Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a beam of charged particles with an aperture. Thereby, a defocusing is introduced and a signal calculated based on an image shift is applied to a deflection unit. Further, a method for correction of astigmatism is provided. Thereby, the sharpness is evaluated for a set of frames generated whilst varying the signals to a stigmator.

Abstract: A method of tuning the uniformity of a plasma with a large sheath potential by locally affecting the density of a plasma is provided. The method comprises illuminating a body exposed to the plasma with electromagnetic radiation from a source, wherein the body and the source are cooperatively configured such that the body will generate photoelectrons upon exposure to the radiation from the source. An example of such electromagnetic radiation is vacuum ultraviolet light, and an example of such a body is the edge ring surrounding a semiconductor substrate. Photoelectrons emitted from the edge ring, captured by the plasma, and accelerated into the plasma with sufficient energy to cause ionization, locally increase plasma density. The source of radiation can be a plurality of discrete sources or one or more extended sources.

Abstract: A module for generating ions in a flowing air stream includes a support structure having a central region adapted to pass a flowing air stream therethrough, and including a plurality of supports for positioning a filamentary ion-generating electrode in a polygonal configuration within the central region. The supports and filament are relatively moveable to wipe the surface of the filament at each support for removing accumulated contaminants on the filament.

Abstract: A flash lamp annealing device comprises a heater plate, a loader, a lamp set and a control circuit. The heater plate heats a wafer to a predetermined temperature. The wafer is loaded on the loader disposed on the heater plate. The lamp set has one or a plurality of lamps to provide the wafer with a power. The control circuit is coupled to the lamp set to control the flash time of the lamp set.

Abstract: An ion implantation system includes an ion source configured to provide an ion beam, a terminal structure defining a cavity, the ion source at least partially disposed within the cavity, and an insulator system. The insulator system is configured to electrically insulate the terminal structure and is configured to provide an effective dielectric strength greater than about 72 kilovolts (kV)/inch in a region proximate at least one exterior surface of the terminal structure. A gas box insulator system to electrically insulate a gas box of the ion implantation system is also provided.

Abstract: Interposing a programmable path length of one or more materials into a particle beam modulates scattering angle and beam range in a predetermined manner to create a predetermined spread out Bragg peak at a predetermined range. Materials can be “low Z” and “high Z” materials that include fluids. A charged particle beam scatterer/range modulator can comprise a fluid reservoir having opposing walls in a particle beam path and a drive to adjust the distance between the walls of the fluid reservoir under control by a programmable controller. A “high Z” and, independently, a “low Z” reservoir, arranged in series, can be used. When used for radiation treatment, the beam can be monitored by measuring beam intensity, and the programmable controller can adjust the distance between the opposing walls of the “high Z” reservoir and, independently, the distance between the opposing walls of the “low Z” reservoir according to a predetermined relationship to integral beam intensity.

Abstract: A layer on a large area substrate is patterned by providing a large area substrate in the optical path of a plurality of charged particle beams that are emitted from charged particle emitters. Each charged particle beam has an emitted beam current of at least I0, and the beam current on the substrate is at least 0.4 I0. Each charged particle beam is deflected in at least one dimension and is switched on and off to generate an exposed pattern on the photoresist film.

Abstract: A light source chamber in an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system may include a secondary plasma to ionize debris particles created by the light source and a foil trap to trap the ionize particles to avoid contamination of the collector optics in the chamber.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an entrance window for a gas filled radiation detector, including: a plastic core with electro conductive coatings on both an inner side and an outer side of the plastic core.

Abstract: A master valve and at least one slave valve are connected via a network, wherein upon broadcast of a position setpoint of the master valve the at least one slave valve achieves a corresponding position within a shortened period of time, such network being a dedicated network or high speed shared network with position setpoint priority.

Abstract: In a fluid injection valve, a valve needle and a moving core are installed in the valve housing to be slidable in an axial direction. The moving core has a through hole in which the valve needle is slidably inserted. A stopper provided on the valve needle moves the valve needle integrally with the moving core when the moving core travels toward the fixed core with respect to the needle valve. An elastic member biases the valve needle away from the fixed core, and a helical spring biases the moving core toward the fixed core. A spring seat supports one axial end of the helical spring in both of the axial direction and a radial direction of the helical spring.

Abstract: A steam valve is provided with a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve rod provided for the valve body. The valve body has a bottom portion to which a recessed portion is formed, and the recessed portion has an edge, which is positioned on an upstream side of a place at which a shock wave is generated in steam flowing through a steam path defined by the valve body and the valve seat.

Abstract: A controllable valve includes an axial working air gap arranged on a side of the magnet armature that cooperates with a valve closure member, the side facing away from the valve closure member, so that upon electric actuation of the actuating drive, the valve closure member is movable by the actuating drive in the direction of the first valve seat surface.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a spout, a valve, a position sensitive device, and a logical control. The position sensitive device is positioned on the user's side of the spout, and has a trigger zone and an extended zone, each defined in part by a distance range from the position sensitive device. The logical control comprises a manual mode, wherein the position sensitive device is deactivated and the valve remains open, and a hands-free mode, wherein the valve is opened when the position sensitive device detects an object within the trigger zone, and wherein the valve is closed only when the position sensitive device does not detect an object within the trigger zone and does not detect an object that is moving within the extended zone.

Abstract: The invention comprises a low cost method of sealing and resealing a microfluidic device before, during, and after communication of fluids into the microfluidic device. The invention includes a microfluidic device with fluid introduction ports substantially hermetically sealed with elastomeric plugs, wherein the plugs can be penetrated by hollow needles to introduce fluids such as air, water, ethanol, or other chemical or biological reagents into the device while maintaining a substantially hermetic seal. The invention includes a method for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device from an external source. The method comprises the steps of penetrating fluid introduction ports substantially hermetically sealed with elastomeric plugs with hollow needles connected to a fluid source, pumping fluid into the device, and removing the hollow needle from the plug, whereupon plug self-reseals to form a substantially hermetic seal.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a rotating member with a member channel. The rotating member is rotatable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The medical valve also has a resilient member biasing the rotating member toward the closed mode. The rotating member slides along the resilient member when rotating between the open mode and closed mode.

Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member with a member channel therethrough. The member channel extends between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the movable member. The movable member is movable in a given direction to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode. The distal opening of the member channel has a given dimension that is generally parallel with the given direction, and a second dimension that is generally orthogonal to the given dimension. The given dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. The valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a valving mechanism within the housing to alternatively fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet. The valve is in the open mode when the inlet and outlet fluidly connect. Insertion of a medical implement into the inlet produces a positive fluid displacement at the outlet. In addition, withdrawal of the medical implement as the valve transitions from the open mode to the closed mode produces a substantially neutral fluid displacement at the outlet.

Abstract: A valve connector of an air pump includes a case with a channel and a guiding room therein. The channel is communicated with the guiding room. Two valve connector assemblies are provided in the case, each of which has a tunnel communicated with the guiding room, wherein the tunnels form apertures on a sidewall of the guiding room. A switching device is received in the guiding room and pivoted on the sidewall of the guiding room. The switching device has two arms on opposite sides of a pivot axle thereof. The arms are moved toward or away from the apertures respectively when the switching device is swung to close or open the apertures.

Abstract: An improved lock-cap structure of stopcock of water faucet, which covers an external sleeve onto stopcock of water faucet, its characteristics are as follows: Inner of external sleeve is set as phase layer with through hole and screw thread groove, edge of screw thread groove can place leakage protective gasket; several grooves are set on bolt of stopcock, which are applied to ring seal; so that ring seal and leakage protective gasket can stop water in two sections in through hole and edge of screw thread groove, therefore, such structure can exactly stop water, stopcock can be rotated smoothly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dual chamber orifice fitting including a first chamber maintained in fluid communication with a pipeline and a second chamber maintained in fluid communication with the first chamber. The fitting includes sealing member formed as an eccentric plug member that is selectively rotatable from a first position wherein the sealing member seals the first chamber from the second chamber, and a second position wherein the sealing member permits the first chamber to be placed in fluid communication with the second chamber. The sealing member includes a curved sealing surface having a pocket recessed therein for containing a non-metallic insert seat. The non-metallic insert seat sealingly engages a seat plate when the sealing member is in the first position. A retainer plate retains the insert seat in the recessed pocket.

Abstract: A valve assembly provides a holder cantileveredly attached to a boss on an end cap to axially dispose an actuator and a poppet on an axis with a valve seat formed in the end cap. The actuator is preferably a shape memory alloy actuator. The end cap may be placed in line with a fluid system such as in a gas oven so that an electrical communication with an igniter is provided.

Abstract: To provide a secondary circulation cooling system using a composition which is less influential over the environment as a secondary coolant, is non-inflammable, has a small pressure drop particularly at a low temperature and has a large heat transfer coefficient. A secondary circulation cooling system comprising a primary cooling means 1 using a primary coolant, a secondary circulation cooling means 13 using a secondary coolant and a heat exchange means 6 to carry out heat exchange between the primary coolant and the secondary coolant, characterized in that a composition comprising a fluorinated ether such as CF2HCF2OCH2CF3, and an alcohol such as ethanol, is used as the secondary coolant.

Abstract: A thermally conductive material includes a supercritical fluid and a number of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid may be selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, ethane, ethane, nitrous oxide, propane, butane, pentane, and so on. The carbon nanotubes may be selected from the group consisting of single-wall carbon nanotubes, double-wall carbon nanotubes, mult-wall carbon nanotubes, or other kinds of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have an average length of less than 1 micron and an average diameter of less than 100 nanometers. The supercritical fluid has dual characteristices of a liquid and a gas, and the carbon nanotubes have excellent thermal conductivity. As a result, the thermally conductive material becomes a nano-super heat conductor with excellent thermal conductivity and high efficiency of thermal conductivity, and is suitable for heat dissipation of various heat sources.

Abstract: A heat conductive silicone grease composition is provided. The heat conductive silicone grease composition comprises: (A) a hydroxyl group-containing organopolysiloxane, and (B) a thermoconductive inorganic filler having an average particle size of 0.1˜10 micrometers.

Abstract: An etching solution for a metal hard mask. The etching solution comprises a mixture of a dilute HF (hydrofluoric acid) and a silicon containing precursor. The etching solution also comprises a surfactant agent, a carboxylic acid, and a copper corrosion inhibitor. The etching solution is selectively toward etching the metal hard mask material (e.g., Titanium) while suppressing Tungsten, Copper, oxide dielectric material, and carbon doped oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an etching agent that is able to etch a Cu film by a simple chemical etching method such as an immersion method when the low resistance Cu film is used for a wiring material, while allowing time-dependent changes of the etching rate to be small and preventing a pattern narrowing phenomenon ascribed to irregular amount of side etching of the Cu film from occurring, by providing an etching agent comprising an aqueous solution containing potassium hydrogen peroxosulfate and hydrofluoric acid, wherein masks of a give pattern is formed on the surface of a laminated film prepared by sequentially depositing a Ti or Ti alloy film and a Cu film on a substrate, and wherein a gate electrode (a laminated wiring) and a lower pad layer (a laminated wiring) with give patterns are formed by etching the laminated film using the etching agent having the foregoing construction.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising mercury, titanium, copper and one or more of tin, chromium and silicon, useful for the release of mercury in applications requiring the same, in particular in fluorescent lamps. A process for the preparation of these compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mixtures of C8-10 primary alcohols, preferably C9 alcohol rich, comprise from 15 to 70 wt. % unbranched molecules, the balance being branched molecules having an average branchiness of at most 2.00 branches per molecule, at least 80% of the ranches being methyl branches and at least 50% of the branched molecules being mono-methyl branched. Plasticiser esters and surfactant derivatives derived from these alcohol mixtures are also provided. The alcohol mixtures are preferably produced by hydroformylation of octene rich streams formed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula I and dielectrically positive liquid crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of formula I, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of more than 3, and optionally a dielectric neutral component, component C, as well as to liquid crystal displays comprising these media, especially to active matrix displays and in particular to TN and to IPS displays.

Abstract: A UV-emitting, Ce,Pr-coactivated calcium pyrophosphate phosphor is provided wherein the Pr activator increases the phosphor's sensitivity to excitation by 185 nm radiation. The improved sensitivity to the 185 nm radiation allows the phosphor to make better use of the approximate 10% of the UV radiation that is emitted at 185 nm by a low pressure mercury discharge.

Abstract: A UV-emitting phosphor and lamp containing same are described. The phosphor is a praseodymium-activated pyrophosphate-based phosphor which may be represented by the general formula (Ca2-x,Srx)P2O7:Pr where 0?x?2. The phosphor is excitable by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation and in particular it may be excited by Xe-excimer discharges and thereby provide a Hg-free UV-emitting lamp. The phosphor exhibits a broad emission in the UVC region in the wavelength range from about 220 nm to about 280 nm with the peak emission occurring in the wavelength range from about 230 nm to about 240 nm. The emission characteristics of the phosphor may be varied depending on the ratio of Sr/Ca.

Abstract: A composition for making a polyurethane foam includes a non-fugitive tertiary amine urethane catalyst and an ester alcohol or substituted carbamate thereof. Foams prepared from the reaction of a polyol and an organic isocyanate in the presence of these ingredients show excellent resistance to deterioration of physical properties upon humid ageing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nanophase carbon black grafted with organic compounds, comprising (a) a first component: 100 parts by weight of original carbon black particles, and (b) a second component: 5-300 parts by weight of grafting organic compounds having or producing free radicals which is grafted onto the surface of the carbon black, wherein the molecular weight of the grafting organic compounds is 100-10000, and the nanophase carbon black has a particle size of 1-100 nm. The invention also discloses the synthesis thereof and articles therefrom.

Abstract: This invention in one aspect is a polyoxymethylene compound exhibiting an improved balance of properties and volume resistivity of 100-106 ohm-cm, which comprises polyoxymethylene, polyethylene glycol, metal oxide, high-structure carbon black and a comb polymer. The invention is more particularly directed to a polyoxymethylene compounds and molded articles therefreom in which the compound comprises 30 to 98.7% by weight of a polyoxymethylene homopolymer or copolymer, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a polyalkylene glycol, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of metal oxide, from 1% to 15% of a high structured particulate carbon black, and from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a comb polymer containing a relatively less polar backbone with relatively more polar side chains.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick film composition for use in low temperature co-fired ceramic circuits comprising, based on weight percent total thick film composition: (a) 30-98 weight percent finely divided particles selected from noble metals, alloys of noble metals and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more selected inorganic binders and/or mixtures thereof, and dispersed in (c) organic medium, and wherein said glass compositions are immiscible or partially miscible with remnant glasses present in the low temperature co-fired ceramic substrate glasses at the firing conditions. The present invention is further directed to methods of forming multilayer circuits utilizing the above composition and the use of the composition in high frequency applications (including microwave applications).

Abstract: An electroconductive composition including (A) silver oxide; and (B) a secondary aliphatic acid silver salt produced by using a secondary aliphatic acid having a boiling point of not higher than 200° C. will be capable of forming an excellent electroconductive film in a short time on a substrate having a low heat resistance. An electroconductive composition including (A) silver oxide; (B?) a secondary aliphatic acid silver salt whose secondary aliphatic acid contains up to 7 carbon atoms; (C1) a aliphatic acid containing at least 8 carbon atoms and/or (C2) a aliphatic acid silver salt whose aliphatic acid contains at least 8 carbon atoms; and (D) a solvent and/or a plasticizer has an excellent thixotropy and can be formed into an electroconductive film having a low electric resistance even after having been heated for a short time.

Abstract: Substantially pure ionic liquids and ionic liquid precursors were prepared. The substantially pure ionic liquid precursors were used to prepare substantially pure ionic liquids.

Abstract: A composition comprises a poly(arylene ether), a polyamide, electrically conductive carbon black, a fibrous filler, a first impact modifier and a second impact modifier.

Abstract: A vehicular body part comprises a compatibilized poly(arylene ether)/polyamide blend, two impact modifiers, electrically conductive carbon black and fibrous filler.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making conductive thermoplastic compositions, particularly conductive poly(arylene ether)/polyamide compositions using a conductive masterbatch, whereas the conductive masterbatch is made by a method comprising mixing conductive carbon black and a first resin to form a conductive carbon black/resin mixture; and compounding the conductive carbon black/resin mixture with a second resin, wherein the first resin is a powder.

Abstract: A method of restoring electrical distribution cafes that have lowered performance due to treeing is carried out by (i) supplying the interstices of stranded aluminum conductor portions of such cafes with a restoration fluid comprising an alkoxysilane or mixture of alkoxysilanes selected from aromatic functional alkoxysilanes, alkylalkoxysilanes, amino functional alkoxysilanes, epoxy functional alkoxysilanes, fluoro functional alkoxysilanes, vinyl functional alkoxysilanes, or methacrylate functional alkoxysilanes; and (ii) adding a sulfidosilane, a mercapto functional alkoxysilane, a phosphonated silane, or mixtures thereof, to the restoration fluid to improve the corrosion resistance of the aluminum, as it comes into contact with corrosive agents at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A nanostructured monolithic titanium boride (TiB) material and methods of forming such a material are disclosed and described. This material has a room-temperature four-point flexural strength about three times that of commercially available titanium diboride (TiB2). The achievement of nanostructured internal microstructural arrangement having a network of interconnected titanium monoboride whiskers affords a very high strength to this material above some of the best ceramic materials available in the market. The material contains a small amount of titanium and a densifier, but it is largely made of TiB phase with substantially no TiB2. The nanostructured monolithic titanium boride material can be formed by high temperature processing of a powder precursor having carefully selected weight and size distributions of titanium powder, titanium diboride powder, and densifier powder.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing nuclear material is disclosed. Oxides or halides of actinides and/or transuranics (TRUS) and/or hydrocarbons and/or acids contaminated with actinides and/or TRUs are treated by adjusting the pH of the nuclear material to not less than about 5 and adding sufficient MgO to convert fluorides present to MgF2: alumina is added in an amount sufficient to absorb substantially all hydrocarbon liquid present, after which a binder including MgO and KH2PO4 is added to the treated nuclear material to form a slurry. Additional MgO may be added. A crystalline radioactive material is also disclosed having a binder of the reaction product of calcined MgO and KH2PO4 and a radioactive material of the oxides and/or halides of actinides and/or transuranics (TRUs). Acids contaminated with actinides and/or TRUs, and/or actinides and/or TRUs with or without oils and/or greases may be encapsulated and stabilized by the binder.

Abstract: A hoisting machine for an elevator includes a motor having a motor body and a rotary shaft rotatable with respect to the motor body and a boss, which is a handle fit/removal member and is fixed to the rotary shaft. A manually operated handle for manually rotating the rotary shaft can be removably fitted on the boss. The boss is provided with a rotation prevention portion for preventing, when the manually operated handle is fixed to the boss, the manually operated handle from rotating with respect to the boss in a rotational direction of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An extender for hydraulic jacking systems. It increases the clearance under the raised object for increased access and mobility. It is easily installed and removed from commercially available systems.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention is directed to an improved composite fence and, more particularly, to a composite fence made of cellulosic fillers and/or inorganic fillers. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a fence in which a substrate is embedded in a plastic composite. One example of a component of the present invention is comprised of a substrate sheet that is embedded in a plastic composite. Another example of a component of the present invention is a perforated substrate that is embedded in a plastic composite.

Abstract: Provided is an energy-absorbing wall system for use with vehicle barriers, such as race track walls or barriers, highway guard rails or partitions, and the like. The wall system comprises a series of impact panels attachable to a wall and crush panels between the impact panels and the wall. The overlapping impact panels of the present system distribute collision energy from the impacted panels to crush panels and distally adjacent impact panels and crush panels, until the collision energy has been substantially distributed along the energy-absorbing wall system.

Abstract: Phase change devices, and particularly multi-terminal phase change devices, include first and second active terminals bridged together by a phase-change material whose conductivity can be modified in accordance with a control signal applied to a control electrode. This structure allows an application in which an electrical connection can be created between the two active terminals, with the control of the connection being effected using a separate terminal or terminals. Accordingly, the resistance of the heater element can be increased independently from the resistance of the path between the two active terminals. This allows the use of smaller heater elements thus requiring less current to create the same amount of Joule heating per unit area. The resistance of the heating element does not impact the total resistance of the phase change device.

Abstract: A programmable link structure for use in three dimensional integration (3DI) semiconductor devices includes a via filled at least in part with a phase change material (PCM) and a heating device proximate the PCM. The heating device is configured to switch the conductivity of a transformable portion of the PCM between a lower resistance crystalline state and a higher resistance amorphous state. Thereby, the via defines a programmable link between an input connection located at one end thereof and an output connection located at another end thereof.