Abstract: A bag holder holds a plurality of bags having spaced mounting holes formed in a top flange. The bag holder may be used with any of a variety of bag handling machines. The bag holder includes a frame member having a front, a rear, a top, and a bottom; a pair of pull-off hooks connected to the frame member; each of the pull-off hooks extending from the front surface of the frame member and under the bottom of the frame member; and a pair of rods each having a first end and a second end; the first end of each rod being connected to one of the pull-off hooks; each rod extending in a direction away from the rear of the frame member.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a factory process is disclosed. The factory process comprises a plurality of tasks. The method comprises displaying the factory process in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the process as a whole, selectively displaying each of the tasks in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the respective task.

Abstract: A system method and apparatus for separating and transporting a collection of stacked objects from a stack. A depalletizing apparatus includes a suction device assembly, a probing tongue, a lifting blade, and an optional compression arm. The suction device assembly applies a suction force to the side of the stacked objects and lifts a portion of the stacked objects thereby reducing the weight on the edge of the stack. A probing tongue inserted at or below the suction device assembly into the stack aids the insertion of a lifting blade into the stack. A compression arm may be utilized to provide a downward force on the stacked objects to aid in providing stability during movement of the collection by the lifting blade.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising: receiving a measurement of a vehicle speed; receiving information indicative of a drive speed; comparing a value related to the measurement of the vehicle speed with the information indicative of the drive speed to obtain a first speed deviation metric; and controlling a torque output of the drive within a limited range, the limited range at least partially based upon the first speed deviation metric.

Abstract: A device for reading and identifying a plate, with a camera means (100) with an optical device (110; 112, 114)) for digital image recording and an image processing device for the analysis of the image recorded by the camera means (100). In one embodiment, identification codes can be imaged from both sides of the plate (20)* by a mirror means (120; 122, 124, 126) onto the optical device (110; 112, 114) of the camera. The device is designed in such a way that each plate (40) can be recorded with two camera images, wherein a camera image is produced through the arrangement of several mirrors (122, 124, 126) of the mirror means (120) in such a way that one image half represents the right edge and the other image half represents the left edge of the plate (40) over a predetermined length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.

Abstract: A method and a door arrangement for a switchgear enclosure, with the enclosure having a top and bottom panel, a back panel and two opposing side panels. The enclosure includes an interior framework supporting a draw-out circuit breaker. The door arrangement comprises a front extension coupled to the enclosure. An exterior door is pivotably mounted in an offset position to the front extension and configured to move from one of a closed position and an open position on one side of the enclosure. The breaker door is pivotably mounted to the interior framework and configured to move from one of a closed position and an open position on another side of the enclosure and move clear of the offset exterior door.

Abstract: A software-based system for generating timing constraints for a proposed IC design has a first input as a synthesizable description of the proposed IC, a second input as a clock specification for the proposed IC, and a processing unit accepting the first and second inputs, and determining therefrom as an output, a set of timing constraints to guide implementation of the proposed IC design.

Abstract: A double throw switch linkage for coupling two switch apparatuses together in an enclosure. Each switch apparatus is coupled to the switch mechanism having a switch mechanism lever arm. When the lever arm is moved it translates a force to the actuator plate which closes one switch mechanism and maintains the other switch mechanism in an open position.

Abstract: For use in switchgear equipment having bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a bus joint cover assembly and method. The bus joint cover assembly comprises a collar member having a snap slot. A cap member having a boss snap is configured to engage the snap slot. The cap member is configured to telescopically join with the collar member around the bus joint wherein the bus joint is contained within the bus joint cover assembly. The bus joint cover assembly can include a side cover member configured to position between the collar member and the cap member. The side cover member can be configured to provide a passage for bus bars and can be configured as a bus end cover.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus having a station for loading and unloading substrates from the apparatus, includes an aperture closure for sealing a loading and unloading aperture of the station, apparatus for removing a door of a substrate magazine and thus opening the substrate magazine, and for operating the aperture closure to open the aperture, and an elevator for precisely positioning the open substrate magazine along a vertical axis within a usable range of motion. The station may also include a sensor for mapping locations of the substrates, and a mini-environment for interfacing the station to a substrate processing system.

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 robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. In one embodiment, the system carries out a method of loading a tray in a container where the method includes creating a cell with a plurality of bays; assigning each bay a location; moving trays through the cell along a path; grasping a tray off the path with a robot positioned above the path; moving the robot, with the grasped tray, to the location of one bay; and instructing the robot to release the tray at the location of the one bay.

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: At least one exemplary embodiment comprises a system comprising an arithmetic logic unit; a memory comprising a pre-computed table of target pulse widths, changes in pulse width, and pulse counts distributed according to a constrained semi-logarithmic distribution, the memory connected to the arithmetic logic unit via a pipeline mechanism; and a state machine adapted to load each of the target pulse widths and changes in pulse width from the memory into the arithmetic logic unit at pre-determined intervals of pulse count while maintaining control of a pulse width generated by the arithmetic logic unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample valve for use in conjunction with a gas chromatograph. The sample valve design provides for both the inertness and low permeability performance of a diaphragm, and an elastomeric material to apply adequate sealing pressure to the diaphragm to seal with the mating surface of a center plate of the sample valve. This valve design allows the active sealing surface to be well polished without the previous concern for maintaining critical flatness of the mating surfaces of the machined parts.

Abstract: An electrical switching system comprises a main housing enclosing an actuable apparatus including an actuator extending outwardly of the housing. A contact housing encloses an electrical contact and a pusher selectively actuable by the actuator to operate the contact. A mortise is provided on one of the main housing and contact housing and a tenon is provided on the other of the main housing and contact housing for joining the contact housing to the main housing. A snap lock resiliently locks the contact housing to the main housing.

Abstract: A contact block assembly comprising a pusher having a body portion; a window formed in the body portion; a movable contact positioned within the window; a recess formed in the body portion; a first spring positioned within the recess and abutting the movable contact; and second spring positioned outside the pusher and abutting the movable contact is disclosed. A method of assembling a contact block assembly, the method comprising the steps of inserting a first spring into a recess in a pusher; inserting a movable contact within a window of the pusher and in contact with the first spring; and positioning a second spring outside the pusher and in contact with the movable contact.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of and apparatus for self-calibrating a motion control system is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a test parameter, ensuring a reasonable test can be executed based on the test parameter, generating a part program based upon the test parameter, instructing a user of the motion control system regarding set up of a device capable of acquiring data associated with the test, and executing the test, wherein the part program is executed as part of the test.