Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a platform and language agnostic method for generating inter- and intra-data type aggregations of heterogenous disparate data upon which various operations can be performed without altering the structure of the query or resulting distributed data set representation to account for which specific data sources are included in the query.

Abstract: Strain gages on a robotic force/torque sensor are individually temperature compensated prior to resolving the gage outputs to estimate force and torque loads on the sensor. Thermal sensors are mounted proximate each strain gage, and the initial gate and thermal sensor outputs at a known load and temperature are obtained. The force/torque sensor then undergoes warming, and strain gage and thermal sensor outputs are again obtained. These gage and thermal sensor outputs are processed to calculate coefficients to a temperature compensation equation, such as by using a least squares algorithm. Each strain gage output is compensated using the temperature compensation equation, and the temperature-compensated outputs of the strain gages are then combined to resolve temperature-compensated force and torque values.

Abstract: A substrate loading device having a frame, a cassette support, and a user interface. The frame is connected to a substrate processing apparatus. The frame has a transport opening through which substrates are transported between the device and processing apparatus. The cassette support is connected to the frame for holding at least one substrate holding cassette. The user interface is arranged for inputting information, and is mounted to the frame so that the user interface is integral with the frame.

Abstract: A substrate transport system includes a carrier having a housing forming an interior environment having an opening for holding at least one substrate and a door for sealing the opening from an outside atmosphere where when sealed the interior environment is configured to maintain an interior atmosphere therein, the housing including a fluid reservoir exterior to the interior environment and configured to contain a fluid, forming a different atmosphere in the fluid reservoir than the interior atmosphere, to form a fluidic barrier seal that seals the interior environment from an environment exterior to the carrier.

Abstract: Manual hydraulic override pumps for use with actuators are described herein. An example apparatus includes a manifold including a reservoir port to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir of fluid, a pump port to be fluidly coupled to a pump, a first actuator port to be fluidly coupled to a first chamber of an actuator, and a second actuator port to be fluidly coupled to a second chamber of the actuator. The example apparatus also includes a rotor disposed in a cavity formed in the manifold. The rotor is rotatable between a first actuating position in which the rotor fluidly couples the first actuator port and the pump port, and a second actuating position in which the rotor fluidly couples the second actuator port and the pump port.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a frame, at least one arm link rotatably connected to the frame and a shaftless drive section. The shaftless drive section including stacked drive motors for rotating the at least one arm link relative to the frame through a shaftless interface, each of the stacked drive motors including a stator having stator coils disposed on a fixed post fixed relative to the frame and a rotor substantially peripherally surrounding the stator such that the rotor is connected to a respective one of the at least one arm link for rotating the one of the at least one arm link relative to the frame causing an extension or retraction of the one of the at least one arm link, where the stacked drive motors are disposed in the at least one arm link so that part of each stator is within a common arm link.

Abstract: A transport system comprising linear motor modules utilized both straight and curved track modules, with movers displaced on the track modules by control of power applied to coils of the modules. Curved track modules have modified spline geometries to provide desired acceleration and jerk characteristics. The modified spline geometries may be defined by more than one generators, such as an equation generator and a spline fit between the equation-generated segment and one or more constrained points or locations. The curved track modules may be divided into 180 degree modules, or may be reduced to 90 degree, 45 degree or other fractional arcs to provide for modular assembly, mirror-image geometries and motion profiles, and the like. The system may be adapted to provide improved motion characteristics based on modification of a conventional spline geometry.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe decoupling operation by only providing pneumatic fluid to a decouple port of a pneumatic coupling mechanism in the case that the tool changer is seated on, and properly aligned with, a tool stand. Pneumatic fluid to decouple the pneumatic coupling mechanism is routed from an air source to the tool stand. A pass-through in the tool stand returns the pneumatic fluid to a pneumatic path in the tool changer leading to a decouple port of the pneumatic coupling mechanism. Hence, the tool changer must be seated on the tool stand for the decouple port to receive pneumatic fluid to operate. Furthermore, a safety coupling is interposed on the pneumatic path between the tool stand and the decouple port. The safety coupling requires the tool changer to be seated on, and properly aligned with, the tool stand to effect the flow of pneumatic fluid—otherwise, the pneumatic fluid is bled to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A sewn product making apparatus such as a sewing robot can be used to produce a variety of products over a broad range of sizes, shapes or materials. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and the making of sewn products. In one example, among others, a system can generate a product making path using a product construction file, and instruct a sewing device and fabric mover(s) to automatically sew the product based upon the product making path. The product making path can be modified when a deviation is detected, and the sewing adjusted based upon the modified product making path. The product construction file can be generated using information from a computer aided design associated with the product.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a transport chamber, a drive section, a robot arm having an end effector at a distal end configured to support a substrate and being connected to the drive section generating at least arm motion in a radial direction extending and retracting the arm, an imaging system with a camera mounted in a predetermined location to image at least part of the robot arm, and a controller connected to the imaging system to image the arm moving to a predetermined repeatable position, the controller effecting capture of a first image of the robot arm proximate to the repeatable position decoupled from encoder data of the drive axis, wherein the controller calculates a positional variance of the robot arm from comparison of the first image with a calibration image, and from the positional variance determines a motion compensation factor changing the extended position of the robot arm.

Abstract: A force/torque sensor includes a plurality of serpentine or spiral deformable beams connecting a TAP and MAP. These classes of shapes increase the overall length of the deformable beams, which reduces their stiffness. In addition to the deformable beams is a plurality of straight overload beams, each connected at a first end to one of the TAP and MAP, and separated from the other of the TAP and MAP at the second end by an overload gap of a predetermined width. Over a first range of forces and torques, strain gages on the deformable beams transduce compressive and tensile strains into electrical signals, which are processed to resolve the forces and torques. Over a second range of forces and torques greater than the first range, the overload beams close the overload gap, establishing rigid contact to both the TAP and MAP. The stiffness of the sensor in the second range of forces and torques is greater than over the first range.

Abstract: An end effector for transferring a tray is described. The end effector includes an end effector base attached to a vertical drive column of a tray engine. The end effector further includes a slide having multiple arms that are attached to the end effector base to support the tray, when present. The arms of the slide enable the tray to slide along a length of the end effector base. The arms face each other and extend along the length of the end effector base.

Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, product materials may become wrinkled or folded, which can slow down the automated process or result in human intervention. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and removal of wrinkles from products. Images of material on a work table can be captured and analyzed to determine if there are wrinkles or folds in the product. The robot can remove the wrinkle or fold by manipulating the material through the use of end effectors such as, e.g., budgers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for observing a substrate, and laser operations thereon, are described. Dark field illumination is directed through a camera port of a laser beam delivery system and through laser beam delivery system optics of the laser beam delivery system onto the substrate. Simultaneously, a high dynamic range (HDR) camera system to observe light reflected from the substrate and transmitted through the laser beam delivery system optics of the laser beam delivery system to the camera port of the laser beam delivery system. The wavelengths of a pilot laser of the laser beam delivery system reaching the lensing system of the HDR camera system may be attenuated in intensity and may be confined to a peripheral, off-axis optical path.

Abstract: Substrate loading device including a frame adapted to connect the substrate loading device to a substrate processing apparatus, the frame having a transport opening through which substrates are transported between the loading device and processing apparatus, a cassette support for holding at least one substrate cassette container, and cassette support purge ports with purge port nozzle locations disposed on the cassette support, each nozzle location being configured so that a nozzle at the nozzle location couples to at least one purge port of the substrate cassette container, wherein each nozzle location defines an interchangeable purge port nozzle interface so that different interchangeable purge port nozzles are removably mounted to respective nozzle interfaces of the nozzle locations that correspond to the different nozzle configurations of the interchangeable purge port nozzle modules, in conformance with and effecting coupling to different ports of different substrate cassette containers having different

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including; a frame, a substrate transport arm connected to the frame, the substrate transport arm having an end effector, and a drive section having at least one motor coupled to the substrate transport arm, wherein the at least one motor defines a kinematic portion of the drive section configured to effect kinematic motion of the substrate transport arm, and the drive section includes an accessory portion adjacent the kinematic portion, wherein the accessory portion has another motor, different and distinct from the at least one motor, the another motor of the accessory portion is operably coupled to and configured to drive one or more accessory device independent of the kinematic motion of the substrate transport arm.

Abstract: A system for configuring and providing automated access to content based on the access rights of a mobile computing device, the location of a mobile computing device, and the user operating the mobile computing device. The system uses a centralized database and management system to configure and manage access to content. The system determines the information that is relevant when a device and user are physically present at a specific location. The system then facilitates access to content on the mobile computing device for user interaction. Access to information is controlled by the system based on a combination of permissions shared by the mobile computing device, the user, and the current location. In one embodiment, access to content is governed by the spatial proximity of the device to some physical asset. In one embodiment, multiple location checks are performed before content is delivered.

Abstract: A mist extraction system is provided that includes a plenum box having an inlet configured to be coupled in fluid communication with a machine tool enclosure. A blower is coupled in fluid communication with the plenum box and is configured to draw air into the plenum box from the machine tool enclosure via the inlet of the plenum box and exhaust the air back into the machine tool enclosure via an outlet of the blower. A baffle plate is arranged in the plenum box to redirect the air drawn into the plenum box through the inlet of the plenum box and a filter panel is arranged in the plenum box to filter the air redirected by the baffle plate prior to the air entering the blower. A collector arranged to collect mist from the air condensed on the baffle plate and the filter panel.

Abstract: A self-contained, low-cost, low-weight guidance system for vehicles is provided. The guidance system can include an optical camera, a case, a processor, a connection between the processor and an on-board control system, and computer algorithms running on the processor. The guidance system can be integrated with a vehicle control system through “plug and play” functionality or a more open Software Development Kit. The computer algorithms re-create 3D structures as the vehicle travels and continuously updates a 3D model of the environment. The guidance system continuously identifies and tracks terrain, static objects, and dynamic objects through real-time camera images. The guidance system can receive inputs from the camera and the onboard control system. The guidance system can be used to assist vehicle navigation and to avoid possible collisions. The guidance system can communicate with the control system and provide navigational direction to the control system.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to seamer systems and methods that can be used at the end of a sewing process to secure sewing medium in sewn material by creating a knot. Excess sewing medium can be removed after forming knot at the sewn material. A clamp can secure a portion of the sewing medium while allowing at least one element of the sewing medium to pass through the clamp. A material stabilizer can align the sewing medium to form the knot and sever the excess sewing medium after the knot is formed.