Abstract: A system for automatically calibrating a semiconductor wafer handling robot so that the robot will move wafers into and out of precise locations within enclosures that form process stations or storage cassettes is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having memory and logic sections connected to a robot having an articulated arm that is movable in vertical (Z), horizontal (.theta.), and radial (R) directions and having a wafer retaining wand at the end of the arm. Dimensional characteristics of the robot wand and the enclosures are stored in the controller memory. Sensors are provided at each enclosure and/or the robot wand which are activated and provide signals to the controller that are relative to the wand position. The robot is programmed to execute a series of progressive movements at each enclosure location which are controlled by a combination of sensor response signals and the appropriate dimensional characteristics.

Abstract: A protective housing for an elongated metal connector attached to the end of an electrical conductor wherein the connector comprises a tubular portion at its rear end for receiving the conductor and a contact portion at its forward end. The protective housing comprises a bottom section of rigid non-conductive material having a semi-cylindrical portion and a forward tubular portion for holding the metal connector. A top section of the housing fits against and is secured to the semi-cylindrical portion of the bottom section to form the assembled protective housing. Internal members within the top and bottom portions are adapted to engage the outer surface of the metal connector and provide heat insulgating air spaces around the metal connector within the assembled housing.

Abstract: A receiver section for an acoustic oil well logging tool comprised of a plurality of receiver sub-units connected longitudinally within a rigid tubular member. Each receiver sub-unit has a series of acoustic wave sensors located for receiving and detecting monopole, dipole, quadrupole and unipole waveforms. Separate channels are provided for conveying waveforms data from each receiver sub-unit to an above ground data processing unit. Each receiver sub-unit also includes a compensating sensor for detecting tool vibrations and for producing signals which are combined with waveform data in the processing unit to eliminate the effects of tool vibration.

Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of skewered kabobs on a barbecue grill is disclosed. The device comprises a bottom section having side members for retaining the ends of transverse skewers and a cover section which holds the skewers in place during the cooking process. Both bottom and cover sections have supporting leg members so that the device can be turned over during the cooking process.

Abstract: An elongated bicycle rack and storage device has a clamping device at one end so that it can be attached to and cantilever from the bicycle seat post. The device has an enclosable compartment for relatively small items and an external rack frame for supporting larger items when the bicycle is in use.

Abstract: An acoustic formation logging tool includes a transmitter, a receiver, a tube wave absorber, and a digital signal processing section. The transmitter includes an electromagnetic actuator based on capacitive discharge through a coil, producing an intense magnetic pressure which causes an actuator to move into an oil-filled acoustic waveguide. The actuator includes a pusher plate with holes that reduces cavitation and is capable of operation at great depths commonly encountered in oil well logging. Pulse power and spectrum of the acoustic transmitter are sufficient to measure either reflections from distant geological structures or waves propagating through the formation near the borehole. A positive acoustic pulse and a symmetric negative acoustic pulse are generated by action of the actuator on the acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A method for analyzing received wave signal data in an acoustic logging system that includes a logging tool adapted to be moved through a borehole in the earth and comprising a transmitter section and receiver section, wherein the transmitter section produces sonic waves at periodic intervals which are received as wave signal data by the receiver section. The method comprises the steps of processing the received wave signal data using Fourier Transform procedures, filtering the processed data using a Heisenberg filter procedure, using a Hilbert transform to refine the filtered data, and using the refined data to provide a phase velocity analysis.

Abstract: A device for use in laser surgical procedures for moving axially an optical fiber bundle that is connected at its proximal end to a source of laser energy. The distal end of the fiber bundle has a generally tapered configuration so that it is capable of penetrating soft tissue of membrane such as the myocardium or epicardium of a human heart during the surgical procedure. Various combinations of bundled optical fiber elements are disclosed which provide different tapered distal end configurations used for various surgical procedures.