Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate handling robot includes a robot body, a robot arm mounted to the robot body, and an end effector mounted to the robot arm. The end effector includes first and second fingers each having one or more pins protruding therefrom, and a first motor for axially rotating the first finger. At least one pin of the first finger and one pin of the second finger are configured to mate with corresponding holes in the substrate. Rotation of the first finger imparts a tensional force to the substrate, suitable for reducing sag in ultra-thin substrates on the order of 20 to 800 microns. In certain embodiments, both fingers are rotatable, synchronously or independently. In certain embodiments, rotation is replaced by translational or pivoting planar motions, also imparting tensional force to the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate handling robot includes a robot body, a robot arm mounted to the robot body, and an end effector mounted to the robot arm. The end effector includes first and second fingers each having one or more pins protruding therefrom, and a first motor for axially rotating the first finger. At least one pin of the first finger and one pin of the second finger are configured to mate with corresponding holes in the substrate. Rotation of the first finger imparts a tensional force to the substrate, suitable for reducing sag in ultra-thin substrates on the order of 20 to 800 microns. In certain embodiments, both fingers are rotatable, synchronously or independently. In certain embodiments, rotation is replaced by translational or pivoting planar motions, also imparting tensional force to the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flipping module operable to flip a workpiece delivered by a robot in a vacuum transfer chamber (VTC) includes a gripper disposed outside a working envelope of the robot in a parked position in a vacuum environment of the VTC, and an actuator operable to move the gripper from the parked position to a receiving position, and to rotate the gripper and workpiece to thereby flip the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flipping module operable to flip a workpiece delivered by a robot in a vacuum transfer chamber (VTC) includes a gripper disposed outside a working envelope of the robot in a parked position in a vacuum environment of the VTC, and an actuator operable to move the gripper from the parked position to a receiving position, and to rotate the gripper and workpiece to thereby flip the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sound enhancer is couplable to a portable media player and is configured to redirect sound from a speaker of the portable media player towards a user for enhancing the user's audio experience. The sound enhancer may direct sound from a side-mounted or back-mounted speaker, and include features such as a loudspeaker to amplify the sound, and various reflectors, directing channels and resonant cavities. A gripper is provided to provide secure attachment to the portable media player. Alternatively, the sound enhancer can be formed integrally with accessories of the portable media player such as a hard or soft case, a docking station, and holder or stand and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of automatic tagging of image data taken at geographical locations, which represent points of interest (POI). In addition to the image data, each image file contains image metadata, which is structured information about the image data resources. The metadata of a POI includes its title, description, associated keywords, geographical identification data, etc., and it describes the POI as a resource of information. Each POI has its unique identifier that connects it to a record in a database, which contains the metadata of a plurality of POIs. The auto-tagging method, subject to the present invention, identifies the POI where image data has been taken. It then retrieves POI metadata from the database or reads it directly from an information tag placed within the POI, and assigns this metadata to all the image files containing image data taken at the POI.