Abstract: A damascene structure includes a hard mask layer that is applied in a liquid phase to a line dielectric layer. Contemplated hard mask layers comprise a Si—N bond and are densified such that the etch resistivity of the hard mask layer is greater than the etch resistivity of the line dielectric layer and the via dielectric layer in the damascene structure. Particularly preferred hard mask layers include polyperhydrosilazane.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing system has a vacuum chamber which is provided with a cathode electrode for holding a substrate to be processed and into which a reactive gas for generating discharging plasma by the application of a high-frequency electric power is introduced, a measuring circuit which measures at least one of the impedance of a system including the plasma, the peak-to-peak voltage of a high-frequency signal applied to the plasma, and a self-bias voltage applied to the cathode electrode, and a sense circuit which compares the measured value from the measuring circuit with previously prepared data and senses the change of processing characteristics with time for the substrate in using the discharging plasma or the cleaning time of the inside of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing system has a vacuum chamber which is provided with a cathode electrode for holding a substrate to be processed and into which a reactive gas for generating discharging plasma by the application of a high-frequency electric power is introduced, a measuring circuit which measures at least one of the impedance of a system including the plasma, the peak-to-peak voltage of a high-frequency signal applied to the plasma, and a self-bias voltage applied to the cathode electrode, and a sense circuit which compares the measured value from the measuring circuit with previously prepared data and senses the change of processing characteristics with time for the substrate in using the discharging plasma or the cleaning time of the inside of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A first channel is formed in the side of a first diffusion plate which is on that side of a gas inlet tube and a recess is formed in the side which is on that side of an electrode plate. The first channel and the recess communicate with each other through a plurality of inlet ports. The first channel and the inlet ports form a gas flow passage L which leads to the recess from the gas inlet tube. As a process gas supplied from the gas inlet tube passes through the gas flow passage L, it is supplied, dispersed, to a hollow portion formed between the recess and the electrode plate.

Abstract: A plasma etching device including a supply path supplying temperature adjustment gas into a process chamber, wherein the temperature adjustment gas is supplied, and a temperature of an interior of the process chamber is controlled, is disclosed. After etching of a wafer is completed, a control valve of the supply path is opened, and the temperature adjustment gas is supplied into the process chamber. A temperature of the temperature adjustment gas is adjusted to a target gas temperature corresponding to an ambient temperature of the interior of the process chamber, or the like. The high-temperature gas remaining in the process chamber is replaced by the temperature adjustment gas supplied from respective nozzle ports, whereby the interior of the process chamber can be cooled to a target temperature with high accuracy in a short amount of time.

Abstract: In a microwave plasma processing apparatus that uses a radial line slot antenna, a slot plate (16) is formed by a material having a thermal expansion rate close to the wave retardation plate (18), or depositing a metal on a dielectric plate constituting the wave retardation plate (18). An intimate contact between the wave retardation plate and a slot plate constituting a microwave radiation surface is improved so as to prevent an abnormal electric discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of improving impedance matching between a RF signal and a multi-segmented electrode in a plasma reactor powered by the RF signal. The apparatus and method phase shifts the RF signal driving one or more electrode segment of the multi-segmented electrode, amplifies the RF signal, and matches an impedance of the RF signal with an impedance of the electrode segment, where the RF signal is modulated prior to matching of the impedance of the RF signal. The apparatus and method directionally couples an output of the matching of the impedance of the RF signal and the electrode segment, and adjusts the output of the matching of the impedance of the RF signal such that a directionally coupled output signal and a reference signal representing the RF signal at the output of the master RF oscillator produces a demodulated signal of minimal amplitude.

Abstract: A method and a device suitable for its execution are provided for the anisotropic plasma etching of a substrate, especially a silicon element. The device has a chamber and a plasma source for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field and a reaction region for generating a plasma having reactive species inside the chamber, the reactive species being created by the action of the alternating field upon an etching gas, and a passivating gas that is especially simultaneously introduced but spatially separated from it. Furthermore, an arrangement is provided, by the use of which, in the reaction region, at least a first zone that has etching gas applied to it, and at least a second zone that has passivating gas applied to it, are defined.

Abstract: This application discloses a High-Frequency plasma processing apparatus comprising a process chamber in which a substrate to be processed is placed, a process-gas introduction line for introducing a process gas into the process chamber, a first HF electrode provided in the process chamber, a first HF power source for applying voltage to the first HF electrode, thereby generating plasma of the process gas. The apparatus further comprises a second HF electrode facing the first HF electrode in the process chamber, interposing discharge space, and a series resonator connecting the second electrode and the ground. The frequency of the first HF power source is not lower than 30 MHz. The series resonator is resonant as the distributed constant circuit at the frequency of the first HF power source.

Abstract: A new and improved insert ring for a wafer support inside a processing chamber for the processing, particularly dry etching, of semiconductor wafer substrates. The insert ring includes a generally convex inner surface which faces the wafer support and defines a gap or berline wall between the insert ring and the wafer support. In one embodiment, the convex inner surface is convexly-tapered. In another embodiment, the convex inner surface is convexly-curved. Throughout etching of multiple successive substrates on the wafer support, accumulations of polymer material on the inner surface of the insert ring are prevented or at least substantially reduced. Consequently, polymer peeling is eliminated or reduced and operational intervals for the processing chamber or system between periodic maintenance or cleanings, are prolonged.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus and a focus ring enables to perform uniform plasma processing over the entire surface of a substrate to be processed to thereby improve in-surface uniformity of plasma processing compared with conventional cases. The focus ring is disposed on a susceptor 2, which serves to mount thereon a semiconductor wafer W and further functions as a lower electrode, to surround a periphery of the semiconductor wafer W. The focus ring 6 includes a ring member of a thin plate shape disposed to surround the periphery of the wafer W while maintaining a gap therebetween and a lower ring body installed below the semiconductor wafer and the ring member of the thin plate shape.

Abstract: A paste application apparatus includes a robot mechanism for holding a syringe storing paste material and a controller for controlling the operation of the robot mechanism. The robot mechanism further takes charge of delivering the syringe to a holding mechanism and also connecting and disconnecting a pipe to be connected with the syringe. By this robot mechanism, the exchange of an empty syringe for a new syringe can be carried out without an operator automatically. It is possible to reduce an operator's burden and enhance the operating efficiency in applying the paste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an RFID label (40) as a destination information carrier for an article (K) to be transported, in particular a piece of baggage, a printer (10) for preparing at least labels (50) as destination information carriers for the article (K) to be transported, a tag (60) for an article (K) to be transported and a system for labeling an article (K) to be transported and a method therefor. According to the invention it is provided that an RFID label (50) remains on a piece of baggage (K) to be transported until said label (40) has a malfunction and has to be replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a CD includes a base and a center stem and/or one or more locating elements extending from the base. A label assembly is positioned on the base, the label assembly including a label portion with an adhesive side that faces upward from the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a CD includes a base and a profiled edge along at least one side of the base. A label assembly is positioned on the base and includes a die cut edge corresponding with the profiled edge. Labels may be thus applied to the CD without peeling thereby eliminating the curl inherent in conventional labels.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying fluid onto a substrate, in particular for glueing inner books, books, magazines and other substrates that need to be bound. The apparatus comprises a first slot nozzle, connectable with a fluid source, for applying a fluid film onto one side of the substrate to be coated. The first slot nozzle comprises a seal member for adjusting the width of the first slot nozzle outlet transversely to the principal direction of movement of the substrate. This enables the width across which fluid is applied to the inner book side to be adjusted.

Abstract: For operating on a laminar material (3) having a reference speed VR, it is provided a device comprising: a rotating body (6) with a rotation speed &ohgr;, a guide member (5) in engagement with the rotating body (6) and movable along a circumferential trajectory (7) having a work stretch (7a), the guide member (5) in the circumferential trajectory (7) having a tangential speed T with a work component TL parallel to the laminar material (3), and drive means (9) adapted to selectively vary the tangential speed T of the guide member (5) and the reference speed VR of the laminar material (3) so as to impose a work component TL and a reference speed VR equal to each other at the work stretch (7a).

Abstract: A carpet removal system for efficiently removing carpet from a floor. The carpet removal system includes a leverage member, an engaging member for engaging the carpet to be removed, and a connecting member connected between the leverage member and the engaging member. The leverage member is an elongate structure which allows for the connecting member to be attached at various locations for providing various leverage forces. The leverage member includes a footplate having a plurality of engaging teeth for engaging the flooring.

Abstract: A window barrier configured to be removably supported adjacent to the interior side of a vehicle door.

Abstract: A window blind includes a housing, slats, and a bottom rail. A shaft is journalled in the housing. A pair of pull ropes extends through the housing and the slats, and connects the shaft to the bottom rail. A drive cord is coupled to the shaft. An operating device includes a pulling unit, a braking unit, and a positioning unit. The pulling unit permits extension of the drive cord therethrough, has the drive cord secured thereto, and is operable so as to rotate the shaft for raising the bottom rail. The braking unit provides a braking force that is transmitted to the shaft so as to retain the bottom rail at a desired vertical distance relative to the housing. The positioning unit permits extension of the drive cord therethrough and is operable so as to release the braking force for lowering the bottom rail.

Abstract: A window covering system has a bracket rail with an elongated L-shaped body that extends across substantially the full width of a window. A plurality off brackets are attached to a headrail of a window covering and releasably attach the headrail to the bracket rail. Preferably, the brackets have a tab which engages the front edge of the bracket rail and an inverted U-shaped spring that engages the bottom edge of the bracket rail.

Abstract: A reinforcing post assembly for use with a sectional upward acting door to reinforce the door against high windloads includes an elongated C-channel shaped post reinforced with spaced apart gusset plates, and including retractable anchor pin members at its lower end. Elongated anchor links are mounted on the post upper end for engagement with a wall bracket which includes retainer pins and bosses formed thereon for retaining the links in a working position of the post. Spaced apart flexible cables are mounted on the post and may be connected at opposed eyes to retaining anchor pins mounted on the door sections and extending therebetween at spaced apart points on the door.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a pulp washing process and measuring efficiency. The methods comprise modelling the maximum washing capacity of the washing process, selecting the variables of the washing process to be measured, measuring the variables of the washing process, and adjusting the washing process or determining the efficiency of the washing process by means of the modelling and the measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides wrapping materials suitable for use with smoking articles, the wrapping materials comprising ultrafine particles. The present invention is described with reference to a cigarette having a wrapping material comprising ultrafine particles. The ultrafine particles may be distributed in regions throughout the wrapping material in the form of patterns including longitudinal or circumferential bands.

Abstract: Machine and process for the manufacture of a paper web, in particular, a tissue paper or hygienic paper web. At least one pressing gap or nip is formed between a shoe pressing unit and a Yankee drying cylinder, through which a water absorbent carrier band, a water-impermeable pressing band and the web are passed. The pressing gap length is greater than approximately 80 mm, with the maximum pressing pressure of less than or equal to approximately 2 MPa. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in reclaiming particulate material from bonded particulate material comprises an outer compartment arranged substantially concentrically about an inner compartment, means in one compartment for breaking up the bonded particulate material and means in the other compartment for removing the binder, and means for transferring broken up material from one compartment to the other.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic shell mold comprises repeatedly coating a fugitive pattern of an article to be cast with a ceramic slurry layer and applying on the ceramic slurry layer a refractory stucco to form a plurality of ceramic slurry layers and stucco layers on the pattern wherein at least one of the stucco layers is formed by applying discontinuous stucco fiber bundles held together in the bundles by a fugitive binder, which is removed during subsequent firing of the shell mold at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A mold and method for producing a two-stroke engine casing of a radio control model are to define a core cavity and a main cavity in the mold. A first core has a first end inserted into the mold and the core cavity is defined around the first end of the first core for forming a core and simplifying the manufacturing processes. The first core with the core is inserted into the main cavity to from the cylinder of the engine and the blocks of the core define grooves in the inner periphery of the cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mold (1) for casting including: a lower mold (6) having four gates (5) (at least one gate); an upper mold (7) being matched with the lower mold (6) to form a cavity; and side molds (2a), (2b) being matched with the lower mold (6) and upper mold (7) to form the cavity and being split (into at least two). In the mold (1) for casting is constituted an upper surface of a weir (4) of a flat portion of side molds (2a), (2b), and other surfaces of the weir (4) is constituted of a concave portion of the lower molds (6), and the weir (4) is disposed so as to keep a parting line (3) between the side molds (2a), (2b) away. The mold (1) for casting can easily be demolded, and the desired number of gate systems can be formed in desired positions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a plate heat exchanger, which includes a sensor device and a plate package of heat transfer plates (1). The heat transfer plates form between the plates (1) first passages (3) for a first fluid and second passages (4) for a second fluid. The sensor device includes a space (21), which is closed to the first passages (3) and the second passages (4). The closed space (21) is arranged to contain a medium, which can be influenced by the temperature of at least one of said fluids, and to be connectable to means (14) for sensing a pressure change of said medium in the closed space (21). The closed space (21) is at least partly defined by at least one of said plates (1).

Abstract: The invention provides a compact and inexpensive cooling device with high heat transfer efficiency and with easy maintenance. The cooling device includes a condenser (10), an evaporator (20), and a pair of refrigerant flow passages between them. In each of the condenser (10) and the evaporator (20), through holes (11a, 21a) are formed in parallel with each other. The condenser (10) is formed in a cylindrical shape and installed around the cooling head of the refrigerator by a clamp (14). The evaporator (20) is installed the outside. The refrigerant is liquefied in the condenser (10) by releasing its heat, flows down into the evaporator (20) through the flow passage and is vaporized in the evaporator (20) by absorbing heat from the outside. The vaporized refrigerator flows up and returns into the condenser (10).

Abstract: A clip is disclosed which is capable of applying significant retention force via a rotatable cam arm while being easily removable due to the cam arm and a separate removal arm. A method of using the clip is also disclosed which uses the advantages of the clip, particularly in the context of computer design and construction.

Abstract: Providing a multi-tube heat exchanger capable of increasing heat exchanging performance without increasing its heat transmitting area and solving a problem on drop in heat exchanging efficiency due to adhering pollutant or the like. A multi-tube heat exchanger comprising an inner tube (heat transmitting tube) group in which a first fluid passes and an outer tube (body) in which a second fluid passes, both ends of each multiple heat transmitting tubes being held and disposed on introduction/discharge side holding plates located on each of first fluid introduction side and first fluid discharge side. The heat transmitting tube is constituted of only a heat transmitting tube main body 114 and a number of lump-like projections are formed at a predetermined interval in the length direction on one or both of opposing wall faces on longer sides of the heat transmitting tube main body 114.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a first refrigerant container having a side wall to which a heat-generating member is attached, a second refrigerant container, and plural tubes communicated with both of the containers. The first refrigerant container has therein a flow control unit for controlling a refrigerant flow in the first refrigerant container. The flow control unit is provided such that refrigerant introduced from the second refrigerant container into the first refrigerant container flows along an inner surface of the side wall of the first refrigerant container at least from a height position corresponding to a top end of the heat-generating member. Therefore, a height level of liquid refrigerant stored in the first refrigerant container can be decreased while heat radiation area can be widened. Thus, cooling performance is improved in the cooling device used in a side-heat condition.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink (10) and a pair of heat pipes (20). The heat sink includes a base (12), a top plate (18), and a plurality of fins (16) thermally connecting the base and the plate through solder. Opposite ends of each heat pipe are engaged with the base and the plate respectively, for transferring heat accumulated at the base to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus including a magnesium alloy vessel substantially free of aluminum and zinc, with the vessel having a hollow interior cavity containing a working fluid, wherein the improvement includes the formation of a stable, protective layer on the inside wall of the vessel, the layer establishing compatibility with the working fluid and preventing base metal corrosion by the working fluid, the vessel including magnesium in combination with a gettering metal.

Abstract: A vertical polygonal heat exchange chamber includes an upper opening, a lower opening, and an enclosure formed between the upper and lower openings. The enclosure includes at least one tapered portion that narrows in a direction toward one of the openings. The tapered portion is lined with N first water tube panels arranged adjacent to and alternately with N second water tube panels, where N is an integer greater than two. Each of the first and second water tube panels is angled inwardly from the widest part of the tapered portion toward the interior of the enclosure, with each of the first water tube panels being angled inwardly to a greater degree than each of the second water tube panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered heat exchanger, for example, for use as a layered heat exchanger for motor vehicle coolers. To provide a turn portion in the heat exchanger for changing the direction of flow of a fluid which flows zigzag through a fluid circuit, a metal plate for fabricating the exchanger is provided at the upper end or the lower end of a partition ridge with a fluid flow direction changing passage forming caved portion having a bottom wall of circular-arc cross section. Front and rear upper tank portions of a flat tube portion or front and rear lower tank portions thereof are held in communication with each other through a fluid flow direction changing passage having an approximately circular cross section and formed by the caved portions which are opposed to each other.

Abstract: One embodiment of a heat sink comprises a metal support member having a groove disposed at a surface thereof and a fin disposed at the groove. The fin comprises a graphite-based material having a metal-based coating disposed thereon, and the fin is retained at the groove via a soldered joint at the metal-based coating and the groove. Another exemplary embodiment of a heat sink comprises a plurality of fins alternatingly arranged with a plurality of spacers. A method of fabricating a heat sink comprises preparing a surface of a graphite-based substrate, removing particulate matter generated from the preparation of the surface of the substrate, applying a metal-based coating at the surface of the substrate, and arranging the substrate to form a heat sink structure.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a heat rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat accepting heat exchanger. A storage tank stores the water that cools the refrigerant in the heat rejecting heat exchanger. A mechanical interface plate positioned between a hot water reservoir and a cold water reservoir in the storage tank reduces heat transfer between the hot water and the cold water. During a water heating mode, cold water from the cold reservoir flows into the heat sink to cool the refrigerant in the heat rejecting heat exchanger. As the water exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the water is heated in the heat sink, exits the heat sink, and flows into the hot reservoir of the storage tank. During a water discharge mode, the hot water in the hot reservoir is removed from the storage tank and flows into a hot water discharge. Cold water from a water source flows into the cold reservoir of the storage tank to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: A working medium supply control system in a heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger (14) carries out heat exchange between an exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine (11) and water flowing through a heat transfer tube (13), and the exhaust gas thereby heats the water to generate steam at a target temperature. The system is provided with a plurality of flow control valves (17a to 17j) that can individually regulate the amount of water supplied to a plurality of headers provided in the heat transfer tube (13), and control means (21) individually controls the amounts of water supplied via the respective flow control valves (17a to 17j) based on the rotational speed and the load of the internal combustion engine (11).

Abstract: A truck-mounted carpet-cleaning system that replaces the separate heat exchangers used in conventional systems having a single unit. It also merges several exhausts before they are used in the exchanger. This allows the system to be able to better regulate the temperature of the water. This improved regulation eliminates the need for a water bypass system. Because of the improved heat exchange system, the solenoids, sensors, thermo relief valves, bypass orifices and other components found in traditional systems can be eliminated. This results in a more reliable system, with more tightly regulated water temperature.

Abstract: A U flow radiator 10 with a header tank 12 split into inlet and outlet sides I and O by a lengthwise divider wall 18 has a coolant inlet consisting of a cylindrical pipe 22. A hollow cylindrical barrel 24 co extensive and coaxial with pipe 22 and extending across divider wall 18, with cut outs 26 and 28 opening respectively into both sides I and O. A thin walled, hollow cylindrical sleeve 30 turns within barrel 24 with windows 36 and 38 that alternately block or open the cut outs 26 and 28, or open both partially. A rotary actuator 40 turns sleeve 30 within barrel 24. Coolant can be selectively routed all to the tank outlet side O, by passing the radiator 10 for quick warm up. After warm up, coolant can be routed to I or O in desired proportions to increase or decrease cooling capacity. With high engine cooling demand, all coolant is routed to the inlet side I and all coolant passes through radiator 10.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning calcites and other extraneous matter from the perforated casing of a sub-terrainian water well comprises a plurality of elongate explosive members 14 for lowering into the well, detonators 16 for detonating each member 14 to produce an explosion which propagates longitudinally of the well, and a plurality of short tubular attenuators 19 circumscribing the explosive members 14 at intervals along the length thereof. Each tubular attenuator 19 comprises a steel tube 20 and an annular ring 21 extending around the tube at a point along the length thereof.

Abstract: A subsurface signal transmitting apparatus including an insulation coupler, a carrier device for mounting the telemetry instrumentation, and a by-pass system for avoiding pressure build-up either above or below the apparatus. The insulation coupler includes a housing member having a central opening defined by an interior surface extending in the longitudinal direction and a mandrel member having an exterior surface spaced from the interior surface of the housing member to provide a gap or clearance with an insulating bonding material occupying the clearance. The surfaces are oriented so that when the coupling is in tension at least a portion of the two surfaces experience interacting forces towards each other in the longitudinal direction of the coupling and in event of failure of the bonding material, the mandrel member is unable to withdraw from the housing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive method consists in the following: a pump, a connecting and disconnecting unit, a valve unit, a packer and a shank are mounted on a tubing string before actuating the inventive device. A perforator is run into the well on a mounting seat in the pass channel of the pump, the packer being released. Differential pressure being produced, the perforator is blasted against the productive stratum which is then drained. The perforator being replaced by the transmitter and receiver-transducer of physical fields, the stratum is studied while the pump operates. Said transmitter and receiver-transducer being pulled from the well, a valve chamber and a blocking insert separating the cavity of the tubing string from environment are thrown into the well. The well starts to work in a natural flow regime.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean production interval while reducing the percentage of water produced. A lateral well is drilled from an existing primary well. A submersible pump is deployed to a position in the primary well below the intersection with the lateral well. The pump injects the separated water into the production interval through the primary well, at a rate sufficient to allow the gravity separation of the hydrocarbons and water in the area above the submersible pump. Suitable submersible pumps include an electric submersible pump, a cavity pump and a rod pump. One or more lateral wells may be used. The lateral wells can intersect the same production interval as the primary well or can intersect an unconnected production interval.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (80) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a base pipe (82) having at least one opening (84) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (86) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (82) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow of a predetermined size therethrough. An internal isolation member (88) that has at least one opening (90) is positioned within the base pipe (82). A one-way valve (92) is operably associated with the opening (90) of the internal isolation member (88). The one-way valve (92) controls the flow of fluid through the opening (90) of the internal isolation member (88) such that fluid flow is prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (80) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (80).

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (90) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a base pipe (92) having a blank pipe section (94) and a perforated section (96) having at least one opening (98) that allows fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (100) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (92) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. An internal seal element (104) is positioned at least partially within the perforated section (96) of the base pipe (92). The internal seal element (104) controls the flow of fluid through the opening (98) of the base pipe (92) such that fluid flow is prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (90) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (90).

Abstract: Cement compositions containing low reactivity materials are disclosed. The compositions are useful in conditions involving high temperatures, high pressures, and tectonic forces such as oil and gas wells. The cement compositions display increased compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. Fractures appear to occur in a non-linear fashion between the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) of the particles, rather than in a straight line such as those observed in conventional cement materials.