Abstract: A method is provided for plasma ashing to remove photoresist remnants and etch residues that are formed during preceding plasma etching of dielectric layers. The ashing method uses a two-step plasma process involving an oxygen-containing gas, where low or zero bias is applied to the substrate in the first cleaning step to remove significant amount of photoresist remnants and etch residues from the substrate, in addition to etching and removing detrimental fluoro-carbon residues from the chamber surfaces. An increased bias is applied to the substrate in the second cleaning step to remove the remains of the photoresist and etch residues from the substrate. The two-step process reduces the memory effect commonly observed in conventional one-step ashing processes. A method of endpoint detection can be used to monitor the ashing process.

Abstract: There is provided a UV-reflective interference layer system for transparent substrates with broadband anti-reflection properties in the visible wavelength range. The interference layer system includes at least four individual layers. Successive layers have different refractive indices and the individual layers contain UV and temperature-stable inorganic materials.

Abstract: The method of installing a seamless epoxy coating onto floors, walls and ceilings incorporates a plurality of applications of various layers of coating, drying the applied layers between applications, and if desired, can incorporate addition of an antimicrobial to one or more coats applied to walls, ceilings and floors.

Abstract: A titania film-coated powder comprising a base particle having provided thereon at least one titania film, wherein the base particle is coated with the titania film by suspending the base particle in a buffer solution having a pH of from 7.0 to 12.0 to obtain a suspension, and adding a hydrogen peroxide-ammonia mixture solution containing peroxotitanic acid to the suspension to thereby regulate a titania deposition reaction induced by decomposition of the peroxotitanic acid in the suspension.

Abstract: [The present invention] provides a surface treatment method for recorded matter which can improve the weather resistance characteristics such as light resistance, gas resistance and the like of recorded matter in which images are recorded on the recording medium, as well as providing a surface-treated product using this surface treatment method, and a surface treatment apparatus. The surface treatment method of the present invention is characterized in that the surface of recorded matter in which images are recorded on a recording medium is treated using a specified treatment agent. The abovementioned treatment agent is a treatment agent which contains one or more active constituents selected from the group consisting of sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, fluorine compounds, natural resins and synthetic resins, or a treatment agent comprising water or an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curtain coating of a moved substrate, particularly for high-speed curtain coating of a continous paper web substrate, wherein a substrate (12) is moved below a hopper means (14), provides one or more liquid coating materials in the form of a free-falling curtain (16) impinging the substrate at a dynamic wetting line. (21) Edge guide elements (22, 24) are used for stabilizing the width and equalizing the flow speed of the coating curtain and allowing disturbance free provision of an auxiliary liquid (13) as well as practically compelte removal of the auxiliary liquid (23) wilst preventing the forming of solidification on the edge guides elements. An auxiliary liquid is injected (32) essentially parallel to the flow direction of the coating film at an edge of the coating film wilst moving along a slide of said hopper arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxetane compound represented by the following formula (I), (II), (III), (IV) or (V):

Abstract: An achromatic quarter wave film (AQWF) comprising at least one quarter wave film (QWF) and at least one half wave film (HWF), each of said QWF and HWF comprising polymerized or vitrified anisotropic material, to methods and materials for the preparation of the AQWF, its use in optical devices like compensators and liquid crystal displays, and to a liquid crystal display comprising such an AQWF.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising at least one O plate retarder, and at least one twisted A plate retarder with a twist angle ? of more than 90°, and further relates to a liquid crystal display comprising such a compensator.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device produced through the steps of injecting a polymerizable monomer-containing liquid crystal composition between two substrates and, while applying a voltage between opposing transparent electrodes of the substrates, polymerizing the monomer, wherein the polymerizable monomer contained in the liquid crystal composition has one or more ring or condensed ring structures and functional groups bonded directly to the ring or condensed ring structure. The monomer is preferably represented by the following general formula: P1-A1-(Z1-A2)n-P2 wherein P1 and P2 are acrylates or the like, A1 and A2 are 1,4-phenylenes or the like, Z1 is —COO— or the like, and n is 0 to 2.

Abstract: An enrobed a core, such as a tablet core, that has a coating made of one or more patterned films each having portions that are visually distinct (e.g., differently colored) from one another and having a transition line segment between these visually distinct portions. At least a portion of an outer surface of the core is covered with the film or films, such that the transition line segments form a substantially continuous transition line on the coating and a film seam is formed which is different from the transition line. Where the patterned films are bi-colored, the resulting enrobed core can be bi-colored, or the resulting enrobed core can have a coating with at least four visually distinct portions alternately arranged thereon, thereby forming a “checkerboard” pattern on the coating. In either case, the film seam of the coating is different from the transition line of the coating.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability and R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: Barrier structure placeable as an anti-fuel-leak coating on the outside surface of a liquid container. This coating includes a first-type layer structure formed of a high-elongation-capable elastomer which also is capable of imbibing container leakage liquid, and of swelling in the process, and a second-type layer structure disposed adjacent one side of the first-type layer structure, composite in nature, and possessing bead-like components entrained in the same elastomer employed in first-type layer structure, with these entrained components structured also to be imbibers of leakage container liquid, and to expand on imbibing such liquid. Also disclosed is methodology which involves applying to the outside surface of such a container a coating possessing cooperative, penetration-sealing characteristics including (a) elastic elongatability before breakage within a range of about 300–400%, and (b) leakage-liquid-contact swelling, accompanied by leakage-liquid/coating contact-triggered coagulation.

Abstract: Described are structures comprising, successively: a first layer of high density polyethylene (HDPE), a layer of binder, a second layer of EVOH or of a mixture based on EVOH, optionally a third layer of polyamide (A) or of a mixture of polyamide (A) and polyolefin (B). Also described are devices for transferring or storing fluids and more particularly tubes, tanks, chutes, bottles and containers consisting of the above structure and in which the barrier layer (the second or the combination of the second and the third layer) is in direct contact with the fluid contained or transported.

Abstract: A description is given of a multi-stack optical data storage medium (20) for rewritable recording using a focused radiation beam (30) entering through an entrance face (16) of the medium (20) during recording. The medium (20) has a substrate (1). Deposited on a side thereof is a first recording stack (2) with a phase-change type recording layer (6). The first recording stack (2) is present at a position most remote from the entrance face (16). At least one further recording stack (3), with a phase-change type recording layer (12) is present closer to the entrance face (16) than the first recording stack (2). A metal reflective layer of Cu, transparent for the radiation beam (30), is present in the further recording stack (3) and has a thickness between 2 and 10 nm. A transparent spacer layer (9) is present between the recording stacks (2, 3).

Abstract: An optical information recording medium on which information can be recorded and reproduced by using a laser beam is provided. The medium includes a substrate with a guide groove and a multilayered metal film including at least a first metal layer, a barrier layer and a second metal layer that are deposited on the substrate in this order, or a single layer metal film including at least a metal layer and a recording layer are deposited on the substrate in this order. The second metal layer and the metal layer of the single layer metal film are a material containing Al and a metal element (an additive) as main components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transcription plate for forming orientation layer by coating printed orientation agent onto a substrate. The transcription plate comprises a base film and photosensitive resin plate, such as an APR layer, wherein a number of dots are arranged on the photosensitive resin plate in a regular fashion, and an arrangement of outer dots disposed outside of an active area of the transcription plate is denser than that of inner dots disposed within an active area of the transcription plate. The transcription plate enables the thickness of the orientation layer along the edge outside of the active layer of the transcription plate to be formed with the uniform thickness. Therefore, a uniform image property can be obtained by uniform rubbing. Further, because such phenomenon as conglomeration of the orientation agent does not occur, non-uniformity of cell gaps, which is caused by the superposition on the sealing line, can be solved.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather having a matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness even without the practice of embossing, raising, etc., and a release sheet for the production of a matte synthetic leather by using the composition. The composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather comprises a thermosetting resin and a matting agent as indispensable components. The matting agent comprises one or at least two types of organic or/and inorganic porous fine particles. The porous fine particles have a mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 20 ?m and a specific surface area in the range of 1 to 1000 m2/g. The release sheet is produced by using the composition.

Abstract: Embossing regularly textured sheets with an appropriate regular, discrete embossing pattern to improve softness can result in a combined texture that creates an interference pattern that camouflages the original texture pattern and the embossing pattern. The resulting pattern is more appealing to the eye and is more random in appearance than the initial textured sheet or the embossing pattern individually. This result is particularly advantageous for paper towels.

Abstract: A collapsible cellular insulation panel for use with mobile shelters is provided. The panel comprises first and second outer sheets with a plurality of intermediate thin flexible membranes. The membranes are secured along first and second edges to inner surfaces of the outer sheets. The membranes are attached to adjacent membranes along strips that are parallel to and intermediate the first and second membrane edges. The interconnected membranes form cells that trap insulating air and break up convective currents between the outer sheets. Supported from underneath on a horizontal surface, the membranes lay substantially flat, such that a thickness of the panel substantially equals the sum of the thicknesses of the membranes and outer sheets. The panel is thus well adapted for use with mobile shelters, because it occupies little volume in the collapsed state.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: A laminate for forming a substrate with wires, comprising a conductive layer containing Al or an Al alloy as the major component, formed on a substrate and a capping layer containing a Ni—Mo alloy as the major component, formed on the conductive layer, a substrate with wires produced by etching the laminate to remove an unnecessary metal, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A waterproofing membrane composition is provided which is strong, easy to use, trowelable, flexible, passes negative hydrostatic test ASTM D4068 and which can be flood tested after 24 hours @ 70° F. of application. The waterproofing membrane composition contains a flexible polymer, preferably an epoxy containing polyether chains formed from a glycol, a flexible curing agent, sand, and an aramid fiber. The epoxy component also preferably includes an epoxy flexibilizer and a reactive diluent for epoxy chain termination. A p-aramid fiber is preferred and it is highly preferred to use the polymer fiber in a pulp form which has a fibrillated structure.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved composite material structure having large portions of additive material aligned over a substantial width of a material structure and occupying a larger percentage of the structure volume. The material structure includes a resilient substrate layer or conventional decking having a plurality of elongated rods arranged on a surface of the substrate layer to form at least one rod layer. The spaces between rods are filled with a slurry material which is allowed to set causing the component elements to bond together to form a lightweight durable and high strength composite material structure.

Abstract: A low CTE metal-ceramic composite material featuring carbon fibers reinforcing a matrix featuring silicon metal or silicon alloy. The fibers have a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the axial direction, and preferably negative. The principles of making Si/SiC composites can be adapted to produce the instant Si matrix composites. The CTE of the composite body depends not only upon the relative CTE's of the fibers and matrix, and their relative amounts (e.g., loadings), but also upon the relative elastic moduli of the fibers and matrix. Thus, Si/SiC matrices produced by a reaction-bonding process inherently possess low CTE, but the instant inventors prefer to make such composites having relatively large fractions of unreacted silicon, thereby driving composite CTE lower still. Here, the carbon fibers are protected from reaction with the silicon infiltrant with one or more materials disposed between the fibers and the infiltrant.

Abstract: A porous composite block is provided that contains at least two groups of binding agent particles. The first binding agent particles have an average particle size between about 5 ?m and 200 ?m. The second binding agent particles have an average particle size no larger than half the average particle size of the first binding agent particles and also between about 10 nm and 30 ?m. The porous composite block can also contain active grains and active granules such that the granules are smaller than the grains. The grains and the granules can be capable of treating water. A method of forming a porous composite block and a water treatment system are also provided.

Abstract: A structural foam article suitable for molding into automobile trim, the article comprising at least one thermoplastic; about 2% to about 15% by volume reinforcing particles having one or more layers of 0.7 nm–1.2 nm thick platelets, wherein more than about 50% of the reinforcing particles are less than about 20 layers thick; at least one blowing agent present in a range from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. A method of producing structural foam articles comprising this structural foam is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin bonded rare earth magnet, compression molded from rare earth-transition alloy powder and thermosetting resin, having a magnet 1 comprising a mixture of thermosetting resin and rare earth-transition alloy powder with a particle size of between 20 and 300 microns, a filling material 3 with particle size between 0.1 and 15 microns which is used to fill in the depressions 2 on the surface of said magnet 1 and is then fixed with said thermosetting resin, and a corrosion inhibiting coat 4 made from synthetic resin applied to the surface of said magnet 1 which has been rendered smooth by the application of said filling material into the depressions on its surface.

Abstract: A particle-removing wafer is disclosed which is suitable for removing particles from a wafer support surface such as a wafer chuck used to support semiconductor wafers during the testing of IC devices on the wafers, for example. The particle-removing wafer includes a support body on which is provided a particle-adherent layer having a particle-adherent surface to which particles adhere when the particle-adherent surface is placed into contact with the particles. Consequently, upon subsequent placement of a production wafer on the wafer chuck, particles which may otherwise induce cracking of the wafer are no longer present on the chuck.

Abstract: A short optical glass is disclosed which does not comprise any silver, copper, thallium, lead or boron and is particularly suited for the application imaging, projection, telecommunication, optical information technology, and/or laser technology, also particularly suited for fiber applications (light guides or imaging guides). Preferably the glass has a refractive index of 1.55?nd?1.65 and an Abbe coefficient of 48?vd?57 and also has good attenuating and ion exchange characteristics, good chemical stability and good crystallization stability. The glass comprises 35 to <50 wt.-% SiO2; 1 to 10 wt.-% Al2O3; 5 to 15 wt.-% Na2O+K2O+CS2O+Li2O; 20 to 30 wt.-% BaO; 0 to 15 wt.-% ZnO; 0 to 10 wt.-% La2O3; 0 to 10 wt.-% ZrO2; 0 to 6 wt.-% P2O5; 0 to 8 wt.-% MgO+CaO+SrO; 0 to 3 wt.-% of other oxides, and Cs2O<1, Li2O<1, and TiO2<1 wt.-%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser marking additive, a precursor and method of laser-marking. The method can include exposing a substrate including a high luster bismuth oxychloride to a laser creating a laser-mark, with the proviso that the substrate is not an unsaturated polyester cross-linked with a styrene monomer.

Abstract: Multilayered magnetic pigment flakes and foils are provided. The pigment flakes can have a stacked layer structure on opposing sides of a magnetic core, or can be formed as an encapsulant structure with encapsulating layers around the magnetic core. The magnetic core in the stacked layer structure includes a magnetic layer that is sandwiched between opposing insulator layers, which in turn are sandwiched between opposing reflector layers. Similarly, the magnetic core in the encapsulant structure includes a magnetic layer that is surrounded by an insulator layer, which in turn is surrounded by a reflector layer. The insulator layers in the pigment flakes substantially prevent corrosion of the flakes when exposed to harsh environments. Some embodiments of the pigment flakes and foils exhibit a discrete color shift at differing angles of incident light or viewing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a carbon film-coated article comprising a substrate; a mixed layer formed on at least a part of the substrate, and composed of an element(s) constituting the substrate and tungsten; a tungsten film formed on the mixed layer; and a carbon film formed on the tungsten film. The invention provides a method of producing the carbon film-coated article, the method comprising the steps of: forming a mixed layer on at least a part of the substrate, the mixed layer being composed of an element(s) constituting the substrate and tungsten, forming a tungsten film on the mixed layer, and forming a carbon film on the tungsten film, wherein at least one of the mixing layer, the tungsten film and the carbon film is formed using a cathode material evaporated by arc discharge in a vacuum arc deposition apparatus having a vacuum arc evaporation source including the cathode.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a phenolic resin, (C) a curing accelerator, and (D) an effective flux component selected from among abietic acid, palustric acid, levopimaric acid and dihydroabietic acid is low volatile and exhibits improved wetting and adherent properties to solder balls. The epoxy resin composition is used to cover and encapsulate a semiconductor chip, especially as no-flow underfill material, forming a highly reliable semiconductor device.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a film forming binder of a. an acrylic polymer having pendant groups that are reactive with isocyanate moieties and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 10 to 80° C.; b. a polytrimethylene ether diol having a Mn (number average molecular weight) of 500 to 5,000; and c. an organic polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; ?wherein the coating composition contains pigments and cures at ambient temperatures or elevated temperatures and forms a coating that is sandable and when used in combination with a top coat, for example, a colored base coat and clear coat or a pigmented mono-coat forms a chip resistant multi-layer coating useful for refinishing or repairing automotive and truck bodies and parts the coating composition can be used as an exterior clear coating composition primarily for automobiles, trucks and parts thereof.

Abstract: A zinc oxide-alumina-silica-based crystallized glass is provided, containing zinc oxide, alumina and silica as main components, and zirconia as a nucleating agent. The main components are provided in a ratio of 20–30% by mass of zinc oxide, 15–25% by mass of alumina and 50–60% by mass of silica to amount to 100% by mass in total. The nucleating agent is contained in an amount of 3–6 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the main components. The crystallized glass also includes at least one modification component selected from the group consisting of lithium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, diphosphorus pentoxide, niobium oxide and tantalum oxide in addition to the main components and the nucleating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for preparing porous dielectric thin films containing pore-generating material, said composition comprising gemini detergent, and/or a quaternary alkyl ammonium salt, a thermo-stable organic or inorganic matrix precursor, and solvent for dissolving the two solid components. There is also provided an interlayer insulating film having good mechanical properties such as hardness, modulus and hydroscopicity, which is required for semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Multinary alloys, in particular for use as coatings, if appropriate in combination with other types of layers, for components which are exposed to high temperatures and corrosive gases. The alloys are of the general form: Al—Ni—Ru-M, where at least one B2 phase is present, the aluminum content being in the range from 26–60 atomic percent and where M may be one or more metals and/or semimetals selected from the group consisting of: precious metal, transition metal, rare earths, semimetal. Multinary alloys of this type are very stable with respect to oxidation, have a low thermal conductivity and in particular have similar coefficients of thermal expansion to superalloys, which are usually used as substrates for protective coatings of this type in gas turbine components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grain-oriented magnetic steel sheet including an electrically insulating coating made of an amorphous carbon-hydrogen network, which is applied after final annealing in order to ensure electrical insulation of the individual layers of the sheet. The grain-oriented magnetic steel sheet including the electrically insulating coating made of an amorphous carbon-hydrogen network can be used in transformers.

Abstract: A clad pipe includes an external layer and a coating layer made of Ni base anticorrosion alloy. Both end portion areas of the coating layer are formed by a build-up welded layer (Ni base alloy of composition 1) on the inner surface of the external layer. Other areas are formed by a Ni base alloy layer (Ni base alloy of composition 2) fusion-bonded to the build-up welded layers and the inner surface of the pipe, a solidus-curve temperature of the Ni base alloy layer being 1300° C. or below and lower than a solidus-curve temperature of the Ni base alloy formed by build-up welding by 150° C. or more. Composition 1 and composition 2 are adjusted so that, in the same environment, corrosion resistance of the Ni base alloy of composition 1 is equivalent to or superior to that of the Ni base alloy of composition 2.

Abstract: A radiation image conversion panel that has a phosphor layer. The phosphor layer contains a binding agent, a phosphor particle, and at least aryl carboxylic acid or alicyclic carboxylic acid, expressed by the following general Formula: R—R1—COOX, or R—COOX in which R represents (1) an aryl group; (2) an aryl group, replaced with an alkyl group whose number of carbons is 1 to 5, a hydroxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, or a halogen group; (3) a hydroaryl group; or (4) a hydroaryl group (alicyclic group), replaced with an alkyl group whose number of carbons is 1 to 5, a hydroxyl group, or a halogen group; R1 is a hydrocarbon radical whose number of carbons is 1 to 12; and X represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal, or —N+ (R2)4 (where R2 represents an alkyl group whose number of carbons is 2 or less).

Abstract: A device includes: an anode; a cathode; and a luminescent region between the cathode and the anode, wherein the luminescent region includes an anthracene derivative compound and a triazine derivative compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an opto-electroactive device comprising a metallocene of the formula wherein M is zirconium or hafnium; X is halogen and R1–R5 are each independently hydrogen, aryl, alkyl, halogen or —Si(R6)3; or wherein at least two adjacent R substituents on at least one ring are joined to form a fused ring, which may be unsubstituted or substituted with aryl, alkyl, halogen or —Si(R6)3; or wherein the R1 substituents on each ring are joined to link the rings in an ansa bridge, and wherein R6 is an alkyl group, a substituted alkyl group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group. Also disclosed is a method for making an opto-electroactive device comprising a metallocene.

Abstract: A process for forming a film of the facial-isomer of an aluminum trisquinoline complex comprises depositing a film of an aluminum trisquinoline complex on a support, depositing an inert barrier layer over the layer of aluminum trisquinoline complex that encapsulates aluminum trisquinoline complex to form a multilayer composite, and then heating the composite at a temperature below the melting point temperature of the complex for a time sufficient to convert the aluminum trisquinoline complex to at least 99 mol % of the facial-isomer that fluoresces with a maximum emission intensity below 510 nm. The product has a blue hue.

Abstract: A multilayer coating according to the present invention comprises an alumina coating formed, directly or through an intermediate layer, on a hard coating composed of a metallic compound formed on the base material, and the Vickers hardness of the hard coating after alumina coating formation being 22 GPa or more. The multilayer coating is excellent in adhesion between a hard coating and an alumina coating and capable of exhibiting excellent wear resistance and heat resistance over a long period.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium including a glass substrate (1) having a principal surface on which at least a magnetic layer (4) is formed, the magnetic recording medium has a coercive force of 2500 oersted or more in a circumferential direction thereof. The principal surface of the glass substrate is provided with a texture having a predetermined surface roughness so that the magnetic layer is given circumferential magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic recording medium further includes a magnetic anisotropy inducing layer (2) formed between the glass substrate and the magnetic layer so that the magnetic recording medium has an oriented ratio (OR) of 1.1 or more. The oriented ratio (OR) is defined as a ratio of a magnetic characteristic in circumferential direction to another magnetic characteristic in the radial direction.

Abstract: A granular perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a surface treated magnetic layer comprising an oxidized or nitrogenized boundary layer formed on the surface of the magnetic layer, wherein the magnetic layer comprises granular magnetic regions having oxygen and/or nitrogen-containing grain boundaries. In one embodiment, the granular perpendicular recording medium further comprises a soft magnetic layer below the surface treated granular magnetic layer and a protective overcoat over the surface treated granular magnetic layer. A method of manufacturing a granular perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes depositing a magnetic layer having granular structure over a substrate and subsequently surface treating the granular magnetic layer in an oxygen and/or nitrogen-containing atmosphere to produce an oxidized and/or nitrogenized boundary layer formed on the surface of the granular magnetic layer.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a hydrogen gas line where the composition of the gas is primarily hydrogen, impurities present in the gas line will typically reduce the speed of sound. Accordingly, an acoustic sensor can be used in such a hydrogen gas line to indicate when impurities have accumulated in the gas line. In particular, the hydrogen gas line may be in a fuel line for an electrochemical fuel cell system. The sensor may comprise transducers, more particularly piezoelectric transducers, as both sound detectors and/or sound generators. Further, the sensor can measure either the speed or frequency of sound to determine the hydrogen concentration. If the fuel is recirculated back to the anode inlet, such a hydrogen sensor in the anode exhaust may be used to determine when it is beneficial to purge the anode exhaust to the external atmosphere.