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Methods for removing heat from enclosed spaces with high internal heat generation

Methods are provided for cooling data centers based on a cooperative system including a plurality of Indirect Air-Side Economizers, also referred to as Recirculation Air Cooling Units, that are advantageously operated in conjunction with one or more Side Stream Filtration Units or filters inclusive to a portion of the IASE/RACUs, and one or more Make-Up Air Dehumidification/Humidification Units for the introduction of ventilation air and control of humidity within the enclosed space. An objective of the systems and methods according to this disclosure is to provide the necessary rejection of heat, removal of particulate from the air, and control of the absolute moisture content of the air within a data center.




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Electro-hydrodynamic cooling with enhanced heat transfer surfaces

The electronic control has an electric control which incorporates circuitry which will generate heat in use. A cooling channel placed in contact with at least one surface on the electric control. The cooling channel has a portion which receives an enhanced heat transfer surface. At least one electrode pair is mounted on an inlet channel portion upstream of the portion of the channel that receives the enhanced heat transfer surface. A source of current is provided for the electrode. The electrode induces an electric field in the inlet channel, to drive a dielectric fluid across the enhanced heat transfer surfaces.




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PROCESSOR

A processor is disclosed. The processor includes: at least one execution unit group, where each execution unit group in the at least one execution unit group includes multiple serially-connected execution units; and at least one resource unit, where each resource unit in the at least one resource unit is serially connected to one or more execution unit groups in the at least one execution unit group separately. According to the processor, execution units in an execution unit group are serially connected, and a resource unit is serially connected to one or more execution unit groups, so that only a few execution units can be directly connected to the resource unit, and cable layout congestion at the resource unit and resulting signal interference are avoided.




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BUS SERIALIZATION FOR DEVICES WITHOUT MULTI-DEVICE SUPPORT

A serial bus is provided with a device (sometimes herein referred to as an I2C serializer device) including circuitry and machine logic that operates as follows: when one of the master devices is using the bus for data communication, then the other master(s) will receive a wait signal until the bus becomes available again. This wait signal allows the master devices to wait as a “hardware response,” rather than requiring the master devices to be equipped with software and/or firmware to control the operation of waiting until the serial bus is available. In some embodiments, the use of the I2C serializer device allows a bus operating under a bus serialization protocol (for example, I2C) to be simultaneously connected to multiple master devices even in the case that one, or more, master device(s) do not include any currently conventional form of multi-master support.




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CHIPS INCLUDING CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM COMPUTING PROCESSORS

An apparatus includes a substrate, a classical computing processor formed on the substrate, a quantum computing processor formed on the substrate, and one or more coupling components between the classical computing processor and the quantum computing processor, the one or more coupling components being formed on the substrate and being configured to allow data exchange between the classical computing processor and the quantum computing processor.




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Arbitration of requests requiring a variable number of resources

Arbitration circuitry is provided for arbitrating between requests awaiting servicing. The requests require variable numbers of resources and the arbitration circuitry permits the request to be serviced in a different order to the order in which they were received. Checking circuitry prevents a given request other than a oldest request from being serviced when a number of available resources is less than a threshold number of resources. The threshold number is varied based on the number of resources required for at least one other request awaiting servicing.




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METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ACCESS OF A STORAGE SYSTEM USING A SHARED STORAGE MODULE AS A TRANSPORT MECHANISM

According to one embodiment, a first control module (CM) of a storage system receives a first request from a client device to read first data stored in a second storage location of a storage module, where the second storage location is associated with a second CM. The first CM includes a first processor and the second CM includes a second processor. The first CM transmits a first control signal the second CM via the inter-processor link to request the second CM to copy the first data from the second storage location to a first memory location associated with the first CM. The first CM initiates a first data transaction to transmit the first data from the first memory location to the client device through a communication fabric without having to go through the second CM.




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Remote Resource Access Method and Switching Device

A remote resource access method and a switching device are provided. According to the remote resource access method, when a computer system access the remote physical resource device, after obtaining a first access message, including a virtual address of a virtual resource device, from a computing node in the computer system, the switching device converts the first access message into a second access message based on a physical address of a physical resource device corresponding to the virtual address of the virtual resource device. Then, the switching device sends the second access message to the remote physical resource device corresponding to the physical address using a network, thereby implementing the data transmission between the local computer system and the remote physical resource device.




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TRANSMISSION SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES MASTER DEVICE AND A PLURALITY OF SLAVE DEVICES

A transmission system includes: a master device; and a plurality of slave devices including a first slave device and a second slave device, each of the plurality of slave devices having its own identifier. The master device includes a processor configured to: transmit a control signal of a clock length that the first slave device does not respond to, to the plurality of slave devices at a first timing; and transmit an identifier that identifies the second slave device to the plurality of slave devices at a second timing after the first timing. The second slave device transmits data to the master device when the second slave device receives the control signal and the identifier that identifies the second slave device.




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Countertop oven and accessories

A combination oven and cutting board has a front opening door and a metal upper surface with features that cooperate with the cutting board. The oven may have an internal heating cavity and a front opening door that incorporates a magnet that is used to pull a rack out of the oven.




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Gas pressure control for warm air furnaces

Systems, methods, and controllers for controlling gas-fired appliances such as warm air furnaces are disclosed. An illustrative furnace system can include a burner unit in communication with a combustion air flow conduit and heat exchanger, a variable speed inducer fan or blower adapted to provide a flow of combustion air to the burner unit, a furnace controller and motor speed control unit adapted to regulate the speed of the inducer fan or blower, and a pneumatically modulated gas valve adapted to variably output gas pressure to the burner unit based at least in part on the combustion air flow.




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Methods for identifying wireless devices connected to potentially threatening devices

Techniques for determining whether a cellular device is suspect, i.e., perhaps serving as an activator for a device such as a bomb. One way of doing this with cellular telephones that are in the idle state is to use a baiting beacon to bait and automatically call all the cellular telephones in an area that are in the idle state. If the call to a given cellular telephone is not answered by a human voice, the cellular telephone is suspect. Another way of doing this with cellular telephones that are in the traffic state is to use surgical analysis to examine the DTX pattern for the telephone. If it indicates persistent silence, the cellular telephone is suspect. The surgical analysis may also be used to trace the DTX pattern back to another telephone that is controlling the suspect cellular device.




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Method and system to detect improvised explosive devices

A method and system to detect an improvised explosive device is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes dispersing a mixture containing a fluorescent material uniformly over a ground cover, illuminating the ground cover with wavelengths of visible light or ultraviolet (UV) light causing the fluorescent material to fluoresce in a visible light spectrum, and detecting where the mixture has been disturbed on the ground cover by visually observing inconsistencies in the fluorescent material on the ground cover that is fluorescing to indicate a location of the improvised explosive device. The method also includes that the mixture is adapted to cling to a person, clothes, or any combination thereof, upon contact.




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Passive cooling system and method for electronics devices

An apparatus for passively cooling electronics. The apparatus for passively cooling electronics includes at least one heat pipe and at least one heat sink thermally coupled to a bridge plate. When a cradle is thermally coupled to the at least one heat pipe, the at least one heat sink draws heat from the cradle.




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Silicon-based lens support structure and cooling package with passive alignment for compact heat-generating devices

A silicon-based thermal energy transfer apparatus that aids dissipation of thermal energy from a heat-generating device, such as an edge-emitting laser diode, is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a silicon-based base portion having a first primary surface and a silicon-based support structure. The silicon-based support structure includes a mounting end and a distal end opposite the mounting end with the mounting end received by the base portion such that the support structure extends from the first primary surface of the base portion. The support structure includes a recess defined therein to receive the edge-emitting laser diode. The support structure further includes a slit connecting the distal end and the recess to expose at least a portion of a light-emitting edge of the edge-emitting laser diode when the edge-emitting laser diode is received in the support structure.




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Near net shape fabrication of high temperature components using high pressure combustion driven compaction process

New net shape strength retaining high temperature alloy parts are formed from fine metallurgical powders by mechanically blending the powders and placing them in die, placing a piston in the die, extending the piston into a driving chamber, filling the chamber with CH4 and air and compressing the powders with the filling pressure. Igniting gas in the chamber drives the piston into the cavity, producing pressures of about 85 to 150 tsi, compacting the powders into a near net shape alloy part, ready for sintering at 2300° C. without shrinking. The alloy parts are Re, Mo—Re, W—Re, Re—Hf—HfC, Re—Ta—Hf—HfC, Re—Mo—Hf—HfC, Mo—Re—Ta, Mo—Re-f-HfC, W—Re—Hf—HfC, W—Re—Ta—Hf—HfC or W—Re—Mo—Hf alloys.




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Process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products

A process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products is provided. Charge materials containing iron ore and, if appropriate, additions are reduced in at least one reduction unit by means of a reducing gas, and at least parts thereof are smelted in a smelting unit, with coal being added and with formation of the reducing gas. Reducing gas from the smelting unit and/or top gas from the reduction unit are/is subjected to cleaning. The process water obtained during the wet cleaning is degassed and in the process volatile organic compounds are removed from the process water.




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Process for recycling of steel industry iron bearing by-products, pellet obtained in that process and use thereof

The present invention relates to a process for the recycling of steel industry iron bearing by-products into a shape suitable for feeding into a direct reduction furnace, comprising the steps of mixing and grinding 50 to 99 wt % of ore and pellet fines and 1 to 50 wt % of slurry, mill scale and/or bag house dust, pelletizing the mixture and indurating the pellets so obtained by heating for 5-60 minutes at a temperature in the range of 1100-1350° C.; and a pellet produced from Iron bearing waste material and having compression strength of at least 2.8 kN and/or a drop number of at least 3.




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Process for recovering valuable metals from precious metal smelting slag

The present invention provides a process for recovering valuable metals from precious metal smelting slag, comprising: smelting the precious metal smelting slag and a flux in a top-blown rotary furnace to produce a lead-bismuth alloy, wherein the precious metal smelting slag comprises Au, Ag, Bi and Pb; electrolyzing the lead-bismuth alloy at a current density ranging from 60 to 110 A/m2 to obtain lead cathode and lead anode slime; refining the lead anode slime to produce bismuth and silver-zinc crust, and extracting gold and silver separately from the silver-zinc crust. Through utilizing a top-blown rotary furnace as the smelting apparatus and adjusting the ratio of the flux, the present invention enriches the valuable metals gold, silver, bismuth, lead or the like to lead-bismuth alloy, ensures lower contents of gold, silver, bismuth and lead in the reducing slag and thereby increases the comprehensive recovery rates of gold, silver, bismuth and lead from the precious metal smelting slag.




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Iron-based sintered alloy, iron-based sintered-alloy member and production process for them

An iron-based sintered alloy of the present invention is an iron-based sintered alloy, which is completed by sintering a powder compact made by press forming a raw material powder composed of Fe mainly, and is such that: when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass, carbon is 0.1-1.0% by mass; Mn is 0.01-1.5% by mass; the sum of the Mn and Si is 0.02-3.5% by mass; and the major balance is Fe. It was found out that, by means of an adequate amount of Mn and Si, iron-based sintered alloys are strengthened and additionally a good dimensional stability is demonstrated. As a result, it is possible to suppress or obsolete the employment of Cu or Ni, which has been believed to be essential virtually, the recyclability of iron-based sintered alloys can be enhanced, and further their cost reduction can be intended.




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Hydrometalurgical process and apparatus for recovering metals from waste material

The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for recovering metals from bottom ash from incineration plants, such as municipal waste incineration plants. The process includes directing a feed containing ash into an oxidizing unit, wherein at least part of the metals is oxidized in the presence of one or more acids and at least one oxygen donor, thus producing a stream comprising metal ions. From this stream the metals of interest are selected and converted into metallic form.




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Process for production of sintered copper alloy sliding material and sintered copper alloy sliding material

Seizure resistance and wear resistance of Cu—Bi—In copper-alloy sliding material are enhanced by forming a soft phase of as pure as possible Bi. Mixed powder of Cu—In cuprous alloy powder and Cu—Bi containing Cu-based alloy powder is used. A sintering condition is set such that Bi moves outside particles of said Cu—Bi containing Cu-based powder and forms a Bi grain-boundary phase free of In, and In diffuses from said Cu—In containing Cu-based powder to said Cu—Bi containing Cu-based powder.




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Process for producing refractory metal alloy powders

A process for producing refractory metal alloy powders includes the steps of blending at least one powder with at least one solvent and at least one binder to form a slurry; forming a plurality of agglomerates from the slurry; screening the plurality of agglomerates; sintering the plurality of agglomerates; and melting said plurality of agglomerates to form a plurality of homogenous, densified powder particles.




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Process for producing reduced iron pellets, and process for producing pig iron

In a method for producing a reduced iron pellet, when a powder formed article including iron oxide and carbon is heated and reduced in a rotary hearth furnace, a formed article produced using a raw material, in which an average diameter of the iron oxide is 50 microns or less and a ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in a reduction zone is from 0.3 to 1, is reduced at a temperature of 1400° C. or less, thereby producing a reduced iron pellet in which a metallization ratio of iron is 50 to 85% and a ratio of residual carbon is 2% or less.




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Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods

Tire changing machines with automated positioning and closed loop control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain and control operation of the bead pressing devices during tire mount and de-mount procedures. Methodology is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one linear mounter sub-station that couples the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. The apparatus also includes a transporting device that transports one of the wheel and the tire along a linear path that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station. The component of the at least one linear mounter sub-station resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel along the linear path in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel in order to at least partially couple the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.




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System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly

An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.




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Method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation, sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished nitinol surfaces

The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO−) and hypobromite (BrO−) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).




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Two step annealing process for TMR device with amorphous free layer

An annealing process for a TMR or GMR sensor having an amorphous free layer is disclosed and employs at least two annealing steps. A first anneal at a temperature T1 of 200° C. to 270° C. and for a t1 of 0.5 to 15 hours is employed to develop the pinning in the AFM and pinned layers. A second anneal at a temperature T2 of 260° C. to 400° C. where T2>T1 and t1>t2 is used to crystallize the amorphous free layer and complete the pinning. An applied magnetic field of about 8000 Oe is used during both anneal steps. The mechanism for forming a sensor with high MR and robust pinning may involve structural change in the tunnel barrier or at an interface between two of the layers in the spin valve stack. A MgO tunnel barrier and a CoFe/CoB free layer are preferred.




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Apparatus and methods for rapid thermal processing

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for performing rapid thermal processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate. The apparatus includes a heating source disposed outside a chamber body and configured to provide thermal energy towards a processing volume. The substrate support defines a substrate supporting plane, and the substrate support is configured to support the substrate in the substrate supporting plane. The heating source includes a frame member having an inner wall surrounding an area large enough to encompass a surface area of the substrate, and a plurality of diode laser tiles mounted on the inner wall of the frame member. Each of the plurality of diode laser tiles is directed towards a corresponding area in the processing volume.




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Processes for preparing valve metal powders, powders prepared thereby and uses therefor

Processes comprising: melting a mixture comprising a valve metal precursor and a diluting agent in at least one first vessel under a first set of temperature and residence time conditions; transferring the mixture to at least one second vessel; and initiating, in the at least one second vessel, a reaction of the valve metal precursor to form a valve metal under a second set of temperature and residence time conditions; valve metal powder prepared thereby and uses therefor.




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Method for welding workpieces made of highly heat-resistant superalloys, including a particular mass feed rate of the welding filler material

A welding method for welding workpieces made of highly heat-resistant superalloys is provided. The method includes generating a heat input zone on the workpiece surface by means of a heat source, feeding welding filler material into the heat input zone by means of a feeding device, and generating a relative motion between the heat source and the feeding device on one hand and the workpiece surface on the other hand by means of a conveying device. Furthermore, according to the welding method, the mass feed rate is ≦350 mg/min.




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Interchangeable cases for biometric monitoring devices

A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content.




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Accessory or fashion item that charges various electronic devices

A toteable or wearable fashion item configured to provide an electronic charge to a mobile electronic device. The device includes a battery comprising one USB port and one pin port and a pouch secured to the fashion device and containing the battery substantially concealed therein, the pouch defining at least one opening which facilitates access to the USB port and the pin port.




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Apparatus to support portable electronic devices and other devices or objects

An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.




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Process and apparatus for slaking lime and dissolving scale

Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.




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Side edge cleaning methods and apparatus for thin film photovoltaic devices

Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate.




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Substrate processing apparatus for maintaining a more uniform temperature during substrate processing

A substrate processing apparatus that includes a process tank having a pair of opposed sidewalls for storing a chemical liquid, and processing a plurality of substrates by the chemical liquid; a substrate holding mechanism including a holding part for holding the plurality of substrates, and a back part connected to the holding part and interposed between the substrates held by the holding part and one sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls when the substrate holding mechanism is loaded into the process tank. A heating device is disposed on the process tank for heating the stored chemical liquid. The heating device includes at least a first heater disposed on the one sidewall, and a second heater disposed on the other sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls. Energy outputs of the first heater and the second heater are independently controlled.




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Nozzle and a substrate processing apparatus including the same

A nozzle of a nozzle device includes an arm pipe that extends in a horizontal direction and a downstream pipe formed so as to curve downward from one end of the arm pipe. In the nozzle, a metallic pipe is provided inside a second resin pipe. Moreover, a first resin pipe is provided inside the metallic pipe. A boss is attached to the tip of the metallic pipe between the first resin pipe and the second resin pipe. At the tip of the nozzle, an outer peripheral surface of the first resin pipe, an end surface of the second resin pipe and an end surface of the boss are welded by welding resin. In this way, the metallic pipe is reliably coated with the first resin pipe, the second resin pipe, the boss and the welding resin.




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Fluid applicator and glass cleaning process

A fluid applicator (20), for cleaning particles from a glass sheet (2), including a conveyor (40) for supporting the glass sheet, a conveyance plane, and a nozzle (24). The conveyance plane is disposed adjacent the conveyor so that when the glass sheet is conveyed by the conveyor, a surface (6) of the glass sheet is disposed in the conveyance plane. The nozzle has a longitudinal axis (23), wherein the longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the conveyance plane, and the nozzle is disposed at a distance (21) of less than or equal to 100 mm from the conveyance plane. Also, there is disclosed a method for cleaning particles from a glass sheet, using the fluid applicator. The fluid may be delivered to the nozzle at a pressure of 10 to 80 kg/cm2 and a flow rate of from 1 to 20 l/min.




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Substrate processing method

A method for processing a plurality of substrates after forming a photosensitive film on each substrate includes carrying each substrate into a placement buffer including a plurality of supporters by a first transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to an interface by a second transport mechanism; carrying each substrate into the exposure device; carrying each substrate out of the exposure device into the placement buffer by the second transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to the processing section by the first transport mechanism; performing development processing on each substrate; making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the exposure device can accept each substrate; and making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the developing device can accept each substrate.




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Tools and methods for processing microelectronic workpieces using process chamber designs that easily transition between open and closed modes of operation

Strategies for tool designs and their uses wherein the tools can operate in either closed or open modes of operation. The tools easily transition between open and closed modes on demand. According to one general strategy, environmentally controlled pathway(s) couple the ambient to one or more process chambers. Air amplification capabilities upstream from the process chamber(s) allow substantial flows of air to be introduced into the process chamber(s) on demand. Alternatively, the fluid pathways are easily closed, such as by simple valve actuation, to block egress to the ambient through these pathways. Alternative flows of nonambient fluids can then be introduced into the process chamber(s) via pathways that are at least partially in common with the pathways used for ambient air introduction. In other strategies, gap(s) between moveable components are sealed at least with flowing gas curtains rather than by relying only upon direct physical contact for sealing.




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Cleaning and/or unblocking of process equipment

A method of cleaning an internal component (14) of a process vessel (10) includes opening a guide (42) extending at least from a vessel access port or entry nozzle (38) to the internal component (14), guiding a cleaning agent/device by means of the guide (42) to the internal component (14), cleaning the internal component (14) with the cleaning agent/device, and closing the guide (42). The process vessel (10) is then operated with the guide (42) remaining in the process vessel (10).




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Ductile mode machining methods for hard and brittle components of plasma processing apparatuses

A method of ductile mode machining a component of a plasma processing apparatus wherein the component is made of nonmetallic hard and brittle material wherein the method comprises single point turning the component with a diamond cutting tool causing a portion of the nonmetallic hard and brittle material to undergo a high pressure phase transformation to form a ductile phase portion of the hard and brittle material during chip formation wherein a turned surface is formed from a phase changed material and the turned surface is a grooved textured surface of phase changed material.




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Process for the manufacture of stone blocks

This invention relates to a process which may be automated for the manufacture of stone blocks for use as finished landscape stone blocks from quarry stone. The natural stone is quarried from the quarry and split into rectangular blocks, with squared ends and the top and bottom surfaces are ground with a plurality of grooves and ridges of varying heights. The ridges of varying heights are then removed thereby producing a surface having ridges of uniform height and grooves of uniform depth. The blocks may be used to form an architectural wall. The process is also applicable to pavers, steps and coping stones.




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Arrangement and method for flow control of molten metal in a continuous casting process

An arrangement for a continuous casting process. The arrangement includes a vessel having a first opening for receiving molten metal in the vessel, a second opening for discharging the molten metal from the vessel, and a body extending between the first opening and the second opening, a first magnetic arrangement attached to the body, the first magnetic arrangement having a magnetic core with legs, and coils arranged around the legs, and a power system configured to provide an alternating current superimposed on a carrier current to each of the coils, each pair of alternating current and carrier current provided to a coil forming a flow control current, wherein flow control currents provided to adjacent coils are phase shifted relative each other, thereby creating a travelling magnetic field in molten metal in the vessel. A corresponding method is also presented herein.