Abstract: A system and method for efficiently inserting pull-in-place lining systems into an existing pipeline are provided. The system and method compensate for the effect of tension in an insert as the insert is being pulled through the pipeline. Specifically, the degree of sag of a portion of the insert in a sag zone is determined from data provided by one or more proximity sensors positioned adjacent the insert as the insert is advanced downstream along a feed path. The speed of the advancing of the insert is adjusted based on the determined degree of sag and a predetermined optimal sag range.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method to form an interconnect structure utilizes a high-aspect ratio single-damascene line and a non-damascene via. The interconnect includes a first single-damascene interconnect line disposed in a first interlayer dielectric layer, and a non-damascene via on the first single-damascene interconnect line that may be formed from cobalt, titanium and/or tungsten. A first SiCN layer may be formed on one or more sidewalls of the non-damascene via. A second single-damascene layer may be formed on the non-damascene via in which the second single-damascene layer may be disposed in a second interlayer dielectric layer. A second SiCN layer may be formed on at least part of an upper surface of the first single-damascene layer, and a third SiCN layer may be formed on at least part of an upper surface of the second single-damascene layer.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method to form an interconnect structure utilizes a high-aspect ratio single-damascene line and a non-damascene via. The interconnect includes a first single-damascene interconnect line disposed in a first interlayer dielectric layer, and a non-damascene via on the first single-damascene interconnect line that may be formed from cobalt, titanium and/or tungsten. A first SiCN layer may be formed on one or more sidewalls of the non-damascene via. A second single-damascene layer may be formed on the non-damascene via in which the second single-damascene layer may be disposed in a second interlayer dielectric layer. A second SiCN layer may be formed on at least part of an upper surface of the first single-damascene layer, and a third SiCN layer may be formed on at least part of an upper surface of the second single-damascene layer.

Abstract: One embodiment of an improved method for removing a post from the ground, the method including inserting a spike tool into the ground around the perimeter of the base of the post, reducing the lifting force required by creating a layer of reduced friction mud surrounding the base of the post, supplying of pressurized fluid through the spike tool to the base of the post within the ground, and neutralizing the suction force created when the post is lifted from the ground.

Abstract: A method for haze control on a semiconductor reticle, the method including performing a reticle inspection of a semiconductor reticle to detect haze formation on a periodic basis, performing a wafer inspection to detect haze defects, forecasting haze formation, and cleaning the semiconductor reticle. Also included is a haze forecasting method for haze control on a semiconductor reticle, including scanning a plurality of semiconductor wafers, identifying repeating defects in the semiconductor wafers, storing the repeating defects in a database as known repeating defects, and identifying an additional repeating defect that is not a known repeating defect, the additional repeating defect caused by semiconductor reticle haze.

Abstract: A multi-layered sports playing field including a top layer made of substantially artificial material simulating a natural playing surface such as grass and a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the base or dirt layer. The padding layer is made of a plurality of discrete beads of substantially elastic, resilient material (e.g., foam) with portions of adjacent beads abutting one another and other portions being spaced from each other. Substantially all of the adjacent beads are preferably integrally joined (e.g., glued, fused) together at their abutting portions. The padding layer is very porous and breathable and preferably includes feet members supporting the main body of the padding layer above the base or dirt layer to create a water channel of interconnected portions to enhance water drainage to the sides of the field.

Abstract: A method for haze control on a semiconductor reticle, the method including performing a reticle inspection of a semiconductor reticle to detect haze formation on a periodic basis, performing a wafer inspection to detect haze defects, forecasting haze formation, and cleaning the semiconductor reticle. Also included is a haze forecasting method for haze control on a semiconductor reticle, including scanning a plurality of semiconductor wafers, identifying repeating defects in the semiconductor wafers, storing the repeating defects in a database as known repeating defects, and identifying an additional repeating defect that is not a known repeating defect, the additional repeating defect caused by semiconductor reticle haze.

Abstract: A multi-layered sports playing field including a top layer made of substantially artificial material simulating a natural playing surface such as grass and a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the base or dirt layer. The padding layer is made of a plurality of discrete beads of substantially elastic, resilient material (e.g., foam) with portions of adjacent beads abutting one another and other portions being spaced from each other. Substantially all of the adjacent beads are preferably integrally joined (e.g., glued, fused) together at their abutting portions. The padding layer is very porous and breathable and preferably includes feet members supporting the main body of the padding layer above the base or dirt layer to create a water channel of interconnected portions to enhance water drainage to the sides of the field.