Abstract: A quad-pol synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system reduces the effects of range ambiguities in a quad-pol SAR data. Pulses are transmitted in two sub-bands at respective ones of two different linear orientations. For each sub-band and orientation, returns are received in two orientations, and filtered to attenuate the other sub-band. A scattering matrix may be determined from the results. Additionally or alternatively, a Faraday rotation angle associated with acquired quad-pol SAR data is estimated, and used to correct a scattering matrix. Estimation may occur before, after, or both before and after acquisition of the quad-pol SAR data.

Abstract: A digital beamforming synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mixes a first analog signal to generate a frequency-shifted first signal having a first spectral band, mixes a second analog signal to generate a frequency-shifted second signal having a second spectral band, positioned at a defined frequency offset from the first spectral band, and positioned non-overlapping relation with the first spectral band, combines the first and second frequency-shifted signals to generate a combined analog receive signal, and band-pass samples the combined analog receive signal to generate a digital baseband signal representative of the first and second analog signals. The SAR may mix the second analog signal to position the second spectral band in the Nyquist bandwidth, and in non-overlapping relationship with the first spectral band. Mixing may include down converting the analog signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for a rental service through a computer network. A collection of virtual containers is assigned to a set of users including one or more users. Each virtual container in the collection is configured to identify one or more software products that are rented by users in the set. A user in the set is authorized to access a software product through the computer network based on whether the software product is identified as a rented software product in one or more virtual containers of the collection assigned to the set of users.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided which includes 1) an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent; and 2) an ambient air supply system. The ambient air supply system includes an air moving device, wherein the ambient air supply system is adapted to supply ambient air to the abatement unit for use as an oxidant. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for the improved operation of an electronic device manufacturing system is provided. The method includes providing information to an interface coupled to an electronic device manufacturing system having parameters, processing the information to predict a first parameter, and providing an instruction related to at least a second parameter of the electronic device manufacturing system wherein the instruction is based on the predicted first parameter. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for improved treatment of effluents are provided herein. In some embodiments, an abatement system may include an exhaust conduit to flow an effluent stream therethrough; a plurality of packed beds disposed in the exhaust conduit to remove non-exhaustible effluents from the effluent stream; one or more spray jets to provide an effluent treating agent between adjacent packed beds, the effluent treating agent to remove non-exhaustible effluents from the effluent stream; and a dripper disposed in the exhaust conduit above an uppermost packed bed to provide the effluent treating agent in large droplets to wet and rinse particulate from an upper surface of the uppermost packed bed substantially without forming fine droplets.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck has an electrode embedded in a dielectric which is mounted on a pedestal. The dielectric has a contact surface with an average surface roughness of less than about 0.5 ?m, a surface peak waviness of less than about 0.12 ?m, and a surface peak waviness material ratio of greater than about 20%. The surface texture can be formed by lapping the dielectric surface with a slurry of abrasive particles.

Abstract: A thermal abatement system is provided, including: a thermal abatement reactor; an inlet in fluid communication with the reactor; a process chamber in fluid communication with the inlet; a first sheathing fluid source in fluid communication with the inlet; a first flow control device, adapted to regulate a flow of a first sheathing fluid from the first sheathing fluid source; and a controller, in signal communication with the first flow control device, adapted to regulate the sheathing fluid by operating the first flow control device; wherein the inlet is adapted to receive an effluent stream from the process chamber and the first sheathing fluid from the first sheathing fluid source, to sheathe the effluent stream with the first sheathing fluid to form a sheathed effluent stream, and to introduce the sheathed effluent stream into the reactor.

Abstract: An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for a rental service through a computer network. A collection of virtual containers is assigned to a set of users including one or more users. Each virtual container in the collection is configured to identify one or more software products that are rented by users in the set. A user in the set is authorized to access a software product through the computer network based on whether the software product is identified as a rented software product in one or more virtual containers of the collection assigned to the set of users.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided, including an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent using ambient air; and an ambient air delivery system in fluid communication with the abatement unit and adapted to deliver ambient air to the abatement unit; wherein the ambient air delivery system allows sufficient ambient air to flow into the abatement unit to abate the effluent without compressed air. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for a rental service through a computer network. A collection of virtual containers is assigned to a set of users including one or more users. Each virtual container in the collection is configured to identify one or more software products that are rented by users in the set. A user in the set is authorized to access a software product through the computer network based on whether the software product is identified as a rented software product in one or more virtual containers of the collection assigned to the set of users.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided which includes 1) an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent; and 2) an ambient air supply system comprising an air moving device, wherein the ambient air supply system is adapted to supply ambient air to the abatement unit for use as an oxidant. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, an apparatus is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The apparatus includes (1) a cartridge insertable into the thermal reaction chamber having gas-permeable first and second ends and including a catalyst material; and (2) thermally-conductive fixtures positioned within the cartridge. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) from a gaseous waste stream that includes (1) a wet scrubber adapted to scrub a gaseous waste stream and having an outlet adapted to discharge a scrubbed gaseous waste stream; and (2) a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a CDO thermal reaction chamber that includes (a) an inlet coupled to the outlet of the wet scrubber; (b) a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (c) an outlet. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) that includes (1) an upstream portion including a first conduit adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream; (2) a thermal reaction chamber having an inlet coupled to the first conduit, a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs, and an outlet; and (3) a downstream portion including a second conduit having a first end coupled to the outlet of the thermal reaction chamber and having a portion, downstream from the first end, positioned proximate to the first conduit. The second conduit is adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream heated within the thermal reaction chamber to enable a transfer of heat energy from the second conduit to the first conduit so as to pre-heat the gaseous waste stream in the first conduit. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for the improved operation of an electronic device manufacturing system is provided. The method includes providing information to an interface coupled to an electronic device manufacturing system having parameters, processing the information to predict a first parameter, and providing an instruction related to at least a second parameter of the electronic device manufacturing system wherein the instruction is based on the predicted first parameter. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck has an electrode embedded in a dielectric which is mounted on a pedestal. The dielectric has a contact surface with an average surface roughness of less than about 0.5 ?m, a surface peak waviness of less than about 0.12 ?m, and a surface peak waviness material ratio of greater than about 20%. The surface texture can be formed by lapping the dielectric surface with a slurry of abrasive particles.