Abstract: A method and system for trans-loading solid particulates from a hopper to a storage container, by clamping a trough to a discharge gate of the hopper, the trough having an open top, sides, and a bottom, a vacuum pipe extending into the trough, and at least one aerator located on the trough, to which is provided an aerating gas. The method further comprises at least partially evacuating the storage container to cause at least a partial vacuum therein and drawing a vacuum through a conveyor hose connected to the trough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying in translation, in a transport zone, glass containers (2) held in a suspended position between two slide rails on which slides a counter-ring (7) arranged on each container which has a ring surface (8) defining the opening of the container, the method consisting of ensuring the movement in translation of the containers (2) by a bearing surface (18a) of at least one belt (18) driven in translation and exerting mechanical pressure on each ring surface (8) of the containers (2) to create a bond by adherence between each ring surface (8) of the containers and the bearing surface (18a) of the belt.

Abstract: In a cushion supply system for a logistic center, for example a warehouse or a dispatch hall, which comprises a cushion source for providing cushion products, such as cushion pads, in particular paper cushion pads; several packing stations at which containers can be loaded with goods and filled with cushion products; and a cushion transport system, such as a belt conveyor, for transporting the cushion products from the cushion source to the packing stations, the one cushion source is configured to supply said plurality of packing stations.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a heat plate for heating a lower side of a substrate sliding on an upper surface; and a heat block for heating the heat plate. The heat block includes an air heating flow path for heating air which flows in from a bottom surface side and causing the air to flow out to the heat plate side, the heat plate includes air holes for discharging the air heated by the air heating flow path from the upper surface, the heated air discharged from the air holes forms a heated air atmosphere above the heat plate, and the substrate is transported through the heat air atmosphere. Thereby, curved deformation of the substrate is suppressed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing and packaging of articles. Systems may include: a controller configured to receive an indication of an order to be packaged, where the order includes one or more articles; a packaging station; a web of bags, where the web of bags is fed to the packaging station; a pneumatic table configurable to support a bag disposed at the packaging station; an opening mechanism including a pneumatic nozzle to open the bag disposed at the packaging station; a loading bin configured to be inserted into the open bag and deposit the one or more articles; and a closure apparatus to seal the bag disposed at the packaging station after receiving the one or more articles.

Abstract: A process for depositing a thin film material on a substrate is disclosed, comprising simultaneously directing a series of gas flows from the output face of a delivery head of a thin film deposition system toward the surface of a substrate, and wherein the series of gas flows comprises at least a first reactive gaseous material, an inert purge gas, and a second reactive gaseous material, wherein the first reactive gaseous material is capable of reacting with a substrate surface treated with the second reactive gaseous material, wherein one or more of the gas flows provides a pressure that at least contributes to the separation of the surface of the substrate from the face of the delivery head. A system capable of carrying out such a process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing building boards includes unwinding a facing sheet from a supply roll of facing sheet over top of a forming table that includes a series of nozzles. A volume of cementitious material is deposited from a slurry mixing device to the unwound facing sheet. Pressurized air is supplied from an air source to the series of nozzles, whereby a cushion of air is created between the unwound facing sheet and the forming table.

Abstract: A puffer pan comprises a plurality of pan segments and one or more air chambers that include a plurality of groups of nozzles. Each panel segment is associated with a group of nozzles configured to blow scrap across the panel segment to at least a next location. For a subset of panel segments, the next location is an adjacent panel segment. For an end panel segment, the next location is off the puffer pan.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at an adjustment system, in particular for adjusting the distance apart of at least two guide mechanisms for the transport of, for instance, preforms for plastics containers, wherein the at least two guide mechanisms are respectively connected to a setting unit, and wherein the setting unit comprises in each case at least one piston-like element, which is pneumatically movable to and fro between a first stop and a second stop within the setting unit.

Abstract: A basic idea of the present application is that in case of determining a position of the object on the surface, it is possible to also use transport mechanisms for the transport of the object on the surface which leads to less reproducible transport movements as the regulation may be executed directly on the basis of the observed movement as compared to the desired movement. Embodiments using compressed air, magnetism and/or bending waves are described.

Abstract: An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a snowmobile. The endless track comprises an inner side for facing track-contacting wheels around which it is mountable and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The ground-engaging outer side comprises a plurality of traction projections distributed along a longitudinal direction of the endless track. The traction projections may be designed to control rigidity characteristics, such as a longitudinal rigidity and a widthwise rigidity, of the endless track, while maintaining a weight of the endless track relatively low.

Abstract: To provide a levitation air plate that can be easily manufactured and can float a substance being conveyed such as a glass while maintaining its high rigidity and controlling a floating amount in high accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the transporting of substantially flat, freely movable objects, wherein at least the holding and guiding takes place by use of a streaming liquid. The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one treatment surface with at least one inflow region with a multitude of pass-through openings, at least one discharge region for discharging the liquid after provision of the inflow, but no non-fluidic edges, limiters, or other mechanical guiding aids for guiding the flat object. A transport device which bases on the invention can preferably be used within and between treatment plants for flat objects or substrates. Further; a preferably wet chemical treatment can take place simultaneously to the transport, provided that the transport liquid has according characteristics or involves according substances or active agents, respectively.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising an air cushion cargo shuttle, an air blower configured to blow air beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the air cushion cargo shuttle, a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the air cushion cargo shuttle.

Abstract: A vacuum gripper for gripping a work-piece includes a flat or curved gripper plate having at least one suction port. A work-piece suction throttling zone is formed around the suction port. The gripper plate has at least one recess provided at a side facing the work-piece and arranged beyond the work-piece suction throttling zone (6) formed around the suction port. At least one vent hole is formed within each of the recesses.

Abstract: A method for separating a multiple number of semiconductor devices or semiconductor integrated circuits from a wafer on which the multiple number of semiconductor devices or semiconductor integrated circuits are formed is provided. The method includes forming a mask pattern on a surface of the wafer, and separating each of the semiconductor devices or semiconductor integrated circuits along the mask pattern formed on the surface of the wafer. The mask pattern is a repeated pattern without having a lattice line shape, and the step of separating each of the semiconductor devices or semiconductor integrated circuits is performed by plasma etching.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear conveyor (21) for transporting glass panels (3) in the vicinity of grinding stations (9, 13) or a washing station (15) of a system for producing glass panel blanks including a linear conveyor (23), for example, a driven toothed belt, and opposite the driven toothed belt a beam (25), from which a fluid, in particular water, is discharged. The glass panel (3) is pressed against the linear conveyor (23) in a non-positive manner and reliably conveyed by water discharged from the beam (25). Such linear conveyors (21) can be arranged at the upper or lower edge of a glass panel (3) in order to trim the glass panel using at least one grinding disk (27), for example.

Abstract: An air conveyor system includes a base, a first guide position relative to the base, and a guide adjustment mechanism coupled to the first guide. The guide adjustment mechanism infinitely adjusts the first guide within a predetermined range and includes an electric linear actuator and a pivot arm coupled to the electric linear actuator that rotates in response to adjustment of the electric linear actuator. The guide adjustment mechanism also includes a first linkage arm coupled to the first guide and the pivot arm. The first linkage arm laterally moves the first guide responsive to rotation of the pivot arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a wafer carrier track for levitating and traversing a wafer carrier within a vapor deposition reactor system is provided which includes upper and lower sections of a track assembly having a gas cavity formed therebetween. A guide path extends along an upper surface of the upper section and between two side surfaces which extend along and above the guide path and parallel to each other. A plurality of gas holes along the guide path extends from the upper surface of the upper section, through the upper section, and into the gas cavity. In some examples, the upper and lower sections of the track assembly may independently contain quartz, and in some examples, may be fused together.

Abstract: A cargo compartment configured to be installed in an aircraft and to accommodate a plurality of cargo receiving devices is provided. The cargo compartment surrounds a compartment interior space, and includes a floor structure arrangement having a floor surface facing the compartment interior space and configured to support cargo receiving devices loaded into the cargo compartment. The cargo compartment includes two opposite side walls extending laterally of the floor structure arrangement away from the floor surface, and the side walls include an entrance opening for access to the compartment interior space. The floor structure arrangement also includes an air cushion device having a plurality of cushion nozzles distributed in the floor surface, and the cushion nozzles are configured to blow air up from the floor surface in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the conveying of plastics material pre-forms (10) along a pre-set conveying path (P) with a first guide rail (2) and a second guide rail (4) for guiding the plastics material pre-forms (10), wherein the plastics material pre-forms (10) are guided between the guide rails (2, 4) and the guide rails (2, 4) have in each case first support faces (12, 14) which extend along the conveying path (P) and which support the plastics material pre-forms (10) during the conveying thereof. The apparatus (1) has a stressing device (42, 44) for acting upon the plastics material pre-forms (10) with a gaseous medium. The plastics material pre-forms are conveyed along their conveying path by being acted upon with the gaseous medium, and a geometrical position of the guide rails is capable of being altered with respect to each other.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a bearing assembly for transporting an article. The bearing assembly includes a support structure for receiving the article, and a plenum housing for receiving the support structure. The plenum housing and the support structure define a plenum cavity, the plenum cavity being configured to receive and direct a flowing gas for floatingly supporting the article above the support structure. The bearing assembly further includes at least one sensor assembly, which includes a sensor for transmitting and receiving energy emissions for determining a location of the article relative to the support structure. The sensor assembly may determine the location of the article relative to the support structure substantially through at least one aperture located on the bearing assembly. The article location determined by the sensor assembly may be communicated to a display panel or a control unit for adjusting the location if necessary.

Abstract: A basic idea of the present application is that in case of determining a position of the object on the surface, it is possible to also use transport mechanisms for the transport of the object on the surface which leads to less reproducible transport movements as the regulation may be executed directly on the basis of the observed movement as compared to the desired movement. Embodiments using compressed air, magnetism and/or bending waves are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for characterizing attributes of a moving glass sheet comprising complementary mechanical material handling technologies that progressively stabilize, position, capture, flatten, and release the lower portion of glass sheets traveling past the apparatus while posing minimal constraint on the top section of the sheet. The apparatus includes a pressure-vacuum (PV)-type device comprising distinct regions such that the glass sheets experience a non-contact but gradual increase in constraining force until the point where measurements can be performed, then a gradual decrease in constraining force until the glass sheets are released from the inspection station. This graduated force technique is applied along the direction of travel of the sheets and may also be applied vertically upwards along the height of the sheet to restrict the motion of the sheet without constraining it at pinch points near the conveyor.

Abstract: Conveyor tray apparatus with air bearing and air curtain and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in manufacturing technical ceramics. The apparatus includes a tray body comprising a cradle having an outer surface disposed between opposing first and second sides, the cradle configured to receive a cylindrical object and having a plurality of air bearing holes. The tray body includes first and second support portions disposed at the respective first and second sides of the cradle. First and second air curtain housings are disposed on the respective first and second support portions. The air curtain housings each define an air plenum and an air exit opening that faces generally toward the outer surface of the cradle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate conveyance apparatus capable of suppressing a substrate from being damaged. The substrate conveyance apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles, and a main body unit. The plurality of nozzles are configured to jet a gas toward a surface of a substrate to hold the substrate in a non-contact manner. The main body unit is provided with the plurality of nozzles. At least surfaces of the plurality of nozzles are formed of a resin.

Abstract: Non-contacting conveyance equipment for conveying a plate-like member in a non-contacting manner comprises a plate-like base body and a plurality of swirl flow-forming bodies provided at the base body. Each of the plurality of swirl flow-forming bodies includes a column-shaped main body, a cylindrical chamber formed inside the main body, that has an opening at one end, a flat end face formed at a surface of the main body, in which the cylindrical chamber is opened, a jetting port provided at an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical chamber, a fluid introduction port provided at an outer circumferential surface of the main body, and a fluid passage that connects the fluid introduction port to the jetting port.

Abstract: Guiding system defining a moving path for containers having a collar, the system being adapted to be associated to a system for applying a pneumatic force on said containers so as move the containers the one after the other along the moving path according to a forward moving direction, the guiding system including at least a component for reducing the friction between at least the collar of the containers and guide profiles of the guide system, wherein the component includes lubricant dispensing channels having each an inlet, and an outlet associated to a groove.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a stage on which a piezoelectric element is set, a stop unit having a stop face to which the piezoelectric element set on the stage is pushed so that the piezoelectric element is positioned at a target position corresponding to an attaching part of, for example, a head suspension to which the piezoelectric element is attached, and a pushing unit to push the piezoelectric element toward the stop face, the pushing unit blowing a gas to push the piezoelectric element. The positioning apparatus is capable of correctly positioning the piezoelectric element to the target position without damaging the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: Conveying systems and methods are provided that selectively controls gas-propelling devices to move objects over the conveyer table at different speeds and in different directions. The systems and methods include a conveyer table having of an array of gas-propelling devices that propel gas from a surface of the table. Each of the of gas-propelling devices can have layers arranged in a stack and a through-hole in the stack and the table. The surfaces of each of the layers are exposed in the interior of the through hole and a heating/cooling device selectively heats and/or cools the layers to generate thrust.

Abstract: A library device includes: a mounting unit that is mounted on a plurality of cartridges, and includes a top board having ejection holes, each of the ejection holes ejecting air that moves each cartridge toward the cartridge; an air supplying device that supplies the air to air supply channels connected to the ejection holes, respectively; a plurality of valve devices that permit or intercept ejecting the air from the respective ejection holes; a controller that opens and closes each of the valve devices so as to move each cartridge to a desired position; and a drive device that inserts and detaches each cartridge on the top board into/from the library device, by using a hand device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting, positioning and rotating a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a support assembly for supporting a substrate includes an upper base plate and a lower base plate. The substrate is floated on a thin layer of air over the upper base plate. A positioning assembly includes a plurality of air bearing edge rollers or air flow pockets used to position the substrate in a desired orientation inside above the upper base plate. A plurality of slanted apertures or air flow pockets are configured in the upper base plate for flowing gas therethrough to rotate the substrate to ensure uniform heating during processing.

Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.

Abstract: Conveyor tray apparatus with air bearing and air curtain and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in manufacturing technical ceramics.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor which includes a tubular channel (1) defining in its lower part a guidance and propulsion track (2) to transport products. The tubular channel (1) is equipped at regular intervals with a member, which provides guidance and support (6). The pressurized air conduits (4), the electrical wiring (5), and a plurality of covers can be click-locked onto the guidance and support member, which covers the corresponding edges of the tubular channel.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for guiding a value document along a portion of a transport path in a specified transport direction, having a film forming device which is configured for respectively forming on mutually opposing sides of the transport path portion a film of gas flowing in the transport direction, the film extending at least over the total width of the transport path portion and thus the total width of value documents transported along the transport path, so that the value documents are guided between the gas films.

Abstract: An air guide includes a slide member and a guide track. The guide track defines a guide hole slidably receiving the slide member. The guide track defines an air intake in an outer surface, a plurality of air outlets in an inner surface opposite to the sliding member, and a plurality of guide holes therein. The guide holes communicates the air intake with the air outlets. The guide track further defines a plurality of guide grooves in the inner surface, communicating with the air outlets.

Abstract: The substrate carrying device includes a carrying passage forming member forming a carrying passage along which a substrate is carried, exhaust grooves extending parallel to the carrying passage in the upper surface of the carrying passage forming member, a plurality of pairs each of right and left carrying gas flow grooves formed in the upper surface of the carrying passage forming member, inclined to a substrate carrying direction so as to approach the exhaust grooves from the right-hand side and the left-hand side of the exhaust grooves, respectively, and having inner ends joined to the exhaust grooves, respectively, and gas spouting pores formed near outer ends of the carrying gas flow grooves to spout a gas for causing the substrate to float and for creating substrate carrying gas flows flowing from the outer ends of the carrying gas flow grooves toward the inner ends of the carrying gas flow grooves.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a liquid film forming mechanism configured to form a liquid film of a process liquid for preventing a contaminant derived from a coating liquid from being deposited or left on a back side peripheral portion of a substrate. The liquid film forming mechanism includes a counter face portion facing the back side peripheral portion of the substrate and a process liquid supply portion for supplying the process liquid onto the counter face portion. The coating apparatus further includes a posture regulating mechanism disposed around the substrate holding member and configured to damp a vertical wobble of the peripheral portion of the substrate being rotated. The posture regulating mechanism includes delivery holes arrayed in a rotational direction of the substrate and configured to deliver a gas onto a back side region of the substrate on an inner side of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: Provided is a web floating and conveying device which has excellent web quality maintaining property and excellent conveying-fluid precision control property in conveying a web film. A conveyance guide (1) of the web floating and conveying device (10) is formed of a lamination-type assembled body having the split structure which is constituted of plate-shaped members (2) which are approximately radially arranged from an axis of the conveyance guide (1). A fluid passing passage which forms a fluid discharge hole by connecting a web floating surface (1a) and an introduction flow passage (7) through which a pressurized fluid is supplied to each other is formed on either one or both lamination surfaces of the plate-shaped members (2) which are laminated adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Device for conveying objects (1), with supporting and/or guiding means comprising two facing rails (7) situated transversely apart and parallel; at least one of said rails (7) comprises a movable rail section (12) that is adjacent to a fixed portion (13), situated upstream and/or downstream of such rail and means (17) of driving said rail section (12) are capable of moving the latter between two operating positions: a conveying position in which said rail section (12) is aligned with said fixed rail portion (13) and ensures the continuity of the rail (7) and a retracted position in which said rail section (12) is out of alignment with said fixed rail portion (13) in order to interrupt the continuity of the rail (7).

Abstract: A bulk component feeder includes a conveying channel 42 through which the electronic components P are conveyed, a ventilation channel 43 that is formed along the conveying channel 42, and a partition 44 by which postures of the electronic components P conveyed through the conveying channel 42 are maintained and by which the conveying channel 42 is separated from the ventilation channel 43. The conveying channel 42 communicates with the ventilation channel 43 through an upper part 45 of the partition 44. It is possible to increase a size of an air channel A which acts as a flow channel for airflow and through which the electronic components P are conveyed with no respect to sizes of the electronic components P, thus, a desirable conveying speed is assured even though the conveyed electronic components P are micro-components.

Abstract: Provided is a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform is arranged horizontally and includes first and second members adding a lift force to a first force for lifting peripheral portions of a transferred object, wherein the first force is lower than a second force lifting a central portion of the transferred object.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus comprising: a plurality of floating-transfer guide plates adjacent to each other, each of guide plates having a plurality of floating gas ejecting holes; a gas supplying source; a tray to mount a substrate to be transferred, and that is floated by the floating gas; and a transfer arm for transferring the floated tray from the guide plate to the adjacent other guide plate, wherein the tray includes both side edges, and a contact/engagement portion formed at the respective both side edges for the transfer arm, each of the transfer arms including a base portion that can horizontally reciprocate along a rail provided so as to be parallel to the transfer direction, a guide portion provided to the base portion, that can horizontally reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction, and an arm portion provided to the guide portion, that can horizontally reciprocate in the direction parallel to the transfer direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, drying, coating, baking etching and deposition of surfaces on glass substrate as it transitions thru and between small gaps between hydro-static porous media bearings. Due to the non-contact nature of the device extremely high pressures can be induced upon the work piece through various fluids without damage to the substrate, allowing the system to utilize the viscous nature of fluids to accomplish the desired cleaning, drying, coating, etching or baking. The process also allows for simultaneous and immediately sequential ordering of processes.

Abstract: There is provided a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus includes a plurality of first holes each having a plurality of sub-holes arranged in a radial direction and a plurality of second holes arranged in a line proximate the first holes.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A pneumatic card transport system is disclosed. The system is configured to use pressurized air to transport a card inserted to a conveying duct inside a card passageway assembly from a first end to a second end. Air nozzles are configured to release the pressurized airstreams at an angle relative to the conveying duct so that the card is essentially floating when traveling along the conveying duct. Hence, the card makes zero or minimum contact with the inner surface of the conveying duct. This will not only reduce the wear and tear of the card, but also reduces the traveling time inside the conveying duct.