Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing a fault that includes a decision tree having a plurality of decision points wherein at least some of the plurality of decision points terminate in a resolution point representing a diagnosis for the fault. Also included is a plurality of queries each having at least a first response and a second response where each of the plurality of queries being associated with one of the plurality of decision points. The system also includes a knowledge base that includes a plurality of first images where each of the plurality of first images illustrate one of the first responses. A user interface is included for presenting the plurality of queries and the illustrative first images to a user. The user navigates the decision tree by responding to at least some of the plurality of queries by viewing the illustrative first images and basing a selection between the first response and the second response associated with said at least some of said queries on said illustrative first images.

Abstract: A computerized data processing system can assist a user in locating specialty chemical products having particular intrinsic properties specified by the user. The system can query a database to identify commercially available chemical product(s) that best conform to the intrinsic properties identified by the user. Query results are sent to a client computer for presentation to a user. In some cases, the user may request formulation of a new product conforming to the search parameters. The ability to automatically request formulation of a new product can assist the user where, for example, the commercially available chemical products do not adequately conform to the desired properties. This formulation request is received at the server and a formulator database is queried to select a set of experts with appropriate product formulation skills. The system can then automatically distribute the user's formulation request to each of these experts.

Abstract: A system and method for providing training in a technical field to a student is provided and includes at least one educational institution that provides an educational program. Also included is at least one industry education provider that provides a training program in a technical field. An online education provider is also included wherein the online education provider is in communications with the at least one educational institution and the at least one industry education provider. The online education provider provides to the student a composite educational program including the educational program and the training program in said technical field.

Abstract: A system that includes an analyzer module that is in communications with the equipment and that monitors the operation of the equipment and generates an operations analysis. A control host is included that receives the operations analysis and determines therefrom whether the equipment is operating efficiently. The control host is in communications with the equipment for adjusting the at least one parameter setting so that when the control host determines that the equipment is not operating efficiently, the control host adjusts the at least one parameter setting until the equipment is operating efficiently.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based system and method for facilitating product development processes within a multi-enterprise environment via a computer network, said multi-enterprise environment including a product development enterprise and at least one customer enterprise, a research and development organization, and a marketing enterprise, all in communication via the Internet or suitable extranet connections. Utilizing the product specification and development application of the present invention, a customer accesses a web site of said product development enterprise, accesses its account, provides data inputs pertaining to a product development request, whereby the product development enterprise extracts said data inputs for review and analysis, establishes a product development plan in response to said review and said analysis, and executes said product development plan.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for providing vendor-managed inventory services via a vendor-managed inventory tool over a network environment. The method comprises receiving a signal from a sensor device indicating that a minimum level specified for a product used in a manufacturing location has been reached; querying a local inventory database at the buyer system for a supply status wherein said querying causes the vendor-managed inventory tool to either: transmit the demand note to a local inventory system for restocking of the product where sufficient quantities are locally available; or transmit the demand note to a vendor system where the supply levels are checked in vendor storage and/or vendor warehouse storage. A notice is transmitted to the buyer system where supply levels are sufficient to meet requirements specified in the demand note. If supply levels are insufficient, an order is generated and transmitted to the vendor factory to manufacture the product.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for providing vendor-managed inventory services via a vendor-managed inventory tool over a network environment. The method comprises receiving a signal from a sensor device at a buyer system indicating that a minimum level specified for a product used in a manufacturing location is low; receiving a demand note from the buyer system relating to the minimum level; querying a local inventory database at the buyer system for a supply status wherein said querying causes the vendor-managed inventory tool to either: transmit the demand note to a local inventory system for restock of said product, wherein sufficient quantities of said product are locally available; or transmit the demand note to a vendor system, whereby supply levels of are checked in vendor storage and/or vendor warehouse storage. A notice is transmitted to the buyer system where supply levels are sufficient to meet requirements specified in the demand note.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a web-based method and system for facilitating multi-enterprise benchmarking activities and performance analysis capabilities across an industry. The method comprises receiving metrics data at a web site from multiple equipment devices associated with multiple subscribing enterprises; evaluating the metrics data; providing summary reports to the subscribing enterprises; performing calculations on the summary reports; generating an industry summary report; and providing the industry summary report to the subscribing enterprises for comparative analysis and business planning. The system includes a hosting system for executing the multi-enterprise benchmarking application, subscribing enterprises which are in communication with the hosting system via a network connection, and equipment devices operating within the subscribing enterprises.

Abstract: New compositions and methods for electrolytic deposition of metal layers, including metal traces, (e.g. circuit patterns) that are electrically segregated from adjacent traces in an electronic device, such as a semiconductor wafer or a printed circuit board. The invention includes providing the segregated traces by compositionally modulated plating methods, i.e. for example where a single plating bath (electrolyte) is employed to deposit two different metals at differing current densities or reduction potentials.

Abstract: A system and method for providing training in a technical field to a student is provided and includes at least one educational institution that provides an educational program. Also included is at least one industry education provider that provides a training program in a technical field. An online education provider is also included wherein the online education provider is in communications with the at least one educational institution and the at least one industry education provider. The online education provider provides to the student a composite educational program including the educational program and the training program in said technical field.