International Business Machines Corporation

Benjamin R Wheeler

Richard Gerard Burda

Jeffrey P Gifford

John T Federico

Jonathan Levy

Peter J Shaffer

Oliver Liao

Thomas D Stahlecker

A method identifies time sensitive processing sequences within a production environment using a computerized device. The processing sequences perform operations utilizing one or more tools. The method also identifies non-committed work in process items that are grouped in non-committed lots for release into one or more of the time sensitive processing sequences, and identifies committed work in process items that are being processed in committed lots within the time sensitive processing sequences, using the computerized device. The method sorts the non-committed lots by a predetermined priority, again using the computerized device. Starting with the highest priority non-committed lot (and continuing with others of the non-committed lots in priority order) the method determines whether there is available tool capacity to process a non-committed lot through each corresponding time sensitive processing sequence using the computerized device. If the tool capacity is available for the non-committed lot, the method releases the non-committed lot to begin the corresponding time sensitive processing sequences, using the computerized device.

Product release control into time-sensitive processing environments

A clean room covering or enclosure for a portable computer, wherein the computer has a keyboard portion and a screen portion connected by a hinge foldable between closed and open positions. The enclosure comprises a flexible sleeve for receiving the keyboard portion of the portable computer, with the sleeve having an opening through which the keyboard portion is inserted and removed, a transparent portion for viewing and operating the keyboard and a gas permeable vent portion adapted to restrict flow of contaminant particles. A flexible flap extends from the sleeve portion and is adapted to wrap around and over the screen portion of the portable computer, and has a transparent portion for viewing the screen. The enclosure also includes a reclosable seal for securing the flexible flap around the screen portion. The reclosable seal preferably secures the flexible sleeve opening to restrict flow of contaminant particles.

Protective clean room covering for notebook computer

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Beacon, NY, United States of America

Benjamin R Wheeler