Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes a ceramic top plate layer made of a beryllium oxide material, a ceramic bottom plate layer made of a beryllium oxide material, a ceramic middle plate layer disposed between the ceramic top plate layer and the ceramic bottom plate layer, an electrode layer disposed between the ceramic top plate layer and the ceramic middle plate layer, and a heater layer disposed between the ceramic middle plate layer and the ceramic bottom plate layer. The electrode layer joins and hermetically seals the ceramic top plate layer to the ceramic middle plate layer, and the heater layer joins and hermetically seals the ceramic middle plate layer to the ceramic bottom plate layer.

Abstract: A retainer for a padlock pin. The padlock pin is adapted to connect a padlock to a lug of a bucket of a rope shovel. The retainer comprises a pin attachment portion rotationally fixed to the padlock pin, and an arm, the arm comprising a bucket-facing surface. The bucket-facing surface sized to prevent rotation of the padlock pin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for end-to-end automation of borrowing base calculations are disclosed. A method may include a borrowing basis computer program: (1) receiving documents for collateral, assets, and liabilities from a borrowing system for a borrower; (2) extracting information for the collateral, assets, and liabilities from the documents; (3) calculating, from the information, a borrowing base for the borrower; (4) sending the borrowing base to the borrower system; (5) receiving, by the borrowing basis computer program, acknowledgement from the borrower system; (6) setting a borrowing limit based on the borrowing base; (7) receiving updated documents for the borrower; (8) extracting updated information from the updated documents; (9) calculating, from the updated information, an updated borrowing base for the borrower; and (10) setting an updated borrowing limit based on the borrowing base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels may include (1) receiving, by a presenting bank computer program executed by an electronic device, a check comprising a machine-readable optical label printed thereon, wherein the machine-readable optical label comprises a payor bank routing number that is encrypted with a private key for a payor bank; (2) reading, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label; (3) decrypting, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label using a public key corresponding to the private key; (4) identifying, by the presenting bank computer program, the payor bank routing number from the machine-readable optical label; and (5) routing, by the presenting bank computer program, the check to the payor bank associated with the payor bank routing number.

Abstract: A hybrid shaft assembly for use in controlled atmosphere chambers, such as by way of example heated pedestals for semiconductor manufacturing, includes a substrate, a hub having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being secured to the substrate with an upper joining layer, and a shaft secured to the lower portion of the hub with a lower joining layer. The shaft comprises a material having a thermal conductivity lower than a material of the hub and a material of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for joining ceramic pieces includes placing a layer of titanium on each of a first ceramic piece and a second ceramic piece; placing a layer of nickel on each of the layers of titanium; assembling the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece with the layers of nickel and the layers of titanium between the ceramic pieces; pressing the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece with the layers of nickel and the layers of titanium together; heating the first ceramic piece, the second ceramic piece, the layers of nickel, and the layers of titanium to a joining temperature in a vacuum; and cooling the first ceramic piece, the second ceramic piece, the layers of nickel, and the layers of titanium to create a hermetic seal between the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece.

Abstract: Surgical kits for implanting a femoral fastener in a femoral bone may include the femoral fastener and at least one of: a targeting guide assembly, an anti-rotation assembly, and a plurality of tap tools. The targeting guide assembly may include a targeting guide base having a locating slot and a removal slot that are formed therethrough. The removal slot may extend from an inferior end of the targeting guide base into the locating slot. A guide pin may be placed through the locating slot and into the neck and head of the femoral bone to guide placement of the femoral fastener therein. The targeting guide base may be movable in a superior direction to release the guide pin inferiorly through the removal slot that extends from the locating slot to the inferior end of the targeting guide base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels may include (1) receiving, by a presenting bank computer program executed by an electronic device, a check comprising a machine-readable optical label printed thereon, wherein the machine-readable optical label comprises a payor bank routing number that is encrypted with a private key for a payor bank; (2) reading, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label; (3) decrypting, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label using a public key corresponding to the private key; (4) identifying, by the presenting bank computer program, the payor bank routing number from the machine-readable optical label; and (5) routing, by the presenting bank computer program, the check to the payor bank associated with the payor bank routing number.

Abstract: A layered assembly for use in a controlled atmosphere chamber includes a plurality of substrates and an electrically functioning layer embedded between two adjacent substrates of the plurality of substrates, the electrically functioning layer being a material configured to secure the two adjacent substrates together using a solid-state bonding process. An electrical termination area is integral with the electrically functioning layer, and a peripheral sealing band is embedded between and extends around a periphery of internal faces of the two adjacent substrates, the peripheral sealing band being a material configured to secure and seal the two adjacent substrates together using the solid-state bonding process. Dielectric regions are present between the two adjacent substrates and between edge boundaries of the electrically functioning layer, the dielectric regions being sealed between the two adjacent substrates by the peripheral sealing band.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces includes applying a layer of titanium on a first ceramic piece and applying a layer of titanium on a second ceramic piece; applying a layer of nickel on each of the layers of titanium on the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece; applying a layer of nickel phosphorous to each of the layers of nickel on the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece; assembling the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece with the layers of titanium, nickel, and nickel phosphorous therebetween; pressing the layer of nickel phosphorous of the first ceramic piece against the layer of nickel phosphorous of the second ceramic piece; heating the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece to a joining temperature in a vacuum; and cooling the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece. A hermetic seal is formed between the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece.

Abstract: A method for joining quartz pieces using metallic aluminum as the joining element. The aluminum may be placed between two quartz pieces and the assembly may be heated in the range of 500 C to 650 C. The joining atmosphere may be non-oxygenated. A method for the joining of quartz pieces which may include barrier layers on the quartz pieces. The barrier layers may be impervious to aluminum diffusion and may be of a metal oxide or metal nitride. The quartz pieces with the barrier layers may then be joined at temperatures higher than 650 C and less than 1200 C. A device such as an RF antenna or electrode in support of semiconductor processing using joined quartz pieces wherein the aluminum joining layer which has joined the pieces and also functions as antenna electrode.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus or PPE for use at a manhole comprises a structure mountable to a surface, the manhole and/or a structure present in the vicinity of the manhole. The hoisting apparatus comprises a multi-angle bearing assembly mounted at one end of the structure that is adapted to have a rope or alike attached or anchored to a point of the structure distant to the multi-head bearing assembly to guide the rope when the rope extends in one of an available range of directions. The multi-angle bearing assembly comprises a ring assembly defining an opening adapted for the rope to go through, and a plurality of spools mounted to the ring assembly adapted to guide the rope in a path distant from the edge of the ring assembly in any if the direction of the rope of the range of available directions.

Abstract: An electrical termination unit or feedthrough which may be used for routing electrical conductors through a chamber wall, or otherwise across a barrier between isolated atmospheric conditions. The electrical termination unit may have aluminum as the interface material to the chamber interface and may utilize a ceramic insulator. The electrical termination unit may have the aluminum used as the interface brazed directly to a ceramic surface of the insulator. The aluminum that forms the chamber interface may be formed within a hollow ceramic tube in the same process step that brazes the aluminum to the ceramic tube with a hermetic joint. Machining subsequent to the brazing of the aluminum to the ceramic insulator may allow for achievement of the final form desired. A method for manufacturing such an electrical termination unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for processing checks with machine-readable optical labels may include (1) receiving, by a presenting bank computer program executed by an electronic device, a check comprising a machine-readable optical label printed thereon, wherein the machine-readable optical label comprises a payor bank routing number that is encrypted with a private key for a payor bank; (2) reading, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label; (3) decrypting, by the presenting bank computer program, the machine-readable optical label using a public key corresponding to the private key; (4) identifying, by the presenting bank computer program, the payor bank routing number from the machine-readable optical label; and (5) routing, by the presenting bank computer program, the check to the payor bank associated with the payor bank routing number.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes a ceramic top plate layer made of a beryllium oxide material, a ceramic bottom plate layer made of a beryllium oxide material, a ceramic middle plate layer disposed between the ceramic top plate layer and the ceramic bottom plate layer, an electrode layer disposed between the ceramic top plate layer and the ceramic middle plate layer, and a heater layer disposed between the ceramic middle plate layer and the ceramic bottom plate layer. The electrode layer joins and hermetically seals the ceramic top plate layer to the ceramic middle plate layer, and the heater layer joins and hermetically seals the ceramic middle plate layer to the ceramic bottom plate layer.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces includes applying a layer of titanium on a first ceramic piece and applying a layer of titanium on a second ceramic piece; applying a layer of nickel on each of the layers of titanium on the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece; applying a layer of nickel phosphorous to each of the layers of nickel on the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece; assembling the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece with the layers of titanium, nickel, and nickel phosphorous therebetween; pressing the layer of nickel phosphorous of the first ceramic piece against the layer of nickel phosphorous of the second ceramic piece; heating the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece to a joining temperature in a vacuum; and cooling the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece. A hermetic seal is formed between the first ceramic piece and the second ceramic piece.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrostatic chuck with multiple chucking electrodes made of ceramic pieces using metallic aluminum as the joining. The aluminum may be placed between two pieces and the assembly may be heated in the range of 770 C to 1200 C. The joining atmosphere may be non-oxygenated. After joining the exclusions in the electrode pattern may be machined by also machining through one of the plate layers. The machined exclusion slots may then be filled with epoxy or other material. An electrostatic chuck or other structure manufactured according to such methods.

Abstract: A receptacle for the safe passing of surgical instruments during surgical procedures, the receptacle comprising: a first pick-up well for receiving one or more surgical instruments and defined by a protective wall and one or more first walls, each of the protective and one or more first walls having a top edge which collectively define an opening to the first pick-up well, and the top edge of the protective wall projecting above the top edges of the one or more first walls; and a handle external to the first pick-up well and comprising an elongate member projecting from the protective wall and adapted to be gripped in a human hand; wherein: the protective wall is located between the elongate member and the first pick-up well; and the elongate member joins the protective wall at a position and orientation such that, in use when a user is gripping the elongate member, the hand of the user does not project above the top edge of the protective wall.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces with a hermetically sealed joint comprising brazing a layer of joining material between the two pieces. The ceramic pieces may be aluminum nitride or other ceramics, and the pieces may be brazed with Nickel and an alloying element, under controlled atmosphere. The completed joint will be fully or substantially Nickel with another element in solution. The joint material is adapted to later withstand both the environments within a process chamber during substrate processing, and the oxygenated atmosphere which may be seen within the interior of a heater or electrostatic chuck. Semiconductor processing equipment comprising ceramic and joined with a nickel alloy and adapted to withstand processing chemistries, such as fluorine chemistries, as well as high temperatures.