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: The present invention is a method and apparatus for generating a high frequency excitation signal for use in a mass spectrometer. Harmonics or aliases of a fundamental frequency contained in a signal from a digital-to-analog converter are used to excite ions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The signal from the digital to analog converter may be filtered to remove the fundamental frequency or to remove unwanted harmonics or aliases.

Abstract: A parallel processor with a built-in sub-phase clocking scheme is provided to execute sequentially executed programmable logic controller (PLC) programs in a parallel method. A translator program will translate the PLC logic design from a coding language into Electronic Design Interchange Format and that will be eventually converted to a hardware or software embodiment of the logic. The processor provides a plurality of sub-phase clock periods. The translator assigns to the same sub-phase period program elements that process their tasks in the same range of time. The elements are grouped into sub-phase so that logic elements are performed lock-step to ensure that downstream element are performed at a time when they have valid values at their inputs. The processor consequently avoids race conditions in the system and allows the parallel execution speedup of programs written for a sequential machine such as a PLC.

Abstract: High-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) signal processing is accomplished using a programmable signal processing arrangement that is capable of altering characteristics of signal processing in response to one or more signal processing coefficients. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a PLC-based arrangement includes a PLC controller and a signal processing arrangement that oversamples and processes a signal at a frequency that is greater than a maximum input-process-output scan rate of the PLC controller. In one implementation, the signal processing arrangement is programmable with complex high-speed signal processing parameters that can be downloaded, for example, via the Internet in response to an end-user request. With these approaches, signal sampling and processing is achieved with a PLC-based system at a rate that can be much higher than previously-available signal processing rates with PLC controllers.

Abstract: A robotic deburring tool having a housing. Mounted within the housing is a pneumatic motor that includes a backwall and a drive shaft. Secured to the terminal end of the drive shaft is a deburring tool. A pivot-bearing is mounted in the housing adjacent the backwall. A connector extends from the backwall of the pneumatic motor and connects to the pivot bearing, thereby permitting the pneumatic motor to freely articulate radially in any direction while preventing free rotation about the bearing's longitudinal axis. A compliance device extends around the pneumatic motor at a location between the backwall and the deburring tool secured to the drive shaft. The compliance device restricts the movement of the pneumatic motor while applying a compliance force to the pneumatic motor as the pneumatic motor moves with the pivot bearing.

Abstract: A direct mount rotary handle operating mechanism for operating a circuit breaker having electrical contacts. The handle mechanism includes a driver coupled to the circuit breaker and a handle having a socket for receiving the driver. The socket is configured to allow the handle to rotate relative to the driver. The handle further includes a movable locking pin. A lock latch is associated with the driver, wherein the lock latch includes a flange portion. When the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker are welded closed and a torque is applied to the handle, the handle rotates to a position in which the pin is blocked from being inserted into the locking hole by the flange portion thereby preventing the handle from being locked in an OFF position when the contacts are welded together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second controller, each controller having an operating state. Each controller is operably connected to a network. Assigning a network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol, Media Access Control address, etc., to each controller and sensing the operating state of each controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined by the operating state of each respective controller.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method for acceptance testing a fieldbus component configuration program. The method can comprise providing simulated input information to the fieldbus component configuration program. The method can further comprise comparing outputs from the fieldbus component configuration program to predetermined outputs. In certain exemplary embodiments, the method can comprise determining if the fieldbus component configuration program output is faulty.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus comprising a drive section and a robot transport arm. The robot transport arm is mounted to the drive section. The robot transport arm has a wrist and an end effector to hold the substrate thereon. The end effector is rotatably mounted to the wrist to rotate about the wrist. The rotation of the end effector about the wrist is slaved to the robot transport arm. The robot transport arm is adapted to transport substrates into and out of two general side-by-side orientated substrate holding areas with the drive section being located in only one location relative to the two holding areas.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a factory automation product via a communications network. The factory automation product is installed at an installation site having an installation site address and includes identifiable information such as a product number, a version number, a serial number and a MAC address. By obtaining the installation site address and the identifiable information, it is possible to associate the installation site address to the factory automation product based on the identifiable information. Based on the installation site address, it is possible to determine whether the factory automation product is used in violation of licenses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning a feedforward compensation parameter in a motion control system is provided. According to one such embodiment, the method includes the acts of determining an initial value of a feedforward compensation parameter and commanding an initial movement of an actuator according to a test motion routine (wherein the initial value of the parameter is used in the control of the actuator). Error associated with the initial movement is determined. A potential value of the feedforward compensation parameter is determined. A movement of the actuator is commanded according to the test motion routine (wherein the potential value of the parameter is used in the control of the actuator) and error associated with the movement is determined. The errors associated with the movements are compared and, based on the act of comparing the errors, one of the values is selected as a current best value. In a further embodiment, such acts are repeated until the current best value is an optimum value.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting positional deviations of at least one area of a subject along one or more subject position axes.

Abstract: A method for adapting a computer-to-computer communication protocol, and especially TCP/IP, or any protocol implemented in a general purpose off-the-shelf network like Ethernet, for use in providing communication needed in an industrial control system, and especially an industrial control system using a programmable logic controller (PLC), where there is frequent communication between the PLC and control or monitoring elements, the method aimed at allowing the PLC to perform scanning of its ladder logic at a rate adequate for effective industrial control. The method includes making permanent-type TCP connections between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element, use of a protocol for communication with a control or monitoring element in which both a read register and a write register instruction is included in a single communication transaction, such as a MODBUS command, and tuning communication between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element.

Abstract: A multi-position electrical connector for a robotic tool changer includes a bracket mountable to a robotic tool changer master or tool module, a coupling interface in a fixed position with respect to the bracket, and a cable interface moveable to a plurality of positions with respect to the bracket. Both the coupling interface and the cable interface include a plurality of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected. In one embodiment, the cable interface is disposed at substantially 90 degrees to the coupling interface, and is rotatable about an axis of the coupling interface. The cable interface may be fixed in one of a plurality of positions around the coupling interface. In one embodiment, a selected position is fixed by mating a retention member on one of the cable interface and the bracket, with a recess on the other of the cable interface and the bracket.

Abstract: A method of processing material involves cutting pieces of material pursuant to a cut list and managing remaining salvage and defect pieces. A computer may be connected to a saw machine, and programmed to optimize cutting of stock to satisfy a cut list. An operator may input a cut list into the computer along with other parameters such as minimum salvage and defect lengths. A printer may be configured to automatically print labels for application to cut pieces.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device.

Abstract: A system that controls devices and integrally simulates the controlled motion of devices. The control and simulation system allows simultaneous development hardware and software in controlled device installations and increase operational ease-of-use and diagnostic capabilities. The control and three dimensional simulation system also allows client computers to remotely control the system and other devices connected to a network.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved live roller conveyor system for preventing damage to conveyed cases of goods when stopped upon live rollers. In an embodiment of the invention, a live roller comprises a drive shaft with a plurality of roller members rotatably affixed thereto. One or more bushings are provided between an inner surface of each roller member and an outer surface of said drive shaft. When a conveyed case is stopped along the conveyor, for example, during case layer formation for loading onto a pallet, the rollers underneath the case stop rotating relative to the drive shaft due to slippage between the bushings and drive shaft.

Abstract: In a palletizing machine, cases of goods are received from a production line and are arranged into patterned layers. The palletizing machine stacks the patterned layers one on top of another to form a stacked load that can be easily transported by machine. During arrangement of the cases into the patterned layers, some cases may need to be turned to change their orientation relative to their direction of travel. The cases can be turned simultaneously in groups of two, three, or more cases, to minimize the contact of the palletizing machine with the cases during turning. The turning device which bears against the case during turning may also be provided with a component of movement in the direction of case travel so as to effect the speed of the collision when the cases contact the turning device and effect the net speed between the cases and the turning device during turning.