Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing stabilized annuity payments, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program allocates the risks associated with an investment to the potential beneficiaries of the annuitant by controlling the allocation of assets between two investment pools. The annuitant pool is the pool on which annuity payments are based and the beneficiary pool contains assets that are provided to the beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. The beneficiary pool is used as a cushion to isolate the contents of the annuitant pool from fluctuations in value. If the underlying investments perform poorly, assets from the beneficiary pool are reallocated to the annuity pool in order to maintain the existing annuity payment. If the underlying investments perform favorably, increasing in value, excess amounts above a set trigger level amount will be periodically transferred to the annuitant pool.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period. A computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for dynamic, cost effective reallocation of assets among a plurality of investment products comprising a processor, a memory and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program implementing the present invention controls the reallocation of assets to reduce the transactions costs associated with rebalancing the investor's composite assets according to a composite asset allocation model. Information relating to the composite asset allocation model, the investor's assets, and the investor are stored in memory. Periodically, or upon occurrence of an event, the composite assets are evaluated to determine if rebalancing is necessary. If rebalancing is necessary, the transaction costs associated with the available transactions for performing the rebalancing are compared to select the most economically favorable transaction.

Abstract: The rotating anode x-ray tube has a composite outer bearing made from two rings of a high hot-hardness material and a spacer between the two rings made of a constant coefficient of thermal expansion material. The spacer is welded to the two rings providing the composite outer bearing. One inner bearing race is formed from the shaft and the other inner bearing race is a one-piece inner race mounted on the shaft while the two rings have the corresponding outer races.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for dynamic, cost effective reallocation of assets among a plurality of investment products comprising a processor, a memory and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program implementing the present invention controls the reallocation of assets to reduce the transactions costs associated with rebalancing the investor's composite assets according to a composite asset allocation model. Information relating to the composite asset allocation model, the investor's assets, and the investor are stored in memory. Periodically, or upon occurrence of an event, the composite assets are evaluated to determine if rebalancing is necessary. If rebalancing is necessary, the transaction costs associated with the available transactions for performing the rebalancing are compared to select the most economically favorable transaction.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period. A computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.

Abstract: A proximity head for generating and maintaining a meniscus for processing a substrate is described. The proximity head includes a plurality of meniscus nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head, the nozzles being configured to supply liquid to the meniscus, a plurality of vacuum ports formed on the face of the proximity head, the vacuum ports being arranged to completely surround the plurality of meniscus nozzles, and a plurality of gas nozzles formed on the face of the proximity head, the gas nozzles at least partially surrounding the vacuum ports. The proximity head further includes means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks at a leading edge and a trailing edge on the substrate by aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate a gap between the substrate and the carrier.

Abstract: A proximity head for generating and maintaining a meniscus for processing a substrate is described. The proximity head includes a plurality of meniscus nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head, the nozzles being configured to supply liquid to the meniscus, a plurality of vacuum ports formed on the face of the proximity head, the vacuum ports being arranged to completely surround the plurality of meniscus nozzles, and a plurality of gas nozzles formed on the face of the proximity head, the gas nozzles at least partially surrounding the vacuum ports. The proximity head further includes means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks at a leading edge and a trailing edge on the substrate by aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate a gap between the substrate and the carrier.

Abstract: The rotating anode x-ray tube has a composite outer bearing made from two rings of a high hot-hardness material and a spacer between the two rings made of a constant coefficient of thermal expansion material. The spacer is welded to the two rings providing the composite outer bearing. One inner bearing race is formed from the shaft and the other inner bearing race is a one-piece inner race mounted on the shaft while the two rings have the corresponding outer races.

Abstract: A system and method of forming and using a proximity head. The proximity head includes a head surface, the head surface including a first zone, a second zone and an inner return zone. The first zone including a first flat surface region and a plurality of first discrete holes. Each one of the plurality of first discrete holes being connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of first conduits. The plurality of first discrete holes residing in the head surface and extending through the first flat surface region. At least a portion of the plurality of first discrete holes are arranged in a first row. The second zone including a second flat region and a plurality of second discrete holes. Each one of the plurality of second discrete holes being connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of second conduits. The plurality of second discrete holes residing in the head surface and extending through the second flat surface region. The inner return zone including a plurality of inner return discrete holes.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for providing stabilized annuity payments and control of investments in a variable annuity, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program allocates the short and long term risks associated with an investment to the potential beneficiaries of the annuitant by controlling the allocation of assets between two investment pools. The annuitant pool is the pool on which annuity payments are based and the beneficiary pool contains assets that are provided to the beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. The beneficiary pool is used as a cushion to isolate the contents of the annuitant pool from fluctuations in value. The beneficiary pool is initially funded with sufficient assets to minimize the likelihood of its depletion under fairly conservative estimates of market conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments, allocating the assets to first and second pools; at periodic intervals, comparing the current value of the assets in the first pool to a present value of the remaining payments; and, when the current value is less the present value, reallocating a portion of the assets from the second pool to the first pool so that the first asset pool has a current value representing the present value. In another embodiment, a method for managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments includes allocating the assets into first and second pools; establishing a first payment amount; determining a first trigger value; assessing a current value of the assets; and reallocating assets from the second pool to the first pool to increase the first payment amount in response to the current value being greater than the first trigger value.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that utilizes condensing mechanisms to reclaim evaporated solvent components. In these embodiments, the condensing can occur within a proximity head itself and/or along a vacuum line running from the proximity head to a vacuum tank. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of solvents at the onset by maintaining appropriate equilibrium gas phase concentrations between the liquid chemistries and gases used to process wafer surfaces.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: A proximity head for generating and maintaining a meniscus for processing a substrate is described. The proximity head includes a plurality of meniscus nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head, the nozzles being configured to supply liquid to the meniscus, a plurality of vacuum ports formed on the face of the proximity head, the vacuum ports being arranged to completely surround the plurality of meniscus nozzles, and a plurality of gas nozzles formed on the face of the proximity head, the gas nozzles at least partially surrounding the vacuum ports. The proximity head further includes means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks at a leading edge and a trailing edge on the substrate by aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate a gap between the substrate and the carrier.

Abstract: A method for providing a financial instrument includes determining an initial account balance associated with a financial instrument based upon an initial deposit amount, wherein the financial instrument includes an account with an account balance that changes over time. The method further includes establishing a first guarantee of a protected value, the protected value including at least an amount based upon the initial account balance growing at a minimum growth rate for a defined period of time or until one or more defined events occur, whichever is sooner; and establishing a second guarantee that a beneficiary may periodically receive a transfer of an amount of money for the life of a designated party, wherein the amount comprises a percentage of the protected value at the time of a particular event, provided that the amount may vary based upon withdrawals from the account in excess of a first particular limit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a benefits contract includes an agreement to provide a plurality of benefits for at least one person. The agreement provides for an account including a plurality of units. Each unit is associated with multiple benefits. For example each unit may be associated with multiple benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, supplemental health insurance, long-term care insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, prescription drug insurance, a plurality of income payments, a withdrawal benefit, an annuity, a property and casualty benefit, or other similar benefits. The agreement is such that a person associated with the benefits contract may choose to exercise a particular unit, or fraction thereof, to receive only one of the three or more benefits; and such that the benefits account (or plurality of units) may be purchased tax-free using funds from a tax-deferred retirement account.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of a plasma chamber includes a liquid crystalline polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) is provided on an aluminum component having an anodized or non-anodized surface. The liquid crystalline polymer can also be provided on an alumina component. The liquid crystalline polymer can be deposited by a method such as plasma spraying. The liquid crystalline polymer may also be provided as a preformed sheet or other shape adapted to cover the exposed surfaces of the reaction chamber. Additionally, the reactor components may be made entirely from liquid crystalline polymer by machining the component from a solid block of liquid crystalline polymer or molding the component from the polymer. The liquid crystalline polymer may contain reinforcing fillers such as glass or mineral fillers.