Abstract: A method and device for handling fabrication articles in an electronics application includes a pickup head with an array of article-holding slots aligned to receive the articles and includes a drive mechanism for tilting the pickup head. Cantilevered support members, such as support rods, have first ends attached to the pickup head and are arranged to form article-receiving regions that are generally aligned with the article-holding slots. In the preferred embodiment, the article-holding slots have a geometry for supporting the fabrication articles when the support members are in an upright condition, i.e. when the articles are vertically oriented. Also in the preferred embodiment, the device includes stops that prevent the articles from entering the slots when the support members are in a horizontal condition. The stops provide a controlled exit and entrance of the articles from and into the slots as the pickup head is tilted, thereby reducing the risk of breakage.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method that provides positive incentives to a call center agent by allowing the call center agent to play a game each time an established performance parameter standard is met. In accordance with the invention, a data collection system monitors a performance parameter of a telephone call handled by a call center agent. A game participation system compares an evaluation of the monitored performance parameter to an established performance parameter standard and allows the call center agent to participate in a game only if the evaluation meets the established performance parameter standard. Allowing the call center agent to immediately play a game after completing a call, in which a performance parameter standard has been met, motivates the agent to continue to meet the performance parameter standard so that a game can be played again.

Abstract: A projection monitor and a method of displaying an output image on a viewing screen of the monitor utilize a number of reconfigurable holographic optical elements (HOEs), allowing the components of the monitor to be physically arranged in a compact configuration. The reconfigurable HOEs may be designed to perform simple optical functions that are commonly associated with traditional optical devices, such as those performed by lenses, prisms and mirrors. However, the reconfigurable HOEs are also designed to perform sophisticated optical manipulations, such as varying the light intensity with respect to a specific direction. Each reconfigurable HOE includes a hologram that is sandwiched between two electrode layers. The hologram is a holographic photopolymeric film that has been combined with liquid crystal. The hologram has an optical property that changes in response to an applied electrical field.

Abstract: A solar control film having low visible light transmittance and low visible light reflectance is comprised of a first sheet of transparent substrate material having deposited thereon a solar-load-reduction film for preferentially reducing infrared light energy transmitted through the film, and a second sheet of transparent substrate material having deposited thereon a thin, transparent film of metal effective to partially block light transmittance, wherein the first sheet of transparent substrate and the second sheet of transparent substrate are separated by an optically massive layer that prevents the constructive and destructive interference of reflected light. A preferred embodiment of a solar control film includes, in order, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a Fabry-Perot interference filter layer, an adhesive layer, a grey metal layer, another polyethylene terephthalate layer, and a hardcoat layer.

Abstract: A low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator for generating a well-regulated voltage which is stable with variations in load resistance and in supply voltage includes a non-complex reference voltage generator. In the preferred embodiment, the reference voltage generator is configured to function as an amplifier as well as a reference voltage generator. In one embodiment, a single gain stage LDO voltage regulator utilizes the single function reference voltage generator which is compared to a feedback voltage that is proportional to an output voltage. The feedback voltage and the reference voltage control two currents which are used to generate a control signal to a pass transistor. Depending on the supply voltage, the pass transistor either increases or decreases the current to an output terminal to raise or lower the output voltage until the output voltage equals the regulated voltage. In another embodiment, a two gain stage LDO voltage regulator utilizes the dual function reference voltage generator.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring circuit with thermal hysteresis in CMOS circuitry utilizes bipolar transistors which are parasitic to standard CMOS circuitry. A concept of band-gap circuitry is used to provide a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current, which is used as a reference. An output signal is produced above a predetermined temperature by comparing current changes between the PTAT current and a PTAT controlled current in a single current path. The PTAT controlled current decreases faster with temperature increase than the change in the PTAT current. The thermal hysteresis is accomplished by inverting the output signal to control a hysteresis transistor for selectively shorting out a hysteresis resistor. In the preferred embodiment, a start circuit is attached to the temperature monitoring circuit with thermal hysteresis to provide an initial current to activate the present invention. The start circuit is quickly shorted out once the devices of the present invention are turned on.

Abstract: An optical arrangement includes a transmissive or reflective substrate having a first surface on which a multi-layer antireflection stack is formed. The antireflection stack is protected by a fluorocarbon lubricating layer that reduces the surface energy of the exposed surface to less than 40 dynes/cm, and preferably less than 20 dynes/cm. The fluorocarbon lubricating layer and a silane adhesion promotion layer form a durable topcoat having desired mechanical and optical characteristics. The preferred material for forming the lubricating layer is a fluoropolymer sold by 3M Company under the federally registered trademark FLUORAD.

Abstract: A method and system for printing new material onto a designated area of a randomly oriented data storage substrate involves determining the orientation of the data storage substrate and electronically generating printer data that compensates for the specific orientation of the substrate. The preferred printing system includes an imaging device, a printing device, and a computer system. The printing method involves imaging a randomly oriented target substrate, such as an optical disk, having a visible pattern and a designated area for receiving new printed material. The new material, text and/or graphics to be printed onto the target disk, is normally oriented in a reference position, but, in order to account for the randomly oriented nature of the target disk, the orientation of the new material is electronically adjusted relative to the printing system. The electronically adjusted new material is then printed onto the designated area of the target disk without having to rotate the disk.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a voltage regulation despite variations in the supply voltage and/or the load utilize a MOS synchronous rectifier in a flyback topology to perform both step-up and step-down operations. The circuit operates in a boost-type operation until the voltage at an output terminal exceeds a predetermined shut-off voltage. At such time, a duty cycle of the circuit is suspended until the voltage at the output terminal falls below the predetermined shut-off voltage. Triggering the duty cycle and the suspension of the duty cycle are dependent solely upon the voltage at the output terminal. The circuit includes a steering device that connects the body of MOS synchronous rectifier to either its source or its drain to consistently configure the MOS synchronous rectifier in a reverse-biased condition. Preferably, the steering device is comprised of two PMOS transistors that are controlled by the voltages at the source and drain of MOS synchronous rectifier.

Abstract: A retractable cable system with multiple cable capability allows electrical conducting cables to be individually extended from and retracted into a cable housing. The retractable cable system includes a housing and multiple cable retractors secured within the housing. The cable retractors contain function-specific electrical cables that have fixed ends and extendible ends. The fixed ends are secured to their corresponding cable retractors with a fixed length of cable extending from the cable retractors. The extendible ends have lengths of cable that can be extended from their corresponding cable retractors to a target device. In the preferred embodiment, the retractable cable system has a housing that is compatible with a standard 19" rack system, individually removable cable-reels, and a mix of cable types and connector types.