Abstract: A table free gluing device having a glue container includes a gluing part attached by a lid, an upper handle to install the glue container, a plate to hold the glue container cooperating with the upper handle, a lower handle to hold paper cooperating with the upper handle, a joint to connect the upper handle, the plate and the lower handle, two pairs of upper rollers with belts installed on the plate and two pairs of lower rollers with belts installed on the lower handle to grip and roll paper firmly and smoothly cooperating each other, a window cooperating with rails to adjust glue pressure mounted on the upper handle, a spring to press glue container cooperating with the upper handle and the lower handle, and to push back the upper handle, marks on the upper handle to indicate the position of the gluing part.

Abstract: For use in a rotational casting machine used for coating a rotating body with elastomer, such as polyurethane, there is provided a nozzle used for dispensing the liquid polyurethane onto the rotating body to be coated. The nozzle of the invention has a plurality of liquid-flow interior discharge-passageways each of which has an inlet connected to a sub-branch tube, which sub-branch tube is, in turn, is fluidly connected to a main branch that, in turn, is connected to a main inlet-passageway having the inlet that is directly connected to mixing head. Each discharge-passageway, or exit-passageway, changes in cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal axis thereof from its inlet to its outlet such that the cross-sectional area from the inlet to the outlet thereof gradually and minimally increases, whereby at least substantial laminar flow of the liquid is achieved with the concomitant reduced dwell-time of the liquid therein, in order to reduce in-nozzle reaction and subsequent clogging of the nozzle.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles. A positioning device controls a position of the microdeposition head relative to the substrate. A controller (22) includes a positioning module that communicates with the positioning device and that generates position control signals for the positioning device. A nozzle firing module communicates with the microdeposition head (50) and selectively generates nozzle firing commands to define features of at least one layer of an electrical device, such as resistors, traces and capacitors on a printed circuit board, polymer light emitting diodes, and light panels.

Abstract: A gas distribution plate assembly and a method for distributing gas in a processing chamber are provided. In one embodiment, a gas distribution plate assembly includes a tuning plate coupled to a diffuser plate. The tuning plate has a plurality of orifice holes formed therethrough that align with a plurality of apertures formed through the diffuser plate, where the apertures each have a greater sectional area than the holes in the tuning plate. Each aperture is aligned with a respective hole to define gas passages through the gas distribution plate assembly. The tuning plate may be interchanged with a replacement tuning plate to change the gas flow characteristics through the gas distribution plate assembly.

Abstract: A surface treating process according to the present invention, a vapor deposited film is formed from an easily oxidizable vapor-depositing material on the surface of a work by evaporating the vapor-depositing material in a state in which the vapor deposition controlling gas has been supplied to at least zones near a melting/evaporating source and the work within a treating chamber. Thus, the vapor deposited film can be formed stably on the surface of a desired work without requirement of a long time for providing a high degree of vacuum and without use of a special apparatus. In addition, the use of the surface treating process ensures that a corrosion resistance can be provided to a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet extremely liable to be oxidized, without degradation of a high magnetic characteristic of the magnet.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes a subatmospheric substrate transfer chamber. A subatmospheric deposition chamber is defined at least in part by a chamber sidewall. A passageway in the chamber sidewall extends from the transfer chamber to the deposition chamber. Semiconductor substrates pass into and out of the deposition chamber through the passageway for deposition processing. A mechanical gate is included within at least one of the deposition chamber and the sidewall passageway, and is configured to open and close at least a portion of the passageway to the chamber. A chamber liner apparatus of a chemical vapor deposition apparatus forms a deposition subchamber within the chamber. At least a portion of the chamber liner apparatus is selectively movable to fully expose and to fully cover the passageway to the chamber.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of selecting a contact lens suitable for a wearer and/or a care system therefor, by which the occurrence of problems (for example, worsening in the feel during wearing, lowering in the oxygen permeability of the lens, shortening in the lens life, lowering in the visual acuity, corneal injury, etc.) can be minimized to thereby ensure a high safety for the eye, namely, a method which comprises collecting the lacrimal fluid of a wearer, detecting the protein content and/or the lipid content in the lacrimal fluid thus obtained (Step S5), estimating the dirt adhesion characteristics of the wearer to a contact lens based on the protein content and/or lipid content thus detected, and then selecting a contact lens suitable for the wearer and/or a care system therefor from among a plurality of contact lenses and a plurality of care systems (Step S6).

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for cleaning contaminated articles based on the provision of a zeotropic composition comprising (a) at least one flammable solvent having a boiling point at a first pressure; (b) at least one first nonflammable solvent having a boiling point at said first pressure which is less than about said first pressure boiling point of said flammable solvent; and (c) at least one second nonflammable solvent having a boiling point at said first pressure which is greater than about the first pressure boiling point of said flammable solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a soft magnetic powder material covered by oxide layers at surfaces of the powder, by using a soft magnetic alloy powder containing a soft magnetic powder material and a second element such as Si having an oxidizing reactivity higher than iron, and heating the soft magnetic alloy powder in an atmosphere of a weak oxidizing gas by mixing a weak oxidizing gas in an inert gas, and oxidizing selectively the second element at surface layers of the powder while restraining an oxidation of iron to form thin oxide layers with high electrical resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of PVD technique for the application of a low static friction and wear resistant coating consisting essentially of titanium nitride or a diamond-like carbon—DLC, with or without an addition of tungsten carbide, on a stainless steel, in one and the same operation as the surface hardening of the stainless steel. In this way, in one single operation, a low static friction is obtained on a very hard and wear resistant surface. Moreover, the dimensions of the work-piece are maintained unaltered, which makes the invention very useful in the production of, e.g., cam followers, cylinder tubes and piston rods for shock absorbers. The used stainless steel has the following composition (in weight %): carbon max about 0.1; nitrogen max about 0.1; copper from about 0.5 to about 4; chromium from about 10 to about 14; molybdenum from about 0.5 to about 6; nickel from about 7 to about 11; cobalt 0 to about 9; tantalum max about 0.1; niobium max about 0.1; vanadium max 0.

Abstract: In a method of bending a rod- or rod-like unfinished workpiece of a single crystal material of a Cu alloy the workpiece is bent at an elevated temperature so as to provide for a predetermined curvature and then the workpiece is further heated whereby the curvature is established but the superelasticity is lost, the workpiece is cooled down and then tempered at another raised temperature for at least one hour and is then immediately quenched in a cooling medium.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composite which comprises a first, liquid-permeable layer and a second layer arranged on the first layer. An antimicrobial metal in elemental form is present between the first and second layers and substantially no antimicrobial metal in elemental form is present on exterior surfaces of the composite. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A process for placing elements of a self-stiffened panel of preimpregnated composite. The panel includes a base skin and a plurality of U-shaped stiffeners, with an interfacing structure including a nail and a nail-head. The process includes draping plies to form the base skin; placing and shaping at least one reinforcing ply on a set of punches; forming half-nails; placing a half-nail on the sides of each punch covered by the reinforcing ply; positioning the punches side by side in inverted U-positions; placing the nail-heads; compacting the set of punches; turning the punches 180 degrees; positioning the set of punches on the base skin; and withdrawing the set of U-shaped punches.

Abstract: A breathable, elastic film/support layer laminate includes a thermoplastic elastomer film sheet of a thermoplastic elastomer and a filled semi crystalline predominantly linear polymer. The film includes between about 25 and 70 weight percent filler, between about 5 and 30 by weight percent semi-crystalline linear polymer, and between about 15 and 60 by weight percent elastomeric polymer. The filler is closely associated with the semi-crystalline linear polymer. The film demonstrates a load loss value at a 50 percent elongation of less than 50 percent, and a breathability of greater than 100 g/m2/24 hours and is laminated to a nonwoven layer.

Abstract: A scanning plasma reactor for exciting reactant gases at a substrate surface including a beam forming module, a gas injection module, a reaction chamber with a window and a vacuum chuck, a gas exhaust module. Radiation from the beam forming module and the reactant gas create an excited plasma zone. The excited plasma zone is translated across the substrate like a windshield wiper blade, or the substrate is conveyed under a fixed gas reaction zone.

Abstract: The method is for the manufacture of cooked cellulose pulp in which the starting material, preferably chips, undergoes a successive increase in temperature towards cooking temperature. This is done while the chips are first treated in a pre-treatment zone in which the main part, greater than 50%, of fresh white liquor necessary for the cooking stage is added, after which this alkali-rich treatment fluid is withdrawn and replaced to a major extent by black liquor. The alkali-rich treatment fluid that has been withdrawn after the pre-treatment stage is then added to the cooking stage, which is why the addition of fresh white liquor to the cooking stage is reduced to an equivalent amount. Maximal yield-enhancing effect is obtained using poly-sulphide-rich white liquor during the pre-treatment at a temperature in the interval 60±40° C. and retention time in the interval 2-60 minutes, preferably 2-10 minutes.

Abstract: The method is for production of green liquor in association with a causticizing process during recovery of chemicals in manufacture of sulphate pulp. A smelt (14) of chemicals principally consisting of Na2S and Na2CO3 from a soda boiler (1) is provided. Weak liquor (15) that contains dissolved NaOH and CaO is provided. A dissolving tank (2) is provided in which the smelt (14) from the soda boiler (1) is dissolved in the weak liquor (15) it order to form green liquor (16). A solution of NaOH is added to the weak liquor (15), at a position before the weak liquor (15) is added to the dissolving tank, in order to increase the concentration of NaOH in the weak liquor (15) such that a fraction of CaO that is presently dissolved in the weak liquor (15) precipitates.

Abstract: Sized paper containing an amphoteric promoter resin that is a polymerization reaction product of a quaternary diallylammonium monomer, optionally a diallylammonium monomer, and an unsaturated organic acid is described. The method of sizing paper with such amphoteric promoter resin compound and a sizing agent provides sized paper with significantly improved sizing property characteristics, and the sized paper exhibits superior retention of brightness due to added optical brighteners.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of photochemical transformation of metallic and non-metallic ions in an aqueous environment. The method comprises exposing the ions to UV irradiation in the presence of an organic acid. The aqueous ions are reduced by the method and may form hydrides, alkyl or carbonyl compounds.

Abstract: First and second electrodes and magnets between the electrodes define an enclosure. The first electrode is biased at a high voltage to produce a high intensity electrical field. The second electrode is biased at a low negative voltage by a low alternating voltage to produce a low intensity electrical field. Electrons movable in a helical path in the enclosure near the first electrode ionize inert gas molecules in the enclosure. A wafer having a floating potential and an insulating layer is closely spaced from the second electrode. The second electrode and the wafer define plates of a first capacitor having a high impedance. The wafer and the inert gas ions in the enclosure define opposite plates of a second capacitor. The first capacitor accordingly controls and limits the speed at which the gas ions move to the insulating layer surface to etch this surface. The resultant etch, only a relatively few angstroms, of the insulating layer is smooth, uniform and accurate.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing electrophysiological measurements on membranous samples, including living cells, isolated cell fragments (such as organelles), and/or artificial membranes (such as vesicles). The apparatus may include a high-throughput electrophysiological measurement system, and components thereof. This measurement system may include, among others, (1) a fluidics head for transferring samples and/or other compounds to a perforated measurement substrate, (2) a pressure-regulated plenum system for positioning samples on the substrate and subsequently forming a high-resistance electrical seal, (3) an activation system (such as a computer-controlled pulsed UV illumination module) for activating caged compounds, (4) an electronics head for applying and/or measuring voltage and/or current, and/or (5) a computer-controlled analysis system for collecting and/or analyzing data.

Abstract: Platinum metal cermet electrodes are described on which the electrochemical reduction of oxygen is made easier compared to known platinum metal cermet electrodes. The ceramic component of a platinum metal cermet electrode contains stabilized ZrO2 as its main constituent, the composition of the electrode being directed toward reducing its polarization resistance.

Abstract: A method for enhancing bonding strength of a metal spraying thickened layer of electroformed mold inserts includes the following procedures: forming a plurality of stereoscopic reinforced ribs on an electroformed metal shell mold by metal spraying; covering the stereoscopic reinforced ribs and the electroformed metal shell mold to become an integrated body by electroforming; forming a metal thickened layer by metal spraying; forming a second electroformed cover and forming a metal key bond between the electroformed cover and the metal thickened layer. The method of the invention can shorten fabrication time of the electroformed mold insert and improve the mechanical strength and soldering affinity of the metal thickened layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to any electrolyte and methods for monitoring the constituents contained therein. More specifically, the present invention relates to plating baths and methods for monitoring the constituents contained therein based on chemometric analysis of voltammetric data obtained for these baths. More particularly, the method of the present invention relates to application of numerous chemometric techniques of modeling power, outlier detection, regression and calibration transfer for analysis of voltammetric data obtained for various plating baths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electroplating a metal deposit on electroplatable portions of composite articles that have both electroplatable and non-electroplatable portions. In this method, the invention is an improvement which comprises treating the articles prior to electroplating to provide the electroplatable portions with enhanced electroplatability. This is achieved by passing a current though a near neutral pH solution that contains a conductivity agent and a buffer to reduce or remove surface oxides and contaminants from such portions without deleteriously affecting the non-electroplatable portions of the articles. When the treated surfaces are subsequently subjected to metal plating, a uniform, smooth metal deposit is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method are described for holding and releasing a workpiece for electrochemical machining. In one embodiment, a workpiece holder has a workpiece surface that couples to the workpiece when negative pressure is applied to provide a seal between the workpiece and the workpiece surface. A plenum located within the workpiece holder has a proximal end capable of being removably coupled to the workpiece. A piston is configured to move upward in the plenum and to lift the workpiece off of the workpiece surface in response to positive pressure being applied.

Abstract: The system concerns an electrode system for an electrochemical sensor, comprising, arranged on a conductive substrate (10), a plurality of micro-discs (22) electrically connected to the substrate and a generating electrode (20) insulated from the substrate by an insulating layer (14) and including a plurality of orifices (24) concentric with said micro-discs. A conductive layer (12) and connections (26, 28) enable to connect the electrodes to power sources. The generating electrode enables to modify locally, at the micro-discs, the concentrations of species present in solution opposite said electrodes.

Abstract: For desulfurization of a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock, at least one stage for selective hydrogenation of diolefins present in the initial hydrocarbon feedstock, in the presence of a catalyst of group VIII of the period table, and a stage for extraction by a solvent of the resultant hydrogenated fraction under conditions that provide at least two fractions: a raffinate that comprises for the most part olefins, paraffins and naphthenes and a reduced amount of sulfur-containing compounds that are contained in the initial feedstock, a fraction that contains the majority of the aromatic hydrocarbons and the majority of the sulfur-containing compounds contained in the initial feedstock.

Abstract: This invention relates to silico-aluminum substrates, catalysts, and the hydrocracking and hydrotreatment processes that use them. The catalyst comprises at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element that is selected from the group that is formed by elements of group VIB and group VIII of the periodic table and a non-zeolitic silica-alumina-based substrate that contains an amount of more than 5% by weight and less than or equal to 95% by weight of silica (SiO2) and has the following characteristics: A mean pore diameter, measured by mercury porosimetry, encompassed between 20 and 140 ?, a total pore volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, encompassed between 0.1 ml/g and 0.6 ml/g, a total pore volume, measured by nitrogen porosimetry, encompassed between 0.1 ml/g and 0.6 ml/g, a BET specific surface area encompassed between 100 and 550 m2/g, a pore volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, encompassed in the pores with diameters of more than 140 ?, of less than 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively producing C3 olefins from a catalytically cracked or thermally cracked naphtha stream by fractionating the naphtha feed to obtain at least a C6 rich fraction and feeding the C6 rich fraction into a reaction stage at a point wherein the residence time of the C6 rich fraction is minimized.

Abstract: A method for starting up an olefin production plant without venting gases to the atmosphere wherein an artificial feed is employed in the compression zone of the plant while the furnace and quench zones remain idle, and gases from the compression and refrigeration zones of the plant are recycled to the inlet of the compression zone during startup, after which the furnace and quench zones are started up using natural feed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of separating non-acid chemicals from a water rich stream produced during a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction.

Abstract: This invention is a method of purifying fuel streams containing organonitrogen and organosulfur impurities. The fuel stream is first treated to extract organonitrogen impurities so that the nitrogen content of the fuel stream is reduced by at least 50 percent. After separation and recovery of the nitrogen-depleted fuel stream, the organosulfur impurities in the fuel stream are then oxidized with an organic hydroperoxide in the presence of a titanium-containing silicon oxide catalyst. The resulting sulfones may be more readily removed from the fuel stream than the non-oxidized organosulfur impurities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock that utilizes a short residence pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that cracks and chemically upgrades the feedstock. The process of the present invention provides for the preparation of a partially upgraded feedstock exhibiting reduced viscosity and increased API gravity. This process selectively removes metals, salts, water and nitrogen from the feedstock, while at the same time maximizes the yield of the liquid product, and minimizes coke and gas production. Furthermore, this process reduces the viscosity of the feedstock in order to permit pipeline transport, if desired, of the upgraded feedstock with little or no addition of diluents.

Abstract: An automated process development device providing flexibility and accuracy for the investigative development of tangential flow filtration (tff) processes and used for evaluating the process parameters of a laboratory scale tff process with an eye towards developing a commercial scale process. The device—operable to a recirculation volume of less than 20 milliliters—includes: a reservoir having a distinct mixing zone; a tff module; conduits defining a fluid process stream through which a liquid sample is recirculated; pumps for driving and valves for regulating the flow of the liquid sample through the stream; sensors for acquiring data about the sample as it flows through the stream; and an electronic data processing network capable of receiving, transmitting, processing, and recording data associated with the operation of the pumps, valves, and sensors, the recorded data being sufficiently comprehensive to determine the conduct of the tangential flow filtration process at a substantially larger scale.

Abstract: Presented is a liquid filtering apparatus and method that overcomes the disadvantages encountered with prior bed filtration systems by providing a filtering apparatus that incorporates a super-buoyant filter medium having a specific gravity very substantially lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. This feature enables a majority of the medium to float on top of the process liquid. Due to the significant differences in specific gravity between the media and the process liquid, super-buoyant media produce a highly advantageous means of naturally, gravimetrically separating both clean and contaminated filter media and process liquid into separate “phases”. Under normal filtering operation, the filter media is contained within a filter housing by a bed support near the top of the filter housing, and particulate material is filtered from a process liquid that passes through the housing.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a waste collection arrangement and a waste disposal arrangement. The waste collection arrangement is disposed in a pond for swirling the water to form a funnel-shaped water vortex so as to collect a waste contained in the water of the pond at a base of the water vortex. The waste disposal arrangement has an outlet positioned at a base of the water vortex pattern of the water, and includes a suction pipe upwardly extended from the outlet at a position above a water level of the water in the pond, wherein the suction pipe is adapted for guiding air to suck into the outlet to create a suction effect at the outlet, such that the waste disposal arrangement is adapted for sucking the water at the base of the water vortex so as to discharge the waste out of the pond via the outlet.

Abstract: An in-line storm water drain system and a filter basket for a storm water drain system are provided in which the storm water drain system has a housing having an inlet and outlet thereinto and interior walls forming a plurality of chambers therein. The filter basket has a rigid frame and a plurality of screened sides and is attached to the interior walls. The filter basket has a pair of top screen filter doors and a pair of bottom screen filter doors to allow entry into the filter basket and on through to the bottom of the filter basket for cleaning the chambers. An inlet feed chute is attached to the filter basket open end and also has a screen bottom door and directs water from the housing inlet to and through the filter basket while collecting debris in the basket.

Abstract: An integrated flow through water sterilization device within a sanitary faucet fixture. A portion of the flow path has a plurality of ultraviolet radiation generating LED's arranged around a transparent flow conduit within the faucet. The ultraviolet radiation generating LED's effectively sterilize the water as it flows through and is dispensed by the faucet. A hydro-electric generator is driven by a water flow to the faucet upon demand and provides electrical power for the ultraviolet radiation generating LED's as water is used.

Abstract: A pumping system comprising: (a) an inlet adapted for connection with a supply of low pressure water; (b) a filtration unit in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein the filtration unit filters impurities from the low pressure water so as to discharge a flow of filtered water; (c) a pump in fluid communication with the filtration unit, the pump adapted to discharge a flow of pressurized water; (d) a valve manifold in fluid communication with the pump, the valve manifold comprising at least two discharge ports, the valve manifold operable to individually actuate each discharge port so as to regulate fluid flow therethrough, each discharge port being capable of discharging a stream of high pressure water; and (e) at least a respective number of outlets as discharge ports, each outlet in fluid communication with a respective discharge port so as to receive the stream of high pressure water.

Abstract: A recycle system for use in a waste treatment facility utilizing either partially fluidized or combined fluidized bed filtration principles comprising the use of discrete passageways to allow flow between the bottom of the clarifier and the aeration compartment, a baffle positioned between bubblers in the aeration compartment and the clarifier openings, and a conduit positioned in the clarifier to provide flow between the clarifier and the anoxic compartment that helps prevent the formation of settled sludge pockets, allows for almost complete evacuation of the solids during “no flow” conditions, and improves on other inefficient conditions inherent in treatment systems using prior art recycle designs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of predominantly urban sewage plant sludges, characterised in comprising a step for treatment of the sludges by microfungi.

Abstract: A process is described for purifying lactams, in particular the lactams obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of an aminoalkylnitrile, and more particularly to the purification by crystallization of ?-caprolactam obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminocapronitrile. This crystallization is carried out on the cyclization reaction medium after hydrogenation, removal of volatile compounds, and treatment with an ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer gel having a surfactant-like micelle structure obtained by polymerization or condensation polymerization of an ionic surfactant and an organic or inorganic compound having polymerizable moiety, which is capable of adsorbing and separating specific compounds in an easy recyclable manner.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air floatator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output.

Abstract: Presented is a liquid filtering apparatus and method that overcomes the disadvantages encountered with prior bed filtration systems by providing a filtering apparatus that incorporates a super-buoyant filter medium having a specific gravity very substantially lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. This feature enables a majority of the medium to float on top of the process liquid. Due to the significant differences in specific gravity between the media and the process liquid, super-buoyant media produce a highly advantageous means of naturally, gravimetrically separating both clean and contaminated filter media and process liquid into separate “phases”. Under normal filtering operation, the filter media is contained within a filter housing by a bed support near the top of the filter housing, and particulate material is filtered from a process liquid that passes through the housing.

Abstract: A high capacity gravity feed filter for filtering blood and blood products or the like includes a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, two filter wells, at least one filter element disposed in each of said filter wells, between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter elements divide each of said filter wells into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a through slot located at the top of each of said second chambers. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into a receiving blood bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the receiving blood bag.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabricating a read head having a read head sensor and a hard bias/lead layer which includes depositing a strip of sensor material in a sensor material region, and depositing strips of fast-milling dielectric material in first and second fast-milling dielectric material regions adjacent to the sensor material region. A protective layer and a layer of masking material is deposited on the strip of sensor material and the strips of fast-milling dielectric material to provide masked areas and exposed areas. A shaping source, such as an ion milling source, is provided which shapes the exposed areas. Hard bias/lead material is then deposited on the regions of sensor material and fast-milling dielectric material to form first and second leads and a cap on each of these regions. The cap of hard bias/lead material and the masking material is then removed from each of these regions.

Abstract: A structure is constructed having a through hole in a substrate of silicon or the like by a decreased number of steps in production and with improved reliability. A silicon nitride film is formed in contact with an upper surface of a silicon oxide film at least on a portion of the substrate near the edge of a through hole, thereby improving step coverage of the silicon nitride film. The silicon oxide film and silicon nitride film function as a membrane during formation of the through hole by etching from the back side of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simulating a standard wafer in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The apparatus includes a support layer suitable for being handled by the semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Applied to the support layer is a mixture including a process agent and a material. During use, the present invention simulates a standard production wafer including material similar to that in the mixture of the present invention.