Abstract: A linear drive system provides a combination of distributed control to increase the number of movers which may be supported in the system and centralized control to reduce the separation distance between movers by grouping movers together and placing a reference mover of the group under central control with remaining movers of the group under distributed control. In addition, in precise working locations, or “synchronization zones,” each of the movers can be temporarily placed under central control to further reduce the separation distance and allow improved coordination with industrial processes or machines in the system.

Abstract: A gas can lifting assembly for lifting and tilting a gas can includes a cart that may be rolled along the support surface. A lift is coupled to the cart and the lift is selectively manipulated. A basket is pivotally coupled to the lift such that the lift selectively lifts and lowers the basket. A gas can is selectively positioned in the basket. In this way the gas can may be selectively lifted and lowered for refueling a machine. The basket is selectively positioned in a first position having the basket being horizontally oriented. Additionally, the basket is selectively positioned in a second position having the basket being tilted to pour gasoline from the gas can.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an image processing apparatus comprises a sheet feed cassette, an operation lever, a sliding section, a sheet lifting and lowering tray, and a main body rail section. The sheet feed cassette is housed to be capable of being pulled out from an apparatus main body. The operation lever is arranged at the side of the sheet feed cassette and is rotatable around a shaft positioned at the middle in a longitudinal direction. The sliding section is arranged at the rear side of the shaft of the operation lever. The sheet lifting and lowering tray can place a sheet and adjust an inclination thereof in conjunction with the operation lever. The main body rail section is arranged in the apparatus main body and guides running of the sliding section at the time of pulling out the sheet feed cassette.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that reduces image artifacts caused by the back tension of a separating unit. A control unit decreases the number of rotations (the rotational speed) of a resist roller pair after the leading edge of a sheet reaches a transfer position.

Abstract: Described is a device for feeding and accumulating film (2) made of plastic material wound on a reel to a bagging machine (4), comprising a frame (9), means for supporting at least one reel (3) of film (2) made of plastic material supported by the frame (9), a first and a second group (G1, G2) of rollers for redirecting the film (2) made of plastic material, the rollers of the first and second group (G1, G2) being arranged in two respective rows parallel to each other, the film (2) being designed to be wound alternatively on the rollers of the two groups (G1, G2) forming a plurality of loops.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises a processing tray, a longitudinal alignment mechanism, a horizontal alignment mechanism and an interlocking mechanism. The processing tray can stack a sheet. The longitudinal alignment mechanism includes a rotatable paddle. The longitudinal alignment mechanism can align the sheets stacked on the processing tray in a sheet conveyance direction. The horizontal alignment mechanism includes a horizontal alignment plate movable in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction. The horizontal alignment mechanism can align the sheets placed on the processing tray in the sheet width direction. The interlocking mechanism interlocks the paddle in the sheet width direction in synchronization with the movement of the horizontal alignment plate in the sheet width direction.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a sheet post-processing apparatus includes a processing tray, a vertical alignment section, a horizontal alignment section and a controller. The controller is configured to control the horizontal alignment section to shift the sheet to a first alignment position a predetermined distance from the center of the processing tray in the sheet width direction, control the horizontal alignment section to align the sheet in the sheet width direction at the first alignment position, and control the vertical alignment section to align the sheet in the conveying direction at the first alignment position, control the horizontal alignment section to realign the sheet at the first alignment position.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a process for knotting roving packages, comprising steps of: arranging a plurality of roving packages in a single layer or multiple layers; classifying all roving packages into at least one group of roving packages; selecting, from each group of roving packages, two roving packages as a starting roving package and an ending roving package; successively connecting all roving packages in each group of roving packages from the starting roving package to the ending roving package; and, connecting an inner fiber of a roving package other than the starting roving package and the ending roving package in each group of roving packages to an outer fiber of a previous roving package and connecting an outer fiber of this roving package to an inner fiber of a next roving package, or connecting an outer fiber of a roving package other than the starting roving package and the ending roving package in each group of roving packages to an inner fiber of a previous roving package and connecting

Abstract: A sheet dispenser system having a roll of sheet material and a housing to receive the roll. The roll of sheet material comprises a first end portion incorporating a key, and the housing comprises a mounting portion arranged to support the first end portion of the roll. The mounting portion comprises a lock arrangement which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition. The lock arrangement comprises a rotatable element configured for rotation about an axis, and a locking element configured for engagement with the rotatable element to inhibit rotation of the rotatable element, such that, when the locking element and the rotatable element are engaged, the lock arrangement occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and the rotatable element are disengaged, the lock arrangement occupies the free condition.

Abstract: A sheet dispenser system having a roll of sheet material and a housing to receive the roll. The roll of sheet material comprises a first end portion incorporating a key, and the housing comprises a mounting portion arranged to support the first end portion of the roll and a support portion arranged to support a second end of the roll. The mounting portion comprises a tilting member pivotally coupled to the housing to define an operative position, in which the mounting portion and the support portion are aligned to support the roll in the housing, and a loading position, in which the mounting portion and the support portion are unaligned to inhibit support of the roll in the housing.

Abstract: A cord winding module, comprising a rotary wheel (9) on which a cord (11) is wound and a stop button (4) working cooperatively with the rotary wheel. The cord winding module further comprises a spring wire (5) working cooperatively with the stop button as an elastic support device, and the stop button automatically brakes the rotary wheel under the action of the elastic force of the spring wire and prevents the rotary wheel from retracting the cord. The spring wire has an arc shape, or exhibits an arc shape when pre-pressed and deformed by the stop button. The cord winding module further comprises a fixing cover (6), the rotary wheel is installed under the fixing cover, and the stop button is installed at a side of the fixing cover. A receiving groove is formed on the body of the fixing cover, and the spring wire is installed in the receiving groove to push the stop button, to drive the stop button to brake the rotary wheel.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator system capable of improving the operation efficiency of an elevator. An elevator system according to the present invention includes: first processing circuitry to receive destination floor information transmitted from a movable body having a movement mechanism and second processing circuitry and being capable of boarding and alighting from a car of an elevator, to assign the car, in which a plurality of onboard positions are set, to a call based on the destination floor information received, and to assign one of the plurality of onboard positions to one movable body based on a destination floor of the movable body. The first processing circuitry transmits to the movable body information indicative of the onboard position assigned to the movable body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport conveyor drive having a rectifier and an inverter which are connected via a DC link, whereby the inverter comprises power switches for suppling electric power to an transport conveyor motor, comprising a motor controller for controlling the power switches of the inverter which is configured to produce control pulses in the control poles of the power switches, at least one safety signal interface, which is adapted to receive safety signals from a safety controller of the transport conveyor, and a brake control circuit having an output for supplying power to a brake coil of an electromagnetic brake, wherein the motor controller is referenced to a first bus bar in the DC link, at least one STO circuit is connected between the motor controller and each of the power switches of at least one half bridge of the inverter, the STO circuit being referenced to the first bus bar of the DC link and is configured to transfer/cut the control pulses to the power switches, a galvanically i

Abstract: An elevator request authorization system for use in a building in which an elevator system services a plurality of floors is provided. The elevator request authorization system includes one or more servers receptive of an elevator request of a user and configured to authenticate the elevator request and to append credential data thereto in accordance with a result of the authentication and an access control system to which the elevator request appended with the credential data is passed from the one or more servers. The access control system is configured to determine which floors of the plurality of floors the user is authorized to visit based on the credential data with an elevator car being assignable to service the elevator request in accordance with a determination result.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator device, including: a cage; a car entrance frame including: entrance columns provided at a car entrance of the cage; and an entrance top plate provided on a top side of the car entrance; a car door configured to open and close the car entrance; a projector, which is provided to the car entrance frame so as to be capable of projecting information onto an image display surface provided at a landing when the car door is opened upon arrival of a car at the landing; and a control device configured to control respective operations of the car door and the projector. When the control device controls the car door to open, the control device controls the projector to project the information onto the image display surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a safety system can comprise at least one receiver, each located in a restricted access area; a safe operation monitor coupled to the at least one receiver configured to detect signals from the at least one receiver; wherein: the at least one receiver is configured to receive signals from a transmitter, the transmitter being used by a worker within the restricted access area; the safe operation monitor is configured to protect the restricted access area, based on the receipt of a signal from the transmitter; and causing an alert on the transmitter.

Abstract: Elevator safety brake and/or safety actuator health monitoring systems and methods including an elevator car moveable within an elevator shaft along a guide rail, and a first safety brake assembly arranged on the elevator car and configured to engage with the guide rail to provide emergency braking to the elevator car. The first brake assembly includes a first safety brake and an electronic safety actuator operably connected to the first safety brake. A health monitoring element is in communication with the electronic safety actuator. The health monitoring element is configured to record information associated with operation of the first safety brake assembly, compare the recorded information against at least one predetermined threshold, and when the recorded information exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold, generate a notification that maintenance is required.

Abstract: A method for operating an elevator installation may be used with elevator installations that have at least two cars in one elevator shaft. A first car may be travelling or configured to travel in a direction of a second car, and the first car may be moved with reference to a travel curve in such a way that a distance between the first car and the second car can be controlled to an adjustable minimum distance. The adjustable minimum distance may be set as a function of a speed of at least one of the first car or the second car. Further, the distance between the first car and the second car can be controlled to the adjustable minimum distance with continuous calculation of a virtual stopping point for the first car, at which virtual stopping point the first car is stoppable with a safety clearance from the second car.

Abstract: Elevator systems having an elevator shaft, a plurality of landings, wherein each landing includes a landing door that enables access from the landing into the elevator shaft, a plurality of guards arranged within the elevator shaft, wherein each landing door includes one of the plurality of guards proximate thereto, and a light element integrated into at least one of the plurality of guards and arranged to project light into the elevator shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure includes elevator emergency control systems and methods for use in an elevator. The elevator emergency control system may include a control station disposed external to multiple buildings. The control station may be configured to: determine that an emergency condition exists for the multiple buildings; in response to determining that the emergency condition exists for the multiple buildings, transmit a first emergency alert signal that directs a first group of elevators located in at least two buildings of the multiple building to enter an emergency mode, and the emergency mode results in the first group of elevators: traveling vertically downward with respect to a first group of structures; and answering down hall calls until the first group of elevators reaches an elevator weight capacity, an egress floor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Elevator systems and methods of operation include a tension member support positioned within an elevator shaft, a tension member suspended from the tension member support within the elevator shaft, and a slack detection system. The slack detection system includes at least one biasing element housed within the tension member support and operably coupled to the tension member, the at least one biasing element arranged to receive a load from the tension member and a switch arranged to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the at least one biasing element, wherein when in the second position the switch triggers an emergency stop of an elevator car within the elevator shaft.

Abstract: A damper for elevator, and an elevator, that enable reduction of the maximum deceleration of a lifting/lowering body by suppressing deformation of a foamed body for absorbing impact. The damper for elevator includes: urethane foam having a collision surface with which a lifting/lowering body is to collide; and an outer peripheral member attached to the outer side of the side-part surface of the urethane foam and having an inner side surface bowed outward, wherein impact by collision of the lifting/lowering body is buffered by deformations of the urethane foam and the outer peripheral member.

Abstract: A belt (30) for suspending and/or driving an elevator car (14) includes a plurality of tension elements (32) extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements having one or more tension element coating layers (46) applied thereto. A plurality of fibers are interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A belt coating (44) at least partially encapsulates the composite belt structure.

Abstract: A termination device for a suspension member of an elevator system includes a termination housing, and two wedge assemblies located in the termination housing. The wedge assemblies are interactive with a suspension member end positioned between the two wedge assemblies to apply a clamping force to the suspension member end in response to an axial load acting on the suspension member end. Each wedge assembly includes a wedge and a biasing element operably connected to the wedge to bias a position of the wedge along a suspension member axis direction.

Abstract: An elevator system that can check a function of detecting derailment of an elevating body without disconnecting the elevating body from a guide rail. The elevator system includes a conductive wire that is provided along a guide rail, a contact that is attached to the elevating body, and is configured to come into contact with the conductive wire in the case where the elevating body is disconnected from the guide rail, a control panel that is configured to detect electrical conduction between the conductive wire and the contact, and an inspection contact that is attached to a preset position of the conductive wire, and is disposed at a position that allows the inspection contact to come into contact with the contact in the case where the contact moves to the preset position.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a locking system for an elevator car door that includes a locking apparatus mounted to the elevator car door. The locking apparatus includes an elevator door latch arm, a sensing vane, and a fixed vane. The elevator door latch arm has one end configured to be inserted into a catch to lock the elevator car door. The sensing and fixed vanes are generally parallel to one another. When the elevator car door is aligned with a hoistway door, an outer surface of the sensing vane is configured to engage with a roller on the hoistway door, and an outer surface of the fixed vane is configured to engage with another roller on the hoistway door. When both the first and second rollers are engaged by the sensing and fixed vanes, the locking apparatus is configured to remove the elevator door latch arm from the catch.

Abstract: A control device adapted to be connected to a conveyor system having a drive motor, a motor control unit which provides a motor control signal to the drive motor and a motor speed sensor adapted to output a motor speed signal to the motor control unit. The control device comprises: a motor speed alteration unit adapted to intercept the motor control signal and to provide a modified motor control signal to the drive motor so as to cause the motor speed to increase or decrease by a speed change value from a first motor operating speed to a target motor operating speed; and a feedback unit adapted to intercept the motor speed signal and to provide a scaled motor speed signal to the motor control unit based on the intercepted motor speed signal, the scaled motor speed signal indicating to the motor control unit that the motor speed has not been increased or decreased from the first motor operating speed by the speed change value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of moving a load using a crane comprising the steps: defining an origin coordinate system in the crane; defining at least one obstacle coordinate system that is fixedly linked to a deployment location of the load movement; establishing a relationship of the at least one obstacle coordinate system with the origin coordinate system; predefining a travel path of the hook block, preferably with the suspended load, with the aid of the at least one obstacle coordinate system; and converting the travel path from the obstacle coordinate system into actuator controls of the crane for a corresponding movement of the hook block, preferably with the suspended load.

Abstract: A method for controlling command of lifting a load suspended from a boom, carried by a mast of a crane, includes determining: depending on the mass of the suspended load, a specified load factor quantifying an acceptable exceedance with respect to a predetermined maximum allowable load for said crane; a maximum permitted lifting acceleration, depending on the mass of the suspended load, on the specified load factor and on the distribution position of the load suspended on the boom with respect to the mast; from lifting speed setpoints, optimized lifting speed setpoints intended to be executed by a motor device for displacing the suspended load according to a lifting movement so that the acceleration related to the lifting movement remains, in absolute value, less than or equal to the maximum permitted acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a climbing device for a revolving tower crane having a climbing frame movable along, the crane tower for climbing in and/or climbing down tower sections, wherein a guide is provided for the longitudinally movable support of the climbing frame with respect to the crane tower. In accordance with the invention, the guide has resiliently flexibly supported and/or resiliently flexible transverse support elements transversely to the travel direction of the climbing frame.

Abstract: Provided is a coupling unit capable of accurately determining a relative position between connectors despite welding across main pipes and connectors in a lattice structure. A coupling unit includes connectors to be joined to ends of main pipes, and a connector interconnection member that interconnects connectors to one another. Each of the connectors includes: a fitted part fittable to the end of the main pipe; a detachable connection part detachably connectable to a counterpart connector provided to an end of the other lattice structure; an outer peripheral surface weldable to an outer peripheral surface of the end of the main pipe while the fitted part is fitted to the end of the main pipe; and a connected part to which an end of the connector interconnection member is to be connected.

Abstract: A crane mat system includes a top surface and a bottom surface constructed of steel plates. The top surface and the bottom surface are joined by one or more sides and an internal support structure. Two or more lifting portions are mounted to recessed walls. Each lifting portion includes an arm having a proximal end attached to a recessed wall of the mat and a distal end attached to a plate. Each arm is mounted above the midline of the height of the mat. A protrusion is mounted on each arm such that when the mats are stacked, the protrusions over lower mats are nested within recessed cutouts of upper mats. The lifting portions are configured such that a sling can lift a stack of mats.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake mechanism for a controlled descent device, and a drum device employing it. The brake mechanism comprises a circular wheel configured and operable to rotate about an axis of rotation, an axle extending along and rotatable about the axis inside a central cavity of the wheel and having two or more parallel shaft rods extending inside the cavity substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a gear system for transferring rotations of the wheel into counter-rotations of the axle, one or more brake elements each having two or more pass-through bores for slidably mounting over the two or more parallel shaft rods, two or more springs mounted over the parallel shaft rods between the brake element and the axle, and a friction enhancement mechanism for increasing friction forces between the brake elements and the inner wall the wheel responsive to increase in angular velocity of the wheel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.

Abstract: A forklift according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is capable of measuring weight of a cargo that is to be transported by the forklift. The forklift according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention measures weight of a cargo by a displacement according to compression by tensile force applied to the chain 50 in a portion, in which the chain 50 is installed in a top frame 14.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck (2) with a lift mast (4), a hydraulic system (10) as well as a method for operating a hydraulic system (10). The lift mast (4) of the industrial truck (2) is driven by a mast lift cylinder (12) and comprises at least one mast lift stage (42, 42). Furthermore, a free lift stage is present that is driven by a free lift cylinder (8) with which a load receiving means (6) can be displaced along the lift mast (4). The industrial truck (2) comprises a hydraulic system (10) for supplying the at least one mast lift cylinder (12) and the at least one free lift cylinder (8) with a hydraulic fluid (14), wherein the hydraulic system (10) is configured to at least at times simultaneously actuate the at least one mast lift cylinder (12) and the at least one free lift cylinder (8) in load lifting operation and/or in load lowering operation.

Abstract: A prybar has a handle shaft. A first prybar end extends from the handle shaft. The first prybar end includes a first prybar end first fork tine and a first prybar end second fork tine. A pivot head extends from the handle shaft. The pivot head includes a first pivot head button and a second pivot head button. A second prybar end extends from the pivot head. The second prybar end rotates on the pivot head relative to the handle shaft when the first pivot head button and the second pivot head button are depressed. A first handle retaining arm and a second handle retaining arm extends from the second prybar end. The first handle retaining arm and the second handle retaining arm are parallel and form a handle shaft slot. The handle shaft extends into the handle shaft slot.

Abstract: A force sensing carriage for a load carrying vehicle with lift capability has a first carriage component, a second carriage component and at least one bladder filled with a fluid at a predetermined pressure positioned between the second carriage component and the first carriage component. The first carriage component is configured for mounting to the load carrying vehicle. The second carriage component is for contacting a load to be moved and is positionable in alignment with the first carriage component. The bladder at least partially supports the second carriage component in an operating position in which a portion of the second carriage component is spaced away from the first carriage component. Forces exerted on the bladder by the second carriage component increase pressure in the bladder. An indicator circuit with an indicator indicates a warning if a predetermined threshold pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: One embodiment of a one piece thin flat material for removing small sized screw off bottle caps of varying sizes ? inch to 1¼ inches (9.525 mm to 31.750 mm). A “V” shaped aperture communicates the cap with the gripping facets in the “V” to secure and hold the cap for a leveraged counterclockwise twisting motion to remove the cap. The opening accommodates various diameters of crown bottle caps and small twist off tops. The shape of the hand held apparatus enables the user to firmly hold it and readily twist off the bottle cap. Additional contemplated embodiments include opening pull tabs on cans and containers, puncturing liquid cartons for pouring the contents and tearing open plastic bags.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing head includes a housing having a front, a rear, and a base that extends between the front and the rear. A mixing nozzle is configured to dispense a flow of beverage via the base. A valve is configured to control the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle, and a switch is movable into and between a closed position in which the valve opens the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle and an open position in which the valve closes the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle. A lighting module disposed in the housing is configured to illuminate the front of the housing and the base of the housing when the switch is moved into the closed position.

Abstract: Crossover protection system graphical user interfaces, crossover protection systems that display graphical user interfaces, and methods for pairing tank delivery connectors with product delivery vehicle systems are provided. A tank delivery connector reads a tank tag with a tank tag reader, and transmits a tank tag indicator associated with the tank tag with network interface hardware. An electronic control unit receives the tank tag indicator with network interface hardware, determines a distribution tank fuel type associated with a distribution tank based on the tank tag indicator, determines that the tank delivery connector is associated with a tank compartment of a product delivery vehicle based on the tank tag indicator, and displays a graphical user interface on the display. The graphical user interface includes a tank delivery connector graphic displayed proximate a tank compartment graphic to indicate that the tank delivery connector is associated with the first tank compartment.

Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter and to modify the functionality of buttons that control scrolling on the display. The control circuitry inverts the orientation of the visual output based on a command provided to the control circuitry by a user or by a position sensor.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid includes a nozzle stem that controls the flow of fluid out of a dispensing end of the nozzle. The nozzle stem includes an overmolded stem tip on a reduced diameter portion of the nozzle stem. The overmolded stem tip is formed from a compliant material and includes a sealing portion and a tip cone extending from the sealing portion.

Abstract: Device for controlling the movement of one of the ends of an articulated fluid loading arm from a storage position to a target pipe (35) and from this target pipe (35) to the storage position, said arm comprising a fluid transfer line equipped at this end with a coupling system (26), the latter being adapted to be coupled to the target pipe (35) for the transfer of the fluid, which device comprises actuators (27-29) for controlling the movement of the arm in space from the storage position until the coupling system (26) is positioned in front of the target pipe (35) for its coupling to the latter, and from the target pipe (35) to the storage position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a connection structure is disclosed. The connection structure includes a plug having conductivity, a first insulating film, and an electrode. The first insulating film covers a side surface of the plug. The electrode is provided on an upper surface of the plug, and includes a polycrystalline silicon germanium layer and an amorphous silicon germanium layer. The polycrystalline silicon germanium layer is in contact with at least part of the upper surface of the plug without an intervention the amorphous silicon germanium layer.

Abstract: A Through Silicon Interposer Wafer and Method of Manufacturing the Same A through silicon interposer wafer having at least one cavity formed therein for MEMS applications and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The through silicon interposer wafer includes one or more filled silicon vias formed sufficiently proximate to the at least one cavity to provide support for walls of the at least one cavity during subsequent processing of the interposer wafer.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a MEMS microphone includes a sound detection unit having a first membrane, a second membrane arranged at a distance from the first membrane, a low-pressure region arranged between the first membrane and the second membrane, a gas pressure that is reduced in relation to normal pressure being present in said low-pressure region, a counter electrode arranged in the low-pressure region, and a sound through-hole, which extends through the sound detection unit in a thickness direction of the sound detection unit; and a valve provided at the sound through-hole, said valve being configured to adopt a plurality of valve states, wherein a predetermined degree of transmission of the sound through-hole to sound is assigned to each valve state

Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) microphone includes a base including a port extending through the base, a shim assembly, an ingress protection element, and a MEMS device. The shim assembly is disposed on the base and over the port. The shim assembly has a plurality of walls that form a hollow interior cavity. The shim assembly also has a top surface and a bottom surface coupled to the base. The ingress protection element extends over and is coupled to the top of the shim assembly to enclose the cavity of the shim assembly. The shim assembly elevates the ingress protection element above the base and is effective to prevent the passage of contaminants there through. The MEMS device includes a diaphragm and a back plate and is disposed over the ingress protection element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern formation method is disclosed. The method can include a preparation process, a first layer formation process, a block copolymer layer formation process, and a contact process. The preparation process prepares a pattern formation material including a polymer including a first chemical structure including carbon, hydrogen, and a first group. The first group includes one of a vinyl group, a hydroxy group, or a first element. The first layer formation process forms a first layer on a base body. The first layer includes the pattern formation material. The block copolymer layer formation process forms a block copolymer layer on the first layer. The block copolymer layer includes a first polymer and a second polymer. The block copolymer layer formation process includes forming first and second regions. The contact process causes the block copolymer layer to contact a metal compound including a metallic element.

Abstract: In a calculator in a MEMS manufacturing system, a stage control unit inclines a stage based on a stage angle 1 setting a stage inclination angle and a stage angle 2 of the inclination angle different from the stage angle 1. A stage-angle calculation unit calculates the stage inclination angles from first and second images acquired by a SEM apparatus when the stage control unit sets the stage at the stage angles 1 and 2. A 3D-data creation unit creates three-dimensional device data from a third image that is a device image acquired when the stage is set at the stage angle 1 and a fourth image that is a device image acquired when the stage is set at the stage angle 2. When the three-dimensional device data is created, a correction value calculated from the stage angles 1 and 2 and the first and second images is used.