Abstract: A spatial photomask flipper provides up to four access gates for an unloading of a clamped photomask after its reorientation along a single photomask transfer axis. The clamping frames holding the photomask are secured by a locking control cam that prevents their inadvertent opening in any other but the two main flip orientations. The flipper is part of an automated system including a digital camera and an image recognition algorithm that interpret an arbitrary initial photomask loading orientation from a circumferential photomask identification number. An eventual pellicle on the photomask may be also automatically detected via a pellicle detection sensor. Alternately, the digital camera may be employed for pellicle detection together with a pellicle detection algorithm that processes the digital image for well known components of the pellicle such as the pellicle frame.

Abstract: Centrally mounted in a strain decoupling fashion on a hydraulic torque wrench is a hose connect swivel. A base ring of the swivel features a first fluid transmitting joint that is fluid transmitting connected with axial studs extending from the base ring into mating holes in the torque wrench housing. The base ring is radially spaced apart and surrounding a central housing portion of the torque wrench. The radial spacing provides for a strain and deformation decoupling of the base ring from the torque wrench housing such that leakage in the fluid first transmitting joint is prevented. A second fluid transmitting joint provides together with the perpendicular first fluid transmitting joint for a three dimensional orienting of the hose connect terminal around the torque wrench housing while providing access to the piston side peripheral end of the torque wrench housing for an eventual reaction arm.

Abstract: Network cables are provided via spool cartridges remove ably held inside snap-in cassettes that again are slideably inserted and snap arrested in a rack mountable chassis. The network cables are spring loaded spooled such that they autonomously retract upon unplugging and such that they are straightened while plugged in. Each snap-in cassette has a rear connector that is snap connected to the spooled network cable via an externally releasable connector pair inside the snap-in cassette. The network cables are spooled around a continuously rotating contact hub configured for high frequency signal transfer. The rear connectors reach through the chassis for a centralized network connection. The chassis is dimensioned in conjunction with well known computer rack standards for simple integration into server station architectures. The dual level modularity of spool cartridges inside the snap-in cassette inside the chassis provides for maximum system flexibility and maximum network connections.

Abstract: A cable constraining device features a flexible cable contact sheet that is inward attached to a cable constraining contour of a holding structure. The holding structure is configured for substantially encompassing a cable circumference while in constraining configuration. A cavity between the holding structure and the cable contact sheet is filled with a gel that provides a vibration dampening soft contact of the cable contact sheet with the cable insulation. The cushioning gel absorbs micro movement of the cable transferred onto the cable contact sheet such that wearing effects due to frictional sliding and vibration of the cable at its constraining location is substantially reduced. The holding structure may be of rubber like material that is formed on its outside like a well known grommet. An outer rigid clamping structure may be additionally employed in case of a circumferentially tight able configuration.

Abstract: A tampon that has a sensor and a signal line that peripherally connects the sensor with a peripheral signal processor. The sensor provides a blood wetting signal in response to a progressing blood saturation boundary in the tampon. The signal may be resistive, capacitive or optic. The simple sensor has two proximal signal terminals separated by a fluid responsive medium in wetting communication with the tampon's body. The tampon may be removed by use of the signal line. From signal timing and/or signal gradient the processor may predict when the tampon needs to be changed.

Abstract: A saw tooth shaped flexible rib in between a connector interface provides asymmetric sliding resistance and a one sided sealing effect. The asymmetric sliding resistance provides for low frictional engaging resistance and for a high disengaging resistance of the connector interface. The one sided sealing effect provides in conjunction with an interface cavity for back flow resistance into the cavity during disengagement movement in the interface and for a vacuum effect that assists in opposing the disengagement movement. The flexible rib may be monolithically fabricated together with the entire housing of the respective connector.

Abstract: A ground anchor load testing system includes a ground anchoring unit having a bare upper drill shaft portion along and around which a reaction anchor with its hollow shaft is temporary installed. During test loading of the installed ground anchoring unit, a test loading head is coupled with both concentric flanging ends of the ground anchoring unit and the temporarily installed reaction anchor. The test loading head exerts via a first coupling the push test load on the first flanging end of the ground anchoring unit while withholding itself via a second coupling on the second flanging end of the reaction anchor. A measurement device may be positioned on the ground adjacent the test load head. Eventual axial displacement of the ground anchoring unit under test load may be externally recognized by the measurement device via an axial displacement indicator in axial connection with the first coupling.

Abstract: A support device is provided for the preferred application of buckling opposing support of an I-joist having an erroneously cut hole in its web portion. The support device may have an approximate U-shape with two substantially parallel bridging structures combined by a structure that combines the bridging structures and provides an alignment reference with the chords. In the case where an erroneously cut hole is identified, the support device may be laterally attached to the I-joist such that both bridging structures flank the erroneously cut hole. Once the bridging structures are attached to the web, the bridging structures define with the remainder of the web a buckling opposing interface. The support structure is preferably monolithically fabricated from sheet metal and scaled in conjunction with dimensional standards of commercially available I-joists.

Abstract: A flipper for rotating and positioning a photomask in two flip orientations includes a flip unit rotatably held in a base. The flip unit includes a flip frame in which clamps are preferably spring loaded guided such that the clamps are oppositely and laterally displaceable between engaged positions and parking positions. A stepper motor rotates the flip unit between two flip orientations and positions the flip unit such that opposite inspection sides of the work piece are alternately oriented with respect to a single inspection direction. The flipper may be placed on or adjacent to a stage system of an inspection device. A robotically actuated effector may access the flipper for loading and unloading the work piece. In combination with an effector operating without lift motion, the clamps may feature wedge lift faces to lift the work piece off the effector during their actuation into engaged position.

Abstract: A laser marking device includes a fixture for temporarily attaching the device in an initial cutout of a number of serial cutouts to be fabricated in adjacent assembled I-joists. Combined with the fixture is an angle gage that provides angular positioning of a marking laser. The angle gage is configured to hold the laser with its beam coinciding with the marking origin of the initial cutout, which in case of circular cutout may be the reference center at which the pilot drill of the hole saw is centered at the begin of the cutout operation. The marker laser may be horizontally and/or vertically oriented together with an eventual alignment laser and an eventual target marker temporarily affixed on the I-joist where a final reference point is determined for an axial orientation of the cutouts across the I-joists.

Abstract: An arbor system includes an arbor, a clamp body of a power tool, a tightening feature and an optional snap feature. The arbor has a flanging feature, a thread and a number of circumferentially arranged driving pins. The clamp body is sandwiched between the arbor and tightening feature in a pressed contact with the flanging feature defining a releasable fix that is fully form fitting. Operational tilt and load torque are transmitted without affecting the tight-screwed interlocking between thread and tightening feature. A snap feature, in the form of a spring pin or a spring tongue of a sandwiched washer, may secure the tightening feature against inadvertent unscrewing. The snap feature and snap serrations may be configured as a ratchet such that the snap feature needs only be actuated during unscrewing of the tightening feature.

Abstract: A moisture barrier is molded and/or glued around an exposed section of a conductor where a surrounding insulation layer is removed. A gap between the conductor and a surrounding insulation layer consequently terminates at the moisture barrier and moisture is prevented from creeping any further. The moisture barrier is preferably integrated in a wick dam of a test cord utilized in a telephone line-testing device.

Abstract: A hole saw for cutting standardized holes in the web portion of an I-joist features a light weight three spoke body having a rim with continuous circumference and three inserted cutting blades fixed in an offset to the circumference, which is dimensioned in accordance to standard web heights.