Abstract: The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a first interconnection, a via-plug that is connected to the first interconnection, and a second interconnection that is formed as a single unit with the via-plug. The cross-sectional shape of the via-plug is such that the plug sidewall angle, which indicates the angle of the via-plug sidewall with respect to the surface of the first interconnection, is a positive angle; and moreover, at least two points exist between the base and the top of the via-plug on at least one sidewall of the two sidewalls of the cross-sectional shape of the via-plug at which the plug sidewall angle attains a maximum value. Since shapes that would give rise to the occurrence of concentrations of stress are not formed in the via-plug sidewalls, metal is more effectively embedded in the via-hole, and the incidence of voids is prevented.

Abstract: Provided is a reliable semiconductor device with a layered interconnect structure that may develop no trouble of voids and interconnect breakdowns, in which the layered interconnect structure comprises a conductor film and a neighboring film as so layered on a semiconductor substrate that the neighboring film is contacted with the conductor film.

Abstract: A solder, in particular a thin-film solder, for joining microelectromechanical components, wherein the solder is a eutectic mixture of gold and bismuth. Components and devices joined by a solder of this type are also disclosed, in addition to processes for producing such components or devices.

Abstract: An electronic structure bondable to an electronic assembly, such as a chip. The electronic structure may be joined to a electronic assembly, such as a chip, by use of a structural epoxy adhesive. The electronic structure includes a mineral layer on a metallic plate, and an adhesion promoter layer on the mineral layer. The metallic plate includes a metallic substance that includes a pure metal with or without a metal coating. The metallic substance may include such substances as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, copper coated with nickel, and copper coated with chrome. The mineral layer includes a chemical compound derived from a mineral; e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO2) derived from quartz. Such chemical compounds may include such substances as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide. The chemical compound may exist in either crystalline or amorphous form. The adhesion promoter may include such chemical substances as silanes, titanates, zirconates, and aluminates.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device manufacturing process using a low-dielectric-constant insulation film as an interlayer insulation film, a stress exerted on wiring layers and interlayer insulation films is reduced. In a semiconductor device in which a plurality of buried wiring layers are formed in the interlayer insulation films each formed of a low- dielectric-constant insulation film lower in mechanical strength than a silicone oxide film formed by, for example, a CVD method, a first layer of wiring, on a lower layer of which a low-dielectric-constant insulation film is not disposed, serves as a bonding pad, and bump electrodes are formed on the wiring so as to become higher than a position where the uppermost buried wiring is formed.

Abstract: A bump structure of a scattering reflective board and a method for manufacturing the bump structure. Multiple strip-shaped shielding sections are arranged on an optical mask at intervals. Multiple irregularly arranged circular holes are distributed in the respective strip-shaped shielding sections. Multiple irregularly arranged circular shielding sections are distributed in spacing sections between the adjacent strip-shaped shielding sections. Multiple irregularly arranged arch notches and arch shielding sections are distributed on the edges of the strip-shaped shielding sections. After exposed and developed, multiple scattered and irregularly arranged bumps are formed on the photosensitive material layer laid on the substrate. Then a reflective film is laid on the substrate and the bumps to form the reflective board.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate which utilizes an underlying conductive layer coupled to a pad on the substrate to assure a reinforced pad which will not be damaged or removed from the substrate when subjected to a significant load. Two or more pads can be similarly provided and coupled to the conductive layer, e.g., the layer being a common (ground) layer. An information handling system (e.g., a personal computer) utilizing the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate having upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including a periphery defined by first and second spaced apart side edges and front and rear spaced apart edges; a power semiconductor die disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, the die including a top surface on which at least a first metalized surface is disposed and a bottom surface; a plurality of conductive pads disposed only at the second side edge of the substrate; and a plurality of wire bonds extending from the first metalized surface to the plurality of conductive pads.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding system for encapsulating a piece of substrate having a plurality of molding sections. The system comprises a molding device operative to separately encapsulate each molding section with a molding compound and indexing means operative to position said molding sections of the substrate relative to the molding device for encapsulation.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate which has a plurality of semiconductor device formation regions and alignment mark formation region having the same planar size as that of the semiconductor device formation region, a plurality of post electrodes which are formed in each semiconductor device formation region, and an alignment post electrode which is formed in the alignment mark formation region and smaller in number than the post electrodes formed in each semiconductor device formation region.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first gate insulator on a first portion of a semiconductor substrate, a storage node on the first gate insulator, a tunnel junction barrier on the storage node and a data electrode on the layer tunnel junction barrier. The device further includes a second gate insulator layer on a sidewall of the tunnel junction barrier, a third gate insulator on a second portion of the substrate adjacent the tunnel junction barrier and a gate electrode on the second gate insulator and the third gate insulator. First and second impurity-doped regions are disposed in the substrate and are coupled by a channel through the first and second portions of the substrate. Fabrication of such a device is also describes.

Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a vapour of a liquid into a ventilation system includes a vessel for holding the liquid, a heater for heating the liquid in the vessel to form a vapour, and means for delivering the vapour into the air flow passing through a passageway of the ventilation system. The liquid may be an essential oil or other liquid. An aerator may be used to deliver the vapour into the air flow. The apparatus may also include one or more additional liquid reservoirs, a controller which regulates the operation of the heater in response to user control, an air flow detector, and data stored in a controller memory.

Abstract: Polymeric optical articles, including gradient index optical preforms and fiber produced therefrom, are described. Methods for producing the optical articles using plasticizers and/or dopants in the sheathing of the articles are also described. Gradient index optical articles made according to the invention have excellent optical characteristics, enhanced mechanical properties and environmental stability, and enable more flexibility in the selection of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.

Abstract: The degradation of characteristics of an optical cable due to generation of voids caused by gasification of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) can be prevented in a method of manufacturing an optical cable, in which an optical fiber and a tension member made of a FRP are coated by extruding a thermoplastic resin around them, the temperature of the thermoplastic resin during extrusion being controlled in the range of 160° C. to 190° C.

Abstract: The invention is a mold and method for using the mold to make a multi-stage intraocular lens. The mold is provided with a gate in fluid communication with a lens portion and/or haptic portion of the mold core. In addition, a gasket is provided around the mold core. As molding material is introduced into the mold via the gate, a vacuum is drawn around and through the gasket to evacuate air trapped in the mold core and to help pull the material through the mold core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the fabrication of a dental cast part having the following steps: Forming and hardening a first working model of a dentition, in such a way that the material used for fabrication of the working model expands during hardening; modelling a restoration from a modelling material on the first working model or a second working model that is essentially identical to the first working model in respect of its dimensions; embedding the restoration model in a settable dental investment that is at least essentially quartz-free; hardening the dental investment; removing the restoration model from the dental investment so that a casting form is created; introducing liquid metal into the casting form and allowing the metal to solidify in the casting form; removal of the metal that has solidified to form a dental cast part.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass-like carbon pipe is provided. The method comprises the steps of producing a plurality of thermosetting resin molded articles by centrifugal molding, said molded articles each having the shape of the sections of a pipe divided in the longitudinal direction and each provided with threaded or fitting portions; integrating these molded articles by joining at the threaded or fitting portions; and carbonizing the joined pipe to thereby produce a glass-like carbon pipe. This method is capable of producing a straight or bent pipe with excellent mechanical strength and gas sealability at the joint, and this method enables production of a pipe at a low cost since no machining is required for providing the threaded or fitting portions.

Abstract: A melting volume reduction device (10) for waste resin comprises: a charging port (15) for charging waste resin; a cutter (38) for crushing the charged waste resin; a screen (39) through which pieces of waste resin, which have been crushed into sizes not more than a predetermined size, can pass; a conveyer means (49) for conveying the pieces of waste resin which have passed through the screen; a melting means (44) for melting the pieces of waste resin, which have been conveyed by the conveyer means, into a state of high viscosity; and a discharge port (44a) for discharging the melted waste of resin. The melting volume reduction device for waste resin is composed so that it can be transported by a transportation means, and the melting volume reduction device for waste resin is capable of reducing a volume of waste resin by means of melting at a site where the waste resin is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing and recycling processing means to be used during the painting or coating of vehicle parts in order to hold, cover, or transport such parts, or fix them in position or for the assembly of such parts. The processing means are produced by injection moulding, and after use are ground up while still in the painted state and subsequently used as raw material, in pulverized form, for an injection-moulding procedure to manufacture such processing means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing means 1 for masking regions of a vehicle during the painting operation. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing and recycling processing means 1 of this kind, as well as to a method of masking regions of a vehicle during the painting operation with such a processing means 1. It is the objective of the present invention to make available a recyclable processing means 1 of the kind cited above, which under the conditions of a painting operation exhibits a shape, stability and firmness such that its use provides advantages regarding economy and quality as well as ecological considerations. This objective is achieved by a processing means 1 for masking regions of a vehicle that consists of a plastic material and can be placed on a cathodal dip-priming coat covering the flange 2 around openings in a vehicle body or vehicle module, so as to produce a form-fitting seal.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to reduce a high speed FV n-order component of a completed tire by specifying a mounting phase of a raw tire with respect to a vulcanization mold. A variation amount of a total gage of a tread portion of each of non-vulcanized raw tires Pi (i=1 to m) each having a plurality of (k) tire constituent members including a joint portion whose one end and the other end in its circumferential direction are connected to each other, and a high speed FV of each of completed tires Qi (i=1 to m) obtained by vulcanizing and forming the raw tire Pi (i=1 to m) using a vulcanization mold are measured to obtain an estimation equation. Based on the equation, the mounting phase of the raw tire after the m-th can be specified.

Abstract: A mold for forming plastic elements or for welding plastic elements to one another includes a thermocouple having its metallic elements welded to the mold to provide an accurate indication of the temperature of the mold. The metallic elements may be welded at a common location or at spaced apart locations. A circuit responsive to the temperature indication provided by the thermocouple controls the heating of the mold to maintain it at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method facilitates fabricating a cellular cushion. The method comprises injecting material into a mold in an injection molding process to form a cushion first layer that includes a plurality of hollow cells that extend outward from the base and are each coupled together in flow communication, coupling a second layer to the first layer, and coupling an injection stem in flow communication to the plurality of hollow cells to enable an operating pressure within the cells to be changed.

Abstract: An insulating beverage or food container or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a paper stock. A polymer shrink film layer is arranged in a position along an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer is sandwiched between the polymer shrink film layer and the paper stock and decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the container for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain. The polymer shrink film layer is produced from a shrink film polymer having a percent shrink in the range of 30% or less, and more particularly a percent shrink range of 5 to 10%.

Abstract: A process for producing a component from a sheet molding compound (SMC) material includes raw-material preparation, semi-finished product production and component shaping.

Abstract: A method of molding reinforced polymer compositions using a molding machine with a tapered bore is provided. The method has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine used in the method includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: A method of processing a waste material, which method includes blending the waste material in cut, elongate, particulate or finely divided form, with an epoxy vinyl ester resin. The resin is permitted to cure, so as to form a solid body.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of a granular delivery system particularly useful for the controlled release of flavoring or perfuming ingredients. The process includes the steps of forming a concentrated, highly viscous emulsion of the active compound to be encapsulated, blending the latter with a hydrophilic polymer in an extruder and shaping it into a granular free flowing solid at usual storage temperatures. The process of the invention is particularly appropriate for the encapsulation of volatile molecules as it avoids any dehydration step before or after extrusion.

Abstract: A fin is formed using a set of sectional molds, in which two material injecting units are provided to simultaneously inject two different types of raw materials into the molds, so that a blade portion and a foot pocket portion of the fin are formed at the instant of injection to produce a complete fin. The two injecting units may be separately preset or adjusted to optimal injecting time and pressure according to flow rates of the two types of raw materials in molten state, so that the molded blade portion and foot pocket portion are fully connected together to have an optimal bonding strength between them.

Abstract: An improved extrusion die and a method for using the same that minimizes the deflection of the die exit by providing the walls of the extrusion die with areas of increasing thickness that increase from the die ends to a central location. The die wall thickness is varies such that there is minimal deflection created at the die exit.

Abstract: A filling material for use with pillows, comforters and other products includes a blend of down and Lyocell fiber. Various preparation, washing, drying, dedusting, and blending steps achieve the blended product. The filling material has various advantageous characteristics such as improved moisture management, improved support while maintaining softness and comfort, and all-natural and enhanced hypoallergenic performance.

Abstract: A method for cooling melt spun filaments, as well as an apparatus for melt spinning a plurality of strand-like filaments. In this method and apparatus, the filaments that are melt spun by means of a spin unit are cooled in a cooling unit by a conditioned cooling air stream. For conditioning the cooling air, a required wet steam is produced by a plurality of steam generators, which connect via parallel lines to a coolant source. With that, it is possible to adapt the number of steam generators to the required quantity of steam such that at least one the steam generators can be disconnected for purposes of maintenance.

Abstract: According to the invention, laminated glazing is treated with a view to a subsequent operation in which the glazing will be subjected to substantial thermal stressing, especially taken to a temperature of at least 80° C., by subjecting the glazing to thermal conditioning in which it is gradually heated to a maximum temperature of 150° C. for a total time of at least 1 hour.

Abstract: Processes for mechanically fabricating two and three-dimensional fibrous monolith composites include preparing a fibrous monolith filament from a core composition of a first powder material and a boundary material of a second powder material. The filament includes a first portion of the core composition surrounded by a second portion of the boundary composition. One or more filaments are extruded through a mechanically-controlled deposition nozzle onto a working surface to create a fibrous monolith composite object. The objects may be formed directly from computer models and have complex geometries.

Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to delivery conduits used in systems that provide positive pressure ventilation therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to a sleeve that allows flexible conduits to be joined and sealed to a thermoplastic connector, allowing for gases to be supplied to the conduit. The sleeve is used in the over moulding of an end connector onto the conduit. The sleeve and method of attaching a connector to a conduit of the present invention has the advantage that it prevents the connector from loosening or breaking when the conduit is bent, pulled or stressed, which can occur in some cases where the connector is attached to the conduit using a bond, such as glue. Furthermore, the occurrences of flashing of plastic across the conduit walls will be prevented during moulding, ensuring that no air or water leakages occur within the conduit walls. In a further embodiment a rubber cuff may be used with the conduit in order to mould a connector about the end of a conduit.

Abstract: A process for production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibres is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing and producing a surface of a material with a reproducible degree of lustre and to a press for carrying out said method. The aim of the invention is to increase the stability of the press. To achieve this, a press is provided with a coating that consists of carbon with diamond-like layers and that adheres to the surface of the press. Said coating has a layer thickness of between 0.1 and 10 &mgr;m and a surface hardness in excess of 1800 HV (Vickers). The attrition of the surface of the press is thus significantly reduced during the processing of abrasion-resistant materials.

Abstract: A method for producing an injection-molded material with an antibacterial function includes the steps of coating nanosilver particles and pigment onto surfaces of plastic raw materials to make pellets of the mixture; and inserting the mixture pellets into an injection molding machine to form an injection-molded material. A cohesive agent may be mixed with a solution of the nanosilver particles and the pigment prior to the step of coating the nanosilver particles and the pigment onto the surfaces of the plastic raw materials. The step of coating the nanosilver particles and the pigment onto the surfaces of the plastic raw material includes spraying the nanosilver particles and the pigment onto the surfaces of the plastic raw materials or immersing the plastic raw material into a solution of the nanosilver particles and the pigment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool (1a, 1b, 2) for injection moulding of an opening arrangement (20) of plastic in a hole in a packaging material (9), the hole defining a hole edge (8) and the tool displaying a mould cavity (7) which surrounds the hole edge (8) together with a part of a first side (9a), as well as a part of a second side (9b) of the packaging material in connection with the hole edge, the mould cavity (7) displaying an inlet (10) for molten plastic and, opposing the inlet, an end gap (11) for the extension of the packaging material (9) out of the tool, the inlet (10) displaying a deflection from a first flow direction (F1) in a flow gap (5) to a second flow direction (F2) into the mould cavity (7). According to the invention, the tool (1a, 1b) displays, at said inlet (10), a throttle lip (12) which projects in a direction which substantially coincides with said first flow direction (F1).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to silicone based compositions having enhanced UV absorption, methods for making such compositions, methods of making electrochemical fabrication contact masks using such compositions, contact masks themselves, and electrochemical fabrication methods for using such masks. The enhanced UV absorption of the silicone allows it to be patterned by laser ablation. Some compositions include moieties having one or more aromatic rings attached to silicone backbones and molecules having ring structured polyimides with pluralities of double bond functional groups. Other compositions also include molecules having aromatic ring backbones and pluralities of double bond formation groups.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resinous product in which a second mold component 30 is fitted into an engagement hole 24 of a first mold component 20 includes a molding process for molding the laser beam-transparent first mold component 20 and the laser beam-absorbent second mold component 30, respectively, with resin, an engagement process for fitting the second mold component 30 into an engagement hole 24 formed in the first mold component 20 during the molding process to form an annular closed space 50 extending in the circumferential direction of the engagement hole 24 in the engagement boundary between the engagement hole 24 and the second mold component 30, and a welding process for irradiating the laser beam along a path L1 penetrating the second mold component 30 and reaching the first mold component 20 while passing through the closed space 50 so that the first and second mold components 20 and 30 are welded and fixed with each other.

Abstract: Processes for preparation of seals and gaskets using cure-in-place techniques that incorporate a molding step, which is preferably an injection molding step, are provided. The processes are useful for preparing sealing assemblies that comprise compositions that are curable by UV radiation and that are adhered to a support member.

Abstract: A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication, the method including fabricating a support structure about at least a portion of the object by applying a binder or focused energy to a build material.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the invention manufactures a fuel filler pipe (branching pipe), where a breather pipe is branched off from a filler pipe main body. The manufacturing method extrudes a first extruded tubular member and a second extruded tubular member, conveys molds arranged on both sides of the first extruded tubular member and the second extruded tubular member, and forms the first extruded tubular member and the second extruded tubular member corresponding to molding surfaces of the molds, so as to mold the filler pipe main body and the breather pipe. The manufacturing method then thermally welds part of the second extruded tubular member with an outer wall of the first extruded tubular member and closes an opening end of the breather pipe to form a welding joint portion. A connection hole for connecting the conduit of the filler pipe main body with the conduit of the breather pipe is formed in the welding joint portion with a tool inserted through an opening of the filler pipe main body.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an exhaust gas purifying filter capable of purifying an exhaust gas.

Abstract: Round and spherical titanium dioxide scouring media and a method for producing the media are disclosed. The scouring media is effective in removing titanium dioxide buildup on the walls of a titanium dioxide reaction vessel. The method consists of forming green titanium dioxide pellets in a high intensity mixer by mixing commercially available titanium dioxide dust, water and a surfactant. The high intensity mixer produces substantially round, and spherical green pellets which are subsequently sized and sintered in a kiln to form round and spherical titanium dioxide sintered pellets that are suitable as a scouring media. The high intensity mixer allows the operator to closely control the size and shape of the pellets during the forming process to produce substantially round and spherical green pellets. Because the sintered titanium dioxide pellets are substantially round and spherical in shape, they are much less abrasive to the walls of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Process for producing a high-strength steel strip, in which liquid steel is cast in at least one continuous-casting machine with one or more strands to form a slab and, utilizing the casting heat, is conveyed through a furnace device, undergoes preliminary rolling in a preliminary rolling device and, in a final rolling device, is finishing-rolled to form a steel strip with the desired final thickness, and, in a continuous, endless or semi-endless process, the slab undergoes preliminary rolling in, essentially, the austenitic range in the preliminary device and, in the final rolling device, is rolled in the austenitic range or, in at least one stand of the final rolling device, is rolled in the two-phase austenitic-ferritic range, the austenitic or austenitic, ferritic rolled strip, after leaving the final rolling device, is cooled rapidly in order to obtain the desired structure.