Abstract: By dividing a complex set of parameters of a production process in forming semiconductor devices into individual blocks, respective PCA models may be established for each block and may thereafter be combined by operating on summary statistics of each model block in order to evaluate the complete initial parameter set. Thus, compared to conventional strategies, a significant reduction of the size of the combined PCA model compared to a single PCA model may be obtained, while also achieving an enhanced degree of flexibility in evaluating various subsets of parameters.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine blade having a radial blade tip. The system further includes a trailing edge trench that is formed in the radial blade tip and which extends towards a trailing edge of the turbine blade. The trailing edge trench further includes a first set of cooling passages, each of which includes a first slot formed along a first sidewall of the trailing edge trench, whereby the slot is coupled to a first respective hole extending through a floor of the trailing edge trench.

Abstract: By performing a two-step approach for predicting a quality distribution during the fabrication of semiconductor devices, enhanced flexibility and efficiency may be accomplished. The two-step approach first models electrical characteristics on the basis of measurement data, such as inline measurement data, and, in a second step, an appropriate distribution for the electrical characteristics may be established, thereby obtaining modeled wafer sort data which may then be used for predicting a quality distribution of the semiconductor devices under consideration.

Abstract: A motorcycle lift for a wash service bay which is specifically adapted for cleaning motorcycles is provided. The lift includes a lift bed having guide rails and supports for holding a motorcycle on the lift bed. At least one actuator is provided connected to the lift bed and are recessed in a well below the ground level of the wash service bay so that the motorcycle can be moved along the ground level onto the lift bed, where it is then secured in position. Preferably, there are a plurality of actuators that are staged cylinders connected in series for coordinated lifting of the lift bed to raise the motorcycle to an elevated position, to allow easier access for washing and waxing or other cleaning. The actuators are connected to a controller for controlled raising and lowering of the lift bed between a first, ground level position, for loading and unloading the motorcycle, and a second, raised level which provides easier access for cleaning.

Abstract: By coordinating a process regime of a process module for sample substrates used in a previously performed metrology process, an increased degree of measurement information may be obtained. For this purpose, the coordination may be based on a sampling ruleset related to the process module, wherein the previously selected sample substrates may be appropriately sequenced through the process module to increase the probability for complying with the associated sampling ruleset. Furthermore, the enhanced process coordination may be advantageously combined with randomization steps, thereby providing a “pseudo randomization,” in which sample substrates are intentionally positioned, while the remaining substrates may be randomized for decoupling related process steps.

Abstract: A damping system for a turbine bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket with a variable tangential depth and a damper pin positional within the damper pocket.

Abstract: In a complex manufacturing environment for producing semiconductor devices, a predicted quality distribution in the form of a graded die forecast may be monitored with respect to changes in order to more efficiently identify factory disturbances. To this end, a predicted distribution obtained on the basis of electrical measurement data may be compared with a predicted yield distribution based on other production data. That is, an efficient automatic monitoring of the manufacturing environment may be accomplished with reduced probability of missing respective disturbance situations, since the large number of electrical parameters may be condensed into the predicted quality distribution.

Abstract: By performing a two-step approach for predicting a quality distribution during the fabrication of semiconductor devices, enhanced flexibility and efficiency may be accomplished. The two-step approach first models electrical characteristics on the basis of measurement data, such as inline measurement data, and, in a second step, an appropriate distribution for the electrical characteristics may be established, thereby obtaining modeled wafer sort data which may then be used for predicting a quality distribution of the semiconductor devices under consideration.

Abstract: By dividing a complex set of parameters of a production process in forming semiconductor devices into individual blocks, respective PCA models may be established for each block and may thereafter be combined by operating on summary statistics of each model block in order to evaluate the complete initial parameter set. Thus, compared to conventional strategies, a significant reduction of the size of the combined PCA model compared to a single PCA model may be obtained, while also achieving an enhanced degree of flexibility in evaluating various subsets of parameters.

Abstract: An enhanced damping system for a turbine bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket and a damper pin with an offset center of gravity positioned within the damper pocket.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: By coordinating a process regime of a process module for sample substrates used in a previously performed metrology process, an increased degree of measurement information may be obtained. For this purpose, the coordination may be based on a sampling ruleset related to the process module, wherein the previously selected sample substrates may be appropriately sequenced through the process module to increase the probability for complying with the associated sampling ruleset. Furthermore, the enhanced process coordination may be advantageously combined with randomization steps, thereby providing a “pseudo randomization,” in which sample substrates are intentionally positioned, while the remaining substrates may be randomized for decoupling related process steps.

Abstract: A damping system for a turbin bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket with a variable tangential depth and a damper pin positional within the damper pocket.

Abstract: An enhanced damping system for a turbine bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket and a damper pin with an offset center of gravity positioned within the damper pocket.

Abstract: A method for estimating a state associated with a process includes receiving a state observation associated with the process. The state observation has an associated process time. A weighting factor to discount the state observation is generated based on the process time. A state estimate is generated based on the discounted state observation. A system includes a process tool, a metrology tool, and a process controller. The process tool is operable to perform a process in accordance with an operating recipe. The metrology tool is operable to generate a state observation associated with the process. The process controller is operable to receive the state observation, the state observation having an associated process time, generate a weighting factor to discount the state observation based on the process time, generate a state estimate based on the discounted state observation, and determine at least one parameter of the operating recipe based on the state estimate.

Abstract: An APC controller is configured to operate on a segregated data structure during its normal operation and to establish a control state during an initializing event for a non-initialized manufacturing context on the basis of other initialized or non-initialized manufacturing contexts. Thus, the processing of pilot substrates may be reduced or the processing of the pilot substrates may be initiated on the basis of reliably established process parameters.

Abstract: A pasteurization or sterilization process reduces fouling of a food or beverage composition containing protein during the heat treatment. An antifouling agent is added to the food or beverage composition that is selected from hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) with a hydroxypropyl molar substitution of greater than 3.0 and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) as measured by SEC of greater than 350,000 Dalton, methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC) with a methoxyl content of greater than 17% and a hydroxypropyl content of greater than 3%, methylcellulose (MC) with a methoxyl content greater than 17% and a viscosity in water at ambient temperatures and a concentration of 2% of greater than 1,000 cps, or mixtures thereof, This food or beverage composition is then heated in a first heat exchanger at a temperature between 50 and 100° C. for a time of from about 2 seconds to 30 minutes for pasteurization or it is further heated to sterilization temperatures before being packaged out or further processed.

Abstract: A shroud support apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a tube segment to a bag by fusing them together in an aseptic form, fill and seal operation is provided. The apparatus includes a sterile processing chamber in which a sterilized tube segment and a pair of opposing wall portions of a flexible bag are to be located. The sterilized tube segment has an open end which is to be placed in communication with an interior space of the bag. A tube inserter is at least partially located within the processing chamber and arranged to grip the tube segment and place the tube segment between the wall portions of the bag. At least one member is provided for fusing the tube segment between the wall portions of the bag so that the open end of the tube segment is in communication with the interior space in the bag. A bag formed using the apparatus and a method of forming the fused tube-on-bag are also provided.