Abstract: A method of operating a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine includes advancing an ignition timing of a first subset of the combustion chambers from an operating ignition timing until a knock event is detected while concurrently operating the remaining combustion chambers at the operating ignition timing. A first knock margin of the first subset of combustion chambers is determined in relation to a difference between the operating ignition timing and the ignition timing at the knock event. A characteristic of a fuel supplied to the combustion chambers is determined in relation to at least the first knock margin.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the fuel pressure in the fuel feed circuit (7) of a fuel injection internal combustion engine (2), which includes at least one cylinder (2) and one exhaust line (6) for the combustion gases, characterized in that the device includes elements (8) for generating a value for measuring the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gases in the exhaust line (6), elements (9) for generating a value for measuring the fresh air flow rate into the cylinder (2), elements (10) determining the mechanical opening time of the injector (4), and computation elements (1) for determining a reconstituted fuel pressure value from the value for measuring the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gases, from the value for measuring the fresh air flow rate and from the mechanical opening time of the injector.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for generating a control signal for an engine control unit, designed to control at least one fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, enables an improved control signal course during the control of the injectors. The configuration includes: a counter device, to which a predefined clock signal can be supplied, for providing a time-dependent digital counter signal, based on the counting of the clock signal; a memory unit, in which the digital counter signal is entered, for storing a series of digital control signal values and for the successive issue of individual control signal values from the series of control signal values, in accordance with the counter signal; and a digital-to-analog converter for converting the issued digital control signal values into the analog control signal for the engine control unit.

Abstract: With a method for operating an internal combustion engine with a fuel injector (18) that is opened and closed electrically, a booster capacitor (BK) serving to increase the current intensity when the fuel injector (18) is opened, reliable fuel injection is ensured, even in extreme cases, such as resumption of fuel injection after an overrun condition, and in a starting procedure after a shutoff phase that is accompanied by an increase in pressure in the high pressure fuel system due to the fuel heating up, when booster capacitors are used that were designed for normal operation, by switching the current profile in certain operating states of the internal combustion engine from a standard value to an increased value and/or to a longer duration and, when the certain operating state ends, by resetting it to the standard value and the standard duration.

Abstract: When a gas flow producer is driven, plural kinds of gases flow into a measure-passage at respective timing. An orifice is provided in the measure-passage. The orifice has a diameter-changing portion which restricts a separation of gases from an inner surface of the measure-passage. A pressure sensor is provided in the measure-passage to detect a pressure determined by the orifice and the gas flow producer. A microcomputer calculates a density ratio between the gases based on the detected differential pressure.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus connects with a fuel tank, which produces fuel vapor to be purged into an intake passage of an internal combustion engine through a purge passage. The fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes a state measuring unit that includes a measurement passage provided separately from the purge passage. When the measurement passage is blocked from the intake passage, the state measuring unit measures a state of fuel vapor by detecting a physical quantity of the fuel vapor in the measurement passage. The physical quantity is correlative to the state of fuel vapor. The fuel vapor treatment apparatus further includes a diagnosis unit for diagnosing a malfunction of at least one of components of the state measuring unit.

Abstract: A gas fuel supply system comprises an injector provided in an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, a fuel supply passage for supplying the gas fuel to the injector, and source pressure control means for controlling pressure of the gas fuel supplied to the injector through the fuel supply passage by using pressure in an intake pipe such that the differential pressure between the pressure of the gas fuel supplied to the injector and the pressure in the intake pipe increases as the pressure in the intake pipe increases.

Abstract: In a control system, a control unit is connected to a generator and is configured to, when a steep change in a load current flowing through at least one specific electrical load is sensed, control the output of the generator based on the sensed steep change in the load current. This allows variations in a voltage of a power supply system to decrease while converging the voltage of the power supply system to a predetermined target voltage.

Abstract: A hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system uses hydrogen to allow crankcase fumes, for example blow-by, to be burned by the engine. The system preferably includes a hydrogen generation system as a hydrogen source connected to an engine air intake by a first hose, a second hose connecting the crankcase to the air intake, and a third hose connecting a fresh air source to the crankcase. An orifice or a vacuum regulator in cooperation with the second hose may be included to regulate crankcase vacuum. A filter may reside inline with the second hose to capture solids or liquids which enter the second hose from the crankcase. A back flow preventor may be included in cooperation with the third hose to prevent a back flow of crankcase fumes through the third hose.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for use with a duel-fuel fumigation system. The system injects a gaseous-fuel flow into the air intake stream of a diesel engine. As presented, the system is operative to meter the gaseous-fuel flow into the diesel engine based on one or more engine parameters such as, for example, exhaust gas temperature, exhaust oxygen levels, engine speed, engine load and/or engine inlet pressure. Monitoring one or more engine parameters allows fine-tuning the flow of gaseous fuel into the engine and thereby prevents loss of engine power at high-end loads while maintaining favorable emission outputs over substantially the entire operating range of the engine.

Abstract: A power tool has a working tool that is driven by a two-stroke engine that has a cylinder and a piston reciprocating within the cylinder and delimiting a combustion chamber in the cylinder. The two-stroke engine has a crankcase with a rotatably supported crankshaft that is driven by the piston with a connecting rod. Transfer passages connect the crankcase to the combustion chamber in at least one position of the piston. A mixture passage intake supplies a fuel/air mixture, and an air passage supplies combustion air. The combustion chamber has an exhaust port. The two-stroke engine has a transverse plane dividing the cylinder in a direction of the longitudinal cylinder axis. The exhaust port is arranged on one side of the transverse plane, and air passage and mixture passage are arranged on opposite sides of the transverse plane.

Abstract: A power tool is driven by a two-stroke engine. The two-stroke engine has a cylinder and a piston reciprocating within the cylinder. The cylinder has a combustion chamber delimited by the piston. The two-stroke engine has a crankcase and a crankshaft rotatably supported in the crankcase and driven by the piston with a connecting rod. The two-stroke engine has one or more transfer passages connecting the crankcase to the combustion chamber in at least one position of the piston. The two-stroke engine has a mixture passage that is connected to a piston-controlled mixture intake provided at the cylinder and supplies a fuel/air mixture. The combustion chamber has an exhaust port provided within the cylinder. The two-stroke engine has a transverse plane dividing the cylinder parallel to and along the longitudinal cylinder axis. The exhaust port and the mixture intake are arranged on the same side of the transverse plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching balls for sports practice comprising a tank (2) for housing a pressurised gaseous fluid, connected by means of an exhaust duct (5) to a launch tube (3) whose section substantially corresponds to that of a ball (4) to be launched, and which has a seat (8) for positioning the ball (4). A rapid opening device (6) allows to discharge on command the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3) through the exhaust duct (5), in order to cause the launch of the ball (4). The apparatus (1) further comprises throttling means (37) mounted in the exhaust duct (5) to determine the transfer of the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3), as well as means (43) for varying the position of the seat (8) for the ball (4) to be launched, which can be operatively associated to each other to vary the position of the seat (8) according to the regulation of the transfer of the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3) and vice versa, according to a pre-determined relationship.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved archery bow having a greatly enhanced ability to absorb shock, vibration and sound. In order to achieve improved sound and vibration dampening, the bow riser, and optionally the bow limbs are coated with an energy absorbing and/or dampening coating. The coating is permanently attached to the riser and/or the limbs of the bow and greatly reduces undesired vibrations and/or noise generated by and during the archery bows use, without interfering with the performance of the bow. The invention also relates to treestands and archery accessories having a low noise profile.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling nucleation sites during superabrasive particle synthesis can provide high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a particulate crystal growth layer by mixing a raw material and a catalyst material and then placing the crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern in the growth layer. Preferably, seeds can be substantially surrounded by catalyst material. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. The crystalline seeds can be placed in a predetermined pattern using a template, a transfer sheet, vacuum chuck or similar techniques. The superabrasive particles grown using the described methods typically have a high yield of high quality industrial particles and a narrow distribution of particle sizes.

Abstract: A bar-b-que grill comprising: a front wall; a first side wall in communication with the front wall; a rear wall in communication with the first side wall; a second side wall in communication with the front wall and the rear wall; a first slot located in the first side wall; a second slot located in the second side wall; a first U shaped rail in communication with the front wall, with an opening of the U facing towards the rear wall; a second U shaped rail in communication with the rear wall, with an opening of the U facing towards the front wall; at least one heat deflector plate, wherein the first and second U shaped rails are configured to allow the at least one heat deflector plate to slide along the first and second U shaped rails into and out of the bar-b-que grill via at least one of the first and second slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pane that has undergone a chemical toughening operation so as to have an alkali-metal-ion concentration gradient from its surface over an exchange depth of at least 100 ?m, a surface stress of at least 200 MPa, and a strain point at the core of at least 550° C. The pane can be used especially in the field of domestic cooking, as a pyrolytic oven door, stove, fire guard, flue insert, and more generally for separating two gaseous atmospheres at different temperatures. The pane is particularly resistant to heat shocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen-range (1) and/or an oven (100) with a self-cleaning system, having a cleaning-element spraying assembly (6, 7, 106, 107), preferably water with detergent, arranged at the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113) for spraying it in a pressurized way and removing the existing dirt. A circuit is coupled to the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113), formed by conduits (5, 105, 4, 104) and a pump (19), so that the sprayed cleaning-elements can circulate and remove dirt from the surfaces to be cleaned.

Abstract: A heater is provided for warming the contents of containers, such as milk in a baby bottle or soup in a can. The heater has a cover with heating and insulating surfaces and a number of independent heating elements positioned therein. Each of the heating elements has a valve-like mechanism for initiating a chemical reaction which results in the generation of thermal energy.

Abstract: An integrated solar cell system applies energy created by a solar cell module. The integration system includes a solar cell module, a low-grade heat recovery means, and a process system. The low-grade heat recovery means recovers waste heat from the solar cell module and connects the solar cell module to the process system. The process system is powered at least partially by thermal energy derived from waste heat generated by the solar cell module.

Abstract: A collector system (12) is disclosed that comprises a row of linearly conjoined collector structures (13). The collector system is arranged to be located at a level above a field of reflectors (10) and to receive solar radiation reflected from the reflectors within the field. The collector structure (13) comprises an inverted trough (16) and, located within the trough, a plurality of longitudinally extending absorber tubes (30) that, in use, are arranged to carry a heat exchange fluid. The absorber tubes (30) are supported side-by-side within the trough and each absorber tube has a diameter that is small relative to the aperture of the trough. The ratio of the diameter of each absorber tube to the trough aperture dimension is of the order of 0.01:1.00 to 0.10:1.00 and, thus, the plurality of absorber tubes functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for light ray steering are described. A method includes receiving solar rays onto a surface of an electro-optic prism. The electro-optic prism includes a first electrode positioned on a first substrate, a second electrode positioned on a second substrate, and an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes. The method further includes applying multiple voltages to some or all of the substantially parallel linear electrodes to generate a refractive index gradient across the electro-optic prism. The method further includes controlling the refractive index gradient so that the solar rays exit the electro-optic prism in a direction substantially normal to a light focusing element, and utilizing the light focusing element to focus the solar rays on a solar energy collector.

Abstract: A rescue device for a victim buried in snow because of snow avalanches, providing connection the victim with outside fresh air for breath, withdrawal and neutralization of exhale air and signaling position of the victim under the snow. The device includes an air canal—telescoping flat-spring structure that drills a hole in snow and connects the victim with open air above the avalanche. The canal includes immobile and moveable housings having hinge connections to outside and inside spires of the spring, accordingly. A blade removing the snow, when the canal is being created, and intensifying movement of the air inside the canal, is attached to a shaft of the electric motor, which in turn is attached to the moveable housing. The blade has a cover avoiding penetration of the snow inside the canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assistance and salvage at sea, in particular, to a heat-retaining lifesaving appliance. A heat-retaining lifesaving appliance is provided. It comprises a spherical helmet, a life buoy and a heat-retaining sack body which are integrally sealed. The heat-retaining sack body comprises an external surface layer and an internal layer. A waterproof zip is provided on the heat-retaining sack body and the spherical helmet, respectively, and an air inflation spout is provided on the heat-retaining sack body and the life buoy, respectively. The life buoy is provided between the spherical helmet and the heat-retaining sack body, and the spherical helmet is provided thereon with a sight glass and a breathing cap. According to the present invention, Individuals can save themselves rapidly when a disaster happens, and the area of dissipation is decreased.

Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for operating at an air pressure is disclosed for use with a respiratory therapy breathing apparatus that provides a breathable gas supply to patients requiring higher concentrations of liquid vapor and gas pressure. The humidifier apparatus includes a volume of liquid in fluid communication with a humidifier cartridge via a conduit. The conduit enables air to flow therethrough to equalize air pressure between the humidifier cartridge and the volume of liquid in response to liquid being supplied to the humidifier cartridge.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A respirator with active dehumidification of the breathing gas has a breathing gas cooler in the form of a Peltier element (16), whose warm side is arranged in the inspiration branch (4, 7) and whose cold side (18) is arranged in the expiration branch (5, 12).

Abstract: A system for circuit compliance compensated volume assurance pressure control in a patient respiratory ventilation circuit, having a patient circuit volume estimator for estimating a patient circuit compliance, a patient circuit volume estimator to estimate a circuit volume VOLCKT—EST based on the patient circuit compliance, a patient volume observer, for estimating a patient volume VOLTID—EST based on a measure delivered net volume VOLNET and the patient circuit compliance, a volume assurance controller for generating a circuit compliance volume compensation factor VOLTID—CTL based on a preset assured volume VOLASS—SET and the estimated patient volume VOLTID—EST, and a decelerating inspiratory flow controller, operative to generate a decelerating inspiratory peak flow based on a preset inspiratory time TINSP and the volume compensation factor VOLTID—CTL.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for controlling delivery of aerosolized formulations to patients in need of treatment, which optimizes aerosol deposition to the respiratory tract of the patient and can be adapted for use in spontaneously breathing patients or in those requiring mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new mask for the protection against biological agents having additional features to improve the efficiency. The mask is in particular equipped with a filtering layer providing outstanding performances against biological agents, with a high efficiency exhalation valve and with a boundary sealing layer to enhance the seal between mask and face.

Abstract: A clip-in nostril expander includes a pair of like short cylindrical dilators that are connected by a strap from a soft thermoplastic material, and the dilators are for insertion into each of a person's nostrils, opening each nostril to a free flow of air. The dilators attach to opposite ends of the strap, with the single unit to retain a shape or bend as is formed therein. For installation of the clip-in nostril expander, the strap is bent at a mid-point and that bend is held between a person's thumb and forefinger. The dilators are then inserted into each of the person's nostrils and the strap bend is fitted onto the person's septum, holding the dilators in the person's nostrils.

Abstract: A forehead pad for use in a respiratory mask with a forehead support, which includes a base portion to contact a user's forehead, a support post connected to the base portion, and a head adapted to connect the support post to a forehead support. A pair of forehead pads may be joined with a connector.

Abstract: A medical emergency head and neck stabilization system for use on a patient carrying device such as a spine board includes a sleeve of cushioning material which fits over the end of the spine board. First and second side head restraints are affixable to the cushioning material and a head retaining strap is designed to pass over the patient's head, such as the forehead, and to be fixed in position on or around the sleeve.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a shield for protecting a patient's extremities when positioned on an arm or leg board or other surgical or examination table extension. The shield comprises essentially an inverted C-shaped or U-shaped covering with a channel therein. It may further comprise one or more flanges to aid in supporting and positioning the shield.

Abstract: The medical procedure via a natural opening according to the present invention includes: disposing a target on the body surface near a target site on the inner wall of a hollow organ; introducing a guide member into the hollow organ via a natural natural opening, guiding the guide member to the target site using the target, and confirming the target site by means of a observation device; and carrying out a procedure at the target site while observing the target site.

Abstract: A device for processing filter tow material used for producing filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as cigarettes. The device includes a filter tow supply to provide at least two filter tow strips to at least two filter tow guideways. Each of the at least two filter tow strips is directed within the at least two filter two guideways, respectively. Apparatuses are also provided for processing the filter tow strips. The device includes a separately controllable independent processing apparatus assigned to each filter tow guideway.

Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed as having a gas sensor element, supported with a cylindrical housing, which is covered with an atmosphere-side cover fixedly secured to the cylindrical housing. The atmosphere-side cover fixedly supports a seal member having a ventilation bore and a plurality of lead wire inserting bores formed around the ventilation bore. A filter member is fusion bonded to the seal member in a fusion-bonded area at temperatures above 300° C. The fusion-bonded area is formed in an entire circumference in gastight effect at an area outside an outer periphery of the ventilation bore and has no clearance, wherein suppose that the ventilation bore has an opening surface area A at the end face of the seal member and a region surrounded with the fusion-bonded area has a surface area B, the relationship is established as A<B?9A.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cigarette comprising a tobacco rod having a smokable filler material contained within a circumscribing outer wrapping material, and one or more inner wrapping strips positioned between the tobacco rod and the outer wrapping material and extending longitudinally along the tobacco rod. The inner wrapping strips comprise a binder in the form of an alkali metal salt and comprise a total alkali metal content of at least about 30,000 ?g based on the total weight of the inner wrapping strips. The total alkali metal content can be derived from the alkali metal salt binder alone or a combination of the alkali metal salt binder and a second alkali metal additive. The inner wrapping strips can exhibit an ignition temperature of at least about 625° C. and may comprise 1 to about 8 strips, each strip having a width of about 2 to about 10 mm.

Abstract: A detachable hair bang includes a base adapted to promote airflow during use. The base is cut in a substantially arcuate configuration. The base has first and second sides. The first side is made of non-coated monofilament material. The second side is made of coated monofilament material to provide smooth and comfortable feel when applied to the forehead area of a user. Three symmetrically disposed toupee clips are stitched to the second side. The first and second sides define a front convex edge. A first set of hair strands is hand-knotted into the front convex edge one hair strand at a time to promote a natural look for the base. A second set of hair strands may be hand-knotted into the non-coated monofilament first side one to four hair strands at a time, as needed.

Abstract: A scalp and hair device that allows user to stimulate scalp, clean scalp and lubricate scalp. A detachable implement comprises of rotating bristles also comprises of apertures. These apertures all air flow and substance release to and from the scalp and hair. The captured particulates are trapped then released from a receptacle. Device is powered by various forms of power supplies. A primary unit and detachable implements can comprise of batteries that can be re-charged using a re-charger that comprises of multiple docking stations.

Abstract: The present invention is a comb, whose staples can be easily kept clean by ripping a tissue on a base of staples.

Abstract: A hair weft for increasing the apparent length and/or bulk of a user's hair includes an elongate arcuate thin flexible substrate which carries stands of hair or hair-like filaments over substantially its entire surface area. The substrate is free of apertures or holes, so that within its perimeter the entire surface area of the substrate carries hair strands. And, because of the large number of hair strands carried by the hair weft, only a single application of one hair weft will be satisfactory to achieve the desired effect in most cases. The weft is applied adhesively to underlying human hair, and conceals the adhesive while adding substantial bulk and/or length to the hair for the wearer. The substrate of the hair weft serves as an adhesive carrier during application of the hair weft to a wearers head, so that a relatively unskilled user can achieve an attractive result, even at home without the skills of a stylist of cosmetician.

Abstract: An applicator brush includes a stem, and a plurality of bristles supported by the stem. The stem extends from an end of a rod and includes a first branch and a second branch twisted together, each branch having a non-circular cross-section The bristles are positioned between the twisted first and second branches. In some embodiments, each branch includes a plurality of strands pre-twisted together to create the non-circular cross-section of each branch, forming a multi-helicoidal stem.

Abstract: The invention is dental floss applicator and interdental stimulator that is flexible and also includes a guard to ensure that the dental floss has not been used or otherwise tampered with. Users can adjust the angle of the dental floss applicator and stimulator into a configuration that best suits their particular needs. When flex adjusted, the applicator is able to hold its new configuration while maintaining sufficient strength to allow the user to comfortably maneuver the apparatus to properly floss the teeth or stimulate the gums. Furthermore, the invention is disposable, rendering it convenient to use after a meal when the user is away from a private bathroom setting, such as at a home or other lodging.

Abstract: A substrate drying apparatus, including a cleaning bath having a liquid supply unit, a drying tank having a gas supply unit and at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the gas supply unit, and a transfer unit for transferring a substrate from the cleaning bath to the drying tank. The apparatus of the present invention may be used in a substrate drying method, including supplying alternating dry gas mixture and inert gas to dry a substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprises a modified open-cell foam with a density in the range from about 5 to about 1,000 kg/m3 and with an average pore diameter in the range from about 1 ?m to about 1 mm, comprising an amount in the range from about 1 to about 2,500% by weight, based on the weight of the unmodified open-cell foam, of at least about one water-insoluble polymer (b), selected from polystyrene, styrene copolymers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polyvinylesters, polyvinylethers, copolymers from (meth)acrylic acid with at least one (meth)acrylate, and polyurethanes, with the proviso that styrene-acrylonitrile-C1-C10-alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, styrene-butadiene-n-butyl acrylate terpolymers, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers are excluded.

Abstract: The invention is a dual functioning system for de-scaling or blowing down an electrically powered steam boiler. The steam boilers are generally used for sterilizing equipment and other items commonly used by health care professionals. The system includes a microprocessor controlled module, which is interfaced with the sterilizer controlled module, to measure the frequency and duration of the cleaning or blow down cycles. Typically, a cleaning cycle involves the use of an acid, such as phosphoric acid, to facilitate chemical removal of scale which is mineral deposits resulting from the use of hard water in the boiler. In the blow down cycle, the scale is removed by simple mechanical means without the use of a phosphoric acid cleaning solution. Various pumps and valves are utilized so that cleaning or blow down may be accomplished without having to disassemble or modify any input or drain lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of recycling exhaust tubes used to manufacture optical fiber includes the automated use of 1) a machine vision system that signals a conveyor system when to stop so that a cutting machine will cut contaminates and discoloration from an exhaust tube at the correct place and provides an indication on whether the exhaust tube is reusable, 2) a conveyor system to transport reusable exhaust tubes to different stations, and 3) a robotic arm to load exhaust tubes onto the conveyor system, and unload exhaust tubes from the conveyor system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a processing vessel for receiving a plurality of microfeature workpieces, an inlet through which a processing fluid can flow into the processing vessel, and a workpiece mover for moving the microfeature workpieces in the processing vessel. The workpiece mover includes a first end portion configured to contact a peripheral edge of the individual workpieces, a second end portion opposite and positioned upstream from the first end portion, and a third portion between the first and second end portions. The first end portion has a first thickness, the second end portion has a second thickness, and the third portion has a third thickness greater than the first and second thicknesses.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning consolidatable material from substrates or from features that have been fabricated with the material include application of pressure, force, or a cleaning agent to the substrate or feature. The pressure, force, or cleaning agent may be applied in a variety of ways. The unconsolidated material that has been removed from the substrate or feature may also be collected, optionally filtered, and reused in a subsequent programmed material consolidation process.