Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100105290 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INDICATING A POLISHING TAPE END - Apparatus and methods are provided for polishing a substrate with a polishing tape. The polishing tape includes a first surface adapted to contact a substrate; and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces include a feature adapted to indicate an end condition. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 04-29-2010 |
20110079245 | ROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR A BRUSH CLEANING DEVICE IN A CLEANING MODULE - Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for a roller assembly that may be utilized in a brush cleaning module. In one embodiment, a roller assembly is described. The roller assembly includes an annular groove having at least two substantially parallel opposing sidewalls adapted to contact the major surfaces of a substrate along a periphery of the substrate, each of the opposing sidewalls comprising a compressible material having a pre-compressed dimension that is less than a thickness of the periphery of the substrate. | 04-07-2011 |
20130193956 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING A SUBSTRATE IN A LOAD CUP - Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for detecting the presence of a substrate in a load cup. The invention includes a proximity sensor having a detection pad disposed below a contact surface of a load cup assembly and a target disposed on a lever member and adapted to move toward the detection pad when a substrate is placed on the lever member and adapted to move away from the detection pad when a substrate is removed from the lever member. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed. | 08-01-2013 |
20130283634 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MARANGONI SUBSTRATE DRYING USING A VAPOR KNIFE MANIFOLD - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a Marangoni vapor knife assembly. The assembly includes a base having a channel extending longitudinally through the base and a plurality of passages extending laterally from the channel toward an outer face of the base; a top plate adapted to be removeably coupled to the base with an outer face flush with the outer face of the base; and a shim adapted to be disposed between the base and the top plate and further adapted to form a plurality of spray orifices in the assembly. Numerous additional features are disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
20130288578 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRE-CHEMICAL MECHANICAL PLANARIZATION BUFFING MODULE - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a pre-CMP semiconductor substrate buffing module. The invention includes a polishing pad assembly adapted to be rotated against a major surface of a substrate; a chuck adapted to hold the substrate and to rotate the substrate against the polishing pad assembly as the polishing pad assembly is rotated; and a lateral motion motor adapted to oscillate the polishing pad assembly laterally across the major surface of the substrate while the polishing pad assembly is rotated against the rotating substrate. Numerous additional features are disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
20150027491 | DOUBLE SIDED BUFF MODULE FOR POST CMP CLEANING - A buff module and method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a buff module includes housing having an interior volume, a plurality of drive rollers and a pair of buff heads. The drive rollers are arranged to rotate a substrate within the interior volume on a substantially horizontal axis. The buff heads are disposed in the housing, each buff head rotatable on an axis substantially aligned with the horizontal axis and movable to a position substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. | 01-29-2015 |
20150050105 | VAPOR DRYER MODULE WITH REDUCED PARTICLE GENERATION - Embodiments described herein generally relate to a vapor dryer module for cleaning substrates during a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. In one embodiment, a module for processing a substrate is provided. The module includes a tank having sidewalls with an outer surface and an inner surface defining a processing volume, a substrate support structure for transferring a substrate within the processing volume, the substrate support structure having a first portion that is at least partially disposed in the processing volume and a second portion that is outside of the processing volume, and one or more actuators disposed on an outer surface of one of the sidewalls of the tank and coupled between the outer surface and the second portion of the support structure, the one or more actuators operable to move the support structure relative to the tank. | 02-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110110241 | PRESENTATION OF A SELECTED PORT - Back pressure is mapped within a network, and primary bottlenecks are distinguished from dependent bottlenecks. Further, the presently disclosed technology is capable of performing network healing operations designed to reduce the data load on primary bottlenecks while ignoring dependent bottlenecks. Still further, the presently disclosed technology teaches identifying and/or suggesting a switch port for adding a node to the network. More specifically, various implementations analyze traffic load and back pressure in a network, identify primary and dependent bottlenecks, resolve the primary bottlenecks, collect new node parameters, and/or select a switch port for the new node. Further, a command can be sent to a selected switch to activate an indicator on the selected port. New node parameters may include new node type, maximum load, minimum load, time of maximum load, time of minimum load and type of data associated with the new node. | 05-12-2011 |
20110110381 | AUTOMATIC SWITCH PORT SELECTION - Back pressure is mapped within a network, and primary bottlenecks are distinguished from dependent bottlenecks. Further, the presently disclosed technology is capable of performing network healing operations designed to reduce the data load on primary bottlenecks while ignoring dependent bottlenecks. Still further, the presently disclosed technology teaches identifying and/or suggesting a switch port for adding a node to the network. More specifically, various implementations analyze traffic load and back pressure in a network, identify primary and dependent bottlenecks, resolve the primary bottlenecks, collect new node parameters, and/or select a switch port for the new node. Further, a command can be sent to a selected switch to activate an indicator on the selected port. New node parameters may include new node type, maximum load, minimum load, time of maximum load, time of minimum load and type of data associated with the new node. | 05-12-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090137915 | Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Physiological Coherence and Autonomic Balance - Method and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves and low frequency brain waves based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV) and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD) and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum. High EP values occur when this power is concentrated within a relatively narrow range of frequencies, and lower values when the power is distributed over a broader range of frequencies. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for monitoring the heart beat and presenting this information via a personal computer, handheld device, or other processing means. | 05-28-2009 |
20090281400 | System and Method for Facilitating Group Coherence - Group coherence is facilitated in a group environment, such as a gaming, competitive, cooperative or collaborative environment. In one embodiment, a graphical representation of a scenario may be presented to a plurality of individuals. A physiological measure for each of the plurality of individuals may be sampled and used to track the individuals' heart rhythm patterns. A current group coherence level for the plurality of individuals may then be determined, where the group coherence level corresponds to a collective degree to which said plurality of heart rhythm patterns exhibit a sine waveform. In one embodiment, an appropriate modification to the scenario may be determined, where the modification is based on the current group coherence level. The updated graphical representation of the scenario may then be presented to the plurality of individuals. | 11-12-2009 |
20100041967 | ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL INTUITION INDICATOR - Systems and methods for electrophysiological detection and measurement of intuition are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more electrophysiological properties of one or more individuals are monitored and used as an indication of a future event. In one embodiment, the electrophysiological property may include heart rate variability, brain wave activity, respiration pattern, skin conductance level, etc. In another embodiment, a signal averaging technique is used to generate a waveform that may be used as an indicator of future events. | 02-18-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080204850 | Persistent Electro-Optic Devices and Processes for Optical Media - An optical media is provided with an associated persistent electrochromic material. The electrochromic material has at least two states. In a first state, the electrochromic material interferes with the ability of an interrogating laser beam to read data from the optical media, and in a second state, the electrochromic material is substantially transparent, enabling the laser beam to read the disc. Advantageously, the persistent electrochromic material holds a desired optical state without the application of external power. The persistent time period may extend for days, weeks, or years depending on particular constructions, and on application requirements. The optical media has an integrated circuit, which is used to cause the electrochromic material to transition from a first state to the second state. In one example, an integrated circuit acts as the powering circuit for the electrochromic material, as well as providing logic and processing functions. The integrated circuit also couples to an RF antenna, enabling the integrated circuit to communicate with an associated RF scanning device. | 08-28-2008 |
20100097223 | PRODUCT SECURITY SYSTEM - The present system provides a tag having one or more components comprising a physically rugged structure which can be attached to a product in a manner that renders the product inoperable, defaced, or that otherwise denies access to the intended use or value of the product until it is “unlocked” by means of a wireless communication, such as by a radio frequency transmission. The tag comprises a latching mechanism comprising in part an “actuator” and a “gripper”. | 04-22-2010 |
20110006898 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTION OF THEFT OF LED LIGHT BULBS - A merchandise control device is described that can be attached to a light emitting diode (“LED”) light bulb. A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) circuit located within the LED light bulb is configured to respond to an interrogating radio frequency (RF) signal at a point of sale. An antenna provided on an external surface of the LED light bulb, or on a sheet attached to the LED light bulb, has an electrical connection that communicates the RF signal to the RFID device. The RFID device is configured to enable function of the LED light bulb upon receiving a security code from the RF signal that matches a security code stored in the RFID device. | 01-13-2011 |
20110050389 | LOW POWER WIRELESS CONTROLLER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A wireless control device is described that single chip passive wireless control integrated circuit device. The device is coupled to an antenna configured to receive a radio signal and comprises a radio frequency transceiver circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate of an integrated circuit device and configured to extract information from the radio signal and a processor fabricated on the semiconductor substrate and configured to receive the information extracted from the radio signal and to respond to a command encoded in the information. A FET fabricated on the substrate operates as a switch and has a gate controlled by the processor. The FET can be configured to transmit an activation current provided to the integrated circuit device to an output of the integrated circuit device. The output may drive an actuator. | 03-03-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120217304 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORIZING A RIGHT OR BENEFIT - Systems and methods for securing access to benefits included with various products for sale are disclosed herein. At least two code identifiers may be included upon a substrate to be inserted or affixed to a product, or alternatively, upon a surface or material of the product or its packaging. The respective code identifiers together form a unique code which maps to a set of rights or benefits intended to be conferred upon a consumer. The code identifiers may be duplex printed upon the substrate or product material in order to curb or eliminate matching errors. In some embodiments, the substrate or product material may be selected, configured, or assembled so as to readily evidence product tampering. Various embodiments of the present invention advantageously enable product localization without the collection of personal information from the consumer, while simultaneously curbing illicit access from unauthorized parties. | 08-30-2012 |
20130191233 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING ACCESS TO BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCTS - Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item. | 07-25-2013 |
20130198858 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTENT AUTHORIZATION SERVICE - A content authorization service is described, including receiving, from a first source, information comprises a key for accessing content recorded on a disc; storing the key, a pre-recorded media serial number (PMSN), and a product serial number (PSN); receiving, from a second source, another PSN, the another PSN; determining that the PSN and the another PSN is a same code; recording data that indicates the disc is authenticated if the PSN and the another PSN is the same code; receiving, from a third source, at least one of the PSN and the PMSN; determining that the at least one of the PSN and the PMSN identifies the disc; and if the at least one of the PSN and the PMSN identifies the disc, transmitting the key to the third source, the key enables access to the content recorded on the disc. | 08-01-2013 |
20130198859 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A PRODUCT AUTHORIZATION SERVICE - A product authorization service is described, including receiving, from a first source, an item serial number (ISN) of a product and an item-specific key (ISK) for the product; receiving, from a second source, a product-package serial number (PPSN) associated with the product and information about the second source; storing the received PSN with an authorized indication based on the information about the second source indicating an authorized source; receiving, from the product, the PSN and the ISN; determining whether the PSN is the same as the receive PSN with the authorized indication; and if the PSN is the same as the receive PSN, transmitting the ISK to the product, the ISK enables activation of one or more features of the product. | 08-01-2013 |
20130219520 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH A PRODUCT - Controlling rights associated with a product is described, including receiving, from a source, a first code of a media product, the first code is unique to the media product; authorizing the media product based on the first code and information about the source; receiving, from another source, the first code and a second code of media the product, the second code is unique to the media product; determining whether the first code is authorized; if the first code is authorized, identifying an encryption key for the media product based on the second code, and transmitting the encryption key to the second source, the encryption key enables access to content of the media product | 08-22-2013 |
20140304167 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING ACCESS TO BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCTS - Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item. | 10-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090083171 | FIXED PICK-A-PAYMENT - A multiple option loan presentation apparatus and method allows a loan agent to communicate a non-traditional loan product to a customer. Non-traditional mortgage products such as pick-a-payment loans allow a borrower to exchange lower payments during an initial period for higher payments layer in an amortization period. Some borrowers do not want to accepting the risk associated with adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) for increases in interest rates, but are still desirous of options for reduced monthly payments. Combining fixed rate loans with an option for interest-only or minimum payments allows this flexibility, but places a premium on being able to graphically depict the implications of these choices. Thereby, the borrower can make an informed decision and the loan agent is able to more quickly conclude the transaction. In particular, the minimum payments constraints and changes in amounts can be made more intuitive. | 03-26-2009 |
20100318452 | MULTIPLE LOAN PAYMENT OPTION SALES TOOL - A multiple option loan presentation apparatus and method allows a loan agent to communicate a non-traditional loan product to a customer. Non-traditional mortgage products such as pick-a-payment loans allow a borrower to exchange lower payments during an initial period for higher payments layer in an amortization period. Some borrowers do not want to accepting the risk associated with adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) for increases in interest rates, but are still desirous of options for reduced monthly payments. Combining fixed rate loans with an option for interest-only or minimum payments allows this flexibility, but places a premium on being able to graphically depict the implications of these choices. Thereby, the borrower can make an informed decision and the loan agent is able to more quickly conclude the transaction. In particular, the minimum payments constraints and changes in amounts can be made more intuitive. | 12-16-2010 |
20110196781 | MULTIPLE LOAN PAYMENT OPTION SALES TOOL - A multiple option loan presentation apparatus and method allows a loan agent to communicate a non-traditional loan product to a customer. Non-traditional mortgage products such as pick-a-payment loans allow a borrower to exchange lower payments during an initial period for higher payments layer in an amortization period. Some borrowers do not want to accepting the risk associated with adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) for increases in interest rates, but are still desirous of options for reduced monthly payments. Combining fixed rate loans with an option for interest-only or minimum payments allows this flexibility, but places a premium on being able to graphically depict the implications of these choices. Thereby, the borrower can make an informed decision and the loan agent is able to more quickly conclude the transaction. In particular, the minimum payments constraints and changes in amounts can be made more intuitive. | 08-11-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100021077 | Image quality - A magnified image is improved by integrating the wavelength specific component into that image. A magnified images obtained, and at least one wavelength specific component images also obtained. The different images are converted in color space, and different channels, indicative of the different parts of the image shows, are also obtained. For example, the image may be converted to an L*a*b* color space, and the luminance channel of the wavelength specific component may be used to enhance or replace the luminance channel of the magnified image. | 01-28-2010 |
20100030481 | Dating hemorrhage - Systems and techniques for dating hemorrhage. In one aspect, a method includes receiving one or more hemorrhage samples that provide information relevant to dating of a hemorrhage, receiving timing information describing timing of the hemorrhage, staining the hemorrhage samples with two or more stains, quantifying two or more parameters that quantitatively characterize two or more properties of the hemorrhage samples on the basis of the staining by the two or more stains, and forming a hemorrhage database that includes the timing information in association with the staining parameters. | 02-04-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100010377 | GUIDE WIRE LOADING METHOD AND APPARATUS WITH TOWEL ATTACHMENT MECHANISM - A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010475 | GUIDEWIRE AND CATHETER MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Provided are devices, systems, and methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. In one implementation, the device may include a housing having a curved bottom surface for accommodating the shape of a patient's leg. Into the housing is mounted a retaining member, which can retain one or more guidewires, catheters, or the like. In another embodiment, the housing may include a number of vertical supports between which is mounted at least one retaining member housing. The retaining member housing may in turn house a retaining member, suitable for receiving and retaining one or more elongated devices such as catheters or guidewires. The retaining member may have a suitable size, shape, and level of flexibility to allow a catheter or guidewire to be placed therein and held with a desired level of force until such a time as a user desires to remove the catheter or guidewire. Using the device, catheter/guidewire combinations or other such paired devices, or indeed any devices, may be effectively managed in a surgical field. | 01-14-2010 |