Abstract: A part positioning assembly is an illustrative embodiment of the part positioning assembly includes a base, a post carried by the base and a puck detachably carried by the post.

Abstract: A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable “V” shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a “V” shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly.

Abstract: A workpiece support assembly includes workpiece supporting roller assemblies each including a roller rotatably attached to an end of a swing arm. The roller assemblies are mounted to a frame forming a space between the rollers. A workpiece is positioned within the space and is supported in rolling contact by the rollers for rotation about its long axis. The space between the rollers is increased or decreased to support workpieces of various diameters by rotating the swing arms. The position of the rollers, and thus the distance therebetween are maintained or held by a swing arm lock that engages each swing arm and restrains the swing arms against rotation.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved process for making glass articles having optical coating and easy-to clean coating thereon, an apparatus for the process and a product made using the process. In particular, the disclosure is directed to a process in which the application of the optical coating and the easy-to-clean coating can be sequentially applied using a single apparatus. Using the combination of the coating apparatus and the substrate carrier described herein results in a glass article having both optical and easy-to-clean coating that have improved scratch resistance durability and optical performance, and in addition the resulting articles are “shadow free.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a jaw apparatus that is tied to a stable anchor (e.g., a vehicle) and that holds wood off the ground in a stable manner to enable cutting by a user. The jaw apparatus can include a main shaft that defines a shaft axis. The main shaft can have a first end and a second end. The first end of the main shaft can have an insertion portion that is configured to be inserted into a trailer-hitch-like receptacle (e.g., a trailer hitch receptacle). The jaw apparatus can include an indentation structure coupled to the second end of the main shaft. The indentation structure can form an indentation, which can have interior surfaces. The interior surfaces can extend upwardly and away from the main shaft. The interior surfaces can be configured to exert upward force on the piece of wood when received in the jaw apparatus. The jaw apparatus can include one or more bars coupled to the main shaft at a bar connection location between the first and second ends of the main shaft.

Abstract: Improved resistance to temperature-related degradation or deformation in a wafer-supporting chuck is provided by at least one shielding member that physically and/or thermally shields chuck components from effects of elevated temperature processing fluids.

Abstract: Improved durability and longevity of spin chucks is achieved by using a composite support pin structure in which a pin body of a chemically inert plastic includes a hollow cavity containing an insert formed from a material whose Young's modulus is greater than that of the inert plastic.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier including an insert rail having a plurality of teeth, with each of the plurality of teeth having a first beveled upper edge surface.

Abstract: A receiving means for receiving and mounting of wafers, comprised of: a mounting surface, mounting means for mounting a wafer on the mounting surface and compensation means for active, especially locally controllable, at least partial compensation of local and/or global distortions of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a frame for pressing an optical film of a LCD device. The frame includes a supporting component and a loading component bending along from the edge of the supporting component. A first rib and a second rib are arranged on the side of the loading component adjacent to the supporting component for pressing the optical film along with the edge of the loading component, and the thickness of the first ribs is greater than that of the second ribs. The present invention further discloses a LCD device. According to the ways mentioned above, the first ribs and the second ribs with different thicknesses on the loading component of the frame fits for the optical films with two thicknesses to save cost and to conduce mass production.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a chuck to support a solar cell in hot spot testing is provided. This embodiment of the chuck comprises a base portion and a support portion disposed above the base portion. The support portion is configured to support the solar cell above the base portion and to define a cavity between a bottom surface of the solar cell and the base portion that thermally separates a portion of the bottom surface of the solar cell from the base portion.

Abstract: A portable rack for supporting a construction tubular during the working thereof includes a base having disposed at generally opposite ends thereof a pair of upwardly projecting tubular support pillars, each provided tubular support pillar having a generally V-shaped notch aligned one to the other. Each V-shaped notch is provided with disruptions adapted to promote frictional engagement in place of a supported construction tubular. Such disruptions may be formed as circular ribs, elliptical ribs, saw tooth shaped ribs, V-shaped notches, rectangle or square-shaped notches, or a patch of denticles or like protrusions or protuberances. The portable rack may be used on a workbench, tabletop, floor or on the ground.

Abstract: A bottom reception pin module 22 which is allowed to stand upright on a bottom reception base part 21 having a magnetic member 21a provided on an upper surface to support the substrate includes a base part 23 having a magnet member 26 built therein so as to be freely lifted and lowered and fixed to the bottom reception base part 21 by a magnetization force under a state that the magnet member 26 is lowered and a hollow shaft member 24 extended upward from the base part 23 and having an upper end of a top member 25 abutting on the lower surface of the substrate to support the substrate. By a vacuum suction from a suction hole 25c, the magnet member 26 is lowered and lifted to fix and unfix the base part 23 relative to the bottom reception base part 21.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a fixing base and a first and a second clamping device mounted on opposing sides of the fixing base. The first clamping device includes stacked clamping sheets, each of which is moveable and comprises an inclined clamping edge for contacting the workpiece. A support assembly supports the plurality of stacked clamping sheets; and an operating member is slidable relative to the support assembly and contacting the plurality of staked clamping sheets. The operation member is capable of moving at least one of the plurality of stacked clamping sheets relative to another one when the operation member slides relative to the support assembly, and moving at least one of the inclined clamping edge toward or away from the second clamping device to accommodate workpieces of varying sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece holding device (101, 201) comprising a substantially spherical ball (107, 207) with means for releasably retaining a workpiece (901), a socket (102, 202) with a first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) and means for mounting said socket (102, 202) on a worktable (905), and means for releasably clamping said ball (107, 207) against said first ball-receiving surface (105, 205). The first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) is shaped on a ball-receiving element (104, 204) mounted moveable, within said socket (102, 202), along at least one axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to its clamping force. The invention also relates to a workpiece holding system comprising three workpiece holding devices (101, 201, 301), as well as to a method for using this workpiece holding system.

Abstract: A compliant insert is provided to support electronic assemblies to mitigate the effects of external loading. The insert comprises a polymer material having a durometer of between 10 and 90 on the Shore A scale and a 3-D negative relief on the surface of the polymer material. The 3-D negative relief is the negative of the 3-D positive relief of a specified geometric design of an electronics assembly. The compliant insert is mated with an instance of the electronics assembly such that the 3-D negative relief of the polymer material engages the 3-D positive relief of the assembly's PCB and electronic components. The polymer material is compliant enough to absorb the vertical and lateral spacing tolerances of the electronic components and stiff enough to mitigate deflections under loading.

Abstract: A substrate holder for use in a lithographic apparatus. The substrate holder comprises a main body, a plurality of burls and a heater and/or a temperature sensor. The main body has a surface. The plurality of burls project from the surface and have end surfaces to support a substrate. The heater and/or temperature sensor is provided on the main body surface. The substrate holder is configured such that when a substrate is supported on the end surfaces, a thermal conductance between the heater and/or temperature sensor and the substrate is greater than a thermal conductance between the heater and/or temperature sensor and the main body surface.

Abstract: The invention includes a hand tool that may be used for applying a design to a jewelry line. The tool may include at least one three-dimensional object having a slot spanning at least the distance of one side of the object. The slot may be receptive to a jewelry line, such as a wire or string. The tool may include at least a first object connected to another object so the objects may abut one another or be spaced an adjustable distance apart and at least two of the slots are in-line. Further, the hand tool may be used in a method of applying a design or designs to the jewelry line by placing the line in the slot(s) and applying a stop to the line.

Abstract: A wafer supporting structure for improving the critical dimension uniformity of a wafer, including: a chuck, a plurality of pin holes, and a platform positioned under the chuck. The chick has a surface and configured to receive a wafer thereon, the plurality of pin holes form through the chuck, and the platform comprises a plurality of movable pieces which support corresponding pins, wherein the pins are configured to move in a direction perpendicularly protruding from or sinking into the surface of the chuck. The movable piece has one end supporting the bottom of the pin and the other end subjected to an pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or piezoelectricity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus neutralizes a warp effect resulting from a build up of micro strains caused by machining a part with a long wavelength laser. The part to be machined is pre-stressed in an opposite direction of a warp stress due to machining using a fixture for holding the part without yielding any other features in the part. The part is machined while held in the pre-stressed position in the fixture.

Abstract: A work piece support device that includes a body and at least two portions of high-grip material on opposite sides of the body is provided. The body may have a flowable media stored therein to provide a lowered center of gravity depending on the orientation of the work piece support device. The work piece support device may include mating projections and recesses for coupling a plurality of work piece support devices together. Further, the projection can be in the form of a cone such that the work piece support device may function as a support cone.

Abstract: There is provided an ink jet recording apparatus including: a platen, a contact portion disposed between a pair of first ribs of the plurality of first ribs with respect to a scanning direction. A lower end of the contact portion is located lower than each upper end of the pair of first ribs. The platen includes a second rib disposed between one first rib of the pair of first ribs and the contact portion with respect to the scanning direction, and an upper end of the second rib is located lower than the upper end of the one first rib of the pair of first ribs and higher than the lower end of the contact portion.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a configurable positioning apparatus and machining system for processing a workpiece retained by the positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus has different configurations for retaining different types of workpieces, such as panels, fuselages, airfoil skins, and engine housings. The positioning apparatus includes a first support rail and a second support rail spaced apart from the first support rail. The first and second support rails support a plurality of stackable headers that cooperate to position the workpiece. The headers have adjustable heights along their lengths in order to accommodate the shape of the workpiece.

Abstract: A work station for securely and temporarily holding a model airplane for the purpose of making adjustments, repairs or performing other maintenance on the plane. The work station is on wheels, contains a tool box with tools and a clamp and cradle to securely hold the airplane or only the fuselage, if desired. The work station can be disassembled and stored away in the back of a small vehicle. The clamp and cradle may be mounted on the tool box, which may be easily removed from the work station. In this way, the tool box acts as smaller portable work station, as well.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fixtures and methods for assembling automotive instrument panels. Some embodiments include a means for locating an instrument panel in a lateral direction and in a selected rotational direction. Some embodiments also include a means for locking the panel in specific desired rotational position. Furthermore, some embodiments may accommodate a wide variety of panel designs having variable lengths.

Abstract: Workpiece rests are disclosed for holding workpieces in machining systems which machine the workpieces using a cutting beam, e.g., a laser beam. A workpiece rest includes a frame, a plurality of rest elements that are arranged adjacent to one another in the frame so as to support the workpiece, and a supporting element attached to at least one of the rest elements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing back contact solar cells that have improved efficiency and device electrical properties. the solar cell device described herein includes an Emitter Wrap Through (EWT) solar cell that has plurality of laser drilled vias disposed in a spaced apart relationship to metal gridlines formed on a surface of the substrate. Solar cell structures that may benefit from the invention disclosed herein include back-contact solar cells, such as those in which both positive and negative contacts are formed only on the rear surface of the device.

Abstract: A pin locking apparatus 100 includes a base unit 101 having a plurality of vertical channels 120 formed therethrough. A first pin 122 is slidingly disposed in a first of the plurality of vertical channels 120 and a second pin 122 is slidingly disposed in a second of the plurality of vertical channels 120. A wedge 140 is slidingly disposed in a third of the plurality of vertical channels 142. The third vertical channel 142 is located between the first and second vertical channels 120. A first magnet 132 is slidingly disposed in a horizontal channel 130 between the first pin 122 and the wedge 140. A second magnet 132 is slidingly disposed in the horizontal channel 130 between the second pin 122 in the wedge 140. The magnetic pole of the second magnet 132 proximate to the wedge 140 is opposite the magnetic pole of the first magnet 132 proximate to the wedge 140.

Abstract: A support system for a semiconductor device during a wire or ribbon bonding operation is provided. The support system includes a body portion defining an upper surface. The upper surface has an upper surface contact region configured to support at least a portion of a lower surface of a semiconductor device at a lower surface contact region during a wire or ribbon bonding operation. The support system also includes a plurality of protrusions on the upper surface contact region.

Abstract: An adhesive fastening element (802) for holding a workpiece (808), the adhesive fastening element (802) comprising: an outer member (804); and a consumable inner member (806) disposed inside the outer member (804) and releasably movable relative to the outer member (804) along a longitudinal axis of the adhesive fastening element (802); wherein the consumable inner member (806) comprises a bonding surface which, in use, is bonded by an adhesive (810) to the workpiece (808) and is removed and replaced to detach the workpiece (808) from the adhesive fastening element (802).

Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support bead and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of one of

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a method to break and assemble solar cells to make solar panel. The present disclosure provides a method to produce solar pieces from solar cell, as well as assemble them together. The present disclosure device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because the present disclosure provides a high speed method to break scribed cells into pieces. A method of forming a string of solar cells includes providing a scribe line on a solar cell and placing a first ribbon on the solar cell. The method then includes placing the solar cell on a supporter and then breaking the solar cell into a plurality of solar cell pieces. The method then has the step of placing a second ribbon on the solar cell pieces and soldering the first and second ribbons and the solar cell pieces and then assembling the solar cell pieces into a string of solar cells.

Abstract: A workpiece support that presents a generally planar workpiece contacting surface having high friction, gripping pad(s) that will not mar a workpiece surface, and thus provides a versatile accessory for home hobbyists and artisans alike that protects the supported surface of the workpiece. By providing a non-marring workpiece support, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8 and 13, to support a workpiece with respect to a work bench surface, the workpiece can be kept from slipping while routing, sanding, carving and the like. It can elevate workpieces for edge work and finishing, or simply suspend and protect projects from marring during drying or between work sessions.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a configurable positioning apparatus and machining system for processing a workpiece retained by the positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus has different configurations for retaining different types of workpieces, such as panels, fuselages, airfoil skins, and engine housings. The positioning apparatus includes a first support rail and a second support rail spaced apart from the first support rail. The first and second support rails support a plurality of stackable headers that cooperate to position the workpiece. The headers have adjustable heights along their lengths in order to accommodate the shape of the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for cleaning trays comprises a tub that has a bottom and a wall. The tub is dimensioned such that a baking tray can be placed therein. The device further comprises a dish drain that can be placed in the tub. Said device for cleaning a baking tray uses only a small amount of space in a kitchen and is easy to handle. In fact, in a typical kitchen that already has a dish drain, the device requires no additional space.

Abstract: Apparatus including a ski tip hold down assembly for holding the tip end of the ski. The ski tip hold down assembly having a base attached to a work bench and an upright stand affixed to the base. The upright stand having a ski rest on a top surface thereof and a ski tip hold down bar secured to the upright stand in spaced apart relation to the ski rest defining an opening adapted to receive a ski tip, with the ski oriented in a base-up configuration, with the ski tip extending underneath the ski tip hold down bar. The apparatus further including a tail rest assembly having a base adapted to be used on the work bench in spaced apart relation to the ski tip hold down assembly and further including an upright stand affixed to the base with a ski rest provided on a top surface thereof.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for releasably receiving a singulated semiconductor chip having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface. The device includes a support structure. At least one elastic element is arranged on the support structure. Electrical contact elements are arranged on the at least one elastic element and adapted to be contacted to the first main surface of the semiconductor chip. A foil is adapted to be arranged over the second main surface of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A brake tool for inspecting a brake shoe having an anchor end and a cam end includes a first portion adapted to engage with an anchor aperture in the anchor end of the brake shoe, the first portion defining a first portion axis and having a length along the first portion axis sufficient to engage substantially an entire width of the anchor aperture; a second portion adapted to engage with a cam aperture in the cam end of the brake shoe, the second portion defining a second portion axis and having a length along the second portion axis sufficient to engage substantially an entire width of the cam aperture; and a connecting member connecting the first portion and the second portion with the first portion axis and the second portion axis substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A support substrate or chuck 20 supports wafer die 11 during and after dicing of a wafer 10. The support substrate comprises an array of islands 21, upper faces of which are raised above a major face of the support substrate for alignment with an array of dies on, or singulated from, the wafer. Spacing between the islands is not less than a kerf of a laser, or a width of a blade, used to dice the wafer. For laser dicing the upper faces of the islands are a sufficient height above the major face that energy of a laser beam 30 used to dice the wafer is dissipated in channels between the islands without substantially machining the support substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for positioning a workpiece. A workpiece positioner has a fixed base, and a support member is connected to the base by a joint that permits selectively articulating the support member with respect to the base. A plate defines a feature sized for operably supporting the workpiece. A connector is used to connect the plate to the support member. The connector fixes the plate in articulation with the support member so that a selected articulation of the support member with respect to the base defines a corresponding plane in which the plate is disposed. The connector also permits sliding movement of the plate in any direction within the corresponding plane to orient the workpiece in a desired position.

Abstract: A pipe vise stand having increased utility and greater useable work space, particularly during use of vise provisions associated with the stand, is described.

Abstract: A work table having removably attachable support members extending between opposing frame members and a tool guide retention member extending along at least a portion of the frame. The work table may be collapsible. The tool guide retention member may be defined by a channel extending along at least a portion of the frame member. In turn, tool guides may be attached to the frame using the tool guide retention member. As such, various guides for various operations to be performed on a work piece may be provided. The work piece may be indexed using indexing members or may be clamplingly engaged to the work table.

Abstract: A modular structure, particularly for supporting blanks, which includes at least one flat plate provided with a plurality of seats for interconnection between the plate and a blank or the like by at least one anchoring element, which includes a first part, which can be associated detachably with the plate, and a second part, which is provided with first fixing elements for the detachable connection of the anchoring element to a recess of the blank, where the first fixing elements include, in particular, fingers which can be inserted in the recess and protrude from the anchoring element along substantially one direction and can move transversely with respect to the direction for their engagement with the lateral surfaces of the recess.

Abstract: A substrate-supporting unit includes: a mounting board on which a substrate is disposed; and a heater installed in the mounting board to heat the substrate disposed on the mounting board, wherein the mounting board includes: a non-contact surface which faces a center portion of the substrate and is spaced apart from the center portion of the substrate; and a contact member which extends outward from the non-contact surface and is arranged along an edge portion of the substrate disposed on the mounting board to support the edge portion of the substrate.

Abstract: Workpiece rests are disclosed, for holding workpieces in machining systems which machine the workpieces using a cutting beam, e.g., a laser beam. A workpiece rest includes a frame, a plurality of rest elements which are arranged adjacent to one another in the frame so as to support the workpiece, and a supporting element attached to at least one of the rest elements.

Abstract: An articulated work holder for a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle including a base member and first, second and third, support arms having multiple degrees of rotational movement and a vise member carrying vehicle engagement pads for supporting a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle between the vise engagement pads.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for organizing and cleaning fasteners used in a dynamoelectric machine. The apparatus includes a frame having a first end wall and a second end wall opposed to the first end wall, and a plurality of shelves connected to and located between the first end wall and the second end wall. At least one of the shelves includes a plurality of concave regions, that are configured to retain at least one of the fasteners. A mounting region is provided for the attachment of a fastener clamp. The fasteners from the dynamoelectric machine can be stored on the plurality of shelves and displayed.

Abstract: A shadow frame and a method of manufacturing the shadow frame are disclosed. The shadow frame is utilized in photoelectrical semiconductor manufacturing processes and is utilized for fixing a glass substrate by combing with a support base used to carry the glass substrate. The shadow frame has a plurality of frame components and welding parts, and the frame components are adjoined at the welding parts to form the shadow frame. The provided shadow frame and its manufacturing method are capable of improving the utility rate of the substrate used to manufacture the shadow frame, avoiding a waste of the substrate, and thereby capable of reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting a cover from a portion of a housing of an electronic device, and positioning the cover within the housing are provided. An electronic device can include an interface having an actuator over which a cover is placed. The cover can by cutting away a portion of a housing of the electronic device. To improve the aesthetic appeal of the device, the orientation of the cover can be maintained while and after it is cut away from the housing by a fixture used for the cutting process. An adhesive sheet can be placed over the housing and the cover to ensure that the cover remains stationary relative to the housing once it is separated from the housing.

Abstract: A painter rack for supporting one door in a horizontal position during prepping or painting, or at least one door also in a horizontal position during drying. This painter rack comprises two support structures: a left one and a right one; each support structure comprises two vertical members traversed horizontally by a number of openings; each support structure also comprises a number of bars used to support at least one door, each bar is comprised of at least two segments, the first said segment traversing slidably and horizontally an opening, and the second segment is bent with respect the first segment. Each support structure is held in place by a base structure.