Abstract: As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an air inlet cover (1) comprising a grille (2) having a plurality of radial elements (3) radiating from a center of said grille (2), each said radial element (3) comprising a vane (4) having a leading edge (5) for positioning further from a fan and a trailing edge (6) for positioning closer to a fan, the leading edge (5) of each said vane being offset from the respective trailing edge (6) thereof by substantially the same angular amount (?) for each said vane (4), whereby the vanes are pitched more steeply closer to the center of said grille (2) than remote from the center of said grille, and a circumferential element (7) comprising a bell-shaped mouth enclosing said vanes (4) and having a plurality of apertures (8) formed in a surface thereof, each respective one of said apertures (8) having a first edge (9) parallel to the pitch of a first respective vane closer to the center of said grille and a second edge (10) parallel to the pitch of a second, adjacent r

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.

Abstract: An integrated robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly can comprise a multiple end effector for moving a plurality of workpieces, a single end effector for moving a single workpiece, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identify the object during transport. The present invention robot assembly can be used in a sorter or stocker equipment, in processing equipment, and a transfer system.

Abstract: An integrated high speed robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly typically comprises an end effector for moving the object in and out of a chamber, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide centering and theta alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identifying the object during transport. The present invention also discloses a transfer robot system, employing a plurality of integrated robot assemblies; a transfer system where a transfer robot system can service a plurality of connected chambers such as FOUP or FOSB; a front end module (FEM); or a sorter system. Through the use of these incorporated capabilities into the moving robot, single object transfer operations can exceed 500 parts per hour.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for simultaneous viewing and reading top and bottom images from a workpiece. The present ID reader can comprise an enclosure covering a top and bottom section of the workpiece with optical elements to guide the light from the workpiece images to a camera. The optical element can be disposed to receive images from a high angle with respect to the surface of the workpiece. The present ID reader can further comprise a light source assembly to illuminate the image. The light source assembly can utilize a coaxial light path with the images, preferably for bright field illumination. The light source assembly can also utilize a non-coaxial light path, preferably for dark field illumination. In an embodiment, the simultaneous images reaching the camera are separate into two distinct images on two different sections of the camera. In another embodiment, the simultaneous images reaching the camera are superimposed into one image on the camera.

Abstract: A mounting device 202 for mounting accessories 258, 260 of a vacuum cleaner to an elongate tube 94 of the vacuum cleaner for storage is disclosed. The device 202 comprises a collar 244 for mounting to the elongate tube 94 and a body portion 256 has open ends for accommodating accessories 258, 260 for storage. The device 202 also includes a latching portion 204 for releasably mounting the device to a housing of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vegetation pruning device (102) includes a pair (114, 116) of pivotably coupled handles and a motor having a rotary output drive (130) for driving an endless flexible cutting chain (108). A guard (162) is moved relative to the chain (108) by pivoting the handles (114, 116) relative to each other to grip vegetation between the guard (162) and the chain (108). The guard is provided with a pair of curved upper surfaces (164) having teeth (166). The rotary output drive (130) of the motor is arranged generally coaxially with the axis of pivotal movement of the handles (114, 116).

Abstract: A card reader arrangement includes a robotic card handling device to enable reading of a user card during a card-based transaction. A card sensing device is located adjacent a card slot remotely located from a card reader. Responsive to the card sensing device sensing an inserted card, the robotic card handling device operates to grip the card in the slot and move it to a reading position in the card reader. The card reader can also operate in conjunction with a biometric reading device in a process of determining whether the card user is authorized to use the card. The robotic card handling device can also be operated to grip other transaction items.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader, a display device, a currency dispenser, and a deposit storage chest. The machine can receive user deposits for storage in the chest. The machine includes a card reader cooling device. The machine can also facilitate cooling of the display device.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): wherein R1-R3 are as defined in the specification, and compositions, combinations, and methods of manufacture, and methods of treatment of inflammatory diseases, using the same.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): wherein A represents 2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl, 5-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenyl or 5-fluoro-2-hydroxy-phenyl; and R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine; or a physiologically functional derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to certain novel compounds. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): and salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of kinase activity, in particular IKK2 activity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for gantry support. Certain embodiments provide a mobile imaging system. The system includes a base and a gantry member moveably attached to the base. The gantry member includes an imaging source. The system also includes a gantry support positioned on the base for supporting the gantry member. The gantry support contacts the gantry member at one or more points in a range of motion for the gantry member. Certain embodiments provide a method for gantry member stabilization. The method includes providing a gantry support on a gantry base to provide support for an imaging system gantry member. The imaging system gantry member is attached to the gantry base. The method further includes positioning the gantry support with respect to the gantry member to support the gantry member along at least a portion of a path of movement of the gantry member.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas separator (14) between two planar solid oxide fuel cells (12) comprises a first layer (22) which is formed of a material that is impermeable to gases, a second layer (24) which is formed of a material that is impermeable to gases. The first and second layers have perforations (28) through their thickness which are closed by electrically conductive plug material (30). A third intermediate layer (26) between the first and second layers is electrically conductive and is in electrical contact with the plug material in the perforations through the first and second layers. The perforations in the first layer may be offset relative to the perforations in the second layer. The electrically conductive plug material in the perforations of the first and second layers may be the same, and may also be the same as the material of the third intermediate layer. The electrically conductive material may be silver or a silver-based material such as a silver-glass composite.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is located adjacent a vehicle drive-up lane. The machine includes a card reader device, a cash dispenser device, and a robotic item handling device having a gripper. An item transfer area is accessible to both a machine user and the robotic item handling device. The item transfer area includes a card slot. A card sensing device is located adjacent the card slot. A machine controller can cause the robotic handling device to grip a card inserted in the slot and move it to the card reader device, responsive to the card sensing device sensing the inserted card. The machine controller can also cause the robotic handling device to grip cash dispensed by the cash dispenser and move it to the item transfer area.

Abstract: A banking facility includes therein plural customer stations and a service provider (SP) station. A robotic device acts as an intermediate item handling device between a customer and service provider. The robotic device can access each customer station and a transport device. The transport device includes a pneumatic tube for transporting a carrier to and from the SP station. In an operation, the robotic device receives an item from a customer at a customer station, then places the item in the carrier. Next the transport device transports the carrier to the SP station. The service provider can use the item in carrying out a banking transaction. The operation can be reversed to send an item from the service provider to the customer. The robotic device can also grip a card sensed in a customer station card slot and move the card toward a card reader.

Abstract: The invention is directed to certain novel compounds. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): and salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of kinase activity, in particular IKK2 activity.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner 2 having a housing 4 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 54 is disclosed. Actuation of a motor 46 causes a fan to displace air out of outlet 54, and the resulting suction upstream of the fan draws dirty air through inlet 12 and inwardly through walls of filter unit 22. Air from filter unit 22 passes along a duct to the motor 46 and fan. The housing 4 is formed from a first housing part defining a recess 36, and the recess is then closed by means of a closure member 56 to define the duct between the filter unit 22 and the motor 46.