Abstract: A control network and a configuration method, therefor, is described wherein sensor and actuator elements are connected to configurable converters. These converters perform (in addition to any other converters which might be necessary to convert physical signals into network data, e.g. A/D conversion etc.) a conversion of sensor data in accordance with conditions provided externally. In a preferred embodiment the range of possible sensor data is compressed to one bit for each condition referring to this sensor element. The conversion is done prior to the transmission of that sensor data to other nodes, thereby reducing the network traffic significantly. The traffic is further reduced as each sensor elements transmits its current state only when the logical value of this state has changed. The described network is especially suitable for low bandwidth media with a high noise level, e.g., power lines and infrared radiation.

Abstract: A vacuum transfer device includes a central processing chamber and a plurality of additional chambers radially positioned around the central chamber and in vacuum-tight connection therewith. A rotatable coulisse arrangement in the central chamber is extendable so as to reach into the additional chambers when correctly aligned. The device can transfer objects among several work stations without intermediate venting and re-evacuation of the system of chambers.