Abstract: A fast method of estimating capacitances and wire delays in an integrated circuit design is based on placement information such as that contained in a gate schematic net list from a logic synthesis tool. A simple tree topology called a spine tree is constructed to connect the pins of the net as an approximation of actual connections therein. Capacitance is extracted for this topology assuming a worst case scenario, and Elmore delays are computed for the wire delays based on the worst-case capacitances. The method takes linear time as a function of the number of pins in the net and is much faster than using a Steiner tree method in this context.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically weighing portions of semi-solid matter using a weigh station having a rotating receptacle which receives the portion so that an accurate weight indication of the portion can be taken, and propels the portion from the weigh station to a further conveyor or processing system, a drive motor which powers the weigh station through a disengageable motor drive connection, and a weight signal processor which converts and stores the weight indications as weight data and transmits appropriate control signals to the drive motor, whereby variations in the weight of each portion are measured and evaluated to control the further processing of each portion, according to whether the portion weight is within predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A motor controller system comprises solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A user input elements selects a current imbalance parameter. Current sensors sense current in each winding of the motor. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit compares the sensed currents with the selected imbalance parameter to determine if a fault condition exists.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a modem adapted to be integrated into a programmable logic controller and adapted to facilitate communications with a main processor of the programmable logic controller via a communications medium. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a message from a main processor of a programmable logic controller, modulating the message within the programmable logic controller, and transmitting the message via a communications network. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a message at a programmable logic controller from a communications network, demodulating the message within the programmable logic controller, and delivering the message to a main processor of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling motion through consecutive linear spans that define a corner in a desired motion path, such as a motion path in a machine tool system for example, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of data points that define a desired motion path is provided, and the plurality of data points define a plurality of consecutive spans. It is determined whether two consecutive linear spans define a corner having an angle within a predetermined range, and if so, a non-linear path is determined which connects to the two consecutive linear spans with continuity in curvature. An actuator is then controlled according to the non-linear path.

Abstract: A positioning carriage is coupled to a fence structure by a rigid sheet having one or more bends around an axis parallel to the direction of fence structure movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and machine are provided for tuning compensation parameters in a motion control system associated with a mechanical member. The method includes the steps of receiving an indication of a compensation parameter to be tested, based on the compensation parameter to be tested causing a signal associated with a desired motion of the mechanical member to be commanded, acquiring control data associated with the signal, acquiring measurement data associated with actual motion of the mechanical member in response to the signal, analyzing the control and measurement data; and based on the step of analyzing the control and measurement data, implementing a value of the compensation parameter.

Abstract: A rotary dispenser that provides for airlessly applying a fluidic coating material to a target surface. The rotary dispenser of the present invention includes an angled fluidic passage therein, a fluid control body and a motor driven shaft to which the rotary dispenser is operationally attached. The rotary dispenser, with its angled fluid passage, provides a flow conduit which produces a series of overlapping circular spray patterns. The resulting spray patterns can be controlled to provide a narrow line spray pattern with clearly defined edges. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a spray pattern for coating the interior surface of hollow objects. A method of using the rotary dispenser in various coating applications is also disclosed.

Abstract: An edge gripping device grips and ungrips a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. A blade extends in a distal direction from a base of the device. At least one distal contact member is provided at the tip of the blade. Two proximal lever arms are pivotally coupled for synchronized, oppositely directed rotation to the base. Each lever arm has at least one proximal contact member at an outer end. A biasing member is coupled to the two proximal lever arms and to an actuator to effect pivoting movement of the lever arms. The pivoting motion moves the ends of the arms generally radially toward and away from the center of the substrate to be gripped or ungripped, thereby minimizing sliding of the substrate. The biasing member is biased to retain the lever arms in a closed position in the event of a power failure. Ramps are provided next to each contact member. The contact members and ramps are profiled to minimize the zone of the substrate edge that is contacted.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter mechanism for cutting and/or creasing corrugated boards including a rotatable die cylinder with a cutting die, and a rotatable anvil against which the corrugated boards are cut as they pass between the die cylinder and the anvil. A computer is used to determine how much the speed of the anvil should be changed to compensate for changes in the diameter of the anvil so that the boards are cut to the desired dimension. A fine adjustment of the size of the boards to be cut is made by providing information to the computer representative of the specific die being used. The computer then calculates an adjusted speed of the anvil to cut the boards to the desired dimension, and then sends a signal to a motor for changing the speed of the anvil to the adjusted speed calculated by the computer.

Abstract: A CANOpen network including a bus master and an I/O module are disclosed. Each are communicatively coupled to a common bus. The I/O module is subject to a state change. The bus master collects state information from the I/O module by sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to a state change of the I/O module, sending a trigger signal from the bus master to the I/O module, and sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to the trigger signal.

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 hysteresis. 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: A modular motor controller family comprises a housing. Solid state switches are selected from one of plural switch sizes for controlling a desired voltage and current range. The switches are mounted in the housing for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A logic circuit board is mounted in the housing including logic circuitry for commanding operation of the solid state switches independent of the selected switch size. An interface circuit board selected from one of plural configurations is mounted in the housing and includes interface circuitry connected between the logic circuitry and the solid state switches. The interface circuitry is selected to interface with the selected switch size according to the desired voltage and current range.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and method, for processing a material involves automatically measuring the length of a work piece and calculating an optimal plan for cutting the work piece to fulfill cut list requirements.

Abstract: A dynamic sortation system and method. The invention is preferably utilized in a robotic containerization system having a number of locations for containers such as carts or pallets. Each location may be assigned a speed of loading rating that represents the time needed for a robot to load an item to a location. The system may be preprogrammed with a simplified, base scheme of destinations. After these initial steps, the system reads destination codes from each of the plurality of items in a load of items sent to the system for sortation. The system may store the destination code of each read item in a historical database. The system then determines whether the read destination code is assigned a location. If the destination code is assigned a location, the item is loaded in a container at the assigned location.

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: A configurable motor controller includes solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit comprises a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches. A memory is connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information relating to operation of the solid state switches. A user configuration device selects the values for the stored configuration information. The configuration information comprises adjustable values within a range. The configuration device is adapted to select any adjustable value within the range.

Abstract: A modular motor controller family comprises a housing. Solid state switches are selected from one of plural switch sizes for controlling a desired voltage and current range. The switches are mounted in the housing for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A logic circuit board is mounted in the housing including logic circuitry for commanding operation of the solid state switches independent of the selected switch size. An interface circuit board selected from one of plural configurations is mounted in the housing and includes interface circuitry connected between the logic circuitry and the solid state switches. The interface circuitry is selected to interface with the selected switch size according to the desired voltage and current range.

Abstract: For use in switchgear equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a channel bus splice assembly and method. The channel bus splice assembly comprises switchgear or switchboard equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a channel bus splice assembly. The channel bus splice assembly comprises an inner splice plate defining a plurality of throughbores. A sliding clamp plate is configured to reciprocally move within the inner splice plate. The sliding clamp plate defines a plurality of access ports. A pair of nut plates is coupled to the sliding clamp plate and having threaded orifices corresponding to selected throughbores in the inner splice plate. An outer splice plate having a plurality of throughbores corresponding to the threaded orifices in the nut plates.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and method, for processing a material involves automatically printing labels for pieces cut pursuant to a cut list.