Abstract: A method and apparatus for web-based tool management are implemented. A tool object model provides a logical representation of the physical tool. The tool object model defines a hierarchical set of tool objects that characterize the tool, and additionally a set of method for performing actions on the tool objects. These actions also correspond to operations, which may include reporting as well as processing tasks, performed by the tool. A user may remotely control and monitor a tool using a conventional web browser. For example, a user may execute methods of the tool object model, or obtain detailed information about a tool object. User actions are passed to a server by embedding them in hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests. The server receives the HTTP request, and passes the request to a corresponding page server in accordance with the action requested. Depending on the action requested, the page server may generate a web page in response, or may invoke a method of the tool object model.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for automated tool management in a multi-protocol environment. A user may issue a message in accordance with an object-oriented interapplication communication protocol to a corresponding application interface unit. The message may be a request to perform a particular action on a selected tool. The content of the message may be extracted by the corresponding application interface unit which may comprise data required by the requested action and a pointer to the object representing the tool. The application interface unit may invoke a method of the object pointed to by the pointers in the message. A value may then be procured by an equipment model where the value may be associated with particular information requested in the message about a tool or a notification informing the user that an event occurred. The equipment model may transfer the value to the appropriate user.

Abstract: A method of electroplating a metal into a plurality of channels within an insulating material includes mounting the material to a cathode; placing the cathode into an electroplating solution containing the metal; placing an anode into the electroplating solution; connecting the cathode and the anode to a power supply; controlling operation of the power supply to provide a beginning current density during deposition at the insulating material and initiating electroplating of the metal within the plurality of channels starting at one face of the insulating material; and controlling operation of the power supply to provide a final current density during deposition at the insulating material and ending electroplating of the metal within the plurality of channels at the other face of the insulating material.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for automated tool management in a multi-protocol environment. A user may issue a message in accordance with an object-oriented interapplication communication protocol to a corresponding application interface unit. The message may be a request to perform a particular action on a selected tool. The content of the message may be extracted by the corresponding application interface unit which may comprise data required by the requested action and a pointer to the object representing the tool. The application interface unit may invoke a method of the object pointed to by the pointers in the message. A value may then be procured by an equipment model where the value may be associated with particular information requested in the message about a tool or a notification informing the user that an event occurred. The equipment model may transfer the value to the appropriate user.

Abstract: An improved microelectrode array, comprised of solid metal microelectrodes, and a method for its manufacture, are disclosed. The microelectrodes have diameter from 1 to 100 micrometers and overall length of several millimeters (large aspect ratio). The microelectrode arrays have overall surface area and are electrochemically compatible with biological tissue. The microelectrodes may number up to in the millions and are arranged in patterns in the array such that each microelectrode is electrically insulated from the others. The solid metal electrodes are highly resistant to chemical degradation and/or mechanical damage. The electrode arrays may have an extremely high electrode density (>106/cm2). The microelectrodes that comprise the arrays are fabricated using precious metals, for example, platinum, rhodium, iridium, gold, silver, nickel, copper, or palladium. A method for the deposition of precious metal electrode arrays is shown.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for automated tool management in a multi-protocol environment. A user may issue a message in accordance with an object-oriented interapplication communication protocol to a corresponding application interface unit. The message may be a request to perform a particular action on a selected tool. The content of the message may be extracted by the corresponding application interface unit which may comprise data required by the requested action and a pointer to the object representing the tool. The application interface unit may invoke a method of the object pointed to by the pointers in the message. A value may then be procured by an equipment model where the value may be associated with particular information requested in the message about a tool or a notification informing the user that an event occurred. The equipment model may transfer the value to the appropriate user.