Abstract: A mechanically commutated motor (200) configured for use with an external magnetic field (240) is disclosed. The motor (200) includes an axle (208) formed of anon-magnetic material. A rotor (206) is coupled to the axle (208), the rotor (206) including three or more actuator units (205) spaced about the axle (208). Each actuator unit (205) comprises a non-magnetic material, a coil winding (214) along each of the three or more actuator units (205), and a commutator (216) coupled to the axle (208) and electrically associated with the coil windings (214). The motor (200) further includes two or more resilient contacts (210) oriented to direct a current through the commutator (216) to one of the coil windings (214) to induce a current in the coil winding (214) to form an electromagnet that rotates the rotor (206) relative to the external magnetic field (240) from a magnet located external to the mechanically commutated motor (200).

Abstract: An auto synchronous output module for use at a plurality of zones in a fire alarm and detection system consisting of a power source and output devices selectively coupled to the power source so as to provide audible and visual signals, and a microprocessor within the module for coupling to a data line so as to enable transmission of data signals to and from a loop controller. Moreover, there is within the processor, responsive to an activate command from the loop controller for applying the power source to the output devices responsive to an alarm condition. In addition, within the processor, responsive to a synchronize command, sent subsequently to the activate command, from the loop controller, for applying power to the output devices in synchronism with application of other power sources to output devices at other respective modules.

Abstract: An exhaust system for use with a high temperature furnace used to perform oxidation and/or annealing operations of the type used in semiconductor fabrication. The exhaust system is designed to permit the furnace to be used with a controlled environment chamber surrounding the entry to the process chamber of the furnace. The exhaust system allows a relatively high velocity flow of exhaust gas from the process chamber through the exhaust system to occur when a positive pressure (e.g., annealing) operations are performed. Such high velocity flow prevents (a) backstreaming and (b) the accumulation of non-uniform concentrations of exhaust gases in the exhaust system, thereby permitting the accurate monitoring of the concentration of a selected gas in the exhaust system. Based on such monitoring, the opening of the door to the process chamber of the furnace may be prevented when the concentration of the selected gas exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An exhaust system for use with a high temperature furnace used to perform oxidation and/or annealing operations of the type used in semiconductor fabrication. The exhaust system is designed to permit the furnace to be used with a controlled environment chamber surrounding the entry to the process chamber of the furnace. The exhaust system allows a relatively high velocity flow of exhaust gas from the process chamber through the exhaust system to occur when a positive pressure (e.g., annealing) operations are performed. Such high velocity flow prevents (a) backstreaming and (b) the accumulation of non-uniform concentrations of exhaust gases in the exhaust system, thereby permitting the accurate monitoring of the concentration of a selected gas in the exhaust system. Based on such monitoring, the opening of the door to the process chamber of the furnace may be prevented when the concentration of the selected gas exceeds a predetermined level.