Abstract: A catching device (1) for holding an inserted weft thread in a rapier weaving machine having at least one rapier (6), which is movable along a rapier track (6a), includes a holding channel (5) which can be mounted in a stationary manner on the rapier weaving machine in order to take up a thread end of the inserted weft thread (9) and to hold it. In addition, the catching device includes a deflection nozzle (3) which can be mounted in stationary manner on the rapier weaving machine in order to deflect the thread end of the inserted weft thread to the holding channel (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a shed-forming device for a weaving loom equipped with several heald shafts or heddle frames and comprising a pulling system connected, for each heddle frame, to a self-contained assembly intended to operate the pulling system and comprising at least one electric motor unit housed in a casing (42) and at least one electrical circuit (54A, 55) intended to transmit in particular the electric power to the electric motor unit, characterized in that the self-contained assembly (E) also includes a support (51) placed close to the electric motor, the electrical circuit (54A, 55) being mounted on the support (51), while the support (51) has at least one cooling duct (51D, 51E) for the flow of a heat-transfer fluid. The self-contained assembly (E) includes damping elements (66B, 80A) placed so as to provide a flexible link between the support (51) and the electric motor unit (40A).

Abstract: A liquid crystal plate for storing a liquid crystal material for simultaneously injecting it into a plurality of liquid crystal panels and liquid crystal injection apparatus and method using such liquid crystal plate are disclosed. The liquid crystal plate has a recess for storing the liquid crystal material and a pair of raised members such as ribs, baffles or the like at both end portions of the recess in parallel with the outermost liquid crystal panels. The raised members have the height at least equal to the top surface of the liquid crystal material filled in the recess for maintaining the liquid crystal characteristics of the liquid crystal material injected into the plurality of liquid crystal panels substantially uniform regardless of the location in a cassette.

Abstract: Sealing system for fuel tank fill head comprising: a shutter that can be moved between an open position, in which fuel may be introduced into the fill pipe, and a closed position in which the fill pipe is closed, the shutter passing from one position to the other under the effect of a thrust exerted by a filling nozzle head; a shield placed upstream of the shutter and that can be moved between an open position, in which the shutter is accessible, and a closed position in which the shutter is protected from the atmosphere by the shield; and a nozzle inhibitor comprising components that can be rotated with respect to an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fill head and designed so as to enable a movement of the shutter from its closed position to its open position when the mobile components have been moved under the effect of a thrust exerted by the filling nozzle head having a predefined diameter on the mobile components.

Abstract: A tree harvester head comprises a drive wheel, a delimb knife, a pin, a wheel-mounting inner sleeve to which the drive wheel is mounted, and a knife-mounting outer sleeve to which the delimb knife is mounted. The wheel-mounting inner sleeve surrounds the pin for rotation of the wheel-mounting inner sleeve and the drive wheel mounted thereto about the pin. The knife-mounting outer sleeve surrounds the wheel-mounting inner sleeve for relative rotation therebetween for rotation of the delimb knife about the pin.

Abstract: A stump cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus having a rotatable cutting wheel or drum having at least one cutting tool mounted to the wheel or drum. The cutting tool includes a tool holder or pocket used to secure a separate cutting tooth. The pocket or tool holder includes the least one bore extending therethrough for use in securing the cutting tool to the cutting wheel or drum.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting logs through a debarker are shown and described. The disclosed embodiments of roller assemblies can be used for quickly and conveniently moving logs along a processing line. Some disclosed embodiments include fluted rollers that carry replaceable inserts. The inserts can protect the logs and the rigid flutes of the roller. The insert can be made of a wear resistant material for a prolonged life. A worn insert can be replaced with another insert to ensure proper functioning of the roller assemblies.

Abstract: A disposable wooden utensil includes a handle having a distal end and an opposite neck end. A load-engaging member extends cantilevered from the neck end in generally coplanar alignment with the handle so as to form a neck between the handle and the load-engaging member. A raised dorsal ridge is formed substantially medially along the handle and extends substantially along the load-engaging member.

Abstract: A sheet of a 6000 type aluminum alloy containing Si and Mg as main alloy components and having an excellent formability sufficient to allow flat hemming, excellent resistance to denting, and good hardenability during baking a coating, which exhibits an anisotropy of Lankford values of more than 0.4 or the strength ratio for cube orientations of the texture thereof of 20 or more, and exhibits a minimum bend radius of 0.5 mm or less at 180° bending, even when the offset yield strength thereof exceeds 140 MPa through natural aging; and a method for producing the sheet of the aluminum alloy, which includes the steps of subjecting an ingot to a homogenization treatment, cooling to a temperature lower than 350° C. at a cooling rate of 100° C./hr or more, optionally to room temperature, heating again to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. and subjecting it to hot rolling, cold rolling the hot rolled product, and subjecting the cold rolled sheet to a solution treatment at a temperature of 400° C.

Abstract: A sheet of a 6000 type aluminum alloy containing Si and Mg as main alloy components and having an excellent formability sufficient to allow flat hemming, excellent resistance to denting, and good hardenability during baking a coating, which exhibits an anisotropy of Lankford values of more than 0.4 or the strength ratio for cube orientations of the texture thereof of 20 or more, and exhibits a minimum bend radius of 0.5 mm or less at 180° bending, even when the offset yield strength thereof exceeds 140 MPa through natural aging; and a method for producing the sheet of the aluminum alloy, which includes the steps of subjecting an ingot to a homogenization treatment, cooling to a temperature lower than 350° C. at a cooling rate of 100° C./hr or more, optionally to room temperature, heating again to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. and subjecting it to hot rolling, cold rolling the hot rolled product, and subjecting the cold rolled sheet to a solution treatment at a temperature of 400° C.

Abstract: Provided is a steel alloy and process for manufacture thereof. The steel alloy has improved ductility, weldability and dimensional stability. Also provided is a manufacturing mold having a manifold that may be formed of the steel alloy. The manifold may include sprues or runners such that the manifold may be used in plastic injection mold. The steel alloy has the chemical composition comprised of (by weight percent) about 0.16-0.2 carbon, about 0.6-0.9 manganese, up to about 0.02 phosphorous, up to about 0.02 sulfur, about 0.25-0.45 silicon, about 2.3-2.7 chromium, up to about 0.2 nickel, up to about 0.15 copper, up to about 0.15 molybdenum, about 0.15-0.03 aluminum and the balance being iron with trace amounts of ordinarily present elements. The steel alloy is electric furnace melted, ladle refined, vacuum degassed and argon shield poured in order to ensure cleanliness and quality.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of extended steel products such as, for example, rods, pipes, work pieces, etc., while the products are in motion. The products (13, 14, 33, 34, 35) are caused to be heated by DFI burners (6-11, 16-20) (where “DFI” is an abbreviation for “direct flame impingement”), which burners are caused to be located such that one set of burners (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), (16, 17, 18, 19, 20) essentially covers the circumference of the products, and in the burners are caused to be located integrated into arrangements (2-4, 13) that transport the product in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane in which the flames of the burners essentially lie.

Abstract: A method of forming gray iron components includes applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to gray iron. The method also includes heat-treating the gray iron while the gray iron is within the magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A high strength steel sheet having a structure which is mainly composed of MD structure (Micro Duplex structure) comprising a ferrite matrix, and as a secondary phase, martensite or martensite and retained austenite, finely dispersed in said matrix, wherein the proportion that the MD structure occupies in the whole structure is 90% or more, wherein the proportion that the secondary phase present in the whole structure occupies in the whole structure is from 10 to 60%, wherein the secondary phase in the MD structure is present in ferrite grains and at grain boundary, in which the proportion of the secondary phase present in the ferrite grains is 50% or more, and wherein the average grain size of the secondary phase in the whole structure is 3 ?m or less. The secondary phase is constituted of martensite, or martensite and retained austenite.

Abstract: A sheet of a 6000 type aluminum alloy containing Si and Mg as main alloy components and having an excellent formability sufficient to allow flat hemming, excellent resistance to denting, and good hardenability during baking a coating, which exhibits an anisotropy of Lankford values of more than 0.4 or the strength ratio for cube orientations of the texture thereof of 20 or more, and exhibits a minimum bend radius of 0.5 mm or less at 180° bending, even when the offset yield strength thereof exceeds 140 MPa through natural aging; and a method for producing the sheet of the aluminum alloy, which includes the steps of subjecting an ingot to a homogenization treatment, cooling to a temperature lower than 350° C. at a cooling rate of 100° C./hr or more, optionally to room temperature, heating again to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. and subjecting it to hot rolling, cold rolling the hot rolled product, and subjecting the cold rolled sheet to a solution treatment at a temperature of 400° C.

Abstract: A multimodal explosive, in particular for blast charges, which has, for increasing the power, a powder additive which is formed by a hydrogen-terminated monocrystalline silicon powder of at least one grain size range, which powder has the advantage that no oxidation phenomenon takes place even over many years - even at storage in ambient air. Due to the non-oxidized crystal surfaces, advantageously an immediate joint reaction with the explosive takes place in the detonation front and also extends into the post-reaction period with increasing crystal sizes, so that a different propellant effect is achieved depending on the additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.

Abstract: A combination paper currency holder and rigid plastic card holder which has a planar base plate and in which a first resilient clip is integrally formed along one edge of the base plate and a second resilient clip is integrally formed along an opposite edge of the base plate. The first resilient clip securely hold paper currency to one side of the base plate and the second resilient clip securely holds plastic cards, such as credit cards, to the other side of the base plate. A pair of guide members are integrally formed with side edges of the other side of the base plate and assist in retaining the plastic cards against the base plate.

Abstract: A combination metering band and wallet device is disclosed. The device includes an elongate band sized to extend about an appendage of a user. The band has first and second end portions disposed opposite each other, a first outer surface adapted for outward orientation when the band is in position about the appendage of a user, and a second inner surface adapted for inward orientation adjacent the skin of a user. An attachment mechanism is disposed at the first and second band end portions for selectively securing the band about the appendage of a user. A fastening mechanism is disposed on the band first outer surface for securing a metering device thereto. A wallet case is secured to the band first end portion and includes a plurality of at least two pocket elements. Each pocket element defines an interior pouch and has an end opening for providing access to the interior pouch, the end openings and pouches being accessible when the band is attached about the appendage of a user.

Abstract: An exercise Swiss ball cover with the capability of performing integrated resistance exercises and temporarily store personal belongings. The cover is a fabric rectangle secured at its shortest sides, or a fabric tube, into which the exercise Swiss ball is inserted and covered at the centermost, widest circumference. There are two perimeters, each having a small ring or grommet to attach and detach exercise accessories and personal belongings. The cover is cinched at its two perimeters to secure the cover to the exercise Swiss ball. It provides a 360 degree forward and backward rotation capability and a variable lateral rotation of up to 180 degrees without interference from excess material or the bare surface of the exercise Swiss ball. Variable side coverage depends upon stretch and width of fabric used. The cover can be folded into a flat rectangle, making it suitable to neatly drape over a workout bench.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a golf club protector capable of carrying one or more golf accessories, such as a golf ball, a tee holder, or a grass trimmer, comprising: an animal-like body having a mouth for receiving a golf club head, said mouth comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a cavity for receiving one or more said golf accessories, said cavity being disposed in said mouth; and means for joining said upper portion and said lower portion. The means for joining are, for example, one or more magnet(s), a magnetic tape, or a zipper. The upper portion and the lower portion, when taken together, form an open state or a closed state. The cavity for receiving the golf accessories comprises one or more holding member(s) such as a narrow clamp, a wide clamp, and a holding pocket.

Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of the carcass type anchored on either side of the tire in a bead, the base of which bead is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, the reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards the sidewall, at least one arrangement of main cords along a substantially circumferential path being arranged substantially adjacent to the structure, the arrangement of the cords of the at least one arrangement being such that the number of main cords arranged on the axially inner side relative to the structure is greater than the number of main cords arranged on the axially outer side relative to the structure.

Abstract: A pneumatic runflat tire including at least one sidewall insert, the at least one sidewall insert including a heterogenous rubber compound comprising first rubber and second rubber composition phases, wherein the second rubber phase is further vulcanizable.

Abstract: A heavy duty tire comprises: a carcass ply of cords extending between bead portions; and a bead reinforcing layer disposed in each of the bead portion. The carcass ply has edges winded around the bead cores so that the winded portion has a base part extending along the bead core from the axially inside to the axially outside thereof, and a radially outer part extending axially inwards on the radially outside of the bead core. The bead reinforcing layer comprises: a curved portion extending along the base part; an axially outer portion extending radially outwardly, separation from the base part; and an axially inner portion extending radially outwardly along a main portion of the carcass ply. The bead reinforcing layer is composed of a ply of cords laid side by side, and the spacing Da of the cords in an axially outer part beneath the bead core, of the curved portion is not less than 1.5 times and not more than 3.0 times the spacing Db of the cords in the axially outer portion.

Abstract: A composite-forming process includes impregnating a reinforcing structure with a curable composition at a temperature of about 10 to about 40° C. The curable composition includes specific amounts of an epoxy resin, a poly(arylene ether), a solvent, and a curing promoter. The poly(arylene ether) includes, on average, about 1.6 to about 2.4 phenolic hydroxy groups per molecule, and it has a polydispersity index less than or equal to 2.2 and an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. These characteristics substantially improve the solubility of the poly(arylene ether) in the curable composition and allow the curable composition to be formed and used at or near room temperature. Composites formed by the process and circuit boards including the composites are also described.

Abstract: A decorative sheet includes a base member made of a resin material and having a first and a second principal surfaces opposite to each other, a decoration layer provided on the first principal surface of the base member and having a pattern area representing a predetermined pattern, and a spread suppressing member provided in a position corresponding to the pattern area on the side of the first principal surface or on the side of the second principal surface of the base member, for suppressing the spread of the pattern area of the decoration layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making SMC comprising a conveyor belt assembly having a feed end and a transfer end. The conveyor belt assembly including a belt having an outer surface and an inner surface. A cutting support structure disposed between the feed end and the transfer end, and in contact with the inner surface. A cutting wheel having a perimeter surface and disposed adjacent to the cutting support structure. A feed tension member proximate the outer surface and disposed between the feed end and the cutting wheel. The feed tension member positions the fiber rovings onto the outer surface to be cut by the cutting wheel. The feed tension member, cutting wheel and belt cooperate to feed the fiber rovings at a feed rate, cut the fiber rovings into a plurality of parallel discontinuous fibers, and convey the fibers at substantially the same rate as the feed rate.

Abstract: An adhesive is contacted with a surface of a substrate and ultrasonic energy is applied to the adhesive to enhance the bonding of the adhesive to the surface of the substrate. The ultrasonic energy, particularly ultrasonic vibrations, can assist the adhesive in wetting the substrate surface, curing, polymerization or the like to enhance bonding.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time with RF or ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method of labelling vials and containers for storing in freezing or cryogenic environment. More specifically, a method for labelling of vials and other containers which have a low surface temperature such as found in vials or containers freshly removed from a freezing or cryogenic environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating glass panels in which a sandwich structure to be laminated is preheated by radiation heat (7, 8), whereafter the sandwich structure is heated by bilateral hot air blasting concurrently with radiation heating. Convection heating elements for blasting hot air include conveyor rolls (3), which are hollow and apertured. Radiation heating elements (11, 12) apply heat to the sandwich structure by direction radiation heating and additionally warm up convection air circulated in the heating chamber.

Abstract: A mold comprises at least one axial member carrying at least one surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and means for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First surfaces for radial and axial locking which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second surfaces for radial and axial locking. Each surface for molding the sidewall is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane electrode assembly includes forming an unbonded membrane electrode assembly and forming a bonding assembly by contacting a first surface of at least one absorbent material against at least one surface of the unbonded membrane electrode assembly, the at least one absorbent material containing a liquid. The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode gas diffusion layer, a cathode gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst, a cathode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode catalyst and the cathode catalyst. The method further includes heating the bonding assembly to effect bonding of at least two components, at least a portion of the liquid being removed.

Abstract: A porous substrate produced by an extrusion process consisting essentially of bonded fibers is fabricated as a segmented substrate by joining a plurality of substrate segments with an adhesive that comprising fibers. The adhesive is bonded to fibers in the substrate segments to provide mechanical strength of the segmented substrate. The fibers in the adhesive provide a reduced elastic modulus in the adhesive layer that maintains a highly elastic structure between the segments in order to mitigate thermally induced mechanical stress when thermal gradients develop within the porous substrate during operation. The segmented porous fibrous substrate disclosed can be fabricated from a variety of materials to provide for effective filtration and as a catalytic host in various applications, including exhaust filtration of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An article useful as an architectural fabric consisting of (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a fluoropolymer coating disposed on at least the first surface of the fabric.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for laser cladding a substrate, comprising providing the substrate; depositing a first determined variable bead width of a material along a toolpath upon the substrate; depositing a second adjacent determined variable bead width of a material along the toolpath which overlaps the first determined variable bead width of deposited material; continuing to deposit a plurality of overlapping predetermined adjacent variable bead widths of a material until a first material layer is complete; forming a second material layer by depositing a plurality of overlapping predetermined variable bead widths of a material on top of the first material layer; and continuing to deposit material layers on top of deposited material layers until the cladding is complete; wherein the variable bead width of the deposited material is controlled by a computer having a plurality of input parameters to maintain an approximately constant percent of bead width overlap.

Abstract: A laminated duct structure for gas turbine engines, and a method for manufacturing laminated duct structures for gas turbine engines. The duct structure incorporates a metallic inner layer and a polymeric outer layer. Preferably, the thin metallic layer is a corrosion resistant material such as corrosion resistant stainless steel or titanium. The supporting outer polymeric layer is, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a polyimide material, such as polyimide resin-impregnated fiberglass cloth.

Abstract: A skin adhesion apparatus includes an upper mold half and a lower mold half. The upper mold half and the lower mold half clamps a core material and a skin laid on the core material so that the skin is adhered to a surface of the core material. Disposed along a mold surface of the upper mold half is a tubular member made of elastic material. The skin adhesion apparatus also includes a pump for supplying fluid into the tubular member. When adhering the skin to the core material, the upper mold half is pulled down and then stopped at a predetermined distance above the core material. After then, fluid is supplied into the tubular member so that the fluid pressure inflates the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a liquid crystal panel used for liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The object of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal panel having the following structure in order to utilize effectively the peripheral portion of the liquid crystal panel: in a liquid crystal panel which is formed by sandwiching the liquid crystal between a TFT substrate configured with the pixels in a matrix shape and a CF substrate configured with the color filter and sealing the peripheral area with a seal material, the seal material is completely overlappingly disposed on the BM of the CF substrate, and in order to electrically connect said TFT substrate and said CF substrate, a conductive material is adjoined at the outer side of said seal material and is configured to overlap the BM completely, and a structure in which said BM only projects outwardly at the portion, where said conductive material is disposed, is formed.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic device having a bearing component made from a crosslinked polymeric material which is substantially free of free radicals and a backing component having a plurality of pores defined therein, the bearing component (i) is made from a material that has a greater modulus of elasticity than the bearing component and (ii) is attached to the polymeric bearing component by a mass of the crosslinked polymeric material interdigitated within the pores of the backing component. An associated method of preparing an implantable orthopaedic device.

Abstract: A multi-layered interconnect structure and method of formation. In a first embodiment, first and second liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dielectric layers are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surface of a thermally conductive layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the thermally conductive layer with either the first or second LCP dielectric layer. In a second embodiment, first and second 2S1P substructures are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surfaces of a LCP dielectric joining layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the LCP dielectric joining layer with either the first or second 2S1P substructures.

Abstract: In a thermal activation method for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet 2 which has a heat-sensitive adhesive layer 2a on one surface thereof and is to be stuck to an adherend 1, when a surface roughness of the adherend 1 is large, by heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer 2a with large thermal energy, an adhesive is allowed to easily enter recesses 1a of the adherend. When the surface roughness of the adherend 1 is small, by heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer 2a with small thermal energy, a viscosity of the adhesive is increased to thereby prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet 2 from sliding and being peeled. The surface roughnesses of the adherends 1 may be classified for each material of the adherends 1, and the classified surface roughnesses may be judged according to each material of the adherends 1 to thereby determine the thermal energy.

Abstract: A web of a first sheet material and a web of a second sheet material are laminated together by a process wherein the sheet materials are wound, in an interleaved relationship, upon a roller having a radially displaceable outer surface. The roller and webs and then subjected to heating and/or a low-pressure environment so as to complete the lamination. A body of adhesive material, such as a hot melt adhesive, may be interposed between the webs and the heating or low pressure environment can activate this adhesive. Further disposed are particular configurations of rollers with radially displaceable surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing and disposing a slip-sheet from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a slip-sheet from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus separating an image recordable material from a stack of slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a image recordable material from a media stack that includes a plurality of image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing a slip-sheet removed from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a slip-sheet from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus includes a lower electrode in a processing chamber on which a object to be processed is mounted; an upper electrode confronting the lower electrode; a first and a second high-frequency power supply for applying high-frequency powers respectively to the upper and the lower electrode; and an output controller for raising each of outputs from the high-frequency power supplies at least three times in a stepwise manner up to each of set levels for processing the object to be processed. The output controller adjusts each of rising times of the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies so that an output of the second high-frequency power supply is raised earlier than an output of the first high-frequency power supply while the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies are raised up to the set levels in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A substarate processing apparatus capable of reducing the capacity of a space in an internal chamber. The internal chamber is housed in a space in an external chamber. A gas supply unit supplies a process gas into the space in the internal chamber. The space in the external chamber is under a reduced pressure or filled with an inert gas. An enclosure being movable and included in the internal chamber defines the space in the internal chamber with a stage heater included in the internal chamber. When a wafer is transferred in and out by a transfer arm used to transfer the wafer, the enclosure exits out of a motion range within which the transfer arm can move.

Abstract: A reactor is provided for removing polymer from a backside of a workpiece. The reactor includes a vacuum chamber having a ceiling, a floor and a cylindrical side wall. The reactor further includes workpiece support apparatus within the chamber configured for a workpiece to be placed thereon with its front side facing the ceiling. The support apparatus is configured to leave at least an annular periphery of the backside of the workpiece exposed. A confinement member defines a narrow gap with an outer edge of the workpiece, the narrow gap being on the order of about 1% of the workpiece diameter, the narrow gap corresponding to a boundary dividing the chamber between an upper process zone and a lower process zone, the reactor further comprising a vacuum pump coupled to the lower process zone.

Abstract: A reactor is provided for removing polymer from a backside of a workpiece. The reactor includes a vacuum chamber having a ceiling, a floor and a cylindrical side wall. A workpiece support apparatus within the chamber is configured to support a workpiece thereon, so that the workpiece has its front side facing the ceiling. The support apparatus leaves at least an annular periphery of the backside of the workpiece exposed. A confinement member defines a narrow gap with the outer edge of the workpiece, the narrow gap being on the order of about 1% of workpiece diameter, the narrow gap corresponding to a boundary dividing the chamber between an upper process zone and a lower process zone. A vacuum pump is coupled to the lower process zone. A lower external plasma-generating chamber introduces a plasma by-product into the lower process zone and a supply of a polymer etch precursor gas coupled to the lower external plasma-generating chamber.