An improved method and apparatus to retrieve information over a network is described. The hitching body which is provided for this purpose with a longitudinal opening is pivoted to a swivel head between a closed position in the swivel head and a release position swiveled out of the swivel head. The present invention also relates to methods for making strained semiconductor-on-insulator layers. A volatilizable material such as liquid mercury is placed in the chamber; and a hermetic seal is formed between the first and second flanges. Various apparatuses are also provided for carrying out the heating method.