Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring transactional events in a supply chain. In a preferred embodiment, a computer-based system for assessing information concerning transactional events in a supply chain is provided to detect compliance and non-compliance with rules imposed by a participant in the supply chain. In the event that a rules violation is detected, a charge-back is generated to be imposed upon the party responsible for the rules violation. Transactional information may be provided to the computer-based system by any means, including manual (keyboard) entry and transmission from scanning devices (such as radio-frequency bar-code scanners and the like, and data feed from the participant's own files). In one embodiment, the invention comprises computer software provided to parties to a supply chain by a software vendor.

Abstract: A process has been developed for a post-chemical mechanical polishing cleaning/passivting step to remove slurry particles (52) and form a passivating film (64) from a portion of an interconnect material within a conductive layer (42) without attacking the interconnecting material. In one particular embodiment, a solution having a pH greater than the isoelectric point of alumina particles is exposed to the surface of an interconnect material of a conductive layer (42) to passivate a portion of the interconnect material while changing the charge of the slurry particles (52) such that they are repelled away from the surface of the substrate and removed by the cleaning solution, or other cleaning processes.

Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) a copper layer (22) begins by forming the copper layer (22). The copper layer (22) is then exposed to a slurry (24). The slurry (24) contains an oxidizing agent such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, a carboxylate salt such as ammonium citrate, an abrasive slurry such as alumna abrasive, an optional triazole or triazole derivative, and a remaining balance of a solvent such as deionized water. The use of the slurry (24) polishes the copper layer (22) with a high rate of removal whereby pitting and corrosion of the copper layer (22) is reduced and good copper interconnect planarity is achieved. This slurry (24) has good selectivity of copper to oxide, and results in copper devices which have good electrical performance. In addition, disposal of the slurry (24) is not environmentally difficult since the slurry (24) is environmentally sound when compared to other prior art slurries.

Abstract: A shot removal system disposed immediately after a shot blast chamber for removal of shot remaining on the workpiece having a blower adapted to blow air laterally across the top surface of the workpiece, blowing air and shot perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the workpiece and a suction device disposed opposite the blower pulling large volumes of air and shot in the same direction as the blower is blowing the shot including an expansion chamber separating shot from waste debris and a return apparatus for recycling shot for re-utilization in the blast chamber.

Abstract: A shot blast device having at least one upper and at least one lower shot blast wheel disposed at angles to the direction of movement of a workpiece within a shot blast chamber, the upper shot blast wheel propelling shot downward onto the top of the workpiece and the lower shot blast wheel propelling shot upwards onto the bottom of the workpiece, the chamber having an upper deflector wall adapted to be struck by shot from the upper shot blast wheel reflected off the top of the workpiece, such shot being deflected to fall on a diverter plate disposed above the workpiece beneath the upper deflector wall, said diverter plate extending beyond the sides of the workpiece directing shot falling thereupon beyond the sides of the workpiece to a shot collection area at the bottom of the blast chamber.

Abstract: A bar and/or coil descaling device having a first chamber for entry of the workpiece therein with dual shotblast machines propelling particles thereagainst on opposite sides of the workpiece with a second chamber into which the bar is passed with dual shotblast machines therein to propel particles on opposite sides of the workpiece, with some embodiments having a shot and debris removal system for any shot or debris left on top of the workpiece, the cleaned workpiece to be then passed out of the device.

Abstract: A drum-cleaning machine having a casing with an indexing mechanism to move drums therethrough at a 45-degree angle, such indexing mechanism including wheels spinning the drums at stations between such wheels; at least one upper shotblast wheel positioned on the casing above the drum whose shotblast pattern is directed downward and is adapted to clean the bottom and sides of the drum; at least one side-mounted shotblast wheel positioned on the casing aligned with the upper shotblast wheel such side-mounted shotblast wheel's shotblast pattern being directed substantially horizontal and adapted to clean the bottom of each drum and if the drum has an open bottom, is adapted to clean the inner sides and inside of the closed end of the drum.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible playpen has two side walls supported under tension by a pair of poles bent in the form of an arch and crossing each other like an "X" midway of their length. The poles are divided into segments for ease of assembling and segments of each pole nest together inside a hub at both front and back ends of the pen.

Abstract: An improved abrasive particle blast wheel combining high particle feed rate and long parts wear characteristics, comprising a series of reversible blades mounted within a runner head. An impellor is adapted to rotate in the hub of the wheel within a control cage with each vane of the impellor aligned dead center with the inner end of each blade respectively. The control cage has a large rectangular particle escape opening. An enlarged feed spout conducts the abrasive particles into the impellor assembly and the wheel rotates at a slower than normal speed but maintains high tip velocity due to the larger than normal diameter of the blades. The direction of rotation of the wheel of this invention is reversible without any structural modifications having been made. An improved wear plate structure is also provided wherein some of the wear plate parts are interchangeable with one another.