Abstract: A wafer processing system according to one embodiment includes a chamber housing having an exhaust and a rotatable wafer support member for supporting a wafer. A filter fan unit is contained internally within the chamber housing and includes a variable speed fan. A controller is in communication with the variable speed fan to allow the housing to be maintained at either a net positive pressure or a net negative pressure relative to a surrounding environment (e.g., the clean room) outside the housing and also the relative pressures of the chamber housing, the surrounding environment and a handler area can be monitored and controlled.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable support stand for various devices such as laptop computes, tablet PCs and other electronic equipment. The stand has a tripod configuration which promotes stability of the user device. The front legs of the tripod may be adjusted between compact and extended positions, and may be placed in a position relative to the rear leg anywhere from 0° in a fully closed position to approximately 180° in a fully open position. Audible indicators are used with overall stand adjustment and with adjustment of stoppers at the ends of the front legs. Adjustment of the front legs relative to the rear leg employs a pivot section, including a finger disc spring, an adjustment actuator and an engagement member between the spring and the actuator. The engagement member includes projections or dimples which engage receptacles on an engagement member to secure the stand in a desired arrangement.

Abstract: A rotation stop system is disclosed, which limits the rotation of a user device mounted to a mounting member. The user device may be connected to an end cap secured to the mounting member. The rotation stop system includes a rotation stop device operable to engage the mounting member and the end cap. The rotation stop device includes a rotation stop collar and at least one rotation stop ring having at least one stop member. The end cap includes a stop engaging member, which is configured to interoperate with the stop members of the rotation stop rings, in order to prevent further rotation of the user device beyond the stop members.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides enhanced extension arm assemblies for supporting various user devices such as flat panel displays and other equipment. The extension arm assemblies include endcaps that connect to a mounting device or to other equipment. In order to stably support the weight of the user device, the endcap, and in particular the endcap shaft, needs to be fabricated accordingly. In one embodiment, the shaft of the endcap has an enhanced cruciform configuration where corners along the shaft are radiused or otherwise curved. In another embodiment, the endcap shaft is formed of wrought steel and the main body of the endcap is cast onto the shaft. These shaft configurations provide superior strength and stability. Another endcap configuration integrally casts a tube with the endcap body and provides enhanced range of motion for the extension arm. Methods of manufacturing these devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable support stand for various devices such as laptop computes, tablet PCs and other electronic equipment. The stand has a tripod configuration which promotes stability of the user device. The front legs of the tripod may be adjusted between compact and extended positions, and may be placed in a position relative to the rear leg anywhere from 0° in a fully closed position to approximately 180° in a fully open position. Audible indicators are used with overall stand adjustment and with adjustment of stoppers at the ends of the front legs. Adjustment of the front legs relative to the rear leg employs a pivot section, including a finger disc spring, an adjustment actuator and an engagement member between the spring and the actuator. The engagement member includes projections or dimples which engage receptacles on an engagement member to secure the stand in a desired arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated fluid control valve includes a piston and a piston actuator including a permanent magnet. First and second piston actuator positions for magnetically disposing the piston in valve open and valve closed positions are provided. A pneumatic actuator driving circuit pneumatically moves the piston actuator from one to the other of first and second piston actuator positions to dispose the piston in the open and closed positions. The valve includes an annular valve assembly. One valve assembly position is a normally closed position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to open the valve. Another valve assembly position is a normally open position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to close the valve.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated fluid control valve includes a piston and a piston actuator including a permanent magnet. First and second piston actuator positions for magnetically disposing the piston in valve open and valve closed positions are provided. A pneumatic actuator driving circuit pneumatically moves the piston actuator from one to the other of first and second piston actuator positions to dispose the piston in the open and closed positions. The valve includes an annular valve assembly. One valve assembly position is a normally closed position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to open the valve. Another valve assembly position is a normally open position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to close the valve.