Abstract: A device by which RFID data can pass from the RFID reader, or from the plant floor PLC and reader, to business applications at the enterprise level. The RFID tag date is easily integrated into a PLC for integration with other equipment. The security of the overall system is maintained by only allowing tag information to be available to authenticated users by means of active or passive tags and the use of certificates and encryption during the data transmission. Multiple RFID reader device drivers can be customized to support any number of readers available in the marketplace, with each RFID reader including its own data structure, protocol and handshaking methodology for communication. Additionally, a set of run time and configuration tools is provided which allow for an easier integration of RFID tag data into the enterprise architecture for use by other business applications.

Abstract: A remote diagnostics system is presented comprising: a first internal network in a fabricator (FAB), the FAB having at least one automated manufacturing tool, a tool controller, and internal secure storage means; a second internal network in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the OEM having internal secure storage means; an external network; a first secure shared network coupling the first internal network to the external network; a second secure shared network coupling the second internal network to the external network; and a secure channel which propagates data from the tool at the FAB to the OEM for e-diagnostics; wherein the tool generates data proprietary to at least one of the FAB and the OEM.

Abstract: A data brokering system for semiconductor wafer data is presented that comprises: a FAB having at least one automated semiconductor wafer manufacturing tool; a plurality of OEMs, coupled to the FAB via a secure service net; means for providing data about a semiconductor wafer manufactured by the tool to one of the OEMs without revealing information about the tool; and means for collecting fees based on characteristics of the provided data.

Abstract: A ribbon positioning mechanism comprises a ribbon cartridge, a nosepiece, a stepper motor and flexible ribbon guides connecting the ribbon cartridge to the nosepiece. The nosepiece has two side members connected by a bridge, one of which has a downwardly extending leg. A rack located on the bottom of the leg engages a pinion attached to the stepper motor for lifting the nosepiece into a desired position. A ribbon, having a plurality of parallel color bands, passes from the ribbon cartridge via the flexible ribbon guides and through the nosepiece where it is aligned with a print head. The nosepiece freely slides on vertical guide posts attached to a print head carrier and printer logic controls the stepper motor to align the desired color band with the print head.