Abstract: A semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer formed thereon, an opening formed in the dielectric layer, a first barrier layer overlying the sidewall of the opening, a second barrier layer overlying the first barrier layer and the bottom of the opening, and a conductive layer filled into the opening. The invention also provides a method of fabricating the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, having a composite barrier layer, comprising the following. A substrate has a dielectric layer formed thereover and having an opening within the dielectric layer. The opening exposes a first portion of the substrate. A composite barrier layer lines the opening. The composite barrier layer comprises: a dielectric flash layer within the opening and lining the opening wherein the dielectric flash layer does not cover the first exposed portion of the substrate; an aluminum layer over the dielectric flash layer and over the first exposed portion of the substrate; and a barrier metal layer over the aluminum layer. Wherein the dielectric flash layer, the aluminum layer and the barrier metal layer comprise the composite barrier layer. A planarized metal plug is within the barrier metal layer lined opening.

Abstract: A silicidation blocking layer (SBL) pattern is formed on a substrate including an active region and a field region. The SBL pattern covers the field region and exposes the active region. A silicide layer is formed on the active region by reacting metal with silicon existing in the active region. An insulation layer is formed on the substrate including the silicide layer. An opening exposing the silicide layer is formed by selectively etching the insulation layer under a condition having an etching selectivity between the SBL and the insulation layer. Conductive material is filled up the opening. The field region of a substrate is sufficiently protected by the SBL pattern without any additional process so that the failure of a semiconductor device is effectively prevented because the flow of a leakage current through the field region is blocked.

Abstract: A first insulating film is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A second insulating film made of insulating metal nitride is formed on the first insulating film. A recess is formed through the second insulating film and reaches a position deeper than an upper surface of the first insulating film. A conductive member is buried in the recess. A semiconductor device is provided whose interlayer insulating film can be worked easily even if it is made to have a low dielectric constant.

Abstract: In the present invention, copper interconnection with metal caps is extended to the post-passivation interconnection process. Metal caps may be aluminum. A gold pad may be formed on the metal caps to allow wire bonding and testing applications. Various post-passivation passive components may be formed on the integrated circuit and connected via the metal caps.

Abstract: Air-gap insulated interconnection structures and methods of fabricating the structures, the methods including: forming a dielectric layer on a substrate; forming a capping layer on a top surface of the dielectric layer; forming a trench through the capping layer, the trench extending toward said substrate and into but not through, the dielectric layer; forming a sacrificial layer on opposing sidewalls of the trench; filling the trench with a electrical conductor; and removing a portion of the sacrificial layer from between the electrical conductor and the dielectric layer to form air-gaps.

Abstract: A high speed, high density board to board interconnect structure uses a spacer board and BGA techniques to connect two circuit boards. The spacer board is a standard double-sided FR-4 printed circuit board and are connected to each of the circuit boards by a BGA. This interconnect structure allows high data rate to be passed from one board to another with a board to board spacing of about 1.5 mm. An example of the application of this technique is a 4 channel high speed (over 1 Gb/s) optical transceiver using 2 PCB substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable semiconductor package. The stackable semiconductor package includes a first substrate, a chip, a first molding compound, a second substrate, a plurality of first wires, and a second molding compound. The chip is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed on the first molding compound. The area of the first molding compound is adjusted according to the area of the second substrate, so as to support the second substrate. The first wires electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate. Some pads of the second substrate are exposed outside the second molding compound. Therefore, the second substrate will not shake or sway during a wire bonding process, and the area of the second substrate can be increased to receive more devices disposed thereon.

Abstract: A method is provided to suppress detachment between semiconductor packages while preventing dislocation at the time of mounting a stacked semiconductor package on a motherboard. Semiconductor packages PK1 and PK2 are bonded to each other through protruding electrodes and resin is provided between the semiconductor packages PK1 and PK2. The resin is provided in the peripheries of the protruding electrodes so as to contact each of the protruding electrodes while not contacting a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting substrate on which a semiconductor chip is mounted using a flip chip bonding, having a plurality of connection pads which are connected to the semiconductor chip, and an insulation layer formed in such a manner as to cover the connection pads partially, wherein the insulation layer includes a first insulation layer which is formed in such a manner as to correspond to a center of the semiconductor chip and a second insulation layer which is formed in such a manner as to surround the first insulation layer, and wherein the plurality of connection pads include first connection pads which are partially covered by the first insulation layer and second connection pads which are partially covered by the second insulation layer.

Abstract: A method is described for forming an integrated structure, including a semiconductor device and connectors for connecting to a motherboard. A first layer is formed on a plate transparent to ablating radiation, and a second layer on the semiconductor device. The first layer has a first set of conductors connecting to bonding pads, which are spaced with a first spacing distance in accordance with a required spacing of connections to the motherboard. The second layer has a second set of conductors connecting to the semiconductor device. The first layer and second layer are connected using a stud/via connectors having spacing less than that of the bonding pads. The semiconductor device is thus attached to the first layer, and the first set and second set of conductors are connected through the studs. The interface between the first layer and the plate is ablated by ablating radiation transmitted through the plate, thereby detaching the plate. The connector structures are then attached to the bonding pads.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a semiconductor chip is electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., organic, ceramic, etc.) by an interposer structure. The interposer structure comprises an elastomeric, compliant material that includes metallurgic through connections having a predetermined shape. In a typical embodiment, the metallurgical through connections electrically connect an under bump metallization of the semiconductor chip to a top surface metallization of the substrate. By utilizing the interposer structure in accordance with the present invention, the problems associated with previous semiconductor module designs are alleviated.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising one or more microstructures on a substrate and a method for fabricating the electronic apparatus. The microstructures have alignment structures that allow the microstructures to be oriented in receptacles having shapes that are complementary to the shapes of the alignment structures. The alignment structures are shapes that vary when rotated 360°, such that the microstructures are positioned at a specific orientation in the receptacles.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method in which a gas and a liquid are mixed and distributed in a chamber that comprises a distribution means that consists of a compartment that is filled with liquid through which a gas stream passes. Said method is characterized in that liquid is injected either in gas countercurrent or in gas co-current into the gas passage section or sections through at least two orifices that are present in said compartment, whereby said two orifices are arranged approximately facing one another, and in that the diameter and the number of orifices and/or the speed V of the liquid at the outlet of each of the orifices and/or the distance d between two injection points placed facing one another are selected such that the Froude number Fr, defined by the equation: Fr = V g × d in which g is the gravitational constant, is greater than 0.5.

Abstract: A mold unit manufacturing a plastic edged glass shelf includes a first mold including a first support frame forming groove; a second mold including a second support frame forming groove; a support frame forming portion formed by the first and second support frame forming grooves; a seating portion receiving a glass sheet; and support pins formed in the support frame forming portion forming the edge of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical film provided with a convexoconcave structure, comprises the steps of: coating a resin solution including a first resin solved by a solvent onto an endless or roll-like mold provided with a convexoconcave structure, and forming a resin solution layer on the mold; laminating a film substrate onto the resin solution layer to make a laminated film before the solvent in the resin solution layer is completely dried, the film substrate including a second resin, which is capable of absorving the solution or is soluble by the solvent; and peeling the laminated film from the mold before the solvent in the laminated film is completely dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an optical element. The apparatus includes a pair of forming molds each of which has a facing surface facing to each other. At least one of the pair of the forming molds is made to allow a hardening energy to pass through itself. A frame-like mold member is provided to be interposed between the facing surfaces of the pair of the forming molds to cover an outer peripheral portion that each of the forming molds has on its facing surface, thereby defining a cavity. In the thus arranged apparatus, an energy hardening resin is filled into the cavity and then hardened by being subjected to the hardening energy passing through the at least one of the pair of the forming molds.

Abstract: Amphoteric liposomes are proposed, which comprise positive and negative membrane-based or membrane-forming charge carriers as well as the use of these liposomes.

Abstract: A lacrosse head with improved weight and handling characteristics includes a frame element having a base portion, a scoop portion, and a pair of opposing sidewall portions extending between the base portion and the scoop portion. The frame element includes one or more cavities integrally formed within one or more of the sidewall portions, the base portion, and the scoop portion. In addition, the lacrosse head includes a no-skid surface integrated with a portion of the frame element. This surface is intended to create friction between the no-skid surface and a lacrosse ball, as well as to absorb kinetic energy of the lacrosse ball preventing the ball from inadvertently bouncing out of the lacrosse head or rattling therein.

Abstract: A molding system for foam-in-bag cushions comprises a mold defining a mold cavity, an air plenum separate from the mold cavity, a plurality of air passages that connect the mold cavity to the air plenum, and at least one port connected to the air plenum. The mold cavity has an open side and the mold includes a door that is movable between a closed position closing the open side of the mold cavity and an open position allowing a cushion to enter and exit through the open side. The system further comprises a pneumatic vacuum/blowout system connected with the at least one port. The vacuum/blowout system comprises a vacuum source, an air tank containing pressurized air, and a vacuum/blowout valve structured and arranged to alternately couple the at least one port either to the vacuum source or to the air tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing the rotation of a substrate boat with material deposition is disclosed. Whenever support rods of the substrate boat rotate past a deposition source, they will block deposition gas from reaching certain portions of the substrate. By stopping the deposition gas whenever the support rods are located between the substrate and the deposition source, a uniform deposition can be achieved.

Abstract: Polymeric or polymerizable material with oriented decorative anisotropic particles is subjected to deformation that reorients the decorative particles. The result is an aesthetic patterned appearance.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance, water-swellable, flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The water-swellable reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight, water-swellable and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: This invention discloses a unique and economical method of creating a metal and polymer fused strip structure with significant sound deadening qualities. It is produced by a filler bonding process. The polymer may incorporate one of many polymers known to create a high level of adhesion between the polymer and the metal. A variety of metals and polymers may be used.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-layer plastic preform employs blow molding air into the multi-layer parison until an outer layer of the multi-layer parison rests against the preform mold and thereafter inserting a compression core sized to fit the pre-blown preform to smooth the inner layer of the blown parison and finish the preform. A system for making a multi-layer plastic preform includes a blow stem assembly having a device for introducing air into a multi-layer parison captured by a preform mold in a blow-mold operation, and a compression preform core attached to an end of a compression rod wherein when the compression preform core is retracted into the device, air can be blown into the preform mold and when, the compression rod extends in a stroke through the device, the compression preform core extends out of the device into the preform mold.

Abstract: Double-injection molding methods through which the products do not have any parting lines between the molding materials comprise a mold, which has at least a male mold and a female mold. The male mold comprises at least one core. The female mold comprises at least one cavity and one core. The core of the male mold and the core of the female mold can be combined tightly. The male mold is stationary but the female mold is removable. The molding method of the present invention is to manufacture a product with two different plastic materials, where these two different plastic materials are injected into the mold in a specific order. And these two different plastic materials connect each other directly. After packing and cooling process, these two different plastic materials are shaped in the mold. A product with a smooth profile at the boundary of two materials is thus performed.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composite for molding that has reduced molding shrinkage and that is suitable for producing a synthetic resin molding which is complicated, delicate, and highly precise. The molding resin composite is produced by mixing, in a specific proportion, any synthetic resin with a substance that has an elasticity such that when the volume compaction via pressure is 30% or higher, then the volume recovery will be 15% or higher. The substance will preferably be an elastic graphite in which the walls of the carbon layer surfaces in the graphite form many round spaces having an inner diameter substantially smaller than the molecules of the polymer constituting the synthetic resin.

Abstract: A thermoformed container has an outwardly projecting ridge and an inwardly facing cut lip. A technique for manufacturing the container includes positioning a heated sheet of thermoplastic material over a three-part mold. The mold defines a cavity corresponding to the shape of the container and includes separable first, second, and third portions. The first and second portions define an undercut portion corresponding to a ridge on the container. The heated sheet of thermoplastic material is forced into the cavity. The sheet of thermoplastic material is cut along an upper lip of the first portion to form the container. The first portion is separated from the container by moving either the first portion or the second and third portions away from each other. The second portion is moved away from the container and the third portion. The container is removed from the third portion.

Abstract: A method is described for improving resistance to chemical attack by aluminum or magnesium in refractory components. In one method, a slurry is formed comprising calcium silicate-containing refractory material and a barium-containing compound. This slurry is placed in a mould, then dewatered to form a component which is hydrothermally processed to form a final component. In a second procedure, a silica-containing porous refractory component is impregnated with an aqueous solution of an oxide or hydroxide of barium or strontium and thereafter dried in air.

Abstract: Prior to molding, an initial position of at least one movable reference mark, provided in the vicinity of an object of manufacture, is measured by a first position measuring means, and the initial position of the movable reference mark is measured by a second position measuring means provided in a processing means. During the course of molding, measurement of a position of the movable reference mark is carried out by the first position measuring means and the second position measuring means. Then, based on the initial position of the movable reference mark prior to molding and the position of the movable reference mark measured by the first and second position measuring means during the course of molding, an optical beam irradiating position of an optical beam and a processing position of the processing means are corrected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure comprising providing a green honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell channels extending therethrough, inserting a plug material into at least a subset of the cell channels of the green honeycomb structure to form a plurality of plugs therein, and drying the plugs by exposing the plugs to electromagnetic energy, such as microwave energy.

Abstract: N-heterocyclic carbenes are effective catalysts for the polymerization of macrocyclic polyester oligomers. The catalysts provide rapid polymerization, high monomer conversion, high molecular weight, and a mechanically sound material.

Abstract: A parison control apparatus may include a gripper, to grasp and release an end of an extruded parison while the parison is being extruded; and an extendable support, coupled to the gripper, to raise the gripper to grasp the parison and to lower the gripper, pulling the parison downward and keeping the parison substantially straight.

Abstract: A particle producing apparatus includes a reaction container, an introduction portion for introducing a source gas and a reaction inhibitor generating gas into the reaction container, an inert gas introduction portion for introducing a carrier gas into the reaction container, a heater provided on the reaction container, and an exhaust portion. The growth of particles is controlled using a particle producing reaction and a reverse reaction.

Abstract: An upper bush is secured to a bracket of a compressor unit, and a lower bush is abutted against a panel member of a vehicle body through a washer. A coil spring is interposed between the upper and lower bushes. A pipe member is inserted through the upper and lower bushes and the coil spring. A bolt is inserted through the pipe member and screwed into the panel member of the vehicle body. The compressor unit is resiliently supported floatingly by the coil spring. Vibration of the compressor unit is damped by friction generated by sliding contact between the pipe member and raised portions of the upper bush. When the vibration amplitude is large, respective projections of the upper and lower bushes abut against each other to suppress the vibration while absorbing impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration damping mount with which a vibration damping action is improved and also provides a metal heat shield with which a sound insulation performance is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration damping mount with which a vibration damping action is improved and also provides a metal heat shield with which a sound insulation performance is improved.

Abstract: An anti-vibration pad comprises a rubber cylinder having a recess for a foot of a front loading appliance and having a specific hardness. The pad isolates and/or reduces the vibration of the appliance to prevent movement of the appliance and to increase end user satisfaction.

Abstract: A self-aligning coupling device for installation in a channel having an open end and a pair of substantially parallel side walls. The device includes an elongate connecting portion having a longitudinal axis, a channel abutment portion, and at least one laterally projecting lug. In use, the coupling device is installed in the channel with the channel abutment portion located at least partially within the channel and the laterally projecting lug located outside the open end of the channel. The channel abutment portion is formed such that when aligned in a first angular position within the channel it abuts the side walls of the channel to prevent rotation of the device in a first rotational direction about said longitudinal axis, while allowing rotation in a second, opposed rotational direction. The lug is formed such that in said first angular position it extends beyond at least one of the side walls of the channel.

Abstract: A printed product, with a number of inserts, is printed on a printing machine. The pages of the inserts are printed by the printing machine as product pages on the web. The web is then folded in a folder that is a part of the printing machine to thereby form at least one of the inserts of the printed product. The printed product is laid out at an exit of the folder and the web is folded in such a manner that a final format of each insert completely shows one of these printed pages. Before the printed product is laid out at the exit of the folder, inserts which belong to the same printed product are collected in the folder by placing these inserts one atop the other.

Abstract: A sheet post-process apparatus includes a waiting tray and a processing tray. The waiting tray is provided in the middle of a conveying path and makes standby sheets in the case where a post-process is required. The processing tray has a function which causes the sheets made standby on the waiting sheet to be dropped by self-weight. With this function, the processing tray receives the sheets moved to be dropped and the sheets conveyed from the conveying path without intervening the waiting tray, before carrying out the post-process. Sheet bundles formed on the processing tray are stacked on a storage tray by a sheet conveying mechanism after they have been post-processed.

Abstract: In a device for singulating vertically positioned flat mailings from a stack of mail, at least two discharge rockers are disposed on top of one another, wherein the discharge rockers are adjacent to revolving second discharge belts that are arranged in a fixed manner along the path of travel. A supporting element in relation to which the stack of mail is aligned ends at a defined distance from the undeflected discharge rockers. A flexible, elongated retaining element is arranged in a resiliently pressed manner from the end of the supporting element to the beginning of the second discharge belts located downstream of the discharge rockers and further on to the discharge rockers and to further discharge belts of successive singulating stages. The distance of the supporting element from the leading end of the second discharge belts relative to the direction of travel is greater than the maximum permissible length of a mailing.

Abstract: The disclosed device includes a feed conveyor (2), on which printed products (6) are transported within certain distances from one another, a turning section (1) with a path guide arranged tangentially downstream of the feed conveyor and a delivery conveyor (4) for the turned printed products (6) that extends underneath the feed conveyor (2) in the opposite transport direction. Lateral guides (12) are assigned to the path guides (13) and can be adjusted to the format width of the printed products (6). The delivery conveyor (4) is a suction conveyor belt with at least one suction segment (19) in the region of the delivery point of the turning section (1) in order to decelerate the printed products (6) to the transport speed of the delivery conveyor (4).

Abstract: A print media sheets path selection system with a repositionable gate for selectably directing even rapidly sequentially moving sheets with small inter-sheet time gaps into different output paths with different gate positions. This gate is partially or entirely repositionable to an opposite gate position for providing a different output path for the next sheet while a portion of the prior sheet is still moving past the gate. That may be accomplished by providing a low limited force engagement of the part of the gate engaging the sheet, allowing that sheet to slide past at least the tip of the gate without damage, by a compliant gate tip or other low gate force system. Thereby the repositioning of the gate between its different gate positions is not limited to the short time gap between the sequential sheets and can be accomplished less critically and/or with lower force and acceleration.

Abstract: A system and method for accumulation of media invention includes a series of upper and lower transport belts for feeding media seriatim along a path of travel. An accumulator pocket is positioned between the upper and lower drive belts along the path of travel. An upper and a lower accumulator ramp is positioned adjacent the accumulator pocket are moveable between a first position and a second position. The first accumulator ramp position is such that the lower ramp is positioned to engage media moved seriatim along the path of travel to guide the media to form a forward accumulation of media in the accumulator pocket. The upper accumulator ramp second position is such that the upper accumulator ramp is positioned to engage media moved seriatim along the path of travel to guide the media to form a reverse accumulation of media in the accumulator pocket.

Abstract: A reconfigurable golf game having an interchangeable body, a hollow shaft, a swing actuation system, and a coupler. The coupler allows a user that purchases one game system including multiple interchangeable bodies to easily attach different interchangeable bodies to the hollow shaft thereby changing the game. The various interchangeable bodies mimic the look and swing characteristics of modem professional golfers. The swing actuation system includes a translational motion system, including a rack and prime mover, and a rotational motion system, including a pinion. In operation the user grips the hollow shaft and activates the translation motion system by pulling the prime mover, and thus the rack, away from the interchangeable body, the rotational motion system pinion cooperates with the rack thereby causing the rotating body portion to rotate from a maximum backswing position to a maximum follow-through position, striking the replica golf ball.

Abstract: A cumulative game system includes a case set of play tickets having a plurality of deal sets of play tickets. Each of the plurality of deal sets of tickets contribute to a cumulative prize pool board. Each of the plurality of deal sets of tickets includes a plurality of play tickets. The play tickets include deal identifier indicia imprinted on the play ticket to identify a deal set of which the play ticket is a member. Each play ticket is a member of only one deal set. The play tickets include at least one concealed game symbol imprinted on the play ticket. A predetermined number of play tickets in each of the deal sets of tickets has at least one concealed winning game symbol that wins or is eligible to win at least one of an instant award, a first award, and a cumulative award. A cumulative award is awarded from the cumulative prize pool board.