Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing a crystal of the melt of a raw material comprises: a furnace having a heating device with one or more heating elements, which are configured to generate a gradient temperature field directed along a first direction, a plurality of crucibles for receiving the melt, which are arranged within the gradient temperature field side by side, and a device for homogenizing the temperature field within a plane perpendicular to the first direction in the at least two crucibles. The arrangement further has a filling material inserted within a space between the crucibles wherein the filling shows an anisotropic heat conductivity. Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement may comprise a device for generating magnetic migration fields, both the filling material having the anisotropic heat conductivity and the device for generating magnetic migration fields being suited to compensate or prevent the formation of asymmetric phase interfaces upon freezing of the raw melt.

Abstract: The invention is a method for pulling a silicon single crystal, which is a Czochralski method for growing the silicon single crystal by contacting a seed crystal with a melt and by pulling up, including the steps of: contacting the seed crystal with the melt; forming a necking portion under the seed crystal; and forming the silicon single crystal under the necking portion by increasing a diameter, wherein a pulling rate during forming the necking portion is 2 mm/min or less, and the silicon single crystal with the increased diameter is a boron-doped silicon single crystal having a resistivity of 1.5 m?·cm or less at a shoulder portion. Therefore, there can be provided a method of pulling a silicon single crystal without generating defects such as scratches at a wafer surface in the case of processing a boron-doped silicon single crystal ingot with a low resistivity produced by CZ method into a wafer.

Abstract: A method of: flowing a silicon source gas, a carbon source gas, and a carrier gas into a growth chamber under growth conditions to epitaxial grow silicon carbide on a wafer in the growth chamber; stopping or reducing the flow of the silicon source gas to interrupt the silicon carbide growth and maintaining the flow of the carrier gas while maintaining an elevated temperature in the growth chamber for a period of time; and resuming the flow of the silicon source gas to reinitiate silicon carbide growth. The wafer remains in the growth chamber throughout the method.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of polycrystalline silicon products polycrystalline silicon by depositing on a surface of a silicon seed rod by supplying raw-material gas to the heated silicon seed rod provided vertically in a reactor, includes: an electrode which holds the silicon seed rod and is made of carbon; an electrode holder which holds the electrode, and cooled by coolant medium flowing therein, wherein the electrode includes: a seed rod holding member which holds the silicon seed rod; a heat cap which is provided between the seed rod holding member and the electrode holder; and a cap protector having a ring-like plate shape, which covers an upper surface of the heat cap, and in which a through hole penetrating the lower-end portion of the seed rod holding member is formed.

Abstract: A melting furnace, mounted adjacent a growth furnace, comprises a receiving container for melting therein raw material in a particle or powder form falling in it from a feeder. The receiving container accommodates a set of slope-wise plates providing a distributed sliding of partially melted raw material particles over the surface of these plates and their complete melting while moving downward; eventually the melted raw material flows into the crucible of the growth furnace through a conveying tube extending slantingly from the bottom of the receiving container to the crucible through coaxial openings in housings of both furnaces. The rate of feeding is given solely by the feeder, and at continuous feeding the raw material flows continuously by gravity from the feeder to the crucible of the growth furnace, first in a solid state (powder, granules, pellets, etc.) and then in a liquid state.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a substrate treatment device capable of adjusting both of a growth speed and an etching speed in a selective epitaxial growth, avoiding particle generation from nozzles, and achieving good etching characteristics. A substrate treatment device for selectively growing an epitaxial film on a surface of a substrate by alternately supplying a raw material gas containing silicon and an etching gas to a treatment chamber, the substrate treatment device being provided with a substrate support member for supporting the substrate in the treatment chamber, a heating member provided outside the treatment chamber for heating the substrate and an atmosphere of the treatment chamber, a gas supply system provided inside the treatment chamber, and a discharge port opened on the treatment chamber, wherein the gas supply system comprises first gas supply nozzles for supplying the raw material gas and second gas supply nozzles for supplying the etching gas.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for material deposition. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber, and a pair of susceptors. Each susceptor has a front side and a back side, and the front side mounts substrates. The susceptors are positioned vertically in such a way that the front sides of the susceptors face each other, and the vertical edges of the susceptors are in contact with each other, thereby forming a substantially enclosed narrow channel between the substrates. The apparatus also includes a number of gas nozzles for injecting reaction gases. The gas nozzles are controlled in such a way that gas flow directions inside the chamber can be alternated, thereby facilitating uniform material deposition. The apparatus includes a number of heating units situated outside the reaction chamber. The heating units are arranged in such a way that they radiate heat energy directly to the back sides of the susceptors.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding semiconductor wafers during semiconductor manufacturing processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a heat-conductive layer disposed on a supporting base. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of holes formed through the heat-conductive layer and the supporting base. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of heat-conductive lift pins that extend through the holes over the heat-conductive layer at the top end, and make a direct contact with a wafer substrate. The heat-conductive layer and the lift pins are connected to a heating circuit.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for dissolving the cellulose component if a cellulose-containing biomass material in an Ionic Liquid medium. The biomass material contains minerals. At least part of the minerals are removed prior to contacting the biomass material with the Ionic Liquid medium. The Ionic Liquid medium preferably is an inorganic molten salt hydrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning method of using ultrasonic vibrations to clean an object that is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank is provided. The method includes generating a frequency modulated signal including at least two frequency modulated portions having modulation widths different from each other with a single frequency as a center frequency, such that among the at least two frequency modulated portions a frequency modulated portion having a smaller modulation width is generated at a timing when a frequency modulated portion having a larger modulation width reaches the center frequency. The method further includes generating the ultrasonic vibrations based on the frequency modulated signal and transferring the ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning tank to clean the object.

Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the dispensing of a washer fluid onto a rear windshield upon detecting the disablement of the rear wiper arm is provided. The disablement of the rear wiper arm may be caused by the movement of the rear windshield from a fully closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning heat exchange tube bundles, fin-fans, and other elongated components, using a portable cleaning system comprising a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

Abstract: A system and method for removing polymer residue from around a metal gate structure formed on a surface of a substrate during a post-etch cleaning operation includes determining a plurality of process parameters associated with the metal gate structure and the polymer residue to be removed. A plurality of fabrication layers define the metal gate structure and the process parameters define characteristics of the fabrication layers and the polymer residue. A first cleaning chemistry and second cleaning chemistry are identified and a plurality of application parameters associated with the first and second cleaning chemistries are defined based on the process parameters. The first and second application chemistries are applied sequentially in a controlled manner using the application parameters to substantial remove the polymer residue while preserving the structural integrity of the gate structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coated-type silicon-containing film stripping process for stripping off to remove a coated-type silicon-containing film obtained by coating a silicon-containing film composition used in a lithography on a substrate, comprising, at least: a first step of treating the silicon-containing film with an acidic stripping solution containing sulphate ion and/or fluoride ion; and a second step of treating the silicon-containing film with an alkaline stripping solution containing a nitrogen compound. There can be provided a process for allowing a silicon-containing film, which has not been conventionally removed unless dry stripping is adopted, to be removed by a stripping process based on a stripping solution (wet stripping).

Abstract: A method for treating substrates with treating liquids, using a treating tank for storing the treating liquids, a holding mechanism for holding the substrates in a treating position inside the treating tank, first and second treating liquid supply devices, a temperature control device, and a control device. A first treating liquid is supplied into the treating tank, then a second treating liquid of lower surface tension and higher boiling point than the first treating liquid is supplied, and placed in a temperature range above the boiling point of the first treating liquid and below the boiling point of the second treating liquid. Then the second treating liquid supply device may be controlled to replace the first treating liquid with the second treating liquid, while controlling the temperature control device to maintain the second treating liquid in the same temperature range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a flux and a soldering paste based on the flux. The flux is free from a change in viscosity with age, “skinned surface,” and “rough and crumbling,” and is excellent in printability and solderability. The flux contains, as elements, a resin, a thixo agent, an activator, a solvent and glucopyranosylamine type nanotube. The soldering paste further contains a solder powder. Preferably, the solder powder is free from lead.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating and coating a ferrous metal substrate, such as cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, and electrogalvanized steel. These methods include contacting the ferrous metal substrate with an aqueous pretreatment composition comprising: (a) a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal compound; (b) phosphate ions; and (c) water.

Abstract: A bath containing nickel ions and formic acid is injected into a film-forming aqueous solution flowing in a circulation pipe connected to feed water pipe made of carbon steel in a BWR plant. This film-forming aqueous solution is supplied into the feed water pipe through the circulation pipe, and then, a nickel metal film is formed on an inner surface of the feed water pipe. After the nickel metal film is formed, a film-forming aqueous solution containing iron (II) ions, formic acid, nickel ions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is supplied to the feed water pipe. A nickel ferrite film is formed on the surface of the nickel metal film in the feed water pipe. Then, the nickel ferrite film is come into contact with water containing dissolved-oxygen at 150° C. or above to transform the nickel metal film into a nickel ferrite film. A thick nickel ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the feed water pipe. Corrosion of the carbon steel member composing the plant can further reduce.

Abstract: A bath containing nickel ions and formic acid is injected into a film-forming aqueous solution flowing in a circulation pipe connected to a feed water pipe made of carbon steel in a BWR plant. This solution is supplied into the pipe through the circulation pipe, and a nickel metal film is formed on an inner surface of the pipe. After the film is formed, a film-forming aqueous solution containing iron (II) ions, formic acid, nickel ions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is supplied to the pipe. A nickel ferrite film is formed on the surface of the nickel metal film in the pipe. The nickel ferrite film comes into contact with water containing dissolved oxygen at or above 150° C. to transform the nickel metal film into a nickel ferrite film. A thick nickel ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the feed water pipe.

Abstract: There are provided a steel for deep drawing, and a method for manufacturing the steel and a high pressure container. The steel for deep drawing includes, by weight: C: 0.25 to 0.40%, Si: 0.15 to 0.40%, Mn: 0.4 to 1.0%, Al: 0.001 to 0.05%, Cr: 0.8 to 1.2%, Mo: 0.15 to 0.8%, Ni: 1.0% or less, P: 0.015% or less, S: 0.015% or less, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.002%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.025%, B: 0.0005 to 0.0020% and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein a microstructure of the steel has a triphase structure of ferrite, bainite and martensite. The steel for deep drawing may be useful to further improve the strength without the deterioration of the toughness by adding a trace of Ti and B, compared to the conventional steels having a strength of approximately 1100 MPa.

Abstract: A copper alloy includes Si to facilitate deoxidation, and can be easily manufactured even when including elements such as Cr or Sn. The copper alloy has high conductivity and high workability without negatively affecting the tensile strength. The copper alloy contains 0.2 to 0.4 wt % of Cr, 0.05 to 0.15 wt % of Sn, 0.05 to 0.15 wt % of Zn, 0.01 to 0.30 wt % of Mg, 0.03 to 0.07 wt % of Si, with the remainder being Cu and inevitable impurities. A method for manufacturing the copper alloy includes obtaining a molten metal having the described composition; obtaining an ingot; heating the ingot at a temperature of 900-1000° C. to perform a hot rolling process; cold rolling; performing a first aging process at a temperature of 400-500° C. for 2 to 8 hours; cold rolling; and performing a second aging process at a temperature of 370-450° C. for 2 to 8 hours.

Abstract: A process for melt dip coating a strip of high-tensile steel with alloy constituents including zinc and/or aluminum includes the following steps. The strip is heated in a continuous furnace initially in a reductive atmosphere to a temperature of approximately 650° C., at which the alloy constituents diffuse to the surface in small amounts. The surface, consisting predominantly of pure iron, is converted into an iron oxide layer by a short heat treatment at a temperature of up to 750° C. in a reaction chamber which is integrated in a continuous furnace and has an oxidizing atmosphere. In a subsequent annealing treatment at a higher temperature in a reductive atmosphere, this iron oxide layer prevents the alloy constituents from diffusing to the surface. In the reductive atmosphere, the iron oxide layer is converted into a pure iron layer to which the zinc and/or aluminum are applied in the molten bath with optimum adhesion.

Abstract: A system and method for shaping a net or near-net titanium part, the method comprising machining a piece of titanium into a titanium part having non-uniform thickness, heating the titanium part to a target temperature within a target temperature range between an auto-relief temperature of the titanium part and a minimum temperature required for super plastic forming of the titanium part, and lowering a die into the titanium part with sufficient force to shape the titanium part. The system for shaping the titanium part may comprise a multiple-axis machine, a die, electrical clamps, sensors, and a control system for adjusting heating temperatures based on information received from the sensors regarding the titanium part.

Abstract: A method forms a relatively stable ammonium nitrate composite material. The method includes (a) blending ammonium nitrate with an average particle diameter greater than about 1 mm and a substantially non-oxidizing compound in fine particle form; and (b) reducing the average size of said ammonium nitrate granules in the presence of the non-oxidizing compound in fine particle form to produce a substantially homogeneous blend of ammonium nitrate and the non-oxidizing compound having an average particle diameter of about 1 to about 1,000 ?m to form a substantially non-explosive powder.

Abstract: A shaped body comprised of individual, interconnected layers may be produced from fibers in accordance with a solid freeform fabrication or rapid prototyping method. The fibers may be produced by extrusion molding a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of sandwich components with an open core structure and a cover layer applied to each side, wherein the cover layers are formed with a curable plastic material, and the sandwich component is cured in a closed device under pressure. A charging gas, which may be nitrogen or air, is introduced to the core structure prior to at least partial solidification of the cover layers, wherein a charging gas pressure p Charging gas is selected that is less than or equal to an operating pressure p operating of the closed device in order to, in particular, at least largely prevent the formation of sink marks in the cover layers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a press for implementing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medical structure embellishments. The apparatus includes a medical structure that facilitates the mobility or healing of a patient. The apparatus also includes a heat source that outwardly radiates heat. Further, the apparatus includes a shrink-film structure cover that shrinks around a surface of the medical structure when the shrink-film structure cover is exposed to heat radiated from the heat source and a marking instrument adapted to mark the shrink-film structure with an embellishment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making transparent ceramic spinel windows, domes and other complex shapes via edge bonding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a glazing unit, comprising providing at least one self-supporting insert of light-transmissive insulation material in the form of honeycomb arrangement of cells, substantially filling the cells of said at least one self-supporting insert with a granular, thermally insulating, light transmissive filler material, and sandwiching said at least one insert between a pair of glass lites.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be ePTFE, having a self-sealing region that may include several layers of material. The central section of the vascular graft may be constructed differently from surrounding self-sealing regions, in order to provide kink resistance following the clamping of the graft. Also described is a graft with a flared cuff attached to one or both ends, the attachment or transition region including reinforcement beading.

Abstract: A method for producing baseballs and softballs, whereby a spherical core is independently formed and then a fiber material layer is attached, this fiber material layer is evenly brushed with a layer of polyurethane (PU), and this spherical core is placed in a ball cover mold made up of two or more mold pieces, and then heated, and finally the mold is removed to reveal the complete ball. Utilizing the production tool of this invention to produce the baseballs and softballs, whereby PU is brushed onto, and penetrates into the fiber material layer on the independently formed spherical core, resulting in the ball cover forming, the ball cover and spherical core attaches and fits firmly, and the porous construction of this fiber material layer attracts air, and therefore greatly avoids bubbles forming when the outer cover is formed, which affects the quality and lifespan of the ball.

Abstract: A stretchable appliqué made from a stretchable substrate with indicia thereon may be applied to a variety of articles including stretchable performance athletic wear. A method for making the stretchable appliqué may include applying an adhesive and a carrier layer to one surface of a stretchable substrate. Indicia may then be applied to the opposite surface of the stretchable fabric and the stretchable substrate may be cut to a desired shape to form the stretchable appliqué. The carrier layer may then be removed and the stretchable appliqué may be adhered to the desired article. The stretchable appliqué may be adhered to stretchable articles of apparel so that the appliqué may stretch when the article of apparel stretches. The carrier layer may be less stretchable than the stretchable substrate, including being completely non-stretchable.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an optical device includes (i) a holder assembly for holding an optical device and for limiting movement of the optical device within the holder assembly to movement in the Z-direction and (ii) a housing for permitting limited movement of the holder assembly in the X-direction, for supporting and optionally permitting movement of the holder assembly in the Y-direction, for supporting and for substantially preventing movement of the holder assembly in the Z-direction. When the holder assembly optionally holding the optical device is positioned within the housing to obtain a desired position of the optical device, a bonding material may be used for fixing the location in the X-direction, and optionally the Y-direction, of the holder assembly within the housing. A method of operating the apparatus for obtaining a desired position of an optical device is further provided.

Abstract: A multilayer composite material is formed of an acoustic core layer and at least one outer strengthening layer. The acoustic composite material has desirable high strength and high flexural modulus properties.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing or base fabric having pile strands knitted thereinto which pile strands extend outwardly from the base fabric to form the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a segment of film wound onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the segment of film to fuse with the base fabric to support the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve in a cylindrical configuration. The tubular knitted pile fabric having the segment of film fused thereto may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for bonding together two or more layers of oriented polymer material or secondary material to form a rigid member. Two or more layers of material are initially restrained along an orientation axis to prevent contraction and loss of orientation. Then, the contact surfaces of each layer of material are heated to a temperature above the melting point for each respective material. Next, the heated contact surfaces are merged together, and pressure is applied to the merged contact surfaces to combine the layers. Once combined, the layers are cooled, and a rigid unitary member is formed.

Abstract: A method for coating substrates, containing a) applying a composition to a first side of a substrate, the composition containing an inorganic compound and the inorganic compound containing a metal such as Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, B, Al, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Zn, Pb, Sb, or Bi, and an element such as Te, Se, S, O, Sb, As, P, N, C, or Ga, b) drying the composition, c) applying a coating to the first side of the substrate, the coating containing a silane, oxide particles of Ti, Si, Zr, Al, Y, Sn, Zn, Ce or mixtures thereof, a polymer and an initiator, d) drying the coating, e) applying a barrier layer to a second side of the substrate, and f) drying the barrier layer to form a dry barrier layer.

Abstract: The invention allows the realization of parts, longitudinally or transversely curved, of large dimensions, by assembling boards of solid wood side by side, with glue, and to afterward arch the resulting part. The loss of solid wood is then decreased a lot since it is thus possible to assemble several wood boards of various widths together. It allows the realization of final curved parts of almost unlimited dimension, dimension whereas dimensions are usually limited by the width of the sawing, or, in other words, by the thickness of the trees. Here, the limit is situated at the level of the capacity of equipments used to bend solid wood.

Abstract: A moisture-curable and biodegradable adhesive that includes the reaction product of: (a) an isocyanate component having an average functionality of at least 2; (b) an active hydrogen component having an average functionality greater than 2.1; and (c) an ionic salt component having an average hydroxyl or amino functionality, or combination thereof, of at least 1.

Abstract: A composition for the protection of sheer hosiery comprising: a styrene polymer; an octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer; a polyurethane-14 AMP-acrylates copolymer; and an AMP-100™ (amino methyl propanol) or triethanolamine emulsifier and surfactant; dissolved in a denatured alcohol/ethanol solvent and contained in a pump spray bottle. The composition to be sprayed on a detected imperfection and the surrounding area, and being allowed to dry, binding in a flexible, natural manner the elongated and broken fibers of the material to the surrounding weave thus preventing further damage to the hosiery.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus includes a process controller operable to execute a multi-step CMP algorithm implementing delivering a first chemical composition onto the wafer surface while on a platen for a first time duration, and without removing the wafer from the platen, delivering a second chemical composition different from the first chemical composition onto the wafer surface for a second time duration. CMP is performed with a polishing pad contacting the wafer surface using a slurry including the first chemical composition during the first time duration or the second chemical composition during the second time duration, and a non-polishing process without any contact of the polishing pad to the wafer surface using the other of the first and second chemical composition during the other of the time durations, and repeating the multi-step CMP comprising process a plurality of times on the wafer.

Abstract: A side gas injector for a plasma reaction chamber is provided. The side gas injector includes a circular distribution plate and a cover plate. The circular distribution plate includes an injection hole for injecting a reaction gas and a distribution channel part for distributing the reaction gas such that the reaction gas introduced from the injection hole can be radially simultaneously jetted in a plurality of positions along an inner circumference surface of the distribution plate. The cover plate is coupled to a top of the distribution plate and seals a top of the distribution channel part.

Abstract: A coaxial VHF power coupler includes conductive element inside a hollow cylindrical outer conductor of the power coupler and surrounding an axial section of a hollow cylindrical inner conductor of the power coupler. Respective plural motor drives contacting the hollow cylindrical outer conductor are connected to respective locations of the movable conductive element.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for semiconductor manufacturing are provided. One wafer processing apparatus includes: a top electrode; a bottom electrode; a first radio frequency (RF) power source; a second RF power source; a third RF power source; a fourth RF power source; and a switch. The first, second, and third power sources are coupled to the bottom electrode. Further, the switch is operable to be in one of a first position or a second position, where the first position causes the top electrode to be connected to ground, and the second position causes the top electrode to be connected to the fourth RF power source.

Abstract: During the joining of PTFE parts (10), a binder (20) is applied to the joint surfaces of the PTFE parts, e.g. by welding, before the parts are joined. By establishing a bond between PTFE and binder in a separate, initial process, the parameters of this initial process may be determined regardless of other conditions, such as maintaining the dimensions, and the quality of this bond may be controlled and approved before the subsequent joining of the PTFE parts. During the subsequent joining, the temperature may be kept at a level, which is sufficiently low so as not to deform the PTFE material permanently, or the joining may be carried out by a process, which does not require heating, for example gluing.

Abstract: A method of making a belt-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet. A paper making furnish is compactively dewatered to form a dewatered web having an apparently random distribution of papermaking fiber orientation. The dewatered web is applied to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a transfer surface speed. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30% to about 60% utilizing a generally planar polymeric creping belt having a plurality of perforations, under pressure, in a belt creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping belt. The belt travels at a belt speed that is slower than the speed of the transfer surface. The web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping belt to form a web having a plurality of interconnected regions of different local basis weights. The web is then dried.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling organic contaminants, such as xylans, pitch or both, that interfere with bleaching of fibers and/or cause other interference(s) in papermaking systems. The method includes contacting fibers before any bleaching thereof with a composition which contains a hemicellulolytic enzyme and an organic contaminant removal adjuvant to liberate the organic contaminants from the fibers. The treated fibers can then be bleached and further used, for example, in making paper. The present invention also relates to the treatment compositions and to paper products made with fiber materials treated with these compositions. A method of enhancing enzymatic degradation of a substrate as well as formulations and systems for achieving the same are also provided. Various substrates can be degraded or otherwise processed, including biomass, paper mill sludge, and animal hides. Enzymatic degradation can be enhanced by including one or more polymeric surfactants.

Abstract: A fabric belt for a machine for producing a web of fibrous material includes: a first fabric layer including a web contact side and formed by interweaving a plurality of warps with a plurality of wefts; and a second fabric layer positioned below said first fabric layer and formed by interweaving a plurality of warps with a plurality of wefts, a first ratio of a number of said plurality of warps of said first fabric layer to a number of said plurality of warps of said second fabric layer being greater than 1, a second ratio of a number of said plurality of wefts of said first fabric layer to a number of said plurality of wefts of said second fabric layer being greater than 1.