Abstract: A system for relocating elements within a storage library is provided, the library comprising plurality of adjacent horizontal arrays of storage cells and at least one robot that moves along the horizontal arrays and can retrieve objects from and place objects into the storage cells. The present invention comprises a cross-cabinet guide rail that is placed at the end of the adjacent horizontal arrays and serves as a means 1) to move media elements and robots between adjacent arrays of storage cells, 2) to provide an easy access method for the entry and removal of components from the library, and 3) to provide a method for movement of cartridges and robots between separate library enclosures.

Abstract: A method for scaling a storage library is provided, the library comprising at least one horizontal array of storage cells arranged in rows and columns, and at least one robot that moves on guide rails along the length of the horizontal array and can retrieve objects from and place objects into the storage cells. The present invention comprises expanding the library longitudinally along the guide rails and/or expanding the width of the library. Longitudinal expansion is accomplished by adding more horizontal storage cell arrays end-to-end. Width expansion is accomplished by means of side-by-side accumulation of additional horizontal storage cell arrays.

Abstract: A guide rail switch for a robotic track system is provided, the robotic track system comprising at least one horizontal guide rail, at least one vertical guide rail, and at least one robot that can move along the guide rails. The switch comprises a frame coupled to the horizontal guide rail and the vertical guide rail, and a moving joint coupled to the frame, wherein the moving joint can move between a first and second position. A first rail section is coupled to the moving joint, wherein the first track section connects to the horizontal guide rail when the moving joint is in the first position. A second rail section coupled to the moving joint, wherein the second track section connects to the vertical guide rail when the moving joint is in the second position. This switch allows the robot to move between the vertical and horizontal rail depending on which position the switch is in.

Abstract: A device such as a transparent solar cell or optical filter and method of its manufacture. The method includes steps of forming a first conductive layer overlying a substrate. The method also includes forming a first amorphous silicon layer overlying the first conductive layer. A step of annealing the first amorphous silicon layer is included. The annealing step may be performed using a laser. It may also be performed by maintaining the substrate at a temperature of less than 450 degrees Celsius. A second conductive layer may be formed overlying the second amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: A device such as a transparent solar cell or optical filter and method of its manufacture. The method includes steps of forming a first conductive layer overlying a substrate. The method also includes forming a first amorphous silicon layer overlying the first conductive layer. A step of annealing the first amorphous silicon layer is included. The annealing step may be performed using a laser. It may also be performed by maintaining the substrate at a temperature of less than 450 degrees Celsius. A second conductive layer may be formed overlying the second amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: A transparent solar cell and method of manufacture. The method includes steps of providing a transparent substrate. The method also includes forming a first conductive layer overlying the substrate. The method also includes forming a first amorphous silicon layer of a first dopant type overlying the first conductive layer. A step of annealing the first amorphous silicon layer is included. The method also forms a second amorphous silicon layer of a second dopant type, and also anneals the second amorphous silicon layer. A second conductive layer is formed overlying the second amorphous silicon layer. A combination of these steps forms a transparent solar cell structure.

Abstract: A transparent solar cell and method of manufacture. The method includes steps of providing a transparent substrate. The method also includes forming a first conductive layer overlying the substrate. The method also includes forming a first amorphous silicon layer of a first dopant type overlying the first conductive layer. A step of annealing the first amorphous silicon layer is included. The method also forms a second amorphous silicon layer of a second dopant type, and also anneals the second amorphous silicon layer. A second conductive layer is formed overlying the second amorphous silicon layer. A combination of these steps forms a transparent solar cell structure.

Abstract: A day/night vehicle rearview mirror assembly comprises a casing carrying a prismatic mirror, the casing being pivotally mounted on a mounting plate. Preferably, the casing and mirror are driven between a full reflectance position and partial reflectance position by a rack and pinion assembly having interengaging gear teeth extending between a d.c. motor operated drive shaft and a portion of the casing. Alternately, a friction coupling extends between the drive shaft and casing. A noise and vibration reducing coupling are provided in the drive shaft while appropriate glare sensing circuitry and/or switches control operation of the reversible motor and, thus, the reflectance position of the mirror.

Abstract: A holder for a box of staples or loose carpet tacks, nails, screws and the like discrete magnetizable items is provided. A magnet is located on the underneath side of the top closure member for the holder to which a plurality of loose carpet tacks may become attached and which are separated from a supply thereof when the holder is shaken, making for easy, safe and injury free retrieval of carpet tracks from the holder by a carpet installer. The tacks can then, if desired, be temporarily attached to a magnet provided on the outside of the front wall of the holder providing ready access by the carpet installer to the tacks as and when needed during installation of carpeting. A box of staples can be carried instead in the holder, if desired, whereby the lines of staples can be kept intact and in unbroken condition prior to being loaded into a staple gun.