Abstract: A positioner for use in a tooling apparatus, the positioner including a tool, at least one servo-motor for actuating said tool, a controller for controlling the servo-motor, nonvolatile memory in the controller, and a calibration stored in the nonvolatile memory, the calibration including compensation parameters for the build variance of the positioner.

Abstract: An off-line partial wafer scanner system is disclosed that resolves partial wafermap related issues that result holt-lot in semiconductor assembly. The system eliminates the need to teach locator die at die attach (die bonder) machine. The reaching of partial map locator die is done in die interface areas instead of at the die bonder machine. This resolves the die quantity discrepancies issue, die bonder operator error and missing locator die information due to error made at the die bonder. An image-processing algorithm is employed to achieve reliable off-line locator die teaching system. In partial wafermap processing, the locator die is recognized by utilizing a vision system. A production operator records the wafer identification, and quarter or halves the wafer using a saw machine. The production operator scans the first quarter Q1 or first half H1 with a scanner and determines the locator die location as well as exact quantity of dies.

Abstract: In a system and method to reduce wafer breakages in a wafer handling system, the position of a wafer on a platen is monitored and closing of the platen on a vacuum chamber is prevented if a misaligned wafer is detected. In one embodiment the wafer position is monitored by monitoring the air pressure in vacuum channels of a platen faceplate.

Abstract: A method of calculating lot hold time. First, identification parameters of a lot are input. The lot may be a split child lot or an unsplit parent lot. The identification parameters include an identification code and a customer hold code of the lot. The identification code identifies the lot type. The customer hold code identifies the holder. Lot hold time is then calculated according to the identification parameters. Finally, the lot hold time is output for further utilization.

Abstract: The invention related to a processing tool and a processing device for processing a workpiece (5) that is located in a predetermined processing area (1), at a plurality of processing points (4, 4?). A recognition device (20) recognizes the individual processing points (4, 4?) on the workpiece (5) or determines a relative position between the processing tool (7) and the workpiece (5). This ensures that an operator carrier out a predetermined number of processing operations without leaving out any processing point. The recognition device (20, 200) preferably comprises an image pick-up device, on or integrated in the tool (7) or an image pick-up device which picks up an image of the whole processing area (1) and evaluates it.

Abstract: An alignment tool, method and system are provided for aligning a cassette handler to a robot blade in a workpiece handling system, in which the tool comprises a frame or fixture adapted to be supported by the cassette handler support surface, in which the frame has one or more distance sensors positioned to measure the distance of a workpiece or robot blade from the sensor or a predetermined reference point or surface. In a preferred embodiment, the frame emulates a workpiece cassette and the distance sensors provide a numerical output of the distance to the workpiece. As explained in greater detail below, these distance measurements facilitate accurately leveling and aligning the cassette handler support surface relative to a workpiece supported by the robot blade such that when the frame is replaced by an actual workpiece cassette, the workpiece cassette will also be level and aligned with respect to the robot blade and the workpiece held by the blade.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically troubleshooting a machine, suitable for use in connection with a high speed web converting manufacturing process having at least one machine operating at a set point and producing a composite article from a sequential addition of component parts during a production run of composite articles. A first inspection system is adapted to automatically inspect a first aspect of a composite article being produced during the production run. A second inspection system is adapted to automatically inspect a second aspect of the composite article. A logic system is adapted to obtain via the communication network a plurality of the first inspection parameters, each corresponding to one of a plurality of composite articles produced during the production run and is further adapted to determine a corrective action.

Abstract: A method of locating an assembly point (P) on a first part (40), at which assembly point the first part is to be joined to a second part (1), the method comprising the steps of: determining an assembly location (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in respect of the second part; measuring a portion (42a, 42b, 42c) of a surface (43) of the first part, the surface being spaced away from the second part, so as to define the position and orientation of the surface; and, calculating the assembly point on the surface of the first part, where the surface of the first part is intersected by a vector (N) passing between the determined assembly location and the surface of the first part.

Abstract: An alignment system for a lithographic apparatus includes a detection system arranged in a path of at least a portion of an alignment radiation. The alignment system also includes a position determining unit in communication with the detection system. The position determining unit is adapted to measure a position of at least one alignment mark on a substrate. The substrate is overlaid with a layer of deposited material. A calculating unit is coupled to the position determining unit. The calculating unit calculates a corrected position of the alignment mark on the basis of the position of the at least one alignment mark being measured and a model of a process apparatus involved in a deposition of the layer of deposited material. The model taking into account an amount of deposition of the layer of deposited material.

Abstract: A method of identifying workstations that performed work on a workpiece in a work line having a plurality of zones, wherein each zone includes workstations that perform the same type of operation. In accordance with the method, the workpiece is moved to and from workstations by a plurality of autoloaders. After the workpiece is worked on in a particular workstation, an autoloader moves the workpiece to a drop-off station where the workpiece is marked with a mark indicating that the workstation worked on the workpiece. When the workpiece is finished, the workpiece has a plurality of marks disposed in different locations of the workpiece. For each of the marks, the location of the mark in combination with the nature of the mark comprises a code that identifies a particular one of the workstations that worked on the workpiece.

Abstract: A positioning device precisely positions a work piece at a workstation. Precise positioning is accomplished through the use of a tool controller, a programmed mechanism, and a minimal pneumatic circuit. Pre-programming of the tool controller results in initially locating the work piece, precisely positioning the workpiece at the workstation, and then locking-in the position of the workpiece at the workstation time-after-time. A method for operating the positioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying proper assembly of devices such as a vehicle that are constructed of two or more components assembled to one another. According to the method the device is placed within an inspection area of the inspection system and a two-dimensional image of the device or electronic data with a two-dimensional image of the device encoded within it is created through the use of inspection cameras aimed at the inspection area of the inspection system. Predetermined locating features of two or more of the components of the device are located within the two-dimensional image or the electronic data within which the two-dimensional image is encoded. Relative positions and/or relative orientations of these two or more components can thereafter be calculated and compared to preferred relative positions and/or relative orientations of the components.

Abstract: A numerical control device for a machine tool switching two reference axes comprising switching timing determining means for determining a timing for switching the moving position definition on the basis of the first reference axis and the moving position definition on the basis of the second reference axis; and reference axis switching means for switching, in response to the switching timing determining means, the moving position definition on the basis of the first reference axis and the moving position definition on the basis of the second reference axis.

Abstract: A computer readable recording medium which stores control data to control the action of a sheet metal bending system which is provided with a press brake and a sheet metal support device, where the press brake is provided with a punch and die which bends the sheet metal along the bending line by approaching to and parting from each other, and a back gauge to determine the position of the sheet metal against the punch and die, the sheet metal support apparatus is provided with a support arm which supports the sheet metal and may be rotated freely centered on the rotation axis which is parallel to the bending axis, the control data is a control data to control the bending process which includes a plurality of bending processes to produce sheet metal parts (parts) with a plurality of bending lines by the press brake and sheet metal support device by controlling the approach and parting motion of the punch and die and at least the rotational motion of the support arm, and the control data is related to the sheet

Abstract: A wafer assessment apparatus and method for a single wafer machine. The wafer assessment apparatus includes a pedestal, a movable supporting device, a weight measurement device, a signal transmission device and a control unit. The movable supporting device is disposed in the pedestal to support a wafer. The weight measurement device is disposed on the movable supporting device to measure the weight of the wafer. The signal transmission device is electrically connected to the weight measurement device to output a wafer weight signal. The control unit is electrically connected to the signal transmission device to receive and process the wafer weight signal to determine if the wafer is positioned correctly and/or damaged.

Abstract: In order to automatically supply and locate a crash pad assembly in a vehicle by means of a robot in an automobile manufacturing plant, an automatic locating system of a crash pad for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a synchronous running truck, a robot unit, first, second, third and fourth position detectors, first and second distance detectors, a limit switch, a vehicle-type detector, a vision controller, and a robot controller.

Abstract: An electronic component placement machine is disclosed that includes a series of feeders adapted to supply discrete electronic components for subsequent placement onto a destination circuit board; at least one data module coupled to each feeder, each data module comprising a memory storage device; at least one communications module coupled to each feeder, each communications module comprising a data module-transceiver coupled to a memory storage device of the associated data module; a pick head, movable between selected feeders for sequentially picking the discrete electronic components from a respective feeders for subsequent placement onto a destination circuit board; and a pick head-transceiver secured to the pick head for movement therewith between feeders, the pick head-transceiver arranged to communicate over a duplex communications channel with a data module-transceiver of a selected feeder when the pick head is positioned to pick from the selected feeder.

Abstract: A drive control system having constituent devices such as control unit for drive control, servo amplifier for driving motor by receiving a command from the control unit, spindle amplifier, and input and output unit, with these constituent devices connected so as to communicate with each other, in which a memory is provided in each constituent device, the constituent devices are synchronized with each other, a communication unit is provided for transferring memory data between arbitrary constituent devices, and the memory is shared between arbitrary constituent devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader control device 20 for controlling a loader 5 which delivers a work W to a chuck 2 of an outer device 1. The work W is delivered by the loader chuck 14 placed at a work delivering position. The displacement of a center position of the loader chuck 14 and the center position of the outer device chuck 2 at the time being is detected by the displaced amount detecting device 31 from the torque of the motors 11 and 12 of the loader 5. The adjusting device 32 adjusts the work delivering position of the loader chuck 14 by an amount corresponding to the detected displaced amount, when delivering the next work.

Abstract: A system for registering an orthopedic implant in a computer assisted navigation system. The system includes a plurality of differently sized implants which may be the femoral component or hip stem of a prosthetic hip joint. A registration device is engageable with each of the implants in a predefined relative position. The registration device also includes at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system. A second reference structure also having at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system is detachably secured to the implant. The relative positions of the reference elements located on the registration device and second reference structure differs for each of the plurality of implants and thereby allows the navigation system to determine the nominal size of the implant. The relative position and orientation of the implant relative to the second structure can also be calibrated using the registration device.

Abstract: A system for registering an orthopedic implant in a computer assisted navigation system. The system includes a plurality of differently sized implants which may be the femoral component or hip stem of a prosthetic hip joint. A registration device is engageable with each of the implants in a predefined relative position. The registration device also includes at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system. A second reference structure also having at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system is detachably secured to the implant. The relative positions of the reference elements located on the registration device and second reference structure differs for each of the plurality of implants and thereby allows the navigation system to determine the nominal size of the implant. The relative position and orientation of the implant relative to the second structure can also be calibrated using the registration device.

Abstract: A computer program for determining a corrected position of an alignment mark on a substrate to be exposed in a lithographic projection apparatus, said computer program comprising program code means for, when executed on a computer system, instructing the computer system to perform the steps of: controlling a measuring tool to measure the position of at least one alignment mark on said substrate overlaid with an Al layer; calculating a corrected position of the alignment mark on the basis of the measured position of the alignment mark and a model of a process apparatus involved in deposition of the Al layer. Preferably, positions of a plurality of alignment marks on a substrate are measured and used to find parameters of the model.

Abstract: A component mounter has two or more feeder carriages and two or more mounting heads corresponding to the feeder carriages. The mounting heads pick up components from each feeder carriage. A transfer device is able to pass components requiring transfer between the mounting heads. The transfer of components enables the mounter to be used efficiently by transferring components to a different mounting head when the operation of one of the mounting heads stops.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating a plurality of bottleneck delta virtual work in process time (“VWIP”) values. Each of the bottleneck delta VWIP values represents the time until one of n bottleneck workstations begins to risk starvation. The calculating includes deriving one or more baseline cycle times based on an X-factors method.

Abstract: A positioning device precisely positions a work piece at a workstation. Precise positioning is accomplished through the use of a tool controller, a programmed mechanism, precision locating tools, and a minimal pneumatic circuit. Pre-programming of the tool controller results in initially locating the work piece, precisely positioning the workpiece at the workstation, and then locking-in the position of the workpiece at the workstation time-aftertime. A method for operating the positioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There are the steps of conveying a glass plate by a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers; and moving a roller in contact with the glass plate in conveyance to position the glass plate so as to conform a posture of the glass plate to a reference posture.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments the invention includes a transverse board conveyor, a board extrusion portion, a marking station a sawing portion, and one or more board feeding portions, all of which are controlled by a process controller. In such, preferred embodiments, one or more stacks of boards are serially fed onto the transverse board conveyor and are conveyed in a direction transverse to the length of the boards. The boards are individually deposited into an elongate receiver of a board extrusion portion to be conveyed longitudinally. A carriage in the receiver transports the boards past an end detection station, past a marking station, and to a sawing station. The carriage has a moveable clamping member which pinches the board between a wall of the receiver and the clamping member. The carriage moves down the receiver with the board clamped thereto conveying the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board in a desired position for sawing the board.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a machining system having a plurality of machining stations for machining workpieces with a plurality of machining operations. Each of the plurality of machining operations is allocated automatically to a specific one of the machining stations to attain uniform utilization of the individual machining stations, to the extent possible. This facilitates the initial setup of the machining system as well as correcting the setup if machining errors or deviations occur.

Abstract: Shortening TAT for processing express lots without reducing the utilization rate of manufacturing apparatuses for semiconductor device. When the number of vacant ports LPOT of a manufacturing apparatus EQ3 used in a next step is only one at the of time of completing a process for a normal lot LA by a manufacturing apparatus EQ1 and when there is a possibility that processes for an express lot LB performed by a manufacturing apparatus EQ2 will be completed before a remaining processing time period for a lot LC performed by the manufacturing apparatus EQ3 reaches a predetermined set value, the lot LA is transferred to a lot stocker LS for securing a vacant port LPOT and as soon as the processes for the express lot LB performed by the manufacturing apparatus EQ2 are completed, the express lot LB is transferred to the vacant port LPOT in the manufacturing apparatus EQ3.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for reducing bond program errors in a slave bonder, prepared to attach connecting bonds onto bond pads of a slave integrated circuit, by first collecting, on a master bonder, input data concerning bond x-y locations, alignment reference x-y locations, and alignment reference images from a master integrated circuit, then analyzing these data to construct a network of relationships between reference images and bond locations, and store data and relationships in a master file. Secondly, on a slave bonder, all this information is automatically retrieved and compared by a computer with input data concerning alignment reference images from a slave circuit. Thirdly, any discrepancy found is corrected by a computer to identify the new bond locations on the slave circuit. Finally, the slave bonder attaches the connecting bonds based on the computed correct bond locations.

Abstract: A machine tool installation includes a machine tool with a work support table, and a workpiece guidance system. Adjacent the machine tool is a sheet material loader and unloader with a frame, a platform supported on the frame for vertical movement, and a sheet material gripper mounted on the frame for movement from a position forwardly of the frame to a retracted position. A sheet pickup depends from the platform to engage the top sheet of a stack of sheets disposed therebelow. A computer control operates the elements to move a workpiece on the work support table to a position adjacent the platform, and the gripper moves the workpiece onto the lowered platform. The sheet pickup engages a sheet and the platform is moved upwardly to move the engaged sheet to a position above the plane of the work support table which is moved thereunder, and the sheet gripper deposits the sheet on the work support table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a desired position on a gauge fixture. The apparatus includes a gauge fixture, a positioner assembly, a pusher assembly and a controller. The fixture has a first side and a second side, the first side being opposite the second side. The positioner assembly is mounted on the first side of the gauge fixture, and includes a stop member, a crank and a positioner sensor. The pusher assembly is mounted on the second side of the gauge fixture, and includes a pusher member and a pusher sensor. The controller is connected to the pusher assembly and the positioner assembly.

Abstract: A cassette usage rule processing function 66 is used to store usage rules on cassettes for containing wafers. A process flow creation function 72 permits creation of reviewable process flows. A process flow check function 74 provides checks on whether the reviewable process flows comply with the cassette usage rules, and supplies only the conforming process flows to a production line. In each process, a processing condition display function 82 displays the applicable cassette usage rules for review by a line operator. If cassettes need to be changed before or after a process, a process start function 84 or a process end function 86 prompts the line operator to change the cassettes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating virtual WIP time (“VWIP”) in a multiple-bottleneck, multi-product manufacturing facility. The system and method provide for calculation of one or more bottleneck VWIP values. Each of the bottleneck VWIP values represents the amount of work approaching one of n bottleneck workstations, where n>0. The work approaching the bottleneck workstation comprises at least one of m products, where m>0.

Abstract: The orientation of a wafer carried on a blade of a semiconductor wafer transfer system is sensed in order to prevent wafer damage during transfer of the wafer from chamber-to-chamber within a semiconductor processing system. A pair of laser beams are used to sense both tilt of the wafer on the blade, and mis-alignment of the blade in the chamber. A control and logic circuit lock out movement of the blade when the laser beams indicate tilt of the wafer or mis-alignment of the blade.

Abstract: A substrate processing system having a bi-directional interface and concomitant communication protocol to allow a controller to communicate with an external endpoint system is disclosed. More specifically, the substrate processing system comprises a controller and an endpoint detection system that are coupled together via a RS-232 interface. A SECS compliant communication protocol is employed to effect communication between the controller and endpoint detection system to increase wafer processing information exchange and data exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing card-shaped data carriers. The method has at least one production step requiring a data carrier of a defined type or quality or in a defined position and/or changing the data carrier in irreversible fashion or in a fashion which can be reversed only by additional expense. The data carrier is optically tested before or after said production step, and the further processing of the data carrier controlled depending on the result of said test.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method using a multi-purpose flexible CNC machine that is able to perform a variety of machining operations on all parts of a product. Specific operations include carving, boring, cutting, grooving, molding, shaping, routing, mortising, edge working, sawing, planing, squaring, sanding, drilling and dovetailing. The CNC control integrates machining instructions, operator instructions and sequence of operations into a coherent package.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for orienting or assembling a detailed part in a predetermined orientation in which the detailed part is made up of a plurality of component parts. First, a location and alignment are defined by a virtual assembly tool. Next, a unique combination of self-locating features are disposed on the individual component parts in which the unique combination corresponds to the location and alignment defined by the virtual assembly tool. Thus, the virtual assembly tool is integrated into the assembled detailed part. In practice the individual component parts are engaged with predetermined corresponding component parts using the self-locating features. The act of engaging the individual component-parts is repeated until all component parts are engaged with each respective corresponding component parts.

Abstract: A computerized method/system is provided for planning motion of a robot within a free space confined by obstacles, from an initial position to a goal position. In executing the method/system, a plan is generated so that the robot can hold and maneuver a workpiece throughout a sequence of bending operations to be performed by a bending apparatus. A plurality of proposed movements to be made by the robot are proposed for an mth movement within a sequence of movements, and at least a portion of the robot and the obstacles that confine the free space are modeled. A determination is made as to whether a collision will occur between the robot and an obstacle for each proposed movement, and a plan is generated including the sequence of movements by choosing for each movement in the sequence of movements, a proposed movement that will not result in a collision and that will bring the robot closer to the goal position.

Abstract: A system for drawing an outer cylinder of a rubber bush comprising an inner cylinder serving as a shaft member, the outer cylinder disposed around the inner cylinder and a rubber elastic body interposed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, comprising first and second turning tables each having at least two piling portions on which the rubber bushes to be drawn are piled up in a vertical direction; first and driving apparatuses for bringing up the rubber bushes piled up on the piling portion of the first and second turning tables to a predetermined robot grasping position; a drawing apparatus having a die for drawing the outer cylinder of the rubber bush; a robot apparatus for grasping and transferring the rubber bush located at the robot grasping position to set the same to a predetermined position of the die; a control apparatus for controlling the robot apparatus such that the rubber bushes from the piling portion of one of the first and second turning tables are sequentially transferred to th

Abstract: There has been invented a method and apparatus for heat treating or brazing joints in metals and ceramics using an optical concentrator (reflecting waveguide) to reflect energy from infrared energy heat sources, in a pattern which will provide precisely tailored illumination, heating, melting of filler and fusion of the area to be heat treated or the joint to be formed. CAD optical ray tracing software is used to custom design the reflecting waveguides for directing the energy as needed. With the invention, shorter, reduced energy heat cycles can be used to produce reliable accurate brazes, including brazes to join small diameter tubes. No furnace is necessary because localized small area brazing can be done in situ with the invention method and apparatus. Various heat sources can be used to braze various geometries, including very small diameter tubes.

Abstract: Transferring apparatus includes a main body defining a take-up position at which a rectangular glass substrate is located and a transfer position spaced apart from the take-up position. A transferring mechanism is arranged between the take-up and transfer positions and provided with a hand for supporting the substrate and transferring the substrate from the take-up position to the transfer position. Two optical sensors are provided on the hand and detect one side of the substrate located at the take-up position. A control section of the apparatus generates positional data in accordance with the detection signals from the sensors. The positional data includes an angle of the one side of the substrate to the hand and a distance between the one side and the hand. The control section controls the operation of the transferring mechanism based on the positional data so as to transfer the substrate from the take-up position and the transfer position and to position it to the transfer position.

Abstract: In a bonding method and apparatus, a position-detecting camera is moved to a point above reference marks, and the positional relationship between the reference marks and the optical axis of the position-detecting camera is measured by the position-detecting camera, a bonding tool is moved to a point above the reference marks in accordance with an amount of offset stored in memory beforehand, the positional relationships between the reference marks and the tool are measured by an offset-correcting camera, and an accurate amount of offset is determined by correcting the mount of offset stored in memory beforehand based upon such a measurement result.

Abstract: A cross-section of one of the strips in a frame is digitized in binary format by means of a scanner and graphically visualized; dimensions of the cross-section and points suitable for positioning a strip locking device are determined, together with points of application of the stapling elements and the number of the elements to be applied in each point. A frame assembling machine is then activate to perform the actual stapling of the strips.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the movement of a support relative to a base by movement devices whose degrees of freedom of movement define a non-orthogonal coordinate system. For achieving a dynamic behavior corresponding to that of a machine with orthogonal directions of movement, non-orthogonal actual-condition values of the movement devices are detected, transformed into orthogonal coordinates, and, on the basis of the transformed actual-condition values and the predetermined target-condition values, operating values in orthogonal coordinates are determined, which are then transformed into non-orthogonal coordinates and transmitted to the individual movement devices. In addition, a device for controlling the movement of the support is provided, as well as a machine tool with a hexapodal suspension of the support, which has provided thereon a machining device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing dynamic testing of electronic assemblies during their manufacture. A production line includes a communication network to interconnect assembly and inspection equipment. Events impacting the manufacture of the assemblies are communicated among the equipment, allowing the testing to be dynamically adjusted in response to events. Dynamic adjustment allows the process to quickly detect defects introduced by events. The concept is illustrated with a production line that has a pick and place machine and an inspection station. When an operator changes a reel of components at the pick and place machine, the inspection station will switch test programs to quickly verify that the correct reel has been loaded.

Abstract: A method for positioning bond pads in a semiconductor die comprises the steps of (I) setting parameters including (a) setting a baseline pad pitch to a first value, (b) setting a first pad position equal to a first pad value and (c) providing a focal point; (II) determining a first angle between a first line through a center of the first pad position and the focal point and a second line through a center of the semiconductor die and normal to the edge; (III) determining a first pad spacing increment value equal to the first value divided by a cosine of the first angle; (IV) setting a second pad position equal to a second pad value, wherein the second pad value at least equals the first pad value plus the first value if both of the first bond pad and the second bond pad are ground pad or power pad with the same potential, else the second pad value at least equals the first pad value plus the first pad spacing increment value; and (V) using the first and second pad values to respectively position a first bond p

Abstract: The invention is a unit for pneumatically controlling the position of a workpiece relative to a predetermined workpiece configuration, comprising an enclosure, a minimum of one measuring nozzle for a gaseous pressure medium, which measuring nozzle is located in a contact surface a workpiece fixture. A pressure supply line is connected to the measuring nozzle via pressure lines. Separate adjoining modular enclosure components are detachably connected to one another and each is fitted with a connection leading to measuring nozzle. A first enclosure end cover can be connected to a pressure supply unit and a second enclosure end cover is located at a distance from the first enclosure end cover. The first enclosure end cover, the modular enclosure components that adjoin the first enclosure end cover, and the second enclosure end cover that adjoins the modular enclosure components form the overall enclosure 68.

Abstract: A production management system performs progress management of working steps applied on a workpiece in accordance with a working step flow for manufacturing a product. The production management system comprises a comment storing device for storing a comment having contents relating to a specified working step in the working step flow, an address storing device for storing address information relating to an author of the comment, and a transmitting device for, when it is confirmed that the workpiece has arrived at the specified working step, transmitting predetermined information to an address obtained from the address information stored in the address storing device.