Abstract: A method and apparatus selects a period of time for evaluating process resources and lots to be processed by the process resources. Selected lots and selected process resource are chosen that are available to be processed by the process resource and that are available to process the selected lots respectively. For each of the combination of selected process and selected lots a tool score and a lot score is determine and combined in order to select a winning score. The factory is controlled through the process resource in accordance with the winning score.

Abstract: A method of scheduling jobs to be performed by a multi-task workstation in a manufacturing facility, where the multi-task workstation delivers its output to more than one downstream workstation. A scheduler for the multitask workstation categorizes that workstation's job queue according to the type of job and its destination workstation. The scheduler also determines a priority factor for each category, based on the percent of jobs represented by that category, the flow position of jobs in that category, and feedback from that category's downstream workstation. The feedback factor is provided by a work monitor at each downstream workstation that captures data reflecting the current workload, maintains this data to calculate workload averages, and uses the average to compare current workload to workload histories.

Abstract: An insulated electric terminal assembly having an electrically conductive stud with a knurled outer surface held in locking engagement with a molded dielectric bolt mounted around the exterior surface of the stud, in combination with a molded dielectric nut adapted to be threaded onto the dielectric bolt. The nut is provided with a generally cylindrical surface portion over a predetermined part of its axial length which has a diameter at least as great as the maximum diameter of the remainder of the axial length of the nut, which includes generally parallel flat surfaces for receiving a torquing tool for rotating the nut. A unique configuration of the dielectric bolt head enables it to be securely fastened in snug relationship to a curved supporting surface having an aperture through it for receiving the shank portion of the dielectric bolt.