Non-volatile memory devices have a page buffer that can verify pre-erase. to yield an intermediate product, and contacting at least part of the intermediate product in a second step with an alcohol in the presence of a second acid catalyst at a temperature of at least 100\xb0 C. The wetting and chemical treatment steps may be repeated as the animal hide becomes stiff. In one embodiment, the present invention produces two reticle images side-by-side in the exit pupil of the optics of a step and scan wafer exposure system. To this end, the communications interface device may be in the form of an audio jack having a plug receiving opening wherein the plug receiving opening is in communication with the electrical communications pathway and wherein at least a portion of the housing surrounding the plug receiving opening forms a light pipe for the infrared communications pathway.