Abstract: An inventive module and fabrication system for processing semiconductor devices reduces the overall cost per unit processed, by eliminating the need for expensive rotational robots. The modules and fabrication system are configured so that wafer handlers are required to travel only along linear paths. The inventive modules may include an integral conveyor or may couple a remote conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor is positioned normal to the wafer handler's transport path in order to achieve the most compact footprint.

Abstract: An inventive module and fabrication system for processing semiconductor devices reduces the overall cost per unit processed, by eliminating the need for expensive rotational robots. The modules and fabrication system are configured so that wafer handlers are required to travel only along linear paths. The inventive modules may include an integral conveyor or may couple a remote conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor is positioned normal to the wafer handler's transport path in order to achieve the most compact footprint.

Abstract: An inventive module and fabrication system for processing semiconductor devices reduces the overall cost per unit processed, by eliminating the need for expensive rotational robots. The modules and fabrication system are configured so that wafer handlers are required to travel only along linear paths. The inventive modules may include an integral conveyor or may couple a remote conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor is positioned normal to the wafer handler's transport path in order to achieve the most compact footprint.

Abstract: A high isolation electronic switch is provided for selectively switching an utput line between first and second input lines. Each input line is connected to a respective circuit that has a first current carrying path to connect the respective input line to the output line, and a second current carrying path to connect a portion of the first current carrying path of the respective circuit to a ground potential. Each respective circuit is further selectively operated to conduct along only one of its first or second current carrying paths. A unity gain buffer is connected serially in the first current carrying path of each respective circuit. The switch is selectively operated such that one circuit conducts along its first current carrying path when the other circuit is conducting along its second current carrying path.

Abstract: A turn-on transient overcurrent response suppressor is connected to an exing electrical circuit having a regulator circuit that includes an overcurrent protection mechanism. A first charging circuit is connected to the power supply for simultaneous charging therewith. A second charging circuit is connected to the first charging circuit for delayed charging therewith. Connected between the first and second charging circuits is a circuit to create a low impedance discharge path for the second charging circuit while preventing discharge of the first charging circuit when the power supply is no longer providing the input voltage. First and second transistor circuits are connected to turn on during the charging and discharging of the second charging circuit and turn off when the second charging circuit is fully charged. In this way, turn-on transients caused by loss of AC power are prevented from falsely triggering the regulator circuit's overcurrent protection mechanism.

Abstract: A frequency translator converts inaudible sounds into audible sounds while reserving the phase relationship of the sounds. The translator mixes a local reference frequency with an inaudible receive signal to translate the receive signal to an audible frequency. If the receive signal exceeds a predetermined value, the reference frequency gets shifted in phase to correspond to the phase of the receive signal at that moment. The resulting translated signal is thus in phase with the receive signal at the moment of shift, so that the time-of-arrival of the receive signal is not lost. When used individually in conjunction with left and right listening channels, the translator enables a listener to hear as well as sense the time-of-arrival of otherwise inaudible signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting fluid pound in a sucker-rod oil well, using maximum and minimum values of sucker-rod position and of sucker-rod load to calculate a reference position and a selected load value. The apparatus automatically calculates the reference position and the selected load value according to the characteristics of the well and of the well pumping equipment. When the sucker-rod moves downward to the reference position, the actual load value is checked against the selected value and in one embodiment of the invention a warning signal develops when the amount of the load exceeds the previously selected load quantity. In another embodiment a warning signal develops when the rate of change of the load is at a maximum below the reference position. In a third embodiment a warning signal develops when a minimum rate of change of the load occurs below the reference position.