Abstract: A predictive analytics apparatus, engine, system and method capable of providing real time analytics in a manufacturing system. The apparatus, engine, system and method may include a data input capable of receiving raw data output from at least one machine operable to effect the manufacturing system embodiments, and a processor associated with a computing memory and suitable for executing code from the computing memory.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for supply chain management (SCM) system processing. A SCM operating platform is operatively coupled to SCM modules for collecting, storing, distributing and processing SCM data to determine statistical opportunities and risk in a SCM hierarchy. SCM risk processing may be utilized to determine risk values that are dependent upon SCM attributes. Multiple SCM risk processing results may be produced for further drill-down by a user. SCM network nodes, their relation and status may further be produced for fast and efficient status determination.

Abstract: A lamination apparatus, system, and method. The apparatus, system and method are for a lamination press for laminating at least one laminating film to a subject, which may include: an upper press comprising a gel plate, an upper vacuum chamber, and tooling suitable to apply the laminating film; a lower press suitable to maintain the subject to receive the laminating film, and comprising a lower vacuum chamber, an air bearing stage, and servo-positioned tooling; and an aligner that applies the servo-positioned tooling to maintain positional balance and alignment of the subject by the air bearing stage during the laminating while enabling vertical flexure of the lower press, wherein the positional balance and alignment is substantially continuously monitored by a controller.

Abstract: A predictive analytics apparatus, engine, system and method capable of providing real time analytics in a manufacturing system. The apparatus, engine, system and method may include a data input capable of receiving raw data output from at least one machine operable to effect the manufacturing system embodiments, and a processor associated with a computing memory and suitable for executing code from the computing memory.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of for certifying a sensor that at least partially navigates an autonomous mobile robot. The apparatus may include at least a robot body; at least one light source resident on the robot body proximate to the sensing camera such that the at least one light source is capable of at least partially irradiating a field of view (FoV) of the sensing camera, wherein the at least one light source has characteristics substantially mated to the sensing camera; and at least one processing system that provides the at least partial navigation. The at least one processing system may execute the steps of: actuating the at least one light source at a predetermined time and for a predetermined duration; monitoring data from the sensing camera for confirmation of the actuating; calculating at least one of the latency, throughput, and reactivity of the sensing camera based on the monitoring; and at least partially navigating based on the calculating.

Abstract: Support blocks for printed circuit boards (PCB's) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA's), wherein the support blocks are produced from a 3D printing process. The support block including a bottom surface having a vacuum connection; a top surface having at least one vacuum hole; at least one recessed surface that is offset from the top surface; and at least one vacuum channel extending from the vacuum connection to the at least one vacuum hole.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing composition useful as a support material for common build materials (e.g., polyamide or polyester) is comprised of a blend of an elastomer toughened styrenic polymer having discreet domains of polymerized conjugate diene dispersed within a styrenic matrix and a vinyl aromatic-maleic anhydride copolymer. The composition may be used as a support material in additive manufacturing methods such as extrusion methods (e.g., fused filament fabrication). The compositions may be tuned to realize the desired adherence to facilitate the desired support while also allowing for the mechanical removal without breakage of the underlying part or residual adhered support material.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method may include at least the delivery of device power to a single or plurality of workstations, which may include at least one power storage unit suitable to supply power to the plurality of workstations; a plurality of control units each associated with one of the plurality of workstations, wherein each of the control units receives power from the at least one power unit, is communicatively associated with the at least one power unit, and comprises a plurality of power outputs suitable to output power from the power unit to devices associated with the respective workstation; and may include at least one ambient energy collector suitable to provide accumulated power to the at least one power unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple flexible circuit cable attachment is described herein. Gold bumps are bonded on interconnection pads of a substrate to create a columnar structure and solder or conductive epoxy is dispensed on the flexible cable circuit. The substrate and flexible cable circuit are aligned and pressed together using force or placement of a weight on either the substrate or flexible cable circuit. Appropriate heat is applied to reflow the solder or cure the epoxy. The solder wets to the substrate pads, assisted by the gold bumps, and have reduced bridging risk due to the columnar structure. A nonconductive underfill epoxy is applied to increase mechanical strength.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for providing an end effector. The end effector may be capable of accommodating semiconductor wafers of varying sizes, and may include: a wafer support; a bearing arm capable of interfacing with at least one robotic element, and at least partially bearing the wafer support at one end thereof; a plurality of support pads on the wafer support for physically interfacing with a one of the semiconductor wafers; and a low friction moving clamp driven bi-directionally along a plane at least partially provided by the bearing arm, wherein the low friction moving clamp retractably applies force to a proximal edge of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for finite impulse response filter under a constrained sampling rate. A method for constrained sampling rate filtering includes segmenting an input signal with a first rate into a defined number of streams, wherein the defined number of streams sets an effective sample rate of each stream to at least less than a second rate and the second rate is less than the first rate, determining filter coefficients for a finite impulse response filter, grouping the filter coefficients into subsets of filter coefficients to match the defined number of streams, applying in parallel, for each of the defined number of streams, a subset of filter coefficients to a corresponding stream, and combining at least some outputs from the defined number of streams conditionally based on the second rate.

Abstract: A low voltage, low frequency multi-level power converter capable of power conversion is disclosed. The power converter may include a low voltage, low frequency circuit that includes a plurality of phase-shifting inverters in series; a plurality of low voltage source inputs, and a plurality of phase-shifting inverters in series. Each of the plurality of phase-shifting inverters may be configured to receive at least one of the plurality of low voltage source inputs; and generate at least one square wave output. A semi-sine wave output may be derived from the generated at least one square wave output.

Abstract: System and methods to enable integration of electronic components to form LED assembly with a high accuracy (0.1 mm or better) and high process capability (Cpk of 1.67 or higher) for realizing precision electro-mechanical device. The system and methods use through holes that connect a printed circuit board to a housing as fiducial marks and LED emitter center as a reference point for alignment in order to improve the efficacy and accuracy of assembling of the LED assembly. The through holes are drilled by using laser drilling or milling machine, Use of adhesive to anchor the LED component down prior to reflow process i.e. to avoid self alignment characteristic of component on solder paste during reflow process.

Abstract: A digital masking system includes a supporting structure for supporting a material, and a pattern imaging apparatus. The pattern imaging apparatus includes a light source device, multiple imaging devices that convert light from the light source device into a plurality of light beams each representing an image, and a combiner that combines the light beams into a single light beam which is projected toward a material.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method of providing a flexible heater on at least one conformable substrate of a medical fluid bag. The disclosed embodiments may include providing a matched function ink set, printed onto at least one substantially planar face of the at least one substrate to form at least: at least one conductive layer capable of receiving current flow from at least one power source; at least one resistive layer electrically associated with the at least one conductive layer and comprising a plurality of heating elements capable of generating heat upon receipt of the current flow; and at least one dielectric layer capable of at least partially insulating the at least one resistive layer.

Abstract: A core/shell polymer material suitable for three-dimensional printing is provided. The core/shell polymer material may include at least one amorphous polymer as a core particle and at least one semicrystalline polymer as a shell material surrounding the core particle.

Abstract: A polymer material suitable for three-dimensional printing that may include at least one of polyether block amide, thermoplastic polyurethane, and thermoplastic olefin. The polymer is formed through chemical precipitation forming a precipitated pulverulent polymer which possesses increased operating window characteristics selected from the group consisting at least one of a wider than typical range between and among the melting and recrystallization temperatures, a larger enthalpy upon melting, and a low volumetric change during recrystallization.

Abstract: A precision squeegee grinder including a grinder assembly configured to grind an edge of a squeegee blade, a squeegee mounting assembly configured to hold the squeegee blade, a grinder assembly vertically alignable with respect to the squeegee mounting assembly, a latitudinal movement assembly connected to the grinder assembly, the latitudinal movement assembly configured to position the grinder assembly with respect to the squeegee blade in defined increments, a longitudinal movement assembly connected to the latitudinal movement, the longitudinal movement assembly configured to move the grinder assembly along a width of the squeegee blade, and a base assembly. The grinder assembly, the squeegee mounting assembly, the latitudinal movement assembly, and the longitudinal movement assembly are connected to the base assembly. The squeegee mounting assembly, the latitudinal movement assembly, and the longitudinal movement assembly enable triaxial alignment between the grinder assembly and the squeegee blade.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing an automated contact cutter. The contact cutter includes a contact reel holder for holding therein a bandoleer comprising a plurality of stamped contacts; at least an inlet roller comprising an inlet pin, a turn roller, and a receiving roller mechanically connected by at least one motor drive belt to a drive motor, wherein the inlet roller is capable of receiving an end portion of the bandoleer onto the inlet pin for loading; a cutter between the turn roller and the receiving roller that is capable of cutting ones of the stamped contacts from the bandoleer for picking by a pick and place robot; and a comb capable of combing at least the bandoleer and cut and partially cut ones of the stamped contacts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inter-path delay estimation. A method for inter-path delay estimation includes injecting, nearly simultaneously, a continuous wave tone at an input test point in a first communication path and at an input test point in a second communication path, combining output signals from the first communication path and the second communication path, measuring a magnitude of a combined output signal using an envelope detector, and adjusting a delay element in one of the first communication path and the second communication path until the magnitude of the combined output signal is maximized.