Patents Assigned to Automation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5844187
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable load contact arm (14'), which pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a stationary line contact arm (16'). The circuit breaker includes an arcing contact structure (210) which is pivotally mounted on the stationary line contact arm. The arcing contact structure is generally "J" shaped, having a straight portion and a curved portion. The straight portion includes a bearing surface (211) which engages a bearing surface (221) on the bottom side of the line contact arm. The curved portion of the arcing contact extends beyond the end of the line contact arm and includes an electrical contact (212) which extends above the line contact arm when the load contact arm is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5841104
    Abstract: A method and system for multiple pass welding that includes a welding torch mounted on the arm of an industrial robot. The robot has a data processor with a memory and the coordinates of a first path are inputted to the data processor and are stored in the memory. The welding torch is then moved along the first path by the robot to make a first weld of a workpiece (or workpieces). A second weld of the workpiece is made by moving the welding torch along a second path which is offset from the first by a predetermined positional increment. The positional increment is established by positional coordinate increments which are inputted to the data processor by a robot user before or after the first weld has been made. The user may also input a weld torch angle increment to change the angle of the welding torch with respect to the first path. Subsequent welding passes are made by moving the welding torch along additional paths which are also offset from the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy Svensson
  • Patent number: 5837059
    Abstract: A novel automatic vertical-slide door assembly for a supply chamber, and a substrate-processing apparatus incorporating such a door assembly for sealing engagement in the presence of either negative or positive pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, within the supply chambers or load locks and the central transfer station. The present door assemblies are relatively thin and vertically movable to fully cover and uncover the access port or opening to the load lock chamber, and a section thereof is also horizontally-movable a slight distance into compression against the face surface of the load lock to seal the load lock against leakage of either positive or negative pressure, while avoiding any frictional sliding contact with the face surface of the load lock or with the sealing gasket surrounding the access port or opening thereto during vertical operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Glants
  • Patent number: 5837949
    Abstract: A circuit breaker draw apparatus, means and system for use with a circuit breaker assembly, where the circuit breaker assembly has a circuit breaker unit that is adapted for connection to or disconnection from a circuit breaker connecting apparatus. The circuit breaker movement apparatus, means and system includes a movement bracket assembly adapted for mounting to the circuit breaker connecting apparatus, a guide assembly adapted for mounting to the circuit breaker unit, and a drive assembly adapted for mounting to the bracket assembly and for causing the guide assembly to move with respect to the bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell B. Green, Pavel N. Lichtman, W. Dale Robbins
  • Patent number: 5838948
    Abstract: A system for simulation of target electronic systems combining interacting elements of hardware and executing software, in part by physical emulation means and in part by abstract software simulation. A processor emulator is coupled to a hardware simulator by a communications link. The processor emulator provides the functionality of the target microprocessor while the hardware simulator simulates additional target circuitry. The processor emulator is coupled to a memory containing the target program. Most computer instructions in the target program do not require interaction with the target circuitry simulated on the hardware simulator. However, when a computer instructions requires the interaction of the target microprocessor and the target circuitry, a communications link control the communication between the target microprocessor and the target circuitry. The various components of the system can be coupled together via a conventional computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eagle Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey J. Bunza
  • Patent number: 5835341
    Abstract: An electric load center having a neutral bar having an elongated body portion with a trapezoidal shaped cross-sectional area with outwardly sloping downwardly extending side walls having apertures for insertion of electrical wires and a base portion having mounting rails being adapted to form a generally T-shaped slot, and a basepan having a surface with an upwardly extending flexible snap hook for engaging the mounting rail of the T-shaped slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rhodes, Janerio N. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5833147
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary union interconnecting a material supply line and a dispense valve. Preferably, the rotary union comprises a rotatable member having a mounting end coupled to a rotating means and a dispense end including a conduit formed therein for dispensing a preselected material. According to the invention, a housing is rotatably supported about the rotatable member such that the rotatable member is rotatable relative to the housing. The housing includes an opening formed therein for communicating with the conduit and a material supply line. Even more preferably, the rotating means comprises a rotatable face plate operably coupled to a sixth axis motor of a multi-axis robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge
  • Patent number: 5829205
    Abstract: A portable field office having a generally rectangular base section configured to enclose the lower portion of an inner space; a generally rectangular top section configured to enclose an upper portion of the rectangular inner space and moveable between an upper extended position for use as a field office and a lowered position to form a module suitable for air transport and lift assemblies positioned to raise the top section between an extended and a lowered position and a door providing access to the inner space in the office in both the extended position and in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick D. Clark, John David Stratton, Daryl K. Rutt
  • Patent number: 5826319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing the combined runout of an uninflated automobile tire and wheel assembly. Runout is reduced by aligning a tire mark located on the tire with a wheel mark located on the wheel, where the tire mark is indicative of the high point of radial runout of the tire and the wheel mark is indicative of the low point of radial runout of the wheel. The location of the wheel mark is tracked using a video camera while the wheel is rotated relative to the tire and rotation is halted once the linear distance between the marks is minimized. The locations within the video image of the tire and wheel marks are determined relative to a Cartesian coordinate system having its origin at the center of the video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Fori Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean A. Colwell, Paul George Doan
  • Patent number: 5820983
    Abstract: A kit for a support fixture for a PC card. THe kid comprises a membrane and a PC card, a compliant-porous member, a vacuum platen, a rectangular frame, and a cylindrical plug which are placed under the membrane. The frame is used to create a mold to pour a casting material into and the cylindrical plug is used to create a recess to allow easy finger access to remove the PC card from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Transition Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Curtin
  • Patent number: 5819394
    Abstract: A method for forming a support fixture for a PC card having components on side 1 of the PC card. A compliant porous member is placed on a vacuum platen. Side 2 of the PC card is placed on the compliant member. A membrane is placed over the PC card and the compliant member. Subsequently, a vacuum is drawn to cause the membrane to conform to the geometry of the components of side 1 of the PC card. A perimeter is formed around the PC card to define a mold. Casting material is poured into the mold to conform to the surface geometry of the components on the PC card. The casting material forms a nest which is a mirror image of the components on side 1 of the PC card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Transition Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Curtin
  • Patent number: 5818674
    Abstract: A self-powered multiple phase circuit protection device including a plurality of current transformers connected in parallel with each other and associated with one phase of a multiple phase load for providing signals representative of the current flowing in an associated phase. A switch can be actuated to interrupt power to the multiple phase load, and a fault determining circuit is connected to the circuit transformers and to the switch for actuating the switch during at least one predetermined condition of the current signals. The fault determining circuit has digital pulse extender circuitry for converting the current signals into DC signals, and a digital timer for delaying actuation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Zuzuly
  • Patent number: 5816030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and packaging a plurality of strips of a web material operates in conjunction with a rotary cutter assembly which forms a plurality of strips in parallel, longitudinally spaced array. A platen includes an intake portion with a plurality of inclined surfaces extending longitudinally in parallel array away from the cutter assembly, the inclined surfaces being stepped to capture the strips. A fixed top plate extends above the intake portion of the platen, and is provided with steps formed in complementary fashion to the platen steps to retain the cut strips therebetween. The strips are moved longitudinally along their respective steps to a collection portion of the platen. A movable top plate disposed above the collection portion translates longitudinally to expose the strips on the collection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kinematic Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Carlberg, Dennis L. May, Theodore V. Meigs
  • Patent number: 5816701
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel removably seated within an aluminum platen. The apparatus also includes an assembly for automatically measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume of media and then dispensing the volume of media into the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes a carousel having a plurality of compartments, the carousel being rotatably mounted on a stage, the stage being alignable with the vessel. According to one mode of operation, an open-top, cage-type basket is placed in one or more compartments of the carousel, each basket containing a tablet intended for dissolution. The apparatus additionally includes a shaft aligned with the vessel, the bottom end of the shaft being adapted to frictionally fit together with a basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Source For Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Richard S. Earle, Warren P. Kerr, James L. Martin, Ronnie McDowell, C. Darryl Morgan
  • Patent number: 5813518
    Abstract: A conveyor system in which the lateral distance between the parallel conveyor belts can be easily adjusted includes two parallel guide-rails for guiding the two endless parallel belts riding in the guide-rails. One guide rail is mounted to a plurality of fixed supports, while the other guide rail is mounted to a plurality of laterally mobile supports. Each of the mobile supports include a pinion gear rotatably mounted thereto, where each pinion gear is engaged with a laterally fixed rack mounted on a standing assembly. The pinion gears are also coupled together such that they rotate in unison, thereby guaranteeing that each of the mobile support columns translate laterally in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Odawara Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Kirker
  • Patent number: 5814777
    Abstract: A cable interlock system for preventing at least two circuit breakers from being closed at the same time, comprising a first circuit breaker having a first operating handle, wherein the first operating handle is adapted to close or open the first circuit breaker, a second circuit breaker having a second operating handle, wherein the second operating handle is adapted to close or open the second circuit breaker, a first mounting bracket that is attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the first circuit breaker, a first lever arm movably attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket that is attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the second circuit breaker, a second lever arm movably attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the second mounting bracket, a cable assembly having one end adapted to be connected to the first lever arm of the first mounting bracket and having another end adapted to be connected to the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation,Inc.
    Inventors: Russell B. Green, Bernard DiMarco
  • Patent number: 5813823
    Abstract: A concentric-shaft rotational drive system for an articulated arm transfer device adaptable for imparting movement to an assembly inside a vacuum chamber wherein rotary movement is imparted to rotors inside the vacuum chamber by means of magnetic fields produced by stators outside the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Hofmeister
  • Patent number: 5806287
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a batch of containers to determine if the containers have been filled with product to the proper volume with the apparatus including a conveyor for moving empty containers from a first location to a second location, a filling head for filling a batch of individual containers, a checkweigh platform for receiving a batch of individual empty containers from the conveying line and individually weighing each of the containers in both the empty condition and the filled condition and a robotic arm for transporting the containers to and from the conveying line and within the checkweighing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Dimension Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Trechsel
  • Patent number: 5805414
    Abstract: A neutral tie bar comprised of a unitary member having a center portion and vertically offset laterally extending ends. Disposed between the center portion and each end is a cable lug for a branch neutral cable. Extending between one neutral cable lug and an end is a neutral cable lug for an incoming neutral cable. The neutral tie bar being adapted to be electrically connected to the enclosure of the load center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Feldhaeusser
  • Patent number: 5804954
    Abstract: An tap changer for a voltage regulator including a tap positionable to vary the winding ratio of the transformer in response to changes in an electric load on the transformer is disclosed herein. The transformer includes a potentiometer mechanically coupled to the tap changer motor and immersed in the coolant of the tap changer, wherein the potentiometer generates a voltage representative of the position of the tap. An analog-to-digital conversion circuit converts the voltage to a digital signal representative thereof, and a microprocessor coupled to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit compares the digital signal to digital data representative of the full voltage range of the potentiometer which is correlated to the actual position of the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl J. Laplace, Jr.