Abstract: One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacturing products that include technology in skilled areas is configuring a production station for use by an operator without specialized skills. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station configurable to perform one or more of incoming inspection, assembly, testing, and branding. A preferred approach includes verifying data associated with units prior to accepting them for incorporation, preventing incorporation of an incorrect unit, and guiding an operator in possible remedial action. This approach includes storing data in a server and making such data substantially instantly accessible to production stations once written in the server. Such data preferably includes software to configure the production station such that the operator need not have specialized skills. A production station designed using this approach is particularly useful in the manufacture of an outdoor unit of a split-mount microwave radio system.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] Provided are a two-dimensional code reading device and a two-dimensional code reading method for reading a two-dimensional code carved in a member having a substantially circular section orthogonal to the central axis thereof, as well as a method of controlling manufacturing history information using the reading device and a method of manufacturing the member using the control method. [Solution] A concave portion 11 carved in the member on which a two-dimensional code 10 is formed has a pair of a first inclined portion 12 and a second inclined portion 13 which are inclined so as to form an angle ? with respect to a normal-line direction R of a surface of the member.

Abstract: A market-demand-forecasting-value calculation section acquires order entry actual achievement data from an order-entry-actual-achievement-data storing unit of an order receiving system, and calculates a market demand forecasting value using the order entry actual achievement data. A correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates an error rate, which becomes negative when an ordering required-quantity becomes large, based on a number of ordered parts and a past ordering required-quantity. Subsequently, the correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates a correction safety inventory quantity using the error rate and the market demand forecasting value and a money-amount-zone index value.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: A numerical control arrangement, comprising a sheet metal data file defining a part blank having a plurality of position elements from a processed design file; a machine controller comprising tool-related operations and control data from said sheet metal data file defining a plurality of position elements, the operations and position elements being associated with machining tasks; and a machine controlled by said machine controller to form a sheet metal part and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: A method for deploying parts is disclosed. Locations that include supply locations and demand locations are defined. A supply location supplies parts to a demand location. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A stock level is computed for each part at each location. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function for the parts at the locations is generated from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting items, in particular mail items. uses multiple transport processes for transporting the items respectively to a processing system. For each item, a measurement is made before the transportation as to whether the item has a predefined characteristic, and if so, in what form. This measurement is executed afresh, after the item is fed to a processing system. For each item, it is determined by means of which transport process the item has been transported. To this end, it is determined which items with what form of the characteristic have been transported by means of which transport process.

Abstract: One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacturing products that include technology in skilled areas is configuring a production station for use by an operator without specialized skills. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station configurable to perform one or more of incoming inspection, assembly, testing, and branding. A preferred approach includes verifying data associated with units prior to accepting them for incorporation, preventing incorporation of an incorrect unit, and guiding an operator in possible remedial action. This approach includes storing data in a server and making such data substantially instantly accessible to production stations once written in the server. Such data preferably includes software to configure the production station such that the operator need not have specialized skills. A production station designed using this approach is particularly useful in the manufacture of an outdoor unit of a split-mount microwave radio system.

Abstract: A production system includes at least one production component having a production cycle which is interruptible by a detected production failure, at least one detector configured to monitor an output of the at least one production component, the detector configured to detect a production failure and to generate a signal indicative of the production failure, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to, in response to the signal from the detector, cause the respective production component to reject production material for a first predetermined duration of time, and in response to the expiration of the first predetermined duration of time, to slow down production for at least a second predetermined duration of time. The control unit can further return the production system to a normal production state in response to receiving a restart signal before the expiration of the first or second predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: A method of producing a set of parts which may be assembled to form a product generally consisting of programming a CNC machine to selectively execute a first routine to form a set of parts from a first panel of material, and generate a map of the layout of the parts on the first panel, provided with identifying indicia, and a set of labels each provided with machine readable indicia identifying the part and operator readable indicia permitting the operator to identity the part on the map, and a second routine to form selected ones of the set of parts from a second panel of material, loading the first panel on the machine, operating the machine to execute the first routine, attaching each of the generated labels to its corresponding formed part, matching identifying indicia on generated labels and map, removing the set of labeled parts from the worktable, identifying labeled parts deemed defective, machine scanning the machine readable indicia on the labels of produced .

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for creating customized products using a product identification device. In some embodiments, the process involves receiving an aggregate order for yearbooks, creating a master list associated with the aggregate order and including single orders, associating at least one number with each single order, manufacturing a first portion of a yearbook for each single order with a first identifier associated with that portion and also being associated with the at least one number, manufacturing a second portion of the yearbook for the single order with a second identifier associated with that portion and also being associated with the at least one number, and combining the first portion with the second portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: A method for assembling a component including individual parts, includes making a plurality of the individual parts available in a plurality of respective containers. A control and display unit is assigned to each respective container. Each control and display unit includes a display element and a sensor associated with each container. The display element is activated on a respective container to indicate the individual part required for a next assembly step. The individual part is removed from the container indicated by the display element. The removal of the individual part is monitored by the sensor of the control and display unit. The component is assembled inside an assembly device during individual assembly steps. The assembly device is monitored with a sensor arrangement to determine whether each individual part required for assembling the component is available.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of a production process a new method is presented. Thereby a flow of items is generated in a production system. Electronic devices that are attachable to the items are used for tracking the items. An identification of a first electronic device attached to a first item is read out. The identification is forwarded to a computer system that steers the flow of items. Due to a reception of the identification by the computer system, a transport status indicating authorization or prohibition to process the second item is set. The transport status is then transmitted to a second electronic device with an authorizing signal that is sent from the computer system to the second electronic device. The second electronic device contains a signal receiver circuit for receiving the authorizing signal and the second electronic device is attached to the second item.

Abstract: A quality control system and method for monitoring an assembly operation is provided. The method can include: (1) providing an assembly line having a plurality of machines being assembled thereon; (2) providing a tool for performing an assembly operation; (3) performing a plurality of the assembly operations with the tool; (4) measuring a measurable parameter indicative of the performance of the tool for at least a subset of the plurality of assembly operations; (5) storing the measured values in an electronic format with a data collection device; (6) analyzing the measured values; and (7) providing a signal based on the analysis with the signal indicative of at least satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance of the tool. In some instances, the data collection device can provide for storing additional information and/or data with any particular stored measured value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system having a computer system and imaging sensors that capture image data of an object, such as a carcass, as it moves through a processing facility and is converted into individual food products. The computer system analyzes the image data to produce a blob for the object being monitored. Source information that is referenced with the object being monitored can be associated with the object's blob. The blob can be used to track and identify the object, and to determine when one or more additional objects have been converted from the object being monitored. The computer system can create blobs for the additional objects and associate the referenced information with the new blobs. In one embodiment, the computer system is capable of continuously associating the source information for a particular source unit of food with converted food products that are converted from the source unit.

Abstract: Software for controlling processes in a heterogeneous semiconductor manufacturing environment may include a wafer-centric database, a real-time scheduler using a neural network, and a graphical user interface displaying simulated operation of the system. These features may be employed alone or in combination to offer improved usability and computational efficiency for real time control and monitoring of a semiconductor manufacturing process. More generally, these techniques may be usefully employed in a variety of real time control systems, particularly systems requiring complex scheduling decisions or heterogeneous systems constructed of hardware from numerous independent vendors.

Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system for automatically manufacturing thermal batteries. In the present invention, thermal batteries are manufactured using a press system, a stacking system and an enclosing system. The present invention uses a tracking, storage, and/or retrieval system to track various components used in the manufacturing process to improve manufacturing quality and to track the various components throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system associates change in the state of an asset to an event trigger within a monitored environment. This environment includes a plurality of assets and a tag transmitter positioned on each asset and operative for transmitting a wireless RE signal based on an event trigger based on one of at least the change in state of an asset and change in location of the asset. A plurality of spaced apart access points receive an RF signal transmitted from a tag transmitter. A processor is operatively connected to the access points and collect possible candidates as assets associated with the event trigger and assigning a numerical score to each candidate to determine which asset is best associated with the event trigger.

Abstract: Objects to be transported which are transported between at least one storage unit and a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses by a plurality of transport vehicles in accordance with a command of a controller are managed inexpensively and easily and with high reliability. An ID card 20 incorporating a wireless communication function is installed on all carriers 18, and an ID read/write unit 25 is installed in some transport vehicles 10. Further, a carrier ID is read or written with respect to the ID card 20 in accordance with a command of an MCS 4 connected to the ID read/write unit 25, so as to manage the carrier ID by a carrier ID management unit 4a.

Abstract: A management method is able to quickly investigate the cause of a defect generated in a semiconductor product manufacturing process. Manufacturing conditions in various QFP manufacturing steps are stored in a main server while correlating them with an identification number of the QFP, and a two-dimensional bar code corresponding to the identification number is stamped to the surface of the QFP. In the event of occurrence of a defect of the QFP, the manufacturing conditions for the QFP stored in the main server can be traced in an instant by reading the two-dimensional bar code of the QFP and thereby specifying the identification number.

Abstract: The disclosed technology enables manufacturers to efficiently design and manufacture structural wall panels, floor panels and roof panels from cold-formed steel for use in residential and commercial construction. The panels are individual components that can be installed at a building site to form a structure that includes walls, floor and a roof. Structures may be manufactured in a manufacturing facility and delivered to a construction site for installation.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for mapping contents of a substrate carrier. The method includes (1) moving a carrier to a sensor; and (2) determining, with the sensor, a presence or an absence of a substrate in the carrier based upon a position of a substrate clamp in the carrier. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The production history information management apparatus 100 comprises: machining an identifier for identifying a pipe or tube in a region of the pipe or tube on which thread cutting is to be performed before an initial production process is performed among production processes which are management targets of the production history information; reading the identifier machined on the pipe or tube before each of the production processes is performed or while each of the production processes is performed; management for storing the production history information of the pipe or tube obtained in each of the production processes and the identifier read from the pipe or tube while the production history information and the identifier are associated with each other; and thread cutting for removing the identifier machined on the pipe or tube in the process of performing the thread cutting on the end portions of the pipe or tube among the production processes which are management targets of the production history inform

Abstract: The method was tackled with picking line for generating strip steel for the automobile industry. The initial conditions to which the tandem-type mill coupled with picking line executed using the installation is exposed. The installation receives an input in the form of human resources, energy, media, raw materials, semifinished product, etc., which is converted by the installation into output. Since the plant is a hot rolling mill, the output is in the form of hot rolled strips. The different components of the input can be assigned to the factor markets that are relevant to the real installation. The different components of the output can further be assigned to the product markets that are relevant to the real installation.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring product through a batch manufacturing plant is provided. The system includes, a parallel flow mode when product flows concurrently from at least two units to a single unit; and a serial flow mode where product flows from one unit to another at a given time, wherein the batch manufacturing plant is modeled based on the parallel and serial flow modes. A lot association is built based on product flow and a parent/child record is created for lot association. The system also includes a data collection system that collects phase information for every unit and a procedure identifier is used to create a batch identifier, where a batch identifier is associated with each lot on each unit through which product is flowing to and/or from at a given time.

Abstract: A system and method for handling recyclable materials and products manufactured therefrom is provided. The method includes receiving recyclable material extracted from post consumer and post industrial sources at a manufacturing facility, acquiring information associated with the recyclable material received at the manufacturing facility, such as properties and certification(s) relating thereto, and storing the acquired information in a database for subsequent access. The recycling method may also include manufacturing a product at the manufacturing facility from the recyclable material, generating product information associated with the product such as properties and certification(s) relating thereto, and storing the product information in the database. The product may then be shipped with the product information and certification information stored in a tangible medium to provide quality certified “green” recycled products for use in building construction.

Abstract: In a method for controlling material flow in production, or a consumable or replacement part maintenance, of a product comprised of a plurality of individual parts, the individual parts are delivered to a goods receipt of a logistic system, a transponder being associated with the individual parts. In the transponder are stored production and delivery data regarding the individual part. The data of the transponder are read at the goods receipt and used for controlling further material flow such that the individual parts are transported in a controlled manner to subsequent process stations.

Abstract: Some embodiments include observable properties triggered upon interrogation of RFIDs. The RFIDs can be passive RFIDs, and the observable properties can be visible changes that require little power to generate, and little or no power to maintain. The visible information can include information about items tracked with the RFIDs, such as shipping information. Some embodiments include passive RFIDs utilizing a single antenna to power an integrated-circuit chip and a visual identifier. Some embodiments include methods of locating interrogated RFIDs. Some embodiments include methods of tracking items.

Abstract: A method for managing customer order alterations in a manufacturing environment is provided. A new order that comprises a new product configuration is received. The new product configuration is a modified version of an original product configuration in an existing order. A first score for a first option for building the new product configuration from scratch is determined. A second score for a second option for modifying the existing product configuration to satisfy the new product configuration is determined. A best option is determined by comparing the first and second scores and selecting an option with a lower score. The best option is presented to a user. In another exemplary embodiment additional scores for additional options for building the new product configuration from other products in existing inventory are determined. The best option is then determined by comparing all scores and selecting an option with a lower score.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for combining a plurality of items into a batch having a set number of items. Number of items are put together onto a production line to form a batch along with non-batch items which are not suitable for inclusion within the batch onto the production line. The batch is advanced on the production line as a partial batch without the non-batch item being added to it when a batch is not complete. A reminder batch is created after the non-batch items have been added to the production line and the remainder batch includes the number of items that must be added to the partial batch to make a full batch.

Abstract: There is provided a device identifying method for identifying an electronic device including therein an actual operation circuit and a test circuit having a plurality of test elements provided therein, where the actual operation circuit operates during an actual operation of the electronic device and the test circuit operates during a test of the electronic device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting duplicate shipments at one or more materials handling facilities in a distribution system. For each package processed at one or more downstream processing station(s), a destination identifier (customer/address combination) and one or more item identifiers for item(s) in the package may be obtained. An analysis of the obtained data may be performed in accordance with an analysis interval (e.g., thirty minutes or one hour). For every analysis interval, all destination-identifier/item-identifier combinations obtained in the analysis interval may be examined to determine the number of instances each destination-identifier/item-identifier combination occurred in aggregated data (a window, e.g. two weeks or one month of data). The number of destination-identifier/item-identifier combinations that have an occurrence count greater than a specified number may be counted, and if the sum is greater than a specified threshold, an alarm may be raised.

Abstract: A carrier tape package 20 is used in an electronic components placing apparatus for feeding electronic components by a tape feeder, and has a carrier tape 22 housed in a wound state on a tape reel 21. In the carrier tape package 20, a data storage unit 23, in which an IC tag 25 having carrier tape information containing identification information of electronic components P held in the carrier tape 22 is held in a holder 24, is attached to the tape reel 21. At the instant when the carrier tape 22 is mounted in the tape feeder, the carrier tape information is read out by a reader/writer belonging to the tape feeder from the data storage unit 23 mounted on the leading end portion of the tape feeder.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: A method for continuous, non lot-based manufacturing of integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type to each have a unique fuse identification (ID) includes: reading the fuse ID of each of the IC devices; advancing multiple lots of the IC devices through, for example, a test step in the manufacturing process in a substantially continuous manner; generating data, such as test data, related to the advancement of each of the IC devices through the step in the process; and associating the data generated for each of the IC devices with the fuse ID of its associated IC device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes removably securing a target to a portion of the aircraft in a predetermined position on the portion of the aircraft. The method further includes scanning the target with a scanning device to acquire information about at least one of a location and orientation of the target. The method also includes processing the acquired information to determine at least one of a location and orientation of the portion of the aircraft. In addition, the method includes working the aircraft using the processed information and removing the target from the portion of the aircraft before completing manufacture of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system for reading and identifying RFID tags of the invention is disclosed. The invention is capable of registering and storing information of a plurality of RFID tags attached to objects of the same group into a memory block of at least a specified RFID reader or RFID tag. The invention is also capable of enabling at least a specified RFID reader/tag in response to a first inquiry of an interrogator by transmitting each identification code of the plurality of RFID tags to the interrogator for acknowledgement. The method is capable of achieving the objective of reducing the overall communication time as the reader does not have to inquire one by one to the RFID tags to save the number of times of communication between the inquiry of the reader and the response of the RFID tags. In addition, the reading rate of the RFID system can be improved effectively since at least one of the RFID tags can function as a spokesman for those RFID tags hidden deeply inside a pile of the objects of the group.

Abstract: WIP status updates, as received from semiconductor manufacturing suppliers, is converted to transactions. In one approach, supply chain events, for example lot splits, lot merges, and lot scrap, are identified based on previous lot statuses and current lot statuses from the WIP status update. Identified events are interpreted as transactions, which can be used to interface with a transactional system such as an ERP system.

Abstract: A buffer station provides potential improvement for the operation of a facility. By storing to-be-accessed workpieces in the buffer stations of an equipment, the operation of the facility is not interrupted when the equipment is down. The workpieces can be retrieved through emergency access port of the buffer station, thus ensure the continuous supply of workpieces for the workpiece flow of the facility. Algorithm for getting the needed workpieces to the buffer station is also provided through a controller or a computer mechanism. The buffer station can be incorporated in a stocker, such as wafer stocker or reticle stocker.

Abstract: A method for continuous, non lot-based manufacturing of integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type to each have a unique fuse identification (ID) includes: reading the fuse ID of each of the IC devices; advancing multiple lots of the IC devices through, for example, a test step in the manufacturing process in a substantially continuous manner; generating data, such as test data, related to the advancement of each of the IC devices through the step in the process; and associating the data generated for each of the IC devices with the fuse ID of its associated IC device.

Abstract: A system and method provides computer-assisted organization of workpieces to be processed in a production process, wherein the workpiece in question is subjected to at least one processing, preferably to a plurality of different processings. A workpiece position is assigned to each workpiece, and at least one, preferably several, workpiece positions are combined in a magazine. Each workpiece position includes a device for status determination of the respective workpiece position. A control unit is provided for controlling the individual workpiece positions, and a data-processing unit is provided, which communicates with the control unit and in which the information queried from the individual workpiece positions is processed and status data is generated.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of mapping contents of a substrate carrier is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) coupling a sensor to the substrate carrier or a loadport adapted to receive the substrate carrier; and (2) determining a presence or absence of a substrate in a slot of the substrate carrier using the sensor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An automatic layout method for performing an automatic layout of components on a diagram, the automatic layout method includes: generating a layout engine control object based on an operation of an application program; selecting at least one layout engine object from a plurality of layout engine objects for calculating coordinates of the components by different algorithms, at least one layout engine object being selected based on an instruction of the application program by the layout engine control object; and creating the diagram by the application program based on the coordinates calculated by the selected layout engine object.

Abstract: The progressive tracking of items in relation to other items as they are processed and transformed through a sequence of processes executed in a workflow procedure intended to produce a finished hard copy document product for transport to a destination location, as a result of a production run, enables permission based control of one or more processing steps during the production run and/or effective scheduling of any re-do operations that may be desired upon detection of any discrepancies in the item processing operations.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for automatically identifying incongruous item packages, such as to detect incongruities in the items that are included as contents of the item packages and/or to identify incongruities in the packaging used for the item packages. In some situations, the automatic identification of incongruous packages includes initially automatically learning appropriate values for parameters of items (e.g., item weights and/or dimensions) based on automatically measured parameters of packages including those items. Those item values can then be used to estimate corresponding parameter values of sealed packages that contain those items, and to further identify incongruous item packages whose measured parameter values do not correspond to the estimated values for those parameters. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A turbine component tracking system is provided. The turbine component tracking system is advantageously adapted to determine the remaining life of individual turbine components based on how and where they are used as well as if and how they are repaired. The turbine system is also advantageously adapted to track and analyze design, manufacturing and repair changes or modifications performed on turbine components.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.