Abstract: A two-dimensional frequency search grid is defined by a first coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of an RF signal generator in a first operational state and a second coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in a second operational state. The RF signal generator has a first output power level in the first operational state and a second output power level in the second operational state. The RF signal generator operates in an multi-level RF power pulsing mode by cyclically alternating between the first operational state and the second operational state. An automated search process is performed within the two-dimensional frequency search grid to simultaneously determine an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the first operational state and an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the second operational state.

Abstract: A two-dimensional frequency search grid is defined by a first coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of an RF signal generator in a first operational state and a second coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in a second operational state. The RF signal generator has a first output power level in the first operational state and a second output power level in the second operational state. The RF signal generator operates in an multi-level RF power pulsing mode by cyclically alternating between the first operational state and the second operational state. An automated search process is performed within the two-dimensional frequency search grid to simultaneously determine an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the first operational state and an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the second operational state.

Abstract: A two-dimensional frequency search grid is defined by a first coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of an RF signal generator in a first operational state and a second coordinate axis representing an operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in a second operational state. The RF signal generator has a first output power level in the first operational state and a second output power level in the second operational state. The RF signal generator operates in an multi-level RF power pulsing mode by cyclically alternating between the first operational state and the second operational state. An automated search process is performed within the two-dimensional frequency search grid to simultaneously determine an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the first operational state and an optimum value for the operating frequency setpoint of the RF signal generator in the second operational state.

Abstract: A pallet shuttle for presenting pallets to and unloading pallets from a machining center. The pallet shuttle has tow pallet carriers capable of moving pallet to three positions. The motion of the pallet carriers is achieved by a combination of cylinders one of which couples the carriers to each other, and the other of which moves the carriers relative to the base to which the carriers are mounted. By having the capability to move pallets to three positions, the shuttle allows an operator to quickly and efficiently remove finished parts from and put raw parts into the machining center whenever the need arises. The three-position capability allows an operator to have raw parts ready and waiting.