Abstract: A communications system for synchronizing control signals between subsystems coupled to a process module used for processing a substrate. A distributed controller coupled to the subsystems is configured to initiate process steps, each step having a step period. A distributed clock module includes a master clock having a clock speed including clock cycles, each clock cycle having a duration that is pre-correlated to a feedback loop within which synchronized control signals are delivered to and received from the subsystems by the distributed clock module. A predefined number of clock cycles is assigned by the distributed clock module for performing a corresponding number of feedback loops for transitioning between process steps. The predefined number of clock cycles are restricted to a fraction of the step period.

Abstract: A communications system for synchronizing control signals between subsystems coupled to a process module used for processing a substrate. A distributed controller coupled to the subsystems is configured to initiate process steps, each step having a step period. A distributed clock module includes a master clock having a clock speed including clock cycles, each clock cycle having a duration that is pre-correlated to a feedback loop within which synchronized control signals are delivered to and received from the subsystems by the distributed clock module. A predefined number of clock cycles is assigned by the distributed clock module for performing a corresponding number of feedback loops for transitioning between process steps. The predefined number of clock cycles are restricted to a fraction of the step period.

Abstract: A sports helmet for preventing or minimizing head concussions comprising an outer shell and a gas bladder inflated with a gas and secured interiorly of the shell. A pressure relief valve associated with the gas bladder exhausts gas contained in the gas bladder in response to a threshold pressure being realized in the gas bladder in response to the head of the person wearing the sports helmet experiencing an impact.

Abstract: A combination manual staple gun and a cap feeding device comprises a staple gun having a cap feeding device attached thereto. Interconnected between the staple gun and the cap feeding device is an actuating linkage. The actuating linkage is connected to a movable member of the staple gun and is driven in response to the actuation of the staple gun or in response to the staple gun being pressed against a surface for the purpose of shooting a staple into the surface. More particularly, the cap feeder device includes a container for containing a stack of caps and a cap feeder or feeding mechanism for engaging one cap at a time and directing the cap towards a cap ejection area associated with a staple gun in response to the connecting or actuating linkage being actuated.