Abstract: A method for processing a component is provided and includes masking a first portion of the component with a maskant. The maskant includes a slurry having a plurality of particles in a fluid carrier. The plurality of particles comprises at least one of silicon, carbon, one or more rare earth disilicates, monosilicates or oxides, and combinations thereof. The method includes depositing a silicon-based coating on a second portion of the component via a chemical vapor deposition process and removing the maskant and any overlying silicon-based coating from the first portion of the component.

Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

Abstract: A method for processing a component is provided and includes masking a first portion of the component with a maskant. The maskant includes a slurry having a plurality of particles in a fluid carrier. The plurality of particles comprises at least one of silicon, carbon, one or more rare earth disilicates, monosilicates or oxides, and combinations thereof. The method includes depositing a silicon-based coating on a second portion of the component via a chemical vapor deposition process and removing the maskant and any overlying silicon-based coating from the first portion of the component.

Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

Abstract: An improved bulk fluid distribution for supplying process fluids to semiconductor process tools. The improved system having an alternating pressure vessel engine substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations in the bulk fluid supply line due to head losses from the changing weight of the fluid in the dispensing vessels. The system also enables flexible control of the flow conditions of the fluid in the fluid supply line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively acquiring and targeting online advertising inventory based on users' Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. In one aspect of the invention, Web publishers are made aware of IP addresses of interest, determined by matching attributes of current Internet users for whom IP addresses are known and targeting attributes of ad campaigns. Then, for each site visitor from one of said IP addresses, publishers choose whether to supply ad inventory to fulfill the immediate demand. Another aspect of the invention provides for targeting of online ads based on updated user IP addresses and some associated personal data provided by ISPs. An embodiment of the invention provides for a localized online advertising network in which ad inventory is selectively acquired from web sites, as required to fulfill immediate advertiser demand, and targeted by user zip code, as registered with users' ISPs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for soliciting, tracking, aggregating and reporting popular and group-specific opinion via the Internet are described. In various embodiments, editors and Internet users utilize a poll module creation tool to create individual graphical polling modules for public or private distribution. Individual polling modules can be then be posted by users to third-party Web sites, personal Web pages and emails, as well as aggregated on a poll aggregation Web site, providing consumers a consolidated view, and searchable database, of popular opinion on a variety of topics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using information relating to answers to polling questions to select an advertisement and/or a link to an advertisement to be provided to a corresponding user or computer system are described. The selection process may use information obtained from soliciting, tracking, aggregating and/or reporting popular and group-specific opinion via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus combining a pressure vessel and a centrifugal pump to accurately and efficiently control pressure and flow rate of liquid in a liquid dispense system. The present invention particularly relates to the accurate and efficient control of pressure and flow rate of liquids, such as high purity chemicals or slurries used in semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content and services to an Internet-enabled device in synchronization with media content presented on a television, radio or other separate device are described. In various embodiments, information suitable for identifying the media content being presented on a television or radio is detected by an audio or video receiver such as a microphone, video camera or optical receiver built into or connected to a PC or laptop. Corresponding content is then fetched from Internet servers or local memory or storage and displayed on the PC or laptop. Also, a program module-based framework that provides for the delivery of such media-coordinated content across multiple programs and advertisements and multiple content providers is described.

Abstract: An improved bulk fluid distribution for supplying process fluids to semiconductor process tools. The improved system having an alternating pressure vessel engine substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations in the bulk fluid supply line due to head losses from the changing weight of the fluid in the dispensing vessels. The system also enables flexible control of the flow conditions of the fluid in the fluid supply line.

Abstract: An improved bulk fluid distribution system for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a supply line to a semiconductor manufacturing process. The distribution system includes a pump-based engine with either a pressure vessel or a pulse dampener. In the pump-pressure vessel embodiment, a controller monitors the pressure of the fluid in the supply line and adjusts the dispense pressure of the vessel. In the pump-pulse dampener embodiment, the controller monitors the pressure of the fluid in the supply line and adjusts the flow rate of the pump to maintain the pressure in the supply line at a predetermined setpoint.