Abstract: A multilayer porous membrane formed of an extrudable polymer is provided. The membrane is formed by co-extruding at least two compositions, each of which comprises a heated porogen and polymer while in contact with each other under conditions to minimize or prevent unstable interfacial flow between extruded layers. In a preferred embodiment, the two compositions are different such that the layers have a different average pore size.

Abstract: A multilayer porous membrane formed of an extrudable polymer is provided. The membrane is formed by co-extruding at least two compositions, each of which comprises a heated porogen and polymer while in contact with each other under conditions to minimize or prevent unstable interfacial flow between extruded layers. In a preferred embodiment, the two compositions are different such that the layers have a different average pore size.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing microbubbles from a liquid by filtration with a composite porous membrane which is formed from a porous polymeric membrane having an average pore size between about 0.01 and 0.03 microns on which is directly coated a cross-linked polymer derived from N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAM) optionally containing dimethylacrylamide (DMAM).

Abstract: A method and system for engineering discovery. A block diagram of a system can be further refined by building a basic search query listing the functional requirements for block. The search query can be expanded by selecting one or more saved rules. A database can return components or subsystems that meet the criteria from the basic search query or the expanded search query. One or more candidates can be chosen from the answer set and assigned to the block. A system-constraint-based selection can compare combinations of the candidate components against a set of predefined criteria to indicate the components to be used for the system which meet those criteria. The design of the system can be accomplished by using generic descriptions rather than blocks.

Abstract: A method and system for engineering discovery. A block diagram of a system can be further refined by building a basic search query listing the functional requirements for block. The search query can be expanded by selecting one or more saved rules. A database can return components or subsystems that meet the criteria from the basic search query or the expanded search query. One or more candidates can be chosen from the answer set and assigned to the block. A system-constraint-based selection can compare combinations of the candidate components against a set of predefined criteria to indicate the components to be used for the system which meet those criteria. The design of the system can be accomplished by using generic descriptions rather than blocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming inlaid patterns of metal into specified areas of a patterned substrate. The process, which is useful in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and circuits, comprises selectively removing seed layer from all surfaces save the trenches and vias and selectively electroless plating a metal into the patterned substrate where the seed layer remains. The present invention further provides an abrasive-free polishing-pad configured to planarize a metal plated surface, agitate chemical reagents and facilitate removal of gases generated by the electroless plating process.

Abstract: A method and system for engineering discovery. A block diagram of a system can be further refined by building a basic search query listing the functional requirements for block. The search query can be expanded by selecting one or more saved rules. A database can return components or subsystems that meet the criteria from the basic search query or the expanded search query. One or more candidates can be chosen from the answer set and assigned to the block. A system-constraint-based selection can compare combinations of the candidate components against a set of predefined criteria to indicate the components to be used for the system which meet those criteria. The design of the system can be accomplished by using generic descriptions rather than blocks.

Abstract: A method and system for building a database to be queried by a parametric search engine begins by receiving data concerning a set of products. Each product is mapped by a set of attributes representing characteristics of the products and values for those characteristics. For some attributes, there can be multiple values. Each of the multiple values is associated with a corresponding multiple value for another attribute, and thus defining a variation of the product. The data is inserted into a database such that the relationship among the interrelated values is retained, permitting a parametric search engine to provide a correct solution set for a query to the database. In one embodiment, the database is an XML database and the products for which the database stores are components for use by engineers during the Discovery phase of Research and Development.

Abstract: A method and system for assuring quality control during data entry. Data sheets and other input are verified for quality control. Based on the number of data entry clerks or groups and the desired level of quality, a sampling plan determines the amount of duplicated data to process for inspection. Duplicated data is created randomly and the work is distributed among the data entry clerks. Once the data is extracted into attributes, the data is consolidated and inspected for quality. A computer program is used to group attributes from the duplicated data sheets and to flag for the user those attributes that differ from the two or more data entry clerks. An inspector investigates problems and chooses the correctly entered attribute. The inspector incorporates corrective measures into the data extraction method. Once all of the differences in attribute data have been resolved, based on the number of errors present, the data sheets are either rejected and reworked, or they are accepted.