Abstract: A photolithography tool including an optical system for transmitting a beam of radiation toward a substrate is presented. The optical system includes a plurality of calcium fluoride lens elements, optically transmissive of the beam of radiation, each having respective optical axes and imparting a retardance to the beam. The plurality of calcium fluoride lens elements are aligned along an optical path for propagation of the beam of radiation therethrough. Each of the calcium fluoride lens elements includes a cubic crystalline calcium fluoride that is aligned with its [111] lattice direction, or a lattice direction optically equivalent to the [111] lattice direction, substantially parallel with its optical axis. A first calcium fluoride lens element of the plurality of calcium fluoride lens elements is rotated about its optical axis with respect to a second calcium fluoride lens element. The optical system has less than or about 0.015 waves RMS of wavefront aberration.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods to provide precision ranging measurements in an ultrawideband (UWB) wireless communication system are generally described. In this regard, according to one example embodiment, an innovative ranging agent is introduced that effectively computes one or more of the time of signal propagation, the difference in local clocks and frequency offsets to calculate an increasingly accurate estimate of the proximal distance between two or more devices in UWB communication.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of stacking flexible articles of a non-uniform thickness involves the use of a stacking table including separately movable first and second support surfaces. An actuator moves the stacking table through a range of motion relative to a stationary cam plate. A cam follower is mechanically coupled to the second support surface and engages the cam surface when the stacking table is moved through at least part of the range of motion. When the actuator moves the stacking table and the cam follower engages the cam surface, the second surface is displaced relative to the first support surface. Preferably, the cam plate is repositionable to vary a distance by which the second support surface is displaced relative to the first support surface.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system for absorbing and returning energy in response to an impact comprised of two solid materials: an elastomeric foam and elastomer gel. The elastomeric foam is formed into a foam skeleton having at least two spaces within the foam skeleton for receiving the elastomer gel. At least two solid pieces of elastomer gel are formed to be integrally positioned within a corresponding space in the elastomeric skeleton such that all spaces within the foam skeleton are filled with the elastomer gel.

Abstract: An object oriented distributed computing system is provided. Processing means call a location service within automatically generated stubs in response to a request for a service provided by a particular object. The location service is automatically called on behalf of the requester to locate the target object when the request is issued. Multiple Object Managers reflecting multiple Object Models are permitted in the system. Programmers and users do not need to know the Object Model adhered to by an Object Manager. A request to any object in the system is independent of the Object Model of the sought object's Object Manager. A generic interface enables new Object Managers reflecting new Object Models to be easily added to the system. Availability of the target object is independent of association of the target object with a process at the time the request was issued. Deactivation of processes is automatically accomplished in response to the system needing resources.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A dynamic check weighing system wherein the drive motor is positioned within the channel members of the frame and spaced from the ends thereof so as to provide a dynamically balanced system resulting in accurate and consistent weighing. The conveyor belt is of an open mesh type which affords positive engagement by a drive sprocket and positive tracking by a guide sprocket. A direct drive arrangement is employed thus eliminating drive components. There is provided a weighing system which employs fewer parts, thus, reducing maintenance and production costs.

Abstract: A conveyor system having transverse positions for use in conjunction with diverting or sorting and detecting operations. The conveyor system employs elastic strand members which are driven by a drive roller connected to a supporting frame in a transversely fixed manner while the strands are moved transversely by a guide roller positioned at an opposite end of the supporting frame. The conveyor system is especially adaptable to dynamic weighing and counting systems. The conveyor system affords a rapid adjustment for different transverse positions employing a positioning mechanism which is activated by two fluid and preferably pneumatically driven cylinders with activating rods.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for use in a closed application system for liquid or granular agricultural treatment agents. The agent is introduced into the container through an inlet opening on the upper surface of the container. Thereafter, a valve is removably mounted to seal the inlet opening and prevent inadvertant discharge of the liquid from the container. Hand grips are provided to manipulate the container, and the container is configured so that it nested or stacked on other similar containers having valves extending from the respective inlet openings when the containers are transported in an upright position. The handgrips are also employed to mount the containers in an inverted position in agricultural application equipment.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both values so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.