Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a transfer case in a motor vehicle driveline that includes by an engine controlled by a throttle having a variable position, and a transmission driveably connected to the engine for producing multiple ratios of the speed of a transmission input relative to the speed of a transmission output. The transfer case transmitting rotating power in response to an electric signal applied to a clutch. The method includes determining that the engine throttle position is less than a first reference throttle position during a period of predetermined length; determining that a speed of the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range; determining that the transmission is operating in a speed ratio greater than a reference speed ratio; determining that the engine throttle position is greater than a first reference throttle position; and increasing the torque capacity of the clutch for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a jacket for rotatably supporting a steering shaft, and an electric motor. The electric motor includes an annular rotor arranged coaxially with the steering shaft and rotating together with the steering shaft. The jacket includes a tubular upper jacket and a tubular lower jacket that are fitted into each other and are moved axially relative to each other in the collision of a vehicle. An annular space surrounding the steering shaft is provided radially inside the rotor. A part of the upper jacket enters the annular space in the collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an engine unit of a straddle type vehicle, a V-belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a secondary sheave shaft 62 that rotates with a clutch housing of a centrifugal clutch. The secondary sheave shaft is supported in a cantilever fashion via two bearings. The engine unit has a gear that rotates with a clutch boss. Cage-and-roller needle bearings, which are a type of needle bearing, are inserted between the secondary sheave shaft and the gear. In this manner, without enlarging the engine unit, abrasions and deterioration of a bearing inserted between a rotational shaft supported in a cantilever fashion and a body of rotation are prevented.

Abstract: A control console for a machine having a seat with a plane of symmetry is disclosed. The machine also has an armrest extending from the seat in a forward direction generally parallel with the plane of symmetry. The armrest has an upper surface intended to support an operator's forearm. The control console includes a base operatively connected to the armrest, and at least one operator interface device operatively connected to the base. The at least one operator interface device has a neutral axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the armrest. The at least one operator interface device is pivotal in a fore/aft direction to initiate only a single function of the machine, the fore/aft direction being rotated outward away from the seat a predetermined angle relative to the forward direction of the armrest.

Abstract: This electric power steering apparatus is provided with: a motor; a worm gear provided on a rotational shaft of the motor so as not to rotate with respect to the rotational shaft; a worm wheel gear which meshes with the worm gear and links to a steering system; a gear housing to which a motor housing of the motor is attached, and which accommodates the worm gear and the worm wheel gear; and a decentering device which makes the rotational shaft approach to or depart from a rotational axis of the worm wheel gear in a parallel manner thereto, by rotating the motor housing with respect to the gear housing.

Abstract: An intake sound introducing apparatus is disclosed. An intake sound introducing apparatus may include a lining member attached to a lower surface of a bonnet hood. The lining member may generally define a communication passage. The communication passage may include an engine compartment side opening and a dash panel side opening.

Abstract: A device for muffling the sound produced by a fluid in a duct, especially the sound produced in an intake pipe of a combustion engine, comprises a wall, whose inside defines a flow passage for the fluid. The device is at least partly tubular, i.e. it has two openings. At the outside of the wall (3) is arranged a plurality of chambers (4), each of which is connected to the flow passage via an aperture (7). The chambers (4) are bounded by the outside of the wall (3) as well as by bars (5, 6, 8) formed at the outside of the wall (3). The chambers (4) function in use as Helmholtz resonators. In addition, a device for the conduction of a fluid with the sound proofing device (1) described is presented.

Abstract: A hoisting harness assembly including a saddle strap, two leg straps, and two shoulder straps. The saddle strap has two saddle strap ends. Each leg strap has a first leg strap end and a second leg strap end, each first leg strap end is attached to the saddle strap such that a seat area is formed by the saddle strap and the two leg straps. Each shoulder strap has a first shoulder strap end and a second shoulder strap end, one of the first shoulder strap ends is attachable to one of the two saddle strap ends. The other first shoulder strap end is attachable to the other saddle strap end, and each second shoulder strap end is attachable to a corresponding second leg strap end.

Abstract: The present invention describes an adjustable telescopic leg system that is adapted to fit on at least one of a plurality of supporting side members that are connected to each other and rest on a ground surface. The adjustable telescopic leg system comprises at least one longitudinally adjustable telescopic leg having a sawtooth-like structure facing towards a latch. The sawtooth-like structure may be formed by a plurality of depressions on the adjustable telescopic leg. The latch may be adapted to fit tightly between an upper edge and a lower edge of the depressions. The adjustable telescopic leg system may further comprise a fixation rod connecting the latch with a release handle for longitudinally adjusting the position of the adjustable leg.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes a stationary output shaft carrier housed within a gear housing wherein the output shaft resides partially within the carrier and upper and lower bearings support the shaft. The carrier includes first and second arcuately extending troughs for catching lubricating fluid slung by an oil slinger. The first trough is in fluid communication with the shaft and with the upper bearing which pumps fluid through the bearing and into an upper passageway which terminates in an opening which supplies fluid to a second trough which, in turn, supplies fluid to the second bearing which, in turn, supplies fluid to the annular pool formed on the upper portion of the gear affixed to the output shaft. The annular pool is formed by a cylindrically shaped dike secured to the upper portion of the gear. Overflow from the pool lubricates the gear and returns oil to the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for lubricating contra-sliding parts of a tool device having a drive for effecting the sliding operation, wherein the device has a lubricant dispensing device for the moving parts, which lubricant dispensing device can be actuated by means of the same drive. A method for lubricating contra-sliding parts of a tool device having a drive for effecting the sliding operation, wherein a lubricating pulse is triggered by the following method steps: measuring of the path covered in the operating phase of the sliding parts, recording of the individual path lengths by means of a counter, comparison of the total actual path length with a total path length after which a lubricating pulse is intended to be triggered, and triggering of a lubricating pulse by the same drive for the sliding parts after the cumulative total path length has been reached.

Abstract: A power amplification and transfer assembly and alternative multi-stage systems wherein power is transferred to the outer periphery of included flywheels via included drive frames and lever arms. One power transfer assembly comprises an elongated framework that rotationally supports a drive frame, a pair of flywheel frames and a spring biased, resilient, flexible lever arm assembly. The drive frame, flywheels and lever arm assemblies are mounted to independent axles. Couplers at the drive frame and lever arm assemblies are secured to the outer circumference of the flywheel(s). System input power is provided from a gas/diesel engine and chain/sprocket linkage or a powered hydraulic engine and pump that increase the rpm's to the power amplification assembly. Successive amplification stages are coupled together with powered or un-powered couplers (e.g. hydraulic pump/engine, wind turbine).

Abstract: A retail store has responsive environment apparatus installed which is controlled by processing apparatus. Trigger event sensors coupled to the processing apparatus, are positioned throughout the store. When customers enter and move about the store, the processing apparatus senses various trigger events and in response thereto creates a micro-environment in the vicinity of each customer, catering to the characteristics of that customer. The micro-environment physically moves as the customer moves about the store. The micro-environment is dynamic in that it is engaged in a continual response loop based on the response trigger events of the customer throughout this interactive cycle with the micro-environment.

Abstract: A lift using a step-shaped shaft for raising and lowering a person or goods on a platform over one or more steps from one elevation to another elevation. The lift is especially suited for use over porches and raised thresholds of buildings and in and out of vehicles. The lift is suitable for use by persons without or without a wheelchair.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, comprising: a column (42) normally generally vertical when a device (30) of which the column (42) is a part is in an operating position; and a platform (62) operatively connected at one end to the column (42) and normally generally horizontal when the device (30) is in an operating position, the platform (62) being selectively raised or lowered to raise or lower a load placed on the platform (62).

Abstract: An elevator operation control device has a component temperature detecting portion for detecting a temperature of a drive device, and a component-protective operation control portion for restraining an elevator from operating in accordance with the temperature detected by the component temperature detecting portion. Upon detecting a rise in the temperature of the drive device, the component-protective operation control portion changes operation control parameters of the elevator to restrain the elevator from operating and thus stops the rise in the temperature of the drive device before a protection circuit stops the elevator from operating.

Abstract: A door apparatus is provided with engaging elements for actuating a locking mechanism of a hall door and a pair of engaging vanes which can be opened away from or closed toward each other so that they pinch the engaging elements between them to hold the locking mechanism in an inactivated state when in their closed state. The closed state of the two engaging vanes is maintained by a cam mechanism and a retention mechanism. The closed state of the two engaging vanes can also be maintained by the retention mechanism after the hall door is moved in a door closing direction to cancel maintenance by contact with the cam mechanism. Both the engaging vanes are moved in an opening direction to actuate the locking mechanism by means of a reaction force generated when the hall door reaches a door-stop position and stops there.

Abstract: A system (1) for forming information pertaining to a transportation device (13), the system (1) comprising: obtaining means arranged to obtain first information that is related to a person using the transportation device (13), and second information about a status of the transportation device (13); and associating means arranged to create an association between the first information and the second information to thereby form the information pertaining to the transportation device (13).

Abstract: A device for reducing the energy consumption is used in an elevator installation which can be alternatively brought into an operating mode and a standby mode wherein in the standby mode the elevator installation is separated from a main energy source and connected with an auxiliary energy source, by means of which basic functions of the elevator installation are maintained so as to enable later entry into the operating mode. The device includes a detecting unit in order to detect a use criterion describing the current use status of the elevator installation. Moreover, a power-saving unit with a microprocessor is provided in order to bring the elevator installation from the operating mode to the standby mode in the case of non-fulfillment of the use criterion and fulfillment of standby criteria and to bring it from the standby mode to the operating mode in the case of non-fulfillment of the standby criteria.

Abstract: Cushions for disc brake pads are disposed between the brake pads and their caliper pistons or caliper fingers. The cushions possess such characteristics of resilience that, during braking action, brake pads follow irregularities and ride over high spots on rotor faces. This action significantly reduces uneven frictional drag, which lowers braking temperature increasing braking efficiency and brake system longevity. Each cushion comprises a resilient body which is further comprised of either a material, such as an elastomeric pad, or a structure such as a compressible spring or other apparatus.

Abstract: A retarder (100) including a stator (170) and/or a housing (102) surrounding or encasing a rotor (101), a mechanism (140-142) for producing an air current and at least one inlet (120) enabling air current to enter and at least one outlet (120) used to evacuate the air current. The outlet (121-123) is created between two cooling chambers (111-112) or through several cooling chambers which are borne by the housing and/or stator of the retarder.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper having a hub carrying a radially projecting flange and an annular inertia mass defining an annular channel encompassing the radially projecting flange and an elastomeric member. An annular compression ring is attached to the opening of the annular channel to axially compress and extrude the elastomeric member to fill the annular channel around the radial flange within the inertia ring. Projections defining an intermittent annular inner rim of the inertia mass extend through openings between the spokes of the hub and cooperate with an annular outer rim of the inertia mass to retain the compression ring.

Abstract: A container for carrying and storing contents in a compressed mode is presented which includes: an exterior shell having: a top edge; a bottom wall disposed opposite the top edge; and a back wall coupled to the bottom wall; a top planar member, for compressing storage space, selectably coupleable to the exterior shell; a flexible member coupled to each of and between the top planar member and the bottom wall; a middle planar member, coupled to the flexible member between the top planar member and the bottom wall and oriented substantially parallel to the top planar member; a first side wall coupled to the bottom wall and to the back wall; a second side wall coupled to the bottom wall and to the back wall; and a front cover coupled to the second side wall and removably coupleable to the first side wall.

Abstract: An extensible electrical connecting device comprises an extensible supporting bar device and an extensible electric cable. The extensible electrical connecting device further comprises a first electrical connecting base which is connected to one end of said extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of said extensible electric cable and a second electrical connecting base which is connected to another end of said extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of said extensible electric cable. Therefore the extensible electric cable is capable to extend its length along with the extending motion of the extensible supporting bar device so as to provide an electrical connection between the first electrical connecting base and the second electrical connecting base.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a torque converter for an automatic transmission. The torque converter includes an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed within a torque converter housing. A release passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is defined between standard functional torque converter components. The release passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to release the electronically controlled converter clutch. An apply passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is also defined between standard functional torque converter components. The apply passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to engage the electronically controlled converter clutch.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibration damper and/or torque transfer device and a method for assembly thereof are provided herein. In one embodiment, a vibration damper and/or torque transfer device includes a pocket plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The pocket plate further has a recess formed therein on the first surface and a throughbore extending from a bottom surface of the recess to the second surface of the pocket plate. A strut is disposed in the recess and a cap is aligned with the throughbore proximate the second surface of the pocket plate. A resilient member is disposed within the throughbore between a bottom surface of the strut and the floor plate.

Abstract: Friction materials 21 and 22 of different types which differ from each other in terms of a material and a thickness are affixed to respective surfaces of the friction plate 20 and engage with surfaces 31 and 32 of respective separators 30. In the case where the friction materials 21 and 22 are affixed to respective surfaces of the core plate 23 of the fiction plate 20, when the friction materials 21 and 22 are aligned in this sequence along a horizontal direction in a drawing, the surface 31 of the separator plate 30 engages with either of the friction materials 21 and 22, and the surface 32 of the same engages with a remaining friction material. However, when the friction materials 21 and 22 are affixed alternately in different sequence, either of the friction materials 21 and 22 engages with both sides of one separator plate 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronisation arrangement (10) for driven member (12) and a driveable member (14). The arrangement (10) comprises a driven input member (12) and a driveable output member (14) rotatable about a common axis, the input member (12) being provided with a plurality of drive teeth (52) and an axially movable clutch member (16), and the output member (14) being provided with an axially movable piston (42) having a plurality of drive teeth (50) arranged to mate with the drive teeth (52) of the input member (12). The piston (42) is rotationally fixed to the output member (14) at all axial positions of the piston (42) relative to the output member (14), while the clutch member (16) is movable between an axial position relative to the input member (12) where the clutch member (16) is rotationally fixed to the input member (12) and an axial position relative to the input member (12) where the clutch member (16) is rotatable relative to the input member (12).

Abstract: To reduce production cost and enhance operation force to a multiplate clutch, a clutch piston (1) is provided with a piston body (10) inserted in a cylinder (2) to be movable in the axial direction and with an inner peripheral seal lip (21) and an outer peripheral seal lip (22) that are integrally arranged on the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the piston body (10) and are made to be slidably in close contact with an inner tube section (2a) and an outer tube section (2b) of the cylinder (2), wherein the piston body (10) has the clutch pressing section (16) for pressing a multiplate clutch (4) , and the clutch pressing section (16) is bent to the inner periphery side through a tapered section (15) that extends with inclination from an outer periphery circular tube section (14) of the piston body (10) to the inner periphery side.

Abstract: A friction member is manufactured by: a cleaning step of cleaning a pressure plate of a friction member; a shooting step of shooting a shot material having a predetermined particle diameter under a dry condition to a surface of the pressure plate; an adhesive application step of applying a powder adhesive on the surface of the pressure plate; and a forming treatment step of bonding a pre-formed product of a friction material to the surface of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A lever, provided with rollers, is rotatably supported with respect to a lever holder. A lock pin disposed on the lever engages with a lock pawl of a lock mechanism. Accordingly, rotary action of the lever is regulated so as to stop a workpiece that is transported in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, when the workpiece is transported in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, a second bracket having the lock pawl is rotated due to a pressing action of the lock pin. Accordingly, the lever is released from its rotation-regulated state effected by the lock pin, whereupon the lever is rotated and displaced.

Abstract: Sortation conveyor apparatus and methods for selectively diverting articles from a primary conveying surface onto branch lines are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a control system for selectively operating activating elements. The control system is configured to assign two or more pusher elements to each article to be diverted, and to ensure proper diversion of articles when adjacent articles are spaced apart on the primary conveying surface by a distance which is less than the width of an individual pusher element. In one embodiment, diversion is provided by a single activating mechanism for a plurality of pusher elements per branch destination, and by rotating the article during the initial diverting movement and contact with the pusher elements.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.

Abstract: A bulk material flow regulator configured to regulate material flow from a transport vehicle includes a frame bounded by a perimeter. The perimeter can include a material transport space disposed in a bottom volume of the frame, a material storage space disposed in a top volume of the frame, and a material flow regulation space disposed between the material transport space and the material storage space. A transport unloading platform can be coupled to the frame for supporting a transport vehicle with a material hopper. A plurality of baffles can be disposed within the material flow regulation space. The baffles can be configured to allow horizontal material movement within the material transport space while impeding horizontal material movement in the material storage space.

Abstract: A separation conveyor using a roller belt whose rollers are already rotating before receiving an article to provide immediate pull-away from an infeed conveyor. The rollers of a roller belt extend through the thickness of the belt and into contact with a bearing surface in a reversing segment of a belt path between the returnway and the carryway of the separation conveyor. The rollers are already rotating on the bearing surface in the reversing segment at the infeed end before they contact articles to avoid delays in pulling articles away from the infeed conveyor and onto the separation conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a continuous conveyor belt driven between a pair of spaced side frame members by a center drive assembly having a pair of spaced side plates connected to the side frame members. A drive roller arrangement is driven by a drive motor arrangement coupled to the drive roller arrangement to move the conveyor belt. A freely rotatable guide roller arrangement is slidably mounted between the side frame members and the side plates between an operating position in which the conveyor belt passes around the guide roller assembly before engaging the drive roller arrangement, and a cleaning position in which the guide roller arrangement is slidably removable away from the side frame members and the side plates and out of engagement with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention describe a control-switch (100) for an electronic device. This control-switch includes a pivot (102), a receptacle (104), a wire (106), and one or more switches such as (108) and (110). The wire couples data to the receptacle. The receptacle can receive a removable-switch interface. Further, the receptacle can move from a first position to a second position about the pivot. At the second position, one or more switches can be activated by the receptacle. Furthermore, a control circuit in the electronic device is activated at the second position by the one or more switches to modify an aspect of the data.

Abstract: A limit switch comprises a switching part having an axially displaceable switching plunger for switching at least one switching contact, an actuating part by which the switching plunger is displaceable by a trigger part which runs against an actuating plunger of the actuating part transverse to the longitudinal axis of the switching plunger. The actuating part is mounted so as to be swivelable by a bearing part around a first swiveling axis and a second swiveling axis which extend parallel to one another and on both sides of the extended longitudinal axis of the switching plunger and are at a distance from the latter. The actuating part is swivelable from a basic position proceeding from the trigger part either in a first swiveling direction around the first swiveling axis or in an opposite, second swiveling direction around the second swiveling axis depending on the movement direction of the trigger part.

Abstract: A thin switch having a small floor area easy to be manufactured is provided. A switch includes a base including at least one switching fixed contact point exposed from a bottom surface and a concave part having at least one pair of opposing side walls; an operation lever pivotally supported by the side walls of the base; a slider slidably arranged on the bottom surface of the base for sliding while being guided by the opposing side walls of the base when pushed by a cam part of the operation lever; and a conductive coil spring arranged on the bottom surface of the base so as to extend and contract with push and release by the slider, including an arm part on a first end side arranged to be slidable on the bottom surface of the base and arranged so as to contact and separate with respect to the switching fixed contact point. A shaft center of the coil spring is arranged parallel to a moving direction of the slider.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.

Abstract: A key sheet and a key top of novel design such that a character or a symbol cannot be recognized visually when not illuminated and can be recognized visually only when illuminated. In the key sheet comprising a key top for pressing a key and a key pad on which a plurality of key tops are placed in a matrix and which supports them integrally through transparent adhesive, the key top is composed of a transparent material, e.g. resin or glass, and provided with a metal thin film (half-silvered mirror) on the upper or lower surfaces. Consequently, a character or a symbol cannot be recognized visually when not illuminated and can be recognized visually only when illuminated.

Abstract: A device enables a camstack in an appliance timer to be rotated without applying electrical power to the switches of the appliance.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method of cleaning a solid fuel that may provide a starting solid fuel sample data relating to one or more characteristics of a solid fuel to be treated by a solid fuel treatment facility; may provide a desired solid fuel characteristic; may compare the starting solid fuel sample data relating to one or more characteristics to the desired solid fuel characteristic to determine a solid fuel composition delta; may determine an operational treatment parameter for the operation of the solid fuel treatment facility to clean the solid fuel based at least in part on the solid fuel composition delta; and may monitor contaminants emitted from the solid fuel during treatment of the solid fuel and regulating the operational treatment parameter with respect thereto to create a cleaned solid fuel.

Abstract: Column (1) for distillation of a polymerizable material, whereby the column (1) comprises a container (2) with a lower floor (8), as well as at least one inlet (4) for the polymerizable material, which leads into an inner region (5) of the column (1), characterized in that means for uniform distribution of the material in the container (2) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the color stability by postpurifying piperazine, the steps comprising preparing an aqueous piperazine solution by introducing solid or liquid piperazine having a degree of purity of at least 90% by weight in water; removing the water by distillation; isolating the piperazine with a predefined maximum residual content of water. The invention further provides a rapid test of aging for checking the improvement in the color stability.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.

Abstract: A method and associated instrument are disclosed for increasing the sequential rate at which a series of microwave assisted chemical reactions that potentially generate high pressure can be carried out. The method includes the steps of opening a pressure-resistant valve on a microwave-transparent pressure-resistant vessel to define a unpressurized pathway through the valve into the vessel, inserting a tube through the pathway in the valve and into the vessel, transferring at least one composition into the vessel through the tube, removing the tube from the vessel and from the pathway in the valve, closing the valve to seal the vessel against pressure release, and exposing the vessel and its contents to microwave radiation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic solution separating method wherein a solution is ultrasonically vibrated and atomized into mist in a carrier gas in an ultrasonic atomizing chamber (4) and the carrier gas including atomized mist is transferred to a collecting part (5) and in the collecting part (5) the mist component comprising solution atomized into mist is separated from the carrier gas. In the ultrasonic solution separating method, in the collecting part (5), mist component is separated from the carrier gas in an adsorbing step of causing mist component to be adsorbed onto an adsorbing agent (15) by bringing the carrier gas including mist component into contact with the adsorbing agent (15) and a separating step of separating mist component adsorbed onto the adsorbing agent (15) in the adsorbing step from the adsorbing agent (15), and mist component is separated from the carrier gas with the pressure of the separating step being made lower than the pressure of adsorbing step.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition target assembly is configured to isolate a target-bonding layer from a processing region. In one embodiment, the target assembly comprises a backing plate, a target having a first surface and a second surface, and a bonding layer disposed between the backing plate and the second surface. The first surface of the target is in fluid contact with a processing region and the second surface of the target is oriented toward the backing plate. The target assembly may include multiple targets.

Abstract: A sputter deposition apparatus and method, and a substrate holder for use with a sputter deposition apparatus is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, a sputter deposition apparatus is provided, including at least one sputter target, a first plasma, a substrate holder, and a further plasma. In one embodiment, the further plasma is an ECWR plasma. According to an additional embodiment of the invention, an anode is provided between the further plasma, and the substrate holder. According to a further embodiment, the substrate holder includes a dielectric layer with varying thickness.