Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing finished sliders, the apparatus including a physical and chemical etching device, and a controller to direct the chemical and physical etching device onto a substrate consisting of a plurality of materials. The physical and chemical etch device provides a uniform etch rate throughout the plurality of materials in the substrate while also providing a desired property level of each of the plurality of materials.

Abstract: A desired component of an electromagnetic field in a slot antenna is selectively taken to be supplied into a vessel for generating a plasma. The angle of inclination of slots (36) relative to the circumferential direction of a radiation surface (31) of the slot antenna (30) is decreased as the position of the slots approaches the periphery of the radiation surface 31 from the center O of the radiation surface.

Abstract: A plasma processing method for providing plasma processing to an object to be processed disposed within a vacuum processing chamber in which a process gas feeding device feeds process gas into the vacuum processing chamber, a wafer electrode is placed within the vacuum processing chamber for mounting the object to be processed, a wafer bias power generator applies self-bias voltage to the wafer electrode, and a plasma generator generates plasma within the vacuum processing chamber. The plasma processing method flattens either a positive side voltage or a negative side voltage of a voltage waveform of a high frequency voltage generated to the object at an arbitrary voltage.

Abstract: A plasma device includes a first conductive plate (31) in which a plurality of slots (36) are formed, a second conductive plate (32) having a microwave inlet (35) and disposed opposite to the first conductive plate (31), a ring member (34) for connecting peripheral edges of the first and second conductive plates (31, 32), and a conductive adjusting member (37) provided on said second conductive plate (32) within a radial waveguide (33) formed by the first and second conductive plates (31, 32) and serving to adjust a distance (d1, d2) up to the first conductive plate (31). With this arrangement, a desired electric field radiation distribution can be obtained without inducing abnormal discharge.

Abstract: A plasma etching apparatus for processing a sample disposed inside of a processing chamber by generating a plasma in the processing chamber. An antenna is disposed above the sample for radiating electromagnetic waves toward the inside of the processing chamber. A dielectric member is disposed with respect to an outer periphery of the antenna, and a member is disposed above the sample in the processing chamber and facing the sample at the outer periphery of the antenna. The sample is processed in the processing chamber while enabling control of a temperature on a surface of the member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons having different height dimensions comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, cigarette carton unsealing and opening stations, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, and cigarette carton closing and resealing stations. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The cigarette cartons are conveyed along a support surface, and the programmable logic controller (PLC) controls a single servo motor and linear actuator assembly for controlling the elevational level of the support surface so as to always position the cigarette cartons at the proper elevational level with respect to the various operational implements located at the operational stations.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a processing system suitable for manufacturing an SOI substrate. A processing system includes a scalar robot for conveying a bonded substrate stack held by a robot hand, and a centering apparatus, separating apparatus, inverting apparatus, and cleaning/drying apparatus disposed at substantially equidistant positions from a driving shaft of the scalar robot. When the robot hand is pivoted about the driving shaft in the horizontal plane and moved close to or away from the driving shaft, a bonded substrate stack or separated substrate is conveyed among the processing apparatuses.

Abstract: A bead loosening device (10) can be used to loosen a tire from a rim while the tire/wheel assembly (20) is installed on a horizontal spindle (18) of a tire-testing machine (12). The device (10) comprises a supporting arm (30), having a first end pivotally connected to a lever (34), and a shoe-carrying arm (32), having a first end pivotally connected to the lever (34) and a second end to which a shoe (38) is attached. A handle (40) is connected to the lever (34) in such a manner that movement of the handle (40) results in the shoe (38) moving radially inward towards a sidewall of the tire. The shoe-carrying arm (32) follows a curved path slanted towards the supporting arm (30).

Abstract: A compact evaporation apparatus includes an evaporator vessel with a sloped, bottom chamber. A combustion chamber is mounted to a top of the vessel, with a burner mounted to a top of the combustion chamber, the combustion chamber sized to achieve total combustion of an air/gas mixture supplied to the burner before being released below a liquid surface in the vessel. At least one turbulence diverter plate is located within the vessel beneath the liquid surface, the diverter plate being a submerged perforated plate extending horizontally from the combustion chamber, such that hot combustion gasses are released below the diverter plate, and as large gas bubbles rise to the surface they pass through small perforations in the diverter plate, thereby breaking large, hot gas bubbles into small bubbles, the gas to liquid contact area being maximized to increase system efficiency.

Abstract: A cogeneration waste heat evaporation system and method for wastewater treatment utilizing waste heat recovery from, e.g., a gas turbine, is described, comprising recovering engine waste heat by capturing and routing such waste heat through a unique evaporator system. Such evaporation system may include one or more of a bypass throttle system, which controls the flow such exhaust through one or both of a bypass duct and an evaporator duct, at least one electrical thermal resistance heater operated to modulate demand on the engine, and thus, modulate output of waste heat into the evaporation system and/or to provide additional heat for the evaporation and/or drying process, and a downstream afterburner utilized in conjunction with a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An awning drive assembly with a motor internal to an awning roll-up tube and/or the awning using the awning drive assembly. A transmission linkage is attached to a motor assembly which is at least partially inserted into the roll-up tube of the awning. The transmission linkage is a disk connected to a motor shaft and the disk has notched which engage corresponding projections within the roll-up tube, allowing the motor to deploy and retract the awning. The awning drive assembly also has a means for reassembly connecting the motor assembly to a support arm mounting assembly. When the means for releasably connecting is released, a spring retracts the awning,even when the motor in not operable.

Abstract: A pleated window treatment is suspended on a rod by means of a rod engaging means which may comprise a continuous rod pocket or a series of straps that are affixed to the back side of a pleated window treatment at a point where it is desired to have the window treatment supported by a rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a multi-ply tissue comprising at least two plies. The process comprises steps of mechanically refining a first slurry of fibers wherein the fibers have an average length of at least 2 mm; mixing the refined slurry with a second slurry of fibers, providing an embryonic web upon a foraminous surface, removing water from the embryonic web to form a ply; and juxtaposing at least two plies to form the multi-ply tissue.

Abstract: A coated printing paper the product of whose basis weight, density, Young's modulus in the machine direction and breaking length in the machine direction is within the range of no less than 1.0×1021g2·N/m6 but not greater than 4.0×1021g2·N/m6, and which offers excellent pliability, superior print gloss in the image area regardless of lower white-paper gloss, minimal small-scale gloss variations in the image area, and excellent workability with the printing machinery, more particularly a matte coated paper, is provided.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after exposing the treated pulp fibers to process water, liquids, or solutions used in products. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a water insoluble chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web containing chemically treated pulp fibers.

Abstract: A method for increasing filler retention of cellulosic fiber sheets is disclosed. In the method, cellulosic fibers with increased anionic sites are treated with either positively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles or a cationic retention aid and negatively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles. Cellulosic fiber sheets with retained filler particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for draining water from a cellulose web which is formed in a wedge-shaped space defined by two wires, the wires being supported on chamber assemblies including at one time at least one water receiving chamber, the water flowing therein through the wire as a result of a pressure difference. Each water receiving chamber has connected thereto at least one substantially vertical pipe having a vertical drop between its top and bottom end sufficient for developing a gravitational suction leg in the water flowing pipe, and the pipe terminating in a water receiver.

Abstract: A pulp molded article having a pulp fiber layer (2) of single layer structure which is formed by papermaking from a single raw material composition and has a density distribution in the thickness direction thereof. The pulp fiber layer (2) has such a density distribution that the density increases or decreases in the thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a twin wire former in a machine for the production of a fiber web, especially a paper or cardboard web from at least one fiber stock suspension, including a vertical twin wire segment having two wires running over a peripheral area of a turning element, especially a guide roll whose surface is preferably not equipped with suction and is smooth or substantially smooth; and in that at least one separation element, such as a transfer suction box is provided indirectly or immediately following the guide roll that separates the top wire from the bottom wire on which the fibrous web is supported.

Abstract: A thermally efficient method for the heating a gas permeable wall of a bonded refractory mold wherein the mold wall defines a mold cavity in which molten metal or alloy is cast. The mold wall is heated by the transfer of heat from hot gas flowing inside of the mold cavity to the mold wall. Hot gas is flowed from a hot gas source outside the mold through the mold cavity and gas permeable mold wall to a lower pressure region exterior of the mold to control temperature of an interior surface of the mold wall.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for casting a forged material and a mold usable therefor. A finished metal product which is free from the internal defects is manufactured by solidifying a forged material in a specified direction, with concentrating the defects in the riser portion of the mold for casting a forged material. The finished metal product having a lightweight is produced with a less cost, resultantly, carbon dioxide discharged from the automobiles is reduced, thereby the present invention can contribute to environmental protection measures such as preventing global warming.

Abstract: A method for controlling a molten metal pouring operation is disclosed which works in the presence of unusual pouring conditions such as typically encountered in aluminum casting and utilizes a laser type sensor, for example a triangulation based light section device, to monitor differences between a reference surface and the molten metal in a mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous casting of metals, especially steel, for use in a solidified-bending method. Said device comprises, downstream of the continuous casting mold, a straight strand guide (1) and a bending device (3) that releases the cast strand path (2a) so that the cold strand (5) can be introduced. The object of the invention is to utilize the height of the device that has so far not been used for supporting the strand or to reduce the height of the entire installation. To this end, the bending device (3) comprises a folding segment (9) that is pivoted on the fixed side (1a) and that is provided with a row of rollers (10) that limit the bending path (3c) in the operational position. The bending device further comprises on the loose side (1b) a loose element (11) that can be swiveled into the operational position (3b) or that can be swiveled out from this position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a strip casting machine (10), whereby molten metal (18) is poured between two rotatable casting rolls (11, 12). A gaseous film (G) is formed between the respective surfaces (11′, 12′) of the casting rolls and the strip skin (D1, D2, D3) forming on the molten metal, the gas being introduced essentially into the inerting chamber (24) above the metal bath. During the casting, a controlled quantity of a gas consisting of argon, nitrogen and/or another gas is introduced into the inerting chamber (24) in such a way that the heat transfer from the strip skin to the casting rolls (11, 12) can be influenced by the thickness of the gaseous film (G) in such a way that the surfaces (11, 12′) of the casting rolls can be provided with or without cavities (51). A smooth surface can thus also be obtained on the strip cast.

Abstract: A molten steel of a special steel or the like including a high-alloy steel is poured in a mold whose bottom portion is closed with a dummy head of a lift table. As the lift table is vertically moved down at a given casting speed, a casting whose lower end is supported by the dummy head is continuously pulled out from the bottom portion of the mold. As a pair of movable molds that constitute the mold are relatively moved away from each other in synchronism with the downward movement of the lift table, both widthwise side surfaces of the casting are provided with required tapering.

Abstract: A mold for the casting of metals including an aggregate comprising a refractory particulate material and a soluble binder which provides for minimal heat transfer between the mold and the molten metal during filling. The aggregate preferably includes at least a proportion of particulate material having a heat diffusivity at least as low as silica sand to reduce the chilling effect of the mold. The mold is removed from the casting the action of a solvent, which simultaneously cools and solidifies the casting at a maximum rate. Processes for forming the mold and the casting of metals using the mold are also disclosed.

Abstract: This is a heating and cooling system, and method that utilizes the roof of a home or building as a solar collector. A heat barrier material is secured to the inside free edges of the roof rafters to reflect radiant heat into air flow passage ways formed between the rafters, the attic side of the roof and the heat barrier materials. A loft or upper attic floor is built in the upper portion of the attic and is also covered with the heat barrier material. The attic is divided into separate areas that are connected by a ducting system that includes a filter, an evaporator and a blower. The blower produces airflow through the filter and over the evaporator coil and into a separated portion of the attic. Airflow moves through selected formed channels between rafters, barrier material and inside roof to the blower for re-circulation.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus comprises a generally hollow heating and cooling tower body having a ceiling part for receiving solar heat and a columnar part for storing the solar heat received by the ceiling part. The columnar part has a lower portion adapted to be positioned in the ground for receiving a flow of cool air from the ground and a heat absorbing-and-radiating section for absorbing and radiating heat to heat the heating and cooling tower body using the stored solar heat and to cool the heating and cooling tower body using the flow cool air from the ground.

Abstract: A radiator bonding to a heat source for transmitting thermal energy includes a conductive base board and a plurality of radiation fins. The conductive base board is in contact with the heat source to perform heat transfer. The radiation fins are mounted onto the conductive base board and are segmented into a first fin section and a second fin section that are spaced from each other at a selected distance to form an airflow space with a wider upper end and a narrower lower end. Airflow generated by a radiation air fan is directly channeled to the conductive base board to perform heat exchange.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a base having first and second regions, a first fin of a first type disposed on the first region of the base, and a second fin of a second type disposed on the second region of the base. The first and second regions of the base may be integral with or attached to one another. Such a heat sink can dissipate heat from multiple electronic components with the respective fin type that is most cost effective for each respective component. Using such a heat sink often reduces manufacturing time and costs as compared to using a separate heat sink for each component. In addition, such a heat sink can dissipate heat from multiple regions of a single electronic component with the respective fin type that is most cost effective for each region.

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for positioning and stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick is provided. A support base assembly is mounted to a structural member of a drilling rig derrick. A jointed articulating boom having a boom base member and a boom arm member is attached to the support base assembly and can be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes. The jointed articulating boom extends and retracts by cooperative motion between the boom base member and the boom arm member. A pipe gripper assembly having opposing arcuate jaws is mounted at the outer extent of the jointed articulating boom and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A remote control panel subassembly is used to control the movement of jointed articulating boom and pipe gripper assembly.

Abstract: A disconnect device for use as part of a tubing string downhole in an oil or gas well and which comprises a tubular body (2), at least one slip (8) held within the tubular body (2), and a sleeve (10) housed within the tubular body (2) to hold the at least one slip (8) in coupling engagement with at least one of a coupling component of an upper sub (1) and a coupling component of a lower sub (3), in use, the sleeve (10) being selectively moveable relative to the at least one slip (8) to release the slip and thereby release the coupling, wherein the slip (8) cooperatively engages with at least one of the coupling component of the upper sub (1) and the coupling component of the lower sub (3) by means of at least one localised protrusion (18) on the slip (8) or on the coupling component extending into a correspondingly shaped local depression or hole (19) in the other of the at least one slip and the coupling component whereby tensile load and torque may be transmitted by the coupling, that part of the device whi

Abstract: A portion of at least one fiber is moved from a wellbore into a formation such that the portion is placed to conduct a signal responsive to at least one parameter in the formation. One particular implementation uses fiber optic cable with a process selected from the group consisting of a fracturing process, an acidizing process, and a conformance process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods for determining the sand production rate from unconsolidated and poorly consolidated subterranean formations under varying drawdown pressures. The current invention also allows for immediate production of fluid from the subterranean formation upon determination of the sand production rate. Additionally, the current invention provides a method for determining the detrimental sand production rate and/or the maximum sand free production rate for a subterranean formation. Finally, the current invention is applicable in vertical, horizontal, deviated and multi-lateral boreholes.

Abstract: A downhole separator has a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. A shaft driven impeller pumps production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing generates a pressure drop in production fluid entering the second chamber, separating gas from liquid. A vortex generator in the second chamber segregates the liquid to the outside and the gas to the inside of the second chamber. A downhole separation method includes pumping production fluid into a first chamber, and generating a pressure drop in the fluid as the fluid enters a second chamber to separate gas and liquid.

Abstract: A gravel packing system featuring pressure actuated sliding sleeve valves mounted to an exterior annulus around a blanking pipe for screen sections is disclosed. An internal sliding sleeve valve is provided for subsequent closure of access through the screens. The presence of the annulus between the blanking pipe and the screen permits a backup access through perforating the blanking pipe while not damaging the screen. The sliding sleeve valves that are mounted internally and externally on the blanking pipe are removable apart from the screen section that already has gravel packed around it, if they fail to operate and need repair.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing formation is disclosed.

Abstract: Compressed bentonite-containing nodules are disclosed as are methods for their production and methods for using them to plug wells.

Abstract: A composition of matter for use in stablizing shale formations in earth boreholes comprising polymeric products, e.g., polymers of a dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylate, which can optionally be quaternized with an alkyl halide to produce drilling fluid additives which stablize borehole formations containing reactive clays in the presence of an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A slurry for hydrocarbon production and water injection well cementing, and procedures to cement wells using such slurry are provided. The slurry contains at least cement and water, and at least an amount of fibers in a ratio of 0.1 to 0.8% in weight with respect to cement weight, where the fibers may in general be of polypropylene, polystyrene, carbon, alkali-resistant glass, cellulose or polymers. The slurry may also comprise other additives, such as dispersants, fluid loss agents, accelerators and retarders, chemical extenders and latex, among others. Procedures to cement hydrocarbon production wells or water injection wells are also described, where the cement slurry is prepared incorporating fibers into the slurry separately or mixing them with the remaining dry components before adding water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the tubing-retrievable safety valve. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one aspect, the drive system is a rotary motor and shaft system that is connected to the cutting system.

Abstract: A method of removing a gravel packed screen to reach another zone is described. The method involves a bottom hole assembly comprising an isolation device for the screen and a tool to latch on to it. A perforating gun is shot off to put holes in the screen to allow gravel to come through. A flow through a reversing valve is initiated to urge the gravel into the newly perforated screen while a vibrator shakes the screen and stimulates gravel flow through the screen. Alternatively, the screen is not isolated and a reverse circulation from the surface in conjunction with vibration urges the gravel to flow through the screen and out through the tubing supporting the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement by a hydraulic jar device, especially for use in underground wells, where the jar device is installed in a pipe string led down into the well, and designed so that e.g. a stuck object in the well may be loosened or broken up by upward or downward percussions from the jar device. The jar device is actuated by increasing the flow of drill fluid. Alternatively, the device is actuated by compression. A valve (27, 37, 38) closes off the flow of drill fluid, whereby a percussion cycle is initiated. The valve is designed so as also to seal during strong lateral accelerations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars and reforming the connection between the tubulars. In one aspect of the invention, the tubulars are aligned, connected, and then reformed at the connection. In one embodiment, the reforming is accomplished by removing material from the tubular connection. Preferably, a broach is used to remove the material. In another embodiment, a reforming member operatively connected to a telescoping tubular is inserted into the tubulars.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming or repairing a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support. An expandable tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed by an expansion cone that is displaced by hydraulic pressure. Before or after the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member, a sliding sleeve valve within the apparatus permit a hardenable fluidic sealing material to be injected into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and a preexisting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubing expansion tool and to a method of expanding tubing. In one embodiment, a tubing expansion tool (10) is disclosed which comprises a body (14) and at least one expansion member (16) radially movably mounted on the body (14) for movement towards an extended configuration describing an expansion diameter for expanding tubing (12) to a predetermined diameter, the expansion member (16) being lockable in the extended configuration. In further embodiments, the expansion member (16) is biased radially inwardly; the expansion member (16) is moveable in response to both an applied mechanical force and an applied fluid pressure force; and the expansion member (16) is pivotably mounted with respect to the body (14).