Abstract: In brief, the present invention provides a system for the interconnection of semiconductor fabrication tools (“process tools”) in a semiconductor fabrication facility by use of a data network and microprocessor based interface (“browser”) associated with each process tool. The data network and microprocessor based interface provide communication in accordance with known standards via Intranet or Internet data transfer links to one or more remotely disposed browsers. Data is immediately available in real time on all aspects of the operation of the fabrication facility. Equipment engineers and process engineers can browse the various process tools from any location. Host communications to and from the tools can be monitored without affect on factory operation. The interface is compatible with standard process tools and factory automation or management software systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of interactive visualization and parameter selection for engineering design. Initially, a nominal topology and associated design variables are set. The design variables are treated as being independent of each other for the purposes of a design variable sweep or sensitivity analysis to determine effects of changes in design variables on performance. The results of the sweep are presented to a designer, for example, by a suitable software tool including a graphical user interface. The designer selects design variables and revises their values based on the visually presented results of the sweep and effects a simulation using the revised values. If the results are satisfactory and a stopping condition is satisfied then the method is done. Otherwise, a determination must be made as to whether additional values can be changed or whether a new sweep must be effected.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuable device has a magnetic core proximate an armature and a coil selectively energized to draw the armature to the magnetic core. The armature and magnetic core are of laminated magnetic steel and have mating surfaces. At least one of the armature and magnetic core includes conductive weld or braze lines for integrally securing laminations together to define a conductive path proximate the mating surface to provide a shading coil.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the conditions within a storage tank includes a sensor communicating data indicative of conditions within the storage tank to a base controller. The data is decoded and arranged into a graphical display of the conditions of the storage tank. The graphical display includes a representation of storage tank conditions including the configuration of the storage tank, current fluid levels and temperature within the storage tank. The graphical display also includes a historical database of conditions within the storage tank that may be displayed graphically to track usage. The base controller is connected to a communications network such that data indicative of conditions with the storage tank can be communicated to remote users through a wireless communication network by way of alphanumeric messages.

Abstract: A drumhead mold and process for making a plastic drumhead. The mold is structured to heat the drumhead collar area and maintain the battering surface cool to provide a drumhead with improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: A modular frame assembly for a wafer fabrication system comprising at least one base casting and at least one upstanding pod door opening casting. The at least one base casting and at least one upstanding pod door opening casting are self registering and allow frames for wafer fabrication systems of any normally desired configuration to be produced out or a small number of cast modules. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, frames configured to mate with one to four commercially available loaders may be readily assembled out of the aluminum castings.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems for depositing a material onto a surface, and more particularly, to control systems for metering the amount of material being dispensed. The present invention provides an active compensation metering system that automatically compensates for material changes due to changes in material pressure, material temperature, and material viscosity.

Abstract: An electric motor component testing system includes test stations located along different conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A robotic crash protection device is adapted to be interposed between a robot arm and a robotic tool for detecting a crash. The device includes a housing, a piston having a generally central bore movably mounted within the housing, an actuator for engaging the piston and moving the piston in response to a crash, and a switch disposed within the housing and generally aligned with the bore of the piston. The switch contacts are disposed such that in a default position the bore of the piston engages the contacts and maintains the contacts in one switch state, and in the event of a crash the piston moves and permits the contacts to assume the opposite switch state. A non-circular contact surface between the actuator and the piston ensures a consistent response to lateral forces applied in to the axial direction in any radial direction.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for facilitating the operation of a control system utilizing one or more input devices is disclosed. The control system provides the ability to monitor and modify operating parameters of the input devices. A function integrated within a software code is to be executed by the control system. The function is responsive to the input device. The input device includes at least one condition comprising a state wherein all of the conditions must be met prior to the execution of the function. A display of an unmet condition is exhibited to operator personnel of the control system during the execution of any function having an unmet condition prohibiting the execution of the function. The operator personnel is capable of overriding the unmet condition by selecting the state of the condition that allows the condition to be met, thus allowing the function to be executed. A maintenance log contains a record of the conditions that were bypassed or overridden.

Abstract: A coaxial inductive power transfer and distribution apparatus includes a stationary primary conductor and a mobile secondary coil magnetically coupled together to provide for inductive power transfer therebetween. A return conductor that is stationary is mechanically coupled to the primary conductor and ensures the position stability of the primary conductor with respect to the moveable secondary coil. The return conductor also includes an air gap in which a support member for the mobile secondary coil is disposed within. The mobile secondary winding includes a high permeability toroidal core that is coaxially disposed about, and spaced apart from, the primary conductor. A multi-turn coil is radially disposed about the high permeability toroidal core. The support member for the mobile secondary winding extends through the air gap in the return conductor to the exterior of the return conductor, where it may be coupled to an electric vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking articles on edge is provided which has a discharge magazine for stacking the articles face-to-face and on-edge. The magazine has an article edge receiver having a non-offset position and an offset position. The article edge receiver has a register wall for aligning the articles in the non-offset position and a segmented rotational offset disk for aligning the articles in the offset position. The disk has a cut out segment having a planar stop edge surface. The cut out segment is rotatable from an article receiving position to an article bypass position. When in the receiving position, the planar stop edge surface is at a right angle to the two faces of the article. When in the article bypass position, the segmented rotational offset disk allows the articles to bypass the segmented rotational disk.

Abstract: A method and system for automated temperature measurement is described. The system includes a programmable logic controller, a temperature measurement diode, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the diode and the programmable logic controller, a current source coupled to the diode and configured to generate a first current and a second current different from said first current, and a processor coupled to the current source and to the analog-to-digital converter. The processor controls the current source such that the current source sequentially applies the first current to the diode at a first point in time and applies the second current to the diode at a second point in time. The processor also receives a first voltage across the diode measured when the first current is applied to the diode and a second voltage across the diode measured when the second current is applied to the diode. Based on the first and second voltages, the processor determines the temperature proximate the diode.

Abstract: A machine for supporting and lifting an automotive chassis module into position for assembly with an automobile body includes a mobile vehicle having at least one fixture arranged above the vehicle for receiving and supporting the chassis module and a guided lift mechanism for moving the fixture vertically between lowered and raised positions. The lift mechanism includes a helical push actuator having a drive motor and at least one band that can be advanced and retracted in a vertical helix with an end of the band being coupled to the fixture to move the fixture between the lowered and raised positions by helical advancement of the band under control of the motor. The lift mechanism includes spaced support members that each extend between the fixture and the vehicle to guide the fixture in the vertical direction and restrain the fixture from moving horizontally.

Abstract: A substrate handling end effector is provided. The substrate handling end effector has a vacuum chuck to support a semiconductor substrate thereon. A vacuum passage and a liquid passage are located in the vacuum chuck. The vacuum passage is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and the liquid passage is adapted to be connected to a liquid source. The liquid passage is connected to the vacuum passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of dispensing or administering medications which requires prompting the user for a reason if the user wants to dispense or intends to administer a medication that is not on the patient's medication profile. For example, a patient may be in severe discomfort, or some other condition exists, that requires dispensing and administration of a medication not approved by a pharmacist for the patient. The method prompts the user to supply a reason (exception) for the dispensing or administering that can be used to create an audit trail. The method may include identifying a patient, accessing a medication profile for the identified patient, selecting a medication for the identified patient, the selected medication not having been reviewed against the patient's medication profile, prompting the user to identify an exception, and reviewing the exception to determine its acceptability.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and assessing operation of a semiconductor fabrication facility comprises the steps of connecting a monitoring and assessment system to a system bus which is connected directly or indirectly to a manufacturing execution system and a plurality of semiconductor fabrication tools. Through a user interface, the state models can be configured for the semiconductor fabrication tools where each state model is based upon a set of defined triggers for each tool. During monitoring various messages are transmitted on the system bus between the semiconductor fabrication tools and the manufacturing execution system and the monitoring and assessment system, and appropriate triggers are generated based upon the messages where the triggers are selected from a set of defined triggers. During operation, the state models are updated for each tool affected by one of the triggers and transitions within the state models are recorded in a tracking database.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving a multiplicity of like circular articles, such as discs, rings, and lids, for example, presented in a known or random horizontal orientation, and for collecting them for subsequent conventional processing into a horizontal counted stack in which each of the circular articles of the stack has the same on-edge or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system 10 (FIG. 1) using electronic trip units 35 is disclosed. The electronic trip units 35 are coupled to a communications bus 30 whereby the electronic trip units 35 can be reconfigured, controlled, and/or monitored by a central computer. Further, the electronic trip units 30 include a data acquisition circuit 100 (FIG. 4) that uses chopping to provide better accuracy and increased dynamic range of current measurements.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for communicating a controller area network (CAN) message between a sending node, attached to a sending CAN network, and a receiving node, where the sending and receiving nodes are interconnected by a network communicating according to transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP). The invention provides for having the sending node extract the CAN message payload (arbitration field, control field and data field if any) from a CAN message, having it embed the CAN message payload in a TCP/IP frame as the TCP/IP data field of the TCP/IP frame, having it refer to a routing form to determine the address on the TCP/IP network of the receiving node; and having it transmit the TCP/IP frame over the TCP/IP network using the address for the receiving node from the routing form.