Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for promoting bubble-free circulation of processing fluids in a recirculation system. Certain disclosed techniques involve passive, mechanical valve designs that promote variable resistance to flow in a drain. Other techniques involve automated flow control schemes that utilize feedback from flow meters, level sensors, etc. to achieve a balanced and bubble-free flow. The disclosed embodiments greatly reduce the incorporation of gas into a processing fluid, in particular as the processing fluid returns from a processing cell to a reservoir.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for electroplating one or more materials onto a substrate. In many cases the material is a metal and the substrate is a semiconductor wafer, though the embodiments are no so limited. Typically, the embodiments herein utilize a channeled plate positioned near the substrate, creating a cross flow manifold defined on the bottom by the channeled plate, on the top by the substrate, and on the sides by a cross flow confinement ring. During plating, fluid enters the cross flow manifold both upward through the channels in the channeled plate, and laterally through a cross flow side inlet positioned on one side of the cross flow confinement ring. The flow paths combine in the cross flow manifold and exit at the cross flow exit, which is positioned opposite the cross flow inlet. These combined flow paths result in improved plating uniformity.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for promoting bubble-free circulation of processing fluids in a recirculation system. Certain disclosed techniques involve passive, mechanical valve designs that promote variable resistance to flow in a drain. Other techniques involve automated flow control schemes that utilize feedback from flow meters, level sensors, etc. to achieve a balanced and bubble-free flow. The disclosed embodiments greatly reduce the incorporation of gas into a processing fluid, in particular as the processing fluid returns from a processing cell to a reservoir.

Abstract: A mechanical seal component of a mechanical seal is substantially annular and includes a plurality of axially adjacent retaining recesses along its surface with each recess being adapted to accept a sealing member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, for each of a plurality of channels at a well site, converting channel data from a source data format to a common data format in real-time as the channel data is generated. The common data format includes a plurality of elements organized into a plurality of sets. Each element includes a minimum collection of fields. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of channels, storing the converted channel data in a data store as part of the at least one element.

Abstract: A weldment member for a gas turbine engine including a forward welding member and an aft welding member. The forward welding member has an annular shape with a forward welding face formed at one end. The forward welding face has a forward radiographic marking hole formed therein. The aft welding member has an annular shape with an aft welding face formed at one end. The aft welding face has an aft radiographic marking hole formed therein. The forward welding face is aligned with the aft welding face and the forward radiographic marking hole is angularly offset from the aft radiographic marking hole.

Abstract: A method of generating surface geometry information of an object within an imaged region using an imaging system comprising a camera and a source of structured light, the source of structured light comprising a source of a plurality of rays of light. The method comprising obtaining first image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the first image data comprising image data representing the object and first structured light incident on the object, the first structured light comprising a periodic pattern comprising a plurality of pattern elements and having a first spatial frequency projected from said source of structured light and obtaining second image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the second image data comprising image data representing the object and providing information associating each of the plurality of image pixels of the second image data with a ray of said source of structured light.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, for each of a plurality of channels at a well site, converting channel data from a source data format to a common data format in real-time as the channel data is generated. The common data format includes a plurality of elements organized into a plurality of sets. Each element includes a minimum collection of fields. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of channels, storing the converted channel data in a data store as part of the at least one element.

Abstract: An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.

Abstract: A surgical cannula system. The surgical cannula system includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. A tissue attachment ring, being configured to be coupled to a biological tissue, includes a lumen extending therethrough. A locking mechanism has a first locking state, in which the cannula is configured to move with respect to the tissue attachment ring, and a second locking state, in which movement of the cannula with respect to the tissue attachment ring is resisted.

Abstract: A surgical cannula system. The surgical cannula system includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. A tissue attachment ring, being configured to be coupled to a biological tissue, includes a lumen extending therethrough. A locking mechanism has a first locking state, in which the cannula is configured to move with respect to the tissue attachment ring, and a second locking state, in which movement of the cannula with respect to the tissue attachment ring is resisted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating asset risks using categories of primary loan underwriting factors associated with a pre-selected number of variables. An initial handle-based tree data structure is created based upon primary loan underwriting factors associated with a loan and includes a plurality of handle cells that segment loans according to values of the pre-selected variables. The initial handle-based tree data structure is modified by combining handle cells containing least significant splits and rank ordering of the modified handle-based tree data structure is performed to segment portfolio data.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for promoting bubble-free circulation of processing fluids in a recirculation system. Certain disclosed techniques involve passive, mechanical valve designs that promote variable resistance to flow in a drain. Other techniques involve automated flow control schemes that utilize feedback from flow meters, level sensors, etc. to achieve a balanced and bubble-free flow. The disclosed embodiments greatly reduce the incorporation of gas into a processing fluid, in particular as the processing fluid returns from a processing cell to a reservoir.

Abstract: An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.

Abstract: An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, for each of a plurality of channels at a well site, converting channel data from a source data format to a common data format in real-time as the channel data is generated. The common data format includes a plurality of elements organized into a plurality of sets. Each element includes a minimum collection of fields. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of channels, storing the converted channel data in a data store as part of the at least one element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating loan applications. A computer environment can include a loan evaluation system which operates on a processor-based system and which evaluates loan applications. A credit assessment framework is also provided for operating on the processor-based system and has a data connection to the loan evaluation system. The credit assessment framework generates a categorization of credit risk for each of the loan applications to be evaluated.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for model validation of a model for compliance and credit risk. Model input, output, and processing validation areas are contained on a computer system. A handle data structure connects the model validation areas with handles that comprise a unified metric. A handle represents combinations of covariate patterns and describes the joint distribution of risk characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating risks associated with alternative strategies for assessing an entity with respect to a predetermined objective. A system includes an action table that contains a plurality of possible actions that can be taken with respect to the predetermined objective for various entity profiles. One or more statistical data stores are configured to contain risk amounts associated with each entity profile, where the one or more statistical data stores are configured to contain inferred percentage distribution of applicants associated with each entity profile. One or more profile identification data stores contain entity identification information for use in determining an action for the entity. One or more improvement data stores provide an indication in the improvement in risk based upon a change in one or more characteristics for an entity profile.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system which includes a pneumostoma management device and a cover. The pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a hydrophobic filter and/or a one-way filter. The cover serves to protect the pneumostoma management device and/or provide a cosmetic skin to make the pneumostoma management device more acceptable to the patient and thereby encourage patient compliance with a pneumostoma treatment regimen.