Abstract: A method of micro-machining a semiconductor substrate to form one or more through slots therein. The semiconductor substrate has a device side and a fluid side opposite the device side. The method includes diffusing a p-type doping material into the device side of the semiconductor substrate in one or more through slot locations to be etched through a thickness of the substrates. The semiconductor substrate is then etched with a dry etch process from the device side of the substrate to the fluid side of the substrate so that one or more through slots having a reentrant profile are formed in the substrate.

Abstract: A bubble-ink jet print head includes: a substrate having ink chambers to store ink and resistance heat emitting bodies to heat ink disposed thereover; and an ink supply passage which penetrates the substrate and which is connected with the ink chambers. The ink supply passage includes: a first trench formed at a first surface of the substrate in a first pattern having a separating distance from at least one of inlets of the ink chambers and connecting portions between the adjacent ink chambers, the first surface of the substrate having the ink chambers disposed thereover, and a second trench formed at a second surface of the substrate in a second pattern, having one of an area equal to and an area smaller than that of the first trench in the range of the first pattern of the first trench, and in communication with the first trench.

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber having radially inner and outer source power applicators at a ceiling of the chamber facing the workpiece, the inner and outer source power applicators and the workpiece sharing a common axis of symmetry. The method includes applying RF source power to the source power applicators, and introducing a process gas into the reactor chamber so as to carry out a plasma process on the workpiece characterized by a plasma process parameter, the plasma process parameter having a spatial distribution across the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber having radially inner and outer source power applicators at a ceiling of the chamber facing the workpiece, the inner and outer source power applicators and the workpiece sharing a common axis of symmetry. The method includes applying RF source power to the source power applicator, and introducing a process gas into the reactor chamber so as to carry out a plasma process on the workpiece characterized by a plasma process parameter, the plasma process parameter having a spatial distribution across the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of stripping nickel from a printed wiring board comprises providing a printed wiring board with a nickel deposit on a surface and contacting the nickel deposit with phosphate ions and an oxidizer. An aqueous solution comprises ammonium ions, phosphate ions and an oxidizing agent present in amounts effective to strip nickel. An aqueous solution comprises about 1% to about 10% by weight hydrogen peroxide and about 5% to about 30% by weight of an ammonium phosphate. A method of pre-treating a copper substrate comprises providing a printed wiring board having a copper substrate and contacting the copper substrate with phosphate ions, and an oxidizer. A method of neutralizing permanganate on a printed wiring board comprises providing a printed wiring board with a permanganate residue on the printed wiring board and contacting the permanganate residue with phosphate ions, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: The variability of immersion processes for treatment of semiconductor devices can be significantly lowered by initiating the termination of a treatment process according to a predetermined treatment termination protocol in a manner that takes into account the contribution of, in particular, the treatment that is carried out during the period of time in the treatment process in which the treatment process is being terminated. In a preferred embodiment, conditions that indicate the progress of the treatment on a real time basis are monitored, and the timing of the initiation of the termination process is additionally based on the calculated amount of treatment and treatment rate of the process in progress.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing workpieces with a laser beam include first and second stages for holding the workpieces and first and second laser beam paths. The first workpiece is loaded upon the first stage, aligned with the first laser beam path, and processing begun. While the first workpiece is aligned in relation to the first laser beam path, the second workpiece is prepared in relation to the second laser beam path. Processing of the second workpiece is begun as soon as the laser beam is available for processing.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus (1) and method for marking a road vehicle, which minimises the scale of constructions placed on a factory floor, the apparatus comprises, a marking vehicle (4) comprising a motor for driving the marking vehicle, a laser emitter, a laser beam delivery means (5) for delivering a laser beam from the laser emitter to a selectable position of the vehicle and a marking head (28), contactable with a part of a road vehicle to be marked and configured to direct the laser beam to define a pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the marking vehicle is driven on a floor surface (2) which includes a road vehicle station. A two-dimensional electricity power supply grid (8) is preferably mounted above the vehicle station, the marking vehicle (4) being provided with a contact (7) for contacting the electricity power supply grid (8) and for supplying electrical power obtained from the power supply grid to the marking vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are procedures and arrangements for determining composition of cored welding wire electrodes. A portion of a length of a cored welding wire electrode is detached, to serve as a sample portion. The sample portion is provided to a digestion vessel, where it is digested into a sample solution. The sample solution is provided to an analytical device which analyzes the sample solution to determine the elements and concentrations of elements which comprise the sample solution.

Abstract: A welding-type apparatus and method providing controlled termination of a welding-type process includes monitoring an arc parameter and setting a threshold based on the monitored arc parameter. When the arc parameter achieves the threshold, weld power is gradually reduced until arc termination. The system provides for a controlled arc termination process which is dynamically defined by the characteristics of each welding arc.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device for dispensing a volatile active material that may be direct current (DC) (batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, and the like) powered or chemically powered. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a battery operated insect repellant device that is easily portable and is capable of providing a sufficient vaporous stream of a volatile insecticide and/or other active agent, to protect a user. The battery operated insect repellant device is configured to operate at high efficiency such that a high percentage of battery energy input into the device is converted to heat used to volatilize the insecticide or other active agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warming article comprising a heating element and a sensing system, wherein the sensing system comprises a first sensor element being a temperature dependent variable resistor and a second sensor element being a variable resistor, and wherein the first sensor element is linear and flexible and the second sensor element is used to adjust the total sensor resistance to a fixed value at a particular temperature.

Abstract: The programmable thermally controlled electric heating mattress comprises a conventional mattress, a microprocessor-based electronic controller, and a heating element. The heating element is a removable pad, which fastens onto the top surface or under the upper layer material of the mattress. The location and size of the heating element is such that it covers the lower body (feet and legs) of the user when the user lies down on the mattress. By providing heat to the feet, heat naturally transfers to other parts of the body through blood flow. The design minimizes the health risk, saves energy and cost, and creates a comfortable gradient heat zone to the user. A programmable microprocessor-based electronic controller provides the features of automatically controlling the heating pad temperature and on/off time, as well as monitoring the system safety. In one embodiment, the electronic controller is mounted to the side of the mattress body.

Abstract: A hair setter assembly (4) has a base (5) containing an electric heat element and receptacles for receiving and transferring heat to thermally conductive hair rollers (1). A spring-loaded cord reel (13) is housed inside the assembly (4) so that an electrical cord (9) attached to the assembly may be selective extended from or withdrawn into the assembly (4).

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking apparatus includes a housing having a cooking chamber and a heating unit. The heating unit includes a partition plate detachably installed in the chamber, the partition plate partitioning the chamber into sub-chambers, and a heater configured to heat at least one of the sub-chambers.

Abstract: A hotplate with a stainless steel top plate to support a vessel. The stainless steel top plate has an upper surface with a substantially centrally located depression having a depth and area generally sufficient to absorb upward crowning of the top plate when heated. A heating unit is in a heat transfer relation with the stainless steel top plate, and a base unit is connected to the heating plate assembly; however, the base unit is not fastened directly to the stainless steel top plate, so that the stainless steel top plate can expand more uniformly when heated.

Abstract: A ceramic heater is provided that includes a power terminal for connecting a resistive heating element to a power source. An intermediate layer is disposed on an AlN ceramic substrate proximate the resistive heating element. The power terminal is bonded to the intermediate layer by an active brazing material. The intermediate layer is formed of Mo/AlN or W/AlN and has a coefficient of thermal expansion between that of the active brazing material and that of the AlN ceramic substrate so that thermal stress generated in the ceramic substrate can be reduced.

Abstract: A heater plate may be manufactured by receiving a sheath heater within a groove portion formed in a base member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. At least one joint member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy may be placed into the groove portion so as to fix the sheath heater in the groove portion. The joint member may have two correspondingly tapered portions facing each other which extend toward a lower end thereof such that a distance between the two tapered portions becomes narrower and a width of a surface portion contacting with the sheath heater in the joint member is larger than a width of the sheath heater. The base member and the joint member may be metal-bonded such that a force is added from an upper surface of the base member toward the sheath heater direction, wit the sheath heater fixed in place therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warming article comprising a heating element and a sensing system, wherein the sensing system comprises a first sensor element being a temperature dependent variable resistor and a second sensor element comprising at least two resistors in series and corresponding jumpers for one or more resistors in the second sensor element, and wherein the first sensor element is linear and flexible and the second sensor element is used to adjust the total sensor resistance to a fixed value at a particular temperature.

Abstract: A probe comprises a small “consumable” probe substrate permanently mounted to a circuit-under-test. The probe substrate includes a high-fidelity signal pathway, which is inserted into a conductor of the circuit-under-test, and a high-bandwidth sensing circuit which senses the signal-under-test as it propagates along the signal pathway. The probe substrate further includes a probe socket for receiving a detachable interconnect to a measurement instrument. Power is alternatively supplied to the probe by the circuit-under-test or the interconnect. When the interconnect is attached, control signals from the measurement instrument are supplied to the sensing circuit and the output of the sensing circuit is supplied to the measurement instrument. In one embodiment, the sensing circuit uses high-breakdown transistors in order to avoid the use of passive attenuation. In a further embodiment, the sensing circuit includes broadband directional sensing circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention makes a proposal of a heating component for a pipe joint which can be easily mounted on a pipe joint and also can stabilize the assembly quality to the pipe joint. The heating component for a pipe joint is characterized in that the heating component for a pipe joint has partially thereon fitting portions each having an inner face shape fitted with a part of an outer shape of the pipe joint, and also, a holding recess portion for holding therein a heating wire is formed on an inner face portion other than the fitting portions; when the heating wire is held in the holding recess portion, and then, the heating component for piping joint is mounted to the joint by fitting the fitting portions with the parts of the outer shape of the joint, the heating wire held in the holding recess portion comes in contact with the pipe joint.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric heating element with at least one flat heating resistor to be arranged near a surface to be heated, and at least one electrode that serves to feed a current into the heating resistor and features at least two contact conductor strands that are, at least locally, connected to one another and to the heating resistor, at least in an elongated contacting region. The invention proposes that at least at one location along the electrode and/or the contacting region at which at least one of the contact conductor strands, at least locally, extends parallel to the direction of the electrode, and/or the contacting region, at least one additional contact conductor strand, at least locally, extends at an angle thereto.

Abstract: A temperature controlled heatable object is provided in which a temperature sensor is connected to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is located within the handle of the object, and the temperature sensor is placed in contact with the object. In a first embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is partially imbedded within the object via a notch located in the side of the object. In a second embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is imbedded within a tunnel drilled within the base of the object. In a third embodiment, a temperature sensor is imbedded between the bottom of the object and a slab attached to the bottom of the object. The sensor can be located in a slot formed in either the slab or the bottom or the object. Handles and receivers for mounting the handles to the temperature controllable objects are also provided.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for removing volatiles from a saturated adsorbent is provided. The heating apparatus can include a vessel including a first end and a second end. The vessel can be adapted to receive the saturated adsorbent. The heating apparatus can also include a channel in communication with the first end of the vessel and a radiation source that provides energy to heat the vessel. The heating apparatus can further comprise a lateral waveguide coupled to the radiation source and disposed within the channel to transmit the energy from the radiation source to the vessel to heat the saturated adsorbent disposed within the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of flexible films to form an openable sealing means on packages. In particular, the invention relates to the application of flexible films to form an openable sealing means on packages for containing food that are intended to be being heated by microwave ovens. The current invention is a simpler and a more convenient solution to contain the food by packaging that will enable the food to be heated without the need of puncturing the packaging prior to heating.

Abstract: A cargo container assembly includes a main container and an extension container which can be attached to an upper portion of the main container. The extension container may be attached to the main container via a locking mechanism or cables attached to or integral with the main container or the extension container. During ground shipping, the extension container and the main container may be separated from each other so that they may stay within ground transport height limitations. An optional transportation pallet, onto which one or more extension containers may be stacked and secured, may be included for ground transportation. During air shipping, an extension container and a main container may be attached to each other to maximize use of the available cargo space in an aircraft.

Abstract: A lightweight horizontal dispensing container comprising a pallet base, a pallet cover and opposed side walls of plastic material extending between the pallet base and the pallet cover may be stacked on top of similar pallet covers or below similar pallet bases. Opposed rectangular frames are secured to the sleeve and define openings on opposed sides of the horizontal dispensing container. Dunnage provides horizontal access to parts inside the container. This container enables a horizontal dispensing container to be stacked above or below conventional pallet loads.

Abstract: A seal member internally seals a depressurized chamber constructed by joining a plurality of plates. The seal member includes a linear portion for sealing a linear joint of the depressurized chamber and a loop portion for sealing around a corner of the depressurized chamber by being pressed against internal walls of the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is arranged to enclose the corner of the depressurized chamber. The loop portion is fixed by using a support block held at the corner and a corner pressing member joined to the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is secured between a support surface of the support block and the corner pressing member.

Abstract: A collapsible container has a longitudinal axis with a top frame and a bottom frame connected by a spiral frame where the frames encircle the axis. The spiral frame is collapsible along the axis and the container has a web of flexible material supported by the frame. A first stiffener has opposing ends fastened to the container along a length of the frame that curves outward around the longitudinal axis. The stiffener has a first curved position extending adjacent the frame and a second position curved in an opposite direction to define an opening to a compartment between the frame and the stiffener. The compartment has a sidewall formed by a sheet of material fastened to the stiffener and the web of material supported by the frame. A plurality of these compartments can be provided, with the stiffener holding the entrance to the compartment open or closed.

Abstract: A cover for sealing a container and preferably containers for a well plate. The cover is comprised of at least a top layer and a bottom layer structured in a way to form a recloseable aperture. Preferably, each of the layers comprise a recloseable aperture structured as flap, damper, baffle or butterfly valve respectively, wherein the recloseable apertures are arranged on top of each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a third movable layer is arranged between the top and the bottom layer. By moving the middle layer, the aperture in the cover can be closed.

Abstract: An automatic solid surface access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a direct current motor which in turn moves a drive arm to open the cover to permit refuse to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Use of a drive arm in combination with a reducer and counterweight provides for a more efficient and durable apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage can sealing machine engineered to reseal the drinking hole of a beverage can with means of stopping the leakage of liquid and emission of carbon gas. The device has a main inflexible body 10 with a bonded flexible plate 12 lining its bottom surface with means of conforming to the top surface of a can. The inflexible body 10 has two bores through its top surface. A modified metallic rod 2 is bent in a “U” form to accommodate these bores with its end portion accommodating the bore 24 near the main body's rear and its' threaded portion going through the bore 24 near the front of the main body 10 then descending below the bottom surface of the flexible plate 12 to be connected to a pivotal beam, which is configured to engage the ceiling of a beverage can. Between the pivotal beam and flexible plate 12 is a sealing system aiding in the sealing process.

Abstract: A thin wall metal beverage can is described having a converging shoulder portion merging into a neck portion, the top edge of which is folded to form a flange providing an annular abutment and with a threaded sleeve sliding into the neck portion, the sleeve having an annular rib or catch which snaps over the flange abutment holding the sleeve and can neck portion against relative axial movement.

Abstract: Metallic containers with high toughness characteristics are utilized to cryopreserve blood products and more particularly neonatal stem and progenitor cells at cryogenic temperatures. Metallic containers with high toughness and strength characteristics are durable at low temperatures and are capable to endure high stresses and impacts at ?196° C. These containers are better fit to preserve blood products without compromising their sterility or their medical integrity. Methods for fabricating metallic containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ventilated storage box includes a peripheral wall defining a storage space and having ventilation openings extending therethrough and a ventilation insert insertable in the storage space. The ventilation insert has walls defining at least one ventilation channel with at least one port in periphery of the ventilation insert. At least one of the at least one ventilation port is in register and in fluid communication with at least one of the ventilation openings of the peripheral wall when the ventilation insert is inserted in the storage box and defining therewith an unobstructed ventilation path in the storage space of the storage box.

Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a portable caddy for care items is disclosed. The caddy has a container lined with a removable flexible liner. The flexible liner contains a compartment that is sufficiently sturdy to hold and center for balance a wet wipes box in place, allowing a caregiver to open it easily. The liner also can have other compartments of various sizes and can have a plurality of pockets along the sides of the liner to keep organized a variety of care items. The liner can be removed from the container and either washed or wiped clean.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical vessel comprising a cylindrical outer shell (12) and a cylindrical inner shell (14) joined by annular end caps (16), wherein at least one of: an end cap, or the cylindrical outer shell (12), or the cylindrical inner shell (14), is provided with an arrangement of recesses or protrusions (18). Preferably, the arrangement of recesses or protrusions is asymmetrical in all axes.

Abstract: An hydrogen tank filling apparatus includes a first hydrogen supply pipe for supplying hydrogen substantially at an atmospheric temperature from a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank to a hydrogen tank, a second hydrogen supply pipe for supplying cooled hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank to the hydrogen tank, and an internal tank temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature inside the hydrogen tank. The first hydrogen supply pipe and the second hydrogen supply pipe are selectively switched by a control unit, depending on changes in the temperature inside the hydrogen tank.

Abstract: There is provided a double rib overcap with a plug for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes two inside surfaces axially separated a rib. The container opening is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. The two inside surfaces of the skirt are dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim when the overcap is connected to the container when the membrane is either attached or removed. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring radially inward of the skirt that is axially positioned to engage the top surface of the membrane when the membrane is attached to the container and is diametrically dimensioned to engage an inner wall of the container when the membrane is removed from the container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a container with an overpressure safety device comprises a wall having a depression in at least a portion of the wall that expands when the pressure inside the container exceeds a predetermined level. The container further comprises a clamp bridging over the depression and restraining the angular expansion of the depression, while at the same time enabling the depression to expand radially. As a consequence, the outer dimensions of the container remain essentially constant when the pressure inside the container exceeds the predetermined level. The container may be tubular in shape and the depression may be shaped like a groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, while the clamp may be shaped like a bar affixed to the outer wall of the container in two or more points spaced angularly on opposite sides of the depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging insert that comprises a chamber that can be filled with an adsorbent. When the insert is positioned within a closed bottle, the adsorbent can entrap any moisture or gases generally targeted by the adsorbent selected. The insert is designed such that the container can be induction sealed with the insert positioned within the neck of the container.

Abstract: A pouch and a production method for a spout pouch container are provided, which suppress curling of an opened spout attachment edge portion and offset of a filling port defining edge portion adjacent to the spout attachment edge portion when a spout is heat-sealed to the spout attachment edge portion. The pouch (10) is of a bottom gusset type, which includes a pair of front and rear exterior sheets (11, 12) and a gusset sheet (13) folded inward from lower portions of the exterior sheets (11, 12) to define a bottom gusset portion.

Abstract: A drinking glass has a cup and a base that are releasably coupled to a rod. A plurality of beads are placed on the rod and held between the cup and the base. The beads that are mounted on the rod may be different colors and shapes. By mixing the beads, different patterns are formed on the stem which may be purely ornamental or used for identification purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for an insulating, adjustable, and reversible cup or container holder. The holder includes a flexible body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The top edge has a greater circumferential length than the circumferential length of the bottom edge, which gives the flexible body a bowed or angled body shape. The first side edge and the second side edge engage together, so that the flexible body forms a conical configuration around the container. A fastener between the first and second side edges provides a secure connection between the first and second side edges, so that the flexible body forms the conical configuration by surrounding the circumference of the container. The fastener provides adjustability in the conical configuration of the flexible body and the flexible body is reversible. The present invention provides insulation, adjustability, and reversibility for a universal container holder.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument comprises a housing, a sensor pack, a sensor, and a knife blade assembly. The sensor pack is disposed within the housing and has a sensor cavity and a protective covering. The sensor is disposed within the sensor cavity. The knife blade assembly is operably disposed within the housing and has a serrated edge for cutting the protective covering.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has one or more chambers for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each chamber and is selectively operable to dispense an incremental number of pills from each respective chamber. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means and is programmably operable by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or various networks such as one having access to data from a pharmacy. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each chamber. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to dispense pills at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for dispensing vertically configured wipes, which provides improved sequential dispensing of the contained wipes while permitting enhanced accessibility to the wipes within the container.

Abstract: A device provides for displaying and dispensing retail articles. The device includes a plurality of product support modules that are detachably coupled to one another. Each support module includes a bottom mating portion and a top mating portion, each of which may be operatively coupled to a top mating portion and a bottom mating portion of another support module, respectively. Each support module also include sidewalls that may be operatively coupled to sidewalls of another support module. All of the product support modules of the present invention have a substantially similar profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vending machine comprising a plurality of merchandise compartments (10) arranged one above the other, a dispensing means (18, 102) for each merchandise compartment (10), which, when activated, dispenses an item of merchandise from the merchandise compartment (10), at least one transport mechanism (20) that can be driven by drive means (26, 28, 30, 32, 103) and which transports the items of merchandise dispensed by the dispensing means (18) to a removal position by means of a removal tray (22). The vending machine has an electronic control and memory unit (101) for controlling the transport mechanism (20) in order to move the removal tray (22) to a desired position in front of the respective activated merchandise compartment (10) to receive an item of merchandise, and subsequently into the merchandise dispensing region (6) and the removal position for removal of the item of merchandise.

Abstract: A disposable liquid build material feed cartridge for use in a solid imaging apparatus and a method of dispensing build material for use in such an apparatus with a radiation transparent build material carrier. The disposable liquid build material feed cartridge recovers unused liquid material from the radiation transparent build material carrier and recycles it through a filter into a supply reservoir for reuse. A dispersing roller is employed to express any entrapping air bubbles in the solidifiable liquid build material that is dispensed onto the radiation transparent build material carrier prior to its being imaged.