Abstract:
A method for forming a STI structure. A pad oxide layer is formed over a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed over the pad oxide layer. A mask layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. The mask layer is patterned, and then the sacrificial layer, the pad oxide layer and the substrate are etched in sequence to form a trench. A thermal oxidation is performed to form a liner layer along the exposed sidewalls of the sacrificial layer and the exposed substrate surface inside the trench. Insulation material is deposited over the substrate, completely filling the trench. A chemical-mechanical polishing step is performed to remove a portion of the insulation layer and a portion of the mask layer so that an insulation plug is formed inside the trench. After the polishing step, the top surface of the insulation plug and the top surface of the mask layer are at the same surface. The mask layer is patterned to expose a portion of the sacrificial layer near the central region of two neighboring trenches. An ion implantation is carried out. The mask layer and the sacrificial layer are removed.
Abstract:
A method for forming a STI structure. A pad oxide layer is formed over a substrate. An amorphous silicon layer is formed over the pad oxide layer. A mask layer is formed over the amorphous silicon layer. The mask layer is patterned, and then the amorphous silicon layer, the pad oxide layer and the substrate are etched in sequence to form a trench. A thermal oxidation is performed to form a liner layer along the exposed sidewalls of the amorphous silicon layer and the exposed substrate surface inside the trench. Insulation material is deposited over the substrate, completely filling the trench. A chemical-mechanical polishing step is performed to remove a portion of the insulation layer and a portion of the mask layer so that an insulation plug is formed inside the trench. After the polishing step, the top surface of the insulation plug and the top surface of the mask layer are at the same surface. The mask layer is patterned to expose a portion of the amorphous silicon layer near the central region of two neighboring trenches. An ion implantation is carried out. The mask layer is removed. The amorphous silicon layer is removed.
Abstract:
A vehicle with a caster (12) has a disconnectable steering system so the vehicle can be quickly and easily converted back and forth between rider-steerable and externally steerable configurations. The vehicle includes a frame (body) (20), the caster, and a steering mechanism (22, 24, 34) mounted on the frame. A disconnecting device (32) is mounted between the steering mechanism and the caster. When the disconnecting device connects the steering mechanism to the caster, the vehicle can be steered by the occupant since the steering mechanism and caster rotate as one unit. When the disconnecting device disconnects the steering mechanism from the caster, the caster is allowed to swivel freely (360°) about its vertical axis so that the vehicle can be pushed or pulled in any direction by an external operator. The vehicle may be a stroller, a toy vehicle, a scooter, a wheelchair, a cart, a dolly, etc., and it can have more than one caster.
Abstract:
A multiple screen printing apparatus includes a fixed shaft extending upwardly from a base, and a lower rotatable shaft secured concentrically about a lower portion of the fixed shaft. A plurality of platen supporting assemblies extend radially outwardly from the lower rotatable shaft and are spaced at equal angles thereabout. An upper rotatable shaft is secured concentrically about an upper portion of the fixed shaft, and a disc-like table is secured thereto for rotation therewith. A spindle shaft extends upwardly from the top end of the fixed shaft, and a plurality of screen support arm assemblies extend radially outwardly therefrom for independent rotation thereabout. Each of the screen support arm assemblies includes an arm mounting bracket resting on the rotatable table, and clamping means secures the bracket to the table in an angularly adjustable fashion. Each of the platen supporting assemblies includes an alignment gate for engaging a screen in the printing position and angularly aligning the screen precisely with the respective platen.
Abstract:
A container (20) for carrying fragile and delicate items, such as cameras, instruments, or the like, comprises a soft or rigid casing and an inner inflatable envelope (34) made of a resilient air-impermeable material. The inner envelope (34) is removable and is inserted into a space formed between the inner surface of the container (20) and a permanent liner (32) which is attached to the casing, leaving an opening for inserting the inflatable envelope into said space. The container is equipped with a pump for inflating the inner envelope (34). The pump is made in the form of a rubber bulb (42) with a check valve (44), a manually operated air release valve (46), and an automatic safety valve (48). This container can be embodied in the form of a suitcase, a briefcase, a wig tote, etc. It protects its contents from rough handling and accidental dropping by the energy-absorbing effect of the inflatable envelope and by the tight holding effect provided by the variable inflatability of the envelope.