Abstract: A holder for mounting a communication device to a grease gun, which has a housing and a control disposed within the housing, includes a bracket connected with the grease gun. The bracket has a first end coupled with the grease gun housing and a second end coupleable with the communication device so as to secure the device to the grease gun. Preferably, the holder further includes a frame coupled with the bracket second member for receiving the communication device to removably couple the communication device with the grease gun. The communication device may be a smartphone, a portable media player, a portable computing device or any similar device and wirelessly communicates with a control within the grease gun housing.

Abstract: A dispensing device for maintaining the operating condition of a machine is provided. The dispensing device includes an interchangeable control module, the interchangeable control module including control hardware that provides at least one of a data storage memory, a central processing unit, interface hardware for condition monitoring sensors, an intermediary computing device, a display device, and communication modules. The dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant in order to maintain the operating condition of the machine. The interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in both a fixed and a portable dispensing device. Also, various related systems including the dispensing device are provided.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the operating condition of a machine is provided. The system includes a dispensing device having: an interchangeable control module, the interchangeable control module including control hardware that provides a central processing unit, a data storage memory, and communication modules. The dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant in order to maintain the operating condition of the machine. The interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in either a fixed or a portable dispensing device. The interchangeable control module communicates to an external or internal intermediary computing device.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a communication device to a grease gun, which has a housing and a control disposed within the housing, includes a bracket connected with the grease gun. The bracket has a first end coupled with the grease gun housing and a second end coupleable with the communication device so as to secure the device to the grease gun. Preferably, the holder further includes a frame coupled with the bracket second member for receiving the communication device to removably couple the communication device with the grease gun. The communication device may be a smartphone, a portable media player, a portable computing device or any similar device and wirelessly communicates with a control within the grease gun housing.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are generally described for automatic volume leveling of an audio signal. An audio signal may be received and a first portion of the audio signal may be stored in a buffer. A root mean square (RMS) estimate of a level of the first portion of the audio signal may be determined based at least in part on a second portion of the audio signal previous to the first portion. A modified audio signal may be generated by multiplying the first portion of the audio signal in the buffer by a variable gain. The variable gain may be based at least in part on the RMS estimate. The modified audio signal may be sent to a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A system includes a tool including a communication module configured to transmit first data related to maintenance of an asset, and an intermediary computing device in communication with the communication module. The intermediary computing device is configured to receive an image of the asset, a maintenance point thereof, or both, transmit the image or video to a remote server, wherein the remote server is configured to verify an identity of the asset, the maintenance point, or both based on the image or video, receive the first data from the communication module, transmit the first data to the remote server, and receive second data representing a maintenance action to take on the tool, the asset, or both from the remote server.

Abstract: An apparatus 2 for performing serial data communication with a target device 4, such as an integrated circuit, utilizes serial transfer circuitry 16 to perform a serial transfer of data to a communication register 26 in the target device 4 and serial retrieval circuitry 18 to retrieve an acknowledge signal 32 indicating whether or not the target device is ready to perform further processing following such a transfer. Delay control circuitry 20 serves to apply a predetermined delay period following the transfer of the serial data via the serial transfer circuitry before initiating the retrieval of the acknowledge signal. This predetermined delay period is controlled in dependence upon the ready status indicated by the acknowledge signals retrieved such that the proportion of acknowledge signals retrieved which indicate an unready status meets a predetermined condition, such as being less than a non-zero predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus 2 for performing serial data communication with a target device 4, such as an integrated circuit, utilizes serial transfer circuitry 16 to perform a serial transfer of data to a communication register 26 in the target device 4 and serial retrieval circuitry 18 to retrieve an acknowledge signal 32 indicating whether or not the target device is ready to perform further processing following such a transfer. Delay control circuitry 20 serves to apply a predetermined delay period following the transfer of the serial data via the serial transfer circuitry before initiating the retrieval of the acknowledge signal. This predetermined delay period is controlled in dependence upon the ready status indicated by the acknowledge signals retrieved such that the proportion of acknowledge signals retrieved which indicate an unready status meets a predetermined condition, such as being less than a non-zero predetermined value.

Abstract: A diagnostic scanning apparatus includes a hollow rotor sized to receive a patient. First and second flanges are connected to and extend radially outward from the rotor in a spaced-apart relationship, each of the first and second flanges including, at least in part, a magnetically-permeable material. A radiation source is affixed to the first flange and/or the rotor. A first axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the first flange and can magnetically pull the first flange in a first axial direction of the rotor. A second axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the second flange and can magnetically pull the second flange in a second axial direction of the rotor that is opposite of the first axial direction. The first and second axial actuators are both at least substantially disposed between the first and second flanges.

Abstract: A diagnostic scanning apparatus includes a hollow rotor sized to receive a patient. First and second flanges are connected to and extend radially outward from the rotor in a spaced-apart relationship, each of the first and second flanges including, at least in part, a magnetically-permeable material. A radiation source is affixed to the first flange and/or the rotor. A first axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the first flange and can magnetically pull the first flange in a first axial direction of the rotor. A second axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the second flange and can magnetically pull the second flange in a second axial direction of the rotor that is opposite of the first axial direction. The first and second axial actuators are both at least substantially disposed between the first and second flanges.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and process for rotating semiconductor wafers in thermal processing chambers, such as rapid thermal processing chambers and chemical vapor deposition chambers. In accordance with the present invention, a semiconductor wafer is supported on a substrate holder which, in turn, is supported on a rotor. During processing, the rotor is magnetically levitated and magnetically rotated by suspension actuators and rotation actuators positioned outside of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and process for rotating semiconductor wafers in thermal processing chambers, such as rapid thermal processing chambers and chemical vapor deposition chambers. In accordance with the present invention, a semiconductor wafer is supported on a substrate holder which, in turn, is supported on a rotor. During processing, the rotor is magnetically levitated and magnetically rotated by suspension actuators and rotation actuators positioned outside of the chamber.