Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage bottle provided with a mug acting as closure, a bottle whereon fixing an upturned mug is realized with little effort. Consequently, the invention concerns a combination of a beverage bottle and a mug, characterized in that it comprises a beverage bottle and a mug capable of being pressed on at least one end of the bottle and thereby be fixed to said end. The mug and/or the beverage bottle comprise, in the fixing zone, a profiled shape enabling, when the mug is upturned and pressed, a gas exchange between the inside of the mug and outside environment.

Abstract: A venting cap liner used in a pressurized container closure arrangement. The cap liner includes a multi-layer sandwich structure having a first layer and a generally flat resilient intermediate layer. The layers include at least one perforation extending through the layers to enable gas flow therethrough. The first layer has a first surface including at least one channel extending from one edge of the first layer to another edge of the first layer. The intermediate layer is responsive to a gas pressure level in the container such that, at a first selected pressure level, the perforation extending through said second layer opens to allow gas to flow through the perforation and at a second selected pressure level, the intermediate layer expands to close the perforation thereby resisting gas flow.

Abstract: A processed object processing apparatus which enables a plurality of processes to be carried out efficiently. A plurality of treatment systems are communicably connected together in a line and in which the objects to be processed are processed. A load lock system is communicably connected to the treatment systems and has a transfer mechanism that transfers the objects to be processed into and out of each of the treatment systems. At least one of the treatment systems is a vacuum treatment system, and the load lock system is disposed in a position such as to form a line with the treatment systems.

Abstract: A non-conventional lithographic process for modifying, improving and fabricating structural anisotropy, organization and order, and anisotropy of the mechanical, electrical, optical, optoelectronics, charge-carrying and energy-carrying properties in thin films constituted by organic materials with double conjugated bonds. The method consists in molding, performed directly on the conjugated thin film by virtue of intimate contact with the surface of a mold. The parts of the film in direct contact with the mold undergo a transformation that is local in character and whose dimensions depend on the dimensions of the structures provided on the mold. Molding can be performed both in static conditions and in dynamic conditions.

Abstract: A method of creating electrical shorts within an interconnection structure, using a selective etch, to detect a region that is missing a protective hardmask in order to prevent future use of the defective device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrically isolated MEMS device having an outer stationary MEMS element and an inner movable MEMS element is provided that does not use a sacrificial layer. Rather, a pair of spacers are defined on the outer portions of the upper surface of a conductive wafer, and an insulating material is deposited thereon. The spacers are attached to a substrate to define an internal void therein. The wafer is then patterned to form the outer MEMS element as well as a conductive member for the inner MEMS element, separated from the outer MEMS element by a gap. A portion of the insulating layer that is disposed in the gap is then removed, thereby releasing the inner MEMS element from the stationary MEMS element.

Abstract: A method of forming a tunneling magnetoresistive head begins by forming a tunneling magnetoresistive stack having a tunnel barrier. An air bearing surface is formed of the tunneling magnetoresistive stack. The air bearing surface is ion etched causing a deficiency of a constituent in a portion of the tunnel barrier adjacent the air bearing surface. The deficiency of the constituent is replenished in the portion of the tunnel barrier adjacent the air bearing surface to restore the electrical properties of the tunnel barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor laser device, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a first conductive-type clad layer, an active layer, and a second conductive-type clad layer on a first conductive-type semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a ridge structure by selectively etching the second conductive-type clad layer; (c) forming a current blocking layer around the ridge structure, the current blocking layer having protrusions on the upper surface thereof adjacent to the ridge structure, and an amorphous and/or polycrystalline layer on a partial area thereof; and (d) removing at least the amorphous and/or polycrystalline layer from the current blocking layer, and wet-etching the upper surface of the current blocking layer so that the protrusions are reduced in size;

Abstract: A method of etching multi-layer films, the method including: (1) etching a plurality of layers according to etching parameters, (2) determining a plurality of optical characteristics each associated with one of the plurality of layers and determined during the etching of the associated one of the plurality of layers, and (3) determining dynamic etch progressions each based on one of the plurality of optical characteristics that is associated with a particular one of the plurality of layers undergoing the etching.

Abstract: Methods and systems for changing properties of a layer-formed plastic part comprised of at least one plastic material are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic radiation source is provided and the layer-formed plastic part is positioned within a potential exposure range of the electromagnetic radiation source. An exposure of radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source operable to change the property of the layer-formed plastic part from the existing state to an altered state is determined. The layer-formed plastic part is then exposed to the radiation to change the property of the layer-formed plastic part to the altered state.

Abstract: A method of patterning a layer of high-k dielectric material is provided, which may be used in the fabrication of a semiconductor device. A first etch is performed on the high-k dielectric layer. A portion of the high-k dielectric layer being etched with the first etch remains after the first etch. A second etch of the high-k dielectric layer is performed to remove the remaining portion of the high-k dielectric layer. The second etch differs from the first etch. Preferably, the first etch is a dry etch process, and the second etch is a wet etch process. This method may further include a process of plasma ashing the remaining portion of the high-k dielectric layer after the first etch and before the second etch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for etching substrates such as silicon wafers are provided. In one specific approach, a surface of the substrate assembly is covered with a resist that is patterned to define features to be etched. In this approach, the surface is then exposed to a plasma in a plasma etcher so that surface areas not covered with the resist are etched, while the thickness of the resist increases or etches at a rate that is at least ten times slower than that of the exposed areas of the surface. This etching process can be followed with a conventional plasma etch. By combining the etching that increases the resist thickness with the conventional etching of resist in which the resist thins during etching, features having high-aspect-ratios can be etched.

Abstract: A photomask is formed by depositing an opaque layer on a transparent substrate. A resist is formed on the opaque layer and selectively patterned to expose the portions of the opaque layer that are to be etched out. During the dry etching step, the photomask is exposed to an etchant gas mixture which exhibits a selectivity equal to or higher than 1.2:1 between the opaque layer and the resist layer. Due to the selectivity of the gas mixture, a thinner resist film can be used, thereby increasing resolution and accuracy of the opaque layer pattern. Also, due to reduced susceptibility to both a macro-loading effect and a pattern density effect, overetching of the resist and underetching of the opaque layer are significantly reduced, thereby achieving improved etching uniformity and consequently improved CD uniformity.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of semiconductor device capable of suppressing or preventing formation of a dissolution region of composition atoms such as a pit in a semiconductor wafer. After oxide film on a semiconductor wafer is removed by dipping plural pieces of the semiconductor wafer accommodated in a carrier into chemical liquid containing fluoro acid, chemical liquid adhering to the semiconductor wafer is washed out of the semiconductor wafer by rinse processing using de-ionized water. At least in the rinse processing of this wet processing, light is projected to the semiconductor wafer from a light source provided on a wet etching apparatus. Adjusting electromotive force caused by battery reaction at a pn junction of the semiconductor wafer by adjusting the state of the light L enables generation of a pit in the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A small-hole electrical discharge machining device comprises a diaphragm which can be moved up and down along a notch window provided in a work tank for mounting a work in the work tank in which a working fluid can be filled or discharged, and adjusts the height of the working fluid; a W-axis slide which can be moved up and down, and having an electrode guide in the lower end portion; a master cylinder which is moved up and down corresponding to up-and-down movement of the W-axis slide; and a slave cylinder which is connected with the master cylinder through a pipeline and with a diaphragm driving mechanism, and wherein the diaphragm is moved up and down corresponding to up and down movement of the W-axis slide.

Abstract: A method of gas-shielded metal arc joining using a consumable electrode having an alternating polarity (GMA-AC). A shielding gas containing helium is used to improve process stability and working speed.

Abstract: A plasma burner with microwave stimulation having a cavity of enlarged diameter in the region of the plasma and electrically-conductive windings coaxially encompassing the plasma within the cavity. Said winding render the electrical waveguide system formed by the cavity and windings as coaxial outer guide and the plasma as coaxial inner guide suitable for the transmission of microwaves in said region of the plasma burner in respect of impedance and transmission bandwidth in a particular manner, even with significant pressure variations of the process gas and corresponding variable conductance conditions.

Abstract: A hybrid welding process combining a laser beam and an electric arc, in particular a plasma arc, using special gases or gas mixtures as electric arc striking gases and shielding gases, and to its application to the welding of pipes or tubes or to the welding of tailored blanks, especially those that can be used in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a first consumable component having a longitudinally extending connection end. A second component in a coaxial relationship with the first consumable component has a bore defined therein into which the connection end of the first component extends. The bore includes a contact surface defined substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torch. The connection end of the first component includes a contact shoulder defined substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torch, a locking engagement section configured to engage with a corresponding section of the second component, and an alignment section extending longitudinally from the engagement section. The alignment section has a diameter closely matching that of the bore such so as to minimize axial misalignment between the first consumable component and the second component. The first consumable component may be an electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for rigidly connecting a first metallic plate to a second metallic plate are provided. The first plate over the second plate, and a force is applied to at least one first location of the first plate using a clamping arrangement so as to tightly couple the first plate to the second plate in a proximity of the first location. Then, the beam source is caused to generate a beam to irradiate the first plate at the first location to produce a molten material. In this manner, at least one irradiated section of the first plate is melted throughout its thickness and rigidly connected to the second plate using the molten material. During the irradiation, the first plate and the clamping arrangement are translated with respect to one another to reach at least one second location. It is also possible to provide a bonding layer or a soldering layer between the first and second layers, which can be used to rigidly connect the first and second layers to one another.

Abstract: A sequential lateral solidification device, for enhancing optical characteristics of the device and for preventing damage caused by an ablation of a crystallization thin film, is disclosed. The device includes a laser light source generating a laser beam, a projection lens focusing the laser beam generated from the laser light source onto a substrate, a laser beam splitter between the projection lens and the substrate that passes the laser beam generated from the laser light source to irradiate the substrate and that blocks the laser beam reflected back from the substrate towards the projection lens, and a stage having the substrate mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple-cutting a substrate into a plurality of pieces with a single irradiation of a laser beam are disclosed. At least two light reflectivity/transmittance control plates are placed on a path through which the light passes such that light reflectivity/transmittance is varied depending on an angle between the generated light and the plates. Plural surface portions of the substrate are heated simultaneously and are then cooled by a sprayed coolant so that the substrate is cut into a plurality of pieces simultaneously. Resultantly, a cutting time is substantially shortened and the productivity is enhanced.

Abstract: A NOVEL LASER DIAMOND SAWING MACHINE is a non-contact very fast process of cutting the diamond compared to conventional process. This machine consists of Laser source, CNC Interface, Beam delivery system, RF Q-Switch driver. Chiller unit, CCTV & CCD camera. Power supply unit, Servo Stabilizer and Computer unit. The sawing occurs automatically by commands of computer. To avoid errors, simultaneously the process is seen on the CCTV. By this twin side sawing system 6-9 dies containing diamond can be processed. This is very fast, time saving mass processing machine.

Abstract: A laser material processing apparatus for processing a workpiece (22) in such a way as to separate one laser light (26) into two laser beams (26a, 26b) via first polarizing means (25), one laser beam being passed via the mirrors (24), the other laser beam being scanned biaxially by a first galvano scanner (29), and conduct two laser beams (26a, 26b) to second polarizing means (27) for scanning via a second galvano scanner (30), wherein an optical path is constituted such that the laser beam (26b) transmitted through the first polarizing means (25) is reflected by the second polarizing means (27), and the laser beam (26a) reflected by the first polarizing means (25) is transmitted through the second polarizing means (27).

Abstract: A real time method for quality control testing of a laser shock peening process of production workpieces by analysis of natural frequency shifts during the laser shock peening process. One particular embodiment includes laser shock peening surface of the production workpiece by firing a plurality of laser beam pulses on the surface and forming a plurality of corresponding plasmas, each one of the plasmas pulses having a duration in which the plasma causes a region having deep compressive residual stresses to form beneath the surface, measuring at least one natural frequency of the workpiece for each of the laser beam pulses, calculating natural frequency shifts from a baseline natural frequency for the measured natural frequencies for at least a portion of the laser beam pulses, and using the natural frequency shifts for accepting or rejecting the workpiece with respect to pass or fail criteria.

Abstract: A method for qualifying airfoil blades includes securing an airfoil blade into a fixture, taking digital measurements of the airfoil blade, comparing the digital measurements of the airfoil blade with measurements of a target model, calculating deviations between the digital measurements of the airfoil blade and the measurements of the target model, determining a required treatment for the airfoil blade to conform with the measurements of the target model, directing a reworking system to provide the required treatment to the airfoil blade, and repeating the previous steps until it is determined that no further treatment is required.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes an inspection station downstream of the soldering station. While a first, soldered board is inspected at the downstream inspection station, a second board is collected from a first conveyor, soldered at the soldering station and returned to the first conveyor. If the first, inspected board fails inspection at the inspection station, the second board is moved to a second, upstream conveyor, so that the first board can be moved back on to the first conveyor for collection and re-soldering. The second board can then be moved forwards for inspection while the first board is being resoldered.

Abstract: A welding and network information system and methodology is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc welding method in which generation of spatters can be suppressed while the use quantity of gas to be supplied to a welding portion can be decreased. A welding wire 8 is brought into contact with a work W while applying a voltage between the welding wire 8 and the work W, so that the end of the welding wire 8 is caused to be fixingly welded to the work W. At this time, an electric resistance between the welding wire 8 and the work W is continuously obtained during the contact between the welding wire 8 and the work W, and thus, a minimum of the electric resistance is detected. When the current is temporarily reduced after the detection of the minimum of the electric resistance, the tip of the welding wire 8 hardly bursts, thus suppressing the expelling of molten particles, which may cause spatters, from the welding wire 8. The minimum value is also used for the torch-to-workpiece distance control.

Abstract: A detachable heat sealing apparatus in which the electric heating device and the power supplier are detachably arranged together, i.e., the electric heating device is coupled to the power supplier holding casing by means of a detachable coupling arrangement such that the electric heating device or the power supplier can be replaced when damaged or, a different model of electric heating device can be fastened to the casing to substitute the original electric heating device.

Abstract: A heater comprising: a rod-shaped ceramic heater including: a ceramic heater body extending in an axial direction and having a heating element at its leading end portion for generating heat when energized; and first and second energizing lead terminals extending from said heating element and exposed to an outer circumference of a trailing end side of said ceramic heater body; a cylindrical outer cylinder for holding said ceramic heater while protruding a leading end portion and a trailing end portion of said ceramic heater; and a core rod arranged on said trailing end side of said ceramic heater in an axial direction and connected electrically with said first lead terminal, wherein said heater further comprises: a ring member including: a ring leading end portion fixed by a tight fitting on an outer circumference of a trailing end side of said ceramic heater and connected electrically with said first lead terminal; and a ring trailing end portion protruding backward from a trailing end of said ceramic heater;

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for heating pieces of food, and also relates to packed pieces of food for use with the method. Pieces of food are heated in the device in a pan or basket which can be rotated about a non-vertical axis of rotation. By connecting the pan or basket to the device, the filling opening of the pan or basket is closed. In a smallest cross section the pieces of food to be heated are at a distance of at maximum 7 mm from the envelope of the smallest cross section.

Abstract: A cooking device containing a muffle delimiting a cooking chamber including a hot-air heating unit, a high-speed heating unit and a control unit for regulating a high-speed heating mode. The high-speed heating unit having at least one upper heating unit. The control unit switches on the upper heating unit while simultaneously adjusting the high-speed cooking mode exclusively when operating with the hot-air heating unit.

Abstract: A range for heating foods having a body comprising a top surface, a first chamber located within the range, a second chamber located within the range, multiple heating elements arranged on the top surface for cooking food, an upper and lower heating element arranged within the first chamber, a warming element arranged within the second chamber, a control system further having a central processor for controlling the operation of the range, and an operator interface operatively connected to the central processor.

Abstract: An air impingement oven having a conveyor belt assembly for moving food through a heat treatment passage. The air impingement oven has a fan, a supply duct, a plenum and a number of jet fingers being disposed above the conveyor belt assembly. The jet fingers have a base portion having a number of orifices for directing the impingement air onto the food. The orifices have an improved configuration. The improved configuration intensifies the airflow on the food to penetrate heat into the food surface thereby improving heat transfer. The improved configuration reduces a cooking time of the food in the air impingement oven.

Abstract: A roaster includes an upper pan including an upper side wall and an upper pan heating element inside the upper tub. The roaster further includes a lower pan connected to the upper tub, the lower pan including a lower side wall and a lower pan heating element inside the lower tub. An upper pan fixed temperature regulator and a lower pan fixed temperature regulator may be preset to different selected temperatures. The roaster may also include a grease drain opening through the lower tub. Temperature and timer control logic are provided for the upper pan heating element and the lower pan heating element. In order to set cooking time, the roaster includes a control interface that includes, in one embodiment, a time increment button and a time decrement button.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes an electric heating plate having a heat source therein transmitting heat from the heat source to food, and a cabinet supporting the electric heating plate. The electric heating plate is electrically connected to the cabinet, and is removable from the cabinet. The present invention also provides a cooking apparatus, which allows food to be rapidly heated and cooked using a heat source installed in an electric heating plate, thus shortening cooking time and reducing power consumption. The present invention is also designed such that the electric heating plate is removable from a cabinet, thus allowing the electric heating plate to be conveniently cleaned.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element and a controller capable of automatically performing a cooking process by operating the heating element at multiple power levels for multiple time periods. More specifically, upon activation, a consumer, through manipulation of a control, can select an initial power level and an initial time duration for the initial power level. Once the initial power level is selected, a second power level and second time duration may be selected. With this arrangement, the controller will operate the heating element at the initial, high power level for the first time duration. Once the initial time period has elapsed, the controller automatically lowers the temperature of the heating element to finish the cooking process for the second time duration.

Abstract: A method and system for the processing of one or more wafers in a process tool is provided, the method comprising subjecting the one or more wafer in a reaction chamber to a process, generating an inhibit next load flag on predefined conditions, the inhibit next load flag not effecting already started processing of a wafer. Prior to the start of the processing of a wafer, a check is performed to see if an inhibit next load flag has been set. When upon checking it has been found that an inhibit next load has been set, the start of the process in the reaction chamber is prohibited. The method further includes providing pre-programmed recovery procedures, such that after execution of a pre-programmed recovery procedure the to be processed wafer of which the start of the processing is prohibited ends in a defined state such that the tool can be used for further processing.

Abstract: A control unit for a household appliance, preferably a cooking device, containing a control device and regulating devices. The control device has a removable control element and a blocking device. The regulating devices have a change-over regulating device that allows the cooking device to be used in an alternative operating mode should the control element be removed from the cooking device.

Abstract: A method and the associated device for detecting cooking or boiling processes in a glass ceramic hob are described, to which power is supplied by a power supply by means of a heating element and said power is transmitted to the cooking vessel standing thereon. During a cooking process a temperature profile of the hob is measured and evaluated. The temperature profile is evaluated after ending the power supply and for evaluation purposes a temperature profile gradient is determined. During evaluation, a normal cooking or boiling process is detected if the gradient exceeds a predetermined threshold. During evaluation, a disturbed or faulty cooking or boiling process is detected if the gradient is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold. Such a disturbed or faulty cooking or boiling process can arise through the cooking vessel boiling dry or empty.

Abstract: An electric clothes dryer heater system including a heater element and a controller operationally coupled to the heater is provided. The controller is configured to provide an AC sine wave to a heater element of an electric clothes dryer, stop providing at a zero crossing of the AC sine wave, monitor the AC sine wave for a subsequent zero crossing and reprovide the AC sine wave to the heater element at the subsequent zero crossing.

Abstract: A serpentine conductive path has a plurality of generally parallel wires, a pair of conductive busses running generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the wires, wherein the wires are electrically connected to the conductive busses, and wherein the conductive busses further include a plurality of isolation punches so as to form an electrically conductive serpentine pattern in conjunction with the wires. The wires may be formed of positive temperature coefficient material for sensing and controlling the temperature of a heating fabric.

Abstract: A covering member 59 having a heat accumulating member 60 capable of holding heat effectively secured thereto is provided, and the covering members 59 are disposed so as to surround a heating roller 52 on both ends of the heating roller 52 and both ends of the maximum paper width are disposed. The covering member 59 is formed of a heat insulating material, and the circumferences except the inner circumferential surface of the heat accumulating member 60 are covered by the covering members 59. Further, a covering member 79 having a heat generating member 80 secured thereto may be provided in place of the heat accumulating member 60.

Abstract: An electric heater (10) incorporates at least one heating element (20), at least one wall member (16) upstanding in the heater, and a device (42) is provided for detecting a cooking utensil (6) supported on an upper surface (4) of a cooking plate (2) overlying the heater. The device (42) comprises at least one inductively-operating loop (44) of electrically conductive material having a plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) adapted to extend over and spaced from the at least one electric heating element (20) between fixed supporting regions (56, 58, 60, 62) on the at least one wall member (16). The at least one loop (44) of electrically conductive material is such that the plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) are substantially incapable of self-support as such at normal operating temperatures of the electric heater. The plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) are supported by elongate members (64, 66, 68) of heat-withstanding material.

Abstract: A piston particularly adapted for heavy-duty diesel engine applications is fabricated from separate parts having circumferentially extending joining surfaces that are heated prior to bonding to an elevated temperature sufficient to enable bonding of the joining surfaces, and thereafter the joining surfaces brought into contact with one another and twisted to attain a permanent metallurgical weld at the interface of the joining surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing airborne pathogens and reducing airborne pollutants in air for buildings, aircraft, or other structures. The apparatus is capable of high air flows and is integrated with an efficient air heating/cooling system. High fields are produces by a static, preferably infrared, field combined with a high intensity microwave field. This combination allows fields to develop that are high enough in intensity to kill pathogens and dissociate contaminant molecules. The heat produced by the field generators is used to operate an absorption chiller to cool and dehumidify, or alternatively heat, the sterilized air before it is returned to the building or structure.

Abstract: A microwave oven with a toaster includes a toaster casing, a heating chamber inserted in the toaster casing, a bread receiver slidably inserted in the toaster casing, and a toaster door attached to a front side of the bread receiver. The bread receiver is selectively placed in the heating chamber. The microwave oven further includes a crumb tray slidably inserted in the toaster casing for collecting crumbs of bread and a holding unit for holding bread put in the bread receiver. The crumb tray is placed under the bread receiver. Further, there is provided a process for controlling a heater of the toaster, which is capable of properly baking bread even when the toaster is continually operated.

Abstract: A toaster-cum-microwave oven includes a toasting chamber, a heating device, a temperature measuring device for measuring an inside temperature of the toasting chamber and producing a temperature signal indicating the measured inside temperature, a switching device for selectively cutting or allowing a power supply to the heating device, and a controlling device. The controlling device receives the temperature signal, determines an amount of heat required to cook the bread product, calculates an amount of heat supplied to the bread product by using the inside temperature of the toasting chamber, compares the supplied amount of heat with the required amount of heat, and controls the switching device to cut the power supply to the heating device if the supplied amount of heat is equal to or greater than the required amount of heat.

Abstract: A microwave dry-fry cooking process includes the steps of providing a food product in or on a microwave cooking vessel and exposing the food product in or on the microwave cooking vessel to microwave energy in a microwave oven. The food product includes a food load and a coating composition coated on the food load, where the coating composition comprises at least one microwave-absorbing oil or fat.