Abstract: Metrology methods and apparatus for semiconductor wafer fabrication in which data for metrology is obtained by detecting a measurable property of a monitored entity, which is either (i) a wafer transporter (e.g. a FOUP) loaded with one or more wafers to be monitored, or (ii) a plurality of wafers. Performing metrology measurements on a loaded wafer transporter enables the step of extracting wafer (s) from the transporter for metrology measurements to be omitted. Moreover, metrology measurement may be obtained while transporting the wafer (s) between treatment locations. By considering a plurality of wafers as a unit, a single measurement representing a combination of individual wafer responses is obtained. All wafers contribute to the metrology measurement without the need to perform individual wafer measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting packages from an inlet to an outlet includes a closed transport path having a package transport route and a puck return transport route, an inlet, an outlet, transport elements that are rotatable in a circulation direction and that are adjacent to each other in the transport direction of the packages, and pucks for carrying a package from the inlet to the outlet. After release of the packages at the outlet, the pucks return to the inlet via the puck return transport route. The puck return transport route and the package transport route are in transport planes offset from each other in a vertical direction. The two transports are formed by common transport elements.

Abstract: An inspection system and method that inspects at least two different medications is described. The automated filling station houses at least two different medications. The automated inspection station receives the medications associated with one of the packages. The measurement device associated with the automated inspection station is configured to examine the different medications and generate a measured medication value for the different medications. The measured medication value is received by the inspection control process module. Additionally, the expected medication value is received by the inspection control process module. The inspection result state is then selected by the inspection control process module. The inspection control module compares the expected medication value to the measured medication value. The inspection result state includes a positive inspection result state, a negative inspection result state, and an inconclusive inspection result state.

Abstract: A purge nozzle unit 1 includes a nozzle main body 2 including a trunk 41 and a collar section 8 protruding outward from the trunk 41 and a holder 3 including a side wall 31 that is in slidable contact with an outward face of the collar section 8 and a bottom wall 33 having a through hole 32 with which an outward face of the trunk 41 is in slidable contact and is configured such that a vent 30 in communication with the outside is formed in the holder 3 and the nozzle main body 2 is vertically moved relative to the holder 3 by regulating a pressure in a pressure-regulated space S formed between the nozzle main body 2 and the holder 3 and in communication with the vent 30.

Abstract: To prevent an inert gas from stagnating in an internal space of a mount base of a load port apparatus, the load port apparatus includes: an outside air supply device for introducing an air from an external space, in which an operator works, into the internal space of the mount base; a casing surrounding a space in which a drive mechanism for a door is arranged; and a duct through which a gas inside the internal space of the casing is dischargeable.

Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a display including a central portion and a curved side portion; a memory storing pages of content; and a display controller configured to control simultaneously the central portion of the display to display at least a portion of a first page of content and the curved side portion of the display to display additional information not forming part of the first page of content.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a display including a central portion and a curved side portion; a memory storing pages of content; and a display controller configured to control simultaneously the central portion of the display to display at least a portion of a first page of content and the curved side portion of the display to display additional information not forming part of the first page of content.

Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing.

Abstract: A safety device for a fuel outlet to prevent delivery of highly combustible fuel to a motor vehicle with a running engine. The safety device comprises a fuel pump for pumping the fuel from an underground tank and into a motor vehicle. The device includes a sound sensor disposed below an area to be occupied by a motor vehicle adjacent to the fuel pump and is adapted to sense the sound of a running engine in an adjacent vehicle and a temperature sensor adapted to detect the engine temperature of an adjacent vehicle. Further, the device or system includes an RF radiation detector adjacent said pump for detecting a running engine, a data analyzer and a control unit for disabling the fuel pump when a running engine is detected in the vicinity of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A combination scoop and funnel apparatus provides a scoop portion defining a dry material reservoir having an open top and a downwardly tapered conical bottom portion which terminates in a discharge aperture. A handle is joined to the scoop reservoir. A movable frusto-conical funnel member defines a funnel aperture at its lower end and an open top at its upper end. The funnel member supports a valve slide which extends upwardly through the discharge aperture and further supports a valve cap on the upper end thereof. The valve member is movable between a downwardly extending valve closed configuration and an upwardly positioned valve open configuration.

Abstract: An unmanned self-sustained fuel dispensing station for fuels of all sorts (gasoline, pesticides, water, fertilizers etc.) a tank, docking, and coupling system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) of the vertical takeoff types. The station can be independent of public power and communication utilities and can operate by remote control without an on-site attendant. The preferred system has a central command center with a control computer in communication with a station control computer located at one or more satellite stations through a communications link. The station control computer can be controlled remotely by the command center. The station control computer programming has control over the activities of the station through an electrical generation subsystem with a solar array, battery bank, battery charger and standby generator; a fuel dispensing subsystem; a security subsystem with video cameras; a communications link and a status sensor subsystem.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method includes a filling unit for filling a portable bottle of respiratory gas and a conserver for mounting on such a bottle. A battery on the conserver may be recharged when the bottle is placed on the filing unit. The conserver may include electric timing circuitry operative to control the timing of pulsed flow of respiratory gas from the conserver, and an external electrical coupler to enable adjustment of the timing of the pulsed flow. The conserver may include at least one sensor operative to sense the reversal of flow between exhalation and inhalation, the conserver being operative to commence a respiratory gas delivery pulse in response to the sensing of the reversal of flow.

Abstract: To generate a gas-curtain for a load-port-apparatus and to supply a purge-gas into a pod by a single gas source, provided is a gas purge device including: purge nozzles extending along an outer side of side edges of the opening portion; a curtain nozzle arranged above an upper edge of the opening portion; a gas supply pipe arranged in parallel to each purge nozzle, for supplying an inert gas to the purge nozzle and the curtain nozzle, the gas being supplied from the gas supply pipe to the purge nozzle in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the gas supply pipe; and a conductance adjusting unit arranged at an end portion of the gas supply pipe, for generating a pressure loss in a gas flow in a configuration in which the gas is supplied to the curtain nozzle at the end portion of the gas supply pipe.

Abstract: A secured system for fire suppression refill and recovery and a method for using such system. Operation of the system involves the refilling of an extinguisher tank with matter from a storage tank, the recovery of matter from an extinguisher tank to a storage tank, the cleansing of matter within a tank, and the purging of matter from a tank. The system includes a secure recovery unit, secure tank units, and equipment for connecting the recovery unit to the tank units. The system is configured such that, during its operation, safety and security risks commonly associated with the transfer of matter to and from extinguisher tanks are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.

Abstract: Fuel vapor is prevented from leaking to the outside during refueling, and even when an air space is formed in an upper portion of a fuel filler pipe, a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor can be performed with good accuracy. During refueling, fuel vapor is guided from a fuel tank 1 to a canister 3, and is absorbed by the canister 3. A change in the internal pressure of a fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 1, a fuel vapor pipe 4, and the canister 3 is detected by a pressure sensor 8, thereby performing a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor. An upper space 16 in the fuel tank 1 and an upper space 17 in a fuel filler pipe 2 communicate with each other through an airflow resistance pipe 12, and in order to restrict flow of fuel vapor from the fuel tank 1 through the airflow resistance pipe 12 into the fuel filler pipe 2 during refueling, the airflow resistance pipe 12 includes an orifice 13.

Abstract: A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an externally operated alpha port for a rapid transfer port (RTP) system such as those found in isolation barrier systems. Means are provided for the actuation by the operator of the alpha port door locking system externally of the isolation barrier to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the alpha port door without requiring gloved entry into the isolation barrier. Means are also provided for opening and closing of the alpha port door with the actuation by the operator of a lever external to the isolation barrier.

Abstract: A device includes a first body having a curved wall with a top surface that slopes away from the first body and a second body having an interior configured to receive the curved wall of the first body, the interior including a curved ramp with a sloped bottom ramp surface. The second body is mounted on the first body with the bottom surface of the curved ramp resting on the top surface of the curved wall. A compressible seal extends from the first body bottom, and a shaft projects from the second body through a passage in the first body and into the interior of the compressible seal. Rotating the bodies relative to each other causes the shaft to pull the seal against the first body and radially expand the seal against an interior wall of an opening in which the device is placed to form a seal therewith.

Abstract: A lid opening and closing device for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus having a partition wall configured to divide a carrier conveying region and a substrate conveying region, the partition wall having a conveying gateway with an edge portion, includes an exhaust port configured to discharge therethrough an atmospheric gas from a closed space formed between a carrier making contact with the edge portion of the conveying gateway and an opening/closing door, and a purge gas injecting part provided in the opening/closing door. The purge gas injecting part is configured to enter the internal space of a carrier lid through an opening formed on the front surface of the carrier lid, to inject a purge gas into the internal space of the carrier lid and to discharge an atmospheric gas existing in the internal space of the carrier lid into the closed space through another opening of the carrier lid.

Abstract: A method of controlling a bottling plant, including detecting an operating state of the bottling plant, determining whether for the detected operating state the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer of the bottling plant can be reduced, and if it is determined that the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer can be reduced, reducing the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of the at least one consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank disposed thereon, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material therewithin.

Abstract: A balloon inflating device with an illuminating/sound effect, for being provided at a gas entrance mouth of a balloon, includes an illuminating lamp/sounder, a battery and a shell. The shell covers at least the illuminating lamp/sounder; the illuminating lamp/sounder is mounted in front of the battery. The illuminating lamp/sounder has two wires, wherein a first wire is directly connected to the battery and a second wire extends to a back of the battery along a periphery of the battery; the shell has a discharging hole below the battery. A rotary sleeve which is hollow and provided at a back part of the battery is provided within the shell. The rotary sleeve has a gas hole or a gas groove for discharging gas into the balloon; and the shell is sleeved with the rotary sleeve.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously edge sealing and gas filling an insulated glass unit, the insulated glass unit including a supporting structure that supports the insulated glass unit in a working position and a gas filling module including a gas fill injection structure and a displaced air extraction structure and a gas metering unit. The device also includes an edge sealing module having a sealant metering device, an edge sealing dispensing head, and an edge sealing dispensing nozzle. The device also includes a control device programmed with an algorithm to initiate gas filling substantially simultaneously with initiating edge sealing of the insulated glass unit and to complete the gas filling of the insulated glass unit prior to completion of the edge sealing.

Abstract: A to a temporary protective overhead covering that comprises or is configured as a water collection system. The subject invention can be used to collect water from a variety of sources including, for example, rain, water spray or dew. A filter screen in the form of a mesh barrier used to prevent debris larger than the screen size from entering an associated water collection vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler device (1) for filling a tank equally well by gravity or under pressure, the device being provided with a gravity filler spout (10) comprising a hollow tube (11). Furthermore, the device includes a pressure filler spout (20) inserted in the gravity filler spout (10) and reversibly fastened thereto.

Abstract: The substrate storage pod includes a pod case for housing a substrate, and an opening, a lid member which closes and seals the opening, a buffer space which is defined in the lid member, an air-supply port for supplying a replacement gas into the buffer space; and multiple holes which are arranged so as to establish communication between the buffer space and an inner plate of the lid member in a state of being fit-inserted to the opening of the pod case, for sending out the replacement gas into the hollow inner space, the replacement gas having been supplied into the buffer space, the inner plate facing the hollow inner space of the pod case. With this, pressure variation of the replacement gas in supply pipes is blocked, and hence replacement-gas flow in a stable laminar state free from disturbance can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.

Abstract: A breakaway separation prevention safety device that provides warning indicators reminding users to replace a fuel nozzle after dispensing fuel. The safety warning system reminds users of a fuel pump to replace the nozzle into the nozzle mount. The system is activated as the user removes the nozzle from the nozzle mount. An audio and visual warning is emitted as a reminder for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes means for providing one-way degassing valves to be installed on corresponding containers; means for placing a viscous liquid in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves; means for capturing an image of at least a portion of at least some of the plurality of installable one-way degassing valves; and control means for automatically and non-destructively determining for the at least some of the plurality of installable one-way degassing valves, prior to installation on the corresponding containers, by using the image, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed.

Abstract: Provided is a biomaterial detecting device for confirming or detecting a biomaterial reaction, and more particularly to a biomaterial detecting device, which is formed in a stick type to thereby be immersed in a tube containing a biomaterial solution to be tested; has an upper portion with a cap structure to thereby induce reaction with a biomaterial, and thus facilitate confirmation and detection of the biomaterial; and is formed in a cap structure to thereby prevent evaporation of a sample and infiltration of an external material at the time of a biomaterial reaction in the tube, and thus improve reliability in analysis.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser also includes a multi-nodal flow rate controller disposed within the interior volume of said housing in contact with said conduit and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit by adjusting the contact between the multi-nodal flow rate controller and the conduit.

Abstract: A method of refilling coolant from a fluid cooling system of an engine, where the fluid cooling system has a surge tank or pressure cap, includes the steps of sealingly connecting a storage tank of a coolant management tool to a drainage port of the cooling system, wherein the drainage port is located at the bottom of the fluid cooling system. The storage tank stores the coolant to refill the cooling system. The method includes installing a vacuum module to the surge tank or pressure cap. The method also includes the steps maintaining a vacuum while drawing at least a portion of the coolant from the storage tank up through the drainage port, up through the cooling system, and to a level just upstream of the vacuum module.

Abstract: A refilling station for personal dispensers includes a housing having one or more docks that are configured to receive and retain compatible personal dispensers therein. The refilling station also includes a manifold system that fluidly couples a refill container to one or more personal dispensers. Thus, when a personal dispenser is placed in the dock, it is automatically refilled with material, such as sanitizer, from the refill container. The refilling station may also include a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a customizable personal skincare liquid product in a portable dispenser are disclosed herein. The system includes a processor, a memory, a supply of portable dispensers, a supply of a base liquid material, and a supply of additional substances. A user provides selections and instructions to the system. The system mixes the base liquid material with one or more of the additional substances in the portable dispenser to create a customizable personal skincare liquid product according to the user specifications.

Abstract: A semi-tractor trailer for distribution of natural gas and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof to permit customers to park along side the semi-tractor trailer and fuel their vehicles with clean natural gas, which may be compressed natural gas or liquid natural gas, for example. The semi-tractor trailer is filled at a central filling location and transported by a tractor to a convenient retail location. A volume monitor monitors the volume of clean natural gas in the semi-tractor trailer and transmits this information to the central filling location, which may dispense a replacement semi-tractor trailer upon the volume of clean natural gas reaching a pre-determined threshold and retrieve the spent semi-tractor trailer in one trip.

Abstract: A reagent bottle includes an outer cap and an inner closing cap. The inner closing cap has a recess for gripping the cap. In addition, a system for handling closures is provided wherein a method removes a closing cap from a reagent bottle and a related gripper.

Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of grain in a grain bag is described. The system includes a grain cart, a tractor attached to the grain cart, and a grain bagger with an attached grain bag. The grain bagger further comprises a steering and steering control systems and a braking and braking control system. A hopper connected to the grain bagger receives grain from an auger connected with the hopper and auger and defines a loading position in which a distal end of the auger is positioned relative to the hopper such that grain transfers from the auger into the hopper. A controller provides velocity and steering commands to the tractor and a coordinated movement system connected to the controller receives position information as to the auger and hopper and provides course adjusting information so as to maintain the auger and hopper in the loading position.

Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inne

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and components for protecting reticles and specifically for minimizing haze formation on reticles during storage and use. By substantially continually maintaining a purge in a storage housing having a reduced humidity level on reticles or by temporarily storing the reticle in a container in proximity to a desiccant or getter when not being purged, haze formation can be eliminated, minimized, or sufficiently controlled. Moreover, a filter media in the container may be positioned to be “recharged” during the substantially continual purging of the reticle, a reduced desirable humidity level can be readily maintained in the reticle container when the container is not currently being purged. Additionally, the system of the invention can comprise an ionizer associated with the purge system. For example, the ionizer can be associated with at least one of the plurality of purge lines of the purge system.

Abstract: A suction nozzle, which is configured to be interlocked with a gas filler nozzle used to supply a gas to a gas consuming device, comprises a suction port configured to suck moisture inside the gas filler nozzle when the suction nozzle is interlocked with the gas filler nozzle.

Abstract: A container for fluid which includes: an inlet; and a catchment surface for draining the fluid from an exterior of the container into the container through the inlet when the container is in a prone condition, wherein the container is moveable from the prone condition to a carrying condition, and wherein the inlet is positioned so as to be elevated above a contained fluid when the container is in either the prone condition or the carrying condition. The container can include a collecting wall, wherein the collecting wall includes a flow obstacle for slowing a flow of the fluid on the exterior of the container. The flow obstacle can be provided by ribs on the catchment surface. The container can include an outlet adapted to substantially resist fluid flow when in the prone condition, and adapted to allow fluid flow when in a pouring condition for draining the fluid from the container.

Abstract: A repair device and method comprising a canister having an internal cavity, an input connecting valve, an output connecting valve, and an output hose for purposes of inflating a pneumatic device such as a flat tire. The utility of this device is as a readily available bridge to connect a deflated tire with any available air source such as an inflated tire. A sealing mixture may be stored in the internal cavity of the canister for injection into a leaking or flat tire to effect repairs by sealing any leaks. When attached between an inflated tire and a flat tire, the sealing mixture is injected into the flat tire by the pressure of the inflated tire and the flat tire may then be inflated.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer dispenser is attached to a fuel pump dispenser to provide a patron with the option to cleanse his hands after pumping fuel. The hand sanitizer includes a circuit configured to receive an activation signal from a computer system of the fuel pump dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vent tube apparatus, system and methods incorporating a traceable material such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use in conjunction with a filling machine during container filling operations for a quicker and more accurate detection of the location of the vent tube after it has become detached from a filling machine during filling operations, and to increase the safety of the filling operation and reduce costs and time when a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A fluid overfill detection and control system for controlling the transfer of fluid into a transport vehicle having multiple fluid compartments includes a plurality of overfill sensors that are connected in series with one another and that each produces an output pulse when the fluid level in its associated compartment is below a threshold level. A diagnostic line connected to each of the overfill sensors provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the number of overfill sensors that generate an output pulse, while a module on the vehicle provides an indication of the total number of overfill sensors located in the vehicle. To prevent a hazard due to the possible bypass of a overfill sensor, the controller compares the overfill sensor count signal to the diagnostic signal and inhibits the transfer of fluid into the vehicle if the values do not match.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency air system and method of a marine vessel. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a marine vessel includes affixing an emergency support system to the marine vessel. In addition, the method includes pressurizing the emergency support system of the marine vessel to facilitate an air extraction process through the marine vessel. The method also includes expediting the air extraction process from the emergency support system by including a rapid fill fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production installation for filling bottles or similar containers with products in the form of a liquid filling material. The installation includes a device for providing a product, a filling machine connected to the device by at least one product line for filling the container with the product, and at least one buffer store connected to the product line and forming a storage space for the product.