Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for reducing the amount of paper required to print a standard transaction receipt, and, more particularly, to a system and method for automatically formatting receipt data sent to a receipt printer such that body text can be placed side by side rather than in a vertical row.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad for chemical-mechanical polishing comprising (a) a first polishing layer comprising a polishing surface and a first aperture having a first length and first width, (b) a second layer comprising a body and a second aperture having a second length and second width, wherein the second layer is substantially coextensive with the first polishing layer and at least one of the first length and first width is smaller than the second length and second width, and (c) a substantially transparent window portion, wherein the transparent window portion is disposed within the second aperture of the second layer so as to be aligned with the first aperture of the first polishing layer and the transparent window portion is separated from the body of the second layer by a gap. The invention further provides a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus and method of polishing a workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for targeting marketing messages at a point-of-sale consumer by collecting current transactional receipt data, such as the time of a retail transaction, the date of the transaction, the number of items purchased the transaction, and the total dollar value of a transaction. The data collected from the receipt is then applied to one or more algorithms to determine which marketing messages are most likely to be successful. A predetermined number of marketing messages found most likely to be successful are then printed on the customer receipt in order of priority of expected effectiveness. The system is designed to be used in connection with a point-of-sale terminal without the need for additional hardware, such as a second printer, or the need to access historical customer data.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing method and apparatus are introduced that reduce embedded particles during CMP processing. Throughout the CMP process, the wafer-carrier and the polish platen turn or rotate in the same direction. This enables particles to become embedded in the oxide or other film surface. In the disclosed process, during a final polish step, the wafer carrier or polish platen is turned or rotated in the opposite direction. Embedded particles are then pulled out of the oxide or film, creating a much cleaner wafer. This increases manufacturing yield and decreases manufacturing cost while introducing one additional step and a minor modification to conventional equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for targeting marketing messages at a point-of-sale consumer by collecting current transactional receipt data, such as the time of a retail transaction, the date of the transaction, the number of items purchased the transaction, and the total dollar value of a transaction. The data collected from the receipt is then applied to one or more algorithms to determine which marketing messages are most likely to be successful. A predetermined number of marketing messages found most likely to be successful are then printed on the customer receipt in order of priority of expected effectiveness. The system is designed to be used in connection with a point-of-sale terminal without the need for additional hardware, such as a second printer, or the need to access historical customer data.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad for chemical-mechanical polishing comprising (a) a first polishing layer comprising a polishing surface and a first aperture having a first length and first width, (b) a second layer comprising a body and a second aperture having a second length and second width, wherein the second layer is substantially coextensive with the first polishing layer and at least one of the first length and first width is smaller than the second length and second width, and (c) a substantially transparent window portion, wherein the transparent window portion is disposed within the second aperture of the second layer so as to be aligned with the first aperture of the first polishing layer and the transparent window portion is separated from the body of the second layer by a gap. The invention further provides a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus and method of polishing a workpiece.

Abstract: A scheduled advertising method and system for printing marketing messages on a point of sale (POS) printer uses new POS printer capabilities with existing computer database and networking capabilities to implement a functional and economic marketing message scheduling and delivery system to retail end points. Providing dynamic marketing messaging capabilities on transaction receipts in a multi-lane retail POS environment, which includes a POS retail server and multiple host terminals with receipt printers in a multilane check-out configuration, is accomplished using various levels of scheduling services and databases which associate a schedule with each marketing message. The system operates within the existing retail POS environment, so it does not require a separate hardware system.

Abstract: An improved ribbon cassette is provided for a receipt printer of the impact printing type. The ribbon cassette has two raised areas disposed on the distal ends of the ribbon presenting arms, about the print area defining the ribbon window. These raised areas act as pressure bumps or spring-like retaining pads that bias the paper against the platen. In accomplishing the bias, a paper bubble commonly formed in the ribbon window area is substantially reduced or eliminated. This has the effect of reducing the noise generated by the impact wires of the print head striking the paper.