Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented that can analyze the performance of an integrated circuit design at multiple corners, under multiple modes, and for multiple objectives efficiently and simultaneously. The extraction, timing analysis, and optimization functions are integrated into a mechanism that provides a novel problem formulation. A plurality of virtual timing graphs are maintained and updated simultaneously by providing a data structure that can efficiently store operating data for an arbitrary number of conditions at each node. This data structure is populated according to the design, and as optimizations are made, the operating data for all design conditions is updated simultaneously. Timing violations can be reported across all corners and modes. By integrating this multi-corner multi-mode analysis with circuit optimization, a convergent mechanism is provided. In this way, design constraints are evaluated simultaneously for an arbitrary number of design conditions.

Abstract: A pin support structure comprising a first foil having opening and a second foil having openings. The first foil is secured to a foil support frame and the second foil is secured to a foil support frame. The foils are maintained in spaced apart relationship by a separation frame. The holes of the foil are in registration with the holes of the foil. The holes in the foils are formed by electro-chemical etching. A pin has a base end and a support end.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating articles includes providing a bed having at least one conveying surface. The conveying surface is adapted to move articles in a direction of conveyance from an upstream end to a downstream end of the bed. At least one sensor is provided to determine the position of any articles on the bed. Selected articles are moved in the direction of conveyance at a speed that is generally higher than articles traveling on the bed that have yet to be manipulated and the articles are selectively rotated.

Abstract: A system for minimizing thermal reactor temperature overshoot and stabilization during a boat push. In one embodiment, the setpoint temperatures are reduced to a minimum value. As the temperature in the thermal reactor begins to increase, the setpoint temperatures are ramped back to the original setpoint temperature.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller with enhanced and extended the capabilities. A digital input filter implement filters with considerable less logic by simulating the action of a capacitor being driven by a constant current source whose output voltage is sensed by a comparator with a large amount of hysterisis. A pulse catch circuit captures the input pulse even though the update occurs between scan cycles. A pulse output controller includes a hardware pipeline mechanism to allow for smooth, hardware-controlled transitions from wave-form to wave-form. A free port link allows the user to control the port either manually or by operation of a user program. In order to provide higher performance for communication using PPI protocol, the PLC includes a built-in protocol. An n-bit modem protocol ensures data integrity without use of a parity type data integrity system.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a control system device, comprising a multiple channel discrete output module, said module storing a plurality of fail-state parameters, each fail-state parameter from the plurality of fail-state parameters corresponding to one channel of the multiple channels. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the operation of each of a plurality of channels coupled to a discrete output module upon failure or shutdown of a control system coupled to the discrete output module, comprising, for each of the plurality of channels, storing a predetermined value for a fail-state parameter in a multi-channel discrete output module adapted to control the channel; and upon detecting a control system failure or shutdown, causing the channel to operate in a mode corresponding to the stored value for the channel's fail-state parameter.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a power quality indicator coupled to an electrical circuit. The indicator comprises the summing device configured to received a sensed wave form from the electrical circuit, including at least one voltage wave form. A summing device is configured to provide a summed output voltage. A low pass filter (LPF) is electrically coupled to the summing device and configured to receive a summed output voltage from the summing device. The LPF is configured to provide a LPF voltage. A microprocessor is configured to receive the sum upward voltage the LPF voltage, compute an RMS voltage value for each of the summed output voltage, determine the difference of such RMS voltage values and generate a signal representative of the difference of the RMS voltage values, wherein the signal is proportional to the harmonic content in the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing cabinet to identify the locations where items to be dispensed are located is comprised of a login step in which user information is entered into a processor controlling the dispensing cabinet. The processor unlocks certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to the user information. Assuming that a locate mode of operation has been chosen, the locations of the items to be located are determined by the processor. An alpha-numeric display positioned on a shelf within the cabinet begins flashing with the number of items to be located that are held by that shelf. After the user identifies the shelves having flashing alpha-numeric displays, the user may enter a dispense mode or may logoff causing the unlocked doors to lock.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and method, involves processing materials in opposite directions between two machines along a processing path.

Abstract: A linkage device for coupling a linear positioning apparatus to a machine includes a pair of coupling mechanisms formed of plural plate members in various configurations.

Abstract: A three-dimensional inspection system and method is used to obtain information about three-dimensional articles with specular surfaces having a shape and positive or negative height by projecting a pattern of light onto the articles at an oblique angle. The system includes a patterned light projector with optical axis disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the article being inspected, an extended light source, and an image detector disposed above the article to detect the image of the pattern on the article. The light pattern includes lines with a substantially equal thickness and spacing. The spacing of the lines is greater than a spacing or pitch of the specular elements. An image processor, coupled to the image detector, receives the image, locates the lines, and measures the lateral shift of the lines. Height information is determined from the lateral shift and projection angle using triangulation.

Abstract: A carousel used in a restocking system is comprised of a drive track. A plurality of bins are arranged into rows, with the rows being driven by said drive track. A drive mechanism, e.g. an electric motor, drives the drive track. A sensor is provided to sense the position of the rows of bins. A processor is responsive to the sensor and data representative of a plurality of picks for more than one order for controlling the drive mechanism. By combining picks from different orders into a batch, the time spent driving the rows and time between picks is minimized. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of columns, each with its own drive track, drive mechanism, and sensor, to enable several rows to be brought into a pick position simultaneously. Various methods and forms of restocking packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer network is used to manage and monitor operation of a box-finishing machine which prints information on and cuts or creases corrugated boards to be formed into boxes. The equipment used on the machine is provided with radio frequency information tags detected by an electronic reader which transmits the identification to a computer so that it can be determined by an operator that sufficient equipment is in storage and staging areas for use on the machine. Several computer terminals are provided at different areas throughout a plant so that access is easily provided to different personnel.

Abstract: A multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve is disclosed. The integration of the sample shut off function eliminates extra plumbing and labor costs associated with a separate sample shut off valve. Additionally, the multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve provides a shorter equilibration time and less tubing volume.

Abstract: The present invention is used for guiding formal verification of a circuit design in circuit simulation software to optimize the time required for verification of a circuit design. The invention modifies the analysis region being used for verification in order to optimize the time for verification. The invention allows for manual, semi-automatic, and automatic modification of the analysis region. The modification is done by either expanding or reducing the analysis region or by adding new rules as assumptions to the existing analysis region. The invention also uses the concept of an articulation point for modification of the analysis region. The modification of the analysis region is performed in a manner to optimize time and memory required for verification of the circuit design.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring the delivery of workpieces to a position by: storing a digital reference image of the position prior to the delivery of workpieces; storing a digital operating image of the position during delivery of workpieces; performing image arithmetic on the reference image and the operating image to produce a digital evaluation image comprised of a plurality of pixels establishing a threshold image condition for the evaluation image that correlates to the existence of an operating condition relevant to the control of the delivery of workpieces; and examining the pixels in the evaluation image to determine whether the threshold image condition is met.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for facilitating communication throughout a master/slave network. The network topology includes a transmission cable being operably connected between the network modules. A master module includes a master terminating resistor operably connected to the transmission cable. A slave module includes a slave terminating resistor and a slave switch. The slave terminating resistor is operably connected to the slave switch. A load resistor is operably connected to the transmission cable. The slave switch is operably responsive to the load resistor to generate a terminate enable. The slave switch inserts the slave terminating resistor onto the transmission cable in response to the terminate enable.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.