Patents Assigned to Automation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8006216
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing topologically planar routing of System in Packages (SiPs). A routing graph can be represented by a particle-insertion-based constraint Delaunay triangulation (PCDT) and its dual. A dynamic search routing may be performed using a DS* routing algorithm to determine the shortest path on the dual graph between a start point and an end point. Based on a dynamic pushing technique, net ordering problems may be solved. A first wire can be topologically routed. Dynamic search routing of a second wire may be performed. The first wire may be pushed or detoured in response to the dynamic searching routing of a second wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoqiang Chen, Kaushik Sheth, Egino Sarto, Shenghua Liu
  • Patent number: 7992123
    Abstract: A method of engineering change to a semiconductor circuit includes: performing a first synthesis with optimization of a first HDL code to generate a first circuit; performing a first physical design of the first circuit to generate a post layout circuit; modifying the first HDL code to generate a second HDL code, and performing a second synthesis with optimization of the first and second HDL codes while forcibly preserving elements to generate a second circuit and a third circuit, respectively; performing an ECO cone-pair extraction operation of the second and third circuit to generate at least one ECO cone-pair; and obtaining an ECO logic and an element to be replaced according to the ECO cone-pair and the post layout circuit, and then replacing the element to be replaced in the post layout circuit with the ECO logic gate circuit, thereby modifying the post layout circuit into a post layout ECO circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Dorado Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Jung Hsin
  • Patent number: 7988399
    Abstract: In a system having a number of semiconductor processing modules sharing a common vacuum environment, a mid-entry load lock is provided to permit insertion and removal of wafers into the vacuum environment at a point between various other robotic handlers, process modules, and load locks. This arrangement permits increased flexibility in scheduling when multiple wafers are processed concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 7988398
    Abstract: Substrate processing apparatus having a chamber, a generally linear array of process modules, a substrate transport, and a drive system. The chamber is capable of being isolated from the outside atmosphere. Each process module of the array is communicably connected to the chamber to allow a substrate to be transferred between the chamber and process module. The substrate transport is located in and is movably supported from the chamber. The transport is capable of moving along a linear path defined by the chamber for transporting the substrate between process modules. The drive system is connected to the chamber for driving and moving the transport along the linear path. The chamber comprises a selectable number of chamber modules serially abutted to defined the chamber. Each module has an integral portion of the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Robert T. Caveney
  • Patent number: 7992114
    Abstract: A statistical on-chip variation approach to timing analysis permits the automated or semi-automated selection of design-specific margins without requiring complex statistical libraries. By separately addressing the impact of random and systematic variations on timing, a design-specific margin can be obtained and used in downstream OCV analysis. In addition, where statistical libraries are available for some portions of a design, these can be incrementally included in the timing analysis to obtain more accurate results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Amzie Adams, Alessandra Nardi
  • Publication number: 20110175273
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, David A. Morgan, Robert P. Hodges, Simon A. Soot, Jody S. Carpenter, John S. Gorny
  • Publication number: 20110178625
    Abstract: A system for processing material includes a computer connected to a saw. A pusher is used to convey material along a processing path. The computer is programmed to control optimal processing of material to satisfy a cut list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip P. Sawyer, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Patent number: 7982612
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for monitoring a volume of fluid in a flexible fluid bag. A flexible fluid bag according to the invention may include a first and second side wall opposing each other, an outlet through which fluid contained in the fluid bag is evacuated, a signaling tag carried by the first side wall, and an inducer carried by the second side wall. The signaling tag and inducer may be positioned such that when a volume of fluid in the fluid bag is less than a predefined threshold, the signaling tag and inducer come into sufficient proximity due to flexation of at least a portion of the sidewalls of the fluid bag as fluid is evacuated from the fluid bag to trigger a state of a signal emitted by the signaling tag to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Joseph Braun
  • Publication number: 20110173496
    Abstract: A system for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis includes a data collection function that acquires time histories of selected variables for one or more of the components, a pre-processing function that calculates specified characteristics of the time histories, an analysis function for evaluating the characteristics to produce one or more hypotheses of a condition of the one or more components, and a reasoning function for determining the condition of the one or more components from the one or more hypotheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Hosek, Jay Krishnasamy, Jan Prochazka
  • Patent number: 7975935
    Abstract: A paint system includes at least one modular paint delivery system module, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped and operated within the shipping container. A method for deploying a system includes building at least one modular paint delivery system module at a building site, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped to and operated within the shipping container at an installation site, transporting the module to the installation site location from the building site via the transport infrastructure, and connecting at least one resource connection and at least one distribution piping to the module at the installation site location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Complete Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Matheis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110163754
    Abstract: An ionization gauge that measures pressure has an electron source that emits electrons, and an anode that defines an ionization space. The gauge also includes a collector electrode to collect ions formed by an impact between the electrons and a gas and to measure pressure based on the collected ions. The electron source is dynamically varied in emission current between a plurality of emission levels dependent on pressure and a second parameter other than pressure. The ionization gauge may also vary various operating parameters of the gauge components according to parameters stored in a non-volatile memory and selected by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Carmichael, Jesse A. Weber, John H. Henry, Michael N. Schott, Gerardo A. Brucker, Kenneth D. Van Antwerp, JR.
  • Patent number: 7973508
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for monitoring and diagnosing a robot mechanism. This requires adding intelligence to the diagnostics by parameters of physical robot arm linkages respecting component relative rotation or load transfer; storing rotation or translation relationship parameters characteristic of resonant frequencies between at least one mechanical link; receiving servo motor signals; digitizing and storing servo known normal data time histories; performing a time domain to frequency domain transformation on signal to identify components which are out-of band limit pre-sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: XyZ Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Canh Le
  • Patent number: 7970590
    Abstract: Electronic Design Automation tools are used to aid in the design and verification of integrated circuits. As part of the verification process, circuit designs are analyzed with respect to their timing performance. Timing analysis is susceptible to variation in circuit components due to fabrication process variation. Process variation is introduced as worst-case conditions or statistical probabilities. More accurate process variation is modeled by for timing sensitivity with Parametric Elmore Delay. Parametric Elmore Delay introduces effects on circuit components as parameters in the conventional Elmore Delay definition to model fabrication process variation in the timing analysis. Delay variance demonstrates sensitivities to process and design factors. Parametric timing analysis is used to anticipate fabrication yield and identify potential improvements in the design or fabrication process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Burks
  • Patent number: 7966714
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Patent number: 7971168
    Abstract: In various embodiments, each possible different instance of a repeated block can be concurrently optimized for timing. Each instance of a repeated block may be treated as a mode, such as a functional mode or testing mode, allowing implementation calculations to be performed simultaneously. Using multimode timing analysis, all instances of a repeated block can be analyzed and optimized simultaneously. Based on the multimode analysis, instances of a repeated block may be implemented identically or substantially similarly, which can reduce costs associated with implementing the same block more than once (e.g., impact to schedule, CPU/memory resources, ECOs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Swanson, Jacob Avidan, Roger Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7964998
    Abstract: A linearly actuated switch assembly is adjustably disposed in a housing stem bore of a robotic crash protector device. An actuation plate is disposed over the central bore of the contact surface. As the piston moves toward the housing base in response to a crash force or torque applied to the actuator, the actuation plate moves in an axial direction, and contacts and actuates the switch. The actuation plate is biased towards the contact surface by an actuation spring disposed between the actuation plate and a spring plate that is rigidly affixed to the housing stem. This arrangement allows the actuation plate to “float” with respect to the fixed spring plate. In particular, the actuation plate may assume the orientation of the piston, which may be canted from its default orientation—normal to the device central axis—by uneven application of force by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Berrocal, Dana A. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110142575
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier so the at least one substrate transport carrier is capable of being coupled to the load port interface without lifting the at least one substrate transport carrier off the carrier holding station. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a substantially simultaneous swap section for substantially simultaneous replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Friedman, Michael L. Bufano, Christopher Hofmeister, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight
  • Patent number: 7959395
    Abstract: Substrate processing apparatus having a transport chamber, a linear array of substrate holding modules alongside the transport chamber, and a substrate transport located in the chamber. The chamber can hold an isolated atmosphere, and defines more than one substantially linear transport paths extending longitudinally along the transport chamber. The transport in the chamber is capable of transporting the substrate along the linear transport paths. The transport has a transporter capable of holding and moving the substrate. The transporter interfaces a wall of the transport chamber for moving along at least one of linear paths. The transport chamber has interfaces for mating with other substrate holding modules at opposite ends of the transport chamber. Each interface has an opening through which at least one of the more than one linear transport paths extends, and the transport chamber has a selectably variable longitudinal length between the interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Robert T. Caveney
  • Patent number: 7958476
    Abstract: A power optimization method of deriving gated circuitry in an integrated circuit (IC) is provided. A design description of the IC is received and analyzed. A state machine is identified based on the analysis. One or more candidate blocks are determined to be capable of being disabled. At least one of the candidate blocks is selected based on one or more states of the state machine. A gating circuit is inserted for gating the selected candidate block(s). In another embodiment of power optimization, one or more state machines are identified and a synthesized netlist is generated. One or more candidate blocks in the synthesized netlist are determined to be capable of being disabled. At least one of the candidate blocks is selected based on one or more states in the state machine, and a gating circuit is inserted for gating the selected candidate block(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yunjian (William) Jiang, Arvind Srinivasan, Samit Chaudhuri
  • Publication number: 20110126554
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator has a refrigeration cylinder and at least two displacers. Each displacer reciprocates in the refrigeration cylinder and moves refrigeration gas through the refrigeration cylinder. A regenerator cools the refrigeration gas, and gas control valves admit high pressure gas into the refrigeration cylinder and exhaust gas from the refrigeration cylinder. The refrigerator also has linear motors operatively connected to displacers, and the linear motors drive the displacers in reciprocating movement. A position sensor is provided to determine a parameter of the displacers during reciprocation. A controller is operatively connected to the linear motors to control the linear motors. The controller controls a parameter of the two displacers during reciprocation. The parameter can be stroke length, stroke speed, stroke phase or another parameter of the displacer for temperature control of the cryogenic refrigerator. The cryogenic refrigerator may also include a device to remove vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Brooks Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Morris, Bruce R. Andeen, Allen J. Bartlett