Abstract: A pedestal cover for a semiconductor wafer. The wafer is positioned overlying the pedestal cover in a material deposition chamber, with the cover defining a peripheral circumferential trench therein. During the material deposition process, deposited material is formed within the trench and the build up of material adjacent a peripheral edge of the wafer is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A remote confinement system provides a plurality of different unsupervised tests to determine the presence, identity or conduct of the prisoner. The tests preferably include an RF test performed continuously with an RF transmitter attached to the prisoner and a receiver at the remote location, a schedulable voice test performed to identify a person as the specified prisoner, and a breath alcohol test to determine the prisoner's sobriety. The tests are performed with equipment at the remote location in accordance with test selections and schedules selected in a prior automated communication with a central office computer. Events which include test results are communicated to the central office upon a selectively established communications link to the central office, in reply to which communication information selecting subsequent tests procedures or scheduling is communicated from the host to and stored at the remote location.

Abstract: A remote confinement or home arrest system and method which provides for determining from a central office the presence of a prisoner at an assigned remote location such as the prisoner's home and for determining the compliance by the prisoner with behavioral restrictions associated with the confinement such as the abstinence from alcohol or other drugs. The system includes a tester such as a breath alcohol tester or other body fluid tester for determining the effect of substance abuse by the prisoner and for simultaneously verifying the identity of the prisoner and the fact that the test information originated from the identified prisoner. Pictorial, voice print and other means for identifying the prisoner are contemplated.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock system prevents a vehicle or other equipment from being started unless the identity of a designated operator is confirmed by the system and the operator passes a breath sobriety test. The designated operator is trained to perform a physical act, the successful completion of which can be determined by the system and which requires at least a predetermined number, N, of attempts to learn. A necessary precondition for starting the vehicle is satisfied when the system determines that the identity-confirming act has been performed in fewer than N attempts.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock for a machine such as a vehicle operates in either an interlock mode or a BYPASS mode. In the INTERLOCK mode, a breath sobriety test must be passed before the machine can be started, while in the BYPASS mode, a breath test is not required to start the machine. When the system is powered up, it operates in the INTERLOCK mode for a predetermined period, preferably about 12 hours before automatically beginning operation in the BYPASS mode. From the BYPASS mode, INTERLOCK mode operation can be selected at any time by actuating a switch which locks in INTERLOCK mode operation for at least the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A breath testing system for under-supervised or unsupervised alcohol intoxication breath testing. The system includes a breath input unit, a controller which delivers a sample of deep lung breath to an evaluator including an alcohol detector and an output apparatus. The controller includes a breath flow sensing means, e.g., a pressure sensitive switch and timer, to require a predetermined and essentially continuous and uninterrupted breath flow prior to testing to thereby insure that alung breath sample is tested. Means for signaling failing or passing of the test are provided. A passing signal cannot be obtained unless the predetermined continuous nnd uninterrupted flow has occurred and the resulting sample tests below a predetermined alcohol concentration. The system is disclosed in one environment of use: in a motor vehicle, wherein failure to take or pass the test modifies the operation of the vehicle (e.g., prevents it from being driven or governs its maximum speed).