Abstract: A rotary screen printing press includes: a sub-frame supporting a screen plate with brackets interposed therebetween, the screen plate being formed in a cylindrical shape; a screen-plate engagement-disengagement cylinder configured to move the sub-frame between a print position and a retreat position; and supporting plates supporting a squeegee in such a way that the squeegee is engageable with and disengageable from the inner periphery of the cylindrical screen plate. The supporting plates are supported on the sub-frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a stencil having a relief with multiple openings on its upper side. The contours correspond to a desired pattern and to a stencil of this type. The stencil has a body with at least one non-perforated non-metal relief layer, which allows greater relief heights and increased freedom of design. The relief layer is removed according to the pattern by laser or plasma radiation to form the multiple openings. Through-openings extending to a rear side opposite the upper side are provided at least in the bottom region of the openings of the relief. A stencil with a stencil body may be obtained, having at least one non-metal relief layer, formed in the upper side of which is a relief with multiple openings, the contours of which correspond to a desired pattern. Through-openings extending to a rear side opposite from the upper side are provided.

Abstract: A screen-printing panel comprising a locking strip sewn to a screen-printing mesh is described. The mesh along an edge of the panel is folded around the locking strip and secured using a line of stitching. A gap between the end of the locking strip and the edge of the mesh contributes to corner softening. Another gap between the end of the stitching and the end of the locking strip also contributes to corner softening. Locking strips have various cross sections including rectangular, triangular, and complex curves. Two colors of thread may be used to aid in orienting the panel. An adhesive may be used to hold the mesh to the locking strip for convenience during handling and sewing.

Abstract: In a flexographic printing system, the both the process parameters and equipment setup and configuration may play a role in producing the desired printed pattern. One component of the equipment setup is the printer roller assembly which may comprise a roller and a flexoplate as well as tape. The properties of the flexoplate and the tape as well as the relative dimensions of each in the assembly may affect the geometry and quality of the transferred pattern, as well as the ability of the system to produce a pattern on a repeatable, consistent basis.

Abstract: A proof printing press includes an impression cylinder, a collecting cylinder, and a wiping roller, which are positioned relative to a plate cylinder such that a length of an outer circumference of the plate cylinder at a downstream side of a facing position P1 in a rotation direction of the plate cylinder is longer than a length in a circumferential direction of a mounting surface of the plate cylinder, where the length of the outer circumference of the plate cylinder extends between the facing position P1 where the plate cylinder faces the collecting cylinder and a facing position P2 where the plate cylinder faces the wiping roller, and that a length of the outer circumference of the plate cylinder at a downstream side of the facing position P2 in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder is longer than the length in the circumferential direction of the mounting surface of the plate cylinder, where the length of the outer circumference of the plate cylinder extends between the facing position P2 where th

Abstract: There is described a device (1) for offline inspection and color measurement of printed sheets for the production of banknotes and like printed securities, comprising (i) a console (10) having a supporting surface (10a) for supporting a sample printed sheet (S), (ii) a multipurpose measuring apparatus (20), which multipurpose measuring apparatus (20) comprises multiple sensors (22, 23) including at least one camera (22) for taking images of selected portions of the sample printed sheet (S) and a color measurement sensor (23) for performing spectrophotometric, colorimetric, and/or densitometric measurements at selected locations on (22, 23) the sample printed sheet (S), (iii) a display (30) for displaying the images taken by the camera (22) and the measurements performed by the color measurement sensor (23), and (iv) a control and processing unit (40) coupled to the multipurpose measuring apparatus (20) and the display (30).

Abstract: An improved fireset for detonating an explosive includes a voltage monitor arranged to measure a voltage across a quickly dischargeable energy storage device (QDESD), such as a capacitor, and to perform a detonation sequence based at least in part on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The fireset employs feedback from the voltage monitor to promote accurate charging of the QDESD and accurate maintenance of charge during an armed state. The voltage monitor also promotes safety by allowing the fireset to indicate when the QDESD is discharged to a safe level, i.e., one which is assured not to result in detonation.

Abstract: A multi-mode fuse system for use in a warhead for combating a target. At least one target sensor is electrically connected to a signal processing block and an I/O-block. The I/O-block is configured to be set by the operator of the warhead. The target sensor is adapted to generate an electrical output in response to the rate of deceleration of the warhead. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate the hardness of the target based upon the electrical output of the target sensor and to select the mode of operation depending upon the target discrimination. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate at least one type of target depending upon the electrical output of the target sensors. The fuse system selects one of at least three modes of operation of the warhead. Also a method for classifying the target hardness and selection of the operational mode of a warhead.

Abstract: This invention is related to a controlled expanding chemical (CEC) and its activation system.

Abstract: An enhanced linear shaped charge (X-Jet) includes a sheath and a spinal charge element. The sheath extends along an axis between a first end and a second end to define a sheath length. The sheath has a first hollowed chevron-shaped cross-section that defines a main charge cavity, an upper apex, and a lower apex. The spinal charge element is disposed within the main charge cavity and abuts the upper apex. The spinal charge element further includes a spinal casing that extends along the sheath length to define a spinal length. The spinal casing has a hollowed cross-section defining a spinal charge cavity.

Abstract: A firearm is provided that includes a receiver, a stock, an elongated barrel and a muzzle. The barrel extends from the receiver to the muzzle and has a rectangular internal bore extending from the receiver to the muzzle. The internal bore has two short sides and two long sides A plurality of teeth extends along one of the short sides within the internal bore. A disk-shaped bullet titling within the internal bore may be tired from the firearm. A bullet case having a rectangular orifice is provided to chamber the disk-shaped bullet for propulsion through the rectangular internal bore of the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle for a magnetic levitation track having a coach body (1) and a propulsion and supporting device (4) as well as at least one levitation frame (2) fastened on the coach body (1) and the propulsion and supporting device (4). The levitation frame (2) can be deflected transversely to the longitudinal axis of the propulsion and supporting device (4) and a spring suspension system (12, 14, 20, 21) is arranged between the levitation frame (2) and propulsion and supporting device (4). The levitation frame (2) has a traverse (13) and a carrier (17) which are connected to each other in an articulated fashion.

Abstract: Provided is a rolling stock including: an upper reinforcement beam provided in a railroad-tie direction in a joint portion between an upper end portion of a cab end structure and an upper end portion of a side structure; and a post member coupling the upper reinforcement beam and an end beam of an underframe, in which the post member includes: a lower post portion having a lower end joined to the end beam; an upper post portion having a rear end joined to the upper reinforcement beam; and a window opening post portion provided between the lower post portion and the upper post portion in conformity with an inclination of a front window provided in a cab end structure, the window opening post portion is formed to have a smaller width dimension in a rail direction than a width dimension of the lower post portion in the rail direction.

Abstract: A rolling stock in which a streamlined cab end structure includes: a pair of corner posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of corner post reinforcement member standing upright on opposite end portions of an end beam of the underframe and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; an upper reinforcement beam laid between upper end portions of the pair of corner posts; a pair of end posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of end post reinforcement members, and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; and a pair of coupling member respectively coupling upper portions of the pair of end posts and a front end portion of the roof structure, and the upper reinforcement beam has such a strength that the car body can be lifted up from above by use of a crane.

Abstract: The following disclosure relates to a rail car. In one embodiment, a railcar can comprise a span bolster, outer truck assemblies, and a middle truck assembly. The outer truck assemblies can be rotatably mounted to each end of the span bolster. The middle truck assembly can be slidably mounted at a middle portion of said span bolster. In another embodiment, a railcar system can comprise a pair of railcars and a body. The rail cars can comprise a span bolster, outer truck assemblies, and a middle truck assembly. The outer truck assemblies can be rotatably mounted to each end of the span bolster. The middle truck assembly can be slidably mounted at a middle portion of said span bolster. The body can have two ends, each of the ends connected to one of the span bolsters.

Abstract: A railcar is a railcar including a driver's cab. One of both railcar-width-direction portions of the driver's cab is formed by a first driver's cab device unit. The first driver's cab device unit includes: a plurality of first driver's cab devices distributedly arranged in a plurality of areas located at one of both railcar-width-direction sides of the driver's cab; a first driver's cab device wire that connects the first driver's cab devices located in the different areas to one another; and a first driver's cab floor surface plate, a first driver's cab side plate, a first driver's cab back plate, and a first driver's cab ceiling plate, which form a part of an outer body of the driver's cab, the part being located at the one of both railcar-width-direction sides of the driver's cab. These components of the first driver's cab device unit are integrated to form a box shape.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor composition for use in coating compositions on metal surfaces, or in metal containers, to provide corrosion resistance to said metals. The corrosion inhibitor comprises at least one alkoxylated phosphate ester; and at least one borate ester. The corrosion inhibitor composition optionally comprises at least one inorganic metal salt. There is also provided an end-use coating composition comprising said corrosion inhibitor composition, and a method of providing corrosion resistance to a metal surface by applying said coating composition thereto.

Abstract: To provide an ink composition for a water-based ballpoint pen, having properties such as excellent writing stability in which writing failure such as starving does not occur. Disclosed is an ink composition for a water-based ballpoint pen, including an aqueous phase, and an oil phase contained in the aqueous phase in a state of an oil-in-water type emulsion, wherein the oil phase, or the oil phase and the aqueous phase contains a colorant, and the oil phase contains, in components composing the oil phase, a fatty acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a water-soluble cellulose ether having a low degree of polymerization and enhanced whiteness, and the like. The method includes the steps of: bringing a pulp powder having a multiplication product of less than 0.004 mm2 which is obtained by multiplying a number-average fiber length by a number-average fiber width, each measured with a Kajaani fiber length analyzer, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide to obtain an alkali cellulose; reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent to obtain a crude water-soluble cellulose ether having a high degree of polymerization; purifying the crude water-soluble cellulose ether; drying the purified water-soluble cellulose ether; grinding the dried water-soluble cellulose ether into a water-soluble cellulose ether powder; and depolymerizing the water-soluble cellulose ether powder to obtain the water-soluble cellulose ether having a low degree of polymerization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of conversion coating. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to improved methods for improving efficiency of chromium conversion coat processing lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous calcium carbonate containing suspension, a suspension comprising a calcium carbonate containing material obtainable by said method as well as a calcium carbonate containing material obtainable by drying said suspension and to the use of the suspension or calcium carbonate containing material in paper, paper coating, plastic and/or paint applications and to the use of the suspension for stabilizing the rheology of a sodium silicate and/or sodium hydroxide containing coating formulations for paper applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: There is disclosed an expandable and collapsible table. In an embodiment, the expandable and collapsible table comprises a table frame including a center section having opposite outer edges, and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section of the table frame and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support. The plurality of lateral supports are configured to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane, to allow the table frame to be easily manipulated. The table legs can be mounted on locking wheels to allow the table to be easily manipulated for expansion and collapse. A plurality of leaves can be nested into one or more stacks to form a table top, or to be stored in a storage space underneath the table top.

Abstract: A pallet having a unique runner system where each runner opens into the upper deck of the pallet or opens away from the upper deck, and each runner is formed of a construction of z girts back to back resulting in a flattened “V” or “U”. Each runner may optionally include an elongated notch on its bottom surface or an opening to allow forklift tines to slide into for easy transport of the pallet. The pallet may also include cross runners of similar construction for additional strength. The pallet's construction allows the pallet to be made of plastic material, perhaps molded, providing lighter weight and longer durability than its wooden cousins.

Abstract: A controlled kiln and manufacturing system for biochar production includes control systems and subsystems. An example controlled kiln (100) includes a drum (200), a lid (120) and a floor (250) together forming a combustion chamber configured to contain feedstock for conversion into biochar. A catalytic converter (700) may be operatively coupled with an outlet of the kiln (100). A monitor and control subsystem may be operative to issue notifications or automatically end biochar conversion. A ventilation and exhaust system including independently controllable air inlet ports (240), a chimney (300) and smoke inlet pipes (330) enables regulation of smoke flow from a combustion chamber of the kiln while a heat exchanger (1000) enables providing exhaust heat to one or more secondary applications.

Abstract: A thermally expandable covering construction (1) for furnaces (2), in particular kilns or melting furnaces includes a preferably segmented cover (7) and, for the expansion-tolerant reception thereof on the edge side, a bracket (15) having a movable mounting (16) and having a clamping device (17) acting on the bracket (15). The clamping device (17) has a horizontally arranged clamping rod (31) which is loaded by a spring (33), is axially displaceably mounted on a fixed frame (29) and is pivotably connected to the bracket (15) at the front end by means of a bearing (26).

Abstract: A method for efficiently conveying impurities in a pressurized fluidized incinerator system is provided. Cleaning gas is supplied to an upper valve, and thereafter, the upper valve is driven so as to communicate an upper discharge device and a tank. The upper discharge device is driven so as to convey the impurities from the dust collector to the tank, and thereafter, the upper discharge device is stopped and the upper valve is driven so as not to communicate the upper discharge device and the tank. Thereafter, the supply of the cleaning gas to the upper valve is stopped.

Abstract: A conversion burner, a system of conversion burners, and a method of conversion of a solid fuel selected from at least one of biomass and peat. The burner is constructed and arranged to be affixed to a combustor, and comprises a housing defining a burner chamber; a grate within the burner chamber defining an upper chamber region and a lower chamber region; at least a first solid fuel inlet; at least a first air inlet operatively connected to the upper chamber region and connectable to a first air source; a product gas outlet operatively connected to the combustion region of the combustor; and at least one waste outlet. The product gas is delivered to the combustor for firing or co-firing, overcoming fouling problems which result from direct delivery of solid fuel to the combustor, and problems raised by remote conversion or storage of solid fuel.

Abstract: Is provided a method for starting up a pressurized fluidized bed incinerator system by which cracking of silica sand as a bed material can be prevented at low costs. By heating the silica sand as the bed material filled up in a bottom portion of a pressurized fluidized bed incinerator, a temperature of a freeboard of the incinerator is heated, and after the temperature of the freeboard is heated to 750 to 900° C., a material to be treated having a water-containing organic substance is fed to the pressurized fluidized bed incinerator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for whipping a button sewing thread, capable of ensuring the operational convenience, reliability and durability by simplifying main elements of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a body including a holder for holding a sewed button; a tension control unit provided with a plurality of tensioners and a thread hook on a passage of the thread; a thread guide unit adjacent to the tension control unit to guide the thread toward the holder; a winding unit including a rotational arm for winding the thread around a sliding support linearly moving toward the holder; and a knotting unit including a separating arm linearly moving toward the holder in order to form a thread knot.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a temporal memory that stores stitchwork data currently stitched, and a first CRC data converter unit that converts the stitchwork data into unique codes. A stitchwork status checking apparatus includes a temporal memory that stores stitchwork data, a second CRC data converter unit that converts the stitchwork data stored in the local temporal memory into unique codes, and a CRC data converter unit that compares the codes converted by the first CRC data converter unit with the codes converted by the second CRC data converter unit. The stitchwork data stored in the temporal memory of the stitchwork status checking apparatus is the stitchwork data currently stitched by the sewing machine and transferred via a wireless network.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A passive overflow device for draining away head water standing above settled sand in a loading space of a hopper, wherein the passive overflow device extends along a longitudinal axis and includes: an inlet for taking in the head water; an outlet section having an outlet for opening out in the outboard water and which outlet is level adjustable into an active position wherein in use, the head water is delivered proximate the sea bottom; a conduit which extends along the longitudinal axis of the passive overflow device and which conduit fluidly couples the inlet and the outlet; and a supporting structure for coupling the overflow device with the loading space of a hopper, wherein, the outlet section includes an flexible portion proximate the outlet for preventing mechanical overload to the supporting structure when the outlet, in use, in its active position accidently abuts the sea bottom.

Abstract: The instant invention is a cam cleat assembly that includes a base member, two removably mounted spindle pins and two rotationally mounted cam members having teeth for gripping rope, sails, twine cord or the like. The base plate includes a smooth transitioning ramp surface that allows for increased angular interaction with a rope or line member. The base plate also includes a pair of pockets sized to cooperate with the removable spindles for alignment and a more secure placement under heavy loads to minimize deflection of the spindles and thus the cam members. Removable and replaceable spindle pins are provided to allow easy replacement for extended life of the device. Seals are provided around the fasteners to allow quick and accurate reassembly while maintaining a watertight assembly to prevent the ingress of salt and/or water into the assembly from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A multifunctional apparatus and method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe comprising multiple selectable configurations and multiple selectable corresponding modes for portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization. Portaging modes include a flexible strap encircling the watercraft with one or more inflatables attached and positioned on the carrier for vast combinations of watercrafts, carriers, and terrains. Self-rescuing modes include inflatables attached selectably: to the self-rescuer; to and in combination with a buoyant object which is encircled with the watercraft by the strap; or to the strap which is positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer. Mode selected at the self-rescue time under known physical, mental, and environmental conditions with backups available. Stabilizing modes include selectable strap positioning about the watercraft, and selectable number and positioning of attached inflatables, adaptable as conditions change.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator is provided. The indicator includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first arm and a second arm extending between the first end and the second end. The first arm and the second arm defining a slot therebetween. The body further including a first plurality of teeth extending from a side of the first arm in the slot. The first plurality of teeth extending on an angle away from the first end toward the second arm. The body still further including a second plurality of teeth, extending on an angle away from the first end toward the first arm. A float member is provided having a first member and a second member with a shaft disposed therebetween. The float member being arranged with the shaft member disposed in the slot.

Abstract: An oil level display device is fitted such that a float guide accommodating a float is attached to an oil filler neck and is plugged with a float cap. To check the amount of oil, the float cap is removed and the position of the float is checked. If a sufficient amount of oil is stored, an upward force derived from oil buoyancy is larger than a downward force of the own weight of the float, from among the forces that act on the float. The float thus protrudes beyond a large-diameter portion upon removal of the float cap from the float guide.

Abstract: A method of horizontal ribbon growth from a melt of material includes forming a leading edge of the ribbon using radiative cooling, drawing the ribbon in a first direction along a surface of the melt, removing heat radiated from the melt in a region adjacent the leading edge of the ribbon by setting a temperature Tc of a cold plate proximate a surface of the melt at a value that is greater than 50° C. below a melting temperature Tm of the material, setting a temperature at a bottom of the melt at a value that is between 1° C. and 3° C. greater than the Tm, and providing the heat flow through the melt at a heat flow rate that is above that of an instability regime characterized by segregation of solutes during crystallization of the melt, and is below a heat flow rate for stable isotropic crystal growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a crystalline ribbon from molten silicon having a silicon ribbon support. A heater is provided including a pair of spaced planar electrodes parallel to the surface of the molten silicon for capacitively coupling radio frequency electrical currents into the material causing a ribbon of material to melt along a zone. A conductive electrode in thermal contact with a respective cooler and a dielectric layer between the conductive and semi-conductive electrodes is provided. A controller configured to control the removal of heat from the melted ribbon of material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the molten silicon to effect crystal growth.

Abstract: The success rate of multi-pulled single crystal growth by the Czochralski method is enhanced by the use of a melt crucible having an amount of barium on an inner surface thereof which varies inversely with the diameter of the crucible. At least one single crystal is separated from the melt by a free span method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification of silicon. The present invention provides a method for purification of silicon. The method includes recrystallizing starting material-silicon from a molten solvent comprising aluminum to provide final recrystallized-silicon crystals. The method also includes washing the final recrystallized-silicon crystals with an aqueous acid solution to provide a final acid-washed-silicon. The method also includes directionally solidifying the final acid-washed-silicon to provide final directionally solidified-silicon crystals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods for removing contaminants and native oxides from substrate surfaces. The methods generally include removing contaminants disposed on the substrate surface using a plasma process, and then cleaning the substrate surface by use of a remote plasma assisted dry etch process.

Abstract: A changing device includes a feed component, a winder, a desizing oven, a coating component and a sizing component, and the feed component is provided for supplying a carbon fiber material, and a thermosetting resin oil is covered onto a surface of the carbon fiber material, and a desizing oven is provided for removing the thermosetting resin oil form the surface of the carbon fiber material, and then the coating component coats a surfactant onto the surface of the carbon fiber material, and finally the sizing component is used to coat a thermoplastic resin oil onto a surface of the surfactant to form a carbon fiber product to be wound onto a rewinding part of the winder, so as to produce a carbon fiber product with a thermoplastic resin oil coated onto a surface of the carbon fiber product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling the thickness of a coating made of a liquid film on a moving strip (3), characterised in that said automated means for reducing the gas flow at each of said nozzle sides comprise a moving carriage (10) guiding a retractable cable (9) able to be applied respectively onto and out of the gas discharge opening (4), inside the nozzle chamber (5) and in that, at each transversal side of the nozzle (1), a transition, between an external nozzle section where the gas flow is reduced and an internal nozzle section where the gas flow is not reduced, is assured by means of two together-moving grooved wheels or pulleys (6, 7) connected to the moving carriage (10), located side by side and having their axis perpendicular to the nozzle, so that the cable (9) is successively located against the opening (4) on an external side of the first pulley (6), between the two pulleys (6, 7) and distant from the opening (4) on an internal side of the second pulley (7).

Abstract: The coating unit for elongate components comprises a tank with molten metal and a coating chamber with inlet and outlet channels with an intake channel submerged into the tank with molten metal. Moreover, the coating chamber and the tank with molten metal are equipped with facilities for internal creation inside them above the heel reduced pressure and positive pressure respectively. To facilitate the operation and maintenance, as well as to ensure continuous operation of this unit without any stops for refilling the tank, to provide safety conditions while metal refilling into the tank with molten metal of this unit for coating of elongate components, the tank with molten metal and coating chamber are located in adjacent positions and jointed together with the inclined intake channel creating connecting vessels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal mask includes defining pattern areas exposing an upper surface, and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, of a thin plate; and etching the upper and lower surfaces of the thin film plate exposed by the pattern areas, to reduce a thickness of the thin film plate by a predetermined thickness and form deposition openings in the metal mask. The etching the upper and lower surfaces of the thin film plate includes both a wet-etching method and a dry-etching method.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the application of a supplemental corona source to provide surface charge on submicrometer particles to enhance collection efficiency and micro-structural density during electrostatic collection.

Abstract: A substrate processing system for sequentially processing substrates includes processing chambers, a transfer unit, and a control unit controlling the processing chambers and the transfer unit. The control unit includes a transfer control unit controlling an operation of the transfer unit, a transfer order setting unit setting a transfer order of substrates to the processing chambers, an accumulation unit for accumulating a film thickness of a formed thin film or the number of processed substrates after completion of previous cleaning or previous pre-coating in the processing chambers, a processing chamber priority determination unit for determining priority of processing the substrates in the processing chambers based on predetermined rules, and an execution instruction unit for executing conditioning in the processing chambers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hollow cathode plasma sources with improved uniformity. One embodiment of the present invention provides a hollow cathode assembly having a conductive rod disposed in an inner volume along a central axis of a hollow cathode. The conductive rod being closest to the ground electrode and having the sharpest features of the hollow cathode becomes the point of plasma ignition. Since the conductive rod is positioned along the central axis, the plasma is ignited at symmetrically about the central axis thus improving plasma uniformity and reducing skews.