Abstract: A robotic end effector is provided which includes an end effector blade, and a plurality of wafer support pads disposed on the surface of the end effector blade. Each of the plurality of wafer support pads includes a pad body having a central protrusion and having first and second fasteners disposed on opposing sides of the central protrusion.

Abstract: A system is provided which includes a gas supply; a fluidic circuit which includes first and second sub-circuits, wherein said first sub-circuit includes a first one-way valve, and wherein said second sub-circuit includes a second one-way valve and a gas capacitor disposed downstream of said second one-way valve; and a pneumatically operated semiconductor tool in fluidic communication with said gas supply by way of said fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A robot is provided which includes a hub; an elbow joint; a wrist assembly; a first upper arm which is rotatably attached on a first end thereof to the hub, and which is attached on a second end thereof to the elbow joint; a first lower arm which is attached on a first end thereof to the elbow joint, and which is attached on a second end thereof to the wrist assembly; and a hard stop which extends over the elbow joint and a portion of the lower arm. The hard stop prevents the wrist assembly from contacting the hub when the motor of the robot is not engaged.

Abstract: A lift hoop is provided which includes a frame having a central opening, and a plurality of wafer support structures disposed on the frame. Each of the plurality of wafer support structures includes a base which is attached to the frame, and fingers which are mounted with threaded fasteners to the base and which extends from the base in the direction of the central opening. Each of the plurality of fingers is equipped with a protrusion (bump) upon which a wafer sits, and a stop. The stop is spaced apart from the protrusion. The stop has a non-planar surface which faces the central opening, and contains a point that forms the shortest distance between the stop and the protrusion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable a user of a drone to operate it more quietly. Embodiments of the present invention relate to such a system, apparatus, and a method of and for a drone that may be quiet, that can fly far while minimizing the need to recharge, that may have protective shells, that may employ operational redundancy, that may provide stealth capabilities due, for example, to the design of the shell, and that may allow a drone to stay in position at, for example, 329,999 feet for months. In one embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetism is used to propel a drone while another embodiment uses an expandable outer shell. The embodiments, while also increasing a drone's range, provide enhanced maneuverability due to the unique shape and drive and steering systems of the drone. Embodiments may provide stealth and overall convenience, together potentially resulting in increased safety to creating a class of sub-space vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling comprises a drill string (52) having a drill bit (30) mounted on the lower end thereof. A completion assembly (50) is positioned around a section of the drill string (52) such that when the wellbore (32) is extended by rotating the drill bit (30) and advancing the drill string (52), the completion assembly (50) does not rotate. The advancement of the drill string (52) and rotation of the drill bit (30) is ceased when the completion assembly (50) has reached the desired interval of the wellbore (32). Thereafter, the drill string (52) is disconnected from the drill bit (30) for retrieval to the surface leaving the completion assembly (50) and the drill bit (30) downhole.

Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling comprises a drill string (52) having a drill bit (30) mounted on the lower end thereof. A completion assembly (50) is positioned around a section of the drill string (52) such that when the wellbore (32) is extended by rotating the drill bit (30) and advancing the drill string (52), the completion assembly (50) does not rotate. The advancement of the drill string (52) and rotation of the drill bit (30) is ceased when the completion assembly (50) has reached the desired interval of the wellbore (32). Thereafter, the drill string (52) is disconnected from the drill bit (30) for retrieval to the surface leaving the completion assembly (50) and the drill bit (30) downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling comprises a drill string (52) having a drill bit (30) mounted on the lower end thereof. A completion assembly (50) is positioned around a section of the drill string (52) such that when the wellbore (32) is extended by rotating the drill bit (30) and advancing the drill string (52), the completion assembly (50) does not rotate. The advancement of the drill string (52) and rotation of the drill bit (30) is ceased when the completion assembly (50) has reached the desired interval of the wellbore (32). Thereafter, the drill string (52) is disconnected from the drill bit (30) for retrieval to the surface leaving the completion assembly (50) and the drill bit (30) downhole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting the state of a slide block positioned in a linear valve and using the position of the slide block to predict the health of a linear valve and provide information to a controller/monitor. An operator is provided with information before failure occurrence to allow preventative maintenance of the linear valve. The linear valve is constructed with two canister ports and a vent port. The slide block can be constructed to block the two canister ports and vent port simultaneously. The system can control the position of the block, when provided with position information, hence, using the slide block as a shutoff valve. The typical slide valve can be used as an integral slide shutoff valve, reducing system complexity and reducing system weight, which is critical to airborne applications.