Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatuses and systems for determining the position of a carrier ring assembly supported by an end effector. In an embodiment, the position of the carrier ring assembly is determined by passing the carrier ring assembly through a plurality of through beam sensors. As the carrier ring passes through the sensors, a plurality of sensor transitions along points on the carrier ring assembly are detected. Each sensor transition indicates that one of the through beam sensors changed from an unblocked state to a blocked state, or changed from an blocked state to an unblocked state. The position of the end effector is recorded at each sensor transition and is associated with the sensor transition that caused the end effector position to be recorded. A position of the carrier ring assembly is then calculated from the plurality of sensor transitions and their associated end effector positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses for removing charge from a carrier ring assembly. Embodiments include picking up a carrier ring assembly from a first location with an end effector. The charge is removed from the carrier ring assembly by one or more charge regulating surfaces formed on an end effector. According to an embodiment the charge regulating surfaces may be pads formed above top surfaces of an end effector blade. Embodiments include charge regulating surfaces that cover the entire surface of the end effector blade. Embodiments include removing charge from a carrier ring of an end effector assembly, and from a substrate supported on a conductive adhesive backing tape surrounded by the carrier ring. In an embodiment, the carrier ring assembly is then transferred to a second location with the end effector.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatuses for transferring and aligning a carrier ring. In an embodiment, a method includes lifting the carrier ring from a first location with a robot arm that includes an end effector wrist and an end effector. Front dowel pins and rear dowel pins are coupled to the end effector. In an embodiment, the end effector wrist includes a plunger that has a gripping device. Embodiments include securing the plunger to the carrier ring with the gripping device and extending the plunger out from the end effector wrist until the carrier ring contacts the front dowel pins. Thereafter, the carrier ring is transferred from the first location to the second location. The plunger and the carrier ring are then retracted until the rear dowel pins engage an alignment notch and an alignment flat on the carrier ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatuses and systems for determining the position of a carrier ring assembly supported by an end effector. In an embodiment, the position of the carrier ring assembly is determined by passing the carrier ring assembly through a plurality of through beam sensors. As the carrier ring passes through the sensors, a plurality of sensor transitions along points on the carrier ring assembly are detected. Each sensor transition indicates that one of the through beam sensors changed from an unblocked state to a blocked state, or changed from an blocked state to an unblocked state. The position of the end effector is recorded at each sensor transition and is associated with the sensor transition that caused the end effector position to be recorded. A position of the carrier ring assembly is then calculated from the plurality of sensor transitions and their associated end effector positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step.

Abstract: A containment system includes a bounded container having a shaped rim region and a sealing multi-hinged lid system engaging respective rim regions and respective closing lid members. Optionally, the wall sections are collapsible and a rim-lid interface and a lid-lid interface are discontinuous to aid sealing. Optionally, a sliding lock function is provided to enhance positive lid closure. An alternative interfitting arrangement provides a positive compressive urging proximate respective contact regions where the lids and the shaped rim interfit, and between lids, to provide air and moisture resistance to the containment system.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods including pneumatic end effectors for transporting substrates between system components of electronic device manufacturing systems are provided. In one aspect, an end effector has a base adapted to be connected to a robotic component, and one or more pneumatic suction elements positioned on the base. Applying a pneumatic source to the pneumatic suction element draws a substrate into contact with contact pads of the end effector. Methods and systems, as well as numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A head holder for holding and tensioning the head of a bone screw, particularly a pedicle screw, is provided. Also provided is a ratcheting connector for connecting to the head holders while permitting rotational movement of the head holder when engaged with the ratcheting connector. Also provided is a flex arm connector for connecting multiple ratcheting connectors across multiple vertebral bodies. A tool set for managing and/or correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, including at least one or more head holders and one or more ratcheting connectors is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step.

Abstract: A head holder for holding and tensioning the head of a bone screw, particularly a pedicle screw, is provided. Also provided is a ratcheting connector for connecting to the head holders while permitting rotational movement of the head holder when engaged with the ratcheting connector. Also provided is a flex arm connector for connecting multiple ratcheting connectors across multiple vertebral bodies. A tool set for managing and/or correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, including at least one or more head holders and one or more ratcheting connectors is provided.

Abstract: A power manager for a passive optical network, including a network statistics collector, for collecting data regarding traffic in a passive optical network (PON) including a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) on the downstream side of the PON, wherein each ONU can be in at least a sleep state and an active state, and wherein the PON transmits data in packets of data frames, a buffer for storing downstream data frames for each ONU while the ONU is in the sleep state, an activity detector for processing the data collected by the network statistics collector to generate indicators of activity levels for each ONU, and a protocol manager including a plurality of state machines for the respective plurality of ONUs, wherein each state machine governs state transition of its respective ONU to the sleep state when the activity detector indicates a low activity level for the ONU, and to the active state when the activity detector indicates a high level of activity for the ONU.

Abstract: A power manager for a passive optical network, including a network statistics collector, for collecting data regarding traffic in a passive optical network (PON) including a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) on the downstream side of the PON, wherein each ONU can be in at least a sleep state and an active state, and wherein the PON transmits data in packets of data frames, a buffer for storing downstream data frames for each ONU while the ONU is in the sleep state, an activity detector for processing the data collected by the network statistics collector to generate indicators of activity levels for each ONU, and a protocol manager including a plurality of state machines for the respective plurality of ONUs, wherein each state machine governs state transition of its respective ONU to the sleep state when the activity detector indicates a low activity level for the ONU, and to the active state when the activity detector indicates a high level of activity for the ONU.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tracking time spent on one or more Internet sites. The tracked information may then be used to generate detailed records containing the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of the sites visited, the exact time spent on each site, and a record of any downloads, file transfers, or other activities performed by the user. One or more reports may be generated from the detailed records and list the activity by each user, tabulating the web site accessed and the time spent on that web site. This information may then be utilized to generate an invoice for the work performed. The reports may be generated are stored electronically, and may be accessed by an invoicing program which uses stored hourly rates in conjunction with the information in the report to generate a detailed invoice for the client. The invention may be deployed on a personal computer, and enabled by a service operator who provides the time tracking and recouping system (e.g., a software means).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen from a controllable water-split reaction. The reaction utilizes a consolidated mass of reactant material, comprising aluminum and a metal oxide initiator, and preferably a water soluble salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of the aluminum during the reaction. The reactant materials are in particulate form, and are contained within a layer of filter material that allows the water to enter and the hydrogen gas to escape. Water is fed into the mass in a progressive fashion, from one end towards the other. The produced hydrogen is collected and supplied to a fuel cell or other user device. The mass of reactant material may be contained in a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tracking time spent on one or more Internet sites. The tracked information may then be used to generate detailed records containing the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of the sites visited, the exact time spent on each site, and a record of any downloads, file transfers, or other activities performed by the user. One or more reports may be generated from the detailed records and list the activity by each user, tabulating the web site accessed and the time spent on that web site. This information may then be utilized to generate an invoice for the work performed. The reports may be generated are stored electronically, and may be accessed by an invoicing program which uses stored hourly rates in conjunction with the information in the report to generate a detailed invoice for the client. The invention may be deployed on a personal computer, and enabled by a service operator who provides the time tracking and recouping system (e.g., a software means).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tracking time spent on one or more Internet sites. The tracked information may then be used to generate detailed records containing the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of the sites visited, the exact time spent on each site, and a record of any downloads, file transfers, or other activities performed by the user. One or more reports may be generated from the detailed records and list the activity by each user, tabulating the web site accessed and the time spent on that web site. This information may then be utilized to generate an invoice for the work performed. The reports may be generated are stored electronically, and may be accessed by an invoicing program which uses stored hourly rates in conjunction with the information in the report to generate a detailed invoice for the client. The invention may be deployed on a personal computer, and enabled by a service operator who provides the time tracking and recouping system (e.g., a software means).