Performance Monitoring Patents (Class 700/108)
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Patent number: 8111384Abstract: A method and device for facilitating measurement of thermo-optically induced material phase change response in a thin planar or a grating film stack is disclosed. The method may include using small-spot visible and ultraviolet spectra (ellipsometric or reflectance) for measuring a material phase change response. The device may include a measurement system platform, at least one electrical resistor, at least one external electric probe, and ohmic contact circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Carlos L. Ygartua, Lei Zhong, John McCormack, Robert J. McClelland
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Patent number: 8112169Abstract: A polishing apparatus has a polishing table having a polishing surface and a top ring for pressing a substrate against the polishing surface while independently controlling pressing forces applied to a plurality of areas on the substrate. The polishing apparatus has a sensor for monitoring substrate conditions of a plurality of measurement points on the substrate, a monitor unit for performing a predetermined arithmetic process on a signal from the sensor to generate a monitor signal, and a controller for comparing the monitor signal of the measurement points with the reference signal and controlling the pressing forces of the top ring so that the monitor signal of the measurement point converges on the reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Yoichi Kobayashi, Yasumasa Hiroo, Tsuyoshi Ohashi
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INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION INTERFACES INTEGRATED WITH ENTERPRISE MANUFACTURING INTELLIGENCE (EMI) SYSTEMS
Publication number: 20120029678Abstract: A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert Joseph McGreevy, Michael John Pantaleano, Bruce Gordon Fuller, Ian Edward Tooke, Kevin John Albert, John Joseph Baier, Jan Pingel -
Patent number: 8108790Abstract: Various graphical displays used for visualization of control techniques in a process control system can be provided to an operator. For example, a graphical display could include (i) an image associated with at least a portion of a process and (ii) one or more icons identifying one or more process variables associated with at least the portion of the process. Selection of an icon could present the operator with a faceplate containing information associated with at least one of the process variables. Another graphical display could include (i) a focal variable symbol identifying a focal process variable and (ii) one or more additional variable symbols identifying one or more additional process variables associated with the focal process variable. Gains associated with the additional process variables could be identified in the display. Yet another graphical display could be used to remotely invoke and control applications executing in a process control system.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Donald A. Morrison, Jr., Pravin W. Shende, Chandrakanth Vittal, Gobinath Pandurangan
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Patent number: 8108060Abstract: System and method for implementing wafer acceptance test (“WAT”) advanced process control (“APC”) are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing a key process on a sample number of wafers of a lot of wafers; performing a key inline measurement related to the key process to produce metrology data for the wafers; predicting WAT data from the metrology data using an inline-to-WAT model; and using the predicted WAT data to tune a WAT APC process for controlling a tuning process or a process APC process.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Andy Tsen, Jo Fei Wang, Po-Feng Tsai, Ming-Yu Fan, Jill Wang, Jong-I Mou, Sunny Wu
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Publication number: 20120022679Abstract: A method for automatic process control (APC) performance monitoring may include, but is not limited to: computing one or more APC performance indicators for one or more production lots of semiconductor devices; and displaying a mapping of the one or more APC performance indicators to the one or more production lots of semiconductor devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATIONInventors: DongSub Choi, Amir Widmann, Daniel Kandel, David Tien
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Publication number: 20120016508Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication apparatus includes a semiconductor wafer mounting table having a cavity therein; and a nozzle which jets a liquefied temperature adjustment medium having a temperature equal to or less than a targeted temperature to an inner wall of the cavity in order to adjust a temperature of the semiconductor wafer mounting table to the targeted temperature. The semiconductor fabrication apparatus further includes a pressure detecting unit for detecting an internal pressure of the cavity; and a vacuum pump which discharges gas within the cavity such that a pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit becomes equal to or more than a saturated vapor pressure related to the temperature of the temperature adjustment medium jetted from the nozzle and equal to or less than a saturated vapor pressure related to the targeted temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Kazuyoshi Matsuzaki, Sumie Nagaseki
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Publication number: 20120010743Abstract: A data analyzing method includes receiving monitor data from the substrate processing apparatus; producing representative value data based on the monitor data; associating apparatus condition information indicating a condition of the substrate processing apparatus at the time of production of the monitor data, with the representative value data; storing the representative value data and the apparatus condition information associated with the representative value data and in a database; retrieving the representative value data and the apparatus condition information associated with the representative value data from the database; comparing an exclusion parameter with the retrieved apparatus condition information, the exclusion parameter including information indicating whether the retrieved representative value data should be included in analysis processing targets; and determining whether the retrieved representative value data should be included in the analysis processing targets, based on the comparison resType: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventor: Kazuhide ASAI
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Patent number: 8095230Abstract: A method for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing including routing wafers or wafer lots based on process variation data obtained from the wafers or wafer lots and on process variation data obtained from tools processing the wafers or wafer lots. A system for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing includes a module for routing wafers or wafer lots based on process variation data obtained from the wafers or wafer lots and on process variation data obtained from the tools processing the wafers or wafer lots.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Xu Ouyang, Oleg Gluschenkov, Yunsheng Song, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
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Patent number: 8090463Abstract: During the production of a product by means of a production machine, an evaluation device receives actual states of components of the production machine, detected by sensors at detection times, and/or operating states of a control device of the production machine at the defined detection times. The evaluation device compares the states of each detection time transmitted thereto with pre-defined state combinations and thus determines fulfilled state combinations. For each fulfilled state combination, the evaluation device selects relevant states from the states of the respective detection time transmitted thereto, and corresponding information and the respective detection time are stored with the relevant states such that they are available for other evaluations.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengsellschaftInventors: Michael Kaever, Volker Maier
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Patent number: 8090676Abstract: Systems and methods (300) for offline/online performance monitoring of batch processes (BPs) involving obtaining archived data (AD) obtained during runs of BP and including information defining a batch quality attribute for each run. The method also involves forming clusters by classifying AD for the runs into classes based on the batch quality attribute(s) and building a first multivariate statistical model (MSM) using AD. The method can further involve building a wavelet analysis based feature matrix (FM) using AD, forming a first projection (1200) by projecting FM onto a first MSM, building a second MSM (1300) using information obtained from the first projection, and computing centroids (C902, . . . , C918) and boundary profiles for the clusters (902, . . . , 918). The method can involve performing an online/offline performance monitoring (700/800) using an integrated version of the first and second MSM, a classification algorithm, centroids, and boundary profiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Shailesh Rajnikant Patel, Ramprasad Yelchuru, Srikanth Ryali, Pradeep K. Shetty, Gudi Ravindra
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Patent number: 8086338Abstract: A service providing method for monitoring a mounting tact of a component mounting apparatus includes collecting, from the service receiver, mounting tact information including a mounting tact result value of the component mounting apparatus from the service receiver by use of a service provider via a communication system. The method additionally includes judging whether a mounting operation of the component mounting apparatus has a tact loss corresponding to an amount by which a mounting tact is greater than a standard mounting tact as a result of analysis of the collected mounting tact information and determining and feeding back, to the service receiver via the communication system, NC data for allowing the component mounting apparatus to be operated.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshio Yano, Hiroshi Okamura, Yoshihiko Misawa
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Publication number: 20110313558Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a parameter of a measurement device during polishing, damage to a specimen during polishing, a characteristic of a polishing pad, or a characteristic of a polishing tool are provided. One method includes scanning a specimen with a measurement device during polishing of a specimen to generate output signals at measurement spots on the specimen. The method also includes determining if the output signals are outside of a range of output signals. Output signals outside of the range may indicate that a parameter of the measurement device is out of control limits. In a different embodiment, output signals outside of the range may indicate damage to the specimen. Another method includes scanning a polishing pad with a measurement device to generate output signals at measurement spots on the polishing pad. The method also includes determining a characteristic of the polishing pad from the output signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: KLA-TENCOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Kurt Lehman, Charles Chen, Ronald L. Allen, Robert Shinagawa, Anantha Sethuraman, Christopher F. Bevis, Thanassis Trikas, Haiguang Chen, Ching Ling Meng
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Patent number: 8078919Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for managing multiple step processes triggered by a signal is disclosed. Status records are created for each process step. When an error occurs, error status record in recorded in the status record. A user may then use the status record to identify the error, take corrective action and restart the process at the appropriate point for reprocessing the signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Eden Garia
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Publication number: 20110301739Abstract: There is provided a control system of a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a collecting unit for collecting data from each component that constitutes a substrate processing apparatus, the collecting unit further comprising at least: a buffer for temporarily storing collected data; and a sorting part for rearranging the collected data, based on time data attached to the collected data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventors: Norihiko KATAOKA, Shinichiro MORI
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Publication number: 20110301740Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. In some examples, the system applies a back surface to a lens blank that includes an aspherical curve having two radii of curvature. In some examples, a back surface of a peripheral portion of the lens follows the curvature of a front surface of the lens in order to establish a rounded, non-sharp edge to a lens blank used during the manufacturing process of a prescription eyeglass lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Stan Arrigotti, Gordon Keane
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Patent number: 8073567Abstract: A production control apparatus of a production system provided with a storing means for storing in advance a production system model comprised of workpiece information regarding workpieces and program information regarding a plurality of work programs of robots and a plurality of machining programs of machine tools, an updating means for updating the production system model based on run status signals showing run statuses of the robots and machines tools and workpiece signals from the detectors, and an instructing means for selecting one work program and one machining program based on the updated production system model and instructing running of the selected work program and work program to the robot and machine tool. Due to this, by calling up a work program of the robot etc. in accordance with the state of the production system, it is possible to change the program and restore the system from error.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Hiroji Nishi, Jun Mizuno
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Patent number: 8068104Abstract: An apparatus for graphically displaying analytical data, comprising a generic model to graphically represent a complex set of physical characteristics potentially leading to catastrophic failure of a physical system. A central region represents failure of the physical system; a series of concentric ridges represents level of function. Wedge shaped regions upon the ridges represent predetermined subsystems of the physical system. An icon is displayed with changes in the icon proportional to time, and any one or more of color, position, shape, and rotation of the icon representing prescribed analysis of the physical characteristics. Mappings correlate predetermined characteristics of the system with failure of the physical system, levels of functioning represented by the ridges, subsystems represented by the wedge shaped regions, and/or analysis of the physical characteristics represented in the icon. A sensor interface receives measurements, and a graphics generator prepares a presentation of the model.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventor: Carlyle Rampersad
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Patent number: 8068922Abstract: In a method for operating a field device working according to the block model for a distributed automation system, which exchanges data via a fieldbus, a first function block application serving for process control is provided, which makes available to other system participants process data via a first virtual field device object. In addition, a second function block application is provided, which serves for plant monitoring and which makes available to other system participants plant monitoring data via a second virtual field device object, wherein the first and second function block applications are executed according to different schedules.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Endress + Hauser Process Solutions AGInventor: Eugenio Ferreira Da Silva Neto
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Publication number: 20110282479Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to a lower end of which a needle can be attached, a needle plate in which a needle hole is provided, an image capture device that generates, as captured image data, data that describe a captured image of a sewing object being positioned between the needle bar and the needle plate, a marker data generation device that generates, as marker data, data that describe a setting marker, the setting marker indicating a pattern position and a pattern angle, a composite image data generation device that generates, as composite image data, data that describe a composite image based on the captured image data and the marker data, and a display control device that, based on the composite image data, causes the composite image to be displayed on a screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masashi TOKURA
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Patent number: 8060232Abstract: Methods and computer storage media provide for the installation of potted inserts and installation validation. According to embodiments described herein, an insert is placed within an insert aperture of a panel or other structure. Potting compound is injected into a potting cavity surrounding the insert through a fill hole in the insert until potting compound overflows from another fill hole. The installation is validated by applying a force to the installed insert at a determined frequency using a mechanical impedance instrument and measuring a response frequency. The response frequency is compared to an acceptable frequency range to determine whether the insert is properly installed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael P. Kuntz, Mark L. Younie, Gary E. Georgeson
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Patent number: 8055371Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring performance of an industrial process includes a service portal for collecting, transmitting and analyzing parameter data from process field devices that includes a network connection that connects to a process control system of the industrial process, a remote collector that collects parameter data from process field devices, a processor that identifies, sorts, and stores the collected parameter data and a communications module for transmitting the stored parameter data to a remote monitoring station for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Fred Sanford, Robert Bather, Martin Culverhouse, Walter Sikora, Melanie Russell, Peter Martin, Robert Hasselbaum, Russell Barr
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Patent number: 8055391Abstract: A server device constituting a group management system includes one or more manufacturing apparatuses for performing a preset process on a target substrate, and the server device includes a measurement information storage unit for storing therein one or more measurement information; an instruction receiving unit for receiving an output instruction of the measurement information, which contains information specifying a predetermined start point and valid time information; a measurement information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the measurement information storage unit, measurement information ranging from the predetermined start point to a time point of the valid time; an output information composing unit for composing output information by using the acquired measurement information; and an output unit for outputting the output information composed by the output information composing unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Masashi Takahashi, Minoru Obata, Noriaki Koyama
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Patent number: 8055365Abstract: A system for supplying a reagent to multiple tools in an electronics fabrication facility is configured using a demand probability distribution. In specific examples the reagent is a non-atmospheric or a specialty gas and the demand probability distribution is developed using Monte Carlo statistical techniques. In one embodiment, a method for configuring a reagent supply system for an electronic device manufacturing facility is provided. The method includes (a) collecting representative information for process tools within the fabrication facility which use the reagent; (b) creating a simulation of process tool operation to model an overall demand profile for the process tools; (c) creating a statistical probability distribution of the reagent demand by the process tools using data from the model; and (d) correlating data from the probability distribution with supply system characterization data to configure the supply system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Michael Cabral, Shrikar Chakravarti
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Patent number: 8055370Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for monitoring an operation parameter of a process tool, independently of a process system recipe, are provided. In general, an indirect effect that results from implementing an event from a process system recipe on the process system is monitored without using the specific values or setpoints that are entered for such event into the process system to thereby change a state of such process system. In one embodiment, the behavior of a process device as it transitions between different states is monitored for a single cycle of operation or over time to detect trends that indicate a potential failure of the process device. When a trend that indicates a potential failure is detected, an alarm is generated. In one implementation, the time for reaching a particular stage of operation may be repeatedly monitored over a plurality of device cycles. For example, the time to open a valve or door may be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery William Achtnig, Russell Fleming, Jaideep Jain
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Patent number: 8056022Abstract: A method of preparing a set of target layout data for the application of a photolithographic friendly design (LFD) analysis or other photolithographic analysis. The target layout data is revised to remove areas or features prior to performing the LFD analysis. The features removed include features that have been determined to print correctly, duplicate features and features that are not sensitive to variations in process conditions. The revised target layout is analyzed to determine if the features that remain will print correctly on a wafer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Mentor Graphics CorporationInventors: Juan Andres Torres Robles, William S. Graupp, Mark C. Simmons
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Publication number: 20110270431Abstract: A system for controlling production shut down of an underwater fluid production well, the well having a sensor for producing an output signal indicative of the state of the well and a valve which is actuable to shut down production activity of the well, comprises means for receiving the output signal; and a processor for processing the received signal to determine if a shut down is required and outputting a shut down signal to the valve; wherein the receiving means and processor are located at the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Stuart Guy Holley, Ian J. Kent, Vernon Lester Hutchings
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Publication number: 20110264252Abstract: A combinatorial processing management system is described, including determining an identification for a substrate, retrieving data from tools operating on the substrate, generating an analysis of the data in response to the retrieving, and storing the data and the analysis in a database indexed by the identification. The analysis may include comparisons between multiple processes performed on multiple regions of the substrate. The multiple processes may process at least one region of the substrate differently from at least one other region of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.Inventors: Yoshiki Ashizawa, Heng-Cheng Pai
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Patent number: 8041443Abstract: A surface defect data display and management system comprises a risk score calculation unit for calculating the magnitude of an influence a surface defect on a wafer detected by a wafer inspection system or review system has upon a reduction in the yield of a final product as a risk score of the surface defect based on a defect size of the surface defect on the wafer and a pattern concentration obtained from design data of a pattern figure nearby a location corresponding to the position of the surface defect, and a correlation graph and defect image display unit for preparing a correlation graph showing the correlation between the defect size and the risk score of each defect, displaying the prepared correlation graph on the display apparatus and displaying additionally a defect image list of one or more defects selected by using the correlation graph.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventor: Tomohiro Funakoshi
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Patent number: 8041442Abstract: A process for selecting a surrogate part for metallic plating, the metallic plating of the surrogate part predicting results for the metallic plating of a new or predetermined part is disclosed. The process can include providing a reinforcement learning system having a memory circuitry and a processing circuitry. The memory circuitry can have a database with data associated with a plurality of surrogate parts and data associated with the predetermined part can be entered into the data input module. The processing circuitry can compare the data associated with each of the plurality of surrogate parts and the data associated with the predetermined part and select a surrogate part that affords predicting a plating result of the predetermined part.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Adam Richard Muehlhauser, Andrew Raymond Nowasielski
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Patent number: 8041526Abstract: A production system includes at least one production component having a production cycle which is interruptible by a detected production failure, at least one detector configured to monitor an output of the at least one production component, the detector configured to detect a production failure and to generate a signal indicative of the production failure, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to, in response to the signal from the detector, cause the respective production component to reject production material for a first predetermined duration of time, and in response to the expiration of the first predetermined duration of time, to slow down production for at least a second predetermined duration of time. The control unit can further return the production system to a normal production state in response to receiving a restart signal before the expiration of the first or second predetermined duration of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Francisco Bautista Sandoval, Efrain Sandoval Del Toro, Enrique Villasenor Murillo
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Publication number: 20110251712Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actively tracking specific data on systems or the components of a metallurgical system, characterized in that at least one readable and writable memory medium for the specific data is fixedly connected to each component, and the specific data are modifiable periodically and/or on the basis of input. In addition, the invention relates to a metallurgical system, in particular an integrated foundry or a mini-mill, comprising at least one device according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to the use of at least one device according to the invention in an electric steel mill or a converter steel mill and/or in systems of secondary metallurgy and/or in casting plants, in particular continuous casting machines, and/or in molten steel transport units and/or in furnace systerms and/or in hot and cold rolling mills and/or in rolled stock treatment systems, in particular strip treatment systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Jochen Schlüter, Markus Reifferscheid, Ina Hüllen
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Patent number: 8032248Abstract: A method for finding the correlation between tool PM (prevention maintenance) and the product yield of the tool is disclosed. The method uses a moving average method to magnify a curve trend that is formed by the product yield data that is captured during a predetermined days before PM and after PM. The magnified curve trend is shown by a Cumulative sum chart. The Cumulative sum chart is analyzed for informing related workers of the effect between the tool PM and the product yield, so as to accurately estimate PM timing. Thereby, via the method, the effect between the tool PM and the product yield may be determined, which serves as an important reference for workers to execute further PM.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.Inventors: Yi Feng Lee, Chun Chi Chen, Yun-Zong Tian, Wei Jun Chen, Tsung-Wei Lin
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Patent number: 8032431Abstract: A system and method for managing the development and manufacturing process of a pharmaceutical is disclosed. The method comprises capturing and recording the development and manufacturing history of the pharmaceutical in order to generate a product history. The product history is stored on a computer and is searchable in multiple data dimensions in order to easily retrieve information. The system automatically provides compliance management procedures in order to comply with regulatory standards for the pharmaceutical industry.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Anjali R. Kataria, Kamlesh Rashmi Desai, Vinay R. Ambekar
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Patent number: 8032244Abstract: A method and system for controlling and monitoring the quality of concrete based on the concrete's maturity (which is a function of its time-temperature profile, or temperature history). Five different applications or embodiments of the present invention are discussed, namely, Enhanced Maturity, Moisture-Loss Maturity, Improved Maturity, SPC Maturity, Loggers, Readers, and Software. Enhanced Maturity involves a maturity calibration method to account for the water-to-cementitious-materials ratio, air content, and gross unit weight of the concrete. Moisture-Loss Maturity is a method for determining the appropriate time to terminate moisture-loss protection of concrete and concrete structures. Improved Maturity is a method and system for determining the strength of curing concrete using improved maturity calculations.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Engius, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Trost, Michael Fox
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Patent number: 8028049Abstract: A method and apparatus for web-based tool management are implemented. A tool object model provides a logical representation of the physical tool. The tool object model defines a hierarchical set of tool objects that characterize the tool, and additionally a set of method for performing actions on the tool objects. These actions also correspond to operations, which may include reporting as well as processing tasks, performed by the tool. A user may remotely control and monitor a tool using a conventional web browser. For example, a user may execute methods of the tool object model, or obtain detailed information about a tool object. User actions are passed to a server by embedding them in hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests. The server receives the HTTP request, and passes the request to a corresponding page server in accordance with the action requested. Depending on the action requested, the page server may generate a web page in response, or may invoke a method of the tool object model.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: PEER Intellectual Property Inc.Inventors: Raymond Walter Ellis, Mark Theodore Pendleton, Charles Merritt Baylis
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Publication number: 20110231000Abstract: A power monitoring device is configured to monitor power consumed in a device for mounting component, which constitutes a component mounting line. The power monitoring device includes: an operation information collecting section configured to collect in time-series operation information representing a device operation state of the device for mounting component and to create time-series data of the operation information; a power measuring section configured to measure in time-series an amount of power consumption representing an amount of power consumed in the device for mounting component and to create time-series data of the amount of power; a synchronous output section configured to output the time-series data of the operation information and the time-series data of the amount of power by synchronizing respective time axes in time-series with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Syunsuke Higashi, Nobuyoshi Kobayashi, Yasuyuki Nishihara, Masaya Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20110229988Abstract: According to the embodiments, a distribution of a recess portion shape is calculated based on a result obtained by measuring the recess portion shape of a first projection and recess pattern formed on a surface of a template. Next, a distribution of an application amount of a curing agent to a processing target layer is calculated based on the distribution of the recess portion shape, and the curing agent is applied to the processing target layer based on this distribution of the application amount of the curing agent. Next, a second projection and recess pattern is formed by transferring the first projection and recess pattern onto the curing agent by causing the curing agent to cure in a state where the first projection and recess pattern is in contact with the curing agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Masafumi ASANO, Ryoichi Inanami, Masayuki Hatano
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Patent number: 8024053Abstract: An instruction converting unit converts the data form of an instruction of an operation received by a receiving unit to the data form of a safety instrumentation system from the data form of a plant control system. An operation carrying out unit receives the instruction of the operation obtained by the instruction converting unit and an original instruction of the safety instrumentation system to carry out the operations, and preferentially carries out the operation of the original instruction of the safety instrumentation system when both the instructions compete with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventor: Takeshi Murakami
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Patent number: 8024676Abstract: The invention can provide a method of processing a substrate using multi-pitch scatterometry targets (M-PSTs) for de-convolving lithographic process parameters during Single-Patterning (S-P), Double-Patterning (D-P) procedures, and Double-Exposure (D-E) procedures used to control transistor structures. The M-PSTs) can have critical dimension (CD) and sidewall angle (SWA) sensitivity to exposure focus variations, exposure dose variations, and post exposure bake (PEB) temperature variations. In addition, the variation can be de-convolved so that the individual measurement process variable contributor can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Michael A. Carcasi, David Dixon
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Publication number: 20110224819Abstract: A critical dimension controlling method in a semiconductor production process includes determining whether a model is to undergo a discontinuous production process when a run is inserted in a semiconductor manufacturing line, applying an offset for said model or a common offset for a model group including said model according to the determination, executing a production process in dependence upon a process variation along with the offset for the model or the common offset for the model group, and measuring an actual critical dimension in the production process. The offset for the model is calculated based on a previously measured actual critical dimension, and the calculated offset for the model is applied to the calculation of the common offset for the model group.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eugene Kang, Won-Hyouk Jang, Joo-Hwa Lee
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Patent number: 8019476Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device, control method, recording medium, and program, and building, wherein intelligent and active integration of electronic apparatuses and dwelling-places can be realized. A receiving unit 21 receives broadcasting signals, and supplies the signals to a receiving information determining unit 22. The receiving information determining unit 22 acquires a voice signal from the broadcasting signals supplied from the receiving unit 21, and a voice recognizing unit 23 subjects the voice signal to speech recognition. A determining unit 24 detects danger information such as information relating to a person such as a burglar, or information relating to a district where the person has appeared, or the like from the voice signal subjected to speech recognition by the voice recognizing unit 23.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tetsujiro Kondo
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Publication number: 20110218661Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the individual tracking of metallic hollow bodies, in particular hot-fabricated steel tubes, wherein following a final step of hot-work the individual tube is provided with a distinctive identification on the tube circumference, which is read in the feed region to the subsequent manufacturing or test stations automatically as a video image during transport and independently from the direction of transport. According to the invention, the labeling of the tube circumference is carried out in at least two segment-like sections, the tube circumference being divided, wherein the labeling is carried out in segments with a rotation of less than 360 DEG of the numbering unit and the segments comprise an axial offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which is greater than the width of the data matrix code.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Dirk Van Well, Manfred Achterkamp, Michael Eichler
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Publication number: 20110216399Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a filter is fabricated to take into account the effect of absorption by filter material. The method is exemplified by the fabricating of an ultraviolet light transmission filter for transmitting a band within the range 230-320 nanometers. The resulting filter comprises plurality of hard-coating, thin-film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. The improved filter provides high transmission, sharp edge slopes, and deep and extended out-of-band blocking. As compared with currently available filters, the filter provides transmission up to three or more times greater, edge slopes up to four times sharper, and deep extended out-of-band blocking extending further, even through the visible range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: SEMROCK, INC.Inventors: Atul Pradhan, Jay Anzellotti, Joseph T. Foss, Ligang Wang, Turan Erdogan
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Patent number: 8014887Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes an operating section. The operating section includes a display unit having an operation screen, a screen file that stores daily check data monitor screen data in which a row number is settable as a data number, and a data name is settable as item data of a daily check. The operating section further includes a daily check initial parameter file that stores parameter data corresponding to the item data. The operating section displays the daily check data monitor screen data by extracting the screen file and placing the daily check data monitor screen data on the operation screen as a daily check data monitor screen, and by extracting the daily check initial parameter file, searching through the daily check initial parameter file based on the data number, and placing parameter data corresponding to the item data on the operation screen as the daily check data monitor screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.Inventors: Masako Sueyoshi, Kazuhito Saito
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Patent number: 8013234Abstract: A scanner for a keyboard device having a reflective surface for each key has a sensor associated with each key that includes an LED and a photo-transistor. The LED is turned ON for a first measurement, followed by a second measurement with the LED turned off, and a subtraction of the second measurement from the first yields an illumination value for a key x. The LEDs and associated photo-transistors are sequentially enabled in groups of n, thereby eliminating optical interference. Each key x has associated correction parameters of LinRest(x) associated with illumination value with the key in the rest (up) position, LinDown(x) associated with illumination value with the key in the down position, TrebErr(x) associated with the reflectivity effect of one adjacent key(x+1), and BassErr(x) associated with the reflectivity effect of another adjacent key(x?1).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Midi9 LLCInventor: David T. Starkey
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Patent number: 8014891Abstract: An etching amount calculating method that can stably and accurately calculate the amount of etching even if a disturbance is added. Superposed interference light resulting from superposition of interference light of reflected light from a mask film and reflected light from the bottom of a concave portion on other interference light is received. A waveform in a predetermined time period is extracted from a superposed interference wave calculated from the superposed interference light. The period of an interference wave of the reflected light from the mask film and the reflected light from the bottom is detected from the distribution of frequencies of the extracted waveform. The steps described above are repeated while shifting the predetermined time period by a predetermined time, and the detected periods are integrated and averaged at each repetition. The etching amount of the concave portion is calculated based on the integrated and averaged periods.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Susumu Saito
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Patent number: 8013732Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Sipco, LLCInventors: Thomas David Petite, Richard M Huff
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Industrial automation interfaces integrated with enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) systems
Patent number: 8010218Abstract: A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Joseph McGreevy, Micheal John Pantaleano, Bruce Gordon Fuller, Ian Edward Tooke, Kevin John Albert, John Joseph Baier, Jan Pingel -
Patent number: 8010228Abstract: A sensor on a semiconductor wafer is used as a process monitor and a capacitor is employed as a power supply for the sensor. The capacitor can be formed by stacking a poly-silicon layer and a silicon nitride layer on the wafer. A timer can be used to specify an operation time or an operation timing, etc. Furthermore, unauthorized use is prevented by storing a keyword in an ROM of the process monitor.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Mitsuhiro Yuasa