Abstract: Device for moving products from a loading station to an unloading station. Carriers on which containers for the products are arranged move along a guide in the direction of transport. The drive is implemented with the aid of a toothed belt and each carrier is provided with a locking pawl that is hingeably fixed thereto and that can come into engagement with the toothed belt. The locking pawl is furthermore provided with a tab on which an operating element, such as a cylinder, firmly fixed to the transport device is able to engage. A second set of teeth constructed as a toothed belt is present and this is arranged in a stationary position. The carrier is provided with a wheel running in this toothed belt. This wheel is provided with a non-return clutch.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movement through a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line.

Abstract: A pallet stop apparatus for interrupting the motion of a pallet or other item along a conveyor system includes a stop head having both an open arm depending and a stop arm depending therefrom and a front surface for engaging a pallet. The apparatus also includes a slide latch having a first end and a second end connected to a means for imparting generally linear motion to said slide latch to engage the open and stop arms of the stop head as said slide latch moves.

Abstract: A novel method and placement system are configured for populating a substrate with an electronic component. The placement system has a substrate holding device for receiving the substrate, a wafer holding device above the substrate holding device serving for receiving a wafer holding frame, and a vacuum forceps holding device arranged above the wafer holding device. The wafer holding frame can receive a complete semiconductor wafer divided into electronic components.

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).

Abstract: A manufacturing system that includes a plurality of worktables detachably combined with each other, each of the worktables further includes a mainframe, a transport part provided in an upper part of the mainframe and transporting a product, and a control part provided in the mainframe and controlling the transporting speed of the transport part. The manufacturing system is readily changeable in its arrangement responding to changes in the amount of production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production line (1) for assembling and/or processing components (3) transported on workpiece holders (2), incorporating several conveyor sections (5, 6a, 6b, 6c) disposed one after the other, each of which has at least one separate forward feed mechanism (15; 51) which is independent of the adjacent conveyor sections (5, 6a, 6b, 6c) and at least one co-operating guide mechanism with two oppositely lying guide tracks (20), along which the workpiece holder (2) disposed between them, incorporating guide elements to provide a height and lateral guiding action, can be moved and positioned.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components. The conveyor has a plurality of separators for receiving a flat battery component between each of the adjacent separators. The conveyor supports an end of each flat battery component with each of the flat battery components being maintained on end by the plurality of separators. A motor drive is provided for moving the conveyor for moving the plurality of flat battery components.

Abstract: A conveying device (10) for transporting transported goods includes at least one profile rail (12), at least one transported goods support (14) that is supported by the at least one profile rail and is moveable along the profile rail, and a drivable conveyor unit (16) extending along at least one profile rail (12), whereby the at least one transported goods support (14) has at least one engagement unit (20), which is in locked-in engagement with the conveyor unit (16) or can be brought into locked-in engagement with the conveyor unit. The engagement unit (20) has an engagement element (24) revolving about a bearing unit (22), and in addition, a coupling assembly that effects the revolving movement of the engagement element (24) is provided.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus of the present invention includes, on top of a movable body capable of moving along a fixed path, attachable and detachable supporting members capable of supporting a conveyance object prior to processing, and a fixed supporting member capable of supporting the conveyance object after processing in a state where the attachable and detachable supporting members have been detached, and the movable body includes accommodating sections capable of accommodating the attachable and detachable supporting members which has been detached. The conveyance object prior to assembly processing can be conveyed while it is supported by the attachable and detachable supporting members, by using the movable body (common element). In addition, the conveyance object after assembly can be conveyed while it is supported by the fixed supporting member, by detaching the attachable and detachable supporting members and accommodating the same in the accommodating section.

Abstract: There is provided a circuit board fixing table having a structure in which no vibration or shock is applied to a transport motor when a circuit board is fixed and an electronic component mounting apparatus utilizing the circuit board fixing table and capable of mounting electronic components without causing operational failures during transportation. A circuit board fixing table for transporting a circuit board placed on transport belts to a predetermined position and fixing it with an elevating fixing device, the table having a transport motor provided separately from a support member for the transport belts for driving the transport belts and power transmission mechanisms A and B for transmitting a driving force of the transport motor to the transport belts.

Abstract: A two-axis robot includes a vertical tubular post mounted for rotation about its vertical axis, with a vertically slidable shaft extending through the post. An arm on the upper end of the post projects radially outward and has a gripper assembly thereon with operable jaws for gripping a specimen tube. The robot is positioned between two reference locations, for retrieving a specimen tube from one reference location and transferring it to the other. The reference locations are located along a circle circumscribed by a central vertical axis of the gripper jaws as they swing about the rotational axis of the post.

Abstract: An installation for machining work pieces (15) comprises at least a machine tool (36). It is provided with a supply and take-down equipment (41), which is disposed before the machine tool (36) on a side of the working area (14) that faces away from the work spindle (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing jig for mounting a working object lens on a polishing apparatus that polishes the concave surface of the working object lens, a conveyor tray for exclusive use for conveying the polishing jig, and a conveying method and a conveying apparatus for conveying the polishing jig or the like with the working object lens held thereon to a working apparatus such as the polishing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movement through a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line.

Abstract: A dampening datum plate assembly for an assembly line for components, the dampening datum plate assembly having a member for moving a component from a conveyor to a datum position at an assembly station, a dampening pin assembly supported at the datum position for absorbing vibrational shock from the component moved by the moving member. The moving member has a plate on which is supported a second dampening pin assembly for absorbing vibrational shock from contact of the plate with the component. Each dampening pin assembly has a replaceable compressible pellet member that absorbs vibrational shock.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an accumulating conveyor system has at least one shoe slideably connected to a endless chain. Each shoe includes a pair of opposing, one of which is engageable with the endless chain when the shoe is positioned adjacent an upper support member, and the other is engageable with the endless chain when the shoe is positioned adjacent a lower support member. The shoe further includes a transverse roller attached to a body of the shoe and engageable with the upper and lower support members. In another aspect of the present invention, a workpiece support may be detachably connected to two shoes positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor system to form a pallet. In yet another aspect of the present invention, two or more pallets may be connected together using an anti back-flex chain to form a pallet assembly.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a cam for an accumulating conveyor system has a primary cam and a secondary cam that operably rotate about a common axis at substantially the same speed. The primary and secondary cam each have an outer circumferential surface that defines a receiving portion and a cam surface. The receiving portion of the cam is engageable with a cam follower of a shoe for moving the shoe between an upper and lower horizontal run of the conveyor. In another aspect of the present invention, the conveyor system has two sets of primary and secondary cams. One set of primary/secondary cams is positioned at a beginning of the conveyor system, while the other set is positioned at the end of the conveyor system. The primary cams are positioned at opposite corners of the conveyor system. Each cam is configured differently than the other three cams.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement of service positions for maintenance apparatus, which can travel on a guide rail along a multiplicity of similar workstations on a first side of a textile machine, wherein a maintenance apparatus in a first service position at the elevation of a machine framing of the textile machine can be pivoted away from, or transversely withdrawn from the guide rail. Per side of the textile machine, at least two maintenance apparatuses are exclusively assigned thereto, whereby the guide rail on the first side, at least at one end of the textile machine, is elongated beyond the textile machine and a second service position is placed on the elongated guide rail. In this way, it becomes possible, with a large number of workstations to assure the shortest possible duration of a standstill, wherein in the case of a failure or preventive unkeep of one maintenance apparatus, another maintenance apparatus can serve a workstation in a short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for operating a semiconductor factory. The factory comprises equipment (8) for processing semiconductor wafers, and an automated material handling system (12). The invention comprises clamping a wafer carrier (16) while a wafer is processed by a particular tool (10), continuing clamping the wafer carrier (16) after processing, and unclamping the wafer carrier (16) when the automated material handling system (12) is ready for removing the wafer carrier (16) from the tool (10).

Abstract: A novel method and placement system are configured for populating a substrate with an electronic component. The placement system has a substrate holding device for receiving the substrate, a wafer holding device above the substrate holding device serving for receiving a wafer holding frame, and a vacuum forceps holding device arranged above the wafer holding device. The wafer holding frame can receive a complete semiconductor wafer divided into electronic components.

Abstract: A work holder is provided for a through hole examination apparatus that reduces the generation of scrubbed-off metal powder caused by abrasion during the movements, and has a high operability. Also, it is an object to provide a work holder for a through hole examination apparatus that can readily adjust the holder to be parallel at low costs. A work holder 18 is provided for a through hole examination apparatus, which retains a workpiece having through holes provided therein and transfers the same between a work replacement operation region and a through hole examination region. A roller movement device 50 is mounted on the holder main body to enable a rolling movement thereof, and the roller movement device is made to be height-adjustable such that the parallel degree of the holder is adjustable.

Abstract: A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a workpiece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, where the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides a pair of assembly modules for assembling electronic components to a series of printed circuit boards or like substrates. The pair of assembly modules are operatively connected in series, and each module includes a pair of assembly stations operating in parallel within the module. Means are provided to bypass the first assembly module and deliver unpopulated substrates to the second module for processing, while simultaneously bypassing the second assembly module with substrates populated by the first assembly module. In the event that one of the assembly stations of either assembly module is inoperative, it may be bypassed and the assembly of its electronic components redistributed to the remaining, operative assembly stations to optimize the productivity of the system.

Abstract: A conveying device (10) for transporting transported goods includes at least one profile rail (12), at least one transported goods support (14) that is supported by the at least one profile rail and is moveable along the profile rail, and a drivable conveyor means (16) extending along at least one profile rail (12), whereby the at least one transported goods support (14) has at least one engagement unit (20), which is in locked-in engagement with the conveyor means (16) or can be brought into locked-in engagement with the conveyor means. The engagement unit (20) has an engagement element (24) revolving about a bearing unit (22), and in addition, a coupling assembly that effects the revolving movement of the engagement element (24) is provided.

Abstract: A modular chassis for use in a manufacturing process line wherein manufacturing process steps are performed by manufacturing devices on workpieces carried by pallets. The chassis top plate is machined attaching one or more different types of manufacturing devices to the chassis, such as a robot or automatic parts feeder. A non-synchronous incoming pallet conveyor is aligned horizontally to receive a set of incoming pallets. A pallet transfer and index module is attached and aligned to accept the set of incoming pallets from the incoming pallet conveyor. The transfer and index module includes an indexing mechanism to accurately position each of the retrieved incoming pallets in one of a plurality of workstations so that at the end of the transfer cycle the process steps can be performed on each of the workpieces.

Abstract: An automated processing system has an indexer bay perpendicularly aligned with a process bay within a clean air enclosure. An indexer in the indexer bay provides stocking or storage for work in progress wafers or articles. Process chambers are located in the process bay. A transfer robot moves wafers from a pod unsealed at a docking station into a carrier at a transfer station. The carrier has tapered or stepped outside surfaces engaging corresponding inside surfaces on a rotor within a process chamber. A process robot moves between the indexer bay and process bay to carry wafers to and from the process chambers. The process robot has a robot arm vertically moveable along a lift rail. Wafers are carried offset from the robot arm, to better avoid contamination. The automated system is compact and requires less clean room floor space.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides a pair of assembly modules for assembling electronic components to a series of printed circuit boards or like substrates. The pair of assembly modules are operatively connected in series, and each module includes a pair of assembly stations operating in parallel within the module. Means are provided to bypass the first assembly module and deliver unpopulated substrates to the second module for processing, while simultaneously bypassing the second assembly module with substrates populated by the first assembly module. In the event that one of the assembly stations of either assembly module is inoperative, it may be bypassed and the assembly of its electronic components redistributed to the remaining, operative assembly stations to optimize the productivity of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movement through a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line.

Abstract: A workpiece shift apparatus includes a bottom plate (30), a middle plate (50) slidably attached on the bottom plate, and a top plate (80) slidably attached on the middle plate and defining cutouts (86). A first pushing means is installed on the bottom plate and includes a first piston cylinder (32), a first piston rod (34), and a first handspike (38). The combined middle plate and top plate is moveable in a first direction by the first pushing means actuating the first handspike to push the middle plate. A second pushing means is installed on the middle plate and includes a second piston cylinder (56), a second piston rod (58), a third piston cylinder (70), a third piston rod (72), and a second handspike (73). The top plate is moveable in a second direction by the second pushing means actuating the second handspike sequentially inserted into the cutouts.

Abstract: A tray-positioning device comprises a driving unit and a positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit provides a plurality of sidewalls that correspond to a plurality of upper sidewalls of a tray. By allowing the driving unit to move the positioning unit toward the tray or vice versa that said individual upper sidewalls are in close contact with the corresponding sidewalls, the tray-positioning device is capable of providing precise positioning for the tray.

Abstract: A device is used for conveying printed board assemblies. Every segment of a conveyor line is provided, on both sides, with a conveyor cheek as the lateral border. Conveyor belts driven by wheels are mounted on the inner sides of the conveyor cheeks on vertically movable boards. On the upper edges of the conveyor cheeks, connector blocks are mounted on the inner side in the longitudinal direction. The connector blocks project beyond the movable boards in such a manner that, when the movable boards are lifted, the printed board is caught with its edge on both sides between the conveyor belt and the connector block.

Abstract: A transport system for the shell assembly of vehicle bodies comprises a rail system (2, 3) which connects at least two processing stations and on which at least one carriage (4), which carries the workpiece, is capable of travelling. The guidance of the carriage (4) on the rail system (2, 3) and/or the design of the said carriage permits a certain displacement of the carriage (4) transversely to the direction of movement and in the vertical direction. Disposed in the processing stations are spatially fixed positioning means (13a, 13b, 17a, 17b, 31) which cooperate with corresponding positioning means (10a, 10b, 15a, 15b, 16, 28) on the carriage and shift the carriage (4), without having recourse to any other driving source than the movement of the carriage (4) itself in the processing station, into the exact position which is necessary for processing the workpiece in the said processing station.

Abstract: Component placement machine with a frame (1) and a transport device (2) for transporting printed circuit boards (3) in an X-direction, which transport device (2) comprises at least one transport beam (7, 8) which is movable in the X-direction in a reciprocating manner, and which transport device (2) is provided with first clamping means (9) which are fixedly connected to the transport beam (7, 8) in the X-direction for clamping-in of at least one side of the printed circuit boards lying in the X-direction, while the machine is further provided with second clamping means (13) which are connected to the frame (1) and which may clamp at least one side of the printed circuit boards, such that the first and second clamping means (9, 13) are brought alternately into their active clamping positions, the first clamping means being active during the movement of the circuit boards in the positive X-direction and the second clamping means being active during the return movement of the transport device in the negative X-

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movement through a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line.

Abstract: In order to monitor the adjustment state of the entrainers (1), which are arranged in each case in pairs transverse to the feed direction (4), of a feed chain (2), it is proposed to arrange an adjusting station along the guide of the feed chain (2) and to arrange a measuring station at a spaced interval therefrom. The adjusting station serves to adjust manually the entrainers (1) in a common adjusting plane extending perpendicular to the feed direction (4), whereas the measuring station is arranged to detect the adjustment position of the two entrainers (1) in a measuring plane likewise perpendicular to the feed direction (4) and, in accordance with a tolerance field which can be defined by the user, to generate an error signal which at the same time renders it possible to identify maladjusted entrainers (1).

Abstract: An automated processing system for processing flat workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, operates by loading the workpieces into a first carrier. A process robot is adapted to engage external features of the first carrier, for lifting and moving the first carrier within the system. The process robot delivers the first carrier holding the wafers of a first size to a process chamber. The first carrier is secured in the process chamber by one or more of the external features of the first carrier. The first carrier has interior features, such as combs and slots, for holding wafers of a different first size. A second carrier has external features which are the same as the external features of the first carrier. The second carrier has inside features which are dimensioned to hold wafers of a second size, different from the first size. The automated processing system can accordingly handle or operate with both the first and second carriers, and thereby process workpieces having different sizes.

Abstract: A workpiece handling and processing system has a interface section for loading wafers from cassettes into carriers. The wafers are lifted out of cassettes by a buffer elevator and moved into a position over an open carrier by a buffer robot. A comb elevator lifts combs entirely through the open cassette, to transfer the wafers from the buffer robot into the carrier. A process robot moves loaded carriers from the interface section to one or more process chambers in a process section. The advantages of processing wafers within a carrier are achieved within a compact space and with high throughput.

Abstract: An automated processing system has an indexer bay perpendicularly aligned with a process bay within a clean air enclosure. An indexer in the indexer bay provides stocking or storage for work in progress wafers. Immersion and spin process modules are located in the process bay. A process robot moves between the indexer bay and process bay to carry wafers to and from the process modules. The wafers are processed within a carrier, reducing the potential for physical damage to the wafers. The process robot hands the carrier off to a rotor, in the spin process modules, or to an immersion elevator in the immersion module. Both spin and immersion processing are performed within an automated system.

Abstract: A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a workpiece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, where the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: An endless roller chain conveyor supports pallets, which independently travel along the horizontal runs of the conveyor, while the roller chain runs continuously. The pallets are attached in a vertical position and may be stopped and held anywhere along the conveyor using mechanically driven stop assemblies located at required load, unload, holdback, or workstation positions assigned to the particular application. The carriers or pallets are driven on the roller chain by way of a guided sprocket, adjustable clutch, alignment bar, and support roller assemblies. The pallets are guided by “V” grooved wheels or other roller or wheel arrangement securing the pallet to a track assembly fitted to the upper support structure which creates a continuous track which allows pallets to travel in a “carousel” fashion. Vertical-type pallets allow for the transport of long products as well as parts commonly carried on the horizontal style of the conveyor.

Abstract: An asynchronous system for conveying a pallet between one or more work stations and facilitating work operations upon a fixture located on the pallet. Each work station may include one or more fixed location blocks located adjacent to a conveyor. Each location block may have locating bushings and locating pads. The pallet has engagement pins and tooling pads. A lifting and locking mechanism is provided for removing the pallet from the conveyor and for locking the pallet into a rigid position such that the pallet is brought into registration, along X, Y and Z dimensions, with the one or more location blocks through connection of the engagement pins and bushings, and connection of the locating and tooling pads. Pressurized air and shielding mechanisms may be used to remove foreign particulate which may interfere with registration of the pallet and the location blocks.

Abstract: A plant for assembly of bodies with work stations and conveyance devices for conveying bodies between work stations. The conveyance devices include reference members assembled transitorily on the conveyance devices to support the body on the conveyance devices during transfer between work stations. Grasping devices are assembled in the work stations for grasping the reference members and positioning them accurately while temporarily disengaging them from the conveyance devices to accurately position the body supported on the reference members in the station space. The reference members include a grasping device to grasp the body and holding it steadily against them when operated by actuators assembled in the work station.

Abstract: A maintenance carriage (2) of a textile machine (1) is comprised of a chassis (3) for travel along a plurality of like workstations (10) and a robot (4). The Robot is so placed on the chassis that it can be brought into an inspection position (I) from a service position (W) transverse to the travel direction of the chassis and subsequently returned too the service position. In its inspection position the robot creates a traversable passage (P) with a width which is at least 40 cm between the textile machine and itself. In its service position, the robot is secured in relation to the chassis with the aid of a locking mechanism. On each longitudinal machine side (A,B), the textile machine exhibits a separate running rail (14, 140) which possesses no connection with the running rail of the other longitudinal machine side and said running rail accommodates at least one maintenance carriage.

Abstract: A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a work piece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a work piece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, wherein the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the work piece.

Abstract: In a system and method for automatically transporting and precisely positioning a work piece at a station for processing, a relatively low precision transport mechanism is utilized to transfer a chuck that holds the work piece to and from the processing station. Notwithstanding the use of the low precision transport mechanism, the chuck can be precisely positioned at the processing station by using a quasi-kinematic coupling. More specifically, the chuck is precisely located at the coupling by engaging pre-defined indexing notches at the coupling. The chuck is securely held against the coupling at the processing station by suction. The coupling may be supported on a precision stage, which is configured to further position the chuck with the work piece thereon with high precision for processing at the processing station. In another aspect of the invention, the chuck is configured to securely hold a smooth surface of the work piece by suction.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier in a machining station includes at least one positioning device. The workpiece carrier is movable on a rail system and one or more machining stations are arranged along the rail system for machining a workpiece arranged on the workpiece carrier. The at least one positioning device is arranged in an area of the machining station and has fixtures for positioning and high-precision retention of the workpiece carrier with respect to a stationary reference surface. The positioning device further includes fixtures for decoupling the workpiece carrier from the rail system, and a deceleration and acceleration device for the workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for transporting circuit boards in a screen printer. In embodiments of the present invention, a transportation system is provided for a printer that prints material on a substrate. The transportation system has the ability to independently move substrates from one position to another within the printer without moving other substrates contained within the transportation system. In one embodiment, the transportation system includes a conveyor system and a plurality of lifters that lift substrates off of the conveyor system to prevent at least one substrate from moving when other substrates are moved by the conveyor system. In another embodiment, the transportation system includes a conveyor system and a plurality of retractable pins, that are individually controllable to be raised above the conveyor system to contact at least one substrate on the conveyor system and prevent the substrate from moving when other substrates are moved by the conveyor system.

Abstract: A machining system and method of machining are provided for machining large, heavy workpieces, such as large aircraft components, that are oriented vertically affixed on a vertical, on-edge pallet. The machining system includes an upstanding workpiece support to which the transportable pallet is clamped. The pallet is large enough to support the large workpiece but is still relatively thin and light so that it can be easily transported to the machining station where the more massive workpiece support is located. The pallet lacks the necessary stiffness for accurate machining of the part thereon. The much thicker upstanding support is utilized to provide the pallet and affixed part the necessary stiffness when the pallet is clamped thereto, by a magnetic clamping arrangement. The magnetic clamping provides quick assembly and disassembly of the pallet with the support stand thereby decreasing cycle time and increasing production rates.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier (10) for conveying one or more workpieces with a belt conveyor (12,18) is described, which reduces the production cycle time of an industrial manufacturing plant. The workpiece carrier (10) includes energy storage devices (24,32,38), into which energy of motion of the workpiece carrier (10) is transferred when the workpiece carrier is braked against or stopped on the belt conveyor (12,18). The energy storage devices each include a coupling element (28,36), advantageously a friction wheel 28 or contacting piece 36, urged into continuous contact with the conveyor belt, and a spring device, advantageously a spiral spring 30 or a coil spring 34, connected with the friction wheel and put under tension when the workpiece carrier (10) is braked. If the workpiece carrier is no longer braked or stopped, the spring device is released and delivers stored energy by driving the friction wheel or contacting piece, where by the workpiece carrier (10) is additionally accelerated.