Abstract: A wad or basewad for ammunition includes an ignition chamber. The ignition chamber can be integrally formed with the wad or basewad or can be attached to the wad or basewad. The ignition chamber communicates with a primer of the ammunition to receive and contain the primer blast for at least an initial period of time. This facilitates faster initial ignition of the propellant of the ammunition, and consequently allows higher performance levels to be achieved. Other advantages regarding other applications of this invention include cleaner burning loads, greater economy, and lower perceived recoil.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile, and a storage and charging mechanism therefor are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An ammunition cartridge includes a propulsion mechanism and a non-lethal projectile. The non-lethal projectile is configured to detach from a launching device when propelled from the launching device, and includes a set of electrodes electrically coupled to an electrical power source. The electrical power source may be a capacitor, a battery, or a combination thereof, and may be rechargeable. The ammunition cartridge may be shaped and sized for firing from a weapon designed to fire a comparably shaped and sized conventional ammunition. A holder for holding and charging a non-lethal projectile in an ammunition cartridge includes a set of conductors to provide a charging current to the electrical power source in the non-lethal projectile. A charging base may receive the holder and provide electrical power to the set of conductors.

Abstract: A railway anchor applicator for applying an anchor to a rail includes a frame configured for movement along a track, an anchor input for sequentially delivering an anchor to a workhead assembly, where the workhead assembly is movably mounted on the frame for movement toward and away from the rail. An anchor receiving arm is configured for movement between a first position receiving an anchor from an anchor input and a second position placing the anchor away from the anchor input. A main pivot arm is configured for movement between a first position generally away from the rail and a second position generally adjacent the rail. A bar clamp arm is operatively linked to the main pivot arm and is configured for movement underneath the rail, then upwards and towards the rail. An operator station is located on the gage side of the rail which the anchor is being applied.

Abstract: A rail car with a double longitudinal tub floor. The car may comprise a car body supported on a frame, the principal element of the frame being a longitudinal center sill assembly. The frame is in turn supported on a pair of wheel trucks. The car body includes a pair of generally vertical end wall assemblies joined to a pair of generally vertical side assemblies. The box is closed on the bottom by a floor assembly. The floor assembly includes a pair of longitudinal tubs. The longitudinal tubs are divided into tub segments and supported by cross-bearer assemblies. The cross-bearer assemblies are joined to the center sill assembly. The longitudinal tubs are supported primarily by the center sill assembly, both directly by joining each tub's lateral inboard edge to the center sill, and indirectly by joining the tub's chord end edges to the cross-bearer assemblies. Diagonal braces may be attached to the cross bearer assemblies and the side assemblies to help prevent bowing of the sides.

Abstract: A slurry for use in a chemical mechanical planarization process for a wafer comprises a chemical portion and a mechanical portion. The chemical portion comprises a surfactant that forms a layer over a metallic layer of the wafer to decreasing dishing to less than an average of 843 ? reduce the static etch rate of the metallic layer. The mechanical portion comprises an abrasive agent to assist in the planarization of the metallic layer of the wafer. In another embodiment, a slurry for polishing a copper layer formed over a first layer is disclosed. The slurry comprises an abrasive agent; and a surfactant comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant to reduce the static etch rate of the copper layer. The shelf life of the slurry exceeds 90 days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations which comprise a plasticizer and articles made therefrom and/or coated therewith. More specifically the formulation comprises a plasticizer and a fungicidally effective amount of Fludioxonil and/or Difenoconazole. The formulations have particular application in the manufacture of plasticized articles and articles which have been coated with a fungicide containing plastisol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based black ink for ink-jet recording, containing a coloring agent and water. The coloring agent contains a yellow dye, a magenta dye, and a cyan dye. The yellow dye contains a dye (Y) represented by the following general formula (1). The magenta dye contains a dye (M) represented by the following general formula (2). The cyan dye contains a phthalocyanine dye (C). The dye (Y), the dye (M), and the phthalocyanine dye (C) are blended so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) and (b).

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based ink for ink-jet recording containing a coloring agent and water. The coloring agent contains a dye represented by the following general formula (1). The ink further includes a substance having a structure in which a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom are covalently bound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based ink for ink-jet recording containing a coloring agent and water. The coloring agent contains a dye represented by the following general formula (1). The ink further includes a substance having a structure in which a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom are covalently bound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-pack type dental adhesive composition comprising: (a) 1.0 to 40.0 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent, (b) 0.01 to 0.4 part by weight of a weak acidic compound which is at least one of organic acid, boric acid and silicic acid, and has an acid dissociation exponent pKa of 3 or more in the form of an aqueous solution, (c) 0.01 to 0.4 part by weight of a strong acidic compound which is at least one of HF, HCl, HBr, HI, HNO3, HClO3, HClO4, HBrO4, HMnO4, H2SO4 and H3PO4 and has an acid dissociation exponent pKa of less than 3, (d) 0.1 to 5.0 part by weight of water, and (e) 20.0 to 99.0 parts by weight of a volatile organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for introducing and/or adding non-dry-powder additive materials and/or coating materials with a liquid, solid, semi-solid, or paste-like consistency or in suspended or emulsified form, for example, peroxides, fats, waxes, IV improvers, polymers, or similar materials, to an existing lumpy or particulate material which is moved and mixed, and optionally warmed and reduced to small pieces in a receptacle and/or compressor (1), said material being in particular polymer particles and/or flakes, wood fibers, paper cuttings, or similar materials. According to the invention, the additive material is introduced below the level of the material and/or material particles already in the receptacle (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first consideration to aldimines of formula (I). Said aldimines are particularly suitable as latent hardeners in curable compositions, particularly compositions comprising one or two-component isocyanate groups. Due to the presence of the reactive group, they can be converted to compounds of the formulas (X) and (XII) comprising aldimine groups, implementing a further consideration of the present invention. The aldimines, or the compounds comprising aldimine groups, can be used primarily in adhesive and sealant materials, but also in coatings, and can be produced easily from readily available source materials, and have good thermal stability. The tertiary amino group thereof has a surprisingly low alkalinity and can in some cases have a catalytic effect in chemical reaction systems.

Abstract: The invention accordingly relates to a method for preparing transparent C.I. Pigment Violet 23 by salt kneading a Pigment Violet 23-crude in the presence of a crystalline salt and an organic liquid. Said method is characterized in that the organic liquid is propylene carbonate.

Abstract: Sheathing panels are produced by methods which do not require natural resources such as wood and use significantly reduced embodied energy when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum sheathing panels. A novel binder, consisting in one embodiment of monopotassium phosphate and magnesium oxide, and combined with various fillers, is used to provide a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum board-like core which can be formed into a suitable sheathing panel handled and installed in a typical manner. The panel is manufactured to have a desirable shear resistance and water vapor permeability, important performance elements in building envelope design. The manufacturing process results in a panel that does not require mature trees as source material, does not off gas, and involves much lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make traditional wood or gypsum-based sheathing panels.

Abstract: Mixed cement containing mainly ground granulated blast furnace slag with an alumina ratio of 12 to 17.5 mass % and Portland cement, wherein a ratio of mixture of the ground granulated blast furnace slag is made 10 to 60 mass % and wherein plaster having a specific surface area of 7000 cm2/g or more is mixed in by a ratio of 2 to 4 mass % converted to SO3 mass. By using this mixed cement as a concrete material, it is possible to suppress expansion of the concrete even if in contact with soil containing residual sulfates over a long period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus attachable to a barricading structure and method for providing an activity surface. The barricading structure may be, for example, a railing. The apparatus comprises a mountable backsplash attached to the barricading structure, a foldable support platform attached to the mountable backsplash via multiple connectors, and a locking system for locking the mountable backsplash to the barricading structure. The foldable support platform comprises a first inlay fitted into a support structure for providing an activity surface to hold objects. The connectors are accommodated in slots provided on the mountable backsplash. The accommodated connectors are hinged to the mountable backsplash using a hinge pin to facilitate pivotal connection of the foldable support platform to the mountable backsplash. The apparatus may comprise leg supports for supporting weight of the foldable support platform. The apparatus is made of a weather resistant material and a heat resistant material.

Abstract: A support for a non-automotive vehicle to be placed over a service pit and allow for servicing of the vehicle is disclosed. In addition, a process for servicing the vehicle is also disclosed. The support can include a support surface that has an engine access opening, a rolling mechanism attached to the support surface that affords for the support surface to roll over a surface at a predetermined height and at least one ramp attached to the support surface. The at least one ramp can be movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the support is dimensioned to roll over the service pit and allow for servicing of the non-automotive vehicle engine. In some instances, the support affords for the non-automotive vehicle to have its oil changed.

Abstract: The worktable comprises a work platform and a multidirectional coupling for operatively attaching the work platform to an external structure. The multidirectional coupling comprises a first linear assembly comprising a first translation member and a second translation member engaging the first translation member and linearly movable relative to and along the first translation member between first and second limit positions and according to a first translation axis. The multidirectional coupling also includes a second linear assembly comprising a third translation member and a fourth translation member engaging the third translation member and linearly movable relative to and along the third translation member between third and fourth limit positions and according to a second translation axis that is transversal to the first translation axis.

Abstract: An oxyfuel boiler 1 is equipped with an oxygen separation apparatus 23 to produce oxygen by separating oxygen from the air, a recirculation fan 26 to supply a portion of combustion flue gas branched from the combustion flue gas discharged from the boiler to the oxyfuel boiler 1, a temperature sensor 14a to detect gas temperature at a boiler outlet 1d in the oxyfuel boiler 1, and a control apparatus 150 to calculate gas temperature at a furnace outlet 1c in the boiler from the gas temperature at the boiler outlet 1d detected by the temperature sensor 14a and control the operating condition of the recirculation fan 26 so that the calculated gas temperature at the furnace outlet 1c becomes a desired preset gas temperature.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for supplying an air jet form to the furnace of a recovery boiler, where the furnace has a front wall, a rear wall and side walls. Black liquor spraying devices are disposed on the furnace walls on one or several levels of the furnace. A plurality of air ports are located at several horizontal elevations for introducing air into the furnace from an air supply. In the arrangement for the secondary air flows, at least two horizontal air levels at different elevations are arranged above the lower primary levels and below the black liquor sprayer. Secondary air is supplied from two opposite walls. The secondary air ports on each of said first and second horizontal elevations comprise air ports for each horizontal elevation that project a pattern of large air jets into the furnace from said opposite walls and said secondary air ports further comprise a plurality of secondary air ports on at least one of the elevations that project smaller air jets into the furnace.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluidized-bed reactor includes introducing an alkali-containing material into a fluidized-bed reactor and introducing hydrous clay into the fluidized-bed reactor, the hydrous clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the alkali-containing material and hydrous clay, such that at least a portion of the hydrous clay is at least partially calcined and the at least partially calcined clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the fluidized-bed reactor. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the at least partially calcined clay and adsorbed alkali from the fluidized-bed reactor.

Abstract: A method for injecting fuel, oxidant, and ballast into an oxycombustoin boiler is presented.

Abstract: A liquid metering system for an agricultural implement is modular, having individual metering pumps for each crop row. The pumps are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A common pump is used, making the system modular in that varying sizes of implements can be produced by varying the number of pumps. A common supply line is used to supply a liquid input from a reservoir to the pumps. Each pump is connected to the common supply line. By connecting each pump to the common supply line, the difficulty of routing individual hoses from a central pump to each row unit are overcome.

Abstract: A planter, in certain embodiments, includes a structural air manifold. The planter may include a hollow structural member configured to bear and/or distribute static and dynamic loads of the planter. The structural member may include a hollow interior having a first port and a second port. A plurality of individual planting units and a fan may be mounted to the structural member and coupled to the hollow interior at the first and second ports, respectively, via a conduit. The hollow interior may provide a path for forced airflow between the first and second ports to enable pneumatic operation of a feature of the agricultural seed planter. Further, each planting unit may include a seed meter pneumatically coupled to the fan. An orifice may be disposed in the first or second port to restrict the airflow through the port and to the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed meter includes an input port configured to receive a supply of seeds and an output port configured to deliver the supply of seeds for dispensing to a planting area and a seed disk configured to receive the supply of seeds from the input port and deliver the supply of seeds to the output port at a substantially uniform rate. The seed disk has a seed side where seeds flow from the input port, and a vacuum side opposite the seed side. The seed meter further includes a first housing portion surrounding a first portion of the seed disk in a fixed relationship to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second housing portion.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatviely, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A tool 1 for a textile machine with the tool having a wear-minimizing coating on its basic tool body 2, which wear-minimizing coating acts as an anti-wear element 15. In order to accommodate this coating, the basic tool body 2 is provided with a recess at a suitable location, and the coating is built up on the bottom of the recess, for example, by plasma-spraying. Preferably, an oxide-ceramic material is used for the coating.

Abstract: This application covers a light-weight, very fast, super shallow, all-weather, recreational hull that has a mostly flat bottom and that can be used as a sailing vessel, a motor vessel and a surfing platform capable of surfing well-developed ocean swells for long duration and over long distances with speeds over 50 knots, that also has straight diverging sides that have a slight tumblehome, and which hull has 2 multi-finned rotors at its bottom instead of a rudder and keel; and instead of permanent ballast has a series of water buckets along its flat sides to keep the hull's total weight as light as possible; and which buckets can be quickly filled or emptied with outboard water to provide stability control while sailing and surfing; and which hull has pressurized air nozzle and crosswise venturi systems installed in its bottom that can force a sheet of air under the hull on which the hull glides forward with great ease; and that can deploy stern trim surfaces to trim and balance the stern while planing, and w

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus of a watercraft with propeller applying an assist torque of an assist motor driven in correspondence to a steering direction and a steering force of a steering handle to a steering force transmission path to the propeller, an output side of the assist motor is provided with an inverse input interrupting apparatus transmitting an assist torque of the assist motor to the steering force transmission path, and interrupting an inverse input torque applied to the steering force transmission path from a side of the propeller caused by a rotational reaction force of a screw provided in the propeller with respect to the assist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for loading of hydrocarbons from a floating vessel, such as a FPSO or FSO vessel, to an export tanker, where the floating vessel is spread moored to a sea bottom, and where the export tanker during the loading phase is moored in such a way that the export vessel to a greater or less degree can weathervane dependent upon the prevailing weather, wave and/or wind conditions. According to invention the floating vessel at least at one end is provided with a rotatable deck which can be turned when the heading of the export tanker changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.

Abstract: The invention involves a double trim tab for watercraft in which connection the flow interceptor (1) is activated by an actuation cylinder (4) and the flow interceptor (1) activates the bottom tab (2). One of the tabs may have a course correction device (10) or a course correction fin (11). In addition, an electronic steering device (14) can likewise carry out a course correction in the event of a trim change in which connection the steering wheel (17) is kept neutral by means of an uncoupling device (18).

Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.

Abstract: A high current cursor comprises a outer frame in which a center carriage travels. The center carriage travels between the top and bottom of the outer frame. Movement of the center carriage is limited within the outer frame constraints and its own locking mechanism. Center carriage carries a bend restrictor for an umbilical or lift line. When the center carriage travels down to a predetermined position within the high current cursor, equipment is allowed to exit the high current cursor or is retrieved back into the high current cursor when the bend restrictor reaches a predetermined position within the outer frame, e.g. at its lowest point, allowing dispersal and/or retrieval without obstruction back to a fixed recovery point.

Abstract: A prefabricated panel assembly for use in constructing a marine vessel comprises a plurality of elongated, roll-formed metal panels fixed sided to side by longitudinal weld seams. The panels include a plate portion and an angle portion adjoining the plate portion along a longitudinal primary bend, the plate portion having a generally flat panel segment, the angle portion having a web generally orthogonal to the panel segment and a flange generally parallel to the panel segment and adjoining the web along a secondary bend. The panel assembly provides a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to using individual structural steel angles welded to individual steel plate in constructing a marine vessel.

Abstract: A dual purpose flagpole has a plurality of elongated telescopic tubular sections for connecting vertically in a fully extended position to form a flagpole, and for collapsing telescopically in a nested position into the bottom tubular section. Each section has a smaller upper end and a larger lower end for forming a tapered tubular pole. Connectors for attaching a flag to the flagpole allow the flag to rotate freely in the wind so as to prevent the flag from wrapping around the flagpole. A foldable support stand for portable use of the flagpole includes a tubular support member, a rectangular plate, and foldable braces. For permanent use, each of the tubular sections has an aperture and a threaded fastener to provide additional structural integrity for the flagpole in the extended position. Different colors and shapes of figures on the outer surface of the flagpole resemble the theme of the flag.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a casing; a first force-sense generating mechanism which selectively imparts, to the user who is carrying the casing; a force-sense of a first translation force directed toward one side in a first direction, and a force-sense of a second translational force directed toward the other side in the first direction; and a second force-sense generating mechanism which is arranged in the casing, at an opposite side of the first force-sense generating mechanism with respect to a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the mobile apparatus, and which selectively imparts a force-sense of a third translational force directed toward one side in a second direction which is substantially parallel to the first direction, and a force-sense of a fourth translational force directed toward the other side in the second direction.

Abstract: A bird repeller for birds such as seagulls utilizes an array of streamers made of flexible strips configured of ribbons folded double to form anchor locations. The free ends of the strips flutter downstream in the wind as the intermediate portions undulates to discourage birds that land into the wind from landing on structures such as piers, boats, or buildings. The array of streamers is coupled by swiveling and pivoting couplings to a flexible supporting rod that holds the array of streamers aloft.

Abstract: A horn guard device for a motorcycle having an aesthetic appearance improved and being capable of meeting legally-specified values for a horn sound pressure in different countries. A spiral-type horn is attached onto a down tube with its sound-pressure outlet facing the road surface. The horn is placed downward of an engine. A water-exposure guard is provided facing a front portion of the sound-pressure outlet. The water-exposure guard faces the sound-pressure outlet with a predetermined angle therebetween. The water-exposure guard can be integrally formed on a lower portion of a bracket attached to bosses extending to the side from the down tube.

Abstract: The traphouse safety flag is an electromechanical safety device mounted at the roofline of a traphouse intended to replace the traditional safety cone or cloth flag that is commonly used to indicate to the shooters that the traphouse is occupied and shooting cannot commence. A “no flag” detent position energizes the normal trap shooting control mechanism while indicating to the shooters that the traphouse and personnel are secure. The safety flag obscures the entrance to the traphouse in a shooting position and if the flag is moved out of the no flag detent position for any reason, the trap shooting control mechanism is deactivated and will not accept a launch command from the shooter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of high strength engineering polymer (HSEP) material, the elongate sheet being resiliently bendable to enable the indicator post to revert upright after an impact. An associated reinforcement means attachable to a driveable portion of the indicator post is also disclosed.

Abstract: In appropriate setting of magnetic field applied to a molten silicon 12 stored in a cylindrical quartz crucible 11, the maximum value B0 of magnetic flux density on a vertical symmetric axis 17 as a cylindrical axis of the quartz crucible 11 in horizontal magnetic field generated by a pair of exciting coils 13 and 14 calls B0. On circle at which horizontally symmetric plane 18 traversing and perpendicular to a vertically symmetric axis 17 becoming magnetic flux B0 crosses an inner diameter of the quartz crucible 11, the minimum value of magnetic flux density calls Bmin, and the maximum value of magnetic flux density calls Bmax. Those magnetic flux densities B0, Bmin and Bmax are adjusted to be given ranges, and upward flow and temperature of a molten silicon 12 at the lower part of a solid-liquid interface 15a are appropriately controlled.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for stabilizing characteristics of an NdGaO3 substrate used for epitaxial growth so as to grow a fine nitride compound semiconductor single crystal with good reproducibility. A single crystal of NdGaO3 grown by a crystal pulling method is subjected to an annealing treatment at 1400° C. or more and 1500° C. or less for a predetermined time period (for example, 10 hours) in the air, and this annealed NdGaO3 substrate is used as a substrate for epitaxial growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blended solvent for solubilizing an ultraviolet photoresist. The blended solvent comprises a mixture of from about 5 vol % to about 95 vol % of a first solvent, wherein the first solvent comprises a cyclic ester. A balance of the mixture comprises a second solvent, wherein the second solvent comprises a volatile organic liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the corrosion resistance of chrome plated materials. After the materials to be chrome plated are mechanically abrasively polished, but before they are reverse etched, they are power washed with a high-pressure liquid. A sprayer with nozzles directed inwardly towards the materials directs water onto the material at pressures in the range of 1000 or 2500 to 3000 psi. After the materials are chrome plated, they are heated above the melting point of a buffing compound, and then the heated materials with the buffing compound applied are buffed. An induction heater is used, before or after the buffing compound is applied. Computer controls, responsive to operator input of the cross-sectional size, composition and/or speed of movement of the chrome plated materials, to in turn regulate the power to an induction coil heater.

Abstract: The invention provides a painting installation comprising a spray booth having an application zone in which parts are to be painted, at least one auxiliary zone being separated from said application zone, an air supply and an air exhaust system having a first air supply and a second air supply, an air-conditioning device, at least one baffle element being arranged between said application zone and said at least one auxiliary zone, wherein said first air supply is provided for said application zone and is conducted via said air-conditioning device, said second air supply is provided for said auxiliary zone and is separated from said air-conditioning device, said at least one baffle element is configured for optimizing the air flow conditions in the transition area between said application zone and said auxiliary zone, wherein said exhaust air from said spray booth is recycled and at least partially fed to said air-conditioning device, and wherein said application zone is supplied only with air-conditioned air

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame (1) of a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3). The device manufactures the three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying a powder or liquid building material (3a) layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross-section of the object (3) to be manufactured in a building space. The building space is defined by the frame (1) and a platform (2) inside the frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises at the inner side facing the building space glass ceramic plates.

Abstract: A wafer lift pin structure for lifting a semiconductor wafer includes: a through-hole penetrating through a susceptor; an upper guide fixedly fitted inside the through-hole, a lift pin constituted by an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part and inserted in the upper guide; and a lower guide attached to the underside surface of the susceptor, wherein the lift pin is suspended from the lower guide at the middle part of the lift pin at the lower position. The middle part has a diameter greater than that of the upper part and that of the lower part, and has a weight heavier than that of the upper part and that of the lower part.

Abstract: A masking device that is adapted to be reusable in high temperature applications and for a variety of masking applications, is cost-effective to manufacture, and which includes a magnetic component insulated on three or all four surfaces. The invention includes a system of interchangeable components in varying shapes and sizes, which may be selectively attached, assembled and combined providing versatility for a range of masking operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and eliminating and/or minimizing non-functional nozzles of dispense systems are described.