Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.

Abstract: A system for oscillating a roller driven by rolling contact with a moving substrate. An oscillating assembly comprises first and second opposed gudgeons rotatably mounted on a shaft, the gudgeons being connected by either a plurality of rods or the roller. An oscillation mechanism comprises a reduction transmission assembly having differently toothed input and output pulleys. A cam groove in an oscillation cam is engaged by one or more oscillation pin(s) connected to the gudgeons. An input drive pulley turns with the gudgeons, and an output pulley turns with the oscillation cam. An intermediate double-pulley has second and third pulleys on a common hub. First and second timing belts connect, respectively, the input pulley to the second hub pulley, and the third hub pulley to the output pulley. A currently preferred step-down ratio between the input pulley and the output pulley is about 391:1.

Abstract: A system for oscillating a roller driven by rolling contact with a moving substrate. An oscillating assembly comprises first and second opposed gudgeons rotatably mounted on a shaft, the gudgeons being connected by either a plurality of rods or the roller. An oscillation mechanism comprises a reduction transmission assembly having differently toothed input and output pulleys. A cam groove in an oscillation cam is engaged by one or more oscillation pin(s) connected to the gudgeons. An input drive pulley turns with the gudgeons, and an output pulley turns with the oscillation cam. An intermediate double-pulley has second and third pulleys on a common hub. First and second timing belts connect, respectively, the input pulley to the second hub pulley, and the third hub pulley to the output pulley. A currently preferred step-down ratio between the input pulley and the output pulley is about 391:1.

Abstract: A web-chopping and sheet-winding apparatus comprising an unwinder for unwinding a supply roll of continuous flexible web which may be adhesive on at least one side. A knife roller including at least one fixed transverse knife blade extending from the surface is in nipped relationship with an anvil roller, the height of the knife blade being greater than the thickness of the web. The anvil and knife roller spacing is such that the knife blade extends just to the surface of the anvil roller, thereby chopping the continuous web into sheets as the anvil and knife rollers turn synchronously with the web passing therebetween. A tape core roller in nipped relationship receives the chopped sheets sequentially, the leading edge of each sheet being lifted from the anvil roller by any of a plurality of novel means.

Abstract: A CCR system 100,200 for removing and analyzing particles from a surface 104 of a substrate 102. A CCR 113 is selectively contactable with the substrate surface. The CCR rolls along the surface, which typically is drawn past the CCR as a continuous moving web on a roller 108, the CCR being rotatably mounted on an axle of the system. In a first embodiment 100, the CCR may be removed for off-line analysis of contamination. In a second embodiment 200, the CCR may remain in operation for real-time analysis of removed contamination. A video camera 122,222 scans the CCR surface and transmits images or data for visual and/or computer analysis of the contamination, which analysis may include, but is not limited to, computerized shape analysis of particles, areal distribution of particles, and composition of particles.

Abstract: A cleaner assembly for cleaning a roller comprising a tape unwinder and winder for holding and dispensing adhesive tape which may be a continuous strip or may comprises discrete sheets of adhesive tape wound on top of each other. The winder and unwinder are connected to a drive by a timing belt. Thus a length of tape may be wound back and forth on a roller surface by alternating the rotation of the drive. The tape is passed around a backing roller to press the tape against a roller to be cleaned. In a second embodiment, the tape roll comprises a plurality of sheets of tape wound on top of each other. To remove a spent outer sheet, the outer sheet carrying the transferred particles is transferred to a continuous tape roll, exposing a fresh sheet on the sheeted tape roll which is then ready for renewed cleaning service.