Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of messages in an Ethernet industrial control environment. The messages are tagged with identifiers of varying levels of priority. The system has a serial network bus. Clock synchronization messages generated by a master device are tagged with a higher priority identifier, while other message types are tagged with a lesser priority identifier. Data having the highest priority identifier is placed onto the bus before placing data with a lesser priority identifier onto the bus.

Abstract: As provided, a system and method for automatically correcting timers to improve timing accuracy. The system and method provides for the use of inexpensive low tolerance resonators or oscillators that meet the internal timing specifications of applications of isochronous I/O over Profibus. Accordingly, the specified error rate (jitter) to appropriately maintain I/O is met efficiently and at low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first programmable logic controller and a second programmable logic controller, each controller having an operating state. A sub-network is formed by operably connecting the programmable logic controllers to an IO module with a fiber optic cable and a network connector. Data is transmitted over the sub-network at a rate of at least 100 Mb/s. A network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, is associated with each programmable logic controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined in response to the operating state of the respective programmable logic controller. The network connector can be a switch or a hub to assist in avoiding signal collisions and maintaining determinism on the sub-network.

Abstract: Methodology for verifying properties of a circuit model in context of given environmental constraints is disclosed. Verification of a specified property is performed by analyzing only a portion of the circuit model. The present methodology is also directed towards reducing the computation time for verifying the specified property. Further, the present methodology allows the connection of an additional circuit model to the circuit model in a non-intrusive manner. The connection is made without making any modifications to the description of the circuit model. This permits the straightforward specification of related environmental constraints and properties, which makes it possible to verify correct behavior of complex interfaces.

Abstract: A system is provided for qualifying a stack of generally flat, paper, cardboard, and the like. The system includes a robotic mechanism having a plurality of joints that provide varying degrees of motion and a robotic implement attachable to the robotic mechanism. The robotic mechanism is operable to articulate the robotic implement through various degrees of angular and linear motion. The robotic implement includes a first support barrier, a second support barrier disposed in generally parallel relation with the first support barrier, and a third support barrier extending between the first and second support barriers and connecting the first and second support barriers therewith. Together, the first, second and third support barriers form an open cross-section that defines a bay for supporting the stack. The cross-section includes an open side opposite the third support barrier for receiving an unqualified stack and dispensing a qualified stack.

Abstract: A sheet retaining device that is attachable to a building component. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is coupled to the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying potential noise failures in an integrated circuit design is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises locating a victim net and an aggressor within the integrated circuit design, modeling the victim net using two ?-type resistor-capacitor (RC) circuits, including determining a coupling between the victim net and the aggressor, and indicating that the integrated circuit design requires modification if modeling the victim net indicates that a potential noise failure may occur in the integrated circuit design.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

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 motor controller comprises a plurality of solid state switches each for connection between an AC line and a motor winding terminal for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A plurality of voltage sensors, each associated with one of the solid state switches, sense voltage for an associated motor winding. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit adjusts firing to one of the solid state switches if the sensed voltage for the associated winding varies from a threshold voltage by a select amount.

Abstract: A technique to verify, evaluate, and estimate the performance of an integrated circuit is embodied in a computer software program that is executable by a computer system. Vectors are generated to estimate integrated circuit performance. The technique accurately estimates of the performance (e.g., transient delays) of an integrated circuit, and has fast execution times. The technique is applicable to small circuits having relatively few transistors, and especially well suited for integrated circuits having millions of transistors and components. The technique handles the effects of deep-submicron integrated circuit technology.

Abstract: A drawer for use in a dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tray movable between an open position and a closed position. An insert, approximately the length of the tray, is carried by the tray and defines the volume of the drawer. A lockable or sealable lid is carried by the insert. A release mechanism is provided to connect the insert to the tray in a manner that allows the insert to be easily disconnected from the tray. Removal of the insert enables inserts to be swapped so that inserts from which inventory has been depleted can be replaced with stocked inserts. A dispensing cabinet and a method of restocking the cabinet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication interface responds to a communication protocol for interfacing a controller and any of a plurality of discrete I/O devices. Each discrete I/O device has a different configuration. The interface has a plurality of modes of operation to accommodate the discrete I/O devices. In a first mode of operation, the interface accommodates a first discrete I/O device wherein a plurality of input pins input signals from a particular discrete I/O and a plurality of output pins output signals to the particular discrete I/O device. In a second mode of operation, the interface accommodates a second discrete I/O device wherein the input pins form a bidirectional input/output port and the output pins form a control and address line for controlling the second discrete I/O device and other discrete I/O devices.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller has a wireless communication interface. A radio frequency identification chip set is mounted to, and is in communication with, the active elements of an integrated circuit on one or more circuit boards in the programmable controller. The chip set provides for radio frequency communication between the controller and other components either inside the controller or external to the controller. Identification information recorded on the chip may be interfaced over a network, particularly, an on-line network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method for installing an automated material handling system in a semiconductor fabrication facility capable of accommodating a predetermined number of fabrication bays. The handling system has a set of elements including material storage, interbay transport, and intrabay transport elements corresponding to the predetermined number of fabrication bays. The method comprises arranging at least some of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements into handling system subsets, and installing one or more of the subsets into the fabrication facility. Each subset has at least one or more corresponding ones of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements so that when installed each subset forms a transport circuit allowing substantially unrestricted bi-directional travel of semiconductor device holders between the material storage and at least one of the fabrication bays.

Abstract: A method of substrate eccentricity detection includes includes determining at least three positions on a perimeter of a first substrate, grouping the at least three perimeter positions to define one or more circles, estimating a location of a center of the first substrate as the location of a center of a predetermined circle approximated from the at least three perimeter positions, and determining an eccentricity vector as a difference between the estimated location and a reference position on a substrate transport mechanism on which the first substrate rests.

Abstract: A device for positioning disk-shaped objects (1) to inspect the front and rear sides of disk-shaped objects and to reduce the negative effect of large-area contact between the holder and the disk-shaped object. The device comprises a rotatable table (24) which can be adjusted in the x-y direction in an adjustment plane and is intended to accomodate a platform (3). A fork-shaped frame (8) is mounted on the platform so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation which is aligned perpendicular to the surface of the platform (3) and the angle of tilt of which can be set relative to the adjustment plane. At its fork ends, the fork-shaped frame (8) has another axis of rotation which is aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fork-shaped frame (8) and about which a frame-shaped object holder (9) is mounted so as to be rotatable in the fork-shaped frame (8) for the purpose of turning the object.

Abstract: An escapement system for orienting a plurality of fasteners includes a housing member including a first station and a second station, and a drum member operably coupled with the housing member and adapted to move a fastener from the first station to the second station. The escapement system also includes a first seating assembly adapted to abuttingly engage the fastener at the first station and seat the fastener against the datum surface, wherein a selected one of the housing member and the drum member includes the datum surface. The escapement system further includes a first probe assembly separate from the first seating assembly and including a first probe member adapted to abuttingly engage the fastener and a first proximity switch operably coupled with the first probe, wherein the first proximity switch is configured to indicate proper alignment on the fastener within the first station.

Abstract: A remotely configurable motor controller system comprises a motor controller and a remote configuration device. The motor controller includes solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor and a control circuit for controlling operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit comprises a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches and a memory connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information relating to operation of the solid state switches. A wireless communication interface is operatively connected to the programmed processor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for identifying a mixture of particles using a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). The particles are first reacted in a charge exchange reaction within the FT-ICR MS chamber using ionic partners that are chosen to discriminate among components of the mixture based on ionization potential. Mass spectra of test runs using different ionic partners may then be compared to identify components based on information gathered about both molecular mass and ionization potential.