Abstract: The invention discloses the design of a low profile transformer, which is smaller in size and lighter in weight. The low profile transformer will meet the isolation safety standard and is manufactured with low cost. Furthermore, a variety of cores could be applied to the low profile transformer for a wide range of electrical current loading.

Abstract: A calibration tool and method for a robot includes a circular transparent plate with at least one reference or "symbolize" line on a planar surface of the tool and a guide groove on an edge of the tool. The size of the tool is equal to the size of a wafer to be processed by the robot. A calibration method using the tool involves placement of the tool on a wafer just before the robot is used to process the wafer, and then driving the robot to catch the tool and move it between the cassette and processing chambers. Because a non-transparent wafer is replaced by the transparent plate, it is easy to adjust the motion of the robot and record information about the motion of the robot, which can then be used to control the motion of the robot.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to manufacture complex shaped Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 components efficiently with effective cost. Chromium carbide, which is quite chemically inert at elevated temperature, is added into an alumina matrix for toughening purposes. Chromium carbide and alumina ceramic powders are mixed with binders to form a solidified suspension. The suspension is then crushed, heated, and injected into green products. Controlled solvent and thermal debinding processes are followed before performing pressureless sintering. Samples are sintered in pre-treated argon gas with minimum oxygen partial pressure, or in vacuum for controlling the phase stability and microstructure for tailoring mechanical properties. The processing parameters for injection molding, the composition design of binders and ceramic composites, and the techniques for controlling the phase transformation of chromium carbide are developed.