Abstract: An integrated apparatus for optically monitoring semiconductor workpieces includes a supporting assembly for supporting the workpiece, and an optical monitoring unit positioned opposite the surface of the workpiece and separated therefrom by an optical window. The optical monitoring unit is mounted for reciprocating movement within a plane parallel to the window for monitoring at least one desired parameter of the semiconductor workpiece and has pattern recognition and auto-focusing utilities. The optical window includes one or more relatively small window fragments located at predetermined locations to enable observation of desired, predetermined portions of the workpiece. The size and shape of the window fragments are selected according to the requirements of transparency in a predetermined spectral range, mechanical strength and ability of pattern recognition and auto-focusing.
Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. The mobile conveyor modules are designed to be steerable and self-propelled, providing increased maneuverability and reducing relocation/reformation time. Multiple stacking methods may be used with the mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in of a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.
Abstract: A solution polymerization process using a phosphinimine catalyst and a boron activator is conducted at a temperature of about 170° C. or greater in the presence of trialkyl aluminum to produce polyethylene having a comparatively broad molecular weight distribution. The polyethylene product produced by the process of this invention is desirable because it can provide enhanced “processability” in comparison to polyethylene having a narrow molecular weight distribution. The process of this invention is advantageous in comparison to prior art processes for the preparation of “broad” polyethylene which use two polymerization reactors and/or more than one polymerization catalyst. The polymers produced by the process of this invention are potentially suitable for the preparation of plastic film. For example, a polyethylene according to this invention and having a density of about 0.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 17, 2002
Date of Patent:
August 17, 2004
Assignee:
Nova Chemicals (International) S.A
Inventors:
Stephen John Brown, John William Swabey, Christopher John Brooke Dobbin
Abstract: In a steam cracking operation the formation of coke is a problem which needs to be overcome. While significant work has been done on decoking of furnaces little work has been done regarding transfer line exchangers. Coking of transfer line exchangers (TLE) may be reduced by injection of a solution containing at least one group 1 or 2 metal dichromate or dichromate and one or more of a group 1, 2 or 7 metal carbonate into the TLE.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 28, 2002
Date of Patent:
August 10, 2004
Assignee:
Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
Inventors:
Haiyong Cai, Michael C. Oballa, Andrzej Krzywicki, Ted Magtanong, Les Benum
Abstract: An improved biosensor having at least a first working electrode and a first electrode material disposed on the first working electrode. The first electrode material is a mixture made by combining at least one enzyme where the at least one enzyme is a capable of reacting with the analyte to be measured, a redox mediator capable of reacting with a product of an enzymatic reaction or a series of enzymatic reactions involving the at least one enzyme, a peroxidase capable of catalyzing a reaction involving the redox mediator where the redox mediator is oxidized, a binder and a surfactant.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 2001
Date of Patent:
July 27, 2004
Assignee:
Nova Biomedical Corporation
Inventors:
Xiaohua Cai, Handani Winarta, Chung Chang Young
Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating the upper and lower beaks of poultry by non-contact heating of the upper and lower beaks of the bird are disclosed. The upper and lower beak treatment may include delivery of energy to the upper and lower beak in amounts sufficient to retard the growth and/or result in erosion of portions of both the upper beak and the lower beak. The energy incident on the lower beak may be reflected from a lower beak energy director (e.g., a reflector) or it may be provided a separate energy source.
Abstract: A method and system are presented for monitoring a process sequentially applied to a stream of substantially identical articles by a processing tool, so as to terminate the operation of the processing tool upon detecting an end-point signal corresponding to a predetermined value of a desired parameter of the article being processed. The article is processed with the processing tool. Upon completing the processing in response to the end-point signal generated by an end-point detector continuously operating during the processing of the article, integrated monitoring is applied to the processed article to measure the value of the desired parameter. The measured value of the desired parameter is analyzed to determine a correction value thereof to be used for adjusting the end-point signal corresponding to the predetermined value of the desired parameter for terminating the processing of the next article in the stream.
Abstract: The composition formed by mixing an organosilane with an organic carbonate. Water-stabilized organosilane compounds. A water stable composition made from the organic carbonate and organosilane composition and water. A method of treating a substrate by mixing or contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition of this invention for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate. A treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition of this invention. A method of dyeing and treating a substrate. A method of antimicrobially treating a food article. A method of antimicrobially coating a fluid container. A method of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 28, 2001
Date of Patent:
July 13, 2004
Assignees:
Nova Biogenetics, Inc., International Biochemical Industries, Inc.
Inventors:
Jacques E. Elfersy, Joachim Berkner, Timothy C. Moses
Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for the inspection of wafers during polishing which also includes a measurement system for measuring the thickness of the wafers top layer. The optical system views the wafer through a window and includes a gripping system, which places the wafer in a predetermined viewing location while maintaining the patterned surface completely under water. The optical system also includes a pull-down unit for pulling the measurement system slightly below the horizontal prior to the measurement and returns the measuring system to the horizontal afterwards.
Abstract: In an ion implantation method of the present invention, an ion beam extracted from an ion source is implanted into a wafer by way of a plasma shower in a transportation section on the upstream side of the wafer. The plasma shower comprised of an arc chamber and a shower tube is arranged in a resolving aperture member or in the immediate vicinity of the downstream side.
Abstract: Single site catalysts which contain a transition metal, a cyclopentadienyl may be activated with alumoxanes in the gas, solution or group-containing ligand, and a phosphinimine ligand slurry phase polymerization of olefin. Alumoxanes contain residual aluminum alkyls which may poison the catalysts. The residual aluminum alkyls may be bound and/or removed from the alumoxanes by treatment with carbohydrates such as cellulose, starch or sugar.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 4, 2001
Date of Patent:
June 15, 2004
Assignee:
Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
Inventors:
Peter Phung Minh Hoang, Dusan Jeremic, Jason Roy Kearns, Iain McLaren Coulter, Robert D. Donaldson
Abstract: A measurement method and system configured to determine parameters of a structure during production, the system including: a stage configured to support the structure during measurements; a measuring unit coupled to the stage; and a processor coupled to the measuring unit. The measuring unit includes: an illumination system configured to direct incident light of substantially broad wavelengths band toward a surface of the structure during measurements; and a detection system coupled to the illumination system and configured to detect light propagating from the surface of the structure during measurements. The measuring unit is configured to generate one or more output signals in response to the detected light during measurements. The processor is configured to determine the parameters of the structure from the one or more output signals during measurements. The parameters include a critical dimension of the structure and a layer characteristic of the structure.
Abstract: Non-Newtonian fluids, such as partially polymerized monomers or solutions of polymer in monomer may be pressure atomized below the surface of an immiscible continuous liquid phase to produce a dispersed phase having a uniform particle size distribution. A dual or customized size distribution can be obtained by imposing a controlled pressure pulsation on a flowing fluid upstream the atomizer inlet. Such dispersion may be further polymerized to produce a uniform or customized bead size product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 16, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 8, 2004
Assignee:
Nova Chemical Inc.
Inventors:
Grazyna Petela, Karel Cornelis Bleijenberg, Jonathan O'Blenes, John Thomas Bressler
Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tiarella plant characterized by its compact and creeping habit, distinct leaf form and coloration, and with numerous flowering stems and white flowers.
Abstract: A new and distinct Zantedeschia plant named ‘Edge of Night’, having striking, extremely dark purple, almost black, spathes, leaf margins and petioles.
Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum plant characterized by exceptional burgundy, pink, and silver colors of the fronds.
Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lobelia siphilitica plant characterized by a dwarf habit and multiple short flowering stems of numerous white flowers.