Abstract: A storage tank for storing liquids on the seafloor in a subsea environment is disclosed. The storage tank includes a protective enclosure having a removable cover. The storage tank has at least one compartment therein within which is a container including an outer flexible bladder and an inner flexible bladder within the outer flexible bladder. The inner flexible bladder is capable of containing an inner liquid. The space between the inner flexible bladder and the outer flexible bladder is capable of containing an outer liquid. The inner flexible bladder has a liquid inlet capable of connecting to a source of the inner liquid. The inner flexible bladder has a liquid outlet capable of connecting to a line for conveying the inner liquid to a desired location. The storage tank further includes a recirculation loop for circulating the outer liquid in the space between the inner flexible bladder and the outer flexible bladder.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method of manufacturing the integrated circuit, the method including: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a copper diffusion barrier layer on the substrate; (c) forming a dielectric layer on a top surface of the copper diffusion barrier layer; (d) forming a copper damascene or dual damascene wire in the dielectric layer, a top surface of the copper damascene or dual damascene wire coplanar with a top surface of the dielectric layer; (e) forming a first capping layer on the top surface of the wire and the top surface of the dielectric layer; (f) after step (e) performing one or more characterization procedures in relation to said integrated circuit; and (g) after step (e) forming a second capping layer on a top surface of the first capping layer.

Abstract: Method for reducing resist poisoning. The method includes the steps of forming a first structure in a dielectric on a substrate, reducing amine related contaminants from the dielectric and the substrate prior to a formation of a second structure on the substrate such that the amine related contaminates will not diffuse out from either the substrate or the dielectric, wherein the reducing utilizes a plasma treatment which one of chemically ties up the amine related contaminates and binds, traps, or consumes the amine related contaminates during subsequent processing steps, forming the second structure on the substrate, and after the forming of the first structure, preventing poisoning of a resist layer in subsequent processing by the reducing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method of manufacturing the integrated circuit, the method including: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a copper diffusion barrier layer on the substrate; (c) forming a dielectric layer on a top surface of the copper diffusion barrier layer; (d) forming a copper damascene or dual damascene wire in the dielectric layer, a top surface of the copper damascene or dual damascene wire coplanar with a top surface of the dielectric layer; (e) forming a first capping layer on the top surface of the wire and the top surface of the dielectric layer; (f) after step (e) performing one or more characterization procedures in relation to said integrated circuit; and (g) after step (e) forming a second capping layer on a top surface of the first capping layer.

Abstract: A method for reducing resist poisoning is provided. The method includes forming a first structure in a dielectric on a substrate and reducing amine related contaminants from the dielectric and the substrate created after the formation of the first structure. The method further includes forming a second structure in the dielectric. A first organic film may be formed on the substrate which is then heated and removed from the substrate to reduce the contaminant. Alternatively, a plasma treatment or cap may be provided. A second organic film is formed on the substrate and patterned to define a second structure in the dielectric.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a length of elongate flexible material into a hank containing a selectable number of loops. The material is wrapped around a pair of post members which are mounted on a rotatable base member which in turn is drivingly connectable to a continuously-running electric motor via an electronically-controlled clutch and brake assembly. When the clutch is engaged the brake is released, thereby permitting the base member to be rotated by the motor, and when the clutch is released the brake is engaged, thereby accurately stopping the base member at a predetermined angular position. The electronic control circuitry activates the clutch and releases the brake when an operator depresses a foot switch, and releases the clutch and activates the brake upon receiving a predetermined number of signals representing revolutions of the rotating base member from a magnetic sensor positioned proximate the base member and responsive to the passage therepast of a ferrite element mounted on the base member.