Abstract: An erosion control device for use on beach and land areas subject to erosion includes: (a) an elongated beam portion comprising a first wall and a first base; (b) a cross-beam portion having a length that is less than half the length of the elongated beam portion, the cross-beam portion including a second wall and a second base; and (c) a mechanism for connecting the device to a second erosion control device; wherein the cross-beam portion extends transversely through the elongated beam portion at about a mid-point of the elongated beam portion. Also included herein is a matrix of interconnectable, relatively uniform erosion control devices.

Abstract: A Pseudo Low Volume Reticle (PLVR) which consists of multiple design layers on a single reticle. Specifically, the reticle can include two instances of each layer in order to facilitate die-to-die inspection techniques. A scribe is wrapped around each instance of the layer, such that both the frame and active area of the chip can be inspected with the die-to-die method. The chip consists of design data for a given part. The scribe, or frame, is preferably standard data across products which is used for yield and in line testing during the chip manufacturing process. Since only one chip and scribe unit is necessary to manufacture a device at each layer, it is only necessary that one chip and scribe instance yield during the reticle manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for enabling, organizing, and facilitating the transmission of communication for a fee or cost born by a Sender Party (also known as a Caller Party) over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method for verifying reticle enhancement technique latent image sensitivity to mask manufacturing errors. The method includes the steps of revising a polygon based on mask CD distributions to provide a virtual mask, imaging the virtual mask to obtain response function statistical parameters, and comparing the statistical parameters to design rule requirements. Preferably, the method includes the steps of simulating an aerial and/or latent image of the virtual mask, calculating response functions based on the mask image simulation, collecting measurements and calculating statistical parameters based on the response functions, and comparing the statistical parameters with design rule requirements (i.e., for DI yield percentage for required mask manufacturing specification). The virtual mask is obtained by using mask CD distribution to induce statistical variations to layouts which have passed through the conventional OPC procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing quality of service (QoS) measurements for remote-access users of a virtual private network (VPN) utilizes hardware/software at the remote VPN client to collect information related to the remote client's ability to connect to the VPN and remain connected. A centralized server is configured to query each remote client and upload the collected connection data, the server functioning to analyze the collected data to determine QoS information in terms of, for example, “VPN accessibility” (defined as success rate for connection to VPN servers), “VPN sustainability” (defined as the ability to maintain a network connection), and “VPN availability” (defined as the ability of a persistent remote-access location to maintain its network connect). The QoS measurements allow the VPN service provider to improve the experience of remote access users, generate alarms and reports, and may also be used to form service level agreements (SLAs) with such users.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method which makes LVR to HVR registration possible by wrapping the X and Y scribes around each instance of each layer on both the LVR and HVR reticles; standard HVR reticles and LVR reticles will not align to one another due to registration and electrical test structures in the scribe being in different locations. Another embodiment of the present invention addresses the loss of die per wafer due to increased scribe area when using LVR and HVR reticles in the same set.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a positive facial lock at all edges of the mask. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with malleable stiffeners for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and the lower jaw and chin area, respectively. The material of the filter mask is folded to have an omega pleat for forming a breathing chamber and a secondary pleat for assisting in securing the mask to the lower jaw and chin area. A pair of headbands are used to hold the mask on the head. The peripheral edges of the mask are bound. The mask provides excellent filtration since the positive facial lock around all edges of the mask substantially prevents air from leaking between the mask and the face.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method which makes LVR to HVR registration possible by wrapping the X and Y scribes around each instance of each layer on both the LVR and HVR reticles; standard HVR reticles and LVR reticles will not align to one another due to registration and electrical test structures in the scribe being in different locations. Another embodiment of the present invention addresses the loss of die per wafer due to increased sribe area when using LVR and HVR reticles in the same set.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method which makes LVR to HVR registration possible by wrapping the X and Y scribes around each instance of each layer on both the LVR and HVR reticles; standard HVR reticles and LVR reticles will not align to one another due to registration and electrical test structures in the scribe being in different locations. Another embodiment of the present invention addresses the loss of die per wafer due to increased scribe area when using LVR and HVR reticles in the same set.

Abstract: A reconfigurable circuit module comprises edge connectors for connecting with other reconfigurable circuit modules to form multi-dimensional arrays. Programmable devices such as FPGAs, CPLDs, etc. residing on the reconfigurable circuit modules control electric signal path functionality. An embedded controller microprocessor negotiates signal path compatibility between adjacent modules, preventing two or more programmable devices from simultaneously driving the same signal path.

Abstract: An automated process control system configured for controlling a plasma processing system having a chamber, the chamber being configured for processing a substrate. The automatic process control system includes a first sensor disposed within the chamber, the first sensor being configured for making a first plurality of measurements pertaining to a first parameter associated with a structure disposed at least partially within the chamber. The performing the first plurality of measurements is performed during the processing of the substrate. The automatic process control system further includes first logic coupled to receive the first plurality of measurements from the first sensor. The first logic is configured for analyzing using SPC methodologies the first plurality of measurements during the processing.

Abstract: A method and system for performing mixing in a low volume, low aspect ratio microfluidic chamber (3) is described. Two or more mixing bladders (13,15) formed adjacent the microfluidic chamber are inflated and deflated in reciprocating fashion to cause inward and outward deflection of discrete regions of the chamber wall to mix fluid within the chamber. Mixing bladders are actuated by air or another gas, or by a liquid such as water, pumped in and out of the bladders with a pump which may be located remote from the microfluidic device including the microfluidic chamber. In an alternative embodiment, mixing is generated by applying alternating mechanical forces to a surface of a flexible chamber forming device. The microfluidic chamber may be a hybridization chamber formed on a microarray (25) slide with the use of a microarray interface device, or it may be a microfluidic chamber formed in various other types of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: An automated process control system configured for controlling a plasma processing system having a chamber, the chamber being configured for processing a substrate. The automatic process control system includes a first sensor disposed within the chamber, the first sensor being configured for making a first plurality of measurements pertaining to a first parameter associated with a structure disposed at least partially within the chamber. The performing the first plurality of measurements is performed during the processing of the substrate. The automatic process control system further includes first logic coupled to receive the first plurality of measurements from the first sensor. The first logic is configured for analyzing using SPC methodologies the first plurality of measurements during the processing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of white and brown sugar from raw diffuser beet juice. The juice is purified by membrane filtration at 70-95° C. on a filter having a molecular weight cut-off between 2,000 and 500,000 Dalton and evaporated to a dry matter content of between 60 and 80% by weight under vacuum to a thick juice. A conventional multi-step evaporative crystallisation of the thick juice gives crops of white and brown sugar crystals. The brown sugar obtained have valuable organoleptic properties.

Abstract: A method of making a reticle. Design data, i.e., GDSII data is read in, then a scribe or frame is built, and the design is placed in the scribe. Then, Boolean operations, sizing, OPC corrections and phase shifting are performed, as needed, perhaps using third party tools. Then, the GDS data is sorted, and a new GDS hierarchy is created where each mask layer can be generated as one mask making pattern, i.e., new cells are created representing each masking image location on the reticle, each new cell is placed in a topcell, then a gds2 file is produced where the gds2 file can be used to create a reticle or can be used to create reticle making data.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a fluidic interface to slides bearing microarrays of biomolecules or other samples immobilized thereon to perform a variety of chemical reactions or processing steps on the slide. An interface device seals against the slide to form a chamber or chambers containing all or a portion of the microarray, providing selective access to portions of the slide. The interface device includes inlet and outlet ports permitting liquid sample and reagents to be introduced to and removed from the chamber accessing the slide surface. Pre-and post-array microfluidic circuitry may be included in the interface device or in attachable modules. The system may include one or more compartments for collecting and storing waste fluids.

Abstract: An automated process control system configured for controlling a plasma processing system having a chamber, the chamber being configured for processing a substrate. The automatic process control system includes a first sensor disposed within the chamber, the first sensor being configured for making a first plurality of measurements pertaining to a first parameter associated with a structure disposed at least partially within the chamber. The performing the first plurality of measurements is performed during the processing of the substrate. The automatic process control system further includes first logic coupled to receive the first plurality of measurements from the first sensor. The first logic is configured for analyzing using SPC methodologies the first plurality of measurements during the processing.

Abstract: The invention deals with a process for the manufacture of a milk or whey product having a reduced spores and bacteria content, especially for the treatment of milk for the manufacture of standardized consumer milk or cheese milk and skim milk powder or whole milk powder. The invention enables the manufacture of the desired milk product using skim milk having a reduced content of microorganisms (spores and bacteria) relative to the prior art processes. Furthermore, the invention can be applied in connection with the manufacture of whey or pre-concentrated whey having a reduced spores and bacteria content.

Abstract: An electronic circuits module includes a cover and a base. A lever and cam assembly is rotatably attached to the cover, and the cam includes first and second lobes. The lever and cam assembly is rotatable between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the first lobe can be inserted through an eccentric opening in the base, and then rotated to the second position to lock the cover to the base. In the third position, the module can be inserted into the computer and when the lever and cam assembly is moved back to the second position, the second lobe locks the module in the computer. A mechanism in the computer inhibits the movement of the lever and cam assembly into the first position, thereby preventing the disconnection of the base from the cover when the module is installed in the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically creating and maintaining driver activity logs for vehicle operators. The vehicle operator is in communication with a central station using a mobile communication terminal located onboard an assigned vehicle. A vehicle operator driving status is determined at the central station when messages and position reports are transmitted from the vehicle to the central station. A driver activity log is created upon request by the vehicle operator or by authorized personnel at the central station or host facility. The driver activity log may then be transmitted to the vehicle for display.