Abstract: The invention relates to a case for receiving a blister pack, comprising a first case half and a second case half. The halves are hinged on one another. The first case half is designed as a pocket for receiving the blister pack and has an outer part and an inner viewing part and also first apertures in the viewing part and second apertures in the outer part. The first apertures are at least partially aligned with the second apertures, specifically at least where the receptacles are located after the blister pack is received in the pocket. The second case half has a first compartment for receiving a first display means displaying days of the week, and first windows for displaying the days of the week in an inner viewing surface of the second case half in the area of the first compartment. The first windows are arranged in such a way that they are aligned with the columns of the receptacles of a medicament pack received in the pocket.

Abstract: To provide a multiple step type compact having excellent usability, in which a complicated preparatory operation is unnecessary, a multiple step type compact comprise a main body 1 having a housing part 11 for housing a cosmetic 10; a drawer 2 being drawably supported at a lower layer position of the housing part 11 by the main body 1, housing an applicator 20, and being fitted to the main body 1 when positioned at a lower step position of the housing part 11; and a lid 3 connected to the main body 1 rotatably around an axial line and being openable and closable, and when the lid 3 is opened, a rear part of the drawer 2 is pushed out by the lid 3 rotating around the axial line to cancel fitting of the drawer 2 with the main body 1.

Abstract: A system is presented for packing and displaying flora, which includes a display for supporting the flora on multiple levels, and a receptacle in which the display and flora may be contained for storage and/or shipment. The display may include a side frame, top frames and holders for supporting the flora. The display may also include a header. The system may be disassembled into a side frame, holders, top frames and header to be contained with the flora in the receptacle. A method for displaying flora is presented, which includes removing a display and the flora from a receptacle, and arranging the display to support the flora on the multiple levels. Further, method for packing flora is presented, which includes disassembling a display with multiple levels into a side frame, holders, and top frames, and placing them along with the flora into a receptacle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing middle distillates from effluents obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, comprising a step for hydrotreatment and purification and/or decontamination by passage over a multifunctional guard bed. The invention also concerns a facility.

Abstract: The recycle gas stream containing hydrogen that is part of the feedstream to a hydroprocessing reactor is mixed with the low purity make-up hydrogen and the sour flash gases upstream of the recycle gas compressor and compressed by the recycle gas compressor. The compressed gases pass through a methane and higher (C1+) absorber to produce a sweet hydrogen recycle gas stream that is delivered to the hydroprocessing reactor at 96-98 mol % hydrogen. The process can be used to advantage in existing process facilities to increase the hydrogen partial pressure in the feedstream to the hydroprocessor where the existing recycle gas compressor is not designed for compressing the high purity hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the removal of sulphur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream, especially a gaseous hydrocarbon gas stream, which process comprises contacting said gas stream with an adsorbent comprising at least a zeolite having a pore diameter of at least 5 ? to adsorb the sulphur compounds thereon, the adsorption procedure followed by a regeneration procedure of used, loaded adsorbent by contacting the said loaded adsorbent with a regeneration gas stream having a relative water humidity between 1-100% for certain steps of the regeneration and a water content of below 5 ppmV for other steps thus to replace the adsorbed sulphur compounds by water. Suitably the regeneration is followed by a dry regeneration treatment to finalize the regeneration. The process of the invention allows to send the sulphur compounds containing regeneration gas without further treatment of e.g.

Abstract: A method of heavy particle separation, including a primary separation stage which includes the steps of dropping, accumulating, concentrating and discharging of heavy particles and/or a secondary separation stage for concentrating heavy particles which includes the steps of infeeding, stilling and retaining such particles.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying mail pieces which may contain a suspicious (biohazardous/chemical agents or hoax materials). The method includes the steps of (i) causing particulate material to collect in a first region of the mail piece; (ii) producing a first content profile indicative of the internal contents of the mail piece; (iii) comparing the first content profile to a predefined baseline profile for determining whether the first content profile indicates the presence of a particulate material in the first region of the mail piece; and out-sorting a mail piece in response to the indicator. To ensure that other mail piece print, or physical characteristics, are not mistakenly identified as particulate material, steps (i)-(iii) may be repeated with certain modifications.

Abstract: A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: A structure improvement for a water purifier includes a streamlined main body combined by a pair of the symmetrically arranged half housings each of which has a large opening closed by a lid, a motor unit, a pipeline and a flat rectangular rack disposed inside the main body, a plurality of the membrane pipes and the filter element horizontally and superimposedly secured to two sides of the rack automatically connected to the pipeline and a water outlet. A bottom and a cup seat at front side, a socket aside several pipes and plurality of the air vents at rear side of the main body, an arcuate handle on the top, a sensor, an electric circuit card and a TDS (total dissolved solids) remover device inside the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating wastewater with a liquid disinfectant comprising a vessel for wastewater, a pump in the vessel, a discharge conduit connected to the outlet of the pump for discharging water from the vessel, a first valve in the discharge conduit to control flow through the discharge conduit, a recirculation conduit connected to the pump discharge for recycling at least a portion of the wastewater discharged from the pump back into the vessel, a container for liquid disinfectant, a feedline connected to the container to feed disinfectant into the vessel, a second valve in the feedline to control the flow of disinfectant through the feedline and a control system connected to the pump and the first and second valves to selectively cause opening and closing of the first and second valves at desired intervals for predetermined periods of time and selectively activate the pump at desired times for predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: A horizontally traveling water screen for filtering debris from a wide flowing stream. The water screen, which may be realized by a foraminous modular plastic conveyor belt, is formed in an endless loop trained between drive and idle sprockets rotatable on generally vertical shafts. The upstream face of the water screen is oriented transverse to the flow and advances horizontally across the stream to drag debris to a cleaning and discharge station. Horizontally spaced hold down tabs extending outward of the inner surface of the loop hook onto and ride along a horizontal guide attached to a support frame for the water screen to prevent the screen from sagging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fine particulate matter from a fluid stream without interrupting the overall process or flow. The flowing fluid inflates and expands the flexible filter, and particulate is deposited on the filter media while clean fluid is permitted to pass through the filter. This filter is cleaned when the fluid flow is stopped, the filter collapses, and a force is applied to distort the flexible filter media to dislodge the built-up filter cake. The dislodged filter cake falls to a location that allows undisrupted flow of the fluid after flow is restored. The shed particulate is removed to a bin for periodic collection. A plurality of filter cells can operate independently or in concert, in parallel, or in series to permit cleaning the filters without shutting off the overall fluid flow. The self-cleaning filter is low cost, has low power consumption, and exhibits low differential pressures.

Abstract: A seal ring holder for membrane elements which is capable of attaining an increase in the area of membranes packed per element; and a membrane element using the seal ring holder, are provided.

Abstract: A gas permeable, carbon based, nanocomposite membrane comprises a nanoporous carbon matrix comprising a pyrolyzed polymer, and a plurality of nanoparticles of carbon or an inorganic compound disposed in the matrix. The matrix is prepared by pyrolyzing a polymer, and nanoparticles of the particulate material are disposed in the polymer prior to pyrolysis. The particles may be disposed in a precursor of the polymer, which precursor is subsequently polymerized, or in the polymer itself.

Abstract: A high-pressure, water recycling, spray tire wash system with an elevated wash rack having water collection trays therebeneath. A number of high-pressure spray heads are spaced along each side of the wash rack for collecting used wash water. There are a plurality of high-pressure sprauy heads arranged along the side of the wash rack so as to direct water to the tires of a vehicle on the rack. Water collected on the trays is conveyed to a primary settling tank, and then a secondary tank, for clarification and polishing of the water, and then through filters to a holding tank where the polished and filtered water is stored awaiting use. High-pressure pumps direct water through hoses to spray head manifolds and then to the high-pressure spray heads, where water is ejected at a pressure ranging from about 900 psi to 1500 psi at the vehicle tires to clean them.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a separation passageway module comprising a plurality of inclined plates, at least one suction pipe, and a buoyancy regulator. The inclined plate passageways are comprised by a plurality of inclined parallel plates. The inclined plate passageways have an opening at either the lower end or the upper end. In the case of having an opening at the lower end, suspension flows into the passageways from the lower end to carry out settling separation and to thereby generate clear liquid at the upper end of the inclined plate passageways. On the other hand, in the case of having an opening at the upper end, suspension flows into the passageways from the upper end to carry out floating separation and to thereby generate clear liquid at the lower end of the inclined plate passageways. One end of the suction pipe is connected to the upper end or lower end of the inclined plate passageways for drawing the clear liquid.

Abstract: The process and system of the invention converts biomass materials into energy to power a large marine vessel without the problematic environmental releases of either liquids to the sea or greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The biomass is conveyed to an on-board biomass storage facility and converted to synthesis gas in an on-board gasification unit to synthesis gas that is used as fuel for fuel cells to power the marine vessel. A portion of the biomass is sea biomass harvested from the sea and removed from the sea by on-board biomass removal means that strains the biomass from the sea water and flips the biomass into a holding bin before being conveyed to the biomass storage facility. A portion of the synthesis gas is converted to useful products. These products are partially used as fuel for the fuel cells. The remaining products are off-loaded at port facilities where biomass waste materials are loaded on-board and conveyed to the biomass storage to serve as the remaining portion of biomass.

Abstract: A method utilizing inorganic nutrient salts, which are inexpensive and easily usable, for waste water whose aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment cannot be established unless inorganic nutrient salts are added, is provided. A method and apparatus are provided for utilizing recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, characterized by adding the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, which has been recovered from a treatment process for organic waste and/or organic waste water treatment, to a biological treatment step comprising an anaerobic treatment step and/or an aerobic treatment step to utilize the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate as an inorganic nutrient source. Preferably, the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate is utilized as particles, with its particle size being 0.5 mm or less, and/or the pH of a liquid, to which magnesium ammonium phosphate is added, being 10 or lower.

Abstract: Systems and methods for co-enhancing contaminant degradation such as LNAPL and DNAPL degradation. Embodiments of the inventive technology may relate to assuring adequate amounts (e.g., concentrations) of certain substances (e.g., nitrogen, electron acceptor, bacteria, microbial substrate) so that degradation of LNAPL and DNAPL is enhanced as intended. Any of the inventive methods may involve the amendment of groundwater with one or more particular substance (uric acid, electron acceptors, microbial substrate, as but a few examples) in order to enhance DNAPL, and perhaps also, LNAPL degradation.

Abstract: a wastewater treatment system having a submerged attached growth bioreactor connected to an equalization tank and a clear well. The bioreactor has a deep-bed sand filter. the wastewater flow through the filter is in two directions, i.e., down flow (forward flow) and up flow (reverse flow). The hydrostatic pressure created by the differential liquid levels within the tanks creates a forward flow from the equalization tank, into the bioreactor and out into the clear well. Reverse flow is accomplished by pumping from the clear well back up through the bioreactor. The reverse flow fills the headspace within the bioreactor, stops, and then begins to flow forward again. The flow through the bioreactor alternates between down flow and up flow. In an alternative embodiment, process air required for the oxidation of organics and nitrification is accomplished by aerating the clear well. The oxygen rich water is pumped into the filter from the clear well during the reverse flow.

Abstract: An analysis system is provided, suitable to analyze fluidic samples. The analysis system includes at least two trapping columns, wherein the first one is adapted for trapping hydrophobic compounds of the fluidic sample and the second one is adapted for trapping hydrophilic compounds of the fluidic sample. The at least two trapping columns are in fluidic communication and the second trapping column is arranged downstream to the first trapping column.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography chip may include an analytical column. After an analyte has traveled through an analytical column defined by the chromatography chip, the analyte is routed, either directly or indirectly, to a port defined by the chromatogrpahy chip, instead of to a spray tip on-board the chromatography chip. The port may be in fluid communication with a tube or conduit that may, in turn, be coupled to another device. Such an arrangement provides for flexible interface of the chromatography chip to another device.

Abstract: A multicapillary sample preparation device, especially useful for handling biological samples, comprising a plurality of uniform capillary tubes coated with a stationary phase, and arranged in a monolithic element. The multicapillary device is suitable for attachment to a pipette, micropipette, syringe, or other analytical or sample preparation instrument.

Abstract: The current invention is concerned with methods and compositions for the removal of arsenic contamination from water. A method for binding As to oxidized metal coated pumice and method for making the same are disclosed. Water filters comprising oxidized metal coated pumice, such as oxidized iron coated pumice, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for immobilizing acidic or electrophilic compounds in a solution. The process is characterized in that it consists in bringing a crosslinked polyimine, which is insoluble in the medium and in which the imino groups are —NH-groups, into contact with said compounds and in then separating, by filtration, the modified polyimine obtained. The crosslinked polyimine comprises linear segments composed of —HN—R1—NH—R2—Ar—R3-units in which R1, R2 and R3 are identical or different alkylene or alkenylene groups and Ar represents an aromatic group. The process is of use for fixing undesirable compounds or for purifying acidic compounds.

Abstract: A filtration system for a motorized wheel off-highway vehicle transmission that is proximate a sun pinion bore within the transmission, the system includes a helix shaped element that traverses along a longitudinal axis of the sun pinion bore, a magnet proximate the helix shaped element, and a housing proximate the helix shaped element and magnet.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for separating and removing contaminants from an optionally continuously flowing aqueous effluent containing contaminants, effluent containing entrained contaminants is introduced into an enclosed chamber in which the contaminants are formed into a particle floc separable from the aqueous phase and is then advanced to a separation tank where floating floc is removed from the aqueous stream. The process may be augmented by the application of aeration, oxidation, and/or coagulation steps prior to the effluent entering the separation tank. Significant improvements are effected in respect of simplicity, power efficiency and commercial viability.

Abstract: A method and a device for separation, in particular oil, gas and water, in connection with the extraction of such a fluid from formations under the surface of the earth or the sea bed. The fluid is transported in a supply pipe or transport pipe (4) to a separator (1) in the form of a tubular separator body, a gravitation tank or similar. The separated components, water and oil, are passed out of the separator separately via outlet pipes (not shown). The fluid upstream of the separator (1) is subjected to shear forces so that the drops in the supply flow are tarn up to form drops that are so small that the interface generally becomes new and “uncontaminated” by surfactants. The shear forces are supplied by means of a phase inversion device (6) in the form of a valve or similar. Water can expediently be added to the fluid upstream of the phase inversion device (6) to achieve the desired phase inversion.

Abstract: Improved method, apparatus and system for treating bilge water and other marine emulsion wastes comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases. Microwave Separation Technology (MST) is used to treat a broad class of emulsion wastes associated with, generated by, or carried at sea on, ships or other marine entities (such as drilling platforms, oil spill clean-up systems, etc.). The hydrocarbon component from a marine emulsion waste comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases, is concentrated (e.g., the emulsion's water content is reduced) so that the volume of waste material that requires off-loading or out-hauling (or both) is reduced over conventional methods of separating emulsion wastes for disposal. In view of the reductions achieved in process volumes, significant cost savings may be realized. Better compliance with environmental laws and standards may also be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, method and system for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water including water in a vessel, pipe, reservoir, river, chamber, lake or similar bodies of water, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the apparatus including an energisable material defined as an active electrode being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water, the active electrode being adapted to be energised or electrostatically charged with a negative electrostatic voltage charge from a power supply means, in use, to induce and set up an electrostatic field in the water causing contaminants in the water effected by the induced charge to bond and be removed from the water.

Abstract: A system for providing a chemical to a stream of a fluid. The system includes an elongate member with the chemical therein and moveable through the fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid. Optionally, the elongate member may be unwound from a first reel to a second reel through the stream of fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid.

Abstract: A depth filter design is disclosed which has little if any open void area upstream of the media. Preferably, it also has little if any open void area downstream of the media as well. A preferred embodiment uses layers of stacked, fibrous media with several of the layers being separated from the others by spacers which serve to compress the media and to prevent the bypass of fluid around the media adjacent the inner wall of the housing. Several designs for attaching the end caps which allow for the compression of the media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sieve device (1) for insertion in a shaft (2) comprises a connection for wastewater arriving in a supply device (3, 4), which supply device (3, 4) is connected to a sieve surface of the sieve device (1) for separating material to be separated from the wastewater, and comprises a worm conveyor device (25) that comprises a worm conveyor for transporting the material to be separated out of the shaft (2). A fastening device (1) is arranged in the shaft for the vertical fastening of the sieve device (1). The fastening device (10) comprises a guide (12) for the sieve device (1). An intersection is provided between the supply device (3, 4) and the sieve device (1). The guide (12) positions the sieve device (1) in front of the intersection when the sieve device (1) is moved relative to the supply device (3, 4) into the shaft (2) for purposes of mounting.

Abstract: A removable motorcycle stand comprises a post member, cross beam, and handlebar beam. Post member, crossbeam and handlebar beam positions are adjustable to suit various shapes and sizes of motorcycle handlebars. Shafts and screws can be used to lock the post member, cross beam, handlebar beam, and handlebar holder in position. The motorcycle stand can be removed from the base plate, disassembled and conveniently stored in a compact manner when not in use.

Abstract: A two-wheel vehicle stand for quickly, easily and safely securing two-wheel vehicles in an upright position, by clamping the front or rear wheel. The stand includes a clamping mechanism connected to a switching mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes two opposing supports that clamp the front or rear wheel of the two-wheel vehicle to secure the vehicle in an upright position. The switching mechanism is used to actuate the clamping mechanism and is actuatable by a user while the user is on the two-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: A cable management system includes an adjustable length arm adapted to receive at least one cable in a computer system, and the adjustable length arm is configured to be connected to a first hinge and a second hinge that respectively define first and second opposite ends of the adjustable length arm. The first hinge is connected to a portion of the computing system, and the at least one cable and second hinge are connected to a movable device that moves relative to the portion of the computing system.

Abstract: A modular wine rack has multiple wine rack modules and multiple connectors. The wine rack modules are stacked to form the modular wine rack. The connectors are mounted between the wine rack modules to fasten the wine rack modules securely together. Therefore, the wine rack modules can be disassembled to many wine rack modules to occupy a small volume when stored or transported because the connectors keep the wine rack modules from inadvertently detach easily from each other. Furthermore, the modular wine rack will not collapse easily. The modular wine rack can have as many wine rack modules as the user needs.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical sample storage system in which the accommodation volume of a case is increased is disclosed and claimed. The molding of the storage rack is easy. The cases in the storage rack are locked in place and will not fall out even if the storage rack is turned upside down. Placing and removing cases from the storage rack is highly accurate. The sample storage system is sealed and the storage rack vertically accommodates a plurality of cases in a matrix. The cases are rectangular in cross-section and are hollow. The cases are tapered toward the bottom portion of the case and the outer surfaces of the cases are chamfered. The storage rack has a lower grate-shaped bottom portion which is partitioned by cross members. The bottom portion of the case being fitted into one partitioned portion of the grate-shaped bottom portion and has case supporting pins vertically provided upward from each intersection of gratings or cross members of the grated bottom portion.

Abstract: A suspension display rack for tools has a rail and multiple sliding blocks. The rail has a back-strip, two longitudinal hooks joined to the back-strip and two grooves respectively defined at the joins between the hooks and the back-strip. The multiple sliding blocks each have a base, a seat extending from the base, and two bulbous rods formed at the base. The bulbous rods are respectively and matingly received in the grooves, whereby the hand tools can be hung on the sliding blocks which can transversely slide along the rail.

Abstract: A rotary shelf assembly mechanism having shelves mounted on a vertical post arrangement is connected to a cabinet frame by upper and lower mounting brackets interacting with the top and bottom of the cabinet frame to support the post and shelves carried thereby. The post has pin-receiving apertures at the location of each shelf. Each of the shelves has a post securing section that includes a hub and a pin receiving recess within the hub. A pin housing is positioned against and connected interiorly with the hub and its pin receiving recess, and a pin is positioned within the housing and is movable from the housing through the hub into the pin receiving recess and through the pin-receiving apertures of the post to secure the shelf to the post. When shelf removal is desired, the pin is withdrawn from the post apertures back into the housing.

Abstract: A system for creating shelving, pedestal supports, a cabinet or desk and for mounting these items against a substantially vertical wall. One or more rails are provided which are affixed to the substantially vertical wall. Each rail is characterized as having an elongated longitudinal axis, base portion configured to contact the substantially vertical wall and a pair of flanges extending perpendicularly from the base portion in establishing a channel therebetween along the longitudinal axis noting further that the flanges are provided with a plurality of openings configured therein. The shelf, pedestal, cabinet or desk each have at least one rear surface supporting at least one bracket. A first portion of each bracket is embedded within the shelf and a second portion of each bracket extends from the shelf and is insertable within the channels and is slideable therein. In addition, the second portion of each bracket is provided with openings which align with openings in the flanges.

Abstract: A crane, in particular to an offshore crane, having a hoist rope winch, a hydraulic hoist winch drive and an overload protection which is connected to the hoist winch drive and which, when a predetermined permitted limit load is reached, permits a drawing off of the hoist rope from the hoist rope winch under a predetermined variable restoring force dependent on the radius and/or the permitted working load of the crane. A decoupling of the hoist winch drive and thus a mechanical separation of the powertrain between the hoist rope winch and the hoist winch drive is therefore dispensed with and instead the retention force varying in dependence on the radius and/or the respectively permitted working load of the crane is provided by the hoist rope winch drive motor.

Abstract: A dual chamber nursery bottle including upper and lower cylindrical shaped chambers disposed on a common axis one above the other and separated from one another by a rotatable valve assembly that is disposed on the common axis and in contact with the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an outer closure including a closure plane and a circumferentially depending outer skirt extending in a first direction from the closure plane. The closure plane has first ramped lugs equi-spaced around a circumference of the closure plane and which extend axially in the first direction. The outer skirt has screw threads on a radially inward side and a tamper-evident arrangement frangibly connected to a lower edge of the outer skirt. A first ramp of each of the first ramped lugs is substantially parallel to the screw threads on a same radius. The apparatus also includes an inner sealing disk adapted to nest rotatably and axially movably against a side of the closure plane facing the first direction. The inner sealing disk is enclosed by the outer skirt and an axial movement of the inner sealing disk is limited by a retaining arrangement of the outer closure. The inner sealing disk includes second ramped lugs extending axially in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A container, suitable as a hot-fill container, includes a controlled deflection flex panel which may invert and flex under pressure, such as hot-fill conditions, to avoid deformation and permanent buckling of the container. The flex panel includes an initiator portion which has a lesser projection than the remainder of the flex panel and initiates deflection of the flex panel.

Abstract: A bottle connecting apparatus and method. A bottle connector has a first threaded end and a second threaded end, and may be used to connect spouts of two bottles. In one embodiment, the connector has a passage therethrough, to permit the passage of the contents of one bottle through the connector and into the second bottle. In another embodiment, the connector has a barrier therein, so that fluid may not pass through.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a recording head has a flow path wall forming step of forming flow path walls on a substrate having energy generating elements formed thereon, an imbedded material depositing step of depositing an imbedded material between the flow path walls and on a top of each flow path wall, a flattening step of polishing a top of the deposited imbedded material, until the top of the flow path wall is exposed, and a step of forming an orifice plate on the tops of the polished imbedded material and the exposed flow path wall. In the step of forming the flow path walls, patterning of a close contact property improvement layer is simultaneously performed to improve a close contact property between the flow path wall and the substrate.

Abstract: A mask in which a plurality of mask chips are connected to one another via a supporting member, includes: a plurality of first opening sections that are provided in the plurality of mask chips and that correspond to a pattern to be formed; a cutout section provided at at least one of side faces opposing to each other of the mask chips adjacent to each other; a gap section provided at a connected section connecting the mask chips adjacent to each other, the gap section being composed of the cutout section and including a second opening section corresponding to a pattern to be formed; and a block section that is provided at at least one of the mask chips adjacent to each other and that covers the gap section other than the second opening section.

Abstract: A method for controlling a process for fabricating integrated devices on a substrate. The method includes ex-situ and in-situ measurements of pre-etch and post-etch dimensions for structures formed on the substrate and uses the results of the measurements to adjust process recipes and to control the operational status of etch and external substrate processing equipment. In one exemplary application, the method is used during a multi-pass process for fabricating a capacitive structure of a trench capacitor.