Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating integrated circuit structures for use in semiconductor wafer fabrication techniques. A Cu diffusion barrier/Cu seed sandwich layer is deposited on a substrate. A first sacrificial layer, deposited on the sandwich layer, is developed to form a cavity. A first Cu layer is selectively deposited on the sandwich layer inside the cavity. A second sacrificial layer is deposited on the first sacrificial layer and on the first Cu layer. A cavity is formed in the second sacrificial layer, exposing at least a portion of the first Cu layer. A second Cu layer is selectively deposited in the second sacrificial layer cavity including the exposed portion of the first Cu layer. The combination of the first and second Cu layers forms a Cu component. Subsequently, the first and second sacrificial layers are removed resulting in a Cu component that is free standing on the sandwich layer, such that the top and sides of the component are exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing a network URL through a pre-assigned simplified network address, correlating to the URL, and for displaying the home page having the URL as its address. These methods and systems provide easier URL and home page access because persons wanting to access the home page need only input the simplified network address, thereby avoiding the need to know and input the URL character string. The simplified network addresses of the present invention include numbers. Methods are provided for selecting numbers for assignment to URLs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor processing device (800) including a tool (802) having one or more sensors, a primary data communication port (804) and a secondary data communication port (806). A sensor data acquisition subsystem (808) acquires sensor data from the tool via the secondary port (806). The data acquisition subsystem (808) acquires MES operation messages via the primary port (804). Sensor data are communicated to a sensor processing unit (828) of a sensor data processing subsystem (810). The sensor processing unit (828) processes and analyzes the sensor data. Additionally, the processing unit (828) can be adapted for making product or processing related decisions, for example activating an alarm if the process is not operating within control limits.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing a network URL through a pre-assigned simplified network address, correlating to the URL, and for displaying the home page having the URL as its address. These methods and systems provide easier URL and home page access because persons wanting to access the home page need only input the simplified network address, thereby avoiding the need to know and input the URL character string. The simplified network addresses of the present invention include numbers. Methods are provided for selecting numbers for assignment to URLs.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for positioning and securing medical tubes in a patient's mouth or nose. These devices have frame portions which include an inverted U-shaped portion having an upper jaw portion, two cheek portions and a lower jaw portion. Fasteners are provided to fasten the devices of the current invention on a patient's head. Medical tubes can be inserted in these devices and intubated in a patient's mouth or nose. The medical tubes can be affixed to the frame portions of the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for holding and guiding nails. The nail guide devices comprise a flexible polymer foam body having one or more slits for inserting a nail. The foam body may additionally comprise one or more adhesive layers for temporarily bonding the device to a finger or to the surface of a workpiece. Methods are provided to utilize the nail guides of the current invention for seating and driving a nail into a workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides for electrical devices and methods for evaluating athletic performance. A shock sensor is attached to an athlete or a suitable target such as a punching bag. When the athlete subjects the shock sensor to a shock with a magnitude which equals or exceeds the shock sensor sensitivity, an electrical effect is generated which is processed by a control means. The control means can be programmed for a delay period which precedes the performance evaluating cycle. The athlete's reaction time and shock magnitude can be measured and displayed. The devices and methods are suitable for evaluating athletic performance even if the athlete does not contact a target or an another object such as in simulated martial arts combat wherein there is no body contact between the athletes.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for drying the inside surfaces of gloves. The glove drying devices include a perforated hollow drying form in the shape of a hand. A tube is mounted to the inside of the drying form in order to improve the air flow into the interior of the form. A heating means is provided for mounting inside the tube in order to heat the air which flows into the drying form and to enhance the air flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides for circle cutters to cut drywall. The circle cutters include a removable pivoting member, a beam and a cutting member. The beam has a groove with teeth in the bottom as well as a slot. The pivoting member includes a surface having teeth for interlocking with the groove teeth. Additionally, one or more contact protrusions can be provided on the bottom surface of the beam for improved circle cutting on textured drywall surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides for cutting devices used in conjunction with a flexible measuring tape to cut drywall. The end segment and angled tab of the measuring tape are retained between two body components of a unit having an extended knife blade. Optionally, a guide unit is provided for attachment to the measuring tape in order to guide the cutting device in the preparation of cuts of uniform width and sufficient cutting depth to break the sheet along the cut.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lifting devices and methods for lifting foundations and slabs. One or more power cylinders is pivotally linked to a pier and to a foundation bracket assembly. The pivotal linkage results in self-alignment between the longitudinal axis of the pier and the axis along which compressive pressure is applied to the pier.