Abstract: The method for controlling layers alignment in a multi-layer sample (10), such a semiconductors wafer based on detecting a diffraction efficiency of radiation diffracted from the patterned structures (12, 14) located one above the other in two different layers of the sample.

Abstract: A method of inducing spin excitation by employing RF transmission fields of time-varying spatial characteristics in order to better control the overall distribution of spin excitation. The MRI transmit inductor system generates an RF transmission of particular spatial characteristics, followed by one or more additional RF transmissions with different spatial characteristics, where the additional RF transmissions alter the spin excitation produced by the first RF transmission. The spin excitation can be provided by a sequence of two or more discrete RF transmissions with different spatial characteristics, by a single RF transmission that has continuously varying spatial characteristics, by using successive RF transmissions of the primary and higher order modes of a volume coil, and/or by an RF transmission from a volume or surface coil followed by a second RF transmission from one or more local surface coils.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in measuring/inspecting a patterned article. Optical measurements are applied to a measurement site on the article by illuminating the measurement site with a plurality of wavelengths at substantially normal incidence of the illuminating light, detecting light returned from the illuminated site, and generating measured data indicative thereof. The measurements are applied to the measurement site through a polarizer rotatable between its different orientations selected from a number of pre-calibrated orientations.

Abstract: A wafer monitoring system including a gripper operative to fixedly hold a wafer, a bottom buffering unit comprising at least one supporting element adapted to support a wafer, a top buffering unit comprising at least two supporting elements adapted to support a wafer, a first actuator operative to effect relative movement between at least two supporting elements of the top buffering unit, monitoring apparatus operative to perform processing steps on a wafer while the wafer is held fixed to the gripper, and an actuator operative to effect relative movement between the gripper and the top and bottom buffering units, the top and bottom buffering units being operative to buffer processed and unprocessed wafers thereby to enable a robot to arrive at and leave the monitoring apparatus with at least one wafer thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a program such as a loyalty program. An account (e.g., card) system includes a plurality of participating account holders (e.g., cardholders), a plurality of non-participating account holders (e.g., cardholders), a plurality of non-preferred merchants and a plurality of preferred merchants. A processor executes the program including evaluating transactions to identify qualifying transactions involving both a participating account holders (e.g., cardholders) and a preferred merchant. Rebates are provided for identified, qualifying transactions.

Abstract: A non-electric down-hole formation pressure monitoring system utilizing a typical down-hole chemical injection system for pressure data acquisition used with surface computer integration to produce an accurate picture of formation pressure variations utilizing pressure differentials across a pressure balanced valve located adjacent the chemical injection orifice. Computer controlled manipulation of the injection pump pressure maintains a constant differential pressure across the pressure balance valve thus tracking the well formation pressure deviations. The surface computer monitors pump noise, plumbing noise due to vibration, etc., temperature, and fluid and/or gas coefficients, and compensates for any adverse effects that may affect the accuracy of the formation pressures. Down-hole pressure monitoring is achieved in chemical injection or dedicated pressure-monitoring mode with only minor surface adaptations to the well chemical injection pump skid.

Abstract: Overall and constituent oral mucositis assessment scale scores are generated by the use of a probe to obtain moisture measurements at a particular site. A control collects data samples.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting semiconductor wafer in a wafer processing system. The apparatus comprises at least two wafer support assemblies, defining respectively at least two wafer support levels and being mounted between opposing support beams; one or more supporting bases connected to or integral with each of the wafer support assemblies; and a motion unit coupled to the support beams.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of inflated cellular cushioning material, the apparatus comprising a dispensing unit comprising a feeding material roll, for feeding plastic material having sleeves or rows of cells, to be filled with air and a first and second conveyors for receiving the feeding material and holding such feeding material in a substantially flat position between the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: An inflatable cellular cushioning material having an air inlet pipe path to be inflated by an inflating device through the use of an air inlet pipe, the inflatable cushioning material comprising at least two layers of plastic pre-welded in such a manner so as to form a substantially diagonally oriented lines forming sleeves along the longitudinal axis of the inflatable cellular cushioning material and a substantially horizontal welded lines along the path of the air inlet pipe whereby the horizontal welded lines substantially reduce the non-inflated areas along the path of the air inlet pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to create without mechanical agitation a zone of low shear, low turbulence flow pattern within a continuous liquid phase contained in a vessel and comprising a dispersed phase consisting of particles or immiscible liquid droplets which have a density different from and should be distributed within the continuous phase without excessive agglomeration or breakups in order to largely preserve the initial particle size distribution, by a continuous or periodic re-circulation of at least a part of the continuous phase which is preferably free of dispersed particles or droplets.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by small, dark, veiled leaves, light pink flowers, long bloom time, and reblooming habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid Tricyrtis plant characterized by its compact habit, buttery yellow flower color, and heavy textured, deep green, mottled leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea purpurea plant named ‘Fragrant Angel’ characterized by its unique flowers with clean white rays that are spread out perpendicular to the stem, orange cone, lovely fragrance, and an upright vigorous habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Silene dioica plant given the cultivar name ‘Valley High’ characterized by creamy yellow leaves with irregular olive green centers and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by very dark leaves throughout the year, a compact habit, and bicolor pink and white flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Verbascum plant characterized by numerous red purple colored flowers on numerous short, upright flowering stems, a compact habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ×Heucherella plant characterized by its mounding habit, chocolate colored, cut and ruffled leaves, and creamy flowers in candle-like spikes.