Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of making an encapsulated electrically energized device, the method comprising: providing a first layer and a second layer each independently comprising a copolyester, a polycarbonate, a polyacrylate, polycarbonate/polyester miscible blends, or mixtures thereof, providing the electrically energized between the first and second layer, thermocompressively fusing the first layer and the second layer to encapsulate the electrically energized device by applying pressure at a temperature, sufficient to form the article, to a perimeter of the surface of the first and second layers, wherein the perimeter does not overlap the electrically energized device, wherein the temperature at the interface of the first and second layers is equal to or greater than Tg of the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the polyester layers have a flow during encapsulation less than the flow that induces fractures in the electrically energized device.

Abstract: A thermal metal spraying apparatus for use with a thermal metal spraying torch for applying a metal coating to a workpiece through a torch spraying nozzle having a spraying orifice. The thermal metal spraying apparatus provides a substantially tubular shroud having a first end and a second end adaptable to concentrically receive the torch spraying nozzle. The shroud has an opening at the second end, wherein the opening is selectably alignable with the spraying orifice. A drive mechanism is connected to the shroud and is operable to translate the shroud between a first position, wherein the opening at the second end is not aligned with the spraying orifice, thereby preventing the spraying of the metal coating on the workpiece, and a second position, wherein the opening at the second end is aligned with the spraying orifice permitting the spraying of the metal coating toward the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of the components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the complex product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the complex product is not defective.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributed policy management and enforcement. A policy manager determines one or more domains of an information system. The one or more domains are associated at least in part with respective subsets of one or more resources of the information system. The policy manager also determines one or more respective access policies local to the one or more domains. The one or more respective access policies configured to enable a determination at least in part of access to the respective subsets, the one or more resources, or a combination thereof. At least one of the one or more respective access policies is configured to operate independently of other ones of the one or more respective schemas.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vacuum coating to a workpiece, including: a coating chamber containing a coating material, with the coating chamber being operable at an elevated temperature and a sub-atmospheric pressure; an electron beam gun projecting an electron beam into the coating chamber and onto the coating material, where the electron beam gun is operable to melt the coating material and to evaporate molten coating material; and, a mechanism for supporting manipulating the workpiece in the coating chamber. The supporting mechanism further includes: a coupling device for retaining the workpiece; a joint connected to the coupling device enabling movement of the workpiece in all directions; an intermediate member connecting the coupling device and the joint; and, a device connected to the intermediate member for moving the workpiece in a designated vertical plane.

Abstract: Included are network devices, systems, methods, and computer readable medium. These may employ a microcontroller with access to computer readable memory and computer readable storage wherein the microcontroller operates at a first network component of a local area network. The microcontroller may be configured to spatially locate one or more fiducial network components of a local area network in which the microcontroller is a member. The spatial location may be determined by receiving a unique identifier for a first fiducial network component, receiving a wireless signal from a first fiducial network component, determining a physical distance between the first network component and the first fiducial network component, and updating a registry with the determined physical distance. In certain embodiments, the network component may be an RFID reader and the unique identifier may be an IP or MAC address.

Abstract: A robotic tool positioning system for positioning a first tool and a second tool. The system includes an inner shaft, a first tool arm and a first drive assembly. The first tool arm is connected to the lower portion of the inner shaft at the lower end thereof and extends radially outward therefrom, and has a first tool supporting surface disposed at a tool elevation for supporting the first tool thereon. The system further includes a tubular outer shaft, a second tool arm and a second drive assembly. A lower portion of the inner shaft extends through the tubular outer shaft. The second tool arm is connected to the tubular outer shaft at the lower end thereof, and has a second tool supporting surface disposed at the tool elevation for supporting the second tool thereon.