Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber with a processing zone, an RF generator, a sensor, and a controller. The vacuum chamber is configured to receive process gas for a plasma-based process of a substrate. The RF generator provides an RF signal between a first electrode and a second electrode of the vacuum chamber to generate plasma for the plasma-based process. The sensor is configured to sense at least one signal characteristic of the RF signal. The controller is configured to retrieve during the plasma-based process, a plurality of signals from the sensor. The plurality of signals is indicative of the at least one signal characteristic of the RF signal at a corresponding plurality of time instances. The controller determines an endpoint for the plasma-based process based on the plurality of signals from the sensor. The controller terminates the plasma-based process based on the endpoint.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation mat is provided for placement between a subfloor and a finished floor. The acoustic isolation mat has a first layer placed directly upon the subfloor that includes a fiberglass-containing acoustic insulation, a second layer placed directly upon the first layer that includes an entangled polymer, and a third layer placed directly upon the second layer and below the finished floor that has a sheet of fibrous material.

Abstract: A seed processing system for cottonseeds includes a fluid distribution system configured to sequentially dispense an acid solution, a base solution and a rinse liquid onto the cottonseeds. A seed applicator system defines an interior configured to hold the cottonseeds and receive the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid dispensed from the fluid distribution system. The seed applicator system includes a rotor configured to agitate the cottonseeds in the interior as the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid are dispensed onto the cottonseeds to effectuate mixing.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation mat is provided for placement between a subfloor and a finished floor. The acoustic isolation mat has a first layer placed directly upon the subfloor that includes a fiberglass-containing acoustic insulation, a second layer placed directly upon the first layer that includes an entangled polymer, and a third layer placed directly upon the second layer and below the finished floor that has a sheet of fibrous material.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related apparatus for depositing an ashable hard mask (AHM) on a substrate in a low pressure chamber using a dual frequency radio frequency component. Low pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition may be used to increase the etch selectivity of the AHM, permitting the use of a thinner AHM for semiconductor processing operations.

Abstract: A seed processing system for cottonseeds includes a fluid distribution system configured to sequentially dispense an acid solution, a base solution and a rinse liquid onto the cottonseeds. A seed applicator system defines an interior configured to hold the cottonseeds and receive the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid dispensed from the fluid distribution system. The seed applicator system includes a rotor configured to agitate the cottonseeds in the interior as the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid are dispensed onto the cottonseeds to effectuate mixing.

Abstract: An equipment positioning system includes a reel apparatus, equipment and a control system. An equipment positioning apparatus is secured to cables forming at least three angled parallelograms extending between the reel apparatus and the equipment positioning apparatus. The cables are for positioning the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment based upon signals from the control system. The cables are cooperatively extended or retracted by the reel apparatus thereby positioning one or more of the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment. The cables forming the at least three angled parallelograms maintain the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment in a stable orientation during operation of the equipment positioning system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout two-dimensional space by using a support line that is coupled with both opposing sides of the platform. This line controls the Y-axis motion and Z-axis motion of the platform and is designated the YZ movement line. Displacing a portion of the YZ movement line allows vertical displacement of the platform to be traversed. There is no need for a complex computer control system since the Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of horizontal movement over a coverage area serviced by the platform. A mounting beam for positioning and supporting the Z-axis and Y-axis motors and visual display element(s) and other optional multimedia devices may also be positioned independently of the platform. In addition, since the line is commanded from one point, distantly located motors and electrical cables are not required.

Abstract: A head unit for remote light sensing utilizes a lens secured in one end opening proximate to the light to be sensed, as well as a passive light source having a radiating end and a passive light collector having a receiving end, the source and collector being secured in a second opening such that both are substantially adjacent to the focal point of the lens and to each other such that the lens substantially collimates light emitted from the passive light source, and focuses received external collimated light at the focal point of the lens. The passive light source and passive light collector are respectively connectible to a powered light source and a photoelectric detector.