Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises an integrated circuit package and one or more circuit elements disposed within the integrated circuit package. The integrated circuit also comprises at least two differential wire bond pairs providing connections for at least one of the one or more circuit elements. Proximate differential wire bond pairs of the at least two differential wire bond pairs have substantially different wire bond profiles.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having a plurality of contact pad sites, a plurality of contact pads, an encapsulant barrier, and an encapsulant. A plurality of contact pads is in electrical contact with a predetermined corresponding different one of the contact pad sites. An encapsulant barrier is positioned at an outer perimeter of the semiconductor die. The encapsulant barrier has a height that is as high as or greater than a highest of the plurality of contact pads. The encapsulant barrier is in physical contact with a same surface of the semiconductor die as the contact pad sites. An encapsulant surrounds the semiconductor die and one side of the encapsulant barrier. The encapsulant is blocked from making physical contact with any of the plurality of contact pads by the encapsulant barrier when the device is encapsulated while being supported by a temporary base support layer.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating integrated circuits using four fine alignment targets per stepper shot. The four alignment targets are disposed within the scribe line on each side of a four-sided stepper shot. The targets on opposites sides of the region are located in mirror-image positions. For example, in a square or rectangular region, the targets could be at the mid-point of each side, or at each corner. Because the scribe lines for adjoining stepper shots overlap, a target in one shot will overlay a target from a preceding shot. In a positive resist process, for example, the target resulting from the overlay will be reduced in size by an amount corresponding to the amount of rotational error, if any. However, the target will still indicate the center of the stepper shot, thereby compensating for the rotational error with no further measurements.

Abstract: To easily determine an orientation of a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device includes a substrate including electrode electrically connected to an integrated circuit, an external terminal electrically connected to the electrode, and a light transmissive insulation layer provided on the external terminal side of the substrate, and a mark provided on the substrate and covered by the insulation layer and recognizable through the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a fixed layer for a MRAM device. The method includes providing the fixed layer. The fixed layer includes an antiferromagnetic pinning layer over a substrate and a ferromagnetic pinned layer over the pinning layer, the pinned layer having a first thickness. The fixed layer further includes a spacer layer over the pinned layer, and a ferromagnetic reference layer over the spacer layer, the reference layer having a second thickness. The method further includes annealing the fixed layer using a temporal temperature/magnetic field profile, the profile having a maximum magnetic field magnitude (Hanneal). The profile is selected based on the first thickness of the pinned layer and the second thickness of the reference layer.

Abstract: A drain plate for cooling towers includes a plurality of parallel first ribs and second ribs extending from the plate and the first ribs are perpendicular to the second ribs. First passages and second passages are respectively defined between the first ribs and the second ribs. The first and second ribs each include notches. A peripheral wall extends from a periphery of the plate and a plurality of notches are defined in a top edge of the peripheral wall so that water over flows the first and second ribs and flows out from the notches in the peripheral wall so that cool water evenly spreads on the hot water pipes.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid optical system with embedded elements is provided. The embedded elements may include inorganic, polymer, or hybrid lenses, mirrors, beam splitters and polarizers, or other elements. The embedding material is a transparent high quality optical polymer.

Abstract: A casting method, rather than injection molding, to produce polymer optical components and systems is provided. The casting process controls shrinkage and stress, thus providing both high bulk uniformity and high quality, accurate surfaces, by incorporating polymer films into the mold. The films may remain incorporated into the part or may optionally be removed from the part after removal from the mold. In addition, the incorporation of separately produced components within the cast part is also provided, eliminating post-casting assembly manufacturing steps.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for shaping a surface of a material are described. An example method comprises providing one or more shaping elements, softening the material, and urging the one or more shaping elements against the material so as to form one or more grooves in the material. The configuration of shaping elements can be adjusted to provide a desired pattern of grooves in the surface. The method can be applied to inorganic crystals in a high temperature plastic state, avoiding the problems associated with conventional sawing techniques.

Abstract: A nanostructure is a porous body comprising a plurality of pillar-shaped pores and a region surrounding them, the region being an oxide amorphous region formed so as to contain C, Si, Ge or a material of a combination of them. Such a nanostructure can be used as a functional material in light emitting devices, optical devices and microdevices. It can also be used as a filter.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for efficient manufacture of bifocal, multi-focal, single vision and mass customized ophthalmic lenses by modulating an energy source according to a cure period and a cure pattern to create a maximum number of lenses with a minimum number of molds and associated tooling.

Abstract: A process for preparing graphite articles is presented. In particular, the process includes employing a particulate fraction comprising at least about 35 weight percent coke, coal or combinations thereof having a diameter such that a major fraction of it passes through a 0.25 mm to 25 mm mesh screen. The particulate fraction is mixed with a liquid or solid pitch binder, to form a stock blend; the stock blend is extruded to form a green stock; the green stock is baked to form a carbonized stock; and the carbonized stock is graphitized. The stock blend further includes carbon fibers added after mixing of the particulate fraction and pitch has begun.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects using multiple chambered resin vats and a photopolymer resin leveling system to permit concurrent use of multiple, photopolymer build materials and easy change over of resin vats is disclosed. The apparatus ensures the same level of photopolymer resin is maintained in each chamber during multiple chambered vat use.

Abstract: A method for making a shoe sole component in accordance with the present invention comprises the following steps: preparing raw materials; prilling the raw materials into particles; preparing the mould; ejection-forming the outer layer of the sole; blow-forming the outer layer of the sole; taking out the formed sole. The sole obtained by the method of the present invention will have two densities, two hardness and two colors.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a mat of material containing lignocellulose, which mat is intended to form at least one board, disintegrated material containing lignocellulose being fed to a feeding out unit, and from this being fed in the form of a material flow to a forming unit (200) comprising at least one forming belt (207), the feeding out unit being positioned at a higher level than the forming unit (200). At least one feeding down surface (14) is arranged which extends from the feeding out unit to the forming unit (200), and the transport of material between the feeding out unit and the forming unit (200) is effected by feeding the material downwards along this feeding down surface (14), whereby a controlled material flow is provided between these units.

Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication object includes spreading a reactive powder on a substrate, selectively dispensing a core binder in the reactive powder to form a core material, and selectively dispensing a shell binder in the reactive powder to form a shell on the core material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming a continuous sheet of a molten material with particularly viscous, sticky properties. This molten material may be moldable, plasticized or a food product such as cheese. More specifically, the invention includes a manifold that discharges the molten material in a continuous layer upon the surface of a casting belt. This manifold comprises a roller, a chamber with a hollow interior, at least one inlet and a drive mechanism.

Abstract: Apparati and methods of drying a dope material are disclosed. Example embodiments include a foraminous shield disposed over a casting solution.

Abstract: A method of producing a motor vehicle fitting part which injects a plastic material essentially over the full surface behind a metal foil, with the fitting part having a finished or final form. In order to be able to produce the motor vehicle fitting part with an accurate fit, the metal foil is changed to a bent preform extending at least in a first direction, before an injection behind the metal foil takes place, and the plastic material is applied to the thus deformed metal foil, the preform deviating from the finished or final form.

Abstract: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a pattern transferring mold which can provide a starting area of mold release easily and certainly and a pattern transferring apparatus with the same. A pattern transferring mold is disclosed which is used in a pattern transferring apparatus that brings the mold into contact with a photo-curing resin on a substrate and cures the photo-curing resin by light irradiation to transfer a pattern formed on the mold onto the photo-curing resin. The mold comprises a bottom face which contacts the photo-curing resin, the bottom face portion including a first area in which the pattern is formed and a second area formed outside the first area. The mold has a mold-releasing shape in the second area, the mold-releasing shape providing a starting area of mold release from the cured photo-curing resin.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold (12,14) defining a plurality of mold cavities (34,36). Fluidly connected to the mold cavities (34,36) are one or more first composition injectors (30) and one or more second composition injectors (32) for delivery of, respectively, the molten material from which the molded article is to be formed and a composition to coat the article so formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a molding, comprising a disk-like or plate-like basic body —5— having a large number of knob-like and/or web-like elevations —4—3— which merge into the basic body —5— with inclined side surfaces, by means of pressing and sintering powdery raw materials close to the final shape. According to the invention, the pressing is carried out in a two-stage pressing operation. In the first stage the boundary surfaces of the basic body —5— are pressed to at least the approximate final shape as far as the transition regions of the elevations —3—4— and, at the same time, the elevations —3—4— are pressed to an oversize. The projection h? of the elevations —3—4— from the basic body —5— is greater by 10%-150% as compared with the projection h from the basic body —5— in the finally pressed state. Their side surfaces form an angle of inclination ?? in the range from 90°-150° with the respectively adjacent boundary surface of the basic body —5—.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a honeycomb structure, including: a first step of mixing and kneading a ceramic raw material, an organic binder, a water-absorbing resin, and water to obtain clay, a second step of forming the clay into a honeycomb-structured shape and drying the clay to obtain a honeycomb dried body, and a third step of firing the honeycomb dried body to obtain a honeycomb structure having a porosity of 40% or more after firing. The method can suppress defects or deformation upon forming and improve a yield.

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon nitride honeycomb filter, which comprises heat-treating in a nitrogen atmosphere a green body comprising from 50 to 85 mass % of metal silicon particles having an average particle diameter of from 5 to 50 ?m, from 5 to 30 mass % of glass hollow particles having a softening temperature of from 400 to 1000° C. and from 10 to 20 mass % of an organic binder to convert metal silicon substantially to silicon nitride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing porous ceramic, the method including molding a mixture containing a water absorbent polymer particle, a ceramic raw material, and water, the water absorbent polymer particle having a water absorption amount in a range of 5 to 30 ml/g at a pressure of 980 Pa, and heating and baking the resulting molded product. The water absorbent polymer particle is preferably composed of a polymer having a 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid unit or an acrylamide unit as a constituting monomer unit.

Abstract: A thermal deburring machine (1) is described, comprising a press (2) into which a deburring chamber (3) containing the workpieces to be deburred is inserted. The press (2) and the chamber (3) have a horizontal axis and the chamber (3) is extracted from the press (2) with a horizontal movement to unload the deburred workpieces and to load the workpieces to be deburred. The chamber (3) is preferably axially slidable in a chamber holder (4) carried by a support (5) moveable in a horizontal direction, at right angles to the axis of the chamber (3). The machine (1) advantageously comprises two chambers (3) to carry out simultaneously the deburring of the workpieces loaded into the chamber (3) inserted in the press (2) and the unloading/loading of the other chamber (3) positioned outside the press (2). The machine (1) can also comprise a palletised and robotised system (20) for loading/unloading the workpieces from the chamber (3) positioned outside the press (2).

Abstract: A composite body is joined together of at least two bodies (13, 16), wherein the first body (16) is a component—or monolithically comprises a component—with very stringent requirements on the precision of its surface (typically an optical component) and wherein the second body (13) can have the broadest diversity of functions, for example carrying parts of a position-measuring arrangement or optical surfaces. Each of the two bodies (13, 16) has at least one connecting surface area (21), and the at least two respective connecting surface areas (21) lie opposite each other. Within the at least one connecting surface area (21) of one of the two bodies (13, 16) or in the proximity of said connecting surface area (21), at least one constructive means is arranged for isolating the first body (16) and/or the second body (13) from deformation.

Abstract: In an actuator drive control device for an active vibration isolation support system, accumulated time of eight time intervals tn of crank pulses which are outputted at every 15 degrees of a crank angle in a vibration period corresponding to 120 degrees of the crank angle, and average accumulated time shown by a straight line connecting a start point and an end point of the line of the accumulated time are calculated. Eight deviations ?tn are calculated by subtracting the average accumulated time from the accumulated time. A variation waveform of the deviations ?tn corresponds to a variation waveform of the time interval tn of the crank pulses attributable only to the engine vibration with the influence of a variation in the engine rotational speed Ne being eliminated.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a sheet stacker and a locking mechanism. The sheet stacker has a stacking plate adapted for sheets to be stacked thereon. The sheet stacker is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the sheet stacker is entirely housed in a casing, and, in the second position, is entirely exposed outside of the casing. The locking mechanism is adapted to lock the sheet stacker to the casing at each of the first and second positions. This arrangement prevents the sheet stacker as pulled out of the casing for sheet replenishment from being moved.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a stacking plate, a sheet stacker, and a damping member. The stacking plate is liftably supported in the sheet stacker and is adapted for sheets to be fed into a sheet processing apparatus to be stacked thereon. The sheet stacker is adapted to be movable between a housed position where the stacker is housed in a housing and an exposed position where the stacking plate is exposed outside of the housing. The damping member is adapted to exert on the sheet stacker a damping force according to moving speed of the sheet stacker, thereby limiting the moving speed.

Abstract: A conversation promoting apparatus that includes a utilitarian object and at least one selectively actuatable microchip attached to the utilitarian object. Each actuatable microchip is preprogrammed with at least one signal that is emitted from the utilitarian object when the microchip is actuated.

Abstract: This invention is a game with a square game board having an even number of squares, but not less than ten, on each of four sides comprising; an even number of squares of alternating color; four Home-Ports; and two pair of Worm-Holes placed at each of the four corners. The method of playing the board game comprises the steps of; dividing the playing area into an even number of squares of alternating color; placing a predefined set of playing-pieces initially in predetermined squares for the four player's pieces; each player, in turn, moving one piece belonging to said player; winning the game if one player captures a Goal playing-piece placed in the center of the board and moves the Goal playing-piece to a Home-Port of said capturing player. The game comprises the above game board, playing-pieces and rules of movement.

Abstract: In a system and method for playing a game in conjunction with viewing an event, predictions are made regarding elements of the event, and physical activity simulating an element of the event is performed. The event may be a televised sporting event such as a football game. Predictions are preferably made before the event. Points are awarded for each correct prediction and for achieving a selected objective in physical activities, e.g., propelling a ball to a target. A referee's score sheet may be kept for recording actual results. Awards may be provided for each portion of the event, e.g., quarters, for the physical activities and for of the entire game. Equipment for the physical activity, prediction sheets, referee score sheets, a tote board, a rule book, markers for setting up the physical elements of the game and a container for the game system may further comprise the game system.

Abstract: A method of playing a POKER style game, by dealing a plurality of playing cards to each of a plurality of players; and having the individual players bet against one another as to the perceived values of the playing cards they are each holding, wherein each playing card has a letter and a number thereon, wherein the values of the playing cards held by each player are determined by the players forming words from the letters printed on the playing cards, and wherein the point value of the word is determined by adding the numbers on each of the playing cards used to form the word.

Abstract: A deck of specially designed cards used to teach the rock cycle though easy to play games. The deck contains cards with the titles of various rock types along with the names and pictures of specific rocks that fit into each type. The cards are color-coded to aid in differentiation between types. The deck also contains cards that indicate the processes by which one rock type is changed into another. Colored squares on these cards that coincide with the color-coded rock cards reinforce the written explanation.

Abstract: A pair of interest rate dice and a method of advertising financial services are disclosed. The dice include a pair of dice having a whole number on one die and a fraction on the other die. The method includes rolling the dice to demonstrate the potential variability of interest rates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a card game variant. An opening wager is accepted from a first player. A first hand is dealt to the first player. A second hand is dealt to the second player. The first hand includes a first card and a third card. The second hand includes a second card and a fourth card. The first player is provided a first bonus based on the opening wager if the first hand is a suited aces and the second hand is not a suited aces. The first player is provided the first bonus if the first hand is a suited aces and the second hand is a suited aces and the first hand has a higher rank than the second hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to card games and specifically, card games played for monetary gain in casinos. The game is an improvement over the traditional method of playing Blackjack or “21” in that it adds an incentive for a player to make a supplemental wager that also effects the betting strategy of the player. The supplemental wager will pay bonus money based on the value of the cards received from the dealer at the conclusion of the game.

Abstract: A game and a method of playing the same are provided. The game includes a figurine and a set of a plurality of messages which messages together teach a story or topic. The method includes providing a figurine and a plurality of messages. The method further requires hiding the figurine at a first location and then finding the figurine and a first of the plurality of messages. The method also includes hiding the figurine at a second location different from the first location, and finding the figurine and a second of the plurality of messages.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cam shaft oil seal comprising a ring-shaped metal member, an inner rubber member connected to the ring-shaped metal member and contacting an outer surface of a cam shaft, and an outer rubber member connected to the ring-shaped metal member and contacting a bearing cap. The method included pouring heated rubber material into a mold after the ring-shaped metal member is disposed within the mold and applying heat in a first specified temperature for a first specified time range and then applying heat in a second specified temperature for a second time. Thereafter a surface treatment is performed for the inner rubber member and the outer rubber member formed on the metal member and a ring-shaped coil spring is installed on an outer surface of the inner rubber member.

Abstract: A method of sealing a joint between components especially in an aircraft comprises the steps of identifying the sealing gap to be sealed; selecting a suitable sealing material having a fractional maximum sealing thickness and a fractional fully-compressed thickness and selecting a suitable thickness of that sealing material, based on a consideration of the fractional maximum sealing thickness and the fractional fully-compressed thickness of the sealing material and on the sealing gap; locating, between the mating surfaces of the components to be sealed, the suitable thickness of the suitable sealing material; and fastening the components together.

Abstract: A liquid-sealing shaft seal apparatus includes a rotation shaft, brush seals arranged in such a manner as to contact and surround the rotation shaft, and a brush holder which holds the brush seals, wherein more than one line of brush seals are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation shaft through a cavity, and the brush holder is provided with a liquid returning pass to return a liquid having leaked through the brush seals into the cavity to the side of an atmosphere in which a liquid is present as a sealing target.

Abstract: A low leakage seal for separating two environments and contacting a component surface is provided. The seal includes a base and an annular rib. The annular rib is coupled to and extends from the base. The annular rib includes at least one contact surface configured to contact the component surface having a plurality of angularly cut radial grooves formed therein. The annular rib flexes and pressure energizes in the presence of a pressure differential between the two environments.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly for a multistage magnetic fluid rotary seal has a shaft, an annular permanent magnet, at least one pole piece and a radial gap formed between the shaft and the pole piece. The shaft and the pole piece have a plurality of ridges in opposing, non-contacting relationship forming the radial gap. The ridges have a flat top portion facing the radial gap and each pair of facing flat top portions has one that is wider than the other.

Abstract: An oil sealing apparatus of a wheel bearing which can prevent the ingress of contaminating agents into a bearing and can reduce noise occurred by the contaminating agents by reducing abrasion of lips and distortion thereof is disclosed. The oil sealing apparatus includes an outer annular element having a lip, a seal rubber sealing an upper portion of an inner annular element with grease and having a plurality of lips, and grease sealed between the inner annular element and the seal rubber. The outer annular element is interposed in one side of the seal rubber and the lip of the outer annular element is constructed to cover a part of an upper portion of the inner annular element with being spaced apart at a certain interval therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel gasket is produced by cold rolling and nitriding an active layer. The cold rolling provides a desired hardness of the layer, and the nitriding provides a desired strength of the layer to resist cracking and wear.

Abstract: A pipe gasket includes a toroidal gasket body and projections extending away from a peripheral surface of the gasket body. The gasket body is configured to allow the gasket body to roll along a spigot end of a first pipe as the spigot end is received inside a bell end of a second pipe. The projections each include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to facilitate rotation of the gasket body in a first rotational direction. The second surface is configured to inhibit rotation of the gasket body in a second, opposite, rotational direction.

Abstract: A permanently lubricated film gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of an outer pipe or section when the corrugated pipe and the outer pipe or section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. A first portion of the gasket is shaped to fit within a groove or recess of the corrugated pipe. A second portion of the gasket extends from the first portion. The second portion is at least partially comprised of permanently lubricated film for facilitating in the connection of the pipes along a single direction.