Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the binding behavior of ligands which specifically bind to target molecules at at least one binding site, whereby the markers are present in a native form and the determination of the concentrations K4 and K5 or of the quantities M2 and M1 is carried out by means of mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A filter aid and a method of using the same are disclosed that effectively removes contaminants from water-based metal forming liquids used in aluminum forming, rolling and other metal working processes. The filter aid includes a cellulosic material and a cationic polymer flocculating agent that is mixed with contaminated metal working fluid for a predetermined amount of time. The contaminated metal working fluid is then filtered through the filter aid, thereby removing the substantially all of the contaminants therein and allowing purified metal working fluid to return to the process system without carrying contaminants that will harm the surfaces of the metal being worked and the device that forms them. An acid material may be optionally added to the metal forming liquid, the acid serving to maintain the pressure and flow rate at normal levels by controlling clogging in the filter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of detecting a precise toner consumption amount has a system counting up a turned-on dot number of image data, outputting weight factors corresponding to the respective sub-line's numbers based on the respective sub-line numbers of the plural sub-lines at which a light emitting amount of each dot is varied periodically, and calculating the light emitting amount based on a dot counter value of the turned-on dot number and the weight factor corresponding to the respective sub-line's numbers, to summate the calculated light emitting amounts to estimate the toner consumption amount with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method and system flows water through a water system in proximity to an ion generation device and to a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that combines photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiation to form a highly effective combined water disinfection process. Using ion generation and UV irradiation, the method and system synergistically improves the disinfection and bactericidal effects of ion generation or UV radiation working individually by making ion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combined method and system of the present invention may include control means such that the method and system can be configured for single pass through, dual pass through or for recirculation such that the order of exposure to the ion generation and UV radiation aspects can be varied or altered.

Abstract: A method and system flows water through a water system in proximity to an ion generation device and to a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that combines photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiation to form a highly effective combined water disinfection process. Using ion generation and UV irradiation, the method and system synergistically improves the disinfection and bactericidal effects of ion generation or UV radiation working individually by making ion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combined method and system of the present invention may include control means such that the method and system can be configured for single pass through, dual pass through or for recirculation such that the order of exposure to the ion generation and UV radiation aspects can be varied or altered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vortex-based centrifugal separator for removing solids from a liquid/solids fluid stream in two stages. A fluid stream under pressure is introduced at the top of the cylindrical separator at a tangential angle forming helical downward flow. The first stage uses a centrally-located spin plate for reversing the cleaner interior flow of the vortex back upward, while the heavier solids settle at the bottom of the chamber for periodic removal. In the second stage, a plurality of louvered slots in an upper discharge pipe remove finer solids from the exiting upward fluid flow prior to discharge.

Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and column members positioned adjacent one another and rotatably connected to the column connection members. Each column member may include a connector and elongate display members positioned adjacent one another and pivotally connected to the connector. The display system may also include a drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to rotate each column member so that selective display members pivot in a predetermined direction during rotation to change the shape of the column members allowing rotation thereof when positioned adjacent one another.

Abstract: A locker accessory is presented with one or more rare earth magnets insert molded into a wall that engages a locker wall or door. The magnet is molded so as to have an outer surface of the magnet flush with the engagement wall of the locker accessory. A dimple within the magnet is used with a corresponding bump the mold to position the magnet in place before the injection of melted resin into the mold. A utility box, an attachment magnet, a magnetic clip, a frame, and a memo pad are presented as locker accessories using the preferred construction.

Abstract: The Remote Control Case having a frontal view at a thirty-degree angle with five rectangular shape molded plastic grooves the standard shape and size of five remote control units. The grooves are at different levels in the form of steps with the middle groove the highest level; follow by two grooves to each side at a lower level and the other two grooves at the lowest level. At the bottom of each groove is a rubber brace to hold the remote unit in place. The molded plastic grooves are installed with soft rubber. The bottom surface of the remote control case is rectangular in shape with parallel sides. It is made from molded plastic and rubber. It is made to be place on a flat surface such as a center table, television set or any table in the living or bedroom. To avoid it from scratching or damaging the flat surface there are four very small rubber stands at the bottom.

Abstract: A utility hook is adapted to removably fit upon a standard overhead garage door track so as to not interfere with the garage door operation and may be used to suspend bulky items from the garage door track. The utility hook's lower portion is configured to hold an item below the hook. The utility hook's upper portion is a vertical segment continuous from the lower portion and bent at the top to approximately a right angle with an inward turned lip on the end, fitting over and engaging the upper flange of the track when the utility hook is set in place. The hook may be moved along the track by first rotating the utility hook outward away from the track and then sliding the utility hook along the track.

Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall, and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on said mounting member in a sliding manner. The track extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated rail extending longitudinally along the track, and a pusher slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A divider is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner, wherein the divider extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The divider is spaced from the track.

Abstract: A paintball gun holder is disclosed that allows for one or multiple paintball guns to be held prior to or after competition. The holder can be mounted on a stand, wall or table. The holder is easily transportable and can be broken down into pieces for still easer transportation and storage. The holder consists of two “U” shaped cradles that hold the barrel and the tank or stock of the gun. The basic paintball gun holder can be expandable to accommodate various numbers of paintball guns to accommodate larger or smaller groups of players.

Abstract: A sliding rail assembly for wire baskets is provided. The rail of the sliding rail assembly has an enlarged opening in the front so that a wire basket could be guided into the rail quickly and easily. A number of wheel members are installed along the bottom of the rail to provide both support and sliding functions to the wire basket, and much less abrasion and squeaking noise is generated when the wire basket is pushed or pulled along the rail. Specially designed blocking members are installed along the rail so as to prevent the wire basket from being pulled entirely out of the rail, or being pushed too far into the rail.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a beverage bottle with a detachable bottom compartment as well as a method of product promotion and a method of storing a device associated with the beverage bottle using a beverage bottle with a detachable bottom compartment. The beverage bottle comprises a top body portion; an intermediate body portion; and a bottom body portion, wherein the intermediate body portion and the bottom body portion are coupled to each other to form a hollow detachable bottom compartment of the beverage bottle, and wherein the top body portion is coupled to the hollow detachable bottom compartment of the beverage bottle. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate and bottom body portions of the beverage bottle are coupled or merged in an integral manner in such a way that the hollow detachable bottom compartment of the beverage bottle formed therein comprises a single piece.

Abstract: A customized nipple for a pacifier or baby bottle which is provided with a method for molding an exact non-toxic material replica of the mother's breast, nipple, and areola area from a mold so that when the replica is filled with a non-toxic gel-like substance and adhered to a backing, the pacifier so created has the firmness, color, rigidity, and texture of the mother's natural breast, nipple, and areola area. Further, the simple to use mold is sent to a core facility which stores the identifying information with the mold once a first pacifier is created therefrom. Moreover, the mother can re-order or re-make the pacifier as needed over time. The pacifier so provided is a safe and effective pacifying device which promotes good emotional, muscular, and bone structure development for the baby, and at the same time, provides the mother with confidence and independence.

Abstract: A fully and continuously vented drinking cup or container for infants and children, which consists of a vessel or container for containing a liquid or formula, having a resilient spout which rests upon its uppermost edge. The interior aspects of the feeding spout, and the feeding diaphragm, are all molded so as to arrange the diaphragm slit, or opening through which the liquid flows, in a position that will be vertically aligned between the lips of the infant feeding, to thereby allow the infant to open the spout and allow the liquid to flow, just as if the child is drinking from a cup. The diaphragm may be shaped concavely, with respect to the structure of the feeding spout.

Abstract: A plastic container for beverages to replace a container having a round flange with a round flange diameter and which is adapted to be conveyed by air along a track with inwardly extending track rails spaced from one another a set distance. The plastic container replacing the replaced container without significant modifications to the conveying system including the inwardly extending track rails of the track. The container including a central axis, an upper mouth portion, a neck portion coaxial to the axis with a diameter, a cylindrical sidewall, a lower base and an anti-rotation flange below the upper mouth portion having a polygonal peripheral edge with a shape including a plurality of flats and a plurality of apexes each located between adjacent flats. Each apex being diametrically opposite one of the flats. The peripheral edge having a diametrical distance between each of the apexes and the flat opposite the apex.

Abstract: A system includes a container including a sidewall and a closure plane attached to the side wall and including an opening, a neck region on the sidewall being adjacent to the closure plane. The system also includes a closure including a cap closure with a fitment adapted to fit in the opening, a circumferentially depending outer skirt adapted to secure the closure to the neck region of the container, and a hinge attached to the cap closure and the circumferentially depending outer skirt. A method for sealing a closure on a container includes pivoting the closure about a hinge towards a closure plane and engaging a fitment with an opening to provide a friction fit. A method for opening a container having a closure includes disengaging a fitment from an opening and pivoting the closure about a hinge away from a closure plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper, provided with an obstructor (1), for a can. Said stopper comprises a cap (3) provided with a central opening (5) and an annular skirt (7), and an annular shaft (17) extending around the opening, in addition to a capsule (19) which is detachably fixed, by means of a tear element (23), to a free edge (25) of the shaft opposite the opening. The tear element joining the shaft to the capsule is placed in an entrance area at an angle in the free edge of the shaft. At least one sealing lip (37) is disposed on the inner surface of the shaft, and the cap, skirt and capsule of the stopper are moulded in a single piece without any welding or the addition of another component or detachable part. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said stopper by offset injection in a region which is outside the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing lid or closure cover having a lid element (1) and an insert element (2). The insert element (2) can comprise a hard component having a center region. The center region acts upon an elastic counter-region of the lid element (1) such that the lid element (1) and the insert element (2) can be locked together in a mounted state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a plurality of electrically conductive islands in a working layer of a multilayer structure made from semiconductor materials, with the structure including an electrically insulating layer located beneath the working layer. This method includes the steps of selectively masking certain regions of the working layer in order to define several islands therein, with each region masked from the working layer corresponding to a respective island, and then wet chemical etching of the masked working layer to form a plurality of working layer islands each surrounded by the electrically insulating layer. The invention also proposes the application of such a method to the characterization of the electrical properties of a structure, and an associated device.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid ejection head comprising: a flow path forming substrate in which a space including pressure generating chambers and an ink reserving chamber is formed; a nozzle plate which is stacked on one face of the flow path forming substrate; and a vibration plate which is stacked on the other face of the flow path forming substrate is provided. The flow path forming substrate is formed by a monocrystal silicon substrate in which a plane of crystal plane orientation of (110) is the surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a roller with microstructure, comprising the steps of: forming a protective metal layer on a roller; defining specific imprint patterns on an imprint stamp by processing the imprint stamp with a flexible mold; forming an etch mask on the embossed imprint stamp after the imprint stamp is released from the mold; wetting the imprint stamp and the etch mask thereof; adhering the etch mask onto the roller by rolling the roller on the imprint stamp; etching the roller at the portion thereof uncovered by the etch mask; and forming the roller with specific microstructure by removing the etch mask and the protective metal layer.

Abstract: Methods for removing thin layers of extraneous multi-component molding material from one or more areas on a substrate. The methods include exposing the substrate to a plasma effective to remove a non-particulate component of the molding material from each area. The methods further include exposing the substrate to a non-plasma process effective to remove a particulate component of the molding material from the area.

Abstract: Methods of etching a carbon-rich layer on organic photoresist overlying an inorganic layer can utilize a process gas including CxHyFz, where y?x and z?0, and one or more optional components to generate a plasma effective to etch the carbon-rich layer with low removal of the inorganic layer. The carbon-rich layer can be removed in the same processing chamber, or alternatively can be removed in a different processing chamber, as used to remove the bulk photoresist.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for forming metal, semiconductor or insulator patterns. The method comprises the steps of: (S302) forming metal, semiconductor or insulator patterns 202 with the larger sizes or linewidths by the prior method; and (S306) reducing the sizes or linewidths of the patterns 202 by etching the patterns 202 using a physical or mechanical process, or by etching the patterns 202 using a chemical process, or by decomposing the patterns 202 from the outermost portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing Group VIII metal-containing materials from a surface (preferably, a platinum-containing, and more preferably, a platinum-rhodium-containing surface) involves the use of a mixture of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion, including: (A) abrasives; (B) an organic acid; (C) benzotriazole or a benzotriazole derivative; (D) a poly(meth)acrylate; (E) an oxidizing agent; and (F) water, the abrasives (A) being included in the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion in an amount of 2 to 10 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to reduce residual stress in a tensile direction of a weld on the inner side in contact with reactor water of austenitic stainless steel piping, and to change the residual stress into compressive stress, to reduce stress corrosive cracking. The present invention provides a welding process for stainless steel piping of laminating two types of welding wire made of different materials in a groove of austenitic stainless steel piping, including at least one of a first layer penetration welding step of performing a predetermined back bead width on the back side of the groove bottom and a tack welding step, a first lamination welding step of lamination welding of austenitic stainless steel wire from the bottom to the top of the groove, and a second lamination welding step of lamination welding of nickel-base alloy wire to a final layer at the top of the groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and surface conditioning objects using plasma are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning conductive objects using plasma discloses at least one planar dielectric barrier plate having a first surface and a second surface, and at least one electrode proximate the second surface of the at least one planar dielectric barrier plate, wherein the planar dielectric barrier plate is positioned to receive at least one object substantially orthogonally proximate the first surface. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a ground plane for cleaning non-conductive objects, wherein the ground plane has apertures sized and arranged for receiving each object to be cleaned.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the spray stream during thermal spraying of spray material, which contains at least two different materials A and B, by means infrared thermography, wherein the thermographic measured values are divided into at least two regions of the radiation intensity and these are assigned or associated to the respective image data for the at least two materials A and B as well as processes for controlling a thermal spray process with spray material multiple materials, wherein the material distribution of at least two materials A and B and their material specific average temperatures and/or radiation intensities within the spray stream are employed as normed values for the spray parameter carrier gas flow through, burner or flame power and/or material dosing.

Abstract: A heater that enables a more even temperature distribution in the time from commencement of heating until completion of cooling, and a device is equipped with the same, are provided. The heater for a semiconductor fabrication device of the present invention comprises a substrate having a heating surface that heats an article to be processed that is placed thereupon or separated therefrom by a set distance and a resistive heating element. The heat capacity of the substrate forms a distribution within the substrate. The substrate, or a portion thereof, is preferably made from one type of metal or a composite of two or more types of metal.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser welding process and a laser welding system, wherein the welding of a fine area can be achieved, for example, with a welding nugget diameter equal to or smaller than 100 ?m and a penetration depth equal to or larger than 200 ?m, and a reduction in size of the system can be achieved. To this end, a laser welding process according to the present invention comprises the steps of allowing a laser beam outputted from a laser beam generating means 1 to enter into an optical fiber 10 through a light-introducing optical unit 9, and applying the laser beam exiting from the optical fiber 10 to a weld zone through a light-delivering optical unit 11. The laser welding process is characterized in that the optical fiber 10 has a core diameter set to be within 100 ?m; an NA value for entrance of light into the optical fiber 10 is set to be equal to or smaller than 0.

Abstract: A laser beam processing machine comprising a chuck table for holding a workpiece, a laser beam application means for applying a laser beam to the workpiece held on the chuck table, a processing-feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means relative to each other in a processing-feed direction (X), and an indexing-feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means relative to each other in an indexing-feed direction (Y) perpendicular to the processing-feed direction (X), wherein the machine further comprises a processing-feed amount detection means for detecting a processing-feed amount; an indexing-feed amount detection means for detecting an indexing-feed amount; and a control means, which has a storage means for storing the X and Y coordinate values of a minute hole to be formed in the workpiece, and controls the laser beam application means based on the X and Y coordinate values of the minute hole stored in the storage means and detection signals from th

Abstract: The invention includes means for, when welding a crater in a welding termination portion, moving a torch in a direction allowing the whole of the torch to part apart from a molten pool and, therefore, the invention can prevent all welding wires from coming into contact with the molten pool. Also, the invention can check not only the crater-welded welding wire but also all of the remaining welding wires for deposition and, if there is detected a deposited wire, can energize the deposition detected wire again to thereby be able to remove the deposition of the wire.

Abstract: A welding current controlling method is provided for an arc welding process using a consumable electrode and including an alternate repetition of a short-circuiting state and an arc generating state occurring between the consumable electrode and a base material. In the method, a neck detection is performed for the molten electrode in the short-circuiting period of time to determine if a new arc is established between the consumable electrode and the base material. Upon detection of the neck, the welding current is sharply decreased. After the new arc is established, the welding current is increased from a low level to a high level with a predetermined inclination selected for reducing vibration to the molten pool.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wire feeder is disclosed. The speed by which a wire feeder delivers consumable weld wire to a weld is dynamically controlled based on feedback from a contact-less sensor. The contact-less sensor provides the feedback directly from the consumable weld wire as it is being delivered to a weld. The present invention is particularly applicable with MIG and CSC welding systems.

Abstract: A hair iron comprising a pair of openable/closable hair-sandwiching arms that each store in void spaces shielded by shielding members a heat-source plate and a hair-heating plate positioned adjacent to the heat-source plate and sandwiches hairs when the arms are closed; wherein the pair of arms are openably/closably connected on one end by a pivot, and spring pressure is used to maintain the pair or arms in opening directions in a normal condition; wherein the heating plates are installed so that they face each other; wherein tapered portions are provided in a base, on the void space side, of the heating plate, and a gasket is securely fitted in the formed tapered voids in order to improve the steam cutoff property of the void spaces; and wherein the temperature can be controlled easily at the operator's fingertips.

Abstract: New methods are provided or manufacture ceramic resistive igniter elements that include extrusion of one or more layers of the formed element. Ceramic igniters also are provided that are obtainable from fabrication methods of the invention.

Abstract: A banquet cart includes a heater received in an opening in the bottom panel of the banquet cart. Plates of food are loaded into the interior compartment of the banquet cart in the kitchen. The heater includes a central heater unit and two heat retention material heating panels. The central heater unit heats the interior compartment of the banquet cart for twenty minutes. The central heater unit is turned off, and smaller heaters are turned on to heat the heat retention material heating panels for forty minutes. The smaller heaters are turned off and the banquet cart is rolled from the kitchen to a hallway proximate to the dining area for serving the plates of food to guests. The heated heat retention material heating panels can maintain the temperature of the air in the interior compartment of the banquet cart warm for approximately two hours and forty minutes, keeping the food in the banquet cart warm.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating device which contains an assembly of light energy sources for emitting light energy onto a wafer. The light energy sources can be placed in various configurations. In accordance with the present invention, tuning devices which are used to adjust the overall irradiance distribution of the light energy sources are included in the heating device. The tuning devices can be either active sources of light energy or passive sources which reflect, refract or absorb light energy. For instance, in one embodiment, the tuning devices can comprise a lamp spaced from a focusing lens designed to focus determined amounts of light energy onto a particular location of a wafer being heated.

Abstract: A springless motorized door latch assembly for locking an oven door in a locked and sealed position for purposes of cleaning the oven. A motor and cam cause a latch member to move between three different positions. In one position the latch member prevents the oven door from opening. From this position, the latch member is pulled inwardly so the oven door is in a locked and sealed position. In its locked and sealed position the door may not be opened.

Abstract: A resistance heating system is provided which includes a resistance heater, a source of alternating current electricity connected by conductors to the resistance heater, and a controller comprising a timer arranged to connect the source of alternating current electricity to the resistance heater for a selected time period and to disconnect the source from the resistance following the selected time period. In an embodiment, the resistance heating system is provided with a controller configured to be connected to a source of alternating current electricity and having a plurality of cable plug receptacles arranged to receive electricity. An electricity conducting cable having a cable plug at one end is configured to be received in the receptacles and has a resistance heater provided at an opposite end. A master timer may be connected with a communication arrangement to the controller. The master timer is arranged to control an electric output of a plurality of the receptacles.

Abstract: An operating device provided to equipment such as an indoor unit of an air conditioner is equipped with an analog operating member for setting a set temperature of the equipment and outputting an indication value that is associated with the set temperature and continuously varies in accordance with an operation of the analog operating member, and a set temperature adjusting unit for changing a variable range of the set temperature corresponding to a variable range of the indication value on the basis of at least one of an operation mode of the equipment and the type of the equipment.

Abstract: A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including a plurality of image scanning lines and a plurality of sensor scanning lines; a plurality of display circuits connected to the image scanning lines; a plurality of sensing circuits connected to the sensor scanning lines and outputting sensor output signals according to an external touch; an image scanning driver applying image scanning signals to the image scanning lines; a sensor scanning driver applying sensor scanning signals to the sensor scanning lines; and a signal controller controlling the image scanning driver and the sensor scanning driver to operate at different time periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically heatable glazing panel comprising a substantially transparent, electrically conductive coating layer which is adapted to be electrically heatable and is divided into at least two zones, each zone comprising a pair of spaced bus bars and a conductive path located between the pair of spaced bus bars. The glazing panel according to the invention is preferably a side window of a vehicle which may be used for de-misting or de-icing purposes.

Abstract: A patterned foil sheet heating element has a first discrete region patterned with a first plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a first sheet resistivity. It also has a second discrete region patterned with a second plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a second sheet resistivity. At least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the first discrete region are in electrical continuity with at least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the second discrete region, and the first discrete region and the second discrete region both adjoin a first junction strip of the foil heating element. An electrothermal heating assembly may be formed using such a patterned foil sheet sandwiched between two layers of material which may be thermally conductive and electrical insulative.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to produce a secure and permanent contact connection between an electrical conductor made from a soft material, in particular an aluminum conductor, and a contact element made from a harder material, the conductor is encapsulated at least partially in a contact region by an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material is harder than the soft material of the conductor. The electrically conductive material is applied with the aid of a thermal spraying process, with the result that there is a pressure-free electrical connection between the soft material and the sprayed-on material. Electrical contact is made with the contact element indirectly via the sprayed-on material. The thermal encapsulation by the spraying in the contact region makes it possible for a reliable electrical contact to be made even in the case of soft materials having a tendency towards cold flow.

Abstract: Microwaves in a frequency range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz are applied to an assembled heat exchanger received in a metal case of a brazing apparatus to generate heat from the heat exchanger and thereby to cause brazing in brazing portions of the heat exchanger with a brazing material. The brazing material or flux includes a heat generating material, such as silicon dioxide or silicon carbide, which generates heat upon application of the microwaves.