Abstract: A multiplier-accumulator accepts A and B digital inputs and generates a dot product P by applying the bits of the A input and the bits of the B inputs to unit elements comprised of groups of AND gates coupled to charge transfer lines through a capacitor Cu. The number of bits in the B input is a number of AND-groups and the number of bits in A is the number of AND gates in an AND-group. Each unit element receives one bit of the B input applied to all of the AND gates of the unit element, and each unit element having the bits of A applied to each associated AND gate input of each unit element. The AND gates are coupled to charge transfer lines through a capacitor Cu, and the charge transfer lines couple to binary weighted charge summing capacitors which sum and scale the charges from the charge transfer lines, the charge coupled to an analog to digital converter which forms the dot product output. The charge transfer lines may span multiple unit elements.

Abstract: A vacuum valve has a valve stem with a magnetic drive for moving the valve stem in the opening direction of the valve. A piston configuration is connected to the valve stem and is enclosed within a double-cylinder configuration. Overflow or inflow/outflow lines connected between the two chambers of the double-cylinder configuration, contain flow conductance value setting elements such as valves or filters, for setting a damping effect on movement of the piston configuration, thus damping movement of the valve stem.

Abstract: Particularly for the combination of cold-cathode ionization sensors and Pirani sensors, for obtaining a one-to-one measuring range which is significantly expanded compared to the measuring ranges of the respective sensor types, a weighting technique is provided in a transition range .DELTA.P of the respective sensor measuring ranges by which the characteristic sensor curves can constantly be guided into one another in a one-to-one manner.

Abstract: A hood type cover (4) with lifting mechanism is engaged over a crucible (1) with several material pockets (2, 3). By means of the lifting mechanism, the distance between a surface (5) of the crucible and a seal (8) on the cover (4) is varied. The lifting mechanism comprises a track (12) disposed on the wall (16) of the crucible (1). Engaged in this track are guided elements which are connected to the cover and are forcibly guided and moved upon rotary movements of the crucible (1). These guiding elements bring about a pivoting of the cover (4) or a displacement of the cover (4) or of the crucible (1) parallel to the central axis (17) of the crucible (1). This arrangement of the cover (4) permits a safe positioning of the material pockets (2, 3) inside the vacuum chamber of a coating installation.