Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein the height over the complete surface of interest on a wafer/material is scanned and mapped, using either a central or non-central focus system. The type of data gathered is similar to that which is normally acquired in operation of the particular focusing system indicative of the wafer/material surface height. The difference is that according to the present invention, a much larger number of data points are sampled and then processed in a novel manner to provide improved focus information. These data are stored and used to calculate corrections in both the vertical position/height and tilt of the material/wafer for each exposure field, such as the areas (34) in FIGS. 5b and 6b. The invention sorts out selected height data indicating periodic variations in surface height.

Abstract: A mixture of a dibasic ester (DBE), an alcohol, and water to remove photoresist from a silicon wafer substrate. Photoresist is effectively removed at ambient temperature with this non-phenolic, non-halogenated stripper solution. Dissolved photoresist is easily separated from the water mixture for disposal.

Abstract: An integrated emission microscope with an emitted radiation detection system for collecting and analyzing radiation from a device under test. A semi-ellipsoidal mirror of high ellipticity directs emitted radiation from the device under test through an aperture to a radiation guide, Which transmits the radiation to spectral analyzer. The device under test may be mounted on a scanning stage. The system permits high spatial resolution selected area spectroscopic analysis, panchromatic imaging, and spectroscopic mapping of the emitted radiation from the device under test.

Abstract: A system having an integrated control unit for installation in an emergency vehicle, the unit responsive to inputs and operative to output control signals to emergency vehicle electrical apparatus through a pre-fabricated wiring harness. The wiring harness is designed with connectors and an overall configuration requiring only minor alterations to the vehicle structure, allowing easy installation primarily through ducts and openings used by the vehicle manufacturer for conventional wiring installations. The harness is designed to be readily removable for installation in another vehicle of either the same or different model, when the existing vehicle is to be retired from service. The system has numerous features including an opto-isolator and noise filter to provide a reliably detected signal indicative of the state of the vehicle's transmission, the control unit operative in response to modify the emergency vehicle conditions when the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A beach towel and tote bag combination having a beach towel portion configured to accommodate a person. The bag portion is located at a corner of the beach towel and secured with a draw cord. Both secured and unsecured pockets are positioned on the inside of the tote bag when the beach towel is laid out. When the towel is rolled up and the bag turned inside-out, putting the towel inside the tote bag, the pockets are positioned on the outside of the bag.

Abstract: A physical construction of an inverter of the type having a positive voltage line and a negative voltage line interconnected by one or more switch sections. Each section includes two switch circuits, each having a transistor in parallel with a diode. The two switch circuits are connected in series, with the connection between the circuits providing an output to drive a load. The positive voltage line includes a positive voltage rail positioned closely to a negative voltage rail which is part of the negative voltage line. The close proximity of the two rails causes an electrical coupling between the positive and negative voltage lines. Current paths including circuit traces and bond wires within the inverter are arranged to place paths having oppositely directed currents, or equal and opposite di/dt's, in close parallel proximity resulting in mutual coupling and reduction in parasitic inductances.

Abstract: An improved electrode apparatus for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument provides an adjustable volume of tissue ablation and may be used with an RF energy source in either monopolar or bipolar output mode. The electrode apparatus may be used in any endoscopic surgical application, and provides a new method for any endoscopic treatment involving soft tissue ablation, including hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment of uterine fibroids/myomas.

Abstract: A method for forming a set of p-channel devices with enhanced n-doping and penetration of boron into the channel region between the source and drain regions, thereby creating channel length independent p-channel threshold voltage behavior. Long channel and short channel transistors have approximately equal threshold voltages as (a) short channel effect is reduced with increased n-doping in short channel transistors (where boron penetration has little effect), and (b) the effects of boron penetration and increased n-doping are offset in longer channel transistors.

Abstract: Acquisition and interpretation of reflections from a target in response to a Doppler radar probe signal from a seeker are inhibited by providing at the target a receiver, preferably a high-speed sweeping transceiver, which is operative to injection lock quickly to the probe signal and thereafter to repeat a low-power replica of the probe signal with frequency modulation of the carrier from the repeater with a deviation greater than the locking bandwidth of the local oscillator to generate a random aperiodic signal. The vehicle operator is notified of the presence of seeker signals to prompt the operator to verify compliance with vehicle operating regulations. The carrier frequency modulation is selected to be of a frequency and deviation sufficient to confuse phase locking and limiting circuitry in a seeker receiver and thereby to inhibit acquisition of an echo from the target.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescence detection system including a semi-ellipsoidal mirror of high ellipticity, with the mirror constructed of material of low atomic number to minimize interference caused by backscattered electrons. An emission radiation guide is mounted in line with the axis of rotation of the mirror to optimize CL radiation collection. Low detector height provides high spatial resolution in electron beam systems.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a housing, single access conduit formed in the housing, an irrigation port and an evacuation port, each port being connected through independent valves to the single access conduit. The single access conduit has a first end and a second end which is terminated in an aperture formed in the housing. A closure is provided for the aperture. A viewing device, such as an endoscope, is insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extended slightly beyond the first end. An electrode assembly having two or more retractable RF electrodes spaced a predetermined distance and angle apart, is also insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extendable beyond the first end. Each RF electrode is in electrical communication with a means for supplying R.F. energy and for continuously measuring impedance across the electrodes. Also, each RF electrode is extendable beyond and completely retractable into a guiding sheath.

Abstract: A universal remote control transmitter for use with garage door openers including a number of switches whereby a user can program a transmitted modulation format and carrier frequency, and a controller for scanning the switches to determine the user programmed selections. The controller, in response to the programmed selections, outputs the required modulation to a selected transmitter, as well as direction to fine tune the transmitter to the particular carrier frequency. Also included is a power sensor circuit that responds to a change in power supply voltage by adjusting the modulation to maintain a constant peak transmitter output power.

Abstract: A self aligning gasket having holes for passage of securing devices such as bolts, for joining parts together with the gasket positioned in between. A plurality of alignment pins are integrally attached to a fragile connective member to edges of a plurality of the holes formed through the gasket. The pins are installed through corresponding clearance holes in the parts to be joined. Once the parts are secured together, the pins are removed by breaking or cutting the fragile connective members, exposing the corresponding part clearance holes, making them available for their originally intended use.

Abstract: A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snow board, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snow board. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snow board with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument 20 includes an irrigation port 21 and an evacuation port 22. Each port, 21 and 22, is connected through independent valves 23 and 24, respectively to a single access conduit 25. The connection between the valves 23 and 24 and conduit 25 is along connector tubes 23a and 24a. The access conduit 25 leads from the valves and their respective valve conduits to a probe connector 26. This probe connector 26 is designed to receive one end, the locating end 27, of a surgical probe 28 which would be used during microsurgical procedures. The surgical instrument 20 also includes a port 31 which allows the surgeon to insert microsurgical instrumentation (not shown) along the access conduit 25 and the bore of the hollow probe 28 to exit from the end 32 thereof. The port 31 should provide a fluid-tight seal when no microsurgical instrumentation is being used with the surgical instrument 20.

Abstract: A multipin connector assembly including a female connector assembly having a body containing a plurality of pin-receiving receptacles, the openings thereto being frusto-conical in configuration for guiding the pins of a male connector assembly into the receptacles to make contact with electrically conductive, spring-loaded contactors contained therein. Elongated jaws slidably mounted on either side of the body are provided with hooked extension ends extending beyond the front surface of the housing for engaging the male connector assembly and for providing partial alignment of the connectors. Levered clamps mounted to the body provide a leveraging force for drawing the connectors together and locking them in a connected relationship. Each receptacle of the female connector has an alignment bore for directing an entering contact pin into engagement with an angular end surface of the resilient contactor.

Abstract: A beach towel constructed with a polygonal center panel from which extend separate trapezoidal panels creates a towel with a substantially polygonal perimeter. The panels are sewn together to provide a strong reinforced structure, and a drawstring around the perimeter permits conversion of the towel into a bag-like structure.

Abstract: A laser-optical fiber tuning and control system which optimizes coupling of a laser output into an optical fiber by minimizing the amount of light scattered into the fiber cladding, which provides a realtime indication of whether the radiation reaches the output end of the fiber to an emergency shut-down switch, and which provides a communications system for control of the laser from the output end of the optical fiber.