Abstract: A vacuum hold-down apparatus retains a wafer in a desired position and orientation. A vacuum chuck assembly of the vacuum hold-down apparatus has a vacuum chuck surface with a vacuum communication aperture. A venturi vacuum generator is fixed with respect to the vacuum chuck assembly and communicates with the vacuum chuck surface via the vacuum communication aperture. A positive pressure fluid line communicates with the venturi vacuum generator.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes: a rotary shaft supported by a bearing provided on a bearing base; and a casing housing the rotary shaft at least in part. The casing includes at least one support leg configured to support the casing on a base plate of a support structure member, and a support leg of the at least one support leg is supported on a support leg base provided on the base plate. The rotary machine further includes a height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust height of the casing, and the height adjustment mechanism includes an inclined surface of a support leg formed on the support leg, an inclined surface of a support leg base formed on the support leg base while facing the inclined surface of the support leg, and an actuator configured to move the support leg and the support leg base relative to each other.

Abstract: A pellicle removal tool including a stage that holds a photomask and an associated pellicle, two or more arms positioned around the stage and configured to engage pellicle side wells of the pellicle, and two or more actuators each configured to adjust at least a vertical position of a corresponding one of the two or more arms so as to apply a lifting force to the pellicle for removal of the pellicle from the photomask.

Abstract: Fixtures including supports for holding various components are disclosed. The fixtures may include a first member including two opposing side rails positioned opposite and parallel to one another, and at least two supports extending between each of the two opposing side rails. The at least two supports may contact removable features formed on the component. The fixture may also include a second member contacting the first member. The second member may include two opposing side rails positioned opposite and parallel to one another. The two opposing side rails of the second member may be positioned on and may contact the two opposing side rails of the first member. The second member may also include at least one support extending between the two opposing side rails of the second member. The at least one support may contact removable features formed on the component.

Abstract: A workpiece placement platform device including: an X-axis direction positioning member provided on one side of a placement platform on which to place a plate-shaped workpiece and configured to position one side edge of the workpiece in an X-axis direction by contacting the one side edge; a Y-axis direction positioning member provided on another side of the placement platform and configured to position another side edge of the workpiece in a Y-axis direction by contacting the another side edge; and a workpiece positioning member that is movable in and out relative to a workpiece placement surface of the placement platform and configured to partition the workpiece placement surface into sections in the X-axis direction and enable simultaneous positioning at the sections on the workpiece placement surface.

Abstract: An adaptable assembly line work-piece processor for use at a work station includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor further includes, but is not limited to, a reconfigurable interface assembly attached to the work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor still further includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece manipulator attached to the reconfigurable interface assembly. The work-piece supporter, the reconfigurable interface assembly, and the work-piece manipulator are configured to cooperate to sequentially support and manipulate a plurality of differently configured work-pieces.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a tool includes a first shroud pivotally attached to a first jaw of the tool and having a trough-shaped first body with a first gap and a first side section with a first aperture. A second shroud is pivotally attached to a second jaw and has a trough-shaped second body with a second gap and a second side section. An arm is pivotally attached to the first and second shrouds, disposed in the first and second gaps, and has a slot aligned with the first aperture and communicating with both a periphery and a pin mount of the arm. Rotatably mounted in the pin mount is a pin with a threaded aperture aligned with the slot. An adjustment screw passes through the first aperture and the slot and engages the threaded aperture. The screw head has a distal bearing surface restrained by the first side section.

Abstract: A measuring assembly for measuring the contour of a workpiece has a measuring probe that is pivotably supported and deflectable about a first axis (measuring axis) in order to contact a surface of the workpiece, and has a second axis that is associated with the workpiece. The first axis and the second axis are parallel or approximately parallel to one another for radially contacting a surface of the workpiece. A device for rotating the measuring probe and the workpiece relative to one another is provided, such that the measuring probe contacts the surface of the workpiece during the rotation, and a device for plotting the angular deflection of the measuring probe as a function of the particular rotational position of the workpiece relative to the measuring probe is provided.

Abstract: A conveyance jig provided for integrally conveying a separate type control panel with a machine tool that are disposed separately, includes a fixing section with respect to a base and a holding section that holds a separate type control panel in a state of being installed on a movable stand with casters at the rear of the base in order to integrally conveys a machine tool including the base and a processing module that is movably installed to be movable in the front-rear direction along a straight line rail provided on the base separately with a gap in a width direction, and the separate type control panel that is installed on the movable stand with casters and disposed separately from the machine tool.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a loader configured to position a workpiece in a holding fixture. In some embodiments, the holding fixture includes an opening configured to removably receive the workpiece therein and hold the workpiece in a target position within the opening. The apparatus also includes position detecting means configured to translate a sensor to a predetermined location relative to the holding fixture and further configured to translate the workpiece by a predetermined increment relative to the predetermined location to position the workpiece in the target position.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a nut and screw assembly, a thrust tube that extends axially from the nut and out the cylinder, a drive assembly mounted to the cylinder for rotating the screw to effect axial translation of the nut relative to the screw, thereby causing the thrust tube to axially extend or retract relative to the cylinder, and an anti-rotate feature for restricting rotation of the nut relative to the cylinder. The anti-rotate feature may include a guide member coupled to the nut and including at least one key on one of the guide member or the cylinder and at least one corresponding slot on the other of the guide member or the cylinder that engages on the key. The guide member may be allowed limited movement relative to the nut and/or the cylinder thereby preventing binding of the nut relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: A work holding device includes a substantially C-shaped first frame that includes a first end and a second end and is rotatable about a first center axis that is located therebetween, and a substantially C-shaped second frame that includes a third end located between the first end and the first center axis and a fourth end located between the second end and the first center axis, the second frame being rotatable about a second center axis that passes the third end and the second end and is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first center axis. A groove into which an edge of a work is insertable is provided in the second frame.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable thread processing machine includes a base, a rocker arm, a rocker-arm toothed wheel, an idle wheel, a driven toothed wheel, and a processing unit. The base includes a power source with a drive shaft. The rocker arm is fixed to the drive shaft which rotates about a drive axis. The rocker-arm toothed wheel is pivotally sleeved on the drive shaft. The idle wheel is pivotally disposed on the rocker arm and engaged with the rocker-arm toothed wheel. The driven toothed wheel is pivotally disposed on the rocker arm to engage with the idle wheel and rotates around a driven axis which is located a first distance D1 from the drive axis. The processing unit includes a machining spindle fixed to the driven toothed wheel, and a machining head which rotates around a machining-head axis which is located a second distance D2 from the driven axis, and D1=D2.

Abstract: A circular saw conversion table device supports a circular saw in position for use as a table saw. The device includes a panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge extending around and between the top surface and the bottom surface. A slot extends through the panel. A track is coupled to the bottom surface of the panel. The track extends around the slot. The track defines a lip configured for receiving and supporting a deck of a circular saw such that the a blade of the circular saw extends through the slot and projects from the top surface of the panel. A stand is coupled to the panel and configured for supporting the panel on a surface.

Abstract: In order to increase safety, flexibility and simplicity when handling a wind turbine nacelle compared to known solutions and devices, there is disclosed a wind turbine nacelle including a supporting structure, a nacelle housing and a plurality of handling devices to be used when handling the wind turbine nacelle. The four handling devices are connected to the supporting structure, and each of the handling devices includes an integrated moveable part. The integrated moveable part is moveable between a first position and a second position, and the integrated moveable part is inside or is flush with the nacelle housing in the first position and is extending out of the nacelle housing in the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a platform attachment for use with a power hand tool which has a housing with a front nose portion with a rotary output shaft extending therefrom, and a tool holding mechanism on the output shaft for holding a tool, the attachment comprising a mounting component having an opening generally aligned with the output shaft through which a tool can extend, a platform component having a base portion and a platform portion, the base portion being adjustably attached to the mounting component, the platform portion having an outer generally planar main surface that is perpendicular to the axis and having an opening through which a tool can extend, and a generally planar secondary surface that extends downwardly from the main surface at a predetermined angle relative to the axis, and a mechanism for releasably locking the platform component on the mounting component.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a table rotatable on the base, and a plurality of arms extending above the table's top surface and extending laterally for supporting differently sized cylindrical objects above the top surface. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously adjusts the arms rotationally, such that the ends of the arms can be automatically adjusted to support any one of the differently sized objects without further change. A controller is programmed to automatically control the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a center gear connected to planetary gears on each of the arms, and a center shaft that extends upwardly through a tubular drive shaft, the center shaft being movable between a lowered position where the arms are locked to the table and a raised position where the center gear is fixed to the base such that the arms adjust position when the table is rotated by its drive mechanism.

Abstract: An adhesive fastening element (602) for holding a workpiece (608), the adhesive fastening element (602) comprising: a body (604, 606) defining a recess (642) for receiving a protrusion (644) of the workpiece (608); wherein, in use, adhesive is applied between an end surface of the recess (642) and an end surface of the protrusion (644) and between a side surface of the recess (642) and a side surface of the protrusion (644) to bond the workpiece (608) to the adhesive fastening element (602). The workpiece (608) may be aligned with a reference point on the adhesive fastening element (602) and the adhesive cured to fix the position of the workpiece (608) relative to the adhesive fastening element (602).

Abstract: A device and a method for processing flat substrates, such as circuit boards or the like to be printed, is provided. The substrate can be fed resting on a transport device on two opposite side edge regions, can be first lifted from below for the purpose of processing through supports and pressed against corresponding hold-down pieces in the side edge regions, and can be clamped on the corresponding side edges of the substrate in this position, resting on the supports, between two clamping strips, whereupon the hold-down piece can be lowered to the side away from the substrate and the clamping strip and further below the region of the upper side of the substrate thus loaded, such that full-surface processing can take place.

Abstract: A production system includes a workpiece stocker, a dual-arm robot, and a second robot. A workpiece is to be placed on the workpiece. The dual-arm robot is arranged at a transportation access portion of the workpiece stocker. The second robot is arranged to face a forward portion of a torso of the dual-arm robot.

Abstract: A test platform includes a supporting member, an annular first slide rail below the supporting member, and an annular conductive second slide rail below the first slide rail. The second slide rail is electrically connected to a power source. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is mounted on a bottom of the supporting member. A power socket is mounted on the supporting member and electrically connected to the UPS. A number of first wheels are mounted on the bottom of the supporting member. Each first wheel rests on and can roll along the first slide rail. A number of conductive second wheels are mounted on a bottom of the UPS. Each second wheel rests on and can roll along the second slide rail.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate stage which can transfer a substrate at a high speed. In the substrate stage of the present invention, auxiliary mounting tables are attached to a main mounting table, and lower rails are arranged over on the main mounting table and above the auxiliary mounting tables. When both ends of the lower rails are bent upwardly by a vertically adjusting unit in order to prevent the both ends of the lower rails to be bent downwardly, the lower rails are made straight. Since the lower rail is not divided, the linearity is ensured and the moving plate does not stutter so that transfer of the substrate at high speed can be performed.

Abstract: A rotation jig device may include both side housings that are disposed at both sides, a reverse gear that is disposed inside both side housings, a groove portion, front and rear side connection gears that are engaged with the reverse gear in both side housings, front and rear side pinion gears that are disposed at the front/rear side connection gear to be rotated, a rack gear that penetrates both side housings to be engaged with the front and rear side pinion gears, an advanced/retreat cylinder that is connected to each rack gear of both side housings to move each rack gear backward or forward, and a clamping portion that is disposed at the reverse gear and rotates with the reverse gear to clamp the workpiece.

Abstract: Boot machining device for angular adjustment of a boot sole. The device includes a support frame, a substantially flat board, or flat frame, connected to the support frame and provided with an opening larger than the sole of the boot in order to provide access, securing arrangement fixed in the support frame for securing the boot in the device such that it is accessible from the top side, arrangement for adjusting and locking the angular position of the boot sole around a transverse axis of rotation, and a machining tool carrier for supporting a machining tool, said tool carrier is slidably arranged on the substantially flat board, or flat frame. The sole of the ski boot, after adjustment of the desired angle in transverse and/or longitudinal direction is machined to be substantially parallel by moving the tool carrier in the plane of the substantially flat board, or flat frame.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning an object in respective axis directions of an X-axis, a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis and positioning the object around the Z-axis within a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis is provided. A fastener detachably fastens the retainer. A gap is formed between a first reference surface of the retainer and the second reference surface of the fastener when a fixing shaft of the retainer is inserted into a fixing hole of the fastener, an outer surface of a pyramid part of the fixing shaft fits to an inner surface of the fixing hole and the object is positioned in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a workpiece in a desired position is provided. The system includes a first driving device and a second driving device. The first driving device and the second driving device are used to drive the workpiece to move. The system further includes a third driving device and a fourth driving device for driving a first block and a second block to move. The moving direction and moving distance of the workpiece is determined according to a difference between a standard value and a distance that the first block and the second block have travelled.

Abstract: A conveyor and a deposition apparatus, and a maintenance method thereof are disclosed. The conveyor includes a frame; a lower support mechanism for supporting a carrier on which is longitudinally mounted a substrate and for transferring the carrier; and an upper support mechanism for supporting the carrier, in which the frame comprises a lower frame and an upper frame, and in which the lower support mechanism is provided on the lower frame and the upper support mechanism is provided on the upper frame, the upper frame and the lower frame being configured to be separately movable. Therefore, with the rotational movement of the upper frame, it is possible to arrange a cathode member in a space formed above the lower frame. This can make the spacing between the deposition treatment passage and the carrier transfer passage small. As a result, it is possible to make an inner court of the deposition apparatus narrow.

Abstract: A system for painting a structure includes a motorized, wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes a frame and a lift structure coupled with the frame. The system also includes a support structure supported by the lift structure, and a table supported by the support structure. The table is translatable relative to the support structure. The system also includes a mount structure rotatably coupled with the table and a kit of parts that includes a spray head assembly configured for releasable attachment to the mount structure. The system further includes a paint reservoir and a pump, each being supported by one of the vehicle and the support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are an absorber, in which the positions of absorption pads are automatically adjusted according to sizes of substrates, and an apparatus for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel having the same. The absorber includes an absorption plate gate attached to a robot arm having a transfer hand through a turn unit; and an absorption unit assembly mounted on the lower surface of the absorption plate, and the absorption unit assembly includes a middle absorption unit; a left absorption unit located at the left side of the middle absorption unit; a right absorption unit located at the right side of the middle absorption unit; an absorption support unit to guide moving routes of the absorption units and fix the absorption units to the absorption plate; and absorption pads respectively formed on the absorption units such that the positions of the absorption pads are adjusted according to sizes of substrates to allow the absorption pads to absorb the substrates.

Abstract: A dual resolution translation stage includes a stage assembly operable to receive an optical element and a low resolution adjustment device mechanically coupled to the stage assembly. The dual resolution stage also includes an adjustable pivot block mechanically coupled to the stage assembly. The adjustable pivot block includes a pivot shaft. The dual resolution stage further includes a lever arm mechanically coupled to the adjustable pivot block. The lever arm is operable to pivot about the pivot shaft. The dual resolution stage additionally includes a high resolution adjustment device mechanically coupled to the lever arm and the stage assembly.

Abstract: High precision machining is enabled by eliminating the need for a conventional swiveling table, and by enhancing rigidity for supporting a work by relatively reducing the distance from the top surface of a stationary body section (1) to the position for machining a work by means of a tool on a rotary spindle (17). A pair of guide tracks (28a, 28b) respectively passing two positions separated in the X axis direction of the stationary body section (1) and in the Z axis direction intersecting the X axis direction perpendicularly are allowed to guide feed tables (30a, 30b) to be movable independently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5).

Abstract: An XY translation stage includes a primary drive mechanism and a stage drive assembly. The primary drive mechanism rotates the stage drive assembly about an axis of rotation. The XY translation stage also includes an object stage that orbits freely in a defined plane without rotation of the object stage out of that defined plane. A stage pin associates the stage drive assembly with the object stage such that rotational movement of the stage drive assembly yields orbital movement of the object stage within the defined plane. The positioning of the stage pin relative to the axis of rotation is adjustable such that the diameter of the orbital movement of the object stage is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly an auto body component in a reference position, comprises a clamping device, which can be attached to a carrier head, and which extends over the measurement object and holds it against the carrier head, and comprises a clamping element that can be placed against the measurement object. The clamping device comprises a lockable slide for adjusting the position of the clamping element.

Abstract: A fixing structure (10) of a distribution member has a plurality of pins provided on one of an annular distribution member and a stator in a predetermined arrangement relation in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of holes provided in the other one of the annular distribution member and the stator so that the plurality of pins are fitted thereinto, respectively. In the fixing structure, each pin and a corresponding hole form one fitting set and the tightening margin of each fitting set has a different value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide apparatus including a guide member located on a base, and a moving member movable along the guide member. The guide apparatus comprising a plurality of plate members each including a portion facing the base and extending from the portion in a direction to separate from the base, wherein the plurality of plate members are located apart from each other in a direction to separate from the moving member.

Abstract: An X-Y table includes a platform and a frame which has an X and Y-truck trough. An X-plane truck is slideably held in the X-truck trough. A Y-plane truck is slideably held in the Y-truck trough. As the motor/actuator with drive mechanisms moves the frame in an X-direction the Y-truck moves through the Y-trough and as the motor/actuator with drive mechanisms moves the frame in a Y-direction the X-truck moves through the X-trough, thereby moving the frame in both the X-direction and the Y-direction.

Abstract: A positioning machine includes a base, a support portion mounted on the base for supporting a workpiece and a first positioning mechanism received in the recessed portion. The base defines a recessed portion. Two sidewalls of the recessed portion respectively define a pair of first tracks. The first positioning mechanism includes a first motor, a first coupler, a first positioning block, a first screw rod, and a first nut movably mounted over the first screw rod and fixed to a low surface of the support portion. The first coupler is forced by the first motor to drive the first screw rod to rotate to drive the first nut to move along the first screw rod, causing the support portion to be moved along the first tracks, and the workpiece to be moved in a predetermined position relative to the base.

Abstract: A substrate holder and method for using it to move a substrate. The holder comprises a frame having an inner periphery defining a first opening for receiving the substrate, and a shoulder projecting laterally inward from the inner periphery of the frame for supporting the substrate in the first frame opening. The shoulder has an inner periphery defining a second opening smaller than the first opening for receiving a substrate support. The holder and a substrate therein is moved to a position above the substrate support and then lowered to a position in which the shoulder of the holder is positioned below a top surface of the substrate support and the substrate is deposited on the top surface of the substrate support.

Abstract: A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for clamping a panel comprising: a base frame; first movable units mounted on left and right portions of the base frame and adapted to reciprocate first sliding plates between the left and right; second movable units mounted on front and rear portions of the base frame between the first movable units and adapted to reciprocate second sliding plates between the front and rear; first clamping units movable between the left and right through the first sliding plates, and movable upward and downward through first vertically-movable means; a second clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through second vertically-movable means; and a third clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through third vertically-movable means.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting components on a vessel having a boss with an adapter and a method of attaching. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an adjustable frame including a support positioned between a first end and a second end, a fixed clamping device attached to the first end of the frame and including a lower plate and pivotally attached upper plate such that at least one of the lower and upper plates has a shaped jaw formed therein to hold a first adapter. The assembly further includes a rotatable clamping device made up of a lower clamping plate along with a lower plate rotatably attached to the lower clamping plate, and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate. At least one of the lower and upper plates have a jaw formed therein to hold a second adapter.

Abstract: An embodiment of a multiple axis positioner comprises a main headstock that has a main hollow bore. A main indexing table is attached to the main headstock. The main indexing table has a through-hole near the its center. The through-hole aligns or is substantially coaxial with the main hollow bore of the main headstock. The embodiment of the multiple axis positioner further includes at least three minor headstocks mounted to the main indexing table. The at least three minor headstocks have minor hollow bores.

Abstract: A centering device (1) for flat workpieces, especially sheet-metal blanks to be processed in a press, comprises a first table, which can be rotated about a first vertical axis, for receiving a workpiece and a second table, which can be rotated about a second vertical axis, for receiving a workpiece. The second table is arranged to the side of the first table, and a support level of the first table coincides substantially with a support level of the second table. The device furthermore comprises a rotation mechanism coupled mechanically to the first table and to the second table allowing the first and the second tables to be rotated jointly about a third vertical axis to form a common supporting surface. In an alternative operating mode, the tables are rotated individually about the spaced vertical axes of rotation and thus move relative to one another.

Abstract: Alignment assembly is used to center a sample on a moving stage system. The alignment assembly includes a pair of slides stacked on a stage with linear perpendicular movement relative to each other, and at least one actuator that is preferably physically separate from the linear slides and stage. The actuator(s) repeatedly extend an actuator arm to move the linear slides, and retract the arm for subsequent movement of the stage during and after the process of centering the sample in two dimensions on the stage. Either the stage system rotates, or multiple actuators are placed to move the alignment system in perpendicular directions relative to the stage, by repeatedly contacting only the top linear slide.

Abstract: A twisted resin panel of typically several feet in length can be twisted after being subject to heat, pressure, and a rotation assembly. In one implementation, a manufacturer can clamp opposing ends of a heated resin panel, such as a panel comprising a one or more layers (e.g., tie/EVA layer, image layer(s), etc.) thermoformed within opposing resin sheet layers. The manufacturer can then elevate the resin panel, and then twist at least one end of the resin panel to a specified degree to achieve a desired aesthetic. Upper securing means (e.g., vertical clamps, rig hardware) at the upper end of the resin panel can be configured to move up or down during the twist of the resin panel in order to accommodate length variations thereof. Upon twisting, the resin panel will then cool into the desired position, and thus be used for any number of decorative architectural purposes.

Abstract: A mobile measuring platform, comprises a fixing seat; a driving assembly fixed to the fixing seat, the driving assembly comprises an electric motor and a leadscrew driven by the electric motor; two leading guides mounted on the fixing seat; each of the two leading guides comprises a slide member parallel to the leadscrew, and a guide track slidably sleeved on the slide member; a sliding assembly fixed to the guide track of each of the two leading guides; and a driving guide comprising a slide member perpendicular to the leadscrew and a guide track slidably sleeved on the slide member of the driving guide; wherein the guide track of the driving guide is driven by the electric motor via the leadscrew, the slide member of the driving guide is fixed to the sliding assembly, and the two leading guides and the driving guide are all gas hydrodynamic guides.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tool indexer assembly, a computer numerically controlled machine that includes such tool indexer assembly, and associated methods. The assembly in one embodiment includes a turret and an indexer, the indexer including a portion that is movable with respect to the turret and that includes plural tool station configured to receive plural tool structures. The tool indexer is disposed on a facet of the turret, and, in some embodiments includes a table that is rotatable about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the turret. In another embodiment, a tool indexer includes a clamping mechanism having a source of pressurized fluid and a piston that is hydraulically actuated by the pressurized fluid and movable to a clamping position. The assembly further includes a conduit for delivery of the pressurized fluid proximal the tool structure as coolant fluid.

Abstract: A fine positioner module is used to perform fine positioning of a device that is pressing against a work surface. In some embodiments, the fine positioner module includes a contact member for making contact with a work surface, a position adjustor for using the contact member to move the device along the work surface, and an actuator for relieving pressure of the device against the work surface while the contact member is used to move the device along the work surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot system in which a robot and a positioner are combined with each other. In the robot system, footprint is reduced and a production line having a short tact time between steps is formed. The robot system includes a work object, robots that perform a work operation on the work object, and positioners that position the work object, wherein the robots are provided on frame members of the positioners.