Abstract: A device and method for controlling the temperature of a plasma chamber inside wall or other surfaces exposed to the plasma by a plurality of temperature control systems. A plasma process within the plasma chamber can be controlled by independently controlling the temperature of segments of the wall or other surfaces.

Abstract: A box culvert and gasket assembly is provided that enables fluid-tight bell-and spigot joints to be formed between abutting ends of box culverts. The joints according to the assembly of the present invention can remain fluid-tight up to at least 13 psi of water pressure. The gasket is preferably a one-piece, endless rubber gasket that is applied over the end of a spigot that is rectangular in end elevation. The corners of the rectangular spigot are rounded to enable the gasket to extend continuously over the corner without the need for 45° cuts and splices. Preferably, the gasket is made from a single elongate gasket piece that is cut to size and that has ends that are bonded together via a butt vulcanization technique. A storm drain and sewer assembly and a method of forming a fluid-tight bell-and spigot joint are also provided.

Abstract: A ram guidance system for a stamping press is provided including an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush has a central passageway sized and arranged so that a reciprocating ram extends through the passageway. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to the outer bush and a portion of the rod, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement. In another embodiment of the invention, a metal stamping system for operating a die set is provided that includes an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush includes a passageway sized and arranged so that a ram extends through the passageway so as to be enclosed by the outer bush. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to (i) the outer bush and (ii) a portion of the ram, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement.

Abstract: A ram guidance system for a stamping press is provided including an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush has a central passageway sized and arranged so that a reciprocating ram extends through the passageway. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to the outer bush and a portion of the rod, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement. In another embodiment of the invention, a metal stamping system for operating a die set is provided that includes an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush includes a passageway sized and arranged so that a ram extends through the passageway so as to be enclosed by the outer bush. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to (i) the outer bush and (ii) a portion of the ram, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the temperature of a plasma chamber inside wall or other surfaces exposed to the plasma by a plurality of temperature control systems. A plasma process within the plasma chamber can be controlled by independently controlling the temperature of segments of the wall or other surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems are described for lifting a read/write head in a digital tape system. Headlift systems according to the present invention include a guide pin that is an element of a stepper motor, a bracket coupled with the head, and a shaft-linking element. Such headlift systems provide reduced headlift error tolerances, and can therefore accurately place the head for reading and writing to smaller width data tracks on the tape. The bracket is configured to mate with the guide pin and to couple with a stepper motor rotational shaft. A motor according to the present invention includes a stepping motor, a shaft, and a guide pin. A bracket according to the invention includes a head mating surface, an arm, and typically includes a guide pin bushing. The arm includes a first opening aligned to receive the shaft, and a second opening aligned to receive the guide pin.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma and a substrate support. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate support and an RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes to create a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. A first comparator having first and second inputs is electrically coupled to one of the electrodes with an isolating device being coupled between the first and second inputs to isolate the first input from the bias on the one electrode. The comparator has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs. A second comparator has a first input coupled to the first electrode and a second input coupled to the second electrode, and has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs resulting from the bias difference between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma and a substrate support. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate support and an RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes to create a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. Multiple voltage measurement circuits are electrically coupled to the RF power source and the electrodes to measure voltages at multiple points. A precursor determines the DC bias levels of the electrodes based on the multiple measurement points.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems are described for lifting a read/write head in a digital tape system. Headlift systems according to the present invention include a guide pin that is an element of a stepper motor, a bracket coupled with the head, and a shaft-linking element. Such headlift systems provide reduced headlift error tolerances, and can therefore accurately place the head for reading and writing to smaller width data tracks on the tape. The bracket is configured to mate with the guide pin and to couple with a stepper motor rotational shaft. A motor according to the present invention includes a stepping motor, a shaft, and a guide pin. A bracket according to the invention includes a head mating surface, an arm, and typically includes a guide pin bushing. The arm includes a first opening aligned to receive the shaft, and a second opening aligned to receive the guide pin.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma and a substrate support. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate support and an RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes to create a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. Multiple voltage measurement circuits are electrically coupled to the RF power source and the electrodes to measure voltages at multiple points. A precursor determines the DC bias levels of the electrodes based on the multiple measurement points.

Abstract: A flexible gasket connecting a plastic or fiberglass pipe in fluid communication with a plastic or fiberglass septic tank. The gasket is an integrally molded elastomer having an annular base with a flange and keeper portions extending radially outward from the base forming a continuous groove sealing around the periphery of an opening in the tank. The keeper portion is tapered axially to enable the gasket to be pushed into the tank opening and snap-fitted into position. A web portion extends inwardly from the middle of the base portion and terminates in a toroidal portion to provide a primary sealing function of the gasket, and the toroidal portion provides a secondary sealing. The added pressure produced by the toroidal portion significantly strengthens the total seal while retaining residual resilience to allow relative movement of the tank and pipe.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma, a substrate support within the chamber, and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the substrate support. The electrodes are each positioned proximate the supporting surface and are electrically isolated from one another. An RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes, so that they are operable for creating a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. A first electrically capacitive structure is electrically coupled between the RF power source and at least one of the plurality of electrodes. The first electrically capacitive structure has a variable capacitance for varying the DC bias created on the substrate by the at least one electrode relative to the DC bias created on the substrate by at least one of the other electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma and a substrate support. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate support and an RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes to create a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. A first comparator having first and second inputs is electrically coupled to one of the electrodes with an isolating device being coupled between the first and second inputs to isolate the first input from the bias on the one electrode. The comparator has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs. A second comparator has a first input coupled to the first electrode and a second input coupled to the second electrode, and has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs resulting from the bias difference between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate comprises a process chamber having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall for defining a process space therein. The process chamber has an opening in the sidewall thereof for providing access to the process space. A plasma-generating assembly is coupled with the process chamber for creating a plasma within the process space. A substrate support assembly is configured for coupling with the process chamber to support a substrate within the process space. The substrate support assembly extends into the process space through the sidewall opening in the process chamber and seals the sidewall opening to generally isolate the process space from atmosphere.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber configured for containing a plasma and a substrate support. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate support and an RF power source is coupled to each of the electrodes for biasing the electrodes to create a DC bias on a substrate positioned on the supporting surface. A first comparator having first and second inputs is electrically coupled to one of the electrodes with an isolating device being coupled between the first and second inputs to isolate the first input from the bias on the one electrode. The comparator has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs. A second comparator has a first input coupled to the first electrode and a second input coupled to the second electrode, and has an output reflective of a voltage difference between the first and second inputs resulting from the bias difference between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus including an elastomeric gasket and a rigid holder therefor for resiliently connecting a sewer pipe in the wall opening of a concrete manhold to prevent leakage through the connection under extreme conditions of ground settling and overhead loading. The base of the gasket is anchored in the opening with its interior surface in flush alignment with diverging surfaces of the wall opening and having an inside diameter substantially corresponding to the outside diameter of the pipe for a press fit. The holder is preassembled with the gasket for casting of a port in a wall in situ.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.

Abstract: A modified inverter/converter unit electronically commutates a switched reluctance machine to provide multiple voltage levels for engine and aircraft applications. A set of power switching transistors apply an exciting current to windings in the switched reluctance machine to produce power at a first voltage level. Additional voltage levels may be provided by using the turns ratio from a plurality of transformers and the switching frequency from the power switching transistors. Alternatively, additional voltage levels may be provided by using windings of a plurality of transformers internal to the switched reluctance machine.

Abstract: A modified inverter/converter unit electronically commutates a switched reluctance machine to provide multiple voltage levels for engine and aircraft applications. A set of power switching transistors apply an exciting current to windings in the switched reluctance machine to produce power at a first voltage level. Additional voltage levels may be provided by using the turns ratio from one or more transformers and the switching frequency from the power switching transistors. Alternatively, additional voltage levels may be provided by using windings of a plurality of transformers internal to the switched reluctance machine.