Abstract: This invention creates a superior straw bale wall by the assimilation of light gauge metal framing onto the exterior surface of typical straw bale walls. Production efficiency is increased by using standard straw bale walls constructed in an acceptable manner for that industry, in conjunction with light gauge metal framing material which is a familiar product to construction tradesmen, structural engineers, and building code officials. The increase in efficiency begins with the approval of building permits, to the assembly rates during construction, and on through the processes of plastering, installing drywall, and even to hanging kitchen cabinets long after the walls have been finished and painted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide simplified control over image configuration from virtually any capture device and allows that image to be recorded and/or projected or displayed on any monitor is disclosed. This universality enables general ease of use, and uncouples the capture device from expensive system support, thus providing a method to more efficiently utilize resources.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a chassis defining a substantially plane-shaped cavity. The chassis is arranged to contain an air stream (e.g., provided by a cooling subsystem) which flows from an air intake side of the chassis to an air exhaust side of the chassis through the substantially plane-shaped cavity. The air intake side of the chassis is opposite the air exhaust side of the chassis. The electronic system further includes a jacket circuit board disposed within the plane-shaped cavity, and a set of pluggable electronic modules. The jacket circuit board is oriented within the plane-shaped cavity to receive cooling from the air stream. Each pluggable electronic module is arranged to (i) electronically connect to the jacket circuit board through a front of the chassis and (ii) define a supplemental ventilation port through which air passes to augment the air stream.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a chassis defining a substantially plane-shaped cavity. The chassis is arranged to contain an air stream (e.g., provided by a cooling subsystem) which flows from an air intake side of the chassis to an air exhaust side of the chassis through the substantially plane-shaped cavity. The air intake side of the chassis is opposite the air exhaust side of the chassis. The electronic system further includes a jacket circuit board disposed within the plane-shaped cavity, and a set of pluggable electronic modules. The jacket circuit board is oriented within the plane-shaped cavity to receive cooling from the air stream. Each pluggable electronic module is arranged to (i) electronically connect to the jacket circuit board through a front of the chassis and (ii) define a supplemental ventilation port through which air passes to augment the air stream.

Abstract: An automatic thermal debonding system removes slider rows from a stainless steel processing fixture. The system uses a bimodal pitch adjustment and a mechanical row detainment mechanism to remove the rows from the fixture. The system allows full control of all critical process parameters such as accurate and repeatable row placement; controlled temperature and heat flow; controlled mechanical removal pressure; temporal control and variability; clean and contaminant-free working area; and full electrostatic discharge grounding and compatible materials. The bimodal pitch adjustment feature allows for continual, high-speed removal of the ceramic rows from the fixture after an automated heating cycle is complete. As the rows are removed, they are accurately placed into the detainment mechanism for the next process step.

Abstract: A computer-based visual schedule management system that provides visual representations of the amount of work scheduled in a manufacturing facility to both enable rapid identification of bottlenecks in the work flow and permit interactive manipulation of job schedules to alleviate conflicts. The user associates realistic images with the work centers of a facility, lays out the work centers on a visual floorplan of the facility to create a graphical shop overview, and instantly refreshes the utilization of each work center in the shop overview. If changes need to be made, the user selects any work center with a pointing device and drills-down to a graphical representation of a production control board to see the details of the jobs that are scheduled for that work center. The user effects changes by simply dragging the job to a new position on the time grid, or by dragging and dropping the job from the production control board of one work center to the production control board of another.