Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fouling associated with a process stream in a heat transfer component. The method and apparatus include the use of one of a vibration producing device to impart a vibrational force to desired component and a pulsation producing device for apply pressure pulsations to the process stream. The heat transfer component has at least one surface having a surface roughness of less than 40 micro inches (1.1 ?m).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for evaluating the signal strength from the pH sensor to determine whether the sensor is hydrated sufficiently to accurately measure pH. This is accomplished by utilizing circuitry that periodically sends a low voltage signal to a suitable pH sensor and then receiving the resulting waveforms which are analyzed by a processing receiver. The electrical connection between a suitable pH sensor and hydration monitoring circuitry is generally hard wired. In one embodiment, a processing receiver is coupled with the hydration monitoring circuitry as a single apparatus. In a second embodiment, the processing receiver can be independent and located remote from the hydration monitoring circuitry. In this embodiment, the hydration monitoring circuitry and the processing receiver are electrically connected using either hard wired techniques or wireless technology. In addition, the processing receiver can include data recording capability.

Abstract: The invention is a new method and apparatus that can be used to detect, recognize, and analyze people or other objects in security checkpoints, public-places, parking lots, or in similar environments under surveillance to detect the presence of certain objects of interests (e.g., people), and to identify their activities for security and other purposes in real-time. The system can detect a wide range of activities for different applications. The method detects any new object introduced into a known environment and then classifies the object regions to human body parts or to other non-rigid and rigid objects. By comparing the detected objects with the graphs from a database in the system, the methodology is able to identify object parts and to decide on the presence of the object of interest (human, bag, dog, etc.) in video sequences. The system tracks the movement of different object parts in order to combine them at a later stage to high-level semantics.

Abstract: An wafer polishing pad assembly for use in CMP includes an optical sensor for sensing reflectivity of the wafer during polishing, and produces a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal from the rotating pad to a stationary portion of the assembly. The signal is transmitting off the pad through non-contact couplings such inductive coupling or optical couplings after being converted into signal formats enabling non-contact transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: Code compression techniques and decompression architectures for embedded systems are disclosed, providing good compression ratio while improving decompression time for VLIW instructions and reducing bus power consumption. The invention includes two fixed-to-variable (F2V) length code compression schemes based on a reduced arithmetic code compression algorithm combining arithmetic coding with probability models; a static probability model using static coding and semi-adaptive coding using a Markov model. Multi-bit decompression methods for the F2V techniques are presented, together with a parallel decompression scheme that tags and divides a compressed block into smaller sub-blocks. The Markov model provides better compression ratio, but the static model has a less complicated decompression unit design. The invention also includes two variable-to-fixed (V2F) length coding algorithms, one based on Tunstall coding and another on arithmetic coding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for making a carbon steel surface more resistant to fouling and corrosion by subjecting a cleaned carbon steel surface to heating in an oxygen-containing atmosphere followed by exposure of the heated surface to sulfur-containing feeds such that a dense layer of Fe1-x S where X is a number from 0.2 to 0.0 is formed on the steel surface, said dense layer having a thickness of from 0.5 to 200 microns.

Abstract: An optical sensor that includes a light source and a detector is located within a cavity in a polishing pad so as to face the surface that is being polished. Light from the light source is reflected from the surface being polished and the detector detects the reflected light. The electrical signal produced by the detector is conducted to a hub located at the central aperture of the polishing pad. The disposable polishing pad is removably connected, both mechanically and electrically to the hub. The hub contains electronic circuitry that is concerned with supplying power to the optical sensor and with transmitting the electrical signal to a non-rotating station. Several techniques are described for accomplishing these tasks. The system permits continuous monitoring of an optical characteristic of a surface that is being polished, even while the polishing machine is in operation, and permits the end point of the polishing process to be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which improves the optical monitoring of semi-conductor wafers undergoing chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). The apparatus consists of two assemblies. The first is a fiber optical wave-guide assembly installed within the polishing pad during the pad's construction. This assembly forms an integrated optical waveguide originating from the center of rotation of the polishing pad and terminating at a location within the wafer track. The second is a vacuum-attached hub containing optical and electronic devices, which couples light into the waveguide integrated into the polishing pad, provides light coupling to the center of rotation of the polishing pad, provides means for converting the received light into a signal that is transmitted to the CMP tool control system, and also has provision to prevent polishing slurry from coming in contact with the optical and electronic components.

Abstract: A method and system for computer network analysis. A test network is configured and test scenarios are run using exemplary software applications. Trace data including network response and load information is collected during the test scenarios. The trace data is used as input data into various network analysis tools. The network analysis tools evaluate the computer network's response using a variety of criteria. A final report is generated proposing a computer network configuration suitable for satisfying the requirements of the exemplary software applications.

Abstract: An wafer polishing pad assembly for use in CMP includes an optical sensor for sensing reflectivity of the wafer during polishing, and produces a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal from the rotating pad to a stationary portion of the assembly. The signal is transmitting off the pad through non-contact couplings such inductive coupling or optical couplings after being converted into signal formats enabling non-contact transmission.

Abstract: A process for providing event photographs for inspection, selection and distribution via a computer network generally includes the steps of taking event photographs, associating identifying data with each photograph taken, transferring the photographs to a computer network server, and permitting access to the server for searching of a particular photograph utilizing the identifying data. The identifying data can include a name of an event participant, a number corresponding to a number worn by the event participant, the date and time the photograph was taken, or a code captured from a component as it passes a sensor. Such a component can be passive or active and can include a bar code, inductive device or an electronic transmitting device which is worn by the event participant. The event participants are informed of the identifying data by posting the identifying data associated with each photograph so that it is made available to the participants of the event for later use in searching the server.

Abstract: The corrosion rate of a metal immersed in a fluid medium is measured by transmission of a beam of radiation normally in the visible or near infra-red portion of the spectrum, through a thin film of the metal immersed in the medium. The film of the metal is suitably supported on a radiation-transmitting substrate such as a glass plate or slide. The corrosion rate can be determined by passing a radiation beam through the metal film sample using a twin beam system to compensate for instrument factors such as the absorbance by the fluid medium, the cell windows and the film-supporting substrate. As the thickness of the film decreases, the reduction in film thickness is determined by the increase in beam intensity, using a reference beam to compensate for the instrument factors.

Abstract: An optical sensor that includes a light source and a detector is located within a cavity in a polishing pad so as to face the surface that is being polished. Light from the light source is reflected from the surface being polished and the detector detects the reflected light. The electrical signal produced by the detector is conducted to a hub located at the central aperture of the polishing pad. The disposable polishing pad is removably connected, both mechanically and electrically to the hub. The hub contains electronic circuitry that is concerned with supplying power to the optical sensor and with transmitting the electrical signal to a non-rotating station. Several techniques are described for accomplishing these tasks. The system permits continuous monitoring of an optical characteristic of a surface that is being polished, even while the polishing machine is in operation, and permits the end point of the polishing process to be determined.

Abstract: A process for providing event photographs for inspection, selection and distribution via a computer network generally includes the steps of taking event photographs, associating identifying data with each photograph taken, transferring the photographs to a computer network server, and permitting access to the server for searching of a particular photograph utilizing the identifying data. The identifying data can include a name of an event participant, a number corresponding to a number worn by the event participant, the date and time the photograph was taken, or a code captured from a component as it passes a sensor. Such a component can be passive or active and can include a bar code, inductive device or an electronic transmitting device which is worn by the event participant. The event participants are informed of the identifying data by posting the identifying data associated with each photograph so that it is made available to the participants of the event for later use in searching the server.

Abstract: An wafer polishing pad assembly for use in CMP includes an optical sensor for sensing reflectivity of the wafer during polishing, and produces a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal from the rotating pad to a stationary portion of the assembly. The signal is transmitting off the pad through non-contact couplings such inductive coupling or optical couplings after being converted into signal formats enabling non-contact transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.