Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a vertical shaft impact crusher comprises a plurality of sensors which continuously monitor the current status of a plurality of crusher component parts, a computer in communication with the sensors, and a graphical user interface in communication with the computer and on which is displayed a plurality of virtual instruments. The computer interprets the signals received from the sensors and renders a perceptible indication of a plurality of crusher conditions on the plurality of virtual instruments, each of which conditions are associated with or derived from one or more of the signals received from the sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a recorded history of the status of each of the conditions may be viewed on a historical data viewer for a selected time period.

Abstract: Provided is a component tape feeder apparatus comprising a single output module, a single component exposure module, operably connected to the single output module, and, a plurality of input modules, wherein each input module of the plurality of input modules is operably connected to the single exposure module. A corresponding method of feeding electronic components includes supplying a plurality of component tapes housing electronic components to the single exposure module, wherein the supplying involves receiving and forwarding of the plurality of component tapes by the plurality of input modules.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a vertical shaft impact crusher comprises a plurality of sensors which continuously monitor the current status of a plurality of crusher component parts, a computer in communication with the sensors, and a graphical user interface in communication with the computer and on which is displayed a plurality of virtual instruments. The computer interprets the signals received from the sensors and renders a perceptible indication of a plurality of crusher conditions on the plurality of virtual instruments, each of which conditions are associated with or derived from one or more of the signals received from the sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a recorded history of the status of each of the conditions may be viewed on a historical data viewer for a selected time period.

Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is provided in a substantially baton-shaped configuration having a handle that is easily and effectively thrown and a flotation bladder at one end of the handle. A cylinder of carbon dioxide is disposed inside the handle. An inflator assembly is operatively connected to the cylinder to automatically activate upon contact with water so as to release pressurized gas and rapidly fill the flotation bladder. A water dissolvable mechanism can be utilized as the operable mechanism for the inflator assembly. Preferably, the cylinder is disposed in a support tube and the handle is made out of insulating material to thermally insulate and protect the cylinder from cold and hot temperatures and contact with objects while stored or transported.

Abstract: A method of reducing gas turbine engine distortion includes coupling a core gas turbine engine to a power turbine, coupling the power turbine to a thrust bearing support assembly through a frusto-conically shaped structural support such that the net axial thrust of the coupled core gas turbine engine and power turbine reacts through the thrust bearing support assembly at engine centerline to facilitate minimizing distortion of the core gas turbine engine casing, and supporting the thrust bearing support assembly such that all of the remaining thrust generated by the core gas turbine engine and the power turbine is reacted to ground.

Abstract: Substituted aryl aminomethyl thiazole ureas and analogues thereof that act as inhibitors of viral capsid formation, including HIV capsid formation, are provided here. Generally the virus capsid formation inhibitors described herein are compounds of Formula I wherein the variables A, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y, Z, A5, A6, A7, R8, R9, R12, and R13 are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of treating animals infected with a virus having a capsid protein are provided herein. Methods of using such compounds to treat human patients infected with an HIV virus and reducing the mortality of AIDS are also provided herein.

Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is configured with a body member having a handle configured to be easily and effectively thrown. The body member supports an automatic inflator assembly and a source of pressurized gas, such as a cylinder of carbon dioxide. The inflator assembly is configured to automatically activate upon immersion in water and release the pressurized gas to rapidly fill a flotation bladder, pneumatically connected to the inflator assembly, with the gas to support the person in the water. A pull handle and cord member mechanism provides for manual activation of the inflator assembly. A sheath covers the flotation bladder during storage and while thrown. The handle can have a chamber for storing various signal generating devices or emergency materials.

Abstract: A service level management (SLM) configuration system and method. The SLM configuration system can include a data store having one or more references to metric components. A discovery processor can be coupled to the data store and programmed to identify individual ones of the metric components through the references which can be incorporated in a service level agreement (SLA) and managed by an associated SLM system. Finally, a registration processor can be coupled both to the discovery processor and to the associated SLM system. The registration processor can have a configuration for adding identified ones of the metric components to the associated SLM system for management by the associated SLM system when the identified ones of the metric components are incorporated into an SLA managed by the associated SLM system.

Abstract: A method for the co-processing of bare die removal from a semiconductor wafer for the improved throughput of the extraction of die from a wafer for subsequent placement onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a pick head containing a nozzle having a suction port within that secures the bare die as it is removed from the wafer. The intermediate holding station has a plurality of nozzles, each having a vacuum port to secure and buffer a multitude of flipped die that are transferred from the pick nozzle. Vacuum flow valves enable the release and transfer of the bare die. Having a multiple of nozzles provides a buffer for the die as they are subsequently transitioned from the pick nozzle, queued within the intermediate transfer station and loaded in tandem onto a die shuttle.

Abstract: A method for the co-processing of bare die removal from a semiconductor wafer for the improved throughput of the extraction of die from a wafer for subsequent placement onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a pick head containing a nozzle having a suction port within that secures the bare die as it is removed from the wafer. The intermediate holding station has a plurality of nozzles, each having a vacuum port to secure and buffer a multitude of flipped die that are transferred from the pick nozzle. Vacuum flow valves enable the release and transfer of the bare die. Having a multiple of nozzles provides a buffer for the die as they are subsequently transitioned from the pick nozzle, queued within the intermediate transfer station and loaded in tandem onto a die shuttle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically storing and replenishing expandable wafers used in component feeders used in automated printed circuit board assembly systems, for example the Hover-Davis Direct Die Feeder (DDF). In the mass production of printed circuit boards automated pick-and-place equipment accepts die from “chip feeders” and then mounts them at a predetermined location on the circuit board. The present invention includes a wafer or tape reel storage bay and a gripping assembly that is moved by a gantry robot to retrieve a wafer or reel from the storage bay and automatically deposit it into a component feeder.