Abstract: Methods of counterdoping a solar cell, particularly an IBC solar cell are disclosed. One surface of a solar cell may require portions to be n-doped, while other portions are p-doped. Traditionally, a plurality of lithography and doping steps are required to achieve this desired configuration. In contrast, one lithography step can be eliminated by the use of a blanket doping of one conductivity and a mask patterned counterdoping process of the opposite conductivity. The areas dosed during the masked patterned doping receive a sufficient dose so as to completely reverse the effect of the blanket doping and achieve a conductivity that is opposite the blanket doping. In another embodiment, the counterdoping is performed by means of a direct patterning technique, thereby eliminating the remaining lithography step. Various methods of direct counterdoping processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for wafer bonding two substrates activated by ion implantation is disclosed. An in situ ion bonding chamber allows ion activation and bonding to occur within an existing process tool utilized in a manufacturing process line. Ion activation of at least one of the substrates is performed at low implant energies to ensure that the wafer material below the thin surface layers remains unaffected by the ion activation.

Abstract: A dental floss device includes a handle having a head piece and a disposable holder for a length of dental floss. The holder includes a base portion and a pair of spaced-apart jaws extending from the base and which extend to embrace the head piece of the handle when the holder is in a correct alignment configuration with respect to the handle. The device has an interlock which ensures that the holder can be interengaged with the head piece only when the holder is correctly aligned with the head piece. The interlock includes a head interlock part provided by interlock grooves and a holder interlock part provided by corresponding interlock tongues. There are two interlock grooves and corresponding interlock tongues which slidably interengage when the holder is correctly aligned with the head piece If the holder is turned so that it is not correctly aligned with the head piece, the interlock tongues of the holder prevent engagement of the holder with the head piece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for automated client-computer connection to NAS objects within a networked computer system. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a master-agent process is continuously executed on one or more computers of the networked computer system. The master agent is connected to, manages, and exchanges information with a NAS-object repository. When a client computer is booted, or reinitializes, a client agent running on a client computer communicates with the master agent in order to receive at least one executable code block for each NAS object designated for access by the client computer. By executing these executable code blocks, the client computer can automatically connect to the NAS objects. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the master agent also provides an administration interface that allows a system administrator to configure a networked computer environment with respect to client computers and NAS objects.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers, providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners are adapted to interface with a self-reacting tightening power tool—thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for backup or secondary wrenches. Additionally, several embodiments, through the incorporation of a threaded bore, effectively act to minimize side loading on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein. Accordingly, the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as, but not limited to, vibration and thermal expansion and contraction, is lessened.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a composition useful as an additive to a printing ink. In one embodiment a composition is used that includes a biologically derived base material formed from one or more saturated or unsaturated straight or branched chain triglycerides or combinations thereof, wherein the triglycerides are partially to fully hydrogenated and have a viscosity between about 50 and about 200,000 centipoise at temperatures about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. In another embodiment, the composition further includes a finely divided additive selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene or hydrogenated triglycerides in an intimate admixture with the base material. Other aspects relate to a method of making an ink additive and method for printing paper stock by letter press or lithography.

Abstract: Wafer inspection systems and methods are provided. One inspection system includes a module measurement cell coupled to a host inspection system by a wafer handler. The module measurement cell is configured to inspect a wafer using one or more modes prior to inspection of the wafer by the host inspection system. The one or more modes include backside inspection, edge inspection, frontside macro defect inspection, or a combination thereof. Another inspection system includes two or more low resolution electronic sensors arranged at multiple viewing angles. The sensors are configured to detect light returned from a wafer substantially simultaneously. A method for analyzing inspection data includes selecting a template corresponding to a support device that contacts a backside of a wafer prior to inspection of the backside of the wafer. The method also includes subtracting data representing the template from inspection data generated by inspection of the backside of the wafer.

Abstract: Wafer inspection systems and methods are provided. One inspection system includes a module measurement cell coupled to a host inspection system by a wafer handler. The module measurement cell is configured to inspect a wafer using one or more modes prior to inspection of the wafer by the host inspection system. The one or more modes include backside inspection, edge inspection, frontside macro defect inspection, or a combination thereof. Another inspection system includes two or more low resolution electronic sensors arranged at multiple viewing angles. The sensors are configured to detect light returned from a wafer substantially simultaneously. A method for analyzing inspection data includes selecting a template corresponding to a support device that contacts a backside of a wafer prior to inspection of the backside of the wafer. The method also includes subtracting data representing the template from inspection data generated by inspection of the backside of the wafer.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for reaction arms. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to create a substantially torsionless live load on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A dental floss device 1 comprises a handle 2 having a head piece 3 and a disposable holder 4 for a length of dental floss 5. The holder 4 comprises a base portion 20 and a pair of spaced-apart jaws 21 extending from the base and which extend to embrace the head piece 3 of the handle 2 when the holder 4 is in a correct alignment configuration with respect to the handle 2. The device has an interlock which ensures that the holder 4 can be interengaged with the head piece 3 only when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3. The interlock comprises a head interlock part provided by interlock grooves 10 and a holder interlock part provided by corresponding interlock tongues 11. There are two interlock grooves 10 and corresponding interlock tongues 11 which slidably interengage when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3.

Abstract: A game controller includes four primary buttons for user input. The primary buttons may be spaced equidistant from the perimeter of a generally rounded, hand-held controller. In one embodiment, the buttons may be specifically positioned for activation by the thumbs of a user when the controller is cradled in two hands. The controller may optionally include one or more secondary buttons used for game set up, controller configuration, and the like, as well as supplemental inputs and/or outputs.

Abstract: Fluid transfer device may be configured as a vacuum pump particularly suited for nondestructive transfer of fluids, including blood and blood constituents. Fluid transfer device may be used for assisting in the pumping of blood through a patient's heart for reducing the load on the patient's heart, so that sheer forces are reduced, and blood pressure on the inner walls of the heart is reduced. Pump may be used as an implanted cardiac assist device, such as an aortic assist device, a ventricular assist device, or as a complete artificial heart. Industrial applications include the pumping of fluids, including destructible fluids such as foodstuff with or without food constituents of various sizes within the foodstuff. Food and other fluids may be stored until they are dispensed. By use of a vacuum, the inventive fluid transfer device may be operated at no more than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system for inspecting specimens such as semiconductor wafers is provided. The system provides scanning of dual-sided specimens using a damping arrangement which filters unwanted acoustic and seismic vibration, including an optics arrangement which scans a first portion of the specimen and a translation or rotation arrangement for translating or rotating the specimen to a position where the optics arrangement can scan the remaining portion(s) of the specimen. The system further includes means for stitching the scans together, thereby providing both damping of the specimen and the need for smaller and less expensive optical elements.

Abstract: A dental floss device includes a handle having a head piece and a disposable holder for a length of dental floss. The holder includes a base portion and a pair of spaced-apart jaws extending from the base and which extend to embrace the head piece of the handle when the holder is in a correct alignment configuration with respect to the handle. The device has an interlock which ensures that the holder can be interengaged with the head piece only when the holder is correctly aligned with the head piece. The interlock includes a head interlock part provided by interlock grooves and a holder interlock part provided by corresponding interlock tongues. There are two interlock grooves and corresponding interlock tongues which slidably interengage when the holder is correctly aligned with the head piece. If the holder is turned so that it is not correctly aligned with the head piece, the interlock tongues of the holder prevent engagement of the holder with the head piece.

Abstract: An inspection tool embodiment includes an illumination source for directing a light beam onto a workpiece to generate scattered light that includes the ordinary scattering pattern of the workpiece as well as light scattered from defects of the workpiece. The embodiment includes a programmable light selection array that receives light scattered from the workpiece and selectively directs the light scattered from defects onto a photosensor which detects the defect signal. Processing circuitry receives the defect signal and conducts surface analysis of the workpiece that can include the characterizing of defects of the workpiece. The programmable light selection arrays can include, but are not limited to, reflector arrays and filter arrays. The invention also includes associated surface inspection methods.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for backup or secondary wrenches. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to minimize side loading on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the customized and personalized design of school, team, club, class and event branded apparel and merchandise online via dealer, client-branded and business-to-business websites without minimum orders. The invention further comprises customized design ordering, order fulfillment, image text positioning, image curing, image cutting, and pixilation methods.

Abstract: An inspection tool embodiment includes an illumination source for directing a light beam onto a workpiece to generate scattered light that includes the ordinary scattering pattern of the workpiece as well as light scattered from defects of the workpiece. The embodiment includes a programmable light selection array that receives light scattered from the workpiece and selectively directs the light scattered from defects onto a photosensor which detects the defect signal. Processing circuitry receives the defect signal and conducts surface analysis of the workpiece that can include the characterizing of defects of the workpiece. The programmable light selection arrays can include, but are not limited to, reflector arrays and filter arrays. The invention also includes associated surface inspection methods.

Abstract: A dental floss device 1 comprises a handle 2 having a head piece 3 and a disposable holder 4 for a length of dental floss 5. The holder 4 comprises a base portion 20 and a pair of spaced-apart jaws 21 extending from the base and which extend to embrace the head piece 3 of the handle 2 when the holder 4 is in a correct alignment configuration with respect to the handle 2. The device has an interlock which ensures that the holder 4 can be interengaged with the head piece 3 only when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3. The interlock comprises a head interlock part provided by interlock grooves 10 and a holder interlock part provided by corresponding interlock tongues 11. There are two interlock grooves 10 and corresponding interlock tongues 11 which slidably interengage when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting the stored information on an integrated circuit from being compromised through reverse engineering. To do so, the method and apparatus splits the functionality of an integrated circuit into two separate integrated circuits, which are then connected in an interlocking manner. A detection circuit monitors the interconnection of the two separate integrated circuits. Upon detection of a break in the interconnection of the two circuits, the detection circuit destroys the data stored in the two separate integrated circuits. The two integrated circuits are connected in a flip-chip fashion, thereby preventing access to the underlying conduction paths and charge storage sites which are normally used in reverse engineering an integrated circuit.