Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the removal of material from a semiconductor substrate in an integrated circuit fabrication process is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize a light source or charged particle beam (electron or ion beam) to induce a current in at least one P-N junction formed in the semiconductor substrate. The induced current is monitored during the removal of material and the process is stopped or endpointed in response to the induced current making a predetermined transition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the removal of material from a semiconductor substrate in an integrated circuit fabrication process is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize a light source or charged particle beam (electron or ion beam) to induce a current in at least one P-N junction formed in the semiconductor substrate. The induced current is monitored during the removal of material and the process is stopped or endpointed in response to the induced current making a predetermined transition.

Abstract: A billiard type game is provided including a table having a top face and a plurality of pockets. The top face is divided into a plurality of zones, and the plurality of zones include neutral zones being demarcated by a first color marked on the top face. First player zones are demarcated by a second color marked on the top face. Second player zones are demarcated by a third color marked on the top face.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved footwear that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. A shoe according to the present invention, includes a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. The sole member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are spaced apart and extend between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole member also has a slot defined therethrough, with the slot extending between the first and second sidewalls. A strap has a pair of opposed ends and a midportion therebetween. The midportion is designed to be received in and retained by the slot. The slot also has a closure member for joining the opposed ends. When the midportion of the strap is received in the slot and the closure member joins the opposed ends, the strap and the sole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the removal of material from a semiconductor substrate in an integrated circuit fabrication process is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize a light source or charged particle beam (electron or ion beam) to induce a current in at least one P-N junction formed in the semiconductor substrate. The induced current is monitored during the removal of material and the process is stopped or endpointed in response to the induced current making a predetermined transition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the removal of material from a semiconductor substrate in an integrated circuit fabrication process is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize a light source or charged particle beam (electron or ion beam) to induce a current in at least one P-N junction formed in the semiconductor substrate. The induced current is monitored during the removal of material and the process is stopped or endpointed in response to the induced current making a predetermined transition.

Abstract: A billiard type game is provided including a table having a top plate with a hexagonal configuration and a vertically oriented pocket formed in each corner thereof. Also included is a plurality of balls, a pair of cue sticks and a rack with a hexagonal configuration.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit includes a circuit input and a circuit output for coupling to a load. A circuit interrupt element is coupled between the input and the load for breaking the circuit between the input and the load. A sensing circuit coupled to the output senses when a signal applied to the load exceeds a defined limit. A trigger circuit coupled to the sensing circuit causes the circuit interrupt element to trip when the sensing circuit senses a signal which exceeds the defined limit.

Abstract: Apparatus for popping and warmly storing popped corn includes a cabinet with side-by-side popping and serving chambers preferably, but not necessarily, separated by a partition. A rear side of the cabinet provides access to both chambers through a common or two separate rear openings or doors while a front side of the cabinet provides access only into the storage chamber through a front opening or door. Any front door is preferably self-closing.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the rust resistance and the surface finish of a non-ferrous workpiece, such as aluminum, is disclosed. The method comprises the step of impinging the workpiece surface for a predetermined amount of time with a high velocity stream of ferrous particles. The ferrous particles preferably have a hardness less than approximately 40 Rockwell C, preferably 20-40 Rockwell C, and still more preferably 30-40 Rockwell C. The particles are not tempered before impinging. This substantially eliminates stress cracks in the ferrous particles, thus substantially preventing any particulate ferrous matter from becoming imbedded in the impinged workpiece surface, which imbedded particulate matter may be prone to rust.

Abstract: An improved modem is operative for interfacing a computer subsystem with a data bus system. The computer subsystem may be designed-to process digital information in accordance with certain timing criteria that is incompatible with the operational timing criteria of the data bus system. The modem includes a programmable subsystem interface that permits interfacing the subsystem's timing criteria with the data bus system's timing criteria.