Abstract: A product data exchange system 300 is used for exchanging technical product data between respective computer systems (310, 320, 340, 350, 360) of a plurality of collaborating companies. At least a computer system (310) of a first one of the collaborating companies includes a plurality of distinct data management systems (312, 314, 316), such as CAD, PLM, ERP, each for creating respective technical product data. The system (310) also includes an editing system (318) for importing technical product data relating to a userselectable project from a plurality of the data management systems, creating an exchange package representing user-selectable parts of the imported technical product data; and providing the exchange package to a computer system located at at least one of the other collaborating companies.

Abstract: A positioning device has two transport arms for alternately transferring plate-shaped objects from a storage position into an operational position. The transport arms are each displaceable by means of a separate manipulator, so that a quick exchange of the objects is possible. The manipulators each comprise two parallel Y-guides which are fastened to a frame, and an X-guide which is displaceable along the two Y-guides, while the transport arms are each displaceable along one of the X-guides. The positioning device is used in an optical lithographic device for alternately placing masks on a mask support. A machine frame of the optical lithographic device to which the mask support is fastened is coupled to the frame of the positioning device by spring members. To render an accurate positioning of the masks on the mask support possible, the optical lithographic device is provided with an optical sensor system which is coupled to an electronic control unit for controlling the positioning device.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an optical disc read system. An interface is provided to a host controller for reading out data on a compact disc. The read out data is converted from parallel to serial format, and transmitted with a clock stream to the host controller. Host controller commands are transmitted to the drive apparatus which recognizes the command as either allowable or non-allowable. The interface provides signalling to the host controller of drive error conditions, spin up/non-spin up conditions, and non-allowable command situations for the controller.

Abstract: Optical recording element in which a transparent supporting substrate of a synthetic resin or provided with a coating layer of synthetic resin has a chalcogenide recording layer provided on one side of the synthetic resin and which recording layer is protected by damage from continuous laser light used for reading information recorded in the recording layer by a thermally conductive layer of chromium present on at least one surface of the chalcogenide recording layer.