Abstract: Upon forming a complex metallization system, the parasitic capacitance between metal lines of adjacent metallization layers may be reduced by providing a patterned etch stop material. In this manner, the patterning process for forming the via openings may be controlled in a highly reliable manner, while, on the other hand, the resulting overall dielectric constant of the metallization system may be reduced, thereby also significantly reducing the parasitic capacitance between stacked metal lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of interconnect layers disposed at different heights from the semiconductor substrate, each interconnect layer including an interconnection formed therein; and a via formed in a columnar shape extending in the stack direction of the interconnect layers, the via electrically connecting the interconnections of the different interconnect layers, the interconnections including an intermediate interconnection in contact with the via in the intermediate portion thereof, and the intermediate interconnection including a first type intermediate interconnection passing through the via in a direction perpendicular to the stack direction and in contact with the via on the top surface, bottom surface, and both side surfaces thereof.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may be formed by forming a first interconnect pattern in a first plurality of parallel route tracks, and forming a second interconnect pattern in a second plurality of parallel route tracks, in which the second plurality of route tracks are alternated with the first plurality of route tracks. The first interconnect pattern includes a first lead pattern and the second interconnect pattern includes a second lead pattern, such that the route track containing the first lead pattern is immediately adjacent to the route track containing the second lead pattern. Metal interconnect lines are formed in the first interconnect pattern and the second interconnect pattern. A stretch crossconnect is formed in a vertical connecting level, such as a via or contact level, which electrically connects only the first lead and the second lead. The stretch crossconnect is formed concurrently with other vertical interconnect elements.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional integrated circuit apparatus 80 in which a first wafer 101 and a second wafer 102 having respective integrated circuits according to an embodiment are directly bonded, the second wafer 102 is provided with a through hole 10 aligned with a via 5a of the first wafer 101 by use of an alignment marker of the first wafer 101, and connected to the via 5a. The surrounding of the through hole 10 is provided with an insulating film 8.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a first semiconductor wafer having plural first chip areas sectioned by first dicing grooves, and first photosensitive surface protection and adhesive layers provided at each of circuit surfaces of the plural first chip areas is prepared. A second semiconductor wafer having plural second chip areas sectioned by second dicing grooves, and second photosensitive surface protection and adhesive layers provided at each of circuit surfaces of the plural second chip areas is stacked with the first semiconductor wafer via the second photosensitive surface protection and adhesive layers to form plural chip stacked bodies of the first chip areas and the second chip areas.

Abstract: During manufacture of an electronic device, an aerogel coating is applied to a first side of an IC substrate of a first IC. A bonding procedure is initiated, during which IC interconnects are either placed on the coated side of the substrate or on the opposite side of the substrate. The first IC is connected on a carrier to a second IC with the coated side of the first IC facing the second IC to reduce heat transmission to the second IC during operation of the first IC. The aerogel coating reduces thermal stress to the circuit board and surrounding components, reduces the risk of overheating of critical circuit components, provides chemical and mechanical insulation from contamination during subsequent wafer handling operations, and provides a thermal isolator between IC regions of dissimilar power dissipation, which isolator facilitates efficient thermal extraction from localized hotspots.

Abstract: An active matrix substrate includes a substrate and an insulating unit arranged on the substrate. The substrate includes a display region and a periphery circuit region beside the display region. The periphery circuit region has at least a chip connecting unit. Each chip connecting unit includes a number of connecting elements. Each of the connecting elements includes a conducting pad and a wire electrically connected to the conducting pad. The conducting pads of the connecting elements are arranged in at least two rows. The insulating unit has a number of contact holes corresponding to the conducting pads so that each of the conducting pads is entirely exposed by the corresponding contact hole. The active matrix substrate is applied to a display device to increase reliability of the display device and improve the quality of the display device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a substrate having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface; a first electronic element mounted on the first surface of the substrate; a second electronic element mounted on the second surface of the substrate; and a resin mold sealing the first electronic element and the first surface of the substrate. The resin mold further seals the second electronic element on the second surface of the substrate. The second surface of the substrate has a portion, which is exposed from the resin mold. The second electronic element is not disposed on the portion of the second surface.

Abstract: In semiconductor devices, the alignment mark for performing alignment processes of measurement tools and the like may be positioned within the die seal area on the basis of a geometric configuration, which still preserves mechanical integrity of the die seal without compromising the spatial information encoded into the alignment marks. For example, L-shaped alignment marks may be provided at one or more corners of the die seal area.

Abstract: A water-carrying line section having at least one aerating duct (2), the aerating duct (2), on the inlet side, having at least one duct opening (5) open to atmosphere and, on the outlet side, having at least one duct opening (6) that can be flushed by the water flowing past and/or is adjacent thereto, and in which aerating duct (2) a water jet aerator (7) is provided. The line section is characterized in that the water jet aerator (7) has a filtering or separating device (8) which is configured to be permeable to air in the direction from the at least one duct opening (5) on the inlet side toward the at least one duct opening (6) on the outlet side but is impermeable to water in the opposite direction. With the aid of the water jet aerator (7) which is used in the line section (1) and which serves to aerate the water flowing through a sanitary outlet fitting or the like, the undesired emergence of water can be prevented with certainty in any installation situation.

Abstract: A contact reaction tower, including: a central cylinder; and an outer cylinder. Lift pipes and a water inlet pipe(s) are installed in the central cylinder, reflux windows are formed on the wall of the central cylinder, and the water flow circulation between the central cylinder and the outer cylinder is realized through the lift pipes, the water inlet pipe(s), and the reflux windows, such that the water flow internal circulation of the whole contact reaction tower is realized. The contact reaction tower is sealed in its entirety from the outside environment, and a gas guide pipe is installed at the top of the contact reaction tower.

Abstract: Provided is a production method of a ?-sialon phosphor that europium ions are solid-solved in ?-sialon, including a mixing process for mixing raw materials of the ?-sialon phosphor; a burning process for burning the raw materials after the mixing process to form the ?-sialon phosphor; a HIP treatment process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the burning process is subjected to a HIP treatment; an annealing process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the HIP treatment process is subjected to an annealing treatment; and an acid treatment process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the annealing process is subjected to an acid treatment. According to the production method of a ?-sialon phosphor, a ?-sialon phosphor excellent in luminescence intensity is obtained.

Abstract: A kind or transparent alumina ceramics is disclosed herein, the optical axes of all or part or the crystal grains of the transparent alumina ceramics are arranged in a direction, which makes the transparent alumina ceramics have orientation.

Abstract: The present systems and methods utilize a polyamic acid solution as a precursor to form a polyimide bead having desired properties. The polyamic acid solution may be formed into a polyamic acid droplet. The polyamic acid droplet is then processed to form a polyamic acid bead, such as by extraction of solvent to concentrate the polyamic acid or by partial chemical imidization of the polyamic acid. The polyamic acid bead is then better able to retain its shape during subsequent processing steps, such as drying and pressurizing, before final thermal imidization.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing extruded parts having microstructures comprising: a support structure; a hopper carried by the support structure for receiving feedstock; an extrusion chamber operatively associated with the hopper for receiving the feedstock from the hopper and melting the feedstock above a feedstock melting temperature; a die carried by the support structure having die microstructures disposed on an inner surface of the die, the die microstructures having a plurality of microfeatures each having an upper surface and a lower surface, the melted feedstock being forced through the die to produce an extrudate having extrudate microstructures; and, a cooling assembly wherein the extrudate microstructures of the pre-cooled extrudate have larger physical dimensions than that of the extrudate microstructures of the cooled extrudate.

Abstract: Foam filling a cavity in a joint between insulated pipe lengths by wrapping a fibre reinforced plastic mold sheet around the cavity or applying a casing around the cavity, with a securing element supplied on the mold sheet to resist separating movements of the ends of the mold sheet or one or more flexible tensile members wrapped around the casing, to resist ballooning of the casing on expansion of a foam filling introduced into the mold or into the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming an extruded transparent or translucent polyamide article including melt calendering to improve the physical properties and optical clarity. The polyamide article is a sheet, film, or profile.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mold that is capable of high-precision, stable patterning, and improved in terms of handleability as well, and a manufacturing method thereof. The mold of the invention has a pattern-formation surface defined by one surface, wherein the pattern-formation layer has a projection-and-depression structure area for patterning, and a base surface defined by another surface. At least the pattern-formation layer and the base surface each comprise a polydimethylsiloxane layer. Given a low-molecular-weight siloxane of a cyclic structure represented by [—Si(CH3)2O—]k where k is an integer of 3 to 20 inclusive, the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the pattern-formation layer comprises a high-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a larger amount, and the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the base surface comprises a low-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a smaller amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for efficiently and stably forming a pattern on a thin-film substrate. The method for manufacturing the thin-film substrate includes: stacking the thin-film substrate, a tackiness/adhesive agent for temporary fixing and a hard substrate in this order; fixing the thin-film substrate on the hard substrate through the tackiness/adhesive agent; then forming the pattern; and subsequently peeling the thin-film substrate at an interface between the thin-film substrate and the tackiness/adhesive agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molding device (1) for receiving fibers onto which a resin is injected, including a base (3), side plates (5) confining the base (3), and a cover (7) capable of engaging with a free end (9) of the side plates (5) in order to define an inner space (11) for receiving the fibers and the resin, wherein said device (1) comprises, in the inner space (11), a skin (21) that is configured to be complementary to the inner surface of the cover (7) and to at least a portion of the inner surface of the side plates (5). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a resin part using such a device (1).

Abstract: A method to manufacture a sensor is provided and includes forming a foamed core of a first material with a hole defined therein, inserting a rod into the hole, filling the core with a slurry of a second material and curing the second material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a multilayer container which comprises: a primary stretching and heat-setting process wherein a multilayer sheet comprising a A-PET layer, a functional resin layer and a sealant layer, is heated, primarily stretched and then primarily heat-set, and a secondary stretching and heat-setting process wherein the multilayer sheet treated in the primary stretching and heat-setting process is molded with heating by a mold of a thermoforming machine while secondary stretching is performed, followed by secondary heat-setting in the same mold.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provides a method of preparing a thermoformed article composed of polylactic acid that includes the steps of providing a foam sheet comprising polylactic acid having a D-lactic acid stereo-isomer content that is about 3 mole % or less, exposing the sheet to a temperature of at least about 190° C., and forming the heated sheet in a mold at a mold temperature that is at least about 50° C. and for a length of time to form a thermoformed article having a PLA crystalline content of at least about 10%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that heat resistant thermoformed articles can be prepared in accordance with embodiments of the invention wherein the time required for forming the foam sheet into a molded article is less than about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes an imprint template holder configured to hold an imprint template, and a dispensing mechanism of polar molecules, wherein the dispensing mechanism of polar molecules is configured to provide polar molecules into a local environment in the vicinity of the imprint template, such that the concentration of polar molecules in the local environment in the vicinity of the imprint template is greater than the concentration of polar molecules in other parts of the lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprinting device and an imprinting method which can uniformly apply pressure between a mold and a molding object and which can increase and decrease a temperature at a fast speed. An imprinting device is for transferring a pattern on a mold to a film molding object, and comprises a stage for holding the mold, a pressurizing-chamber casing which configures a pressurizing-chamber together with the molding object, sealing means which airtightly seals a space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, opening and closing means which opens and closes the space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, pressurizing means which adjusts atmospheric pressure in the pressurizing-chamber, heating means which heats either one of or both of the mold and the molding object, and degassing means which eliminates any gas present between the mold and the molding object.

Abstract: A laser built up method on an object with different surfaces is provided. The object can be coated locally, which is not possible by the conventional rapid prototyping processes. The object is put into a powder bed, powder is provided on or near the object and the powder is only locally provided on the upper outer surface of the object and then densified.

Abstract: Method and device for vulcanizing vehicle tires using a heating press and a heating bladder. The method includes positioning a tire blank in the heating press, feeding steam into the heating bladder, stopping the supply of steam into the heating bladder, raising an internal pressure in the heating bladder to a predetermined setpoint value by feeding nitrogen into the heating bladder, and consistently maintaining the internal pressure of the heating bladder at the predetermined setpoint value through a pulsating input of nitrogen into the heating bladder occurring at least temporarily over a specific time.

Abstract: A device for transforming parisons into containers with a plurality of transforming stations which are disposed on a movable carrier, wherein the transforming stations each have blow molds, within which the parisons can be transformed into containers by a supply of a flowable medium, and blow mold supports for holding these blow molds, wherein the blow mold supports have at least two blow mold support parts which are movable relative to one another for opening and closing the blow molds, with a clean room which is demarcated with respect to the surroundings by means of at least one wall and which at least partially surrounds the individual transforming stations, so that the transforming stations are movable within this clean room, and with at least one supply unit in order to supply flowable sterilising medium to at least one region of the transforming stations which are movable within the clean room.

Abstract: An apparatus for the shaping of plastics material pre-forms into plastics material containers, with a plurality of shaping stations which are arranged on a movable carrier, wherein the shaping stations have blow moulds which are used for receiving the plastic pre-forms and inside which the plastic pre-forms are shaped into the plastic containers, and wherein the shaping stations have stressing devices which are movable relative to the plastic pre-forms and which act upon the pre-forms arranged in the blow moulds with a sterile flowable medium to expand them, with a clean room, inside which the shaping stations are conveyed, wherein this clean room is arranged or demarcated from the environment by means of at least one wall. At least one supply device is provided for supplying a flowable control medium to at least one shaping station), wherein this supply device (60) is sealed off from the clean room.

Abstract: A device is described for heat-treating sheet metal strips (6) having at least one radiator pipe unit (1), which has three pipes located in a common axial plane parallel to the sheet-metal strip (6), namely one middle pipe (2) attachable to a burner and two outer pipes (3) connected at both ends to the middle pipe (2) via pipe elbows (4), and having a bearing pin (9), connected to the two pipe elbows (4) between the middle pipe (2) on one side and the two outer pipes (3) on the other side, on the side of the radiator pipe unit opposite to the burner. To be able to take the occurring thermal expansions in the area of the pipe elbows (4) into consideration, it is proposed that the bearing pin (9) be arranged on a bridge (10), which bridges a gusset (11) between the two pipe elbows (4), having two sections (12) which extend on both sides of the axis of the middle pipe (2) and are inclined at an acute angle to the axis of the middle pipe (2).

Abstract: A workpiece support, including: first and second arms pivotably connected to first and second support members respectively, the first and second support members being spaced apart, each arm including first and second receiving members for receiving the workpiece, the first and second receiving members being provided at first and second ends of each arm respectively, wherein each arm is pivotably connected to the respective first and second support members at a point between the first and second ends of each arm, such that a workpiece may be supported by the first and second receiving members of the first arm and the first and second receiving members of the second arm.

Abstract: The device is used to retain workpieces, has a tong-like design, and is provided with two tong arms. The tong arms are retained by a tong base and can be arranged at least in an open position and in a closed position. The tong base is retained by a main element. When a specified actuating force is applied, the tong base is released and can be pivoted relative to the main element within a certain range. Respectively one movable counter-element is arranged adjacent to two lateral surfaces of the tong base. The counter-elements are retained in a starting position by means of at least one spring.

Abstract: A machine tool having a machine frame and a workpiece table. It is provided that the workpiece table (5), on one of its sides (14), is held on the machine frame (2) by a holding device (4), the holding device (4) having at least two holding elements (6, 7), which are spaced apart from one another on the said side (14) of the workpiece table (5) and which are disposed at differing height positions (9, 10), such that an upper and a lower holding element (6, 7) is realized, and at least one of the holding elements (6, 7) being equipped with at least one piezo actuator (24) for altering its length and, associated therewith, influencing the position of the workpiece table.

Abstract: A sheet processing device provided with a stacking unit configured to stack thereon one or more conveyed sheets, a staple unit configured to staple a bundle of sheets stacked on the stacking unit, a moving unit configured to move the staple unit to a staple position, and a projecting and retrieving unit configured to project and retrieve the stacking unit in a space overlapped with a motion space for the staple unit to move therein.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body. The main body includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a medium, and a media conveyance mechanism configured to convey the medium to the image forming unit. A media conveyance unit is attached to the main body and is configured to convey the medium to the media conveyance mechanism. A media retreat path is defined by opposed surfaces of the media conveyance unit and the main body which are opposed to each other. The media retreat path is configured to receive at least a part of the medium being retreated. The media retreat path inclines in a way that a height level of the media retreat path gradually becomes lower from its entrance side to its back-end side.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for feeding a single sheet of sheet material is disclosed. The sheet feeder can utilize a specially designed cutout and a suction cup to feed difficult, thin, or flimsy material one sheet at the time. The cutout can be located on a shuttle table, endless belt, or carousel, for example, and can be used in conjunction with one or more suctions cups. The cutout can be angled with respect to the sheet so that the leading edge of the sheet is substantially supported. A slot in the cutout can enable the suction cup to pull down the corner of the sheet. The slot can then continue to slice, or peel, the sheet of the bottom of a stack of sheets. The ability to pull only the corner of the sheet down initially prevents stiction from a variety of sources and enables a single sheet to be pulled from the stack.

Abstract: A sheet loading and handling apparatus that suppress anomalies in sheet supply operation and feed sheets in a stable manner is disclosed. The sheet loading unit includes a supply mechanism that moves a plurality of stacked sheets in a direction toward a feeding position located at an end of the loading unit, a feeding mechanism that individually feeds sheets to the feeding position, and a control unit controlling a plurality of sensors, which detect whether there is a sheet at the feeding position. The supply mechanism operates based on detection information of the sensors. The control unit monitors a relationship between signal information of the optical sensor and that of another sensor, and if a signal relationship that is not normal as compared to that of normal feeding occurs, the unit retracts the signal information of the optical sensor and uses only the signal information of the other sensor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a release portion, a first ground conducting route and a second ground conducting route is provided. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller. The media cassette is removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The media cassette includes a loading plate, a pushing up member and a plate holding portion. The release portion engages the plate holding portion. The first ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media and includes a conducting portion. The second ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media is conveyed by the media supplying roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a supply holding section that holds paper, which is supplied to a printing section, in an overlapping manner; a paper discharging roller that discharges the paper from the printing section; a discharge holding section that holds the paper, which are discharged from the paper discharging roller, in an overlapping manner, and is installed movably to the supply holding section, in an overlapping manner; and a moving unit that is moved to move the discharge holding section to the supply holding section so as to widen a difference of a height between the discharge holding section and the paper discharging roller according to a decrease of a holding amount of the paper in the supply holding section.

Abstract: A drop in performance can be easily resolved when the retard roller becomes worn. A hopper disposed to a main unit stores sheets in a stack. A conveyance path conveys sheets from the hopper. A feed roller is disposed facing the conveyance path. A retard unit has a retard roller is disposed opposite the feed roller with the conveyance path therebetween, and a torque limiter connected coaxially to the retard roller. An urging means urges the retard unit so that the retard roller presses against the feed roller. The retard unit is removably installed to the main unit.

Abstract: A die having at least two variable qualities that convey information for use in game play, wherein the variable qualities randomly change independently of one another upon rolling the die. Therefore, multiple independent random outcomes are produced each roll of the die. Preferably, at least one of the variable qualities is the color of the die such that the die changes color in response to sensor-detected movement of the die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spiritual talking board having a half-moon design and a plurality of indicia thereon for providing guidance on specific questions or issues. The board is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a suspended pendulum, which is positioned over a compass rose origin of the half-moon shape. Moving radially outward from the origin is a plurality of numbers, month indicators, and finally letters of the alphabet. On a first half of the board there are shown symbols for positive, female and the sun, while a second half shows negative, male and the moon. Positioned orthogonally from one another are the answers no/yes/no and finally a symbol showing prosperity is provided. A pendulum is suspended over the compass rose by a user, whereafter a question is posed. Movement of the pendulum over the board surface is provides insight into the question and a possible answer thereto.

Abstract: A game set and method for playing a strategy game on a playing surface by one or more persons including a plurality of playing pieces, each playing piece having a predetermined number of edges, wherein each edge is at least one of a exterior edge and a connecting edge; a plurality of playing cards, each playing card containing an indicia corresponding to the shape of one of the plurality of playing pieces; and a playing surface. Each player randomly selects a plurality of playing cards; exchanges each of the playing cards for a corresponding one of a plurality of playing pieces, and places each playing piece obtained by the exchange on a playing surface by (i) orienting an exterior edge according to the exterior of the playing surface and (ii) orienting a connecting edge according to a corresponding connecting edge of an adjacent playing piece. The strategy game may be played in various configurations, including without playing cards, without a playing pieces, without a game board, or with a timer.

Abstract: An exercise board game for promoting exercise and fitness is disclosed which has a game board, movable playing pieces for each of one or more players, a plurality of exercise technique cards having instructions on performing exercises, and equipment for use following selection of an exercise. The game board has a playing surface with a path to advance said playing pieces. The player will roll a colored die and pull a card from a corresponding colored deck. The player will attempt to perform the exercise challenge on the card and, after successful completion, move the playing piece along the game board path. The board piece is marked to follow a path with the movable pieces based on the roll of a die and the level of the exercise challenge.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides a system and method for distributing subjective images on paper or other material containing symbols, serial alphanumeric strings and cryptograms indelibly connecting the card object and content to computer systems. and real objects marked with the same code or serial ASCII character string. Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.

Abstract: A method to implement a blackjack variation. The dealer is dealt an up-card and a hole-card. If the up-card is a 10-valued card, then the dealer peeks at the hole-card, and if the hole-card is also a 10-valued card, then the dealer will burn both the up-card and the hole-card (which are both 10-valued cards), and deal two additional cards to the dealer which become the dealer's hand. The game then proceeds normally.

Abstract: The present application provides an aerodynamic seal assembly for use with a turbo-machine. The aerodynamic seal assembly may include a number of springs, a shoe connected to the springs, and a secondary seal positioned about the springs and the shoe.

Abstract: A sealing device which comprises a slinger fixedly fitted to the rotary side member, a core member fixedly fitted to the stationary side member, and an elastic sealing member fixed to the core member and having a seal lip which elastically and slidably contacts the slinger. The slinger comprises a fitting cylindrical portion to be fitted into the rotary side member, a brim portion extending its radial direction at one end of its outside relative to a sealed portion of the fitting cylindrical portion, and a rotary side fixing member fixed to the brim portion. Further, the slinger is made in such a manner that an adhesive layer is formed on its whole surface including a contacting side surface where the seal lip contacts by applying adhesive agent thereon, then the fixing member is integrally fixed thereto, thereafter the adhesive layer is partially removed only in the contacting side surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a link seal for a track of a tracked vehicle, in which fine protrusions of an indefinite pattern are formed on the adhesive surface of the seating groove of the main body made of a high-strength resin and the adhesive surface of the seating part of the sub-body made of an urethane resin and then the adhesive surfaces of the seating groove and the seating part are treated roughly into surfaces of a fine concavo-convex shape to increase the adhesion between the main body and sub-body. The link seal includes: an annular main body including a seating groove, a circumferential flange portion, and an annular sleeve; an annular sub-body including a seating part; and an annular rubber ring made of a cushion material and having a through-hole 301 formed at the center thereof.

Abstract: A multilayer gasket assembly includes a functional layer having a plurality of openings bounded by an annular free edge. The functional layer has a seal bead bounding the openings. The assembly further includes a stopper layer having a free outer periphery and openings configured to register with the openings of the functional layer. The stopper layer has at least one nonsymmetrical, irregularly shaped ear extending radially outwardly from at least one the openings to form a portion of the free outer periphery.