Abstract: Method for controlling an air purifier by using biorhythm including a first step of calculating total number of days (Delta_Time) a person in a room has lived by using the present year/month/date provided thereto or known through an inner counter, and birth year/month/date of the person in the room provided thereto, a second step of representing a physical rhythm state P_state, an esthetic state E_state, and an intellectual state I_state of the person in the room with the Delta_Time, numerically, a third step of setting a physical weight P-weight, an esthetic weight E, and an intellectual weight in correspondence to the P_state, E_state, and I_state, and a fourth step of controlling operation of the air purifier taking at least one of the P_weight, E_weight, and I_weight into account, whereby operating the purifier according to the biorhythm of the person in the room.

Abstract: Improvements in aircraft on-board inert gas generating systems wherein generally excess or surplus compressed airflow from a radial flow centrifugal compressor, produced in order to keep the compressor from surging in predetermined “reduced speed/reduced pressure ratio” operating modes, is utilized for at least one of driving a turbofan for conditioning the air separator module inlet air, or warming up/heating an air separator module in the inert gas generating system, thereby utilizing at least some of the energy of this excess/surplus compressed air that would otherwise be wasted. Several preferential operational methods and structural systems are set forth.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components is disclosed. The membrane comprises a continuous phase polymer with inorganic porous particles, preferably molecular sieves, interspersed in the polymer. The polymer has a CO2/CH4 selectivity of at least 20 and the porous particles have a mesoporosity of at least 0.1 cc STP/g. The mixed matrix membrane exhibits an increase in permeability of least 30% with any decrease in selectivity being no more than 10% relative to a membrane made of the neat polymer. The porous particles may include, but are not limited to, molecular sieves such as CVX-7 and SSZ-13, and/or other molecular sieves having the required mesoporosity. A method for making the mixed matrix membrane is also described. Further, a method is disclosed for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components using the mixed matrix membrane with mesoporous particles.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a corona ground element of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The retainer includes a body and a retainer aperture extending at least partially through the body and adapted to receive a projection extending from the corona ground element. The retainer aperture is configured to receive the projection as a press fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional preconcentrator and inlet heater. The preconcentrator consists of a substrate with passageways, a conductive material coated to the top and the bottom of the substrate and an adsorbent coating covering the entire substrate. This substrate is suspended in a holding frame by a connecting bridge. The preconcentrator may also include a resistor and a proportional-integral-differential controller. The device may be used inline with a detector and can be retrofitted to existing devices. An array of preconcentrators may also be formed. The invention also relates to methods of use of the preconcentrator and methods of manufacture. A method of use includes contacting an analyte and a preconcentrator, allowing the analyte to adsorb to the preconcentrator and then desorbing the analyte. A method of manufacture involves applying the adsorbent coating by misted chemical deposition.

Abstract: A method, and systems for implementing such method, for purifying and conditioning air of weaponized contaminants. The method includes wetting a filter packing media with a salt-based liquid desiccant, such as water with a high concentration of lithium chloride. Air is passed through the wetted filter packing media and the contaminants in are captured with the liquid desiccant while the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air. The captured contaminants are then deactivated in the liquid desiccant, which may include heating the liquid desiccant. The liquid desiccant is regenerated by applying heat to the liquid desiccant and then removing moisture. The method includes repeating the wetting with the regenerated liquid desiccant which provides a regenerable filtering process that captures and deactivates contaminants on an ongoing basis while also conditioning the air. The method may include filtration effectiveness enhancement by electrostatic or inertial means.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a gas mixture which contains H2, H2S and possibly of other impurities, such as hydrocarbons. The treatment method is aimed at purifying the hydrogen mixture without incurring a overall pressure loss. The method according to the invention uses a device for pressure swing adsorption where the device includes an integrated compressor. In each adsorber of the device a pressure swing cycle is carried out which includes the steps of: adsorption, decompression, purge, and repressurization.

Abstract: Biogas released from landfills and sewage treatment plants is freed of siloxane contaminants by passing the biogas through a bed containing activated alumina, which absorbs the siloxanes. When the activated alumina becomes saturated with siloxanes, the absorption capability of the activated alumina can be recovered by passing a regeneration gas through the bed of activated alumina. A system containing two or more beds of activated alumina can use one bed to remove siloxanes from biogas while one or more of the other beds are being regenerated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for efficiently venting impurities from a heat recovery steam generator system by concentrating the impurities in a condensing deaerating vent line 40 and then venting a proportionately small amount of steam with a proportionately high concentration of impurities. The condensing deaerating vent line 40 is attached to a low pressure drum 10, and feed water 54 may be added to the upper portion of the condensing deaerating vent line 40 to improve condensation and conserve thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of separating water from air is provided comprising the steps of (a) contacting air having water vapor with an hygroscopic liquid mixture to produce a water rich hygroscopic liquid mixture, (b) heating at least a portion of the water rich hygroscopic liquid mixture to produce a gaseous mixture including water vapor and at least one other gaseous component, (c) condensing at least a portion of the water vapor in the gaseous mixture to produce liquid water and a depleted gaseous mixture at a first pressure, and (d) removing at least a portion of the at least one other gaseous component to maintain the first pressure below a predetermined pressure, wherein the depleted gaseous mixture is in fluid communication with the water rich hygroscopic liquid mixture. An absorber vessel is also provided for effecting the method of separating water from air.

Abstract: A corona ground element for use in a pre-ionizer of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The corona ground element includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections are adapted to retain the corona plate in the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas chromatography apparatus with a cooling device, wherein the cooling device includes a closed cooling circuit containing a refrigerant, so that no refrigerant is wasted.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrating apparatus including an output variable type compressor. Oxygen-concentrated gas may be supplied either continuously or synchronized with inhalation or timing of inhalations. In one aspect, when synchronous operation is selected, the compressor is operated at a lower output in comparison with continuous supply operation. In a second aspect, when synchronous operation is selected, the supply quantity of oxygen-concentration gas is set to zero during the exhalation period.

Abstract: An air and gas purification system having combined adsorbent material layers in a regenerable adsorbent system. A first adsorbent material, molecular sieve material, is positioned at the inlet end of the adsorbent bed and a second material, activated alumina, is positioned at the outlet end. Additional adsorbent materials may be positioned between the inlet adsorbent material and the outlet adsorbent material. This system, utilizing the combination of adsorbent layers, is particularly useful for fuel cell applications, where the adsorbent system is positioned in the incoming oxidant stream to reduce, and preferably remove, the contaminants that would affect the efficiency of the fuel cell. Using such a system allows using ambient air as the oxygen source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering contaminants, such as particulates and vapor phase contaminants, from a confined environment such as electronic or optical devices susceptible to contamination (e.g. computer disk drives) by improving performance and possibly incorporating multiple filtration functions into a unitary filter. The filter includes flow layers which improve filter performance. Filtration functions include a passive adsorbent assembly and can include a combination of inlet, or breather filter and adsorbent filter. Moreover, recirculation filter, diffusion tube and outside mount functions can be added to the filter depending on desired functionality within the enclosure.

Abstract: A cationized supporting material 2 is immersed into a treatment solution containing a level dyeing agent, and then immersed into a treatment solution containing a metal phthalocyanine complex and then dried to thereby obtain an odor eliminating material 1. Alternatively, a cationized supporting material 2 is immersed into a treatment solution containing a metal phthalocyanine complex and a migration inhibitor and then dried to thereby obtain an odor eliminating material 1. The odor eliminating material exerts excellent odor elimination performance against ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, acetic acid and acetaldehyde.

Abstract: A service recording device for a filter is particularly suited for an extraction hood with an air flow device with a variable volumetric flow. The service recording device has a counter device with a variable counting speed. The counting speed of the air flow device is thus a function of the volumetric flow of the air flow device.

Abstract: An electroless copper plating solution is disclosed herein. The solution includes an aqueous copper salt component, an aqueous cobalt salt component, a triamine based complexing agent, and an acidic pH-modifying substance in an amount sufficient to make the electroless copper plating solution acidic. A method of preparing an electroless copper solution is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid corrosion inhibitor comprising a primary, secondary, tertiary or mixed amine complexing agent and a carboxylic acid complexing agent, and may further contain a pH adjusting agent and an antifreeze agent, which is capable of providing both short-term and long-term corrosion protection on ferrous and non-ferrous metal substrates and protection from flash rusting commonly associated with ferrous metal substrates, without adversely affecting high gloss in coatings.

Abstract: An ink jet recording ink containing water and a coloring material, wherein the ink jet recording ink further contains an ethylenediamine compound represented by Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an alkylene oxide group, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 and at least one of R3 and R4 are each an alkylene oxide group, and that alkylene oxide units in one molecule are 2 to 20 in total number.

Abstract: A friction material composition containing a fibrous material, a binder and a friction adjusting agent, wherein the friction adjusting agent is secondary aggregates of an activated alumina being spherical and having a diameter of 10 to 300 ?m, or an activated alumina having a specific surface area of 100 to 400 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 1 to 200 ?m. The composition can be used for producing a friction material which exhibits significant improvement with respect to fading phenomenon, without adversely affecting its characteristics of attacking to a disc rotor, which is the article mating therewith, and without marked reduction of the friction coefficient at an elevated temperature, and is capable of controlling the thickness of the sliding film formed on a frictionally sliding face and preventing a high frequency noise (grabbing chatter).

Abstract: Additives and methods for reducing or eliminating odor in oil based media. The additives comprise an essential oil, an essential oil component, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A silicon-titanium mixed oxide powder contains aggregates of primary particles selected from amorphous silicon dioxide particles, crystalline titanium dioxide particles, and silicon-titanium mixed oxide particles each having an amorphous silicon dioxide fraction and a crystalline titanium dioxide fraction. The silicon-titanium mixed oxide particles predominate in the powder. The powder exhibits a BET surface area of from 20 to 200 m2/g, and a titanium dioxide content in a range of from greater than 10 wt. % to less than 70 wt. %. An X-ray diffractogram of the powder exhibits the diffraction patterns of rutile and anatase, with a rutile/anatase ratio of from 2:98 to 98:2. The powder can be produced by vaporizing a silicon halide and a titanium halide at temperatures of less than 180° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides high brightness kaolins exhibiting a Brightness (GE) of at least about 90.0. The hydrous kaolin pigments of the present invention may also have, inter alia, a steepness index (d30/d70×100) of at least about 39 and/or a titania concentration less than or equal to about 0.40% by weight of the pigment on a dry basis. (062) The hydrous kaolin pigment is produced by a process comprising: a) forming an aqueous suspension of a hydrous kaolin clay; b) forming a primary product by subjecting the suspension to classification or a combination of classification and griding; c), separating the kaolin from impurities by selective flocculation; and d) defining the separated kaolin. (063) The hydrous kaolins of the present invention allow coated papers to be produced at high brightness while maintaining acidic conditions on a paper machine. The invention pigmets exhibit brightness levels unexpectedly higher, e.g., about 2 to about 2.

Abstract: A species of marine microalgae (Tetraselmis sp. MACC/P66) was found to secrete an unknown red pigment to the culture medium when itself was still keeping healthy. The unknown red pigment was collected and purified from the culture medium by column chromatography using cation-exchange resins. A process for concentrating and isolating the red water soluble pigment from the culture medium of Tetraselmis sp. MACC/P66 was described in the present invention.

Abstract: In the case of the epitaxial growth according to the prior art, a number o strips often have to be produced in a plane in order to restore an area to be repaired. This leads to overlapping and misorientation of the crystalline structures. In the case of the method according to the invention, the strip is of such a width that no overlapping occurs, since the width is adapted to the contour of the area to be repaired.

Abstract: Novel uses of diamondoid-containing materials in the field of microelectronics are disclosed. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive films in integrated circuit packaging, low-k dielectric layers in integrated circuit multilevel interconnects, thermally conductive adhesive films, thermally conductive films in thermoelectric cooling devices, passivation films for integrated circuit devices (ICs), and field emission cathodes. The diamondoids employed in the present invention may be selected from lower diamondoids, as well as the newly provided higher diamondoids, including substituted and unsubstituted diamondoids. The higher diamondoids include tetramantane, peritamantane, hexamantane, heptamantane, octamantane, nonamantane, decamantane, and undecamantane.

Abstract: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for growing metal fluoride crystals suitable for use in below 200 nm optical lithography systems, the method comprising including at least the step of heating a crystal growth furnace to a temperature in the range of 1400-2000° C. to purify the furnace by removal of sulfur and chlorine prior to using the furnace for growing metal fluoride single crystals.

Abstract: Novel uses of higher diamondoids are disclosed. Specifically, higher diamondoids may be used to nucleate diamond films and diamond-like carbon films. Such higher diamondoids include iso-tetramantane [1(2)3], anti-tetramantane [121], the two enantiomers of skew-tetramantane [123], the ten possible pentamantane, the thirty nine possible hexamantanes, the one hundred sixty heptamantanes, as well as the various octamantanes, nonamantanes, decamantanes, and undecamantanes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) providing a support substrate; (b) epitaxially growing a first semiconductor layer on the support substrate; (c) epitaxially growing a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer; and (d) forming a semiconductor substrate including the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer by removing the support substrate, wherein an interatomic distance of atoms of the support substrate to which atoms of the first semiconductor layer attach and an interatomic distance of atoms of the second semiconductor layer have the same magnitude relationship with respect to an interatomic distance of the atoms of the first semiconductor layer in an epitaxial growth plane.

Abstract: This apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor single crystal includes: a crucible; a heater; a crucible driving unit; a chamber for housing the crucible and the heater; and a hydrogen mixed gas supplying device for supplying into the chamber a hydrogen mixed gas including an inert gas in admixture with a hydrogen-containing gas that contains hydrogen atoms, wherein the hydrogen mixed gas supplying device includes: a hydrogen-containing gas supply unit; an inert gas supply unit; a hydrogen-containing gas flow rate controller; an inert gas flow rate controller; and a buffer tank for mixing together the hydrogen-containing gas and the inert gas so as to form a hydrogen mixed gas and for holding the hydrogen mixed gas.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding an appliance from an interior that may include a center support shaft, two arbors arranged on the center support shaft in a spaced apart position, a plurality of springs coupled to the two arbors, and an actuator coupled to the center support shaft and adapted to decrease the distance between the two arbors. The device may be adapted to support a hollow cylindrical object from an inside of the hollow cylindrical object. The hollow cylindrical object may include a stent. When the actuator is actuated, the plurality of springs may be compressed and each spring may buckle in at least one buckle region. Actuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to expand and to clamp a stent. Deactuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to retract and to release a stent. A system for coating a medical appliance is provided. A method for coating a medical appliance is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lecithinated sugar composition wherein lecithin is present in the sugar composition at not more than about 200 parts per million. Also disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of raw sugar from a clarified sugar juice stream. Further disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of refined sugar from raw sugar.

Abstract: A lithographic mask is placed in a chamber which is then sealed. The gas pressure in the chamber is reduced to dislodge contaminant particles on the mask surface.

Abstract: A cleaning method and cleaning recipes are disclosed. The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a semiconductor substrate and cleaning recipes. The present invention utilizes a first cleaning solution including diluted hydrofluoric acid and a second cleaning solution including hydrogen chloride and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to clean a semiconductor substrate without using an alkaline solution including ammonium hydroxide. Accordingly, a clean surface of a semiconductor substrate is provided in selective epitaxial growth (SEG) process to grow an epitaxial layer with smooth surface.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a single-crystal nickel-based superalloy having high creep rupture strength at high temperatures and excel at corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance at high temperatures. Single-crystal nickel-based superalloys with high temperature strength, hot corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance comprising by weight, 3.0 to 7.0% Cr, 9.5 to 15.0% Co, 4.5 to 8.0% W, 3.3 to 6.0% Re, 4.0 to 8.0% Ta, 0.8 to 2.0% Ti, 4.5 to 6.5% Al, 0.01 to 0.2% Hf, less than 0.5% Mo, 0.01% or less C, 0.005% or less B, 0.01% or less Zr, 0.005% or less O, 0.005% or less N, and balance substantially Ni.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.

Abstract: Quenched layers are formed without irregularities on the inner circumferential surface of a track bushing having a small inside diameter or on the inner circumferential surfaces of two or more track bushings which are subjected to quenching in an overlapped condition. To introduce a cooling medium for cooling the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, a guide tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the track bushing is disposed on the side of the inner circumferential surface and the cooling medium introduced by the guide tube is diverted by a diverting member having a spherical or similar curved surface, such that the cooling medium is allowed to flow in a direction substantially parallel with an axial direction of the track bushing 1 within a space defined by the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube and the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, thereby performing laminar flow cooling.

Abstract: A mounting device and a method thereof for preventing a pellet from cracking or chipping when the pellet is mounted. A mounting device comprises a first head for mounting a second pellet on a first pellet already mounted and temporarily pressure-bonding the second pellet thereto by applying a first load and a second head for pressure-bonding the second pellet, which has been temporarily pressure-bonded by the first head, to the first pellet by applying a second load higher than the first load. The second head includes a protective sheet which is moved so that the unused portion is set with respect to each pellet, a ball which is supported rollably in arbitrary directions and in contact with the second pellet through the protective sheet, a spring for applying an elastic force in the direction of the protective sheet and applying the second load to the second pellet through the protective sheet, and a drive for rolling the ball on the protective sheet in contact with the second pellet.

Abstract: The invention relates to recycling polymeric articles, in particular plastic receptacles and can be used for reutilizing plastic receptacles made of a heat-shrinkable material. The inventive method for reutilizing plastic receptacles consists in cutting said receptacles into hole-type elements in the form of small tubes and cylinders in order to use them afterwards as heat-shrinkable elements for coating and/or connecting construction elements by heat shrinkage while producing elongated articles which are used mainly as construction and/or advertising elements.

Abstract: A method for repairing concrete structural elements reinforced with steel rebar includes steps of: removal of debris and rust; attachment of expanded mesh zinc metal for sacrificial passive corrosion protection; and overwrapping with flexible panels of fiber-reinforced polymer composite material.

Abstract: A synthetic amorphous marble flooring and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of kneading a synthetic resin compound with multi-colored spot color chips and primarily rolling the kneaded compound to manufacture a primarily rolled sheet, laminating the primarily rolled sheets while cutting the sheet to have a predetermined size and rotating the sheet, performing secondary rolling the laminated sheets by a low-temperature calendering to form wave patterns and rough surface on the sheets, and filling the rough surface of the secondarily rolled sheets by embossing in the length direction or any type of embossing using a first embossing unit of a double-embossing system to maintain uniform thickness, and flattening the surface by a secondary embossing unit of the double-embossing system. Thus, the synthetic marble flooring exhibiting amorphous marble patterns and excellent durability and a method of manufacturing the same are provided.

Abstract: An optical waveguide having a optical waveguide path capable of securing a high light propagation characteristic regardless of the type of a supporting base, provided with a multilayer circuit board, an optical waveguide path arranged on the multilayer circuit board, a light receiving element, IC chips, and a light emitting element, the optical waveguide path formed on a transparent substrate excellent in flatness and transferred to the multilayer circuit board. The light propagation loss becomes small, and a signal to be transmitted at a high speed being transmitted as a light signal and a signal which can be transmitted at a relatively low speed being transmitted as an electrical signal, whereby the signal propagation delay which becomes the problem when a signal is transmitted by only electrical wiring is overcome, and the influence of electromagnetic noise becomes small.

Abstract: A facestock releasably adhered to a liner sheet is die cut to form one or two compact disc labels, and two diametrically opposed tabs on each compact disc label and located so that one edge of the tab is in contact with one of the compact disc labels and is perforated. The liner side of the tab also has a die cut patterned so that it generally follows the outline of the tab, but which forms a shape which is inside of and slightly smaller than the face cut tab pattern. After the label sheet has passed through a printer or copier and the desired indicia has been printed on the labels, at least one of the tabs is pushed through from the reverse side of the sheet, or pulled through via a sheet opening partially separating the tab from the rest of the sheet. The tab, which is mostly free of exposed adhesive in that it is still laminated to the die cut section of release liner, is then grasped from the face side, and lifted upward, pulling the compact disc label away from the label sheet.

Abstract: A method of forming an overlapping section involves radiating a plasma onto a first overlapping part of a first workpiece, over which oil is spread. Thereafter, silicone rubber, which functions as an adhesive and a sealant material, is applied onto the first overlapping part, and a second overlapping part of a second workpiece is overlapped on the first overlapping part. When the components are left standing still for a predetermined period of time, the overlapping section is formed, in which the first overlapping part and the second overlapping part are adhered to one another.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component (1) having a damaged area including: laying a composite lay-up (7) over the damaged area; locating at least one pressure chamber (3, 4) over the damaged area, the pressure chamber including a displaceable abutment face (5, 6); circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through the pressure chamber (3, 4) to thereby compress the lay-up (7) between the abutment face of the pressure chamber and the composite and elevate the temperature thereof to effect curing of the lay-up.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.

Abstract: A plastic product is fabricated from plastic sheets by heat sealing the plastic sheets to form an enclosure member. In order to strengthen the heat-sealed joints of the plastic sheets, the plastic sheets are thickened at portions where the heat-sealed joints are to be formed. Preferably, the heat-sealed joints are formed in such a manner that the cross-section of the heat-sealed joints is smaller than that of the thickened portions of the plastic sheet, thereby preventing effectively the non-thickened portions of the plastic sheets from being affected adversely by the heat sealing process.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip pick-up apparatus includes: a pick-up head for picking up the chip on a sheet; a holding table for holding the sheet; a recognition means for recognizing the chip; a positioning means for positioning the chip relatively to the pick-up head on the basis of the recognition result by the recognition means; and a sheet separating mechanism for separating the sheet from the chip by sucking the sheet from a suction plane brought in contact with a lower surface of the sheet.