Abstract: A method for controlling a critical dimension in an etched structure comprises the steps of: forming a hard mask above a substrate, measuring a critical dimension of the hard mask, and using the measured hard mask critical dimension to control a critical dimension trim operation performed on a circuit trace above the substrate.

Abstract: Use in etching or polishing of integrated circuits of fluorinated additives of formula (I): T?(C3F6O)n(CFXO)mT ??(I) having a number average molecular weight in the range 250–400, in particular of the compound Cl(CF2—CF(CF3)O)nCF2COONa.

Abstract: A method for machining a ceramic substrate containing Al, including providing a slurry between a substrate and a machine tool, the slurry containing alumina abrasive and an additive including a phosphorus compound, and moving the substrate relative to the machine tool.

Abstract: A de-icing and anti-icing composition in the form of an aqueous solution which includes sugars, and an inorganic freezing point depressant in the form of a chloride salt.

Abstract: The application of carboxylate salts for storing thermal energy is disclosed. The invention is directed to methods for the storage and use of thermal energy comprising contacting mixtures of alkali metal salts or alkali earth metal salts of carboxylic acids, storing the thermal energy in the mixture, containing the mixture in a suitable heat exchange system and using the stored thermal energy in the heat exchange system.

Abstract: Crystalline superfine particles capable of emitting light depending upon a time-rate-of-change of a stress and controlled in grain size in the range from 5 nm to 100 nm are complexed with another material such as resin. The crystalline superfine particles are manufactured by using aggregates of molecules, i.e. inverted micelles, which orient hydrophilic groups of surfactant molecules inward and hydrophobic groups outward in a nonpolar solvent and which contain metal ions of a metal for forming the crystalline superfine particles dissolved in water inside the inverted micelles. Alternatively, they are manufactured by using inverted micelles enveloping precursor superfine particles, in which precursor superfine particles are enveloped in water inside the inverted micelles. The crystalline superfine particles are excellent in dispersibility in another material to be complexed, enhanced in emission efficiency and usable to make a transparent stress emission material.

Abstract: The present provides a method for preparing resin fine particles of a homogeneous particle size used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, electronic material or the like, resin fine particles, and a production apparatus for resin fine particles. The present invention provides a method for preparing a resin fine particle, which comprises discharging a liquid comprising a polymerizable monomer as a dispersion phase into a continuous phase; splitting the liquid comprising the polymerizable monomer by applying mechanical vibration to form a liquid droplet; and polymerizing the liquid droplet in a state without splitting or integrating the liquid droplet, said method comprising recognizing a state of said liquid being split into a liquid droplet, and a condition of said discharging and/or said mechanical vibration of the liquid being determined by feedback from a result of the recognition.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce a thin porous layer, with a defined porosity and also, a high strength. Said aim is achieved, whereby such a layer with open porosity is produced from a mixture, comprising a sinterable powder with a predetermined powder particle size distribution. The sintered layer is of a thickness, which corresponds to about triple the average diameter of the powder particles employed, has a pore diameter in the range from 0.01 to 50 ?m and a tensile strength of in a range from about 5 to 500 N/mm2. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said thin porous layer with open porosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane that consists of a polymer or a polymer mixture. The aim of the invention is to produce membranes, especially planar membranes or hollow fiber membranes that have an as high a separation efficiency as possible while simultaneously having a high membrane efficiency. To this end, the membrane has a gas- or liquid-permeable bicontinuous foam structure with orifices in the interior whose diameters do not exceed 500 nm.

Abstract: A strap with rotatably mounted clip fabricated in a single molding operation. The strap includes a strap retention member and a plurality of teeth. The rotatable clip includes a clip member, a pedestal and a head. The pedestal is retained in a pedestal opening formed through the strap. In fabrication, a top mold insert is slid into a top of first and second mold halves and a bottom mold insert is slid into a bottom of the first and second mold halves. Plastic is then injected into the first and second mold halves to independently and separately form the strap and the clip in a single molding process, wherein the inserts provide a space between the pedestal opening and the pedestal to allow the clip to rotate relative to the strap.

Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The stent-graft may include a self-expanding stent and a first and second tube of biocompatible material between which the stent is positioned. The stent-graft may also include an interlayer member between the first and second tube. The method generally includes applying pressure and heat to a stent-graft assembly to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material around the stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing cast articles with characteristics of original objects such as a stone panel. The cast articles can replicate the contours, textures, and colors of all or a portion of the original object and can be made in any shape or size and specifically can be formed to simulate rock walls, carved stone architecture details, and other construction components normally created by stone masons or sculptors on site and at a high cost. The processes used in making the cast articles include the production of a series of molds. The molds seek to replicate the size, shape, contour, and surface texture of an original object with or without modifications to the original object.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication system including a three-dimensional fabricator with a plurality of pens and a controller configured to evaluate pen information and to control the pens to reduce a temperature of the pens.

Abstract: A mold for producing a product with internal flutes is provided. The mold includes a mold body that defines a cavity and a shaft in proximity to the cavity. A pin assembly is receivably engaged in the shaft of the mold body. The pin assembly includes a pin with a grooved portion that has at least one helically shaped groove, a sleeve surroundingly disposed about a portion of the pin, and means to allow rotation of the pin. A gap is defined in between a portion of the walls of the shaft of the mold body and the grooved portion of the pin and the gap is partially terminated by a portion of the sleeve. A method of molding is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing bottle-type containers made of a synthetic resin, e.g., polyethylene-terephthalate resin, includes a heat treatment step for heating and crystallizing a neck portion of a perform corresponding to a neck portion of a container. In a first stage of the heat treatment step, the neck portion of the perform is temporarily heated to a temperature below a melting point of the synthetic resin, e.g., approximately 200° C. to 230° C. in the case of polyethylene terephthalate resin. In a subsequent second stage, the neck portion is maintained at a temperature within a range in which crystallization of the synthetic resin is promoted, e.g. approximately 170° C. to 195° C. in the case of polyethylene terephthalate resin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sandwich structure, the method comprising a preform assembly method. The method comprises providing a preform (8) comprising at least two sheets (12, 14) connected by a plurality of extensible threads (16), and affixing to the outer face of each sheet (12, 14), a face sheet (18, 22). The adhesion is by a film adhesive (20, 24) placed over the respective sheets (12, 14), and the preform (8) is subjected to pressure or heat to set the film adhesive (20, 24). The method further comprises a method of molding a composite sandwich structure, the method comprising placing a preform (8) in a mold (30), creating pressure differentials between respective chambers (40, 42) within the mold (30), feeding a resinous compound into the mold (30), and allowing the resinous compound to set and cure. The invention also provides composite sandwich structures made in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A process for foaming ceramic foams, in which the ceramic foams are produced from a precursor or a mixture of precursors which contain at least one ceramic-forming element and liberates at least one volatile reaction product during an inorganic gelation process. In one embodiment, foaming is based on a precursor containing crystals of the AlCl3(Pri2O) complex. The decomposition of the initial precursor produces polymerizing species dissolved in liquid isopropyl chloride. The solvent and growing AlOxCly(OPri)z species are mixed homogeneously so that the boiling point of the solution is raised above the boiling point of the pure isopropyl chloride. Polymerization takes place in the liquid until a critical polymer size is attained, whereupon a phase separation into polymer rich and solvent rich regions occurs. Since the expelled solvent is suddenly above its boiling point, bubbles start forming instantly.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel for a melting device for liquid metals has a vessel top, a vessel bottom provided with a collar, and an intermediate ring arranged between the vessel top and the vessel bottom. The vessel bottom receives a melt defining a melting zone within the vessel bottom and, above the melting zone, a slag zone for slag is provided. The intermediate ring is arranged at a level of the slag zone. The vessel top completely bridges the intermediate ring and is supported below the intermediate ring on the collar of the vessel bottom so that the intermediate ring is statically completely relieved of any load.

Abstract: A wetness indicator including a pH indicating agent may be a single layer or a multilayer composite. One or more layers of the composite may be used to promote or inhibit environmental fluid contact with the pH indicating agent dispersed within at least a portion of a layer thickness. Fluid travel through the layer thickness may be achieved by layer microporosity and/or addition of fluid regulating additives to the layer. The layer or layers may be polymer layers, ink layers, fibrous layers or combinations thereof. Ink compositions for use making such indicators are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemically analyzing a sample fluid are provided. The apparatus includes two fluid selection valves with multiple input ports for selectively receiving sample and reagent fluids. The selection valves are configured to selectively connect the input ports to output ports such that the sample and reagent fluids can be delivered through a fluid injection valve to a sample vessel and therefrom to an analysis device. The analysis device is configured to receive the sample and reagent fluids and determine at least one chemical characteristic of the sample fluid.

Abstract: An improved biochip type device comprising a substrate (10) including an intermediate non-absorbent multilayer mirror (12) covered by a layer (14) of high refractive index material having chromophore elements (16) fixed thereon, the layer (14) further including feature (24) for extracting guided-mode light in order to recover the light emitted by the chromophore elements (16) into the layer (14) in response to light excitation, and direct the light to detection and measurement means.

Abstract: A method of sealing the open mouths of an array of test tubes comprises providing a plurality of plugs with upwardly facing recesses, and a flexible carrier sheet having the same array of mutually spaced downwardly projecting pegs inserted into and frictionally retained within the recesses of respective ones of the plugs. Sealing is effected by aligning the plugs with the open mouths of the test tubes, pressing the carrier sheet towards the test tubes to seat the plugs in the open tube mouths, and peeling the carrier sheet away from the test tubes to extract the pegs from the plug recesses while allowing the plugs to remain seated in the tube mouths.

Abstract: A filter assembly for medical and laboratory use includes a housing. The housing includes a cover comprising an inlet and a bottom part comprising an outlet. The housing also includes a plurality of spring levers distributed around the circumference of the cover. The spring levers include hook-shaped projections, the hook-shaped projections connectable with the bottom part. The filter assembly can clamp a filter membrane or media sheet between the cover and the bottom part in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A small, portable tabletop type burning apparatus for burning an aroma producing combustible material in a manner to produce soothing plumes of smoke for inhalation by the user.

Abstract: An improved reaction tube having an interior configured for bifurcated chambers. The present device has an inert chamber and a catalyst chamber where the materials contained therein are decoupled from one another. This improved tube is especially beneficial as it provides for greater working efficiency, preservation of catalytic materials, straightforward maintenance and replacement procedures, and effective isolation of unwanted particles.

Abstract: A filter catalyst for purifying exhaust gases having a catalytic layer comprising the first catalyst support 2 having an average particle diameter of 1 ?m or less, the second catalyst support 3 having an average particle diameter from 1/20 to ½ of the average pore diameter of the filter cellular walls 12 and catalytic ingredients, on the filter cellular walls 12 having an average pore diameter of from 20 to 40 ?m, and the catalytic layer having uneven surfaces is used. Since the second catalyst support hardly enters into the pore with a diameter of 20 ?m or less, it exists partly on the filter cellular walls and the inside surface of the wall. Therefore, since particles collide with the convex part of the catalytic layer, it becomes possible to collect them easily and the collecting rate for particles and the ability of the particles purification are improved.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an automotive internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises a casing that forms a part of an exhaust gas passage of the engine. A substrate, disposed in the casing, carries a substrate to purify exhaust gas. A supporting mat is provided to support the substrate in the casing by being located between the substrate and the casing. The supporting mat has a depression to trap foreign matters at an upstream-side end of the supporting mat, the upstream-side end facing upstream side of exhaust gas flow in the exhaust gas passage.

Abstract: A holding material used for a catalytic converter having a catalyst carrier shaped like a cylinder, a casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material mounted on the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the casing, the holding material including a molding of inorganic fibers shaped like a mat or a cylinder, wherein at least an exhaust-gas-inlet-side end portion of the holding material is set to be smaller in basis weight than any other area of the holding material over a predetermined axial length.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, thereby reducing the concentration of the vapor phase contaminant in the gas stream. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising a vapor phase contaminant with a first side of a membrane; sorbing the vapor phase contaminant using the membrane; reacting the vapor phase contaminant into an reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant; transporting the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant through the membrane to a second side of the membrane; contacting the second side of the membrane with a liquid; and dissolving the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant into the liquid. Methods for making a membrane comprising a metal for use in the present invention is also described.

Abstract: A method for removing a halogen series gas, which comprises contacting a gas containing a halogen series gas forming at least one kind selected from the group consisting of HF, HCl, HBr and HI by water with a granule containing from 60 to 99.9 mass % of a solid base and from 0.1 to 40 mass % of a carbonaceous material to the total mass amount of the granule in the presence of water.

Abstract: A method for processing flue gas scrubber material flows. The flue gas is scrubbed with a calcium-based absorbent containing washing fluid for absorbing sulphur oxides from the flue gases, and the formed gypsum slurry is directed from the flue gas scrubber to the separator. At the separating point of the separator, gypsum is separated from the washing fluid and the gypsum and washing fluid are taken out of the separator as separate material flows. From the flue gas scrubber the washing fluid is directed to a tank located before the separating point of the separator or after the separating point of the separator, in which tank foam is separated from the washing fluid as its own phase and taken out of the tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising an antimicrobial compound and a polyethylene-polyvinylalcohol copolymer. It further relates to a medium having antimicrobial properties comprising a support and a layer comprising an antimicrobial composition comprising an antimicrobial compound and a polyethylene-polyvinylalcohol copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides films and substrates coated with films that comprise a nano-crystalline diamond matrix that is substantially free of graphite inclusions. The present invention also provides a method of chemical vapor deposition to prepare the films. The method of chemical vapor deposition operates at a DC bias voltage that substantially precludes the formation of a plasma ion capable of causing a region of a nano-crystalline diamond matrix within a forming film to allotrope when the plasma ion collides with the film.

Abstract: A composite oxide suitable for an active material of a positive electrode for a lithium secondary cell which can be used in a wide range of voltage, has a large electric capacity and excellent low temperature performance and is excellent in the durability for charge-discharge cycles and highly safe, a process for its production, and a positive electrode and a cell employing it, are presented. The composite oxide is a lithium-cobalt composite oxide which is represented by the formula LiCo1-xMxO2, (wherein 0?x?0.02 and M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ta, Ti, Nb, Zr and Hf), and which has a half-width of the diffraction peak for (110) face at 2?=66.5±1°, of from 0.070 to 0.180°, as measured by the X-ray diffraction using CuK? as a ray source.

Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator is formed of a strip of corrugated material that has been folded back and forth upon itself to define a monolith having multiple fluid flow regions. At least one of these regions is used for combustion, and at least one of these regions is used for steam reforming. Water is introduced into another fluid flow region, so as to receive heat from products of combustion, and to be converted into steam. The steam is directed into one or more regions used for steam reforming, so as to produce hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. In its more general form, the invention includes a compact heat exchanger, formed of a strip of corrugated material that has been folded back and forth upon itself, the heat exchanger being capable of transferring heat among three or more fluid streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a conjugate comprising a first and a second polypeptide, said method comprising the steps of (a) incubating said first polypeptide in the presence of a heterobifunctional crosslinker comprising an N-hydroxylsuccinimide ester group and a maleimide group linked via a polyethylene oxide spacer; (b) removing excess heterobifunctional crosslinker; and (c) incubating the reaction product of step (b) with said second polypeptide, wherein said second polypeptide comprises at least one sulfhydryl group. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a conjugate obtainable by the method of the present invention. Also described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the conjugate of the present invention and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or diluent, and the use of the conjugate for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating an allergic disease or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for medical imaging, evaluating intracellular processes and components, radiotherapy of intracellular targets, and drug delivery by the use of novel cell membrane-permeant peptide conjugate coordination and covalent complexes having target cell specificity are provided. Kits for conjugating radionuclides and other metals to peptide coordination complexes are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for medical imaging, evaluating intracellular processes and components, radiotherapy of intracellular targets, and drug delivery by the use of novel cell membrane-permeant peptide conjugate coordination and covalent complexes having target cell specificity are provided. Kits for conjugating radionuclides and other metals to peptide coordination complexes are also provided.

Abstract: A multifunctional cross-bridged tetraaza macrocyclic compound has at least one side arm that comprises a moiety that is capable of forming a bond with another molecule, which has a targeting moiety that directs the compound to a site a marker substance. The compound is chelated to a medically active material that generates a signal for diagnostic imaging or produces a therapeutic effect at the site of the marker substance. A method for detecting, diagnosing, and/or treating a disease that produces the marker substance uses a conjugate comprising the multifunctional cross-bridged tetraaza macrocyclic compound.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products and include a contrast agent. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with setting fluid and a water-soluble contrast agent, e.g., a water-soluble barium salt, and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects.

Abstract: Engineered particles are provided may be used for the delivery of a bioactive agent to the respiratory tract of a patient. The particles may be used in the form of dry powders or in the form of stabilized dispersions comprising a nonaqueous continuous phase. In particularly preferred embodiments the particles may be used in conjunction with an inhalation device such as a dry powder inhaler, metered dose inhaler or a nebulizer.

Abstract: Unique abrasive and/or thickening materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial characteristics depending on the structure of the composite in situ generated material. With low structured composites (as measured via linseed oil absorption levels from 40 to 100 ml oil absorbed/100 g composite), simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels are possible in order to accord the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Increased amounts of high structure composite materials tend to accord greater viscosity build and thickening benefits together with such desirable abrasion and cleaning properties, albeit to a lesser extent than for the low structure types.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of stimulating hair growth by administering particular benzopyran compounds.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a hair-treatment agent in the form of a two-phase gel, containing comminuted particles of a firm and shape-retaining gel based on a carrageenan-containing aqueous base in a fluid polyol matrix. The gel is a clear product with properties of a hair wax or hair cream and it can be dispensed, sprayed or foamed from a suitable container by means of a propellant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing and/or treating multiple organ failure comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of agent comprising tumor cytotoxic factor-II (TCF-II) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Methods of the present invention will be useful for preventing and/or treating the development of multiple organ failure resulting from burn, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), circulatory failure, hemorrhagic shock, infectious disease, acute pancreatitis, ischemic disorder, hepatorenal syndrome, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, nutritional metabolic failure, terminal cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), deterioration of systemic conditions due to radiation affection, and cachexia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating tumors using vectors that preferentially target tumor cells. In particular, the invention relates to Sindbis virus vectors which have a preferential affinity for high affinity laminin receptors (HALR). These vectors are efficiently targeted to tumors and have the ability to cause tumor necrosis.

Abstract: A recombinant nucleic acid used for the production of a defective adenovirus containing an inserted sequence coding for a cytokine under the control of a promoter in the genomic sequence of the recombinant adenovirus. This recombinant adenovirus is useful in the preparation of anti-tumoral drugs which can be directly injected into the tumor of the host.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant viral vector comprising the DNA of, or corresponding to, at least a portion of the genome of an adenovirus, which portion is capable of infecting a hepatic cell; and a human VLDL receptor gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences directing its expression. The vector is capable of expressing the normal VLDL receptor gene product in hepatic cells in vivo or in vitro. This viral vector is useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders caused by the accumulation of LDL in plasma, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.