Abstract: A pig launcher/receiver includes a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the pig launcher/receiver's barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid. The distribution grid has a plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge at least a portion of the fluid which enters the fluid chamber. A predetermined number of the ports are inclined relative to vertical and in a direction opposite a closure door of the barrel. The fluid distribution grid, which is preferably semi-circular shaped, can be a permanent weldment, bolted on, or removable. When used in launching a pig, the ports provide a differential pressure that lifts the pig and overcomes friction as the pig moves forward. Because a number of the ports are blocked by the sealing elements (cup or disc) of the pipeline pig, the number of pigs residing in the launcher/receiver can be determined.

Abstract: A pig launcher/receiver includes a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the pig launcher/receiver's barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid. The distribution grid has a plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge at least a portion of the fluid which enters the fluid chamber. A predetermined number of the ports are inclined relative to vertical and in a direction opposite a closure door of the barrel. The fluid distribution grid, which is preferably semi-circular shaped, can be a permanent weldment, bolted on, or removable. When used in launching a pig, the ports provide a differential pressure that lifts the pig and overcomes friction as the pig moves forward. Because a number of the ports are blocked by the sealing elements (cup or disc) of the pipeline pig, the number of pigs residing in the launcher/receiver can be determined.

Abstract: A polishing pad assembly is described for use in a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus having a polishing platen. The polishing pad assembly includes a first pad disposed on the platen. The first pad comprises a sealable enclosure with a flexible outer skin and partially filled with a porous material. A control is adapted to inject fluid into and to remove fluid from the enclosure. The first pad has a hardness which is variable according to an amount of fluid in the enclosure. A second pad is disposed on the first pad.

Abstract: A container system for storing and transporting sensitive components such as semiconductor chips is disclosed. The container system includes in combination, a housing and a plurality of component carriers for receiving components to be stored and transported in stacked banks. The plurality of component carriers are stacked one on top of the other in a top-to-bottom stacked arrangement within the housing. An underside bottom surface of a first component carrier provides a top cover to a second component carrier positioned immediately below the first component carrier, wherein a component carrier includes a compartmental core for storing components on a top surface thereof in segmented row compartments, each segmented row compartment having sidewall surfaces and a bottom surface.