Patents Assigned to Automation, Inc.
  • Adjustable template for textile finishing apparatus
    Patent number: 5669320
    Abstract: An adjustable template for maneuvering a textile product. The template includes a template base with several template shoes movably mounted along the sides of the base. The position of the template shoes with respect to the template base is adjusted in response to the detection of the length and the width of the textile product such that when the template is positioned on the product, each template shoe is positioned at a predetermined distance from a lateral edge of the textile product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Phoenix Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Parks C. Stewart, Robert A. Trobaugh, III
  • Batchloader for load lock
    Patent number: 5664925
    Abstract: A system is provided for batch loading semiconductor wafers into a load lock from a portable carrier, for example, used for supporting and transporting a plurality of the wafers in spaced, stacked, relationship. The carrier is supported adjacent a chamber within the load lock. A multilevel end effector associated with the load lock chamber includes a plurality of spaced end effector sets, each set being adapted to support a wafer thereon and aligned with an associated wafer supported in the carrier. The plurality of wafers are engaged and simultaneously retrieved as a grouping, then held in the load lock chamber for subsequent transport, for example, one at a time, into an adjacent transport chamber for delivery to a specified one of a plurality of processing stations. A mini-environment may sealingly isolate the load lock chamber and the interior of the carrier from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Muka, Michael W. Pippins, Mitchell A. Drew
  • Electrical power distribution system apparatus-resident personality memory module
    Patent number: 5666256
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus (100) line actuator (102), such as a voltage regulator or circuit breaker, has resident therein a personality module, electronically reconfigurable memory device (126) which stores actuator operational information, such as specifications (132), historical and maintenance information. An apparatus controller (106) communicates with the personality module (126) and can change the operational information stored therein. If either or both of the controller (106) and actuator (102) is replaced at a site, the controller (106) of the replacement apparatus configuration (100) can read the operational information stored in the personality module (126) and adapt its operational interaction with the actuator (102) in conformance with the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Mitchell Zavis, Jeffery Cullen Mizener, James J. Honochick, Michael Anthony Bellin, Carl J. Laplace
  • Serial access memory cartridge for programmable logic controller
    Patent number: 5659705
    Abstract: A serial access, electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is used to store user program and data and is disposed in a memory cartridge. The memory cartridge cooperates a base or master Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and may be used to download a program into one or more master PLC's, or to upload a program from a master PLC to memory cartridge. Each PLC may include at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal for receiving and transmitting signals, at least one microprocessor, at least one memory device, and a connector for accessing the at least one memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. McNutt, Steven M. Hausman
  • Method and apparatus for welding a stack of stator laminations
    Patent number: 5658477
    Abstract: Welding a stack of stator laminations is accomplished with an arbor and a nest tool. The nest tool has a base from which extend plural lamination stacking members. The arbor is reciprocated with respect to the nest tool to extend through the center of a stack of laminations. A welding torch reciprocates relative to a stack of laminations to perform the welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Odawara Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Kirker, William Robert Patterson
  • Gantry robot connector and protection apparatus
    Patent number: 5658078
    Abstract: A gantry robot protection apparatus for protecting the bearings of a gantry robot from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Sage Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley Don Cawley
  • Graphic data processing apparatus using displayed graphics for application program selection
    Patent number: 5651120
    Abstract: A graphic data processing apparatus comprising a CPU coupled to an entry device, storage storing graphic data and a plurality of programs and a display, and adapted such that a command mode for drawing a desired graphic form is selected by designating the corresponding desired graphic form in the already displayed graphic forms and a program for drawing the graphic form is automatically selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Keiji Kitagawa, Design Automation Inc., Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Kitagawa, Ikuo Tani
  • Straight line wafer transfer system
    Patent number: 5647718
    Abstract: A wafer transfer system is operable with a front or side loading wafer carrier to move one or more wafers in a straight line from the carrier to a position in which the wafers are accessible for further processing by movement along the same straight line. The transfer system provides a wafer extractor which employs a plurality of paired fingers of a size and configuration to fit between the spaced, stacked wafers in the carrier. After insertion between the wafers, the fingers are movable by a small amount vertically to lift the wafers off the shoulders of the carrier. The fingers, now supporting the wafers, are movable generally horizontally along a straight line to remove the wafers from the carrier. The fingers are supported from a support structure in a manner which provides clearance for the wafers to pass through the support structure for further processing along the same straight line path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: PRI Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mordechai Wiesler, Mitchell Weiss
  • Substrate transport apparatus with dual substrate holders
    Patent number: 5647724
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus having a movable arm assembly, two substrate holders and a coaxial drive shaft assembly. The movable arm assembly has a general X-shaped section that has its center connected to the coaxial drive shaft assembly. The substrate holders are connected to different pairs of arm sections of the X-shaped section. The coaxial drive shaft assembly moves the arms of the X-shaped section relative to each other to move the two substrate holders in reverse unison motion between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Brooks Automation Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Jr., Christopher A. Hofmeister
  • Electric power control apparatus having chargeable protocol communications module
    Patent number: 5646610
    Abstract: A reconfigurable communications module for a Tap Changer or Voltage Regulator. Briefly stated, a communication module is rack insertable into a voltage regulator controller and has disposed therein a microprocessor board for communicating with the host power distribution control apparatus and which also communicates with a transceiver board for communication with external equipment. The microprocessor board may be directed to receive/transmit one of a plurality of stored link layer protocol schemes without resorting to replacing the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Trainor, Carl J. LaPlace
  • Induction machine protection device
    Patent number: 5644458
    Abstract: A device and apparatus for monitoring faults in a three phase induction machine are disclosed herein. The device and method utilize values of the currents in the three phases and the voltages of the three phases to estimate a current portion which is not substantially affected by the load torque effects of the machine. This current portion is related to the unacceptable magnetic fields present in the machine. These fields are typically caused by electrical or mechanical problems in the machine, and when the current portion exceeds a predetermined limit, operation of the machine can be discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Schoen, Thomas G. Habetler
  • Expansion chassis for a voltage regulator controller
    Patent number: 5642290
    Abstract: A voltage regulator controller having integral expansion ports. The expansion ports are provided by way of an I/O expansion chassis which is electrically coupled to the controller's microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Reilly, Michael A. Bellin, Carl J. Laplace, Jr., John J. Trainor
  • Method and apparatus for transferring eggs
    Patent number: 5636726
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing the speed of removal of eggs from an egg-tray conveyor and unloading of the eggs onto a roller conveyor. The invention includes two or more loader head pairs, which can operate either alternatively or in tandem between the egg-tray conveyor and the roller conveyor. The loader head pairs can also be indexed. The invention allows for an increase in speed of an egg-grading machine without an increase in risk that the eggs to be graded will be damaged during removal and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Diamond Automations, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Nield
  • Air distribution arrangement for paint spray booth
    Patent number: 5634975
    Abstract: An air distribution apparatus in a paint spray booth plenum for increasing the uniformity of down draft velocities from the plenum to the spray booth paint application zone. The increased uniformity of down draft velocities correspondingly increases paint transfer efficiency and minimizes paint overspray buildup in the paint application zone. The improved air distribution apparatus includes airflow regulating elements and flow directing members which cooperate to distribute airflow substantially evenly across the plenum floor and into the paint application area. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of perforated plates and guide vanes are used to control the rate and direction of airflow in the plenum. The invention also provides for the adjustment of the rate and direction of flow through the use of slidable plates and adjustable guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Leif E. B. Josefsson
  • Interface connection for a circuit breaker plug-in trip unit
    Patent number: 5634554
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including a sliding connection between a trip unit and associated contact arm is disclosed herein. The sliding connection facilitates assembly of the circuit breaker and also permits a reduction of size for a circuit breaker of a given rating. An embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade and jaw assembly connected between the trip unit and contact arm. Another embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade or jaw assembly slidably connected directly to the contact arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Dimarco, David A. Leone
  • Direct load current sensing for predicted regulator tap position
    Patent number: 5633580
    Abstract: A tap changer 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 an electric drive which is responsive to raise or lower signals applied thereto in order to selectively position the tap by the raising or lowering of the tap and thereby raising or lowering the transformer winding ratio. Upon sensing the current of the motor control signals, an up/down counter is incremented or decremented. Accordingly, when a tap change signal is detected, the direction of tap changer movement may be determined, based upon the value of the up/down counter. In this way the tap position is also accurately determined and known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Trainor, Carl J. Laplace, William M. Thorsen, Jr.
  • Low energy memory metal actuated latch
    Patent number: 5629662
    Abstract: A low energy electromechanical interface for a circuit breaker, magnetic latch, shunt trip device, undervoltage relay, contactor, or other electric switch utilizes a memory wire to initiate the tripping of the circuit breaker. The memory wire is mechanically coupled to a latch which captures a plunger in a biased state. When the memory wire receives energy such as heat or an electric signal, the memory wire contracts and causes the latch to release a spring loaded plunger. When the plunger is released, the plunger engages a trip bar and trips the electric switch. Preferably, the memory metal wire is a nickel-titanium wire. The low cost electromechanical interface may replace more expensive solenoid and magnetic latch devices. The interface may be advantageously retrofitted into existing circuit breaker and switch designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Floyd, Jack E. Steinhilper
  • Computer numerical control operated tool grinding system
    Patent number: D379998
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Active Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Sinisa V. Marinkovic
  • Computer numerical control operated tool grinder enclosure
    Patent number: D380480
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Active Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Sinisa V. Marinkovic
  • Load center door
    Patent number: D384332
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: George Robert Downie, Jr.