Abstract: An automated system and method for chromosome microdissection involves securing a micro-tool, verifying a micro-tip position and configuration and execution of a predetermined cut pattern of a location identified by an equipment operator. The present method involves preparation of sample material on a slide placed upon a stage of an inverted optical microscope, location of the target sample for dissection, micro-tool calibration and microdissection itself. Micro-tool calibration involves the use of cameras, preferably mounted at an angle from each other, for seeing the micro-tool point, such cameras associated with vision software programs capable of locating the tool point tip at three-dimensional space. Microdissection is performed on an isolated section of chromosome placed within the appropriate three-dimensional stage. The present system and method provides reliability and ease of operation thus making microdissection widely available to laboratories.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose end effector for a robotic arm that moves a workpiece through an automated, multi-station, manufacturing operation. The end effector is particularly useful in a gear manufacturing operation in which a gear piece is annealed, ground and tested to ensure it meets desired specifications. The relatively lightweight and compact end effector securely grips the workpiece during multi-directional movements, and provides a degree of softness when loading the normally non-rotating workpiece onto a continuously rotating chuck or tool. The end effector is secured to the robotic arm by a cross-member equipped with three different gripping implements. A central gripping device extends from the middle of the cross-member, a loading arm extends from one end of the cross-member, and an unloading arm extends from the other end. Each gripping implement includes pneumatically controlled gripping fingers for holding the gear pieces.

Abstract: An elevated neutral base for switches forming an open space for positioning of insulated electric wires.

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 20. Further, the electronic trip units are coupled to a separate control power supply line 50 and to a zone selective interlock system.

Abstract: A method for forming the seat in a pulsed sampling valve used in a FTICR MS. The valve has a ceramic ball that closes against the seat to thereby seal the passageway that is used for introduction of sample into the FTICR MS vacuum chamber. The material from which the seat is formed is chosen to withstand relatively high operating temperatures and a precise deburred hole is drilled in that material. The pre-load spring exerts a force against the ball when the valve is assembled. The force initially exceeds the yield strength of the seat material to deform the material to form the seat.

Abstract: An ionic flame monitor. The flame monitor has a flame rod that produces an ionization current when the flame rod is immersed in a flame and excited by a voltage. The ionization current has a DC component and an AC component each dependent on the intensity of the flame, and a flicker frequency. The flame monitor also has a computing device that is responsive to signals representative of the flicker frequency, and the AC and DC components of the ionization current for determining the existence of the flame.

Abstract: A non contact isolation seal assembly for rotary and linear sealing for use in semiconductor manufacturing automation. The noncontact isolation seal assembly employs a seal having an aperture with a shaft extending through the aperture. A gap region is maintained between the outside surface of the shaft and the aperture of the seal. A gas source is connected to the interior of the gap region whereby gas pressure in the gap region is maintained at a higher pressure than gas pressure surrounding the shaft. The flow of gas and differential pressure prevents fluids, gasses, and contaminants from passing through the gap region preventing contamination of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method of preventing vibration loosening of a clamping screw 26 of a circuit protection apparatus 10 is provided. The circuit protection apparatus 10 has a conductor receiving member 28 including a conductor receiving opening 40 for receiving an electrical conductor 46 therein. The conductor receiving member 28 has an aperture 42 extending from a surface 50 thereof into communication with the conductor receiving opening 40. An overall extent of the aperture 42 includes threads. The method provides a clamping screw 26 having a threaded shaft 50. The threaded shaft 50 has a surface feature 52 in the threads thereof near an end 54 of the shaft.

Abstract: An existing box-making machine is retrofitted by first removing the pull rolls and impression cylinder and other associated parts and cross-ties. However, the heavy duty side frames and drums, including the print cylinder are left intact in the box-making machine. A vacuum transfer machine is then inserted in the box-making machine and mounted to the existing frame to replace the pull rolls that were removed. The vacuum transfer machine includes a hood enclosure having an impression cylinder for printing, and transport rolls on opposite sides of the impression cylinder for conveying the corrugated boards through the impression and print cylinders and to the die cutter. The boards are held against the transport rolls and the impression cylinder by vacuum generated in a vacuum chamber in the hood which also contains the transport rolls and the impression cylinder. The vacuum chamber contains a plurality of vacuum dampers for controlling the vacuum area in accordance with the size of the boards being processed.

Abstract: A wafer pod handling device engages a pod for transport through a flange on top of the pod by receiving the flange into a receptacle and rotating a circular disk having a square aperture such that edges on the disk are positioned beneath an overhang on the flange. As the circular disk is lifted, the edges contact the overhang of the flange and lift the pod. The circular disk is mounted in a housing having a lip adapted to slideably engage the circumference of the circular disk. An actuator on top of the housing rotates the disk into engagement with the flange. As the housing is lifted, the circumference of the circular disk rests on the lip to frictionally secure and support the circular disk despite power failures or accidental rotation that could disengage the pod.

Abstract: A test tube orienting system consisting of a test tube hopper, and a test tube transport system for directing test tubes out of the test tube hopper with a consistent orientation. The test tube hopper has an open mouth, an internal cavity communicating with the mouth, and a side wall enclosing the cavity. The side wall has a downwardly inwards sloping channel extending along the side wall from the mouth. The transport system directs the test tubes axially upwards along the channel, and includes an endless chain and a series of pins affixed to the endless chain, extending through the channel into the internal cavity. The endless chain is coupled to a motor for moving the pins upwards along the channel, and is inclined at an acute angle to the channel for progressively retracting the tube supports from the internal cavity as the pins move upwards along the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for communication with at least one device which resides on a standard communications network using a standard communications protocol. The apparatus has a scanner for scanning the device, a device scan table for storing data relating to the device, and a standard communications interface for interfacing between the device scanner and the standard communications network using the standard communication protocol. The present invention is also directed to a device scanner for a first device located on a first node of a standard communications network. The device scanner is provided for scanning devices on the standard communications network, and for identifying a second device on a second node of the standard communications network.

Abstract: An interface allows for the transfer of real time control data with guaranteed delivery times between devices on a general purpose network and an industrial control system. A proxy server takes the role of a TCP/IP router and is configured to control the rate at which messages are forwarded from the non-real time to the real time portion of the network, keeping the loading of the real time portion stable regardless of the external non-real-time communication demand. Real time data is preconfigured and exchanged in a regular sequence, with the cyclic update period known. The length of any communication message necessary to transmit this information, plus any sequencing and acknowledgment overhead, is calculated in advance and aggregated. Each device with authority to transmit on the shared medium is given a time budget, calculated so that the total transmission quantity in unit time is deliberately limited to some fraction of the maximum transmission capability of the network.

Abstract: A sealable bag for storing merchandise includes a body having a pocket that is adapted to receive the merchandise. The pocket has an opening through which merchandise is placed into the pocket. The body has a pair of flanges disposed along the sides of the body. The body has a neck with the opening of the pocket being disposed at the neck of the body. The neck has a sealing area. The bag includes a pair of stress relief notches disposed in the flanges intermediate the sealing area and the opening of the pocket. The stress relief notches prevent the sealing area from becoming wrinkled while the bag is being sealed with automated equipment thus allowing a clean, unwrinkled seal to be formed in the bag.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus substrate transport and load lock assembly comprising a first load lock, a first substrate elevator, and a transport robot. The substrate elevator has a first vertical drive and a first substrate support connected to the vertical drive. The support is vertically movable by the vertical drive along a path including a first position outside of the load lock and a second position inside the load lock. The transport robot has a movable arm for supporting at least one substrate thereon. The arm is movable into and out of the path while the support is located in the load lock.

Abstract: A man machine interface for an A-C motor bypass has a membrane keypad with a multiplicity of pushbuttons connected to a micro-controller. The micro-controller controls the flow of current to the coil of each of the drive and bypass contactors to thereby open or close those contactors depending on if the motor is to be driven and how it is to be driven. The micro-controller includes code that simulates a first state machine that determines the operating condition of the drive and bypass contactors and if it is desired to open that one of the two contactors which is presently open and close that one of the two contactors when is presently open. The micro-controller includes code which simulates a second state machine which is active only when the inverter contactor is open. This state machine determines if the motor is to run or stop and closes or opens the bypass contactor accordingly.

Abstract: A communications module that permits remote meter reading of a utility meter via a wireless modem that communicates using data packet networks along a communications system, such as ARDIS. The communications module is a microprocessor-based transmitter/receiver which receives data collection requests from a system server, initiates data collection from a utility meter, and reports the data back to a host computer system residing, for example, at a central office. Preferably, session-based communication using the meter protocol is implemented between the communications module and the meter, and packet switching is used between the communications server and the communications module through the network.

Abstract: An alarm event generation method and apparatus for signaling an alarm (436, 1400) for a process control system (100). The process control system (100) monitors a production run using a computer system (108). The computer system (108) collects process data corresponding to the production run from operator workstations (104, 106) and stores the process data in a process data database (110). The process data includes a plurality of process parameter counts (430) each corresponding to a process parameter type (428). The process parameter counts (430) are polled from the computer system (108). Each process parameter count (430) has a corresponding manufacturing limit (434) to which it is compared. When a polled process parameter count (430) exceeds its corresponding manufacturing limit (434), an alarm (436, 1400) is signaled. While an alarm (436, 1400) is being signaled, the computer system (108) is prevented from collecting and storing process data.

Abstract: An article piercing end effector for an industrial robot. The end effector includes a mounting bracket designed to be coupled to the arm of a robot. Positioned on the bracket is an actuator that is coupled to and controls the movement of a first plate. The first plate is supported by two guide rods coupled to the actuator. The first plate includes a plurality of pairs of opposed forks removably mounted to its underside of the first plate. Positioned below the first plate is a second plate with a plurality of holes generally aligned with the tips of each of the pair of opposed forks. The second plate is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket by standoff rods. When the first plate is moved by the actuator toward the second plate, the forks extending from the first plate travel through the holes in the second plate, which holes are chamfered for easy operation. The tips of the forks thus move towards each other to pierce items of interest, such as baked goods positioned below the second plate.