Abstract: A method of forming an earplug is provided including removing a material of the earplug by laser ablation. An earplug is positioned proximate a laser, a portion of the earplug to be ablated is identified, the laser is activated so as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portion to be ablated, and the portion to be ablated is removed by laser ablation. The invention is also directed to an earplug including a feature formed by laser ablation.

Abstract: A cigarette filter comprises an elongate filter component having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced apart slits generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter component partially extend into the component. The slits enable the filter to disintegrate and more readily degrade after being used and discarded. Processes and apparatus are provided for producing such cigarette filters.

Abstract: A wig includes hair strands secured together by a support structure to form a rounded cap. A system of alteration members includes elongated seams secured to the support structure to define an area of the support structure. The areas defined by the alteration members are preselected to facilitate alteration of the rounded cap by removal of portions of the support structure from the defined areas. The system of alteration members includes transverse members having ends located on the opposite sides of the cap and wedge shaped darts arranged in symmetrical pairs on opposite sides of the cap. A portion of the hair strands is provided by sections having lines of stitching in an edge portion and arranged in layered fashion. Elongated connector strips extend across the layered hair sections to form an orthogonal network structure.

Abstract: A packaging device for a product, preferably a make-up product, including a support generally planar in shape and in the form of a plate having two faces. The support includes at least one cavity having a depth less than or equal to the thickness of the plate, with the cavity opening on at least one face of the support at a first aperture, and with the cavity containing the product. The device includes an applicator for the product which is connected to the support by a junction area that can be broken to detach the applicator from the support. In addition, or alternatively, an adhesive sheet can be attached to the support, with a portion of the sheet forming a housing for the applicator.

Abstract: A case incorporates a base part housing a reserve of product. A lid covers the base part. A sealing element can be arranged to close a space containing the product at least when the lid is closed. The sealing element can be supported by a pivot enabling it to rotate about geometrical axes of rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cosmetic mask which includes a mask film in the shape of face-figuration principally made of silicon rubber; inside the mask film a plurality of particle far-infrared generators are evenly distributed for facilitating said mask to adhere to the user's face and generating far infrared rays to activate the user's face, then resulting in an improvement in facial skin care.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment there is provided a method of improving the performance of a substrate cleaner of the type having a megasonic probe with a probe shaft extending generally parallel to a surface of a rotating substrate, and at least one dispenser for applying a cleaning liquid onto the surface of the substrate, wherein the megasonic probe agitates the liquid on the surface. The method comprising dissolving gas in the liquid before the liquid reaches the dispenser. In accordance with another embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning substrates comprises a rotary fixture which is adapted to support a substrate and rotate the substrate about a first axis, a probe having a probe shaft extending generally parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a megasonic transducer in acoustically coupled relation to the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a processing chamber are provided. The cleaning method includes the use of a remote plasma source to generate reactive species and an in situ RF power to generate or regenerate reactive species. The reactive species are generated from a carbon and fluorine-containing gas and an oxygen source.

Abstract: A cleaning method of removing a vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments without exposure to the atmosphere is provided. A vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments (components of a film-forming apparatus) such as a substrate holder, a vapor-deposition mask, a mask holder, or an adhesion preventing shield provided in a film-forming chamber are subjected to heat treatment. Because of this, the adhering vapor-deposition material is re-sublimated, and removed by exhaust through a vacuum pump. By including such a cleaning method in the steps of manufacturing an electro-optical device, the manufacturing steps are shortened, and an electro-optical device with high reliability can be realized.

Abstract: A rate monitor connected to a single-wafer cleaning device to measure and control a wet cleaning process. During the wafer cleaning process the rate monitor can monitor a rate at which changes are being made to a portion of the wafer, as the wafer is covered with a liquid, and predict an endpoint in time to the wet cleaning process.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid cleaning system and method comprising mainly a pressure chamber, a closable lid, a substrate support for holding at least one substrate, a rotable shaft extending outward from within the chamber, an external rotary power source coupled magnetically or otherwise to the shaft, and a rotable component or impeller attached to the chamber end of the shaft in close proximity to the substrate holding position, and baffles located close to the rotable component. The rotable component is configured for rotation within the supercritical phase fluid in the chamber close to the surface of the wafer for causing agitation and turbulent fluid flow against the surface of the substrate, and increased intra-chamber fluid circulation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the removal of organic sacrificial layers from a micro-electromechanical structure including the steps of: immersing the structure in at least one bath of at least a first organic solvent, thereby removing substantially all of the organic sacrificial layers; rinsing the structure in a bath of a second organic solvent; transferring the structure to a pressure chamber without substantial evaporation of the second organic solvent wherein the structure is immersed in a second bath of the second organic solvent; closing, pressurizing and filling the pressure chamber with liquid carbon dioxide whereby the second solvent is substantially displaced; heating the liquid carbon dioxide above its critical temperature, thereby permitting the carbon dioxide to undergo a phase change to the supercritical phase; venting the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating substances by means of countercurrent washing, having a container with a first end region, at which a first inlet orifice for the ingress of a substance mixture and a first outlet orifice for the egress of a substance component to be separated from the substance mixture and of a washing fluid are provided, with a second end region which is located axially opposite the first end region and at which a second inlet orifice for the ingress of the washing fluid and a second outlet orifice for the egress of a further substance component of the substance mixture and of the washing fluid are provided, and with a displacement region which is provided between the first end region and the second end region, the displacement region merging into the second end region by a transitional cross section.

Abstract: Egg lifting apparatus are provided that include a vacuum housing having first and second passageways, a venturi assembly in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and a flexible cup secured to the vacuum housing, wherein the flexible cup has an interior that is in fluid communication with the vacuum housing second passageway. The venturi assembly produces subatmospheric pressure within the second passageway upon the flow of air through the first passageway. The flexible cup is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when subatmospheric pressure is provided within the flexible cup interior via the vacuum housing second passageway.

Abstract: Methods of treating a fabric wherein a fabric to be treated is provided, a fabric treatment composition comprising a low molecular weight protein hydrolyzate is provided; and the fabric is contacted with the fabric treatment composition, are described along with methods of reducing the inflammatory and/or skin-irritating effects of a fabric treatment composition by combining a low molecular weight protein hydrolyzate and a fabric treatment composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor structure in a modified conventional gas etch/rinse or dryer vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning a membrane surface or maintaining a clean outside surface of a membrane during a process of outside-in membrane separation to remove suspended solids from a liquid phase. The method involves applying pressurized gas pulses to the membrane surface with individual pulse lengths of about 0.1 to 10 seconds. The pulses may be injected singularly with an interval of about 10 to 1000 seconds between pulses for a total duration of about 0.1 to 1000 hours. Alternatively, the pulses may be injected in clusters of about 2 to 100 pulses with an interval of 50-300% of the pulse length between individual pulses for a total duration of about 10 to 1000 seconds. In a preferred embodiment, both types of pulsation methods are combined in a particular sequence. The expanding gas directed toward the membrane surface in the course of one pulse dissipates energy of up to about 40 kJ/m3.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning strip and means responsive to movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned for positioning the cleaning strip relative to the surface to be cleaned in dependence upon the direction of movement of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a paint brush comprises a hollow nozzle attached to a source of pressurized cleaning solution such as water, solvent, liquefied hot soap or alike. The distal tip of the nozzle is equipped with a poppet valve such that the body of the valve protrudes from the distal tip. The proximal section of the nozzle is adapted to be attached to a source of cleaning solution, that in the most basic configuration being a common tap water valve. When the water valve is opened, the brush is moved towards the nozzle. Upon engaging with the heel or bristles of the brush, the poppet valve moves inwards and opens the flow of water towards the center of the brush allowing washing out any remaining wet and dissolved paint. In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device includes a hollow handle attached to a source of pressurized cleaning solution and equipped with one or more nozzles each having a poppet valve.

Abstract: A crutch includes an upper portion and a lower portion pivotally secured together with a shaft, at suitable angular position, and foldable to compact folding structure that is excellent for storing and transportation purposes. The lower and the upper portions of the crutch each may include a number of teeth engageable with each other, and a fastener to force the teeth toward and to engage with each other, and thus to adjustably secure the upper and the lower portions of the crutch together. The upper portion of the crutch includes a hand grip adjustably secured between two posts.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more foldable frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a foldable frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: Structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members can be foldable to allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device that eliminates differences in the distance between two adjacent junctions. The thermoelectric conversion device includes an insulative core. A thermocouple assembly is formed spirally around the insulative core contacting the circumferential surface and includes a plurality of series-connected thermocouples. Each of the thermocouples defines a single loop of the spiral and has a first metal body, which is formed in half of the loop, and a second metal body, which is formed in the remaining half of the loop from a metal differing from the first metal body. A plurality of junctions are formed between the first metal body and the second metal body of each thermocouple. The junctions are formed at 180° intervals along the spiral thermocouple assembly.

Abstract: A flat-sectioned device that traps energy from the sun or any light source through the photovoltaic effect of it's upper surface material composition and releases light through the electroluminiscence effect of its lower surface material composition, all this carried or mounted on an extruded material pro file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple reflector light or solar energy concentrators and systems using such concentrators. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an arrangement of optical elements for the efficient collection of light while minimizing complexities of optics needed to achieve light collection and concentration. At least three reflectors are involved. A concave primary reflector receives the solar energy and sends it to a secondary convex reflector positioned in the focal zone of the first reflector. In turn, the secondary reflector sends the solar energy, at least in part, to a third non-imaging reflector positioned in the focal zone of the secondary reflector. In a system, a receiver is placed in the focal zone of the third reflector. The present arrangement allows for the receiver to be in a fixed position, enhancing the ability of certain variants of the system to generate steam directly in the receiver.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic solar cell is provided. A plurality of generally spherical semiconductor elements are provided. Each of the semiconductor elements has a core and an outer surface surface forming a p-n junction. An anti-reflection coating is deposited on the outer surface of each of the semiconductor elements and each of the semiconductor elements is bonded into a perforated aluminum foil array thereby providing ohmic contact to a first side of the p-n junction. The anti-reflection coating is removed from a portion of each of the semiconductor elements and then the core is exposed, thereby allowing ohmic contact to be made to a second side of the p-n junction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of mounting a photovoltaic module on a structure. The system includes a first element that is mounted on a structure and a first clamp that engages the first element and that secures the photovoltaic module with respect to the structure. The first clamp includes a body that is adapted to be positioned with respect to the photovoltaic module, and a jaw that pivots about a pivot axis between first and second configurations relative to the body. The first configuration permits non-coaxial displacement with respect to the pivot axis by the first clamp relative to the first element, and the second configuration generally prevents non-coaxial displacement with respect to the pivot axis by the first clamp relative to the first element. The jaw includes a handling end that is operated from above the photovoltaic module, and an operating end that cooperates with the first element.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-wave absorbing method using a solar cell or cells is provided, whereby there comes about essentially no reflection of electromagnetic waves by the solar cell or cells without impeding solar light power generation thereby. A solar cell module (10) may be constructed from a plurality of solar cells (1) wherein respective upper electrodes (2, 2) are electrically connected together by a conductor (7) and a common lower electrode (6) is used. So that any possibly reflected wave may be absorbed, the impedance of the solar cells to electromagnetic waves incident thereon is matched to an electromagnetic-wave characteristic impedance by adjusting the number of the solar cells (1) arranged or the way in which they are arranged or by connecting a capacitor (13) across a pair of output terminals (8, 9) of the module.

Abstract: A shower bath tap valve assembly allowing easy production and assembly and adaptable also to a ceramic cartridge is essentially comprised of a valve body, a cylindrical balance valve seat to accommodate a balance valve to be forthwith placed in a central trough, connected to a cartridge and secured in position with a sleeve and a fixation nut.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.

Abstract: A valve pin insert has a body for insertion into a valve plate and a stud integrally formed with the body and extending from one end of the body above the valve plate. The body has a lower shank at an end of the body that is opposite from the end at which the stud is positioned, and an upper shank at the end of the body adjacent to the end of the body at which the stud is positioned. The lower shank is of a lesser diameter than the upper shank and an undercut shoulder between the shanks forms a recess opening in the direction toward the lower shank and forms a tooth which shears material of the valve plate as the pin is inserted into a hole in the valve plate. The insert is a relatively harder plastic and the valve plate is a relatively softer plastic.

Abstract: A uniform fluid distribution system (2) for use with a liquid transfer system (100) for maintaining an interface between liquid phases within a large scale separator system including a cell of circular or rectilinear cross-section into which liquid may be introduced as discrete phases at an inlet zone occupying a first approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell and output at an outlet zone occupying a second approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell. Said distribution system (2) comprises at least one liquid inlet (24) and one distribution outlet (32), which are connected by an internal flow connection system (36).

Abstract: A power steering fluid refilling and draining device according to the present invention includes a frame mounting with a fresh fluid tank including an output pipe connected to a first three-way valve and a refilling port. The frame further houses a used fluid tank including a sucking pipe connected to a second three-way valve and a sucking port. A pneumatic pump is interconnected to the output pipe and the sucking pipe, respectively. Wherein when the pneumatic pump is operated, the fresh fluid will be delivered into a steering system with used fluid therein being sucked out by the sucking port simultaneously. Each of the fresh fluid tank and the used fluid tank is provided with a window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel delivery system for a saddle fuel tank wherein a fuel pump and a jet pump are positioned within an active side of the tank. The jet pump is directly driven by the fuel pump to draw the fuel from a passive side of the tank to the active side of the tank.

Abstract: A fabric tube made from highly resistant and thermostable threads has at least one tube end that is inverted inwards, the inverted tube section resting substantially parallel on the inner wall of the fabric tube. Two of such tubes can be connected to each other for forming a jointed tube. A method for producing the jointed tube uses a transition piece for connecting the individual parts to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe body of which the edge sections contact with each other stably and which can be formed only by means of only a press processing without performing a welding in mass-producing, wherein separation-prevented engagement due to deformation of at least one of the engagement sections absorbs the spring back in the press processing. Also, the present invention provides a pipe body, a metal plate for the pipe body and a forming method of the pipe body using the sheet metal for the pipe body.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes at least one source container that contains a substance and a reading mechanism capable of reading data from a data indicator on a receiving container wherein the data indicator identifies data about the receiving container. The apparatus also includes a controller that is connected to the reading mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine when a dispensing condition is satisfied. The apparatus also has a dispenser for discharging the substance into the receiving container in response to a signal from the controller. The dispensing condition can be a match between data from the data indicator and the data stored for access by the controller. The source container can also have a data indicator. The dispensing condition is then satisfied when the data from the source container data indicator matches the data from the receiving container data indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filling system for loading one or more paintball reservoir tubes with paintballs. The system is made of a paintball fill funnel and a support for at least one, and preferably a plurality of reservoir tubes. The fill funnel is dimensioned to fit within the reservoir tube and rest on the rim of the reservoir tube. A support shoulder, rim, or plurality of support shoulders on the outside of the fill funnel form a stable plane atop the tube rim. Each funnel can have more than one spout that communicates with a central funnel chamber for filling a plurality of paintball reservoir tubes simultaneously. The tube support can take a variety of configurations.

Abstract: Magnetic powder having a large coercivity, Hc, is consolidated with a non-magnetic binder to form a magnetic implement having desired dimension and shape. The magnetic implement exhibits a linear B-H loop and low magnetic loss. It is capable of operating under a wide magnetic field range, and finds use current and pulse transformers, inductors carrying large electrical current, stable bandpass filters, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an iron-base amorphous alloy thin strip excellent in soft magnetic properties, an iron core manufactured by using said thin strip, and a mother alloy for producing a rapidly cooled and solidified thin strip. More specifically, the present invention is an iron-base amorphous alloy thin strip produced by rapidly cooling and solidifying molten metal by ejecting it onto a moving cooling substrate through a pouring nozzle having a slot-shaped opening, characterized by having an ultra-thin oxide layer of a thickness in the range from 5 to 20 nm on one or both of the surfaces of the amorphous mother phase containing P in the range from 0.2 to 12 atomic %.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of B, C, Si, and P. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from 2-7 additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum alloy-made forged scroll part includes a step of casting an aluminum alloy material into a round bar having a diameter of 130 mm or less, the aluminum alloy material comprising 8.0-12.5 mass % of Si, 1.0-5.0 mass % of Cu and 0.2-1.3 mass % of Mg; a step of cutting the aluminum alloy round bar into a stock material for forging; a step of subjecting the stock material to upsetting at an upsetting ratio of 20-70% to form a pre-shaped product that is a workpiece; and a forging step of applying pressure onto the workpiece with a punch at a temperature of 300-450° C. to form a scroll wrap in a direction of the punch pressure, and wherein the forging step includes a single step in which a forged scroll part is press-formed while a back pressure smaller than the punch pressure is applied to an end of the scroll wrap in a direction opposite to the punch pressure direction.

Abstract: High strength aluminum alloy rivets are provided in which the aluminum alloys exhibit high strength at atmospheric temperatures and maintain high strength and ductility at extremely low temperatures. The rivets are produced from an alloy which is made by blending about 89 atomic % to 99 atomic % aluminum, 1 atomic % to 11 atomic % of a secondary metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, lithium, silicon, titanium, zirconium, and combinations thereof, and up to about 10 atomic % of a tertiary metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, W, and combinations thereof. The alloy is produced by nanostructure material synthesis, such as cryomilling, in the absence of extrinsically added refractory dispersoids. The synthesized alloy is then consolidated and formed into a solid or blind rivet. Grain size within the rivet is less than 0.

Abstract: A nondestructive evaluating method for aged deterioration in austenitic stainless steel comprises an information obtaining step for previously obtaining a relationship between an applied stress &sgr; and the first ratio Ms/&khgr;H* between a saturation magnetization Ms and a pseudo susceptibility &khgr;H* based on reference minor hysteresis loops obtained by applying stresses &sgr;, respectively, correspondingly to a result of a tensile test for the same kind of material as an evaluation target. In a measuring step, values of the first ratio Ms/&khgr;H* are obtained as measured values from measured minor hysteresis loops obtained by measuring the evaluation target. In an evaluating step, the relationship between the applied stress &sgr; and the first ratio Ms/&khgr;H* is compared with the measured values, thereby evaluating aged deterioration of the evaluation target.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of B, C, Si and P. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strop and a powder. The strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from 2-7 additional elements including at lease one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a power, applying the powder to a surface to forma a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.

Abstract: As a raw material of a copper base alloy containing at least one of 0.2 to 12 wt % of tin and 8 to 45 wt % of zinc, at least one of a copper base alloy having a large surface area and containing carbon on the surface thereof, a copper base alloy having a liquidus line temperature of 1050° C. or less, a copper base alloy surface-treated with tin, and a copper base alloy containing 20 to 1000 ppm of carbon, is used for obtaining a copper base alloy having an excellent hot workability. If necessary, when the raw material of the copper base alloy is melted, the material of the copper base alloy may be coated with a solid material containing 70 wt % or more of carbon, or 0.005 to 0.5 wt % of a solid deoxidizer having a stronger affinity with O than C with respect to the weight of the molten metal may be added to the molten metal.

Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel sheet, which is press-formed to a product shape without such dimensional defects as spring-back or torsion, has an alloying composition consisting of C up to 0.10%, Si up to 1.0%, Mn up to 1.0%, P up to 0.050%, S up to 0.020%, Ni up to 2.0%, 8.0-22.0% of Cr, N up to 0.05%, optionally one or more of Al up to 0.10%, Mo up to 1.0%, Cu up to 1.0%, 0.010-0.50% of Ti, 0.010-0.50% of Nb, 0.010-0.30% of V, 0.010-0.30% of Zr and 0.0010-0.0100% of B, and the balance being essentially Fe with the provision that a value-FM defined by the formula (1) is adjusted to 0 or less. Its mechanical properties are controlled to a plane anisotropic degree (rmax−rmin) of Lankford value (r) ≦0.80 and an anisotropic degree (&sgr;max−&sgr;min) of 0.2%-yield strength ≦20 N/mm2. The stainless steel sheet is manufactured by hot-rolling a stainless steel having the specified composition and then batch-annealing the hot-rolled steel sheet 1-24 hours at 700-800° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns the modification of the thermal profile developed by a product during treatment, in particular in a reheating furnace. The invention is characterised in that it consists in decreasing the treating time of the products, while increasing the available heating power, thereby enabling to reduce the thickness of the decarburized layer and/or the thickness of the calamine layer, hence decreasing melting losses.

Abstract: A method for producing a heat treated aluminum alloy product in a shortened period of time, the method comprising: (a) providing a heat treatable aluminum alloy; (b) working the heat treatable aluminum alloy at a solutionizing temperature to form a product; (c) first stage cooling the product to a critical temperature at which precipitation of second phase particles of the heat treatable aluminum alloy is negligible, wherein the first stage cooling comprises a first stage cooling rate from about 15° F. per second to about 100° F. per second; (d) second stage cooling the product to ambient temperature; (e) heating the product to an artificial aging temperature; and (f) artificially aging the product at the artificial aging temperature for a predetermined artificial aging time to form the heat treated aluminum alloy product.