Abstract: A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an imaging system, and a mapping module. The mapping module may access a plan view map of an area and tags associated with the area. In various embodiments, each tag may include tag coordinates and tag information, which may include a tag annotation. A tag identification system may identify tags within a predetermined range of the current position and the control system may execute an action based on an identified tag whose tag information comprises a telepresence robot action modifier. The telepresence robot may rotate an upper portion independent from a lower portion. A remote terminal may allow an operator to control the telepresence robot using any combination of control methods, including by selecting a destination in a live video feed, by selecting a destination on a plan view map, or by using a joystick or other peripheral device.

Abstract: Sputtering targets having a reduced burn-in time are disclosed that comprise: a) a heat-modified surface material having a substantially uniform crystallographic orientation, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and b) a core material having an average grain size. Sputtering targets are also disclosed that include a heat-modified surface material having network of shallow trenches, alternating rounded peaks and valleys in the surface of the target or a combination thereof, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and a core material having an average grain size. Methods of producing sputtering targets having reduced burn-in times comprises: a) providing a sputtering target comprising a sputtering surface having a sputter material and a crystal lattice, and b) heat-modifying the sputtering surface in order to melt at least part of the surface material and modify the crystal lattice.

Abstract: Target/backing plate constructions and methods of forming target/backing plate constructions are disclosed herein. The targets and backing plates can be bonded to one another through an appropriate interlayer. The targets can comprise one or more of titanium, tantalum, titanium zirconium, hafnium, niobium, vanadium, tungsten, copper or a combination thereof. The interlayer can comprise one or more of silver, copper, nickel, tin, titanium and indium. Target/backing plate constructions of the present invention can have bond strengths of at least 20 ksi and an average grain size within the target of less than 80 microns.

Abstract: Sputtering targets having a reduced burn-in time are disclosed that comprise: a) a heat-modified surface material having a substantially uniform crystallographic orientation, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and b) a core material having an average grain size. Sputtering targets are also disclosed that include a heat-modified surface material having network of shallow trenches, alternating rounded peaks and valleys in the surface of the target or a combination thereof, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and a core material having an average grain size. Methods of producing sputtering targets having reduced burn-in times comprises: a) providing a sputtering target comprising a sputtering surface having a sputter material and a crystal lattice, and b) heat-modifying the sputtering surface in order to melt at least part of the surface material and modify the crystal lattice.

Abstract: A PVD component forming method includes identifying two or more solids having different compositions, homogeneously mixing particles of the solids using proportions which yield a bulk formula, consolidating the homogeneous particle mixture to obtain a rigid mass while applying pressure and using a temperature below the minimum temperature of melting or sublimation of the solids, and forming a PVD component including the mass. A chalcogenide PVD component includes a rigid mass containing a bonded homogeneous mixture of particles of two or more solids having different compositions, the mass having a microcomposite structure exhibiting a maximum feature size of 500 ?m or less, and one or more of the solids containing a compound of two or more bulk formula elements. An alternative PVD component exhibits a uniform composition with less than 10% difference in atomic compositions from feature to feature.

Abstract: A PVD target support member includes an alloy containing at least 90 wt % of a first metal and also containing a second metal and a third metal. The second metal increases electrical resistivity compared to an otherwise identical alloy lacking the second metal. The third metal increase tensile and/or yield strength compared to an otherwise identical alloy lacking the third metal. The alloy may exhibit a thermal stability during diffusion bonding to a target that meets or exceeds thermal stabilities of the otherwise identical alloy lacking the second metal and the otherwise identical alloy lacking the third metal. Another PVD target support member includes an alloy containing at least 90 wt % copper and also containing titanium and silver. The support member may be a backing plate.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming a target/backing plate assembly in which a backing plate construction is provided and a ruthenium-containing target is electrolytically deposited onto the backing plate construction. The backing plate construction can be in the form of a container shape having an interior region, and the ruthenium-containing target can be electrically deposited within the interior region of the container shape. The invention also includes target/backing plate constructions which have ruthenium-containing targets. The invention also includes a method of electrolytically processing ruthenium. A cathode is provided and an electrically conductive sacrificial material is provided over the cathode. A ruthenium-containing material is electrolytically deposited on the sacrificial material. The sacrificial material and the ruthenium-containing material are removed from the cathode, and then the ruthenium-containing material is separated from the sacrificial material.

Abstract: A coating for weatherstrips, windshield wipers, door seals, trunk seals, sunroof seals, windshield seals and the like. The coating comprises a water-based formula that provides high abrasion resistance and, optimally, also provides excellent weathering resistance. The abrasion resistance property is achieved via a combination of boron nitride and a high molecular weight silicone resin. Flexibility and weathering resistance are achieved via the addition of an acrylic/polyurethane/fluoropolymer resin binder blend and high UV-stabilizers and absorbers. Also provided is a method of manufacturing such coatings that comprises the steps of pre-dispersing the boron nitride in water and then combining the pre-dispersed boron nitride with the silicone resin and other ingredients.

Abstract: The invention includes anodes for electroplating, baths. The anodes have a purity of at least 99.9%, and comprise one or more of silver, gold, nickel, chromium, copper or various solder compositions. The anodes can, for example, comprise at least 99.995% copper/phosphorus alloy, by weight; or at least 99.995% nickel and sulfur, by weight. The invention also includes methods of electroplating, materials over semiconductor substrates.