Abstract:
A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain first measured characteristics of a first sample and second measured characteristics of a second sample, the first sample having a substantially different characteristic than the second sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the first and second measured characteristics; a corrective action database to define and select actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the first and second measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signal to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
Abstract:
A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) a having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (14) is deposited on the back metal contact. A photoactive film deposited on the semiconductor absorber layer (14) forms a heterojunction structure and a grid contact (24) deposited on the heterjunction structure. The flexible metal substrate (12) can be constructed of either aluminium or stainless steel. Furthermore, a method of constructing a solar cell is provided. The method comprises providing an aluminum substrate (12), depositing a semiconductor absorber layer (14) on the aluminum substrate (12), and insulating the aluminum substrate (12) from the semiconductor absorber layer (14) to inhibit reaction between the aluminum substrate (12) and the semiconductor absorber layer (14).
Abstract:
The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.
Abstract:
The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to new methods for manufacturing photovoltaic devices and an apparatus for practicing those methods of manufacture. The present invention employs a transfer-through system for advancing work piece substrates through an integrated apparatus of multiple treatment chambers that control each of the manufacturing processes.
Abstract:
A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system comprising a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.
Abstract:
The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.
Abstract:
A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination. In this aspect, an interrogator transceiver at a first destination interrogates an RFID tag transceiver on the object, and in response the tag transmits its intended destination.
Abstract:
An adjustable eyeglass temple is disclosed that provides fast and easy adjustment. The primary adjustment mechanism is a two piece telescoping temple that is adjusted by a screw within the temple. The screw is accessible from the front portion of the temple allowing the temple to be adjusted while the eyeglasses are being worn. It is also possible for glass wearers to make the adjustments by themselves, while wearing the glasses. Two types of removal caps are disclosed. These caps cover the access port to the adjusting screw. One cap mearly acts to conceal the screw, while the other cap is fitted with a plug that engages the screw slot, thereby allowing adjustment of the temple without removing the cap.Form fitting ear and nose pads are also disclosed. These pads will conform to the surface they contact, in the presence of body heat, and then set rigidly in the form fitting shape. Alternatively, oil-filled membranes can be substituted for the form fitting material.