Abstract: Electron or ion spectroscopy methods are commonly used for the surface analysis of insulating materials. During the illumination of the surface, electrons are emitted leaving behind a positively charged surface. The positively charged surface causes the energy of the emitted electrons to change and interferes with the analysis of their energy spectra. Conventionally, a source of neutralizing low energy electrons is directed to the illuminated region of the surface to neutralize the positive surface charge. The addition, to the non-illuminated region of the material, of a flux of positive particles or a means of emitting negative particles causes a discharge of the positive charge from the illuminated area of the material and establishes a dynamic equilibrium over the surface of the entire specimen. This permits the surface to be maintained at an arbitrarily uniform level controlled by the relative fluxes of the emitted electrons, the neutralizing electron flux, and the discharging means.

Abstract: A combination tube-winder and dispenser for emptying the contents of a collapsible tube, flattening the empty portion of the tube and winding the empty flattened portion of the tube upon a portion of the device. The device is formed, from a single length of wire in which the base is a clasp portion having substantially parallel spaced apart members for holding, flattening, winding, and dispensing the contents of the tube and the upright portion is a lever disposed at an interior angle of less that 90 degrees relative to the clasp, which uses mechanical advantage to facilitate the winding function. The less-than-90-degrees interior angle permits the upper portion of the lever of the device to be positioned behind the tube and thus passively restrain the tube from unwinding. The device may be disengaged from and reattached to a partially wound tube without completely unwinding the tube.

Abstract: An improved method for minimizing interferences from random noise and correlated fluctuations which obscure electrical signals converted from optical emissions. In particular, an improved method for the removal of interferences from optical emission signals during endpoint determination in dry etching processes for the fabrication of microelectronic devices which derives information in the presence of random noise, correlated fluctuations and periodic modulations of the plasma by maximizing the signal to random noise ratio and minimizing the obscuring effects of correlated fluctuation.

Abstract: A device for the optical measurement of light transmitted through silicon wafers and other media during the manufacture of electronic components and particularly during processing within a spray environment. The device is characterized by being a stationary assembly designed to provide structurally inherent optical alignment and focus. In addition the device is provided with a geometry specifically designed to direct any condensate flow away from the surface of the wafer, and with surface characteristics which minimize droplet separation from the surface of the device within a spray environment. The device is designed to permit its location out of the main spray pattern. The light source of the device is made as small as possible to minimize intrusion into the process environment.

Abstract: The device of this invention employs a short focal length anamorphic lens to collect light from a source with asymmetric angular dispersion of the flux. Focal lengths are chosen to provide an approximate line fuzzy focus with a f/number equal to or smaller than one of the associated detector. Fiber optic cable systems are used to deliver the condensed light and the diameter of the optical fibers is chosen to give a numerical aperture greater than that of the detector. The number of optical fibers in the cable should be large enough to over-fill the limiting area of the etendue of the detector. In a preferrred embodiment the fiberoptic cable is bifurcated and fibers from the separate channels are interleaved.

Abstract: A tool for determining bicycle spoke tension consisting of two identical members pivoting in a scissors-like manner upon a screw retained sleeve. The two members are maintained at rest in a juxtaposed position by a spring in the center of the tool. The two members are forced apart and then permitted to close over a spoke. The tool not only grips the spoke, but it also deflects the spoke. A vernier scale is affixed to the tool which allows measuring spoke tension as a function of the amount of deflection.

Abstract: A series of board games wherein players attempt to maximize their financial worth by buying, selling and trading performers, each including a game board representing a specific sport and having a plurality of spaces located about the board forming a path for movement of game pieces. Designated spaces on each board represent professional athletes or performers of the respective sport and activities relating to that sport. Each player is provided with a token which the player moves around the board as directed by chance means such as dice. Each performer space represents a specific performer and has two designated values marked thereon, an acquisition value and an income value. Other spaces direct players to take actions, relevant to the sport which will retard, promote or in some instances not affect the players' chances of winning the game. Sets of cards corresponding to the performers, teams, stadiums and game related actions are provided.