Abstract: A protective enclosure for straws used to consume beverages is disclosed. The protective enclosure may be operated by one hand to selectively access or cover an end of a straw through which a beverage may be consumed. The protective enclosure has a clamshell like opening and closing operation, portions of which are interdigitated and pivot during operation. The protective enclosure has a mechanism which selectively extends and retracts the straw during operation of the device. The protective enclosure may have an additional seal or seals to exclude contamination from dirt and/or insects during use.

Abstract: An automated system for analyzing mask defects in a semiconductor manufacturing process is presented. This system combines results from an inspection tool and design layout data from a design data repository corresponding to each mask layer being inspected with a computer program and a predetermined rule set to determine when a defect on a given mask layer has occurred. Mask inspection results include the presence, location and type (clear or opaque) of defects. Ultimately, a determination is made as to whether to scrap, repair or accept a given mask based on whether the defect would be likely to cause product failure. Application of the defect inspection data to the design layout data for each mask layer being inspected prevents otherwise acceptable wafer masks from being scrapped when the identified defects are not in critical areas of the mask.

Abstract: An automated system for analyzing mask defects in a semiconductor manufacturing process is presented. This system combines results from an inspection tool and design layout data from a design data repository corresponding to each mask layer being inspected with a computer program and a predetermined rule set to determine when a defect on a given mask layer has occurred. Mask inspection results include the presence, location and type (clear or opaque) of defects. Ultimately, a determination is made as to whether to scrap, repair or accept a given mask based on whether the defect would be likely to cause product failure. Application of the defect inspection data to the design layout data for each mask layer being inspected prevents otherwise acceptable wafer masks from being scrapped when the identified defects are not in critical areas of the mask.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for calibrating grid parameters for a photolithographic tool. One embodiment of the invention utilizes at least two artifacts located on the wafer stage. The artifacts are located outside of the area where a substrate would be placed. Typically, four artifacts are used, with two artifacts located along the same axis. The stage moves a first artifact to the alignment system and the system measures the location of the first artifact. The stage then moves the second artifact, which is on the same axis but on the other side of the wafer stage, under the alignment system and measures the location of the second artifact. This is repeated for the other two artifacts that line up in a second axis (i.e., perpendicular to the first axis). Grid offsets are calculated to provide, for example, grid magnification and rotation calibrations.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing metrology sampling rates in an advanced process control (APC) application. A method is provided for processing a run of workpieces, the method comprising the steps of: providing a database comprising subgroups of data representing characteristics from previously processed workpieces; selecting a first subgroup of data having characteristics that satisfy a predetermined criteria; determining processing conditions for a processing tool corresponding to said first subgroup of data; processing the run of workpieces with the process tool using the determined processing conditions; and measuring the run of workpieces according to a sampling rate determined from the first subgroup of data.

Abstract: The invention relates to fitting a curve to a plurality of data points. A “seed curve” is determined from a first set of data points selected from the plurality of data points. From the remaining data points, data points are individually selected and a determination is made for each selected data point as to whether the data point is acceptable to be included with the first set of data points. When a data point is determined to be acceptable, the data point is included with the first set of data points to form another set of data points. After each of the other data points are evaluated for inclusion with the first set of data points, a best fit curve is determined from a final set of data points.

Abstract: A proximity correction serif design methodology is described that provides improved inner and outer corner rounding, line end shortening, as well as improvements in more general undesirable two-dimensional shape distortions introduced into the lithographic printing process due to proximity effects. Using this method, exact solutions are shown for the specialized cases of either coherent or incoherent illumination exposing a hypothetical resist that develops via a simple diffusion like mechanism. The basis of this method for predicting the positions and shapes of serifs is tied to the need to increase the components of high spatial frequency that are essentially lost due to diffraction, diffusion, dissolution, and etching related effects. The correct amount to increase the spatial components is determined in the coordinate space and makes use of an empirical characterization of these physical factors.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing a programming development environment that supports the development of Internet and Intranet applications. In particular, an extender user interface for creating a relational database extender is provided. A window is displayed on the monitor. The window illustrates a relational database extender, which comprises multiple objects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring the thickness of flexible sheet material such as cloth, carpet, paper, sheet metal or plastic, for example. The apparatus includes a break member over which the sheet material is folded and advances. The apparatus also includes a light source and a light sensor that are preferably included in a laser scan micrometer. The apparatus also includes a carriage movable in a direction parallel to the break member. The light source is mounted to the carriage so that it opposes one side of the break member, and casts a shadow whose linear extent is indicative of the sheet material's thickness. The light sensor is mounted to the carriage on the opposite side of the break roller from that on which the light source is positioned. The light sensor and the light source can thus be used to generate sheet material thickness data at any predetermined position across the sheet material.

Abstract: Highly sulfated oligosaccharides in the form of hexasaccharide and octasaccharide compounds which have antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells are useful in treatment of conditions characterized by unwanted smooth muscle cell proliferation such as a result of trauma or disease states such as asthma, congestive heart failure and hypertension. The oligosaccharides have increased ability to inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and decreased ability to act as an anticoagulant as compared with commercial heparin and/or unseparated fragments of heparin.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate to a desired level with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups; all under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by deacetylating and then oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate substantially to completion with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.