Abstract: A system for the automated storage and retrieval of items in a warehouse which may be installed on current and existing warehouse shelving networks. One or more robotic arms are mounted on moving carriages which traverse the horizontal edge of select shelving systems along guideways mounted along said edges. The robotic arms may access the shelving units directly above and/or below the respective shelves of the robotic arms. An end effector located on the end of the robotic arm features a scanning device to accurately locate desired items based on the scanning of a barcode or other optical reading means. The end effector grabs the desired item, and the robotic arm system then transports the desired item to or from a picking station for delivery or storage, respectively. The system operates quickly and economically due to the inclusion of one or more robotic arms and the ability to operate on existing warehouse shelving networks.

Abstract: A micromechanical oscillating mass balance and method adapted for measuring minute quantities of material deposited at a selected location, such as during a vapor deposition process. The invention comprises a vibratory composite beam which includes a dielectric layer sandwiched between two conductive layers. The beam is positioned in a magnetic field. An alternating current passes through one conductive layers, the beam oscillates, inducing an output current in the second conductive layer, which is analyzed to determine the resonant frequency of the beam. As material is deposited on the beam, the mass of the beam increases and the resonant frequency of the beam shifts, and the mass added is determined.

Abstract: A micromechanical oscillating mass balance and method adapted for measuring minute quantities of material deposited at a selected location, such as during a vapor deposition process. The invention comprises a vibratory composite beam which includes a dielectric layer sandwiched between two conductive layers. The beam is positioned in a magnetic field. An alternating current passes through one conductive layers, the beam oscillates, inducing an output current in the second conductive layer, which is analyzed to determine the resonant frequency of the beam. As material is deposited on the beam, the mass of the beam increases and the resonant frequency of the beam shifts, and the mass added is determined.