System Includes A Load Supported By A Conveyor Portion Which Is Separable From The Conveyor Drive Patents (Class 198/465.1)
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Patent number: 8397900Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jeongho Choi
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Patent number: 8386071Abstract: An automatic store and a method for storing plates of electronic circuits comprising a feed belt that feeds the plates of electronic circuits along a first plane (F); collection boxes positioned along at least one side of the feed belt and in which the plates of electronic circuits fed by the feed belt are grouped together according to quality classes; and one or more clearing stations disposed in cooperation with the feed belt in order to position the plates of electronic circuits in the respective collection boxes. The store comprises at least two rows of collection boxes disposed along at least one side of the feed belt, and a movement unit associated with the collection boxes to discharge the filled collection boxes and to position new collection boxes to be filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Applied Materials Italia S.R.L.Inventor: Andrea Baccini
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Publication number: 20130037386Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: SECURITYPOINT HOLDINGS INCInventor: SECURITYPOINT HOLDINGS INC
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Publication number: 20130037385Abstract: This invention provides a conveying apparatus which conveys a workpiece. The conveying apparatus includes a pallet which supports the workpiece, a conveyor which supports one side of the pallet in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction from below the pallet, and includes a conveyance roller for conveying the pallet and a driving source for driving the conveyance roller, and a heaving suppression guide member which extends along the conveyor, abuts against the other side of the pallet in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and suppresses heaving of the pallet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuichi ICHIHARA, Bungo Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8371563Abstract: An upper clamping unit and a sub-clamping unit are respectively configured on the upper center of the main frame and on both sides of the front of the mounting portion, a side surface pad unit and a base surface pad unit are configured on one side and the front surface portion of the main frame so as to fix the upper part of a casting block, and the casting block is supplied from the upper portion through a gantry loader such that a separate transfer device is not necessary to make the fabrication process reasonable.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Minkyu Shin, Byung Chang Kim
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Publication number: 20130032450Abstract: A high-efficiency buffer stocker is disclosed. The buffer stocker includes an overhead transport track for supporting overhead transport vehicles carrying wafer containers and at least one conveyor system or conveyor belt provided beneath the overhead transport track for receiving the wafer containers from the overhead transport vehicles on the overhead transport track. The buffer stocker is capable of absorbing the excessive flow of wafer containers between a processing tool and a stocker, for example, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of wafers between sequential process tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130001046Abstract: A workpiece supplying apparatus includes a plurality of carriers, a carrier case, a first gear pair, a guide, and a second gear pair. Each carrier includes a base and a plurality of holding portions, which project from a surface of the base. The holding portions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner and each hold workpieces. The carrier case accommodates the carriers. The first gear pair draws out each carrier from the carrier case toward a workpiece unloading position along a drawing direction. The guide guides the carrier drawn out by the first gear pair in a direction that differs from the drawing direction while bending the carrier so that its rear surface is located at an inner side. The second gear pair collects the carrier guided by the guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinya SUGIURA, Hiroki SUGIURA
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Publication number: 20120325624Abstract: A food plate carrier is carried on a conveyor line of a conveying system to transport food to the tables and seats in a restaurant. The food plate carrier includes a mounting platform having a plate resting portion for supporting a plate on which food is put, a cap member attached to the mounting platform so as to open and close with respect to the plate resting portion, to cover the plate resting portion of the mounting platform, and an open and close mechanism for allowing the cap member to close when the dish is rested on the plate resting portion and open when the dish is removed therefrom. The open and close mechanism comprises an actuator which is brought into abutment with the dish when the dish is on the plate resting portion, thereby being actuated to move relative to the plate resting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Kunihiko TANAKA
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Patent number: 8336701Abstract: A skid for supporting at least one object which is conveyable in a conveying direction inside a conveyor installation comprises at least two support runners disposed parallel to one another. Running means different from the support runners are fastened to the skid. In addition, a transfer station for transferring an above-mentioned skid from conveying means to a guide structure is specified. Also specified are a self-propelling drive unit with a chassis and a coupling device by means of which a skid can be coupled detachably to the chassis, a drive system for driving a skid and a conveyor installation, in which a drive unit is provided inside a conveying area.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Eisenmann AGInventors: Thomas Ruggaber, Joerg Robbin
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Patent number: 8333010Abstract: In an electronic component mounting apparatus that is used in an electronic component mounting line for producing a mounted substrate by mounting electronic components on a substrate and that subjects the substrate to predetermined operation, a working unit attachment section 30 is provided within a range of movement of a working head, such as a loading head and a paste coating head, wherein a nozzle stocker 9 and a paste trial coating unit 10 can be removably attached as a working unit for performing specific additional operation appropriate for working function of the working head. The nozzle stoker 9 and the paste trial coating unit 10 are attached to the working unit attachment section 30 according to the type of working head.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuzuru Inaba, Osamu Okuda, Yuji Tanaka, Tetsutaro Hachimura
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Patent number: 8322516Abstract: Pallet (1) for a conveyer system, comprising a body (2), a first guide disc (3) and a second guide disc (4) attached to the body (2), where a first slide plate (9) is mounted to the first guide disc (3) and a second slide plate (10) is mounted to the second guide disc (4), characterized in that the slide plates (9, 10) are mounted to the guide discs (3, 4) with a snap locking by means of a plurality of protrusions (11, 12, 13). The advantage of the invention is that a pallet can easily be adapted for a different use in a conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: FlexLink Components ABInventor: Göran Abbestam
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Patent number: 8312979Abstract: Workpiece conveying equipment provided with a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage and an auxiliary carriage adjacent to at least one of the front and the rear in a traveling direction of the workpiece support carriage, a first conveying path where the workpiece support carriage and the auxiliary carriage travel integrally, a second conveying path where only the workpiece support carriage travels perpendicularly and horizontally with respect to the traveling direction of the first conveying path, and a carriage diverging means provided at a branching point from the first conveying path to the second conveying path so as to separate the workpiece support carriage from the auxiliary carriage and to diverge the workpiece support carriage into the second conveying path perpendicularly and horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Ooe
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Publication number: 20120273326Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) moves a transport unit (3) having at least one running section (4, 5). The running section (4, 5) can, in particular, be configured as a runner of a skid. The conveying apparatus (1) has a support (6, 8) which takes up the weight of the transport unit (3) on the running section (4, 5). The conveying apparatus (1) includes at least one drive roller (20) which interacts with the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3) for a rolling movement and subjects the transport unit (3) to a force (FK) for movement along the support (6, 8). The drive roller (20) is operatively connected to a force-generating device (44) for providing a press-on force (FP) pressing the drive roller (20) against the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Andreas Federmann, Michael Lauer
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Publication number: 20120255833Abstract: A pallet transferring apparatus of a horizontal type machine tool according to the present invention includes: a carrier transferring a pallet and having cam guide surfaces on both sides; a servo motor; a decelerator decelerating rotational force received from the servo motor and increasing torque; a pinion converting the rotational force into linear reciprocation movement of the carrier when the pinion is installed on the side of the carrier and receives the rotational force; a rack engaging with the pinion and transferring the rotational force received from the decelerator to the pinion; and a cam follower engaging with the cam guide surface of the carrier to guide forward and backward reciprocation transferring of the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.Inventor: Gn Woo Ryu
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Patent number: 8272500Abstract: A screw driven conveyance device has a conveyance carriage driven continuously and smoothly irrespective of the presence of an air space between adjacent screw shafts. Shorter auxiliary screw shafts have a pitch equal to a pitch of the screw shaft and are placed in juxtaposition with the screw shafts. The conveyance carriage has a follower roller engaged with the screw shaft and an auxiliary follower roller engaged with the auxiliary screw shaft by deviating a position in an axial direction of the screw shaft. While the follower roller moves through the air space, the auxiliary follower roller is engaged with the auxiliary screw shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nishikawa, Teruaki Nabeta
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Patent number: 8230989Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Joseph Nazari
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Patent number: 8232103Abstract: A method for replacing a first sample carried on a moving secondary conveyor onto a moving primary conveyor at a potential interference point while the primary conveyor is transporting a second sample.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.Inventors: Kerry Lynn Miller, Frank Jay Robb, Peter Louis Gebrian, Sandor Lajos Kovacs
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Patent number: 8196287Abstract: An electronic component installation apparatus 4 which constructs an electronic component mounting line 1 and installs an electronic component on a substrate is configured to include substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3 as two conveyance paths for feed which respectively feed the substrate carried from the upstream side to the downstream side, the conveyance paths for feed in which substrate positioning parts for positioning and holding the substrate in installation work positions are disposed between two component installation parts 22A, 22B for taking the electronic components out of component supply parts 23A, 23B and transferring and installing the electronic components to the substrate, and a substrate conveyance lane L2 as a return conveyance path which returns the substrate carried from the downstream side to the upstream side and is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Awata, Wataru Hidese, Kazuhide Nagao, Takuya Tsutsumi
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Patent number: 8151972Abstract: A turnstile system for rotating manufacturing carts. The turnstile system includes a rotary assembly defining a longitudinal and a mounting assembly including a plurality of turnstile arms. Each of the plurality of turnstile arms has a first portion, a second portion, and a manufacturing cart connection.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Track Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Bogaczyk
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Patent number: 8147778Abstract: A specimen container carrier for a conveyor in a laboratory automation system which includes a circular body driven by the conveyor and container holding elements arranged in the circular body, the container holding elements being maintained in a container holding position by respective elastic elements and are connected to each other by synchronization elements forcing the specimen container to remain coaxially positioned with respect to the circular body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Inpeco IP Ltd.Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
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Patent number: 8136652Abstract: A processing station for a processing line, having a module platform (12) and a plurality of withdrawable modules (14) that can be introduced into it has a transporting device (40, 42) for transporting workpieces (59) to be processed at the processing station (10). According to the invention, the transporting device (40, 42) includes a plurality of part-transporting devices (43), and one part-transporting device (43) is associated with each withdrawable module (14) and is solidly connected to the withdrawable module (14). Moreover, at least some of the part-transporting devices 43 include a first transportation path (40), which is embodied for transporting a workpiece (56) essentially over the width of the withdrawable module (14) in a first transporting direction (T1).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl Hinderer, Paul Skljarow, Wolfram Baier, Karl-Heinz Jaeger, Stefan Pfeiffer, Frank Westphal, Joachim Frangen, Peter Schlaich, Frank Benkert, Ka-Jin Teoh, Boris Buesing
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Patent number: 8080204Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Dale Ryan, Johannes Porte
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Patent number: 8074793Abstract: A conveyor system and method of assembling same in which parts are fastened without the use of welding, clamps, or threaded fasteners such as bolts and screws is provided. A bracket and slot mechanism is used to attach one conveyor component to another. The bracket and slot mechanism allows components to be easily attached/detached by merely applying force to slide the bracket into the slot. Moreover, when engaged, the bracket is held securely in the slot so that the components do not become detached during normal operation of the conveyor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Industrial Design Fabrication & Installation, Inc.Inventor: Todd Jager
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Patent number: 8037995Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one workpiece carrier, a drive provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a plane of conveyance; an inner guide and an outer guide having a curved outer guide section and defining a conveyor track for the workpiece carrier; the inner guide includes a curved inner guide section that is assigned to the curved outer guide section. The convexly curved inner guide section is situated such that it is offset radially inwardly relative to the curved outer guide section and opposite an imagined tangential extension of a first and a second straight inner guide section.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Marco Willi, Boris Buesing, Hans-Peter Buttau
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Patent number: 7998409Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 7980383Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving objects, such as pallets, between an upper horizontal conveyor and a lower horizontal conveyor. A lift raises the pallet from a lower conveyor, and a clamp disposed above the lift with inwardly and outwardly pivotable arms, having inwardly facing fingers at the ends of the arms, clamps the pallet and raises it up to be substantially coincident with the upper conveyor's pallet-supporting surface. A pusher displaces the pallet from the fingers to the upper conveyor. The apparatus can also be operated in reverse to lower pallets from an upper conveyor to a lower conveyor if a fastener, such as electromagnets, is mounted to the end of the pusher.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: The Schnipke Family LLCInventor: Brian T. Doepker
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Patent number: 7971709Abstract: A workpiece carrier system for the loose support on a friction conveyor comprises a displacement element. The displacement element has a friction surface adjacent to drive elements, such as drive rollers of the friction conveyor for displacing the workpiece carrier system. The displacement element is connected with a carrier element for receiving a workpiece. Support elements are connected with the carrier element for absorbing part of the workpiece weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Ceratis GmbHInventors: Peter Krups, Matthias Krups
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Patent number: 7958989Abstract: A lug chain apparatus having lugs (22), an endless chain (30) and a positioning mechanism (20). The lugs (22) are releasably engageable with the chain (30). The positioning wheel (20) engages the lugs (22) and moves them along the chain (30), to predetermined locations along the chain respectively. Each lug (22) includes locking mechanism (24, 26, 31) that holds that lug (22) in a predetermined location along the chain (30) when in a locking state, and allows movement of that lug (22) along said chain (30) when in a releasing state, such that repositioning of the lugs (22) along the chain (30) is effected without removal of the lugs (22) from the chain (30).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLCInventor: Jean-Christophe Bonnain
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Patent number: 7938248Abstract: A friction conveyor system comprises a conveyor means (10) including a plurality of conveyor elements (16,18) arranged transverse to the conveying direction (12). The conveyor elements (16,18) are partly driven and partly arranged for free rotation. A workpiece carrier (30) can be loosely placed on the conveyor means (10). For conveying the workpiece carriers (30), use is made of disk-shaped transmission elements (26) connected to the driven conveyor elements (18). The transmission elements (26) are in contact with a friction element (38). The friction elements (38) are connected to an actuation element (46). By actuation of the actuation element (46), the friction element (38) is moved into disengaged position in which the transmission elements (26) are not engaged with the friction elements (38) anymore.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Ceratis GmbHInventors: Matthias Krups, Peter Krups
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Patent number: 7938249Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Winterborne, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Nazari
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Patent number: 7921990Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Crisplant A/SInventor: Brian Lynge Sørensen
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Patent number: 7921985Abstract: A conveying method for an artificial stone process comprises placing stone on a trolley equipped with a catch basin, the trolley traveling along a track set to carry the stone to a processing region which has a top bracing unit, when the trolley carrying the stone to the processing region, the catch basin being braced upwardly and separated from the trolley, an engaging mechanism receiving the catch basin and delivering it to a processing station, thereby processing the stone on the catch basin.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Jame Huang
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Publication number: 20110023419Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Patrick R. LANCASTER, III, Philip R. Moore, Richard L. Johnson
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Patent number: 7870948Abstract: A rolling conveying device including guide rails 6, 6?, 5? in which, respectively, at least one rolling body 1, 1?, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10 which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling body. The rolling body or bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed. Solely the conveying bodies are displaced, respectively, driven between the rolling bodies.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AGInventor: Walter Reist
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Patent number: 7867768Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Dale Ryan, Johannes Porte
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Patent number: 7857570Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate loading station for a processing tool includes plural load ports. Each load port is operatively coupled to the processing tool and has a mechanism for opening a substrate carrier. A carrier handler transports substrate carriers from a factory exchange location to the load ports without placing the carriers on any carrier support location other than the load ports. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Martin R. Elliott, Michael R. Rice, Robert B. Lowrance, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Eric A. Englhardt
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Patent number: 7854892Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 7850914Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Publication number: 20100276251Abstract: A conveying method for an artificial stone process comprises placing stone on a trolley equipped with a catch basin, the trolley traveling along a track set to carry the stone to a processing region which has a top bracing unit, when the trolley carrying the stone to the processing region, the catch basin being braced upwardly and separated from the trolley, an engaging mechanism receiving the catch basin and delivering it to a processing station, thereby processing the stone on the catch basin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Jame Huang
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Publication number: 20100270123Abstract: To provide a conveying device that has a simple structure and can stably travel a traveling body on which food and drink articles are placed. The conveying device comprises a conveying drive part (13) extended on the side of and along a traveling path (12) for traveling the traveling body (11) on which food and drink articles are placed, a moving body (50) moved when the conveying drive part (13) is driven, and connection means (51, 52) for connecting the moving body (50) to the traveling body (11). The connection means (51, 52) are so constituted that the connected state between the mobile body (50) and the traveling body (11) can be released when the traveling of the traveling body (11) is obstructed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: ISHINO SEISAKUSYO CO., LTD.Inventors: Haruki Ishino, Satoshi Sakajiri, Ikuo Takashima, Eiji Nakayama, Yasuhiro Tokuda, Tetsuji Kitamura
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Patent number: 7815035Abstract: A work locating conveyer, including: a locator disposed on a conveyer carriage and configured to locate and support a work; a locating jig disposed on the respective locator and configured to locate and support the works having different configurations; and a driver. The driver includes: an original position mover configured to move a main locator in such a manner that the main locator follows a moving path on the conveyer carriage to an original position on the moving path, a jig returner configured to return the main locating jig to the non-use state, a jig locating mover configured to move the main locator from the original position to a certain locating position on the moving path, and a locating jig selective mover configured to move from the non-use state to the in-use state the main locating jig that is to be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiichiro Suzuki, Setsuo Nakamura
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Patent number: 7810635Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus and a method of driving the same includes a first guide block and a second guide block, and a single ball screw shaft connected to the first and second guide blocks moves the guide blocks in an axial direction thereof. A first drive unit rotates the ball screw shaft to concurrently move the pair of guide blocks, and a second drive unit connected to the second guide block separately moves the second guide block with respect to the first guide block.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Ku Kim, Jong-Eok Ban
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Patent number: 7745755Abstract: The method of handling mail items for preparing delivery rounds in a postal sorting machine having sorting outlets with interchangeable trays, in which in order to separate the mail items of two delivery rounds at one sorting outlet, the machine causes a tray to be changed at said sorting outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: SolysticInventors: François Madar, Bruno Cartal, Nicolas Basset
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Patent number: 7694799Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic pallet exchanger of a machine tool, which can exactly decide a position of a pallet exchanging operation, and which can improve stability in operation. The automatic pallet exchanger includes an APC driving shaft (30) rotatably and elevatably standing on an APC body (20); an APC arm (40) supported on the APC shaft (30) for exchanging pallets of a processing area and a waiting area; rotating means for rotating the APC driving shaft (30); a cylinder (80) inserted on the APC driving shaft (30) and fixed on the APC body; a piston mounted on the APC driving shaft (30) for elevating the APC driving shaft (30) according to hydraulic pressure direction within the cylinder (80); a stopper (100) located within a fixed radius from the APC driving shaft (30) and fixed on the APC arm (40); and a pair of stop bolts (110A, 110B) fixed on the APC body (20) to stop the rotation of the APC arm (40) by contacting with the stopper (100) whenever the APC arm (40) is rotated at an angle of 180°.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae Yong Bae
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Publication number: 20100084245Abstract: The invention relates to a pallet actuation system moving the pallets of a moving walkway through drive chains directly engaging the lower part of the chains of traction links. The drive chain has separate drive rollers which are made of deformable and elastic materials. The links of the traction chains are connected together by connecting shafts and have teeth and claws in the lower part to mesh with the drive chain and the rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (ES/PBB) LTD.Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, José Ojeda Arenas
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Patent number: 7635245Abstract: A transporting rail unit includes a first driving mechanism driving the object to a first position on a rail. A second driving mechanism includes a member designed to displace in response to reception of a force from the object when the object moves forward to the first position from a second position in front of the first position on the rail. The second driving mechanism allows accumulation of an elastic repulsive force based on displacement of the member. The transporting rail unit allows the object to keep moving forward based on the elastic repulsive force even after the object is released from engagement with the first driving mechanism. If the second driving mechanism is interposed between the first driving mechanisms, the object can be transferred between the first driving mechanisms. A single transporting rail unit can be utilized in common. This results in reduction in the production and management costs.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Hidetaka Kaneko
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Patent number: 7628268Abstract: A device is provided for displacing gas turbines, especially during maintenance thereof. The device comprises several transporter platforms which are arranged behind each other. At least one gas turbine can be positioned on each of the transporter platforms. The or each gas turbine can be displaced by displacing the transporter platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Peter-Max Mueller, Detlef Renner
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Patent number: 7628264Abstract: A transfer device using a workpiece carrier to feed workpieces to workstations for processing. The workpieces are held firmly on the workpiece carrier by a holding device (3.1). Provided on a transfer table are guiderails that serve the linear guidance of the workpiece carrier in the “x” direction. Provided for each work station is a drive with a motor and a driving wheel that drives a double-sided toothed belt which in turn engages in a toothing of the workpiece carrier. A scale is arranged on the workpiece carrier and a stationary sensor form a position emitter whose signal enables the precise positioning of the workpiece carrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Komax Holding AGInventor: Hilmar Ehlert
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Patent number: 7600629Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor track and at least one workpiece carrier that includes a first control curve and a second control curve, and a first control curve tracker and a second control curve tracker that are assigned to the conveyor track. The first control curve tracker is arranged in a first control engagement with the first control curve, and the second control curve tracker is arranged in a second control engagement with the second control curve. The control curves and associated control curve trackers are arranged so that the at least one workpiece carrier can be deflected laterally off of a subsection of the conveyor track via the interaction of the first control engagement and the second control engagement.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AGInventors: Paul Skljarow, Delf Reumann, Boris Buesing, Karl Hinderer
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Publication number: 20090250313Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: a load area to load a substrate; an unload area to unload the substrate; a main area interposed between the load and unload areas, including a first area including a first mounting area, a second area including a second mounting area, and a third area interposed therebetween; two mounting units to mount, on the substrate, first and second components in the first and second mounting areas, respectively; a conveyor group to convey the substrate, including first to fourth conveyors, the second and fourth conveyors being capable of receiving the substrate from the first and third conveyors in the first and second areas, respectively; and a driving mechanism capable of moving at least one of the first and second conveyors between the first and third areas and moving at least one of the third and fourth conveyors between the second and third areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Akira Kimura, Katsuhiko Ohno, Atsushi Saito