Abstract: An interlinked production system is provided with a plurality of processing stations, at least three buffers being provided for decoupling the processing steps in the different processing stations. The flow of parts through the individual stations and the buffers is provided by at least one portal or several portals, upon which a plurality of portal grippers can be driven. The portal grippers are configured for transferring the parts to be processed between the processing stations and the buffers and for loading and unloading of parts. The buffers are configured to receive part carriers and each comprises at least two stack positions. A transfer device is provided for transferring part carriers between the stack positions within the buffers. In this manner, a very flexible interlinked production system is achieved, which can be adjusted to operate in one-piece-flow or also for an optimal productivity with optimised buffer capacities.

Abstract: A computer (10) having a monitor housing (12) within which is affixed a logic module (24) having thereon a processor (36), a memory module (38), a fixed disk drive (40) and an external connector panel (46) all generally housed within a sheet metal housing (42) having therein a plurality of perforations (44) for allowing air from a fan assembly (30) to pass therethrough. A power supply (28) and monitor screen (14) are provided in the monitor housing (12) such that when the logic module (24) is mounted and electrically connected within the monitor housing (12) a generally complete computer (10) unit is provided. An auxiliary drive (16) is optionally provided and affixed to the logic module (24) such that the auxiliary drive (16) is externally accessible when the logic module (24) is affixed within the monitor housing (12).

Abstract: A flat panel display includes a plurality of pixel cells arranged in a rectangular matrix of columns and rows. Each pixel cell includes a pixel electrode, a primary storage element, and a switch for selectively coupling the pixel electrode with the primary storage element and a storage element of another pixel cell in an adjacent row or column. Columns and/or rows of redundant storage elements are provided, such that the switches of pixel cells in the last row or column of the display selectively couple the pixel electrode with a primary storage element and a redundant storage element.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A computer monitor case (10) having a subframe (28) with an intermediate bucket (12) affixed thereto to form a front assembly (56). A top bucket (14) is affixed to a bottom bucket (16) by rivets (52) to form a rear assembly (55). The rear assembly (55) is affixed to the front assembly (56) by top fastening clips (36) wide fastening clips (38) and narrow fastening clips (40). Alignment pins (34) on the subframe (28) align with alignment pin notches (42) and side alignment pin notches (64) on the intermediate bucket (12) and top bucket (14) respectively. Side lips (62) and a front lip (58) on the top bucket (14), attachment ribs (50) on the top bucket (14) and bottom bucket (16), and an intermediate bucket lip (44) on the intermediate bucket (12) provide rigidity and alignment and are used in conjunction with other components as fastening means to hold the computer monitor case (10) together.

Abstract: A cooking utensil includes a body with a depressed portion, a handle extending from the body in a first direction, and a blade extending from the body in a second direction not parallel to the first direction. The body has a curved leading edge that is continuous with a lateral edge of the blade. The upper boundaries of the depressed portion of the body form a plane that makes a non-zero angle with the plane of the blade. A leading edge of the blade is sharpened to facilitate use of the utensil as a cleaver.

Abstract: A crawl space ventilator includes a molded plastic self-contained support frame 20, with low voltage fan(s) 40 mounted therein. The frame 20 including a screened face plate 14 with adjustable hooks 22 or other such means for attachment to existing crawl space screens 12. On the upper surface of the frame 20 is a sloping rain guard 24, molded into the frame 20, to direct rain or irrigation water off the unit and vertical perforated tabs 26 on either side, that can break, off to allow for adjustment to for the ventilator to fit different sized vent screen 12 sizes. The tabs 26 have a secondary purpose, in that they have holes 27 that allow for nails or screws to penetrate through the holes 27 and into the foundation wall surrounding the crawl space opening 12, and is intended as an alternative method for installation.

Abstract: A computer monitor case (10) having a case front (16) to which is affixed a bezel (20) using a plurality of intermediate attachment devices (28). The attachment device (28) is affixed to the bezel (20) by inserting projections (42) of the attachment device (28) within associated irregular apertures (38) in bezel attachment tabs (24) on the bezel (20). The attachment device (28) is, in turn, affixed to a case front (16) using case attachment tabs (26) and screws (30). Accordingly, the computer monitor case (10) is constructed such that moldings for affixing the bezel (20) to the case (10) are not readily visible through the transparent case (10).

Abstract: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that any one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.

Abstract: A combination CMP-etch method for forming a thin planar layer over the surface of a device includes the steps of providing a substrate including a plurality of surface projections defining gaps therebetween, forming an etchable layer on the substrate, performing a CMP process on the etchable layer to form a planar layer having a first thickness in excess of 1,000 Angstroms, and etching the planar layer to a second thickness less than 1,000 Angstroms. In a particular method, the step of forming the etchable layer includes the steps of forming an etch resistant layer on the substrate, forming a fill layer on the etch-resistant layer, etching the fill layer to expose portions of the etch-resistant layer overlying the projections, and to leave a portion of the fill layer in the gaps, and forming the etchable layer on the exposed portions of the etch-resistant layer and the fill layer.

Abstract: A pipe electrochemical polishing system (10, 10a) for in place polishing of a pipe (28(has provision for detecting the instant position of a cathode (14) within the pipe (28) such as cable marks (52) and cable mark sensor (50), an infrared camera (60), heat sensing crayon marks (64), thermisters (66), and capacitance sensors (68), used individually or in combination. According to the inventive in place electropolishing method (80) when it is determined that the cathode is in a non horizontal portion (72) of the pipe (28) and further is presently traveling generally downward, then the direction of flow of the electrolyte (24) is reversed to carry any bubbles in the electrolyte (24) away from the area of the cathode (14).

Abstract: A mechanical convergence fixture apparatus (10) having an LCD frame assembly (12) which is positioned in relation to a projector chassis (14) using an alignment assembly (12) which is positioned in relation to a projector chassis (14) using an alignment assembly (16). The LCD frame assembly (12) has a micro LCD (24) rigidly affixed thereto and a field lens (32) adjustably affixed thereto. A vacuum chuck (40) holds the LCD frame assembly (12) on the alignment assembly (16) while the LCD frame assembly (12) is positioned. A drop of adhesive (62) is then placed on each of a plurality of locating studs (18) and a like plurality of locating holes (20) to affix the LCD frame assembly (12) in position on the chassis (14). The alignment assembly (16) is then detached from the LCD frame assembly (12) to be reused.

Abstract: An orbital welder includes a weld tip, a rotational controller, and a translational controller. The rotational controller causes the weld tip to rotate about an axis passing through the tube to be welded. As the weld tip rotates about the axis, the translational controller causes the weld tip to move longitudinally with respect to the axis, forming non-planar orbital welds. In one embodiment, the translational controller includes a rotor disposed to rotate about the axis. The translational controller further includes a carrier that is slidably attached to the rotor, and the weld tip is fixed to the carrier. As the rotor rotates about the axis, the carrier moves longitudinally with respect to the axis, such that the weld tip follows a non-planar orbital weld pattern. In a particular embodiment, a portion of the carrier is biased against a surface a cam block.

Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.

Abstract: A magnetic display system is disclosed, including a first screen having a front surface for contacting a magnetic display device and a second screen having a rear surface for contacting a magnetic device controller. The first screen and the second screen define therebetween a scenery receiving space for receiving at least one scenery sheet. The scenery sheet may be advanced and/or replaced while magnetic display devices are displayed on the system, without having to hold the displayed devices in place.

Abstract: A multi channel video engine (10) for accepting, dividing, modifying and recombining light to project an image. A housing (12) encloses an optical assembly (28) having a dichroic mirror assembly (58) and a color cube (60). A plurality of LCD assemblies (30) accept light from the dichroic mirror assembly (58), modifies it, and reflects it to the color cube (60). A lens assembly (16) is affixed to a bulkhead (24) of the housing (12) using a lens cradle (14) and lens retainer (18). An output prism (54) aligns light onto a second plane (70) to coincide with an optical axis (72) of the lens assembly (16).

Abstract: A fluid handling port array includes at least one fluid conduction bore, a plurality of insert bores each intersecting at least one fluid conduction bore and being adapted to receive a configuration insert, a plurality of port bores each intersecting at least one of the fluid conduction bores for providing fluid access to the fluid conduction bores. The port array is configured by fixing configuration inserts in the insert bores. In a particular embodiment, the configuration inserts comprise device seats and are adapted to receive configuration devices such as a valves, caps or plugs. Alternatively, the configuration inserts, themselves, embody configuration devices.