Abstract: A MicroMount™ System for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally miniaturized rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The end of the same port (108) which extends to the lower wall (105) is connected to an external passageway (107). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.

Abstract: A Self-Aligning SmartStrate™ for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). One of the exterior side walls (103) has a weld extension (106B) which may be welded to an external tube. The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The rectilinear body (102) has at least one internal passageway (107) which runs from the weld extension (106B) to the port (108). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.

Abstract: A Computer Controlled Modular Power Supply for Precision Welding (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous power supplies is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure (100) which holds a Computer Control Module (400), a Welding Power Module (500) and an Electrical Power Module (600). These modules are removable, interchangeable and may be used in any combination. The Computer Control Module (400) includes a microprocessor (406) which is programmed using a color LCD display with a touch screen (300) mounted on one side of the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an 80486 chip is used to run a Microsoft.TM. Windows.TM. Operating System and proprietary, user-friendly software developed by Creative Pathways, Inc. of Torrance, Calif. that controls welding operations. The Welding Power Module (500) includes four removable drawers (502) which each contain an individual power unit.

Abstract: A Method for Supplying Industrial Gases Using Integrated Bottle Controllers that overcomes the problems encountered by previous gas cabinet equipment is disclosed. The present invention comprises a compact and virtually explosion-proof controller (10) that is anchored securely to the top of a standard gas bottle (12). The entire system resides within a housing (11) that sits atop a conventional gas bottle (12) that would normally be enclosed within a gas cabinet (25) that may be sixty times the volume of the present invention. The controller (10) includes a housing (11) that has a top or lid (14), an upper cylinder (16), an annular wall (18) which forms a seal with the bottle (12). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, filled and cleaned bottles are connected to controllers at a fabrication clean area. The controllers are then operated remotely using a radio frequency or infra-red control. After the bottles are depleted, the controllers are removed and tested. The bottles are then refilled for reuse.

Abstract: A Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous gas cabinet equipment is disclosed. The present invention comprises a complete gas manifold (22) that includes computer-controlled valves, actuators, regulators and transducers. The entire system resides within a housing (11) that sits atop a conventional gas bottle (12) that would normally be enclosed within a gas cabinet (25) that is many times the volume of the Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System 10. Outside the housing (11), an upper control panel (13) contains an LCD display (14) and a lower control panel (15) holds a keypad control (16), a removable data pack (17), LED indicator lights (18), and an emergency shut-off switch (19). Inside the housing (11), a bottle neck (20) protrudes up from the gas bottle (12) and provides a connection for a supply of gas within it to a gas manifold (22).