Abstract: A coffee maker includes a housing and a brewing assembly. Pushing a handle leftward moves projections along slides in a direction for rising a cylindrical member until being stopped. A funnel-shaped member with a coffee bag placed therein can be slid along the rails toward the housing until being stopped. Pushing the handle rightward moves the projections in an opposite direction for lowering the cylindrical member until being stopped. The coffee bag is pressed by a clamping member and the funnel-shaped member. The coffee maker will supply hot water to an inflow opening such that hot water may then fall through a recess, a mesh element, and a cavity to pass through the coffee bag and proceeds to form coffee extract. The coffee extract may pass an outflow opening and a filter prior to flowing out of the coffee maker.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker includes a stand, and a filter basket and brewed beverage tank positioned on the stand. The brewed beverage tank is freely and removably positioned on the stand. The brewed beverage tank has a reservoir portion and an outlet port and valve for controlling flow of liquid from the reservoir portion. The filter basket is mounted above the reservoir portion. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid that has passed through the filter basket, and the outlet port and valve are positioned at substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion The stand includes a recess under the brewed beverage tank for at least partially receiving a vessel for holding a hot beverage. The stand defines a front side, and the recess is positioned substantially in the front side of the stand, and the brewed beverage tank is removable from the stand substantially in the direction of the front of the stand.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining a heat compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an inlet for introducing a non-liquid heat transfer medium to the heat compartment, and a drum rotatably mounted within the inner compartment and having an auger therein. The auger advances food product within the tank from the inlet end toward the outlet end and through the non-liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a recirculation mechanism configured and adapted to create a uniform temperature pattern within the heat compartment and to transfer non-liquid heat transfer medium from the outlet end of the heat compartment to the inlet end of the heat compartment.

Abstract: A multipurpose waffle iron set is disclosed to include a waffle iron formed of two symmetrical iron plates for making waffles, and a griddle for placing on one iron plate of the waffle iron for cooking foods, which griddle having a center area thereof curved upwards and perforated, an oil groove around the border, and a drip hole for guiding oil out of the oil groove to the inside of one iron plate of the waffle iron.

Abstract: A frying/boiling stand with hoist includes a hoist supported for rotation by opposed end frames. The hoist includes an axle, a centrally located spindle hood, and axle housings extending between the spindle hood and the opposed end frames. The axle centrally supports a cable having a lower hook, the cable forming a coil within the spindle hood. The hoist has a crank mounted on an end portion of the axle for turning the axle. A stop is located on one end frame for engaging the hoist. A food item is suspended by said hook over a fryer/boiler for raising and lowering by turning the axle crank. The food item, upon completion of cooking, is hoisted from the fryer/boiler by the hoist by turning the axle and the stop applied to maintain the axle fixed, thereby suspending the food item above the fryer/boiler for removal from the hook.

Abstract: A quick disconnect shower head having a shower head housing operable to receive a quick disconnect fitting connected to a hose or other apparatus such that the apparatus is readily connected or disconnected to the shower head housing.

Abstract: A roaster for powder and granular material capable of effectively roasting powder and granular material to the inside thereof to provide high quality powder and granular material and capable of effectively avoiding the possibility of causing contamination since the possibility of dewing is less even if the material is cooled. The roaster 1 comprises an charging port 2 in which the powder and granular material is thrown, a drum 30 in which the powder and granular material thrown from the charging port 2 is stored, and a heating unit 49 heating the powder and granular material stored in the drum 30. A preheating chamber 3 in which the powder and granular material thrown from the charging port 2 is preliminarily heated and which communicates with the drum 30 is formed between the charging port 2 and the drum 30.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is a force sensor for a probe based instrument. The force sensor can comprise a detection surface and a flexible mechanical structure disposed a first distance above the detection surface so as to form a gap between the flexible mechanical structure and the detection surface, wherein the flexible mechanical structure is configured to deflect upon exposure to an external force, thereby changing the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing apples is provided. The slicer utilizes thinner blades than known in the art, with a thickness less than 300 microns, and preferably between 180 and 220 microns. Each of the thinner blades is supported against bending, warping or twisting by a novel clinch buckle which rigidly supports the outer end or ends of each blades. The clinch buckle is rigidly connected to bent tabs formed at the outer end or ends of each blade and supports the outer ends across the full width of the blades. The clinch buckle is supported by an outer blade support ring and is captured by the outer support ring to prevent rotation of the clinch buckle. The thinner blade reduces cell damage, reduces the amount of sealant or neutralizer needed to slow or prevent oxidation of enzymes released from cells ruptured by slicing, and delays the onset of browning. A serrated blade is used to further reduce the extent of cell damage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for converting free-flowing feed material (43), for example, foils, fibers, foam products, powders, and the like of organic and/or inorganic materials into granules, agglomerates, pellets, green compacts, and the like by applying pressure with a cylindrical compression chamber (17), which is arranged around an axis (1). At its periphery, the compression chamber (17) is confined by a ring element (18) with passage openings (19), and it accommodates a pressure element (10) that rotates around the axis (1) in the direction of rotation (27). The feed material (43) is axially conveyed to the compression chamber (17) and is radially supplied to the ring element (18) by the pressure element (10).

Abstract: A controller displays a setting screen of printing contents for a paper band used for sealing the preset number of banknotes on a display unit. Various information items to be printed on the paper band are displayed in different colors or information items indicating edge positions when the paper band is wrapped around a preset number of banknotes are displayed in different colors for respective types of banknotes as the layout of information items to be printed on the paper band on the setting screen. Thus, the controller sets the contents to be printed on the paper band in the above display state.

Abstract: A stencil printer of the present invention includes at least an upstream and a downstream printing section, as seen in the direction of sheet conveyance, each including a print drum and a press roller for pressing a sheet against the print drum. An intermediate conveyor, positioned between the upstream and downstream printing sections, conveys the sheet from the former toward the latter. A dual master, formed with a first and a second image, is wrapped round the print drum of the upstream printing section.

Abstract: A double-side printing system where printing is made on both sides of a printing paper has an image density calculator which calculates the image densities of image data of the front side and image data of the back side, and a printing density reducer which reduces both the printing densities for printing the image data of the front side and the image data of the back side when at least one of the image densities of the image data of the front side and the image data of the back side is not smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thermally printing a pre-selected dye image (45) onto a three dimensional object (16). The method involves placing an image carrier sheet (24) containing a pre-selected dye image (45) over the object (16). A flexible membrane (26) is lowered over the object (16) and the image carrier sheet (24). A vacuum is established under the membrane (26) causing the image carrier sheet (24) to conform to the shape of the object (16). The membrane (26) or image carrier sheet (24) carry flexible heating elements (36), which are heated, to thermally transfer the dye image (45) onto the object (16). The flexible heating elements (36) can be made by etching an electrical circuit in a metal foil (34) which is bonded to a film substrate (30).

Abstract: A surveillance projectile consisting primarily of a very robust electronic device designed to be contained in a 40 mm cartridge that can be fired over distances through an open window or door and into a remote location, such as an enclosed site, where it is desirable to surreptitiously acquire intelligence by electronic means or by irradiating an interior with invisible infrared light to facilitate infrared sensing. The projectile may be configured to contain any of several types of surveillance devices. Such devices may be, but are not limited to, wirelessly operated cameras, audio transmitters, recorders and infrared illuminators. Audio transmission may be scrambled for decoding at a receiver.

Abstract: A rocker-arm igniter for irritation grenades, hand grenades, smoke or fog grenades, or similar, includes a rocker arm that may be pivoted by a tensioned spring about a pivot axis from a initial position into a second position, and that is firmly attached to a striker that, when the rocker arm is pivoted into its second position, strikes a igniter element of the rocker-arm igniter. A first mechanical securing device with a first securing device element is provided that holds the rocker arm in its initial position. Additionally, a second mechanical securing device with a second securing device element is provided that also holds the rocker arm in its initial position. The rocker arm is released to pivot into its second position only after removal of both securing device elements.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead bay configuration includes a plurality of bays. Each bay includes a plurality of rods, an explosive for deploying the rods, and a detonator for detonating the explosive. One bay is structured and arranged as a first bay. One bay is structured and arranged as a last bay with rods configured to have more drag than the rods of the first bay. At least one other bay is structured and arranged as an intermediate bay. The rods of the intermediate bay are configured to have more drag than the rods of the first bay but less drag than the rods of the last bay to space apart the rod sets of the bays upon deployment.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with self-aligning penetrators includes a plurality of rods, an explosive for deploying the rods, and a detonator for detonating the explosive. A stabilizer is attached to all or selected rods for aligning said rods to strike a target at an optimal strike angle.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of mechanical engineering and describes an automatically adjustable system of traverse rails with multiple characteristics that extend the useful life of the sustain by a minimum factor of four while providing redundant security backup to the rails allowing human passengers to move from one place to another in and easy and safe manner with a minimum of noise and vibration while providing the owner of the system benefits of lower maintenance cost and less exposure to financial risk. Also the system can be installed in a multitude of natural places without the need to cut or damage the environment. Using the same components this system offers other configuration options to increase the possibilities of installing a system with desirable characteristics over a greater number of inclinations. Combining the various components starting with a smooth rail as in FIG. 1 with the self-equalizing system FIG.

Abstract: A hybrid power locomotive system has a plurality of combustion engines for driving a plurality of electric power generators that supply electric power to at least one traction battery. The battery is connected to supply power to a plurality of electric traction motors coupled in driving relationship to respective ones of a plurality of wheel-axle sets of the locomotive. At least one traction motor drive is connected for controlling power to the electric traction motors. An electric power controller is arranged for coupling electric power from the power generators to the battery and senses the available energy in the battery and the power demand from the traction drives for activating selected ones of the plurality of combustion engines for charging the battery.

Abstract: A railroad car truck bolster may be formed as a steel casting. That bolster may include side bearing fitting access sockets located abreast of the side bearing seats. It may also include substantially continuous internal cavities to either side of a cross-wise internal vertical web plate mounted under the center plate bowl. The truck bolster may have large brake rod apertures that have large radii of curvature, and that may be bounded internally be a shear reinforcement at the vertical plane of the truck mid-span centerline, and another shear reinforcement spaced laterally outboard of the mid-span vertical plane. The webs of the bolster may be substantially imperforate outboard of the brake rod openings. The brake rod openings may have a profile that is large enough to accept either conventional or Wabco brake rods. The end portions of the truck bolster may include bolster pockets that have both primary and secondary wedge angles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a black brightening flake which prevents fine pigment particles from agglomerating. When incorporated into a cosmetic, a coating material, etc., the flakes enable the resultant composition not only to give a satisfactory use feeling, for example, spreadability on the skin, without giving a rough feeling or be satisfactory spread on a base plate but also to have high hiding power and take on a beautiful color tone. The black brightening flake comprises a metal oxide, as a mother material, which is derived from a colloidal metal oxide particle and 5 to 70% by mass black pigment dispersedly contained in the base material. The black brightening flake has an average particle diameter of 3 to 500 ?m, an average thickness of 0.1 to 5 ?m, and an average aspect ratio of 5 to 300.

Abstract: Ink for a color filter contains by weight colorant in an amount of 0.1 to 40 percent, solvent in an amount of 1 to 95 percent, initiator in an amount of 0.01 to 15 percent, oligomers in an amount of 0.5 to 80 percent.

Abstract: A method of producing a dielectric-film-forming composition including: (a) dissolving a metal hydroxide including a metal A which is at least one metal selected from Li, Na, Ca, Sr, and Ba and at least one of a metal alkoxide and a metal complex including a metal B which is at least one metal selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, and Nb in an organic solvent to prepare a solution; and (b) allowing a precursor in the solution prepared in the step (a) to react.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing fly ash comprising a heated refractory-lined vessel having a series of spaced angled rows of swirl-inducing nozzles which cause cyclonic and/or turbulent air flow of the fly ash when introduced in the vessel, thus increasing the residence time of airborne particles. Also disclosed is a method of fly ash beneficiation using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided which uses an improved emulsion to imparting water-resistance to gypsum products. In one embodiment, gypsum products comprise calcium sulfate dihydrate and an emulsion which comprises a saponified wax, a nonsaponifiable wax, an alkyl phenol, a surfactant/dispersant salt of polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose. Optionally, the emulsions may contain a preservative, e.g., a biocide (mildewcide, fungicide, etc.). These gypsum products resist the uptake of water and therefore resist biological infestation without addition of a preservative.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, gas-generating additives for use in a cement composition comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and having a shelf life of about 12 months or greater. The gas-generating additives may also include a C8-C18 hydrocarbon. In more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and a C8-C18 hydrocarbon for increasing a shelf life of the gas-generating material. In yet more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a cement; a fluid for making the cement composition pumpable; a hydrogen-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture for delaying a hydrogen-generating reaction, the mixture comprising sorbitan monooleate and an isoparaffin.

Abstract: A space dividing assembly including at least a first top member having first and second substantially parallel and oppositely facing lateral edges, a top surface and an undersurface, at least a first bottom member having first and second substantially parallel and oppositely facing lateral edges and a top surface, the bottom member having a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the top member and spaced there below so that the first and second lateral edges of the bottom member and the first and second lateral edges of the top member are substantially vertically aligned and so that the facing top member undersurface and bottom member top surface form a space there between and at least a first internal wall member having a length dimension and disposed in the space between the top and bottom members with the length dimension substantially parallel to the first lateral edge of the top member and with the internal wall member spaced apart from the first and second lateral edges and closer to the fi

Abstract: A method and system is presented for ensuring that a latch securing a ramp to a pallet is properly aligned and seated before a product can be offloaded from the pallet and down the ramp. The system uses a latching system that has a pallet-attached base and a ramp-attached mating bracket. The pallet-attached base has two rods. The first rod has a retainer arm that is restricted by the second rod to a vertical position, thus preventing a shipment on the pallet from reaching the ramp. The second rod has a thin portion and a thick portion. The second rod must be laterally moved such that the mating bracket mates only with the thin portion of the rod. This lateral movement moves the second rod away from the first rod's retainer arm, thus allowing the retainer arm to fold down.

Abstract: A method for loading a sling having a bottom and sidewalls comprises placing the sling bottom on a raised platform and rolling the sidewalls down into a gutter surrounding the raised platform so that the sidewalls form a negative angle with the sling bottom. Bagged product is then loaded onto the bottom of the sling to form a stack. The sling sidewalls are then rolled up the sidewalls up the stack sides so that the sidewalls form a positive angle with the sling bottom and the sling now encloses the stack of product. The sling jig assembly includes a raised central platform on which is adapted to rest the bottom of the sling. A gutter formed about the periphery of the central platform is adapted to receive the rolled-down sidewalls of the sling.

Abstract: A safe having a support assembly disposed in the interior of the safe. The door of the safe is coupled to the support assembly and is shiftable between a closed position wherein the door is received in an opening of the safe and an open position wherein the door is removed from the opening in the safe and disposed in the interior of the safe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the elimination of incombustible particles from smoke and exhaust gases as well as ventilation air, whereby it comprises a first chamber (1) having an inlet (3) for smoke or exhaust gas or ventilation air, it further comprises a heatable combustion zone (6), it comprises a second chamber (2) having an inlet from said first chamber (1) for said gas, and it comprises an outlet (11, 21) for collection of particles.

Abstract: An improved cup-style potato planter that corrects seed “skips.” Cups on a continuous belt conveyor sometimes fail to pick up potato seeds from a bin, or the seeds drop from the cup due to vibration. The design disclosed here puts replacement seeds in empty cups before the conveyor reaches a point in conveyor travel where the seed is supposed to be dropped into the ground.

Abstract: In a soil processing method of the present invention, a microwave radiator is made to move into soil, and microwaves are thereafter radiated from the microwave radiator to soil to be processed. As a method for making the microwave radiator move into soil, a method in which an underground mover incorporating the microwave radiator is made to move underground while making a cultivator move underground by means of a underground-moving claw mechanism similar to a chisel or subsoiler, a method in which the microwave radiator is vertically thrust into and drawn out from soil by a power arm, or a method in which the microwave radiator is vertically thrust into and drawn out from soil by using one of various vertical excavation devices may be used. According to the present invention, the influence of microwaves on soil in a deep region not easily influenced by microwave radiation to a farm surface can be effectively improved to ensure that various functions useful in agriculture, e.g.

Abstract: A zigzag sewing machine including a needle bar having a sewing needle attached thereto, a needle swing mechanism that laterally swings the needle bar, a needle plate disposed on an upper surface of a sewing machine bed, and a feed dog constituted by a first to fourth teeth that feed a workpiece cloth by projecting/retracting from the needle plate. The zigzag sewing machine further includes a feed dog longitudinal transfer mechanism that longitudinally moves the feed dog, a feed dog lateral transfer mechanism that laterally moves the feed dog, and a control unit that controls the feed dog lateral transfer mechanism so that one of the teeth is associated with a needle drop point of the sewing needle.

Abstract: A method and the device for minimizing stitching faults in embroidery devices (1) is provided, which includes a drive for moving the material holder (13), with an article to be sewn (11) being stretched therein, based on the knowledge that such stitching faults frequently can be explained by oscillations of the article to be sewn (11) and the material holder (13) due to rapid accelerations. Various effects, such as different types of articles to be sewn, changing weights, and friction ratios can cause a change of the oscillation behavior. One or more sensors (29, 43, 44) are provided and arranged such that they can detect the oscillation of the article to be sewn (11) and/or the material holder (13). The control of the drive and/or the sewing needle (23) occurs depending on the detected oscillations such that deviations of the stitching site from the predetermined target value is minimized.

Abstract: A water intake riser that can be suspended from a vessel having a riser connected to a riser hanger, which riser hanger includes a first tubular element, a second tubular element to which the riser is connected, a flexible load transfer element joining the tubular elements, and a hose of which the ends are secured to the adjacent ends of the tubular elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.

Abstract: A device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects such as, for example, boats and other watercraft. The device includes a plurality of reels that are pre-loaded with a length of string. Each reel is releasable secured to an object to be protected or an adjacent support structure and then the string is deployed from the reel. A hook tied to the end of the string engages with the eyelet or ring portion of a “zip” tie fastener that is secured to a different portion of the object or support structure so as to cause the string to be suspended over the object. The network of strings suspended above the object deters birds from landing on and thus soiling the object and the general area over which the strings are deployed.

Abstract: Slip-proof device for marking specific spots in thin films, whether these are of paper, cloth or other materials, such as pages of books or magazines. It is formed by a plate of a thin material, rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, divided into two bodies joined by a blank such that each one can be folded on the other. Said blank incorporates a flap that simplifies handling the device. The rear face of each body has a magnet, so that when the device is folded the magnets will attract each other and create a magnetic field that can cross the film, so that the two bodies will be attached to one another requiring to exert a force in the opposite direction to separate them. After the device is set in place it will remain there, hindering any accidental displacement but allowing such a displacement when desired.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a LT substrate from a LT crystal, after growing the crystal, a LT substrate in ingot form is imbedded in carbon power, or is place in a carbon vessel, and heat treated is conducted at a maintained temperature of between 650° C. and 1650° C. for at least 4 hours, whereby in a lithium tantalate (LT) substrate, sparks are prevented from being generated by the charge up of an electric charge on the substrate surface, and thereby destruction of a comb pattern formed on the substrate surface and breaks or the like in the LT substrate are prevented.

Abstract: A silicon single crystal is grown using the Czochralski method. During the crystal growth, a thermal stress is applied to at least a portion of the silicon single crystal. A gaseous substance containing hydrogen atoms is used as an atmospheric gas for growing the crystal.

Abstract: In a process for producing silicon semiconductor wafers, a silicon single crystal is pulled using the Czochralski method and is processed to form semiconductor wafers, a ratio V/G of pulling rate V and axial temperature gradient G at a growth front during the pulling of the single crystal being controlled in such a manner that agglomerated vacancy defects above a critical size are formed in the single crystal, the agglomerated vacancy defects, in a region of the semiconductor wafer that is of relevance to electronic components, shrinking during production of the components such that the size in this region no longer exceeds the critical size. Silicon semiconductor wafers with agglomerated vacancy defects in the relevant device region preferably contain agglomerated vacancy defects having an inner surface which is at least partially free of an oxide layer and a size of less than 50 nm.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a LT substrate from a LT crystal, after growing the crystal, a LT substrate in ingot form is imbedded in carbon power, or is place in a carbon vessel, and heat treated is conducted at a maintained temperature of between 650° C. and 1650° C. for at least 4 hours, whereby in a lithium tantalate (LT) substrate, sparks are prevented from being generated by the charge up of an electric charge on the substrate surface, and thereby destruction of a comb pattern formed on the substrate surface and breaks or the like in the LT substrate are prevented.

Abstract: This apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor single crystal includes: a crucible; a heater; a crucible driving unit; a chamber for housing the crucible and the heater; and a hydrogen mixed gas supplying device for supplying into the chamber a hydrogen mixed gas including an inert gas in admixture with a hydrogen-containing gas that contains hydrogen atoms, wherein the hydrogen mixed gas supplying device includes: a hydrogen-containing gas supply unit; an inert gas supply unit; a hydrogen-containing gas flow rate controller; an inert gas flow rate controller; and a gas mixing unit for uniformly mixing together the hydrogen-containing gas and the inert gas so as to form a hydrogen mixed gas.

Abstract: This method for producing silicon single crystals includes: growing a silicon single crystal by the Czochralski method while cooling at least part of the silicon single crystal under growth with a cooling member which circumferentially surrounds the silicon single crystal and has an inner contour that is coaxial with a pull axis, wherein an ambient gas in which the silicon single crystal is grown includes a hydrogen-atom-containing substance in gaseous form. This silicon single crystal is produced by the above method.

Abstract: In silicon single crystal growth by the Czochralski method using a quartz crucible, a silicon single crystals with a uniform distribution of oxygen concentration can be produced in high yield without being affected by changes of crystal diameter and initial amount of melt feedstock. The oxygen concentration is adjusted by estimating oxygen concentration during growth on the basis of a relationship among three parameters: crucible rotation rate (?), crucible temperature (T), and the ratio (?) of contact area of molten silicon with the inner wall of the crucible and with atmospheric gas, and by associating the temperature (T) with the ratio (?) by the function 1/?×Exp(?E/T) where E is the dissolution energy (E) of quartz into molten silicon to control at least one of the rotation rate (?) and temperature (T) to conform the estimated oxygen concentration to a target concentration.

Abstract: In a method for growing a silicon single crystal, a silicon single crystal is grown by the Czochralski method to have an oxygen concentration of 12×1017 to 18×1017 atoms/cm3 on ASTM-F121 1979. A mixed gas of an inert gas and a gaseous substance containing hydrogen atoms is used as an atmospheric gas for growing the single crystal. A temperature of the silicon single crystal is controlled during the growth of the crystal such that the ratio Gc/Ge of an axial thermal gradient Gc at the central portion of the crystal between its melting point and its temperature of 1350° C. to an axial thermal gradient Ge at the periphery of the crystal between its melting point and its temperature of 1350° C. is 1.1 to 1.4. The axial thermal gradient Gc at the central portion of the crystal is 3.0 to 3.5° C./mm.

Abstract: A semiconductor device formed on a strained silicon layer and a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor device are disclosed. In accordance with this invention, a first silicon germanium layer is formed on a single crystalline silicon substrate; a second silicon germanium layer is formed on the first silicon germanium layer, the second silicon germanium layer having a concentration of germanium in a range of about 1 percent by weight to about 15 percent by weight based on the total weight of the second silicon germanium layer; a strained silicon layer is formed on the second silicon germanium layer; an isolation layer is formed at a first portion of the strained silicon layer; a gate structure is formed on the strained silicon layer; and, source/drain regions are formed at second portions of the strained silicon layer adjacent to the gate structure to form a transistor.