Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.

Abstract: A card-shuffling device reads a suit and value of individual cards that are moved through a card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after the cards have been received into a card holding area and before the cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the card-shuffling device for use. The read suit and rank are then sent to a processor, wherein the processor identifies whether any playing card is a playing card that should be rejected from the card shuffler and the card shuffler then rejecting that playing card from the playing card shuffler.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting articles, in particular flat mail items. The sorting plant has a feed transport path, a lead-away transport path, a plurality of connecting transport paths, a plurality of storage regions, and a sorting plan. Each connecting transport path branches off from the feed transport path and issues into the lead-away transport path. The feed transport path or the lead-away transport path is configured as a storage transport path which contains the storage regions, in the form of a sequence of successive storage regions. The sorting plan assigns a storage region, to each possible feature value of a sorting feature. The sorting plant selects a storage region for each article, using the sorting plan and as a function of the measured feature value.

Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for inspecting and sorting a plurality of IC units comprising the steps of: delivering a frame containing said IC units to a unit picking station; conducting a first inspection of said units during the delivering step and recording the subsequent result; removing said units from the frame, and moving said units from the unit picking station to a flipping station; conducting a second inspection of said units during the moving step and recording the subsequent result; flipping said units to expose an opposed face said units; conducting a third inspection of said opposed face and recording the subsequent result, then; sorting said units into categories based on the recorded results from the first, second and third inspecting steps.

Abstract: A device (1) for processing a batch of small light weight objects includes a tray filling section (3) configured for scattering small light weight objects on the top surface of a tray, an inspection section (5) configured for determining for each pocket of the array of pockets a quality measure associated with the object in the pocket, a selective removal section (4) configured for selectively removing objects from the array of pockets in dependence of the quality measure for each pocket and, a control unit (11) configured for controlling the tray filling section, the inspection section and the selective removal section. The device further includes a transportation unit (7) configured for repeatedly vice versa and linearly moving the tray from a first position (8) to a second position (9) along the tray filling section, inspection section and selective removal section.

Abstract: A separating and conveying unit in which a device for sorting out incorrectly positioned cylindrical bodies, such as for hollow bodies, is arranged. The device has a roller sorter with rollers and air nozzles arranged laterally adjacent the rollers. Incorrectly positioned cylindrical bodies are blown out of the roller sorter by the air nozzles. The air nozzles can be pivoted and at least one of the air flows escaping from the air nozzles is directed at the cylindrical body at an angle of attack.

Abstract: The banknote processing device 100 includes a first upper stacking unit 102a that is provided at an upper position of the banknote processing device and stacks rejected notes; a second upper stacking unit 102b that is provided adjacent to the first upper stacking unit and stacks banknotes other than the rejected notes; first to fourth lower stacking units 106a-106d that are arranged in parallel at lower positions of the banknote processing device and stack banknotes of at least one specific denomination; and a controller 111 that controls the transport unit to transport the banknote to the first upper stacking unit when a recognition result is a rejected note, and to transport the banknote to one of the second upper stacking unit and the first to fourth lower stacking units when the recognition result is not a rejected note.

Abstract: An LED package chip classification system includes a rotation unit for transporting a plurality of LED package chips, a chip test unit, and a chip classification unit. The rotation unit includes a rotary turntable, a plurality of receiving portions formed on the rotary turntable, and a plurality of suction-exhaust dual-purpose openings respectively disposed in the receiving portions. Each LED package chip has a positive electrode pad and a negative electrode pad disposed on the bottom side thereof The chip test unit includes a chip test module adjacent to the rotation unit for testing each LED package chip. The chip classification unit includes a plurality of chip classification modules adjacent to the rotation unit for classifying the LED package chips. Therefore, the LED package chips can be classified by matching the rotation unit, the chip test unit, and the chip classification unit.

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail by severing an edge of each envelope in a stack of mail. The apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of mail. A feeder feeds the bottom envelope from the input bin to a transport that conveys the envelope along an envelope path. A cutter positioned along the envelope path severs one edge of the envelopes. A detector detects a characteristic of the envelope and a sorter sorts the envelope in response to the detected characteristic.

Abstract: A machine to sort documents includes a stacker having a tier of the plurality of pockets and a magazine positioned at one end of the stacker. A first transport and a second transport operably associated with the magazine are configured to carry the documents through the stacker. A method to sort documents includes separating the documents into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being carried by a first transport through a first end of a stacker, the second portion being carried by a second transport and through a second end of the stacker, and then merging the second portion with the first portion of documents.

Abstract: A separation method of separating first targets (2) and second targets (7) from a separation subject (101). The separation method includes: conveying the separation subject (101); distinguishing the first targets (2); obtaining positional information of the first targets (2); dropping the separation subject (101) from an end of a conveyance path; striking each of the dropping first targets with a pulsing first airflow (F1) so as to change a drop path of the first targets (2); and striking the first target, which is blown up to or above a predetermined height with a second airflow (F2) so as to change the drop path of the first target (2).

Abstract: A book case processing portion of a book production line forms a combination with a device for the removal of at least one book case from a stream of book cases conveyed in a main conveying direction along the book case processing portion of the book production line. The device includes a deposit tray that is extendible into the stream to remove the at least one book case from the stream of book cases.

Abstract: A paper sorting apparatus includes a scanning unit configured to scan an image printed on a paper, a printing ratio determining unit configured to determine a printing ratio as a ratio of an area of the printed image as scanned by the scanning unit to a whole area on the paper with the printed image thereon, a classification determining unit configured to determine a recycling classification of the paper based upon the printing ratio determined by the printing ratio determining unit, and a sorting assist unit configured to assist sorting of the paper in accordance with the recycling classification of the paper determined by the classification determining unit.

Abstract: A loading device includes a feeder having a cutout and a sensor. When a sensor detects that an item is positioned in the cutout, a motor slides the feeder out of a first component to remove the item from the first component for delivery to a second component. Alternatively, the loading device is a pivotal arm which pivots to slide the item out of the first component.

Abstract: A paper sheet counting system includes: a first paper sheet counting apparatus whose operation mode can be switched between a cooperative mode and an independent mode, the first paper sheet counting apparatus including: a first receiving unit configured to take in deposited paper sheets one by one; at least two first stacking units configured to stack therein the paper sheets; a first recognition unit configured to recognize and count the paper sheets; and a first transport unit configured to transport the paper sheets between the first receiving unit and the first stacking units, based on a recognition result of the first recognition unit; a second paper sheet counting apparatus whose operation mode can be switched between a cooperative mode and an independent mode, the second paper sheet counting apparatus being capable of communicating with the first paper sheet counting apparatus, the second paper sheet counting apparatus including: a second receiving unit configured to take in deposited paper sheets one

Abstract: Manufacturing lines include inspection systems for monitoring the quality of parts produced. Manufacturing lines for making semiconductor devices generally inspect each fabricated part. The information obtained is used to fix manufacturing problems in the semiconductor fab plant. A machine-vision system for inspecting devices includes a flipper mechanism. After being inspected at a first station, a tray-transfer device moves the tray from the first inspection station to a flipper mechanism. The flipper mechanism includes two jaws, a mover, and a rotator. The flipper mechanism turns the devices over and places the devices in a second tray so that another surface of the device can be inspected. A second tray-transfer device moves the second tray from the flipper to a second inspection station. The mover of the flipper mechanism removes the tray from the first inspection surface and places a tray at the second inspection surface.

Abstract: A packaged chip detection and classification device includes a rotation unit for transporting a plurality of packaged chips, a packaged chip detection unit, and a packaged chip classification unit. The rotation unit includes a rotary turntable, a plurality of receiving portions formed on the rotary turntable, and a plurality of suction-exhaust openings respectively formed in the receiving portions. Each receiving portion is used to selectively receive at least one of the packaged chips. The packaged chip detection unit includes a packaged chip detection module adjacent to the rotation unit for detecting each packaged chip. The packaged chip classification unit includes a packaged chip classification module adjacent to the rotation unit for classifying the packaged chips. Therefore, the packaged chip detection and classification device can be used to detect and classify no-lead packaged chips by matching the rotation unit, the packaged chip detection unit, and the packaged chip classification unit.

Abstract: An appearance inspection apparatus 1 has an aligning and conveying device 25 which has an aligning and conveying member 26 with one or a plurality of conveying passages, and a vibration exciter for alignment 37 for applying a vibration to the aligning and conveying member 26 and which aligns the inspection objects in a row and conveys them in each of the conveying passages, a slide-down mechanism 40 which has slide-down passages separately connected to the respective conveying passages of the aligning and conveying member 26 an provided to be tilted downward with respect to extensions of the slide-down passages, an imaging device 60 disposed in the vicinity of the slide-down passages for imaging the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages, and a sorting device 80 for analyzing the images of the inspection objects captured by the imaging device, judge the qualities thereof, and sorting the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages on the basis of analysis results.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: A particle sorting cell (10) comprises a cavity (12), an inlet (16) of a fluid flow (14) into the cavity, a first outlet (18) of a first part (22) of the fluid flow out from the cavity and a second outlet (20) of a second part (24) of the fluid flow out from the cavity. The second outlet is displaced from the first outlet in a first direction (Y) transverse to the flow direction (X). An acoustic generator (40) is arranged to apply an acoustic standing wave. The standing wave is transverse to the flow direction as well as to the first direction. A controller (42) is arranged to control a selective operation of the acoustic generator in dependence of an input data signal (44) associated with a particle (32) comprised in the fluid flow. The particle (32) can selectively be separated into the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.

Abstract: A pneumatic flotation machine (100) has a housing (1) with a flotation chamber (3), at least one nozzle arrangement (4) for feeding gas and a suspension into the flotation chamber as well as at least one gassing arrangement (5) for feeding further gas into the flotation chamber (3), which arrangement is disposed within the flotation chamber (3) and below the at least one nozzle arrangement (4), wherein there is furthermore at least one adjusting device (9) for changing a position of the at least one gassing arrangement (5) in the flotation chamber (3).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector in one form of the invention is provided and is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A sorting method and a sorting configuration for sorting two types of articles, particularly two types of flat mail items, on the basis of a prescribed order among the possible values of a prescribed sorting feature. The articles of the first type are sorted on the basis of the order and divided into sequences of sorted articles. A first supply and feed device in a sorting installation takes these sequences to holding apparatuses, so that each holding apparatus contains a respective sequence. A second supply and feed device takes the articles of the second article type to a respective holding apparatus. A transportation device produces a succession of sequences and articles of the second article type and transfers the succession to sorting outputs of the sorting installation. In the sorting outputs all articles have been sorted on the basis of the prescribed order.

Abstract: A component sorting and wasting device is provided with a plurality of waste boxes having respective IDs and arranged at predetermined locations for receiving components to be wasted therein and a component mounting mechanism being capable of picking up components from a component supply device in mounting the picked-up components on circuit boards and of sorting and wasting each of components which are recognized as being unable to be mounted on the circuit boards, in one of the waste boxes selected for the component to be wasted.

Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method of sorting documents utilizing an algorithm or routine that alternates an order of documents with smallest sheet count documents followed by largest sheet count documents in order to optimizes a document throughput of an inserter based on a maximum speed that documents can be collated and accumulated and an algorithm or routine for optimizing the document throughput of a dual sheet cutter by grouping even sheet count documents together on evenly paired sheet boundaries within a mailing group of printed documents, with or without the use of dynamic motion control of the inserter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting textile items into sorting bins with reduced energy consumption and improved load measuring accuracy and which provides textile item counting and sorting for a commercial laundry using vacuum air systems to move textiles into sorting bins and using a variable frequency drive to increase on/off response time of vacuum in the system.

Abstract: A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for grouping randomly oriented articles traveling on a conveyor, said conveyor having an in-feed end, an out-feed end and a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises an inspection head located in a fixed position above the conveyor, the inspection head for capturing images of the articles traveling on the conveyor, a grouping unit located in a fixed position relative to the conveyor and downstream of the inspection head and a control unit for receiving and processing the captured images from the inspection head. The grouping unit comprises a plurality of individually controllable pins, the individually controllable pins each moveable between a buffering position wherein the pin arrests movement of an article in alignment with the pin and a grouping position wherein the pin allows the article to move to a grouping location.

Abstract: Recovering metallic materials, such as copper, from waste materials. The dynamic sensor measures the rate of change of current generated by metallic materials in the waste materials. Preprocessing and post processing of the waste materials may be completed to further concentrate the amount the metallic materials recovered from the waste.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets from each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism, to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed.

Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.

Abstract: A sheet handling system is provided in which sheet handling apparatuses and a central apparatus are network connected and which can set a discrimination level of each of the sheet handling apparatuses from the central apparatus. The sheet handling apparatus has selection means which can select any one of a genuine note, a damaged note, a rejectable note, automatic setting and on-line setting, and setting means which requests the central apparatus to transmit a discrimination level when the on-line setting is selected, receives the transmitted discrimination level and sets a discrimination level.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a feed mechanism, a plurality of unloading mechanisms, a support mechanism, a measurement mechanism, a marking mechanism, and a plurality of transfer mechanisms. The plurality of transfer mechanisms is between the support mechanism and the feed mechanism or the plurality of unloading mechanisms, the measurement mechanism and the marking mechanism are on one side of the support mechanism and aim at different stations of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A laboratory storage and retrieval system and a method to handle laboratory sample tubes are disclosed. The laboratory storage and retrieval system for storing sample tubes and retrieving stored sample tubes comprises a rack handler section (12) and a storage section (14), the rack handler section (12) comprising a transport system and a determination unit, wherein the transport system receives and transports incoming primary racks (PR) containing sample tubes (S) to the determination unit for determining at least one given parameter of the sample tubes (S) relating to predetermined sort criteria in order to have the transport system unload the sample tubes from the analysed primary rack (PR) and resort the unloaded sample tubes into appropriate storage racks (SR) depending on the determined sample tubes' sort criteria parameter for storage in the storage section (14) in the storage racks.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic chip including a channel through which a liquid containing micro-particles flows, and a gas jetting section configured to jet a gas toward the micro-particle-containing liquid ejected from the channel is provided.

Abstract: A surface mount process, a surface mount system, and a feeding apparatus thereof are provided. The surface mount system includes a feeding apparatus and a surface mount apparatus. The feeding apparatus includes a vibrating tray feeder module, a vibrating linear feeder module, and a component recycling module. The vibrating tray feeder module has a circular vibrating conveyer belt with a vibrating tray output end. The vibrating linear feeder module has a linear vibrating conveyer belt connected to the vibrating tray output end and has a linear vibrating output end opposite the vibrating tray feeder module. The component recycling module is disposed under the vibrating tray feeder module to recycle the rejected components. The surface mount apparatus has a component receiving unit corresponding to the linear vibrating output end of the vibrating linear feeder module.

Abstract: This invention has as its object an automatic process and machine for inspecting and sorting non-metallic objects.

Abstract: Yarn package sorting conveyer systems and methods using multiple conveyers based on weights, colors or other characteristics of the packages or yarns. The system may include a first conveyer that serves as a timing belt, a second conveyer that serves as a weighing belt, and a third conveyer that serves as a sorting/exit belt, but fewer or more conveyers and alternative conveyer mechanisms may be used. The conveyers may be controlled by programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with touch screen interfaces or other suitable control mechanisms and systems.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for selecting one or more seeds from a group of seeds based on a predetermined characteristic of the selected seeds are provided. In various embodiments, the seeds are selected from multiple containers of seeds and re-configured into a single container for later use. The apparatus includes an array of seed selectors that expel the selected seeds from the corresponding compartments through contact with the compartments. A transfer member then directs each expelled seed to a cavity of a collection tray or into an envelope or other receptacle. A controller may run operation of the apparatus and associate the selected seeds with the cavities and/or receptacle into which they are deposited. In this way, numerous seeds may be automatically selected substantially simultaneously or in rapid succession and re-configured in a short period of time and with limited user intervention.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve comprising: a valve main body formed in which are a gas pressure chamber that takes in compressed gas supplied from the outside as well as a gas release channel through which the compressed gas is released from the gas pressure chamber; a valve body placed in the gas pressure chamber to open and close the gas release channel; a piezoelectric element that generates, in the form of displacement, a driving force needed to operate the valve body; at least one displacement amplification mechanism that amplifies a displacement of the piezoelectric element and causes it to act upon the valve body; and a driving means for applying voltage to the piezoelectric element in order to drive the valve body to open the valve and thereby open the gas release channel; wherein such piezoelectric valve is characterized in that the driving means applies voltage to the piezoelectric element in multiple stages so as to suppress fluctuation in the amount of gas ejected from the gas release channel when the valv

Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through the processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual final pass counts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of simply and rapidly conveying objects having no detected abnormalities, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for use in the conveying method and apparatus. When abnormalities on semiconductor wafers in a wafer boat are detected, abnormality positions and types of abnormalities are identified and skip positions are determined (Step S4). A withdrawal process on the wafers at the skip positions is skipped whereas an automatic withdrawal process on the wafers having no detected abnormalities is performed (Step S5). Continuously, when some of the wafers remain in the wafer boat (Yes at Step S6) and automatic withdrawable wafers exist (Yes at Step S7), an automatic withdrawal process on the automatic withdrawable wafers is performed (Step S8). Thereafter, a manual withdrawal process on the remaining wafers is performed (Step S10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for a stack composed of book covers for production of finished books. The book covers are compiled, stacked one above another in an unknown or known sequence and provided with unknown cover information to form a task stack. The book covers of the task stack have identical cover formats. The book covers are separated out and conveyed from the task stack as separate book covers in a sequence that does not change for the following method steps, until a completion signal is transmitted. The separated out book covers are counted, an identifier on each separated out book cover is detected, and cover information is read out of the respective identifier and temporarily stored. The separated out book covers are deposited one on top of the other in the sequence in which they were separated out for forming a detected stack. An identifier is stored that identifies the detected stack together with the temporarily stored cover information.