Abstract: An exemplary wet coating system includes a coating chamber, an annealing chamber, an unloading chamber, and a mechanical arm. The coating chamber is configured for allowing a substrate being wet coated therein. The unloading chamber is configured for allowing the substrate being unloaded therein. The annealing chamber is interposed between and communicated with the coating chamber and the unloading chamber and is configured for allowing the substrate being annealed therein. The communicated coating chamber, annealing chamber, and unloading chamber are vacuumized. The mechanical arm is configured for holding the substrate and moving the substrate across the coating chamber, the annealing chamber, and the unloading chamber.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus includes a first fork which is disposed to be movable in a forward/backward direction to a substrate holding part to transport a stacked member to or receive the stacked member from the substrate holding part. A second fork is arranged to be reversible and disposed above the first fork to be movable in a forward/backward direction to an accommodating part that accommodates substrates and spacer members to transport a substrate or a spacer member between the accommodating part and the first fork. A first grip module is disposed on a first surface of the second fork to hold and support the substrate from an upward direction. A second grip module is disposed on the first surface of the second fork on the same side as the first grip module to hold and support the spacer member from an upward direction.

Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. In one embodiment, a cluster tool for processing a substrate includes a first processing rack, a first robot assembly and a second robot assembly operable to transfer substrates to substrate processing chambers in the first processing rack, and a horizontal motion assembly. The horizontal motion assembly includes one or more walls that form an interior region in which a motor is enclosed. The one or more walls defining an elongated opening through which a robot support interface travels, the robot support interface supporting a robot of the horizontal motion assembly.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surface of a YAG crystal for thermal bonding includes performing an ion implantation process to introduce nitrogen into a surface layer of the YAG crystal to replace depleted oxygen therein, to change surface energy of the surface layer of the YAG crystal and to provide desired bonding characteristics for the surface layer; and joining the ion implanted surface layer with a thermal management device configured to dissipate heat from the YAG crystal. Also, a micro-chip device having a YAG crystal whose surface is prepared with the above disclosed method is provided and a device for forming a metallization pattern on a surface of the YAG crystal is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, a smaller system footprint, and a more repeatable wafer history. Embodiments provide for a cluster tool comprising first and second processing racks, each having two or more vertically stacked substrate processing chambers, a first robot assembly able to access the first processing rack from a first side, a second robot assembly able to access the first processing rack from a second side and the second processing rack from a first side, a third robot assembly able to access the second processing rack from a second side, and a fourth robot assembly able to access the first and second processing racks and to load substrates in a cassette.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is provided comprising a backside mounted electrode carrier and electrode mounting hardware. The backside mounted electrode carrier comprises an electrode accommodating aperture, which in turn comprises a sidewall structure that is configured to limit lateral movement of an electrode positioned in the aperture. The electrode accommodating aperture further comprises one or more sidewall projections that support the weight of an electrode positioned in the aperture. The electrode mounting hardware is configured to engage an electrode positioned in the electrode accommodating aperture from the backside of the carrier and urge the electrode against the sidewall projections so as to limit axial movement of the electrode in the electrode accommodating aperture. Additional embodiments of broader and narrower scope are contemplated.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a base and a fastening member. The base defines a receiving space for receiving an electronic component. The fastening member includes a fastening portion and an elastic abutting portion. The fastening portion is fixed to the base. The elastic abutting portion extends from the fastening portion upwards and through the base and is configured for securing the electronic component in the receiving space.

Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. Embodiments also provide for a method and apparatus that are used to improve the coater chamber, the developer chamber, the post exposure bake chamber, the chill chamber, and the bake chamber process results. Embodiments also provide for a method and apparatus that are used to increase the reliability of the substrate transfer process to reduce system down time.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus can meet the request for a smaller-sized compact apparatus while ensuring a sufficient immersion depth of a substrate in a processing liquid. The substrate holding apparatus includes: a substrate holder for supporting a substrate (W) by bringing a peripheral portion of a surface of the substrate (W) into contact with a first sealing member; and a substrate pressing section for lowering relative to the substrate holder so as to press the substrate (W) held by the substrate holder downward, thereby bringing a first sealing member into pressure contact with the substrate (W). The substrate pressing section is provided with a second ring-shaped sealing member which makes pressure contact with an upper surface of a ring-shaped holding section of the substrate holder, thereby sealing the peripheral region of the substrate pressing section.

Abstract: A coating device includes a main body, a transport device, at least one loader, a driving device. The main body has a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the top plate and bottom plate. The sidewalls respectively define an input gate and an output gate. The transport device includes a transport track passing through the input gate and the output gate, and at least one lifting arm mounted on the transport track. Each loader is configured for loading workpieces and includes a rotary shaft, at least one loading frame rotatably connected with the rotary shaft. The driving device is mounted on the top plate. Each lifting arm is configured for clamping a corresponding loader and transporting the corresponding loader to engage with the driving device. The driving device rotates the corresponding loader rotary shaftthrough the rotary shaft of the corresponding loader.

Abstract: A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary device (1, 20) for spacing an opening element (6) with respect to a fixed element (3) of the vehicle body comprising a fixing plate for anchoring the device on the fixed element and a body which is connected to the fixing plate and forms an abutment (4) for supporting the opening element, wherein at least one part of the abutment is elastically deformable by forces produced by the opening element in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article, a carrier including the apparatus, and a method involving the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base having a channel and a pivot post, an engagement member for selectively engaging the article, a rotatable actuation member having a pivot feature corresponding to the pivot post, and a positioning member secured to the base. The engagement member is slidably positionable in the channel of the base, the positioning member establishes travel limits for the rotatable actuation member, and the positioning member urges the engagement member toward the article. Rotation of the rotatable actuation member slides the engagement member along the channel of the base, thereby securing the article by the force provided by the positioning member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a printing medium holder includes a housing and holding section and a winding-shaft holding section. The housing and holding section is detachably attachable to a member holding section of a printing apparatus. The housing and holding section houses and holds a printing medium wound by rotation of a winding shaft member. The winding-shaft holding section is provided in the housing and holding section. The winding-shaft holding section detachably holds the winding shaft member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug-eluting medical device, in particular a balloon for angioplasty catheters with drug elution to prevent the restenosis of the vessel subjected to angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to a catheter balloon completely or partially coated with paclitaxel in hydrated crystalline form or in hydrated solvated crystalline form, having an immediate release and bioavailability of a therapeutically effective amount of paclitaxel at the site of intervention. The balloon can be made of a polyether-polyamide block copolymer, or a polyester amide, or polyamide-12.

Abstract: A lens barrel coating aid apparatus includes a holder, a suction component and a suction source. The holder includes a holding surface, securing portions positioned on the holding surface to fix lens barrels, and a first positioning portion. The first positioning portions are formed on the holding surface, and spaced from the securing portions. The suction component includes a suction surface facing the holding surface and a second positioning portion corresponding to the first positioning portion. Suction holes are defined on the suction surface corresponding to the securing portions. The suction holes are configured to suck plugs to insert into or pull out of the lens barrels. The second positioning portions are formed on the suction surface, and spaced from the suction holes. The suction source is connected with the suction holes, and provides suction force to the suction holes.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a stent and a method of coating a stent using the assembly are provided.

Abstract: An edge-handling chuck, a system for holding and rotating a test substrate at a high speed and a method for chucking a rotating substrate are disclosed. The Chuck includes a plate having a central axis, a fluid opening and a top surface with a varied topography characterized by symmetry about the central axis. The topography is such that a volume flow rate of fluid between the fluid opening and a periphery of the top surface sufficient to counteract substrate sagging is significantly less than a volume flow rate needed for a similar but flat-surfaced chuck to similarly counteract such sagging. The system may further include a spindle motor and a gas system that supplies gas through the fluid opening to a gap between the top surface and a back surface of the substrate. A radial velocity of the fluid through the gap is approximately constant.

Abstract: An exemplary film coating holder includes a main body, a plurality of workpiece holders, and a driving module. The main body includes a plurality of through holes defined therein and a central axis. The main body is capable of rotating around the central axis. Each workpiece holder is arranged in each through hole and pivotally connected with the main body by an axle. A rotating guide groove is defined around each axle. The driving module includes a control unit and a shaft. The control unit inserts the shaft in the rotating guide groove of the workpiece holder. When the main body is rotating around the central axis, the shaft can drive the workpiece holder to turn over by the guiding of the rotating guide groove.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device (10) for clamping particularly an eye glass lens blocked on a block piece for processing and/or coating said eye glass lens, comprising a receiving space (34) having a center line (M) for a clamping section of the block piece, and a plurality of clamping surfaces (36) provided in a boundary region of the receiving space, which may optionally be engaged in the clamping section of the block piece in order to clamp the block piece. In order to avoid excessive deformation of the clamped block piece, the clamping surfaces are positioned opposite of each other in pairs at a radial distance to the center line and can be displaced optionally toward or away from each other by a clamping piece (38) in order to clamp the clamping section of the block piece by way of clamping forces (F), which are substantially oriented in a tangential direction at a radial distance to the center line, or in order to release the block piece.

Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: A sample fixing device of an evaporation machine includes a first transmission mechanism having a first rotation axis driven by a driving device and a first rotation wheel; a fixing plate and a support frame; a pair of second transmission mechanisms at opposite sides of the first rotation wheel, and including a second rotation wheel revolving around the first rotation wheel, a second rotation axis passing and attached to the second rotation wheel and the fixing plate, and a third rotation wheel connected to the second rotation axis; and a third transmission mechanism including a fourth rotation wheel driven by the third rotation wheel and a sample support axis passing and attached to the fourth wheel and the support arm; wherein an axes of the sample support axis perpendiculars to an extension axes of the first rotation axis so that the sample fixing device can rotate and revolve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multiple substrates simultaneously is provided. Each substrate may have two major active surfaces to be processed. The apparatus has a substrate handling module and a substrate processing module. The substrate handling module has a loader assembly, a flipper assembly, and a factory interface. Substrates are disposed on a substrate carrier at the loader assembly. The flipper assembly is used to flip all the substrates on a substrate carrier in the event two-sided processing is required. The factory interface positions substrate carriers holding substrates for entry into and exit from the substrate processing module. The substrate processing module comprises a load-lock, a transfer chamber, and a plurality of processing chambers, each configured to process multiple substrates disposed on a substrate carrier.

Abstract: A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside.

Abstract: Provided is a mask for an evaporation apparatus, which includes a first division mask and a second division mask. The first and second division masks are directly bonded to each other by welding, thereby forming welding portion between the first and the second division masks. A method and apparatus for manufacturing a mask for evaporation are also provided. The division masks according to the embodiment do not use subframes, and are directly bonded to one another by welding, so that a shadow effect does not occur. The apparatus for manufacturing a mask for evaporation includes a work stage, a clamp fixing a first division mask and a second division mask to the work stage, and a laser welding part welding the first division mask to the second division mask. The apparatus may further include a first roller leading the laser welding part and a second roller following the laser welding part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing and positioning device for processing catalyst support bodies. The device comprises a rotary indexing table, which comprises a turntable, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis running in the axial direction of the turntable, and at least one loading platform, which comprises a holding device and is set up for releasably holding the catalyst support body on an outer surface of the catalyst support body. The at least one loading platform is connected to the turntable, whereby the loading platform is taken along by the turntable when a rotation of the turntable takes place about its longitudinal axis. The holding device is arranged in relation to the longitudinal axis of the turntable with a radial distance away from the longitudinal axis. Also provided is at least one processing position, which is fixed with respect to the turntable and is away from the longitudinal axis in a radial direction by a distance.

Abstract: The present invention is a wafer fixture comprising a housing body, a thrust plate, a flexure clamp, gaskets, flexure pins on an inner circumference of the housing body, locking grooves on an outer circumference of the flexure clamp, and a handle. A wafer may be placed between the gaskets of the housing body and the thrust plate. The flexure clamp may be placed over the thrust plate and secured to the housing body by rotating the flexure clamp such that locking grooves of the fixture plate mate with the flexure pins on the inner circumference of the housing body. The present invention in yet another embodiment is a wafer etch tool comprising a housing, a flexure clamp, and means for securing a wafer between the housing and the flexure clamp upon rotation of the flexure clamp within the housing.

Abstract: A substrate holder for supporting an insulating substrate includes a conductive substrate holder main body having an opening, a first support member formed to protrude inside the opening from the inner periphery of the opening, and including a clamping member which supports one end portion of the insulating substrate, and a second support member including a clamping member which supports the other end portion of the insulating substrate, and is movable so as to protrude inside the opening or retract from inside the opening.

Abstract: A strip-shape flexible substrate is transported over a long horizontal distance, with its width extending in the vertical direction, the position of the substrate in the vertical direction is maintained with high precision, and the films are deposited onto its surface. When depositing the thin films to manufacture a thin film laminated body, at least one pair of gripping rollers arranged in at least one space between film deposition chambers, and which grasps an upper-side edge portion of the substrate with its width oriented in the vertical direction, are installed such that the rotation direction of the gripping rollers is diagonally upward, at an angle relative to the direction of transport of the substrate, and by changing the force with which the gripping rollers grasp the substrate, a force lifts the substrate, and the height of the substrate can be controlled.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of decorating guitars and other stringed musical instruments are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a carrier to hold a portion of a guitar, a surface to support the carrier, one or more ink-jet printheads to apply radiation-sensitive ink compositions on a surface of the portion of the guitar, when the portion of the guitar is held by the carrier, and when the carrier is supported by the surface, and a radiation source to supply radiation to the radiation-sensitive ink on the surface of the portion of the guitar. In another aspect, a method may include providing at least a portion of a guitar having a surface, and applying a decoration over the surface by spraying radiation-sensitive ink compositions over the surface with one or more ink jet spray nozzles and exposing the radiation-sensitive ink compositions to radiation.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus can meet the request for a smaller-sized compact apparatus while ensuring a sufficient immersion depth of a substrate in a processing liquid. The substrate holding apparatus includes: a substrate holder for supporting a substrate (W) by bringing a peripheral portion of a surface of the substrate (W) into contact with a first sealing member; and a substrate pressing section for lowering relative to the substrate holder so as to press the substrate (W) held by the substrate holder downward, thereby bringing a first sealing member into pressure contact with the substrate (W). The substrate pressing section is provided with a second ring-shaped sealing member which makes pressure contact with an upper surface of a ring-shaped holding section of the substrate holder, thereby sealing the peripheral region of the substrate pressing section.

Abstract: A block piece for holding a spectacle lens blank has a basic body with a workpiece mounting face portion against which the workpiece can be blocked with a blocking material, and a clamping portion via which the blocked workpiece can be fixed in a machine/apparatus for processing it. The basic body is made substantially of a material having a defined low water absorption and/or is sealed to at least reduce outgassing of water moisture under vacuum conditions, so that the block piece can be used also in vacuum coating processes. Alternatively or in addition, the clamping portion is constructed to be clamped by forces directed essentially perpendicular to the radial direction to cancel out each other and not deform the basic body, and/or the workpiece mounting face portion is provided with a predetermined amount of prism.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system includes a process chamber configured to support a workpiece for ion implantation, a first mask stored outside the process chamber in a mask station, and a robot system configured to retrieve the first mask from the mask station, and position the first mask upstream of the workpiece so the workpiece receives a first selective implant through the first mask. A method includes storing a first mask outside a process chamber in a mask station, retrieving the first mask from the mask station, positioning the first mask upstream of a workpiece positioned in the process chamber for ion implantation, and performing a first selective implant through the first mask.

Abstract: A painters stand comprising a pair of extensible supports for rotatably securing a workpiece therebetween. Each support is comprised of a stanchion having a collar mounted thereon with a plurality of divergent legs extending therefrom with the stanchion having an intermediate workpiece support approximate the top end and a receiver for a workpiece fastener that will be fastened to a workpiece end whereby the workpiece can be supported between the stanchions. Once mounted in the workpiece receiver a plurality of radially positioned apertures are provided within the workpiece fastener so that one can be selectively co-aligned with a workpiece receiver aperture for insertion of a pin to secure the workpiece while a desired operation is performed, such as sanding and or painting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate carrying and processing apparatus which is intended to reduce the size of the space for storing substrates in each substrate storing section as much as possible so as to downsize the apparatus and increase the number of substrates to be stored therein as well as to enhance the throughput. The substrate carrying and processing apparatus comprises a carrier block S1 which is adapted to position carriers 20 each receiving wafers W therein, a processing block S2 including processing units U1 to U4, 31 used for processing each wafer, a main arms A1 adapted to transfer each wafer to each processing unit, a rack unit U5 which is disposed between the carrier block and the processing block and able to store wafers to be processed, and a transfer arm D adapted to transfer each wafer to the rack unit.

Abstract: A tool holder device supporting at least one tool configured to collaborate with at least one substrate positioned on edge. The tool holder device makes the tool move translationally and rotationally relative to the substrate, it being possible for the substrate to be moved translationally relative to the tool as the tool is operating. Collaboration between the tool and the substrate occurs with or without contact relative to the edge face of the substrate.

Abstract: Lens holders are disclosed that clasp the lens using rubberized paddles to reduce scratching and which include legs that are shaped to enable visual inspection of a lens without removal of the lens from the lens holder. One embodiment includes a lens holder body including a clip and a leg, and a spring fixed to the lens holder body. In addition, the leg includes a ledge, the spring includes two flexible arms terminating in paddles, the paddles are configured to clasp a lens resting on the ledge, at least the portion of each of the paddles that contact a lens clasped by the paddles is constructed from a resilient non-abrasive material, and the leg is formed so that a lens clasped by the springs and resting on the leg can be visually inspected without removing the lens from the lens holder.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that is easily configurable, has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, improved device yield performance, a more repeatable wafer processing history (or wafer history), and a reduced footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a substrate is coated with a photosensitive material, is then transferred to a stepper/scanner, which exposes the photosensitive material to some form of radiation to form a pattern in the photosensitive material, and then certain portions of the photosensitive material are removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool.

Abstract: In a transferring device (A) structured such that a paste (Tb) is transferred to a paper strip (P) by being slid in a predetermined transferring direction in a state in which the paper strip (P) is pinched between a transferring device main body (1) and a transferred object receiving cradle (2), the transferring device is provided with a guide surface (12a) guiding the paper strip (P) in the same direction as a transferring direction by being brought into contact with an edge portion (Pa), and a deflection upper roller (11) energizing the paper strip (P) toward the guide surface (12a) at a time of the sliding movement by being arranged so as to be deflected at a predetermined angle toward the guide surface (12a) from the transferring direction.

Abstract: A reactor for the treatment of flat substrates includes a vacuum chamber with a process space arranged therein. A first electrode and a counterelectrode generate a plasma for the treatment of a surface to be treated and form two opposite walls of the process space. The reactor further includes means for introducing and means for removing gaseous material into and out from the process space. At least one substrate is accommodated by a front side of the counterelectrode. The vacuum chamber includes an opening having a closure device. The reactor includes a device for varying the relative distance between the first electrode and the counterelectrode and a device assigned to the counterelectrode for accommodating substrates. At least one substrate is arranged at an angle alpha in a range of between 0° and 90° relative to a perpendicular direction at least during the performance of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is a wafer fixture comprising a housing body, a thrust plate, a flexure clamp, gaskets, flexure pins on an inner circumference of the housing body, locking grooves on an outer circumference of the flexure clamp, and a handle. A wafer may be placed between the gaskets of the housing body and the thrust plate. The flexure clamp may be placed over the thrust plate and secured to the housing body by rotating the flexure clamp such that locking grooves of the fixture plate mate with the flexure pins on the inner circumference of the housing body. The present invention in yet another embodiment is a wafer etch tool comprising a housing, a flexure clamp, and means for securing a wafer between the housing and the flexure clamp upon rotation of the flexure clamp within the housing.

Abstract: A conveying assembly is provided for conveying container closures, such as can ends or lids, to and from a rotary liner. The rotary liner includes a base, a chuck assembly and a turret assembly. The turret assembly includes a number of fluid dispensing apparatus to dispense a sealant for lining the can ends. The chuck assembly includes chuck members for manipulating the can ends to facilitate the application of the sealant. The conveying assembly includes a plurality of downstackers for feeding the can ends into the rotary liner, a plurality of star wheels, and a number of unloading guides. Each star wheel transfers can ends from a corresponding one of the downstackers to the chuck assembly. The unloading guides cooperate with the chuck assembly to discharge the can ends from the rotary liner. An associated method of lining can ends is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A problem during electrolytic treatment of printed circuit boards having a very thin basic metallization is that the treatment yields irregular results in various regions on the surface of the printed circuit board. In overcoming this problem the invention provides a device for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece having at least two substantially opposing side edges. The device comprises current supply devices for the work piece, said current supply devices each comprising contact strips located on the opposing side edges which are capable of electrically contacting the work piece at the substantially opposing side edges.

Abstract: A device for loading at least one substrate into a process chamber of a coating unit and unloading the at least one substrate therefrom by means of a gripper of a handling machine. The device includes a loading plate which can be gripped by the gripper and embodies a storage place for each at least one substrate, the storage place being formed by an edge of an opening that is assigned to each substrate. The device also includes a substrate holder that is provided with a pedestal-type substrate support which is adapted to the loading plate and on which the substrate plate can be placed such that some sectors of the surface of the substrate support are located at a certain gap distance from the substrate or the substrate lies in a planar manner on a sector of the surface.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus includes a plurality of part mounting devices, each of which is rotatable. Parts are mounted on the plurality of part mounting devices, and the parts are rotated on the devices during a part processing operation. A rotational input shaft is coupled to all of the plurality of part mounting devices so that all of the part mounting devices rotate together. A part processing robot may be movable between a plurality of positions located adjacent each of the part mounting devices. Alternatively, the part mounting devices may be movable to a plurality of different positions so that each of the part mounting devices can be located adjacent to the part processing robot.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the surface of a lens includes a carousel having a central hub and a plurality of arms. A drive shaft is mounted to each arm, with a magnetic clutch and a lens holder being operatively attached to the drive shaft. The carousel is configured to be raised, rotated, and lowered into a series of workstations for processing the lens in a predetermined sequence. A workstation has associated therewith a spin drive attached to a reciprocating arm assembly. The spin drive includes a magnetic clutch which may be coupled to the magnetic clutch of any one of the arms on the carousel, such that a rotation generated by the spin drive is transferred to the drive shaft, and the lens holder. The arm assembly is capable of being extended and retracted to selectively engage and disengage the carousel.

Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool). In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a photosensitive material is applied to a substrate, patterned in a stepper/scanner, and then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool. In one embodiment of the cluster tool, substrates are grouped together in groups of two or more for transfer or processing to improve system throughput, reduce the number of moves a robot has to make to transfer a batch of substrates between the processing chambers, and thus increase system reliability. Embodiments also provide for a method and apparatus that are used to increase the reliability of the substrate transfer process to reduce system down time.