechanism and a pressure differential across a meniscus/vapor interface on an upper surface of the wicking structure. As the liquid meniscus is evaporated, additional fluid is drawn into the evaporator. The working fluid is then condensed back into a liquid in the condenser.

Abstract: A substantially flat heat transferring device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The device includes a lower plate, an upper plate, a wick plate, and a liquid-phase coolant, while the lower plate contacts a heat source at its bottom. The upper plate is hermetically coupled with the lower plate along its edge to form a void therebetween. The wick plate is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate and is maintained in position relative to the lower plate by surface tension of the liquid-phase coolant. The liquid-phase coolant transfers heat by circulating between a vaporization part, where the heat source is located, to a condensing part. Here, the wick plate includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of planar wicks and makes the liquid-phase coolant flow from the condensing part to the vaporization part by capillary force between itself and the lower plate.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of oil core plates, and a plurality of coolant core plates, with each plate having an oil inlet opening adjacent one end of the plate, an oil outlet opening spaced from the oil inlet opening towards an opposed end of the plate, a coolant inlet opening, and a coolant outlet opening, and with the coolant inlet and outlet openings being adjacent the opposed end of the plate. Each oil core plate has an inwardly inclined, upstanding flange surrounding the oil inlet opening in the plate except for a portion thereof adjacent the one end of the plate at which a gap is provided in the flange. The oil outlet opening in the plate extends to adjacent the opposed end of the plate, and a further inwardly inclined, upstanding flange surrounds the oil outlet opening in the plate except adjacent the opposed end of the plate at which a further gap or gaps are provided in the further flange.

Abstract: A method of securing a plurality of oblong tubes into a plurality of circular openings in a header of a CT or Serpentine style fin core exchanger. One end of each tube is shaped into a circle, inserted into a circular opening in the header and bonded into place thus forming a Flat-Round joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerant leak-preventive structure in a heat exchanger. The refrigerant leak-preventive structure comprises: a fin-tubes group having refrigerant leak-preventive grooves recessed at ends of the fin-tubes group; and headers having refrigerant leak-preventive projections formed by double injection molding solution introduced into and cooled in the refrigerant leak-preventive grooves when being coupled with the both ends of the fin-tubes group by a double injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly structure, using at least a heat sink fastening member to combine with at least a heat sink, characterized in that; the heat sink fastening member has a V-shaped protrusion, a slot, and an elastic lock member; the elastic lock member has a V-shaped cross sectional structure, by means of the V-shaped protrusion combined tightly in the slot for assembling the heat sink and for forming a V-shaped slot; the assembled heat sink is fixed in a base by adding a solder into the V-shaped slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts (1, 2; 101, 102) of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member (103; 305). A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part (203) having a curved tapered surface (202) upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterised in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight, reusable temporary abandonment cap that can be placed on and retrieved from an open pipe of a subsea well. The invention is further comprised of a body, a pressure-retaining top portion extending across the body and a plurality of locking pins coupled to the body and a single moveable handle, the locking pins being adapted to be moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position by movement of the single handle.

Abstract: A downhole expandable bore liner and well screen filter assembly has a perforated tubular base-pipe overlain with a self expanding filter-cover. A set of runners or bumpers extends the length of the outside of the filter-cover. A releaseable constriction mechanism holds the liner/filter assembly in a compressed configuration during insertion of the assembly down a well bore to facilitate insertion of the liner/filter assembly into its downhole position. Once positioned downhole in the well bore, the mechanism is released, and the liner/filter assembly takes its expanded or uncompressed configuration and interfaces with the walls of the well bore. In its uncompressed configuration, the liner/filter assembly can contact and press against the walls of the well bore, which contact serves to stabilize the assembly and to center it in the downhole well bore.

Abstract: A shoe (10) for guiding a string within a well-bore is described. The shoe comprises an annular body (12) of relatively hard material and a nose portion (16) of relatively soft material which are interlocked so that when the nose portion is drilled through, any remaining parts are held against the annular body. Interlocking is achieved by a dovetail thread (30). Embodiments are described for the shoe as a reamer shoe and as a drill bit to run in casing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a pressurized wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filter cake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filter cake is contacted with a clear brine containing a mixture of a persulfate salt in a variable density brine to degrade the polymers within the filter cake. The persulfate mixture breaks down the filter cake in well bores having temperatures ranging from about 65° F. to 165° F. Concentration of the persulfate sets the pace of the reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sequentially treating multiple zones in underground formation in a single trip of the well treatment work string. In the one embodiment, the work string includes composite tubing having electrical conductors embedded within the walls, the conductors enabling power transmission and two way communication between the surface and the sensor or detectors downhole so that real time data can be sensed and communicated. Isolation packers are actuated via electrical signals from the surface communicated to the bottom hole assembly via the conductors. A detector located in the bottom hole assembly may be provided to detect perforations or other anomalies in the casing, such as joints, enabling the surface controller to position packers properly in blank segments of casing so that well intervals can be properly isolated and the adjacent formation effectively treated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for coding video in which a predetermined algorithm is used to predict portions of the image based on information that will already be available to the decoder at the time of decoding the image. By using known corresponding algorithms in both coder and decoder, and only information that will be available to the decoder, the need to transmit detailed information regarding choices made in coding, e.g. motion vectors is avoided. However, a vector relationship can still be derived for use in the prediction. Prediction can be made based on an assumption that the content of the portion to be coded is similar to the content of an associated image portion, and by determining a vector relating the associated image portion to a reference image (both of which will be available to the decoder), the current image portion can be predicted from a further part of the reference image. The invention can be used in a form of modified pyramid coding.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a composition for controlling wellbore fluid and gas invasion including methods for using said composition. The composition of the invention is a flowable slurry preferably comprising about 70 to 30% by weight of magnesium oxychloride and about 70 to 30% by weight of water. The composition is a flowable slurry at composition temperatures below about 60° C. and sets to form a substantially solid mass upon reaching a composition temperature of about 60-68° C. The phase transition is rapid, thereby limiting or avoiding formation of gel states which contribute to incomplete wellbore seals. The rapid set of the slurry further avoids invasive contamination of earthen formations surrounding the wellbore. The composition has a near-linear relationship between the time required for the phase transition to occur and the composition temperature at which the phase transition occurs.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in borehole applications comprising hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry, and an effective amount of a resilience/toughness enhancing additive comprising a thermoplastic block copolymer having a tensile strength of from 500 to 4000 psi, a recoverable elongation of 200 to 1000 percent and exhibiting temperature stability in the range of 30E to 500 EF, the cement composition being useful for forming seals at desired locations in wellbores or formations penetrated by wellbores by placing the composition in the desired location and permitting the composition to set.

Abstract: Improved methods of forming fractures containing resilient proppant particle packs which prevent the production of sand and fines with produced fluids and prevent proppant flow-back in a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. As the fractures are formed, a liquid hardenable resin component is mixed with a liquid hardening agent component and a liquid rubber component to form a hardenable resin composition. The hardenable resin composition is coated onto dry proppant particles which are suspended in the fracturing fluid and placed in the fractures. The hardenable resin composition on the resin composition coated proppant particles is allowed to harden and consolidate the proppant particles into high strength resilient permeable packs.

Abstract: Methods of cementing in wellbores using cement compositions having elasticity or high compressive strength and low permeability are provided. The cement compositions are basically comprised of particulate acid degradable glass, water, at least one water soluble polymerizable alkenoic acid monomer and a water soluble free-radical initiator.