Abstract: A method for operating a printing press having a printing form cylinder and a screen roller, includes rotating the printing form cylinder in a first direction of rotation and rotating the screen roller at the same time, during a continuous printing operation. The printing form cylinder is rotated in a second direction of rotation and the screen roller is kept at a rotational standstill at the same time, during an interruption in the printing operation. A printing press for carrying out the method has a clutch, preferably a freewheeling clutch, integrated into an anilox inking unit having the screen roller, in such a way that the clutch stops the rotation of the screen roller during reverse running of the printing press.

Abstract: The blanket cylinder for an intaglio printing machine comprising a plate cylinder carrying printing plates with engravings corresponding to a specific intaglio structure to be printed on a substrate, and cooperating with an impression cylinder, the blanket cylinder having at least one blanket on which the ink in the different colours is deposited by selector cylinders, each selector cylinder having reliefs with contours corresponding to the area of the intaglio structure to be inked with said colour, the at least one blanket (9) being made of several successive layers (30,31,32) each with different properties.

Abstract: An offset printing press includes an offset printing unit having a form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking unit, a rewritable and erasable offset printing form positioned on the form cylinder, and at least one image-setting device for at least one of setting and erasing images on the rewritable and erasable offset printing form positioned on the form cylinder. The rewritable and erasable offset printing form has a seamless surface for non-repeating offset printing. An entire surface of the rewritable and erasable offset printing form has a defined roughness adapted to offset printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a digital printing plate for flexographic and letterpress printing consisting of irradiating a polymeric material covering the plate to cause collapse of a non-image area on said plate.

Abstract: At least one mark is integrated into an image data set from a prepress stage, and the mark is scanned in order to automatically determine a region or an extract of the image data set which is relevant to the determination of zonal area coverage values. Zonal area coverage values for a print are determined from the region or extract, and presetting values for the inking zone setting elements are determined from the zonal area coverage values.

Abstract: The belt tensioner roller device is provided with a fixed support able to hold the device on an engine block, with moving parts that can move with respect to the fixed support, with a rotary roller supported by the moving parts and intended to be in contact with the belt, and with a component able to exert a permanent force between the fixed support and the moving parts. The rotary roller comprises a target element, and the fixed support comprises at least one sensor element mounted facing the target element of the roller with a gap and collaborating with the said target element to detect belt wear as a function of displacement of the rotary roller with respect to the fixed support.

Abstract: An explosive device is provided, containing an explosive formulation or explosive ink, which is capable of being disposed of onto a substrate for the device by well known printing and depositing techniques, such as screen printing, ink jet printing or gravure methods. The formulation contains an ink resin binder, a metal and a non-metal in particulate form where the diameter of the particles is less than 10 ?m, such that when the formulation is heated, a reactive output results. The substrate can be chosen from any inert material or alternatively an energetic material for which the formulation provides a means of initiation. Preferred metals are aluminum iron or titanium and non-metals are carbon, silicon, boron or metal oxides such as copper oxide, nickel oxide or molybedenum oxide. Devices according to the invention may take the form of a; pyrotechnic train, initiators, fuseheads, initiators for gas generators, microthrusters, and may form part of a larger system containing energetic materials.

Abstract: An explosive igniter having firing wires is contained and hermetically sealed in a blister pack.

Abstract: An initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with a venting device. A system for venting a container includes a venting device and an initiator coupled with the venting device. The initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with the venting device. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with a container, detonating an explosive sheet of the venting system, and venting the container as a result of detonating the explosive sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inert ballistic element and to a method for manufacturing it. Said method comprises the steps of: preparing a cylindrical tube, the ratio between the thickness and the outside diameter of said tube being equal or greater than 0.07; heating one end of the tube for a certain length until it is red hot; forging the end on a forging machine to form the tail and a part of the body of the ballistic element; heating the opposite end of the tube; and performing a second forging operation of the opposite part using a forging mould to form the nose of the ballistic element and to give the ballistic element its final shape. The forging operations are carried out with a forging machine equipped with a chuck that grips the tube by the non-heated end and pushes the tube into each nose or tail mould, which is divided into at least two shells that are moved by an opposite reciprocating motion.

Abstract: Generally and not exclusively, there is disclosed a system and a method for towing (pushing or pulling) a roadway vehicle on a road by a towing apparatus. The towing apparatus is coupled to a roadway guideway displaced generally above the surface of the roadway. In an embodiment, the system includes an apparatus to couple a vehicle to the roadway guideway, a force generation unit to move the coupled vehicle along the roadway guideway, and a brake unit to decelerate the apparatus and a coupled vehicle. In an embodiment, the system includes a coupling unit to separately couple or not couple the vehicle to one of multiple separate components of the roadway guideway, so that the towing apparatus, and therefore a towed vehicle, can switch roadway guideways by coupling to one or another component of the roadway guideway.

Abstract: A transportation system including a guide way defining multiple surfaces, each extending at an angle to the ground and at least one track mounted on one of the surfaces. A vehicle is adapted for movement along the guide way and is adapted to engage a corresponding track on the one surface when the vehicle is moving along the guide way in one direction and is adapted to engage a corresponding track on another surface when the vehicle is moving along the guide way in another direction.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic levitation apparatus comprises a permanent magnetic track unit and permanent magnetic levitation wing unit provided on a magnetic levitation vehicle and levitated above the track unit, in which the wing unit includes a ferromagnetic wing trough having an open bottom, a wing permanent magnet disposed in the wing trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers which are disposed between the side walls of the wing trough and the wing permanent magnet, and the track unit includes a ferromagnetic track trough having an open top, a track permanent magnet disposed in the track trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers disposed between the side walls of the track trough and the track permanent magnet, so that the wing permanent magnet and the track permanent magnet are disposed so that their poles with the same polarities face each other.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic levitation apparatus comprises a permanent magnetic track unit and permanent magnetic levitation wing unit provided on a magnetic levitation vehicle and levitated above the track unit, in which the wing unit includes a ferromagnetic wing trough having an open bottom, wing permanent magnets disposed in the wing trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers which are disposed between the side walls of the wing trough and the wing permanent magnets, and the track unit includes a ferromagnetic track trough having an open top, track permanent magnets disposed in the track trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers disposed between the side walls of the track trough and the track permanent magnets, so that the wing permanent magnets and the track permanent magnets are disposed so that their poles with the same polarity face each other.

Abstract: A center beam rail road car has a center sill that runs along the car from end to end. The center sill is dog-legged, having end portions mounted over rail car trucks, and a downwardly stepped central portion between the trucks. A central beam assembly stands upwardly of the center sill. A lading supporting deck structure extends laterally to either side of the center sill. The deck structure has a depressed medial portion between the trucks, and raised end portions over the trucks. The deck portions have lading bearing interfaces. The medial portion of the center sill has a top flange that is carried at a height that lies flush with, or below, the level of the lading bearing interface of the medial portion of the center sill. In one embodiment, a column member for carrying buff and draft loads is spaced upwardly from the medial portion of the center sill.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions for coating applications. The coatings are suitable as inks, varnishes, paints, and the like. In one aspect the coatings are fast drying, relative to existing technologies, and offer other advantages (e.g., print quality, color fastness, reduced or no VOC components, reduced or no toxic metal-containing components) useful in print and coatings applications.

Abstract: The invention is a plasticizer for nitrocellulose based resins, a method for plasticizing a nitrocellulose based resin and a nitrocellulose based paint containing the plasticizer. The plasticizer contains a mixture of (i) at least one isobutanol ester of a fatty acid with 8 to 24 carbon atoms. The acids can be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and contain at least one epoxy group per molecule and (ii) at least one methyl ester of a fatty acid with 16 to 18 carbon atoms which acids can be saturated or olefinically unsaturated, linear or branched.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fountain solution, a system for blending two or more concentrate components of a fountain solution, concentrate compositions, and articles of manufacture or kits comprising the concentrate compositions are provided. The method comprises combining at least two fluid concentrates that comprise the components of the fountain solution at effective proportions with water to produce the fountain solution composition containing a predetermined concentration of ingredients. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining an acidic film-forming polymer concentrate and a surface tension reducing (wetting) concentrate with water to form the fountain solution. The method preferably utilizes a proportioning pump for metering amounts of the component concentrates of the fountain solution into a water flow.

Abstract: In a first aspect, bituminous asphalt binder materials which are modified by the addition of crumb rubber or ground tire rubber are described. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of producing a modified asphalt binder containing crumb rubber or ground tire rubber. The modified asphalt binders comprise neat asphalt, crumb rubber, one or more synthetic polymers, and one or more acids. The crumb rubber may be obtained from recycled truck and/or automobile tires.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing a bituminous product, characterized in that a compound based on a phosphoric or polyphosphoric acid supported on a mineral oxide of high porosity is used. The subject of the invention is also the bituminous product that can be obtained by the above process, and its uses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension containing: (a) at least one water-insoluble colorant, (b) at least one heterocyclic compound of the general formula 1 and (c) water and/or a mono- or polyhydric alcohol. The aqueous suspension is produced when the water-insoluble colorant and the heterocyclic compound of the formula 1 are dispersed in water and/or a mono- or polyhydric alcohol. The suspension is useful for producing waterborne inks, ink jet inks, coatings and solventborne printing inks.

Abstract: A downhole servicing composition comprising from about 15 percent to about 80 percent by weight of a clay, and from about 10 percent to about 75 percent by weight of a carbon source is disclosed. The invention includes a downhole servicing composition comprising from about 15 percent to about 45 percent by weight of a first clay, from about 15 percent to about 45 percent by weight of a second clay, from about 10 percent to about 35 percent by weight of a filler, and from about 10 percent to about 75 percent by weight of a carbon source. The invention also includes a downhole servicing composition comprising an aqueous base and from about 10 percent to about 75 percent by weight of flaked graphite, wherein the downhole servicing composition has a thermal conductivity not less than about 0.8 BTU/hr-ft-° F.

Abstract: A liquid composition, active curing additive for water or solvent borne surface coatings and sealants such: latex products, paints, putties, caulks, sports track and court construction, asphalt or coal tar seal coating, asphalt paving, micro-seal, roof tars, asphalt emulsions, crack sealants, and the like is provided. The additive functions to significantly reduce the amount of time required for the surface coating to cure and thereby allows the coated or sealed surface to be quickly returned to service. Preferably, the additive is composed of a composition of of water; calcium chloride granules; citric acid granules; and an ammonium dispersing composition. Alternatively, aluminum sulfate may be utilized in place of calcium chloriade and citric acid.

Abstract: A composite material is obtained by mixing with water 100 parts in weight of binder, between 250 and 800 parts in weight of steel-based shot having a granulometric distribution comprised between 120 ?m and 3000 ?m, between 10 and 15 parts in weight of non-densified silica fume and a highly water-reducing superplasticizer. The ratio between the weight quantity of water and the weight quantity of hydraulic binder is comprised between 0.16 and 0.25. The composite material presents a very high abrasion resistance, an abrasion index measured according to the C.N.R protocol comprised between 0.15 and 1.0, the value of the D10 grain size of the shot being at least eight times greater than the value of the D90 grain size of the hydraulic binder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous cementitious product, which method comprises: forming a cementitious premix; casting the premix in a desired configuration; generating gas bubbles within the premix; and curing the premix, wherein gas bubbles are generated and/or collapsed at specific locations within the premix in order to produce a porosity profile along a cross-section of the product such that the product comprises a relatively low density core region and higher density outer regions.

Abstract: Method of recycling a crushed asphalt concrete comprising a friable mixture of asphalt and aggregate particles produced by breaking down a recycled asphalt/aggregate concrete by milling or crushing or the like. The aggregate particles include a substantial portion of the surfaces thereof which are substantially free of adhered asphalt material. The crushed asphalt concrete is mixed with a minor amount of hydraulic cement and water to produce a plastic mixture of the crushed asphalt concrete and hydraulic cement. The plastic mixture is transported to a utilization site such as a building site, road or parking lot and spread on a substrate surface to provide a layer of asphalt concrete pavement. The layer of asphalt concrete pavement has a 7-day compressive strength, typically no more than 1,000 psi, e.g., 150-800 psi. The cement is present in an amount within the range of 1-14 wt. %, more specifically, within the range of 2-10 wt. % of the crushed asphalt concrete and any added aggregate.

Abstract: A wet gypsum accelerator comprising ground product having a median particle size of from about 0.5 micron to about 2 microns and calcium sulfate dihydrate, water, and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of (i) an organic phosphonic compound, (ii) a phosphate-containing compound, or (iii) a mixture of (i) and (ii), is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of preparing a wet gypsum accelerator, a method of hydrating calcined gypsum to form an interlocking matrix of set gypsum, a set gypsum-containing composition, and a set gypsum-containing product.

Abstract: A unique cardboard box container for replacing wood pallets is disclosed. In its unfolded, flattened form the cardboard box comprises a central rectangular panel with two contiguous side panels and two end tabs contiguous to the two ends of the central rectangular panel. The side panels have creases extending the length of the side panels for folding the side panels over a boxed strip or panel product placed on the central rectangular panel. The two end tabs are also creased enabling the end tabs to be folded over the ends of a layer of boxed strip or panel product placed over the folded side panels, which overlay the boxed strip or panel product placed on the central rectangular panel. Two cardboard box containers are aligned in parallel to form two stringers and a layer of boxed strip or panel products is placed on the stringers with the end tabs of the two cardboard box containers folded over the ends of the layer.

Abstract: A lightweight, boxed stringer useful in forming pallets for transporting products. The lightweight, boxed stringer is formed using a unique box container which encloses a lightweight core material. The core material may comprise a cardboard honeycomb or a plastic foam. The lightweight core material is enclosed by the side panels of the box container which also has elongated end tabs. These end tabs are folded over a sheet material to form a unitized pallet structure comprising two or more stringers in substantially parallel alignment and the sheet material placed on the stringers and enclosed by the end tabs.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A personal table is provided having a table top supported by a support assembly. The table top is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and the support assembly preferably includes a first leg and a second leg that are pivotally connected. The legs desirably have a generally X-shaped configuration when the legs are placed in an upright position and the legs can be collapsed into a storage position. Each of the legs may include a lower portion, a body portion and an upper portion that is preferably selectively connected to the table top. The legs, for example, can be connected to the table top by inserting the upper portions of the legs into leg receiving recesses formed in the table top. The leg receiving recesses are preferably integrally formed in the bottom surface of the table top as part of a one-piece construction.

Abstract: The bookcase with sloping shelves has multiple shelf compartments that slope in opposite directions. The compartments include a base section and at least one upper section connected to the base section. The base section includes a bottom wall, a top wall and opposing sidewalls attached to the bottom and top walls, one of the sidewalls being of greater height than the other. The upper section includes a shelf panel and opposing sidewalls depending from the shelf panel. The sidewalls, one being of greater height than the other, are attached to the top wall of the base section. Compartments are therefore formed that slope in opposite directions from one another because of the sidewalls of varying height.

Abstract: A method of securing a door on a combustion device, such as a boiler, using a bracket that may be removed from the combustion device without fully unfastening a fastener that fastens the bracket to the combustion device. Also, a method for repositioning a door on a combustion device, wherein the above-mentioned bracket is used. In addition, a combustion device for implementing either of the above-mentioned methods.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatviely, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the use of a work machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a computer with a neural network on the work machine. Further, the method may include inputting data to the computer, at least a portion of the data associated with a load experienced by one of the components of the work machine. The neural network, when executed by the computer may then classify a current operation of the work machine into one of a plurality of types of operations.

Abstract: A support structure for auxiliary machinery in a seagoing vessel, the support structure comprising a trussed frame supporting a mounting plate at an elevated height above the bottom or deck of the vessel, the mounting plate being adapted to support auxiliary machinery, the trussed frame comprising beams arranged in triangles along the sides and ends of the frame, whereby the frame elevates the machinery and provides ready access to the underside of the machinery.

Abstract: An amah for a high speed seagoing multi hulled vessel, the amah having sides extending upwardly and outwardly from a base line, the sides having longitudinally extending vertically spaced stiffeners, the bow of the amah including a plate field comprising a plurality of sub plates each comprising a vertical plate secured along the centre line of the amah and supporting a horizontal plate secured to each side of the amah, whereby the planes of the horizontal plates of the sub plates step upwardly as the base line rakes upwardly towards the bow and the longitudinal stiffeners terminate and are secured to the horizontal plates.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a sailing craft having a frame, a sail affixed to the frame, and buoyant wheels. In one embodiment, the frame has four sides and has a rectangular shape. Two or more buoyant wheels are attached to one side of the frame, and two or more buoyant wheels are attached to the opposite side of the frame. Each buoyant wheel is capable of contributing to at least one of floatation, steering, and tracking. In one such embodiment, some or all of the wheels have a fin or fins on some or all of its perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent from the air separation unit of a Gas To Liquids, Heavy Hydrocarbon Conversion, or Methanol Synthesis Facility on transport vessels. The primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent is used to reduce corrosion, reduce product biodegradation and oxidation, control invasive species, and prevent fires and explosions by reducing oxygen content. Accordingly, the present invention relates to integrated processes for producing hydrocarbonaceous products and using a primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent supplied from the process in shipping the products.

Abstract: A retractable boat bumper system includes a bumper plate and a positioning mechanism. The bumper plate is selectively operated between a first, retracted position wherein the bumper plate is proximate the boat and a second, extended position wherein the bumper plate is disposed away from the boat. When the boat is secured to a dock or the like, the bumper plate is disposed within the second position and protects the boat from the dock. When underway, the bumper plate is disposed within the first position such that the bumper plate is out of the way.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating power plant. The floating power plant includes a hull having a structure suitable for being movable at sea; a plurality of watertight bulkheads placed in the hull to a height of a freeboard deck, thus partitioning the interior of the hull into a plurality of watertight chambers; a power generating means for generating electricity, the power generating means including a plurality of parts separately installed in the watertight chambers; and a duct arranged to pass over the freeboard deck to couple the parts of the power generating means installed in the watertight chambers to each other. Because the floating power plant, provided with the power generating means, is freely movable at sea, the floating power plant can economically supply electricity to a specific district or to a specific facility that temporarily uses electricity, and can minimize limitations caused by environmental regulations, and can be used as an emergency electric power source.

Abstract: A boat comprises an elevator and a boat hull having a deck and defining a dive opening. The dive opening extends vertically from the deck to the water and defines an enclosed passageway having upper and lower openings. Depending on the dive opening's location in the boat hull, the passageway may or may not be enclosed on all sides. Means are included for selectively moving the elevator between a raised configuration above the dive opening and a lowered configuration by passing through the passageway. A floor of the elevator is adjacent the boat hull deck when the elevator is at the raised configuration, and the elevator floor is below a water surface when the elevator is at the lowered configuration so a user may easily travel between the water and the elevator. Means for actuating the means for moving the elevator are preferably accessible from inside and outside the elevator.

Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate battery and motor-transmission modules.

Abstract: A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions.

Abstract: A sound generating arrangement is provided. The sound generating arrangement may be easily and quickly assembled, and can include a first arrangement, a second arrangement, and a coupling arrangement. The first arrangement may be configured to provide a flow of gas therethrough, and can comprise a mouth piece. The second arrangement may be configured to facilitate a generation of a second when it is contacted by the gas, and can have a sound generating assembly. The coupling arrangement may be elastically deformable and may be configured for coupling the first arrangement to the second arrangement.

Abstract: A gauge with a light transmitting pointer and a light-transmitting dial plate having a surface with indicia for a variable represented by the dial, at least one light source facing a hub of the pointer and positioned rearwardly from the rear surface of the dial plate for illuminating the dial plate. The light-transmitting pointer is mounted for rotational movement about an axis normal to the dial plate. The pointer hub is concentric with the axis, extending through the dial plate and projecting both forwardly and rearwardly from the plate, and an indicator projecting laterally from the hub across a portion of the front surface of the dial plate. The portion of the hub extending rearwardly of the dial plate is shaped to capture light directly from the light source so that light enters the hub and propagates forwardly through the hub, and then laterally from the hub into the indicator to illuminate the indicator.

Abstract: To precisely predict the distribution of densities and sizes of void defects comprising voids and inner wall oxide membranes in a single crystal. The computer-based simulation determines, at steps 1 to 7, the distribution of temperatures within a single crystal 14 growing from a melt 12 from the time of its pulling-up to the time of its completing cooling with due consideration paid to convection currents in the melt 12. The computer-based simulation, at steps 8 to 15, determines the density of voids considering the cooling process of the single crystal separated from the melt, that is, the pulling-up speed of the single crystal after the separation from the melt, and reflecting the effect of slow and rapid cooling of the single crystal in the result, and relates the radius of voids with the thickness of inner wall oxide membrane developed around the voids.

Abstract: Provided are a thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same, in which an amorphous silicon layer is formed on a substrate, a capping layer containing a metal catalyst having a different concentration according to its thickness is formed on the amorphous silicon layer, the capping layer is patterned to form a capping layer pattern, and the amorphous silicon layer is crystallized, such that the density and position of seeds formed at an interface between the amorphous silicon layer and the capping layer pattern is controlled, thereby improving the size and uniformity of grains, and in which polycrystalline silicon of desired size and uniformity is selectively formed at a desired position by one crystallization process, resulting in a thin film transistor having excellent and desired properties.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline phase material includes, a) providing a stress inducing material within or operatively adjacent a crystalline material of a first crystalline phase; and b) annealing the crystalline material of the first crystalline phase under conditions effective to transform it to a second crystalline phase. The stress inducing material preferably induces compressive stress within the first crystalline phase during the anneal to the second crystalline phase to lower the required activation energy to produce a more dense second crystalline phase. Example compressive stress inducing layers include SiO2 and Si3N4, while example stress inducing materials for providing into layers are Ge, W and Co. Where the compressive stress inducing material is provided on the same side of a wafer over which the crystalline phase material is provided, it is provided to have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is less than the first phase crystalline material.