Abstract: Under the condition that the height is fixed at a target height by turning off a feedback control system of a Z piezoelectric actuator of a cantilever of an atomic force microscope having a probe, which is harder than a processed material, flexure and twisting of the cantilever when carrying out mechanical processing while selectively repeating scanning only on the processed area (in the case of detecting flexure, parallel with the cantilever and in the case of detecting twisting, vertical with the cantilever) is monitored by a quadrant photodiode position sensing detector and the processing is repeated till a flexure amount or a twisting amount, namely, till an elastic deformation amount of the cantilever becomes not more than a determined threshold. It is not necessary to carry out scanning of the observation in obtaining the height information for detection of an end point, so that it is possible to improve a throughput of processing.

Abstract: A copper conducting wire structure is for use in the thin-film-transistor liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The copper conducting wire structure includes at least a buffer layer and a copper layer. A fabricating method of the copper conducting wire structure includes the following steps. At first, a glass substrate is provided. Next, the buffer layer is formed on the glass substrate. The buffer layer is comprised of a copper nitride. At last, the copper layer is formed on the buffer layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation sensitive compound comprising a surface binding group proximate to one end of the compound for attachment to a substrate, and a metal binding group proximate to an opposite end of the compound. The metal binding group is not radiation sensitive. The radiation sensitive compound also includes a body portion disposed between the surface binding group and the metal binding group, and a radiation sensitive group positioned in the body portion or adjacent to the metal binding group. The surface binding group is capable of attaching to a substrate selected from a metal, a metal oxide, or a semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method of imaging and identifying materials on and below the surface of a structure is described. The method may be used in areas as small as one micron in diameter, and may remove a thin portion of the topmost material, repeating the analysis, until a desired depth is obtained. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, is directed at a selected surface location. The surface has an added layer of a solid, fluid or gaseous reactive material, such as a directed stream of a fluorocarbon, and the energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region of the beam into radicals that chemically attack the surface. The reaction products from the radical attack on the surface are pumped away from the surface and analyzed using various methods, such as optical emission, infrared, atomic absorption, or Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a silicon nozzle plate, having; a film forming process to provide the film representing an etching mask for etching the silicon substrate on a surface of the silicon substrate; a pattern film forming to form a pattern film by partially removing the film based on a nozzle hole forming patter and an outer shape forming pattern; a silicon substrate etching process to form nozzle holes based on the nozzle hole forming pattern representing the etching mask, and to form a half etching portion at least in a part of the silicon substrate based on the outer shape forming patter; and a silicon substrate separating process to separate the silicon substrate by splitting along the half etching portion.

Abstract: A composition comprising a solution of potassium monopersulfate having an active oxygen content of from about 3.4% to about 6.8% and a process for its preparation including neutralization with an alkaline material is disclosed.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon etching method includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate having at least one trench therein. The substrate is exposed to a buffered fluoride etch solution which undercuts the silicon to provide lateral shelves when patterned in the <100> direction. The resulting structure includes an undercut feature when patterned in the <100> direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a cyanide-free chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition useful for polishing a gold-containing surface of a substrate. The CMP composition comprises an abrasive, a gold-oxidizing agent, a cyanide-free gold-solubilizing agent, and an aqueous carrier therefor. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a gold-containing surface of a substrate with the aforementioned polishing composition.

Abstract: An etching composition which comprises at least one organic carboxylic acid compound selected from acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, aconitic acid, 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid and ammonium salts of these acids, a polysulfonic acid compound and water, and an etching process which comprises etching a conductive film comprising zinc oxide as the main component using the etching composition described above.

Abstract: A nozzle for a medium or high voltage gas switching device of the type having at least a couple of separable arc contacts (1, 2), comprising a hollow shaped body (100) suitable to be positioned inside the device around the zone (20) where electric arcs form between said arc contacts (1, 2) during switching operations, characterized in that said hollow shaped body (100) has a first portion (101) electrically conductive and a second portion (102) made of electrically insulating material which surrounds at least partially said first portion (101).

Abstract: A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.

Abstract: A connector system for a high voltage vacuum switch which includes: a voltage source connector; a load connector; a first contact in a vacuum bottle; and a second contact connected in series with the first contact, wherein the second contact is external to the vacuum bottle. The voltage source is connected to the load through the first and second contacts and the second contact includes a first separable interface, a second separable interface and a conducting pin. When the conducting pin is removed, an insulating pin can be inserted in its place. In preferred embodiments, the connector system includes a housing and a sight glass which extends through the housing for viewing the conducting pin. The connector system can also include a first and second connectors for the first and second separable interfaces, which are used for test connections and/or grounding connections.

Abstract: Guide device for use in the processing, in particular welding, of curved surfaces, in particular pipe surfaces, comprising a flexible elongate body provided with a guide for processing means; tensioning means for tensioning the flexible body around the curved surface; wherein the flexible body is provided along its length with indicators arranged according to a determined pattern, this pattern being such that a determined position along the flexible body can be inferred on the basis of the detection of the indicators.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machine capable of maintaining machining-fluid temperature in a machining tank uniformly, even when the state of machining changes, for example between rough machining and finish machining. A first temperature sensor for detecting the machining-fluid temperature in a clean-fluid tank is provided to the clean-fluid tank or a machining-fluid cooling device. A second temperature sensor for detecting the machining-fluid temperature in the machining tank is provided. On the basis of machining conditions, etc., a controller of the wire electric discharge machine selects the second temperature sensor in machining producing much heat such as rough machining, and selects the first temperature sensor in machining producing little heat such as finish machining. The machining-fluid cooling device performs cooling control on the machining fluid in the clean-fluid tank based on the temperature detected by the selected temperature sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method performing a sequence of processing steps on a load supported by a processing plate. The load can include a single sheet on which a plurality of applications are performed or can include a plurality of panels on which respective applications are performed. For each application, at least one coarse target and at least one panel target are used to adjust the programmed coordinates for that application. After the first application of the load is processed using the coarse and panel targets, coarse and panel targets are located for the second application. Using the alignment provided by these targets, the second application is processed. Each subsequent application is similarly aligned and processed.

Abstract: A system for encoding information on a movable object including a laser optically coupled to a moveable object, wherein the moveable object includes a circumferential surface and a longitudinal axis. The laser is configured to project concentrated electromagnetic radiation onto the moveable object. The concentrated electromagnetic radiation heats a portion of the surface of the moveable object affected by the radiation so as to anneal the portion of the surface affected by the radiation, thereby modifying the reflective characteristics of the annealed portion. The system also includes a mounting apparatus configured to adaptively position the moveable object relative to the laser. The system further includes a controller in communication with the laser and the mounting apparatus and configured to control one or more of the mounting apparatus and the laser to project a desired encoding pattern onto the moveable object.

Abstract: A thin beam laser crystallization apparatus for selectively melting a film deposited on a substrate is disclosed having a laser source producing a pulsed laser output beam, the source having an oscillator comprising a convex reflector and a plano output coupler; and an optical arrangement focusing the beam in a first axis and spatially expanding the beam in a second axis to produce a line beam for interaction with the film.

Abstract: A laser device (6) and a corresponding operating method are provided. The laser device (6) is provided with a laser tool (7) including a laser lens system (13) with focussing and collimating lenses and, optionally, a divergent lens (35) and a connector (19) for an optical fiber (11) with a fiber decoupling point (12). The focal length (Ff) of the focussing lens (14) is altered by adjusting the optical separation (b) of the fibre decoupling point (12) from the collimating lens (15) by means of an adjuster device (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for generating a jet of fluid which is suitable, in the manner of a waveguide, to carry a laser beam injected into it and which is used to process a work piece. Said device comprises a fluid nozzle for generating a jet of fluid and a gas outlet nozzle, disposed at a distance from the fluid nozzle and producing a flow of gas enclosing the jet of fluid on the exterior thereof. A gas storage is defined between the fluid nozzle and the gas outlet nozzle. The jet of fluid is passed or ejected through the gas outlet nozzle. The jet of fluid has a diameter of preferably 60 m or less and the flow of gas has a diameter of 1-2 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of comparing two or more welding flux systems to determine which flux system results in the smallest incidence of undercut about a weld bead in an inner diameter of a pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.

Abstract: A welding device (66) in which a movable electrode (6) is attached to moving drive means (68), the movable electrode (6) and a fixed electrode (8) forming a pair, and a part feeding device (82, 8) for feeding a part (10) to a target position by a feeding rod (2, 87) moving forward and backward are integrated through a coupling member (79, 91, 90, 94), so that an end position of the feeding rod (2, 87) moved forward and an end portion of the movable electrode 6 are in a predetermined relative positional relation. Therefore, it is possible to precisely obtain the relative position between the electrode of the welding device and an end portion of the feeding rod of the part feeding device moved forward.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes a combustion chamber and a radiation source configured to heat particles in an exhaust stream as the stream passes through the chamber. Once the particles are brought to an ignition temperature and begin to burn, the reaction within the chamber can become self-sustaining. The radiation source can comprise a resistive heating element, an infrared emitter, or a microwave emitter. The radiation source may radiate into the chamber through a radiation transparent window. The chamber may have a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis that is parabolic or partially parabolic. The exhaust system can also comprise a heat exchanger to pre-heat the exhaust before entering the chamber. Embodiments of the system can be configured to additionally perform as a catalytic converter and/or a muffler.

Abstract: An electrically heated window glass is provided, in which an electric power load may be suppressed by causing a consumed electric power for energizing a heater to be variable depending on the purpose of heating. The electrically heated window glass in accordance with the present invention comprises two glass panels laminated to each other; a plurality of heaters sandwiched between the two glass panels for heating the glass panels, the heaters being positioned in such a manner that the heaters divide the surface of the laminated glass panels into plural parts; a plurality bus bars each provided at the end portions of each of the plurality of heaters for feeding thereto; and a changeover means for switching the connection between selected one of the plurality of bus bars and a DC power supply to heat the plurality of heaters in a series connected manner or parallel connected manner.

Abstract: A flexible garment system which is capable of emitting heat when an electrical current is applied, comprising an electrically insulating fibre rich base structure (4) incorporating an electrically and thermally conductive area (1) and at least two power supply lines (2). The heating element consists of a woven, knitted or non-woven fabric (1) containing fibres that are both electrically and thermally conductive. Two or more fabric-based power supply lines (2) are incorporated to supply the panel with electric current, which are connected to the power supply via suitable electrically conductive fasteners (3).

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes a heater housing with strain relief features for wires associated with electronic components, such as a thermistor and/or thermal cut-off (TCO) device, coupled to a heating element. The heater assembly may be used in a fixing device or fuser in an image forming apparatus including, but not limited to, printers, copiers, faxes, multifunctional devices or all-in-one devices.

Abstract: A hair dryer has a casing, a switch, a blower, a mounting cylinder and multiple heating coils. The casing is hollow and has at least one air inlet and an air outlet. The switch is mounted on the casing. The blower is mounted in the casing and connects to the switch. The mounting cylinder is heat-resistant and insulating and is mounted in the casing. The heating coils are mounted around the mounting cylinder, are arranged abreast without any overlapping or interleaved parts and connect to the switch. At least one of the heating coils is wrapped in a clockwise direction and remains of the heating coils are wrapped in a counterclockwise direction. When the hair dryer turns on, the heating coils are electrified and currents on the heating coils are in a same direction to generate opposite magnetic forces canceling out each other.

Abstract: A curling iron for styling and curling the hair of infants and small children includes a heat-dispensing barrel mounted to a handle powered by rechargeable batteries or from a standard electrical outlet. The barrel surface includes heat-dispensing apertures and enclosed within the barrel is a motor, a heat bulb, a mini fan, and a gear mechanism for rotating a barrette holder rotator. A barrette hair clip is mountable to the barrette holder rotator adjacent the annular surface of the barrel and at one of three levels, and a control switch is set at the level corresponding to the position of the barrette hair clip for rotating the barrette hair clip and with the hair of the individual secured thereto about the barrel in a helical manner for heating and styling the individual's hair.

Abstract: A novel system for storing, organizing and safe-keeping of curling irons and other hair-styling accessories. The system offers unfettered access to these instruments when styling the hair, while providing neat and organized storage when not in use. It can safely store hot irons after use without waiting for the irons to cool down.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided according to one aspect of the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container sized to be carried during a food delivery. The container defines an interior area and an opening to the interior area. The delivery apparatus further includes an electrical device configured to change the temperature of the interior area relative to an ambient temperature. The electrical device is positioned within the interior area of the container. The electrical device is powered by a power source remote from the container. The electrical device is configured to remain with the container during a food delivery, and is transportable. The delivery apparatus further includes a connection apparatus residing within the delivery apparatus. The connection apparatus includes a retractable connection pad electrically connected to the electrical device. The pad is movable between a retracted position and an exposed position, and is biased in the retracted position by a biasing member.

Abstract: A simple tool for compressing a safety interlock switch comprising a first portion and a second portion, and a magnet connected to the first portion, allowing the magnet to fixedly contact or stick to the metal box of the HVAC unit, compressing the safety interlock switch with the second portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.

Abstract: The invention refers to an electric heater for a clothes dryer, said heater comprising at least one heating wire, a ring shaped support structure carrying the at least one heating wire. The at least one heating wire is a flat wire bent into loops.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a heating structure including a sub-mount for mounting an LED chip thereon, a first solder layer for bringing the LED chip and the sub-mount into junction and a heat releasing structure including a first metal layer and a graphite layer stacked onto the first metal layer, wherein the heating structure is mounted on the graphite layer side of the heat releasing structure. The electronic device includes a second metal layer being present on a plane in the graphite layer opposite to a plane where the first metal layer is stacked; and the second metal layer and the sub-mount are brought into junction with a second solder layer so that the heating structure and the heat releasing structure are thereby brought into junction.

Abstract: A layered heater is provided with a dielectric layer formed by a first layered process, a resistive layer formed on the dielectric layer, the resistive layer formed by a second layered process, and a protective layer formed on the resistive layer, wherein the protective layer is formed by one of the first or second layered processes or yet another layered process. The first layered process is different than the second layered process in order to take advantage of the unique processing benefits of each of the first and second layered processes for a synergistic result The layered processes include, by way of example, thick film, thin film, thermal spraying, and sol-gel Additional functional layers are also provided by the present invention, along with methods of forming each of the individual layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating element (20), in particular for heating user contact surfaces of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one heating area (100) wherein at least one electric conductor strand (1), which is used to heat, is arranged, at least one additional conductor strand (2) which is used to feed electric energy into at least one conductor strand (1) which is used to heat the heating area (100), at least one contact area (200) wherein the conductor strand (2), which is used to feed electric energy, is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the at least one conductor strand (1) which is used to heat the heating area (100). According to the invention, at least one additional conductor (3) which forms at least one part of an electrically bridging line which bridges the failure point on a failure point during local failures of at least one of the conductor strands (1, 2), is provided.

Abstract: An induction heating device for a glass ceramic hob or cooktop is embodied as an autonomous component. Said induction heating device comprises a bearing device which, in addition to the induction coil, supports a component support comprising power electronics and control electronics. Only the control connections for the control signals in relation to the power of a line and a direct connection to the household power are provided on said induction heating device. The control electronics ensure the power of a line to the power electronics. Advantageously, said induction heating devices have external dimensions which are the same as traditional radiant heating bodies and thus can easily be used in lieu of said traditional radiant heating bodies when constructing said hob.

Abstract: An induction heating cooker has a top plate, a heating coil, an inverter circuit, a pot type discriminator, a non-magnetic-metal buoyancy reducing plate having a high electrical conductivity, an infrared sensor, a temperature calculator, and a controller. The pot type discriminator judges whether a pot is made of a non-magnetic metal material having a high electrical conductivity, or a magnetic metal material or a non-magnetic metal lower in electrical conductivity than aluminum. The temperature calculator calculates the temperature of the pot from an output from the infrared sensor that detects infrared radiation from the pot. The controller controls an output from the inverter circuit according to a calculated temperature by the temperature calculator, and, when the pot is judged to be made of a non-magnetic metal material by the pot type discriminator, nullifies temperature detection made by the temperature calculator.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic head where a heater is reliably incorporated into the magnetic head and the fly height of the magnetic head above a medium surface can be reliably controlled using thermal expansion due to heat from the heater. A method of manufacturing the magnetic head is also provided.

Abstract: A combination oven that is operable with convection air, impingement air and microwave energy in various combinations thereof. The oven has an oven chamber and a fan box that are located front to back. A fan in the fan box circulates heated air by discharging via openings in a top and a bottom and taking in via an intermediate opening of a baffle plate. Impingement plates are easily installed and removed in the oven chamber to provide impingement air upwardly or downwardly. At least one of the impingement plates is installed and removed by a sliding motion. Microwave energy is provided through the side walls of the oven chamber. Intake ports for cooling air are located in a bevel between the side walls and bottom wall of the oven's outer enclosure so as to allow the oven to be located right next to other structures, such as a wall. An interlock assembly is also provided for the oven door.

Abstract: A combination oven that is operable with convection air, impingement air and microwave energy in various combinations thereof. The oven has an oven chamber and a fan box that are located front to back. A fan in the fan box circulates heated air by discharging via openings in a top and a bottom and taking in via an intermediate opening of a baffle plate. Impingement plates are easily installed and removed in the oven chamber to provide impingement air upwardly or downwardly. At least one of the impingement plates is installed and removed by a sliding motion. Microwave energy is provided through the side walls of the oven chamber. Intake ports for cooling air are located in a bevel between the side walls and bottom wall of the oven's outer enclosure so as to allow the oven to be located right next to other structures, such as a wall. An interlock assembly is also provided for the oven door.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for detecting a presence of metal objects placed in a microwave cooking unit. A metal detection unit is activated to scan for the presence of a metal object placed into a cooking area of the microwave cooking unit. In response to receiving an indicator of the presence of a metal object from the metal detection unit, the process generates an alert indicating the presence of the metal object.

Abstract: The present invention is a microwavable pressure cooking container assembly and method using a flexible film vessel capable of holding a quantity of liquid and a food. A sealing device is at an upper portion of the vessel for sealing the vessel. An aperture is formed in an upper portion of the vessel which restricts release of steam from the vessel, so as to cause an increase in pressure and heat within the vessel to a level of pressure and heat which does not adversely affect the flexible film vessel, yet increases speed of cooking the food.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell comprises a fuel tank, an outlet and an electric unit. The fuel tank includes a sealed space constructed by a hollow case. The outlet is disposed on the case of the fuel tank, and fuel inside the fuel tank flows out from the outlet. The electric unit includes an electrical I/O interface and at least an electric component, and the electrical I/O interface is connected to the electric components.

Abstract: A collapsible container movable between an erect position and a collapsed position includes a bottom having a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls pivotally connected thereto. The top ring extends around a top edge of the container and a lid is mounted on the top ring to form a cover for the container. One end of the lid, the top of an associated end wall and an associated end bar of the top ring each contain through holes therein which are aligned with each other to receive removable locking means therein to lock the container in an erect position.

Abstract: A transportable all-terrain berm for collecting and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side wall sections include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of brace members arranged in vertical positions about the flooring and adjacent the end and side wall sections. Each brace member includes a hook adjacent its upper edge. Also, stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces and about the berm. The retaining members are engaged over the brace members and with the hooks while the support members are engaged with the stabilizer members holding the end and side wall sections in elevated positions forming the containment area.

Abstract: A system including transportable all-terrain berm for receiving and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side walls include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of A-frame braces arranged in vertical positions about the flooring for supporting the end and side wall sections. Stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces. The retaining and support members are engaged with the brace members and the stabilizer members holding the end and side walls in generally elevated positions and in engagement with the braces forming the containment area. A bladder for containing and dispensing fluid may be located in the containment area, in which case the berm protects against bladder spillage while providing structural support.

Abstract: A spatial molded object includes an inner spatial member having a chamber formed or defined by an outer peripheral wall which includes an outer peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral member having an outer pattern and having one or more openings, the inner spatial member is molded in an inner portion of the outer peripheral member with a material, and the material is filled into the openings of the outer peripheral member for forming one or more spatial patterns on the outer peripheral surface of the inner spatial member and for allowing the outer peripheral member and the inner spatial member to be solidly secured together.