Abstract: A chromatographic separator characterized in that two pumps are employed for controlling chromatographic separation that combines a first process for supplying at least one of feed solution and eluent into a circulation system and extracting the same quantity as that of liquid supplied into the circulation system from one position of a packed column where some component is enriched in the circulation system, and a second process for circulating liquid in the system without supplying the feed solution and eluent and extracting the separated component at all. Easy-to-control chromatographic separator, in which a total number of pumps to be used is decreased and high separation performance is attained through a simple structure, can thereby be provided.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatography apparatus, a separation column of intermediate stage is additionally connected between a separation column of first stage and a separation column of second stage. Preferably, a switching unit and a liquid feed unit for mixing and feeding a plurality of solutions are added to improve a separation capability. A three-dimensional liquid chromatography apparatus capable of avoiding the “solution interference” can be realized. Even a complex sample containing a hydrophilic component and a hydrophobic component in a mixed state can be separated and analyzed satisfactorily on-line.

Abstract: A portable water purification system comprises a micro particle filtration device and a portable batch treatment tank, receivable together within a portable container along with an intake and hoses for interconnection therebetween. A support structure is arranged to suspend plural filter housings of the micro particle filtration device therefrom in use, while being collapsible for storage in the container also. The batch treatment tank is expandable from a stored position within the container to a usable position plural times a volume of the container. A pump for pumping water from the intake, through the filtration device and into the batch treatment tank is provided on a portable frame separate from the container. The system is thus arranged to both mechanically remove cysts in the filtration device and chemically treat batches of water in the batch treatment tank for an elapsed period of time for purifying water from a variety of sources while remaining manually portable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new fluid filter system including, but not limited to, structure for enabling a filter cartridge to be installed and removed from a manifold with a straight line push/pull motion, an innovative latching mechanism and an innovative water manifold, the latching mechanism providing a unique mechanism interface between an innovative manifold and a filter cartridge, the latching mechanism providing a compact and simple mechanism between the innovative manifold and the filter cartridge that significantly reduces the installation and removal force previously found with fluid filtration cartridges by including a low force filter cartridge installation and removal mechanism for utilization by the end consumer and the manifold assembly includes an inlet and an outlet port, the manifold assembly having structure for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric cavity of the fluid filtration system that contains fluid during installation and operation of the filter therein and remov

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed. One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58). A filter trap chamber (62) is disposed on each side of each filter trap gap (58). Therefore, fluid will flow into one filter trap chamber (62), through a filter trap gap (58), and into another filter trap chamber (62), whether the flow is introduced into the filter module (34) through the first flow ports (74) or the second flow ports (50).

Abstract: A tubular pressure vessel for cross-flow filtration having two centrally located side ports that penetrate the sidewall and communicate with a central chamber that divides the pressure vessel bore into two axially separated sections that each contain a plurality of cylindrical, cross-flow filtration cartridges. The pair of diametrically opposed, central side ports are provided through the use of a short length of tubing that provides structural stability to the overall pressure vessel arrangement. A feedstream may enter the pressure vessel centrally and flow in both axial directions, creating two permeate streams and two concentrate streams, the latter of which might exit through horizontal side ports located near each end of the pressure vessel. Interconnecting such tubular side port structures in adjacent pressure vessels in a vertical stack provides a load-bearing vertical column and allows a single feed line to supply multiple pressure vessels.

Abstract: A water filtration system includes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The faucet assembly includes a spout assembly having a first water outlet and a second water outlet; a first valve assembly connected to an unfiltered hot water supply and an unfiltered cold water supply and operable to control delivery of unfiltered water to the first water outlet of the spout assembly; and a second valve assembly connected to a filtered water outlet of the filtration assembly and operable to control delivery of filtered water to the second water outlet of the spout assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter assembly; a filter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly to a support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly including an unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and the filtered water outlet for connecting to the second valve assembly.

Abstract: A water filtration system includes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter assembly; a filter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly to a support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly including an unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and a filtered water outlet for connecting to a valve assembly of the faucet assembly. The filter assembly interfaces with the filter manifold assembly to provide filtered water to the faucet assembly under control of the valve assembly. A filter that otherwise would not interface with the filter bracket/mounting assembly and/or the filter manifold assembly can be adapted to work in the water filtration system by using a filter adaptor assembly.

Abstract: A fuel filter (1) with antifreeze device comprising an outer casing (2), the interior (24) of which is separated by a filtering baffle (5) into two separate chambers (25, 26) to which a fuel inlet conduit (3) and a fuel outlet conduit (4) are connected respectively; said filter (1) comprises a device (6) for generating pressure waves within the casing (2), such that said pressure waves propagate at least through the fuel contained in the interior (24), so increasing its kinetic energy.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits are described, one method embodiment comprising loading a solids-laden screen into a carriage of a washing enclosure, the solids-laden screen comprising a screen mesh partially obstructed with solids from a well drilling or work-over operation, and spraying a cleaning composition onto first and second sides of the screen while vibrating the screen. Apparatus and kits for practicing the methods are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a suspension, preferably a fibrous suspension for paper production. The device includes a screen basket, on the exterior surface of which the suspension to be cleaned is supplied and from the interior surface of which the screened accepted stock is released. A housing surrounds the screen basket. The housing includes an inflow for the suspension to be cleaned, an accepted-stock outlet for the cleaned suspension and a reject outlet for impurities. A scraping device rotates on the outside of the screen basket about the screen basket axis and has scraper blades (foils) which scrape along the exterior surface of the screen basket. The scraping device comprises a drum with a cylinder surrounding the screen basket. The cylinder carries a plurality of foils on its inside facing the screen basket.

Abstract: To provide a fuel supply apparatus which is preferably applied to a motorcycle having a flat-shaped fuel tank with a shallow fuel tank, a lower opening portion (Tb) open at a bottom portion (Ta) of a fuel tank (T) is closed by a lid member (1), a fuel pump (P) is attached to a stay (2) provided in a rising manner on the lid member (1), a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the fuel pump (P) is arranged approximately in parallel to the lid member (1), a pump discharge path (Pb) of the fuel pump (P) is arranged close to a discharge pipe (3) provided in a rising manner on the lid member (1) and is connected by a fuel discharge piping (5), and a filter (4) connected to a pump intake path (Pa) is arranged between the fuel pump (P) and the lid member (1).

Abstract: A filtering system that includes a filter housing that includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a substantially cylindrical filter located within the filter housing, and a backwash body movably mounted within the filter housing for backwashing the substantially cylindrical filter. The backwash body includes at least one nozzle adapted to move towards the substantially cylindrical filter during a backwash operation. A method for cleaning a filtering system, the method includes: (i) determining to perform a backwash operation; (ii) helically moving a backwash body that is movably mounted within a filter housing such as to scan an inner face of a substantially cylindrical filter, during the backwash operation; and (iii) moving at least one nozzle towards the inner face of the substantially cylindrical filter, during the backwash operation.

Abstract: A water filtration system includes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The faucet assembly includes a spout assembly having a first water outlet and a second water outlet; a first valve assembly connected to an unfiltered hot water supply and an unfiltered cold water supply and operable to control delivery of unfiltered water to the first water outlet of the spout assembly; and a second valve assembly connected to a filtered water outlet of the filtration assembly and operable to control delivery of filtered water to the second water outlet of the spout assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter assembly; a filter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly to a support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly including an unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and the filtered water outlet for connecting to the second valve assembly.

Abstract: A removable filter system for a reactor has a filter housing into which a filter module is retracted. The housing is sealed and the filter module removed without depressurizing the reactor. This enables maintenance of filters without interrupting production from the reactor.

Abstract: A water filter device for use with a brew basket associated with a coffee maker or other brewed beverage device including a water filter member and a filter holder member adaptable for holding the water filter member. The filter holder member includes one or more support tabs extending outwardly from the periphery thereof to an extent effective for engaging the brew basket so as to support the filter holder member on the brew basket. The filter holder member further includes at least one guide channel positioned and located for removably receiving the water filter member therewithin. The water filter member may include a grip tab for allowing a user to easily grasp the water filter member for easy insertion and removal from the filter holder member.

Abstract: A continuously or intermittently bonded spirally wrapped tubular filter material screen comprises one or more strips of filter material. The spirally wrapped tubular filter material screen may or may not comprise multiple layers of filter material. In one embodiment, strips of wire mesh are resistance welded to comprise one or more helical resistance welds. The spirally wrapped tubular screen can be cut to any desired length.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activated carbon having controlled release of the antimicrobial active agent are provided comprising activated carbon and an antimicrobial coating applied to at least a portion of its exposed outer surface wherein the antimicrobial coating comprises a binder and an antimicrobial water soluble glass or an inorganic ion exchange type antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial coatings to be applied to the activated carbon materials are curable liquids or ultra-fine thermoplastic powder coatings. The antimicrobial activated carbon materials may be employed in filters as a loose fill or in sintered filters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permselective separation membrane that can be used in blood purifying treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a polysulfone-based permselective separation membrane which has well-balanced separation properties, highly stable safety and performance, and also can be smoothly assembled into a module, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow fiber membranes having an interior separation layer, said separation layer being produced according to the phase interface polymerization method. According to the inventive method, once the hollow fibers are produced, a) their interior is flushed with an amine solution, b) said amine solution is replaced by an agent that is inert relative to the amine solution, c) and the inert agent in the interior is displaced by an acid chloride solution.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a tidal, sequential vertical flow marsh cell system having at least three marsh cells in serial forward fluid communication. Incoming wastewater to be treated is channeled to at least the first and a second marsh cell, and a portion of water exiting a final marsh cell, to the first marsh cell surface. Each marsh cell is alternately flooded and drained for enhancing aeration of incoming water and marsh cell contents, which include media and plant roots having biofilms growing thereon, the biofilms including a population of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, for achieving substantially simultaneous nitrification and denitrification of the wastewater.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved method for treating ethanol distillation still bottoms by recovering, through solids separation and pressurized membrane filtration, pure water from still bottoms for human consumption or reuse, and concentrating the solids with beneficial properties recovered before anaerobic digestion. The invention is an improved process because it can reduce the volume of solids to manage, recovers the water from the fermentation still bottoms while pasteurized, maintains the chemical and physical properties of solids for beneficial property recovery, improves ethanol and energy efficiency, and results in clean discharge to the environment including carbon dioxide recovery. A bioreactor produces a gas rich in methane fuel from the concentrate to power the pressurized filtration process and an aqueous ammonia solution to recover or recycle.

Abstract: A method for treating the liquid effluent from a septic tank is disclosed, as is apparatus in which the method can be practiced. The method involves pumping the effluent to the bottom of a treatment vessel packed with pebbles, glass beads or the like to fill the vessel to a predetermined level, and then pumping additional effluent to the bottom to cause a non-turbulent, upward movement of the effluent in the vessel. Treated effluent is withdrawn from the upper portion of the vessel at substantially the rate at which the effluent is pumped to the bottom of the vessel, which is sufficiently low that the treated effluent withdrawn from the upper portion of the vessel is substantially devoid of organic material. The withdrawn effluent is pasteurized. A structure in which a desired joint pattern is achieved by using each of two different blocks in two different relative rotational positions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid containing at least one contaminant including mixing precipitant chemical with the liquid to cause a precipitation reaction and produce a precipitant, introducing the precipitant and the liquid into a clarification device, mixing activated silica with the precipitant and liquid to cause a flocculation of the precipitant, separating the liquid from flocculated precipitant, and introducing the liquid into a membrane treatment device to cause a reduction of flocculated precipitant from the liquid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for filtering blood or blood components which simultaneously attains 1) efficiently increasing leukocyte removal capability and 2) effectively utilizing the filtration area by preventing nonuniform flow, when blood is filtered by being fed to a leukocyte-removing filter comprising flexible containers by being pressurized using a pump or the like. The method comprises providing a leukocyte-removing filter having a thickness of 9.0 mm to 9.4 mm, an air permeability pressure drop of 300 Pa to 700 Pa, and effective filtration area of 50 cm2 to 70 cm2 which comprises a flat and flexible container having an inlet port and an outlet port and a sheet-like leukocyte-removing-filter material with a thickness of 8.2 mm to 8.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of electrolytes, a sugar osmotic agent and a physiologically safe salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid. Alternatively, the dialysate comprises an aqueous solution of electrolytes, a salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid, and osmotic agents which contain an oncotic agent other than a sugar osmotic agent.

Abstract: Devices for expanded bed chromatography use inlet and outlet ports beneath a mesh that supports sorbent beads in a column. Placement of both ports beneath the mesh provides a horizontal “sweep flow” tangential to the mesh, to suppress the formation of particulate cakes on the lower surface of the mesh when liquids containing high particulate loads (such as cells or cell debris) are being processed. This design can be used with vibrators, hammering devices, intermittent reverse flow, or other means for disrupting the formation of particulate cakes or aggregates. Disrupters can also be used during elution, to accelerate the release of the valuable molecules from the sorbent. Initial tests indicate that these systems can efficiently handle heavily loaded liquids that would rapidly clog other systems previously known in the art.

Abstract: A demand initiated method for regenerating a water softener which operates the softener ion exchange bed over a capacity range in which the resin is most efficiently restored by exposure to brine. The reserve capacity of the softener is adjusted in response to the amount of softening capacity used since the last regeneration, as is the quantity of saturated brine to be used for the next regeneration, which is scheduled when the reserve capacity is exceeded, or the remaining available capacity will not be adequate for expected usage on the next day of the week. The method schedules a regeneration when the amount of exchange capacity of the resin bed used since the last regeneration plus the variation of exchange capacity used on the next day plus the average exchange capacity of the resin bed used on the next day is greater than the selected design exchange capacity.

Abstract: A method for dividing an analyte present in a solution and that is fixed on magnetic particles, and devices to be used in the method and systems for implementing the method. The method includes sedimentation of the magnetic particles together with separation into a plurality of residues. One implementation: forms at least a residue of magnetic particles in a first receptacle; and displaces the at least the residues towards a plurality of second receptacles, preferably by relative translation of a magnetic system. The second receptacle is connected to the first receptacle through a fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a process fluid that includes assembling a modular system, flowing the process fluid through the modular system, the flowing the process fluid through the modular system including degassing the process fluid, neutralizing the process fluid, reducing an amount of one of the group consisting of entrained gases, oil and solids in the process fluid, monitoring and analyzing the process fluid for at least one of the group consisting of engrained gases, oil, and solids, and flowing the process fluid out of the modular system for disposal.

Abstract: Processes, apparatus, and compositions are described for removing solids, including dissolved and undissolved solids, from aqueous solutions by crystallization, precipitation, aggregation, absorption, and/or adsorption.

Abstract: A method for treating organic matter in a liquid includes transporting the liquid through a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable conveyance member and exposing the liquid to an organic matter treatment agent while the liquid is disposed in the conveyance member. The method further includes removing one or more product gases from the liquid through a wall of the conveyance member, with the one or more product gases being disposed in the liquid as a consequence of the treatment of the organic matter by the treatment agent.

Abstract: A method and system provides slushing and cleaning of paper raw materials containing contaminants, in particular of recovered paper. These raw materials are introduced, e.g., into a pulper and mixed with water. An accepted stock is drawn off through a pulper screen, and a partial flow from the pulper reaches a settling container and then a closed screen apparatus with the aid of a pump apparatus. A recirculation flow is recirculated from the pressure line of the pump apparatus into the settling container. This mode of operation increases the operational safety of the slushing system and evens out the stock flows.

Abstract: A treatment assembly removes and cleans solids located in a stream of liquid. A screen filter has a lower portion located in a channel to remove the solids from the liquid flowing through the channel. Once removed, the screen filter deposits the solids into an agitator assembly. Wash water is fed continuously into the agitator assembly, and the agitator within creates turbulence to clean the solids. The wash water and solids are continuously removed from the agitator assembly for further processing.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for separating a multiphase mixture, separable into discrete density phases, a circular bowl (2) is rotatable about a central axis and has an opening through which the mixture is introduced into the bowl (2). The rotation of the bowl (2) separates the mixture to form annular rings of the discrete density phases and a collection assembly (14) removes the separated discrete density phases. The collection assembly (14) is movable with respect to the bowl (2) such that the collection assembly (14) can be positioned in the bowl (2) to sequentially selectively and individually remove the annular columns from the bowl (2) while the bowl (2) is rotating substantially without disturbing the remaining annular columns within the bowl (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting pot covers includes a frame movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position; a support for resting the frame on a surface and at least one pot cover support pivotally connected to the frame. The pot cover support further has a leg pivotally engaging the frame, a pot cover knob support and a pot cover handle support.

Abstract: This two-sided, rotary organizer presents the quickest access to a selection of art, craft and sundry tools and supplies, providing storage in a minimum space. The device is supplied with six detachable shelves, so all items are separate and organized vertically. The user can customize and increase storage by repositioning and adding shelves, respectively. The shelves store all 2 oz. jars and bottles of artist paints, ink bottles and sundry tools. They are secured on each end to the vertical panel. Together, the multi-standard slots and bending tabs secure all sizes of paint tubes or perforated items. The two base shelves are the resting space for brushes, pencils, knives and other narrow tools. The space between the two angled surfaces permits storage of other corresponding items, i.e. related liquids, brushes, rags, etc. in a sliding tray. The modular vertical panels can be mounted and used independently of the rotary base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises coupling to a slotted tube a member having a passage. The method further comprises aligning a passage of an arm with the member's passage, and coupling a through-surface coupling mechanism through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate. According to another embodiment, a system comprises a slotted frame comprising female slots. The system further comprises a member coupled to the slotted frame, the member comprising a first through-surface coupling portion. The system further comprising an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion, and a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.

Abstract: The assembled shelf structure includes two side racks, a lower positioning rack and upper positioning rack. Two side racks are standing vertically, and an upper positioning part is placed on the upper part of the two side racks. Front/rear positioning ends are placed on the lower part of the two side racks. The lower positioning rack has a sheathing part for the front/rear positioning ends at the lower part of the two side racks to connect and to position the distance between the lower part of the two side racks. The upper positioning rack is placed between the upper part of the side racks, and a through positioning part is placed on both sides vertically for the upper parts of the side racks to connect downward and to position the distance between the upper parts of the two side racks.

Abstract: A bottle cap for a medicine bottle in accordance with the present invention includes an outer cap including a first top and a first sidewall extending downward from the first top, an inner cap including a second top and a second sidewall extending downward from the second top, wherein the inner cap is mounted in the outer cap and an engagement device positioned in the outer cap such that the engagement device is movable from a first position wherein the outer cap is engaged with the inner cap in a senior friendly mode, and a second position wherein the outer cap is freely rotatable in a desired direction with respect to the inner cap in a child safety mode.

Abstract: A container closure having a closed position and an open position and including a molded portion, such as a threaded flat cap, having a molded three dimensional image, in particular a lithophane image, on at least one surface thereof, wherein the image is configured to be viewed with the container in the open position and the image is configured to be un-viewable with the container in the closed position. The flat cap may include a sealing member such as a clear liner engaging a support shoulder surrounding the image. The flat cap may further include tamper evident features for the cap.

Abstract: A cap assembly includes a base member having a tube and a rod. A cap member has an outer engaging tube and an inner engaging tube. A top plate is connected on two respective top ends of the outer engaging tube and the inner engaging tube. The inner engaging tube is inserted into an annular gap between the rod and an inner periphery of the tube and, the rod movably seals an outlet defined in the cap member. A first flange extends from an inner periphery of the outer engaging tube and is stopped by a top flange extending radially outward from a top end of the tube to prevent the cap member from being disengaged from the tube. A cover is mounted on the base member and is connected with the cap member so that users can simply open the cover to pull the cap member upward.

Abstract: A container has a longitudinal axis, and comprises an upper portion including an opening into the container, a sidewall portion extending from the upper portion to a lower portion, the lower portion including a base, and a pressure panel located in the lower portion substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis, the pressure panel being movable substantially along the longitudinal axis between an initial position and an inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container. The pressure panel comprises an initiator portion and a control portion, the initiator portion adapted to move in response to the change of pressure prior to the control portion.

Abstract: A container for containing a heated liquid and having a longitudinal axis. The container comprises at least one substantially vertically folding vacuum panel portion disposed substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis, the vacuum panel portion adapted to compensate for vacuum pressure changes within the container caused by heating or cooling of a liquid contained within the container. The vacuum panel portion comprises an initiator portion and a control portion, with at least a portion of the control portion being more steeply inclined relative to the longitudinal axis than at least a portion of the initiator portion. The initiator portion causes the control portion to flex inwardly into the container. The pressure panel inverts vertically in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A container having a side wall having an exterior surface with at least one friction portion effective to prevent skidding of the side wall on a surface adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: A substantially smooth container sidewall containing a narrow vertical rib, the rib having a width that is less than about 35% of the diameter of the sidewall, a container including the substantially smooth sidewall, and method of making both the sidewall and the container are the subject of the present invention.

Abstract: A surface treatment method using a plasma treatment apparatus which has an electric discharge generation portion facing a surface of a substrate with a gap therebetween, the substrate being placed on a supporting body, and a construction in which the gap is supplied with a treatment gas, the method includes: applying different voltages between the electric discharge generation portion and the supporting body such that plasma is obtained from the treatment gas supplied to the gap; moving one of the electric discharge generation portion and the substrate relative to the other in a first direction, while the surface of the substrate being exposed to the plasma; and moving, after the relative movement in the first direction and the exposure above referenced, one of the electric discharge generation portion and the substrate relative to the other in a second direction opposite to the first direction, while the surface of the substrate being exposed to the plasma.

Abstract: A concave/convex pattern forming method which makes it possible to easily press a stamper against a resin layer, and sufficiently maintain the shape of the concave/convex pattern after removing the stamper. During a resin layer forming process, the resin layer is formed using a resin material having a glass transition temperature higher than room temperature. During a pressing process, temperature control is performed such that temperatures of a substrate, the resin layer, and the stamper become higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin material by not less than 5° C. During a removing process, temperature control is performed such that temperatures of the substrate, the resin layer, and the stamper become not higher than a temperature 20° C. higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin material, and are equal or approximately equal to the temperatures of the substrate, the resin layer, and the stamper during the pressing process.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a display device, comprises: a stage on which an insulating substrate having an organic layer is seated; a mold which moves up and down above the insulating substrate, and forms a pattern on the organic layer; a first driver which aligns and moves the mold upwards and downwards; a mold aligner which holds and realigns the mold while the mold is molded to the organic layer; a second driver which drives the mold aligner; and a controller which controls the first and second drivers.

Abstract: Methods for forming anisotropic features for high aspect ratio application in etch process are provided in the present invention. The methods described herein advantageously facilitates profile and dimension control of features with high aspect ratios through a sidewall passivation management scheme. In one embodiment, sidewall passivations are managed by selectively forming an oxidation passivation layer on the sidewall and/or bottom of etched layers. In another embodiment, sidewall passivation is managed by periodically clearing the overburden redeposition layer to preserve an even and uniform passivation layer thereon. The even and uniform passivation allows the features with high aspect ratios to be incrementally etched in a manner that pertains a desired depth and vertical profile of critical dimension in both high and low feature density regions on the substrate without generating defects and/or overetching the underneath layers.