Abstract: A stator lamination (20) for forming a stator assembly (82) of a permanent magnet motor (80) includes a yoke region (23) and a plurality of stator poles (22) spaced along and extending inwardly from the yoke region. The stator poles (22) are configured and arranged to define a slot (28) having a predetermined span (30) between the lateral end surfaces of adjacent stator poles. A plurality of teeth (24) are formed on the distal ends of each of the stator poles (22), and are separated from each other by a notch (26). The teeth (24) are equi-spaced and the number of notches (26) is an even number.

Abstract: A wafer handling apparatus having input and output robotic systems directed by a programmed controller. Each system has components including a robot, a twist and rotate, and a carrier and automated carrier rail. The input system is for removing wafers from their wafer pod, placing them in the carrier and transporting them via the rail to a wafer processing area. The output system performs the reverse operation, taking wafers from a carrier following processing and placing them in a pod. Each robot includes a plurality of interconnected, articulated cantilevered arms. The last one of the arms has a wand on one end and a laser emitter detector on the other end, and operates in cooperation with the controller to provide location detection of system components. The controller also includes circuitry for sensing contact of the wand with an object by measuring the increased robot motor torque occurring upon contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a corrosion barrier coating composition, comprising an admixture of: (1) about 60 to about 95 wt % of a one-component epoxy resin composition comprising (a) about 10-30% by weight of 4-glycidyloxy, n,n-diglycidyl aniline; (b) about 30-60% by weight of an epoxy resin, wherein the epoxy resin is epichlorohydrin ether of bisphenol A; and (c) about 3-7% by weight of strontium chromate; (2) about 1 to about 30 wt % of polytetrafluoroethylene; and (3) about 1 to about 20 wt % of glass powder, all weight percents being based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a substrate coated with the above corrosion barrier coating composition, and a method of coating a substrate with the above composition.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid shaft and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular, and is injection molded around a portion of the shaft. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity with a press fit against an inner surface of the valve cavity to seal the valve cavity against leakage.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an enclosure housing devices which generate heat inside the enclosure. A fan, whose speed is responsive to an input signal, has a gas flow output in communication with the enclosure. A filter is disposed in the gas flow path of the fan's output. At least one temperature sensor is disposed in the enclosure for measuring the temperature inside the enclosure. A controller adjusts the speed of the fan until the temperature inside the enclosure is within a predetermined range to ensure that the devices inside the enclosure do not overheat. A processor compares the signal input to the fan with the speed of the fan to determine the condition of the fan and, in response to the temperature sensor, determines the condition of the filter.

Abstract: An intelligent fan system includes a microcontroller having memory and an interface which provides a connection to a host computer system. The host computer system dynamically provides a plurality of controlled instructions to the microcontroller which are stored in the memory of the microcontroller. The system also includes a temperature sensing device which is connected to the microcontroller. A fan responsive to the communication signal provided by the microcontroller adjusts the speed of the fan in accordance with the plurality of control instructions.

Abstract: A pilot operated safety relief valve (14) having a main piston valve member (26). A dome chamber (42) is provided in the valve body (18) over piston valve member (26) and a cap (44) forms a closure for dome chamber (42). A pilot valve (46) is mounted on the cap (44) and has a diaphragm actuated fluid inlet sensing tube (60) received within a bore (30) of the piston valve member (26). Inlet fluid pressure is communicated through bore (61) of sensing tube (60) to the inlet fluid sensing chamber (84) on the outer side of diaphragm (65). Exhaust chamber (56) is positioned between dome chamber (42) and inlet sensing chamber (84). Adjustment spring (67) continuously urges O-ring (72) in dome chamber (42) to a seated position on seat (70). An annular clearance (78) is provided between sensing tube (60) and piston (26) for providing a restricted fluid flow between dome chamber (42) and the inlet (20).

Abstract: An integrated keyboard input device is disclosed, including those used for Point-Of-Sale system (POS). The standard keyboard is integrated with one or more optical scanners and any combination of other input peripheral devices, the optical scanner being mounted within the keyboard housing. The peripherals preferably can be selectively connected and disconnected from the keyboard and are interfaced with a keyboard wedge which allows each input peripheral to communicate directly to a computer in keyboard data format without requiring separate electrical connections to the computer.

Abstract: The remote control assembly 10 is characterized by a terminal mechanism 34 including a tubular anchor member 36 slidably supported on a tubular fitting 22 extending from the conduit 14. The anchor member 36 is secured to the outer end 30 of a rod 26 extending form the core element 12 and is disposed in close sliding relationship about the tubular fitting 22. The terminal mechanism 34 also includes a tubular connector member 44 and a coil spring 46. The connector member 44 is in telescoping relationship with the anchor member 36 and the spring 46 biases the connector member 44 in an extending direction yet for provides lost motion between the rod 26 and the control member in response to a predetermined collapsing force. A resilient cushion 48 is disposed in the connector member 44 for cushioning collapsing movement of the connector member 44 over the anchor member 36.

Abstract: The present seal (10) is a disc of a rigid but deformable plastic, the top surface of which is cylindrical, and the bottom of which has a circular groove (12) containing a flexible sealing mechanism (15). This seal is suited for use in a ganged rotor valve (22) having two or more levels of independent fluid passageways through the rotor along the length thereof. Each level will usually have two independent L-shaped passageways (34, 35). The seal (10) of this invention fits into the rotor about each of the ends of the passageways (34, 35) to seal the passageway between the rotor and the valve body (22).

Abstract: A contactless power supply device having a stationary unit and a movable unit that moves linearly in relation to the stationary unit. The stationary unit comprises a primary conductor having a power supply for supplying high frequency alternating current, at least one wire extending from the power supply along the stationary unit for carrying the current, and three switches arranged in parallel, each switch alternating its closing with the other switches to create a three phase alternating current. There is a secondary conductor disposed on the movable unit and arranged coaxially with the wire. The secondary conductor comprises a toroidal core surrounding the wire, and a three phase motor connected to the core and powered via induction from the power supply to slide the movable unit relative to the stationary unit.

Abstract: The ladder stand employs a pair of swivable caster wheels at the front and a pair at the rear which are used in cooperation with a pair of closely located non-swivable caster wheels, thereby providing a structure which has three modes of operation, one mode for climbing, a second mode which permits the stand to be pushed in a straight line with wide turns and a third mode of operation which permits the stand to be first pushed laterally and to provide sharp turns. A front wheel support is mounted on the front end and a retractable first pair of swivable caster wheels is mounted on the front support. A rear wheel support is mounted on the rear end, with a retractable second pair of swivable caster wheels mounted on the rear support. A third pair of non-swivable rigid caster wheels are mounted at the rear end.

Abstract: An insulative cover is utilized to protect an insulator supporting an electrical power line relative to a support structure in an electrical power transmission system. A first end of the cover is secured to the insulator adjacent the insulator's first end and a second end of the cover is secured to the insulator adjacent to the insulator's second end. The cover defines a volume substantially enclosing a central portion of the insulator.

Abstract: Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a wafer carrier buffer for storage of a plurality of carriers containing wafers either waiting to be taken for processing in an adjacent wafer processing system, or waiting to be taken from the buffer following the processing. The buffer has a sliding carrier first input apparatus for taking a carrier from outside the buffer through a buffer input door and into the buffer interior. A buffer controller is included for directing robotic apparatus to take the carrier from the input apparatus and place it on a selected one of a plurality of carrier storage locations, and from a carrier storage location to a first output for delivery of wafers to processing. The robotic apparatus also delivers an empty carrier to a second input apparatus for receiving wafers from the processing area, and for delivery of a carrier with processed wafers to a second sliding output apparatus for removal from the buffer through a buffer output door.

Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (−A/2, −B/2).

Abstract: Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water An inclined takeout conveyor serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable in a flume volute where the slices are dispersed onto a takeout conveyor is disclosed where the water medium is collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooling of raw vegetables where hot cooling oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.

Abstract: A serge applying assembly includes a sewing machine and a cutting assembly attached thereto. The sewing machine will sew the desired serge onto the edges surrounding a section of material by feeding the material between a pressure foot and a feed dog for engaging the material to be sewn and cut. A cutting assembly is included attached to the sewing machine proximate the sewing needle. The cutting assembly is able to engage the material and make a desired cut to aid the operator in applying serge around the perimeter of the material. The cutting assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder having a housing enclosing piston, with a blade mechanically connected to the piston of the pneumatic cylinder. The cutting assembly is attached to the sewing machine proximate the pressure foot, and is able to cut the material so that the operator can rotate the material for serge to be applied to a second edge of the material. This process is repeated until serge has been applied to the perimeter of the material.

Abstract: A textile-edge binding assembly for applying binding tape to the edge of a textile includes a conventional sewing machine having a conventional needle and throat plate, a folding assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is positioned proximate the needle, and includes a first blade coupled to a second blade, with a cutting driving assembly engaging both blades. A cutting aperture traverses the first blade. The folding assembly includes a folding member, which receives and guides the binding tape to be applied to the textile. The folding member traverses the cutting aperture for application of the binding tape. A trigger is connected to the folding assembly such that the folding member can be withdrawn from the cutting assembly, and the cutting driving assembly can actuate the first and second blades to cut the binding tape. Consequently, the operator is able to provide a continuous binding tape to multiple textiles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low friction coating composition, comprising (1) about 60 wt% to about 95 wt % of a high temperature epoxy; (2) about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of molybdenum disulfide; and (3) about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of polyimide powder, all based on the total weight of the coating composition. The present invention is also directed to a substrate coated with the low friction coating composition of the invention, and a method of coating a substrate with the low-friction coating composition of the invention.

Abstract: An alarm and pump control system for automatic chlorinators of the type used with septic treatment systems is disclosed. The present invention includes a switch module that couples alongside an automatic chlorinator that uses dissolvable standard size chlorine tablets in a stack and an activator module that sits on top of the stack of chlorine tablets and descends as the chlorine tablets dissolve. The switch module includes proximity switches that can be coupled to one or more alarms. The activator module includes one or more magnets that interact with the proximity switches to signal the owner that the chlorinator requires refilling or to cut off the pump power.