Abstract: A wafer alignment platform serves to align a wafer so as to make the wafer be carried by a vacuum device that is vertically movable and revolvable. A laser detecting device detects a positioning mark on the wafer and aligns the positioning mark to a directional mark so as to automatically perform center alignment and orientation of the wafer.

Abstract: In a method and in an apparatus for the placement of electronic components (1) onto a substrate (2) at a placement station (3), the component bearing by a bearing side (4) at a supply station is picked up by means of a primary tool (6) and is transported away by means of a rotational movement and is transferred to at least one pivoting tool (41, 42). In this case, the path of the component between the plane (47) of the supply station and a provision plane (7) located at a higher level is covered in at least two separate curve movements. In the provision plane, the component is accepted by at least one secondary tool, is transported over the substrate and is deposited there. Depending on whether the primary tool transfers the component first to an intermediate pivoting tool (41) or directly to a final pivoting tool (42), the component can be placed onto the substrate once again by the same bearing side or else by its structure side.

Abstract: A panel installation apparatus is cooperable with an aerial work platform of a lift vehicle for installation of panels on a surface. The apparatus includes a trolley movable on at least one rail supported by the aerial work platform between a displaced position spaced from the surface and engaged position adjacent the surface. The trolley is sized to support a panel to be installed. At least one mounting unit is fixed to the aerial work platform via a mounting unit frame and pivotable between a receiving position adjacent the trolley in the engaged position and an installing position adjacent the surface. The mounting unit includes at least one fixing unit selectively attachable to the panel. With the panel delivered to the mounting unit, the mounting unit can be pivoted and secured to the panel via the fixing unit, and the panel can be subsequently pivoted adjacent the surface for installation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for supporting and transferring a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus configured for handling a substrate comprising a base member, a first finger movably connected with the base member, wherein the first finger is pivotable about a pivoting axis, a second finger movably connected with the base member, wherein the second finger is pivotable about the pivoting axis, the first and second fingers form an opening, and pivoting of the first and second fingers allow the opening to vary for receiving a substrate and for carrying the substrate by contacting an edge of the substrate, and an actuator connected with the first finger and second finger, wherein the actuator is configured to pivot the first and second fingers simultaneously along opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for picking up a plurality of lenses at a time includes a robotic arm (22) including a rod (220) and a base plate (222) and a plurality of pipes (240). The rod is attached to the center of the base plate, and the lengthwise direction of the rod is perpendicular to the base plate. One end of each pipe includes a suction mouth (246) configured for picking up the lens. A pressure regulating valve (244) is coupled to each of the pipes to adjust a pressure adjustment in the respective pipe. Each of the pressure regulating valves is attached to a periphery of the base plate respectively.

Abstract: A transferring unit of an image forming apparatus that includes: a contacted member; a rotating body that contacts and is spaced away from the contacted member; a rotating body transporting member where a supporting part to rotatably support the rotating body, a contacting external force receiving part to receive a contacting external force that contacts the rotating body with the contacted member, and a spacing external force receiving part to receive a spacing external force that spaces the rotating body away from the contacted member are formed in a single body; and a driver that drives the rotating body transporting member.

Abstract: The transfer car 1 includes: a pair of guide posts 3, 4 erected on diagonal corner portions of a base 2 formed nearly in a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan; a pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6 supported by these guide posts 3, 4 and lifted and lowered; a lateral bridging member 7 laterally bridging the pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6; a turn table 8 mounted on a lower side in a center in a longitudinal direction of the lateral bridging member 7 and having a turning part 8B turned around a vertical axis 8C with respect to a fixed portion 8A; and a hanger 9 having a top end portion coupled to the turning part 8B of the turn table 8 and hanging a vehicle body A placed on receiving parts 9B, 9B mounted on a bottom end portion.

Abstract: A movement platform provided with a carrier (2) and at least as three spaced apart clamping means (3), wherein the clamping means each clamp the carrier at a contact point (13) and at least one globular contact surface (14) of the carrier, while at least one clamping means is provided with at least one displacement element (4) for displacing the contact point relative to at least the respective contact surface and/or at least the respective clamping means such that the carrier can rotate about at least two imaginary axes, while the normal forces (Fn) applied by the clamping means to the carrier are in approximately parallel planes, which parallel planes are approximately perpendicular to the tangential plane at the globular surface at the respective contact point.

Abstract: A probe card transporting apparatus includes a truck and transporting mechanism. The truck can move on a floor surface freely. The transporting mechanism is arranged above the truck to be able to separate from and come into contact with it. The transporting mechanism transports a probe card between the truck and a prober. The transporting mechanism has a base and arm mechanism. The arm mechanism moves forward/backward on the base. An aligning mechanism and fixing mechanism are provided on the base. The aligning mechanism serves for alignment with the prober. The fixing mechanism serves for fixing to the prober.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails.

Abstract: An LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles includes a rotary column with a lift body, a support arm mounted to the lift body, an actuating cylinder hingedly connected to the support arm, and a kingpin connected to the support arm. The actuating cylinder and the kingpin are both attached to a rotating plate that rotates in response to the actuating cylinder. The rotating plate is connected to a clamping device that selectively clamps an LPG tank which, in turn, rotates in response to the actuating cylinder so that it can be inserted in an automobile trunk whose opening is smaller than the length of the tank.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a passive substrate gripper, including first and second segments, is provided. The second segment may be connected to the first segment, and the first and second segments may jointly form a substrate support. The substrate support may be shaped to support a substrate in first position within the substrate support when the substrate support is in a first angular orientation. The substrate may be removable from substrate support in a first direction when in the first position. The substrate may move into a second position when the substrate support is moved into a second angular orientation. The substrate may not be removable in the first direction when in the second position within the substrate support. The passive substrate gripper may also include a support ledge extending from opposing inner surfaces of the first and second segments, on which the substrate is supported.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: A pair of stands are spaced one from the other to support opposite ends of an upper shell and diaphragm halves of a turbine at locations along the upper shell axially beyond the diaphragm halves. Carts mounted on wheels each have a hydraulically actuated lift and a platform mounting support assemblies engagable with an upper diaphragm half at the midline. By engaging a diaphragm half from below the upper shell, securing the support assemblies to the upper diaphragm half and releasing the upper diaphragm half from the upper shell by removing bolts and keys to transfer the weight of the diaphragm half to the cart, the diaphragm half may be lowered from the upper shell and moved away. The diaphragm halves may then be refurbished and the process reversed to reinstall the diaphragm halves into the upper shell. During the process, the upper shell remains in its normal orientation, similarly as in the turbine.

Abstract: A system is useful for positioning a load, such as a test head. The system includes an arm which supports the load and which moves along a first vertical axis. The system also includes a rotation unit for rotating the first vertical axis about a second vertical axis spaced apart from the first vertical axis.

Abstract: A manipulator for a test head comprises a base and a tower having vertical tracks. The tower is mounted on the base. A vertical shaft is mounted on the base adjacent to the tower. An outer carriage is in engagement with the vertical tracks. The outer carriage is movable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical tracks. The inner carriage is in engagement with the vertical shaft. The inner carriage is moveable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical shaft. A spring is disposed between the inner carriage and the outer carriage. The spring supports the outer carriage. An arm is coupled to the outer carriage. The arm is adapted for supporting the test head.

Abstract: A light-pole erecting and lowering apparatus (10) that is designed to allow a single person to install, remove and service a light pole (136) that is attached to an above-ground concrete pedestal (130). The apparatus (10) consists of an integrated unit that incorporates three major elements: a transporting dolly (12), a pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) and a pivoting pole-securing assembly (70). The dolly (12) includes a set of wheels (28) and casters (30) that allow the apparatus (10) to be transported over various surfaces. The pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) allows the apparatus (10) to be placed in either a horizontal storage and transporting position or in a vertical position. The pivoting pole-securing assembly (70) includes a pole securing platform (86) and means for allowing the platform (86) to be rotated to either a horizontal or to a vertical position and to adjust the height of an erected platform (86).

Abstract: This invention relates to a lifting device for low-weight loads, and may have a lift and tilt arrangement comprising one single lift arm and one single tilt arm. In that case those arms can either be located centrally in relation to the platform or at one of its sides. Two lift arms and two tilt arms together may be used with related link arms, those lift and tilt arms then being suitably journalled on a common horizontal shaft and the link arms on another horizontal shaft, those two shafts extending transversely to the load-supporting portion of the platform.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus is provided to quickly and reliably position, connect and dock a handler plate with a test head plate of a Universal Docking System. A handler plate is provided with roller assemblies while a test head plate is provided with matching receiver block assemblies. The roller assemblies are aligned with and partially inserted into the receiver block assemblies. Part of the roller assembly is mechanically engaged by the receiver block assembly, a mechanical linkage between an operator handle and the receiver block assembly allows the operator to complete the locking of the test head plate with the handler plate thereby at the same time establishing electrical contacts between arrays of pins that are mounted on surfaces of the handler base plate and the test head.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: A test head manipulator for a semiconductor integrated circuit tester includes a support frame, a vertical guide attached to the support frame, a carriage mounted on the vertical guide and movable vertically therealong, a manipulator arm attached to the carriage and projecting therefrom, a counterbalance assembly mounted to the support frame for vertical movement relative thereto, a drum mounted to the support frame for rotation about a horizontal axis, a flexible tension member trained over the drum and having one end connected to the carriage and an opposite end connected to the counterbalance assembly whereby upward movement of the carriage is accompanied by downward movement of the counterbalance assembly and downward movement of the carriage is accompanied by upward movement of the counterbalance assembly, a hand operated power input element at a fixed height relative to the drum, and a force transmission mechanism which couples the power input element to the drum for transmitting manual effort from the

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and accurately positioning a massive article, such as a commercial aircraft landing gear, under a second separately supported second article, such as a commercial aircraft, to facilitate attachment of the articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main frame having a rectangular floor assembly defined by an array of spaced apart, uniformly distributed ball transfer elements and a border formed by raised end rails and side rails. A rectangular interior frame having a length and width less than that of the floor assembly and having a flat floor plate with raised end rails and side rails thereon is movably supported on the ball transfer elements. A first pair of aligned, oppositely coacting fluid cylinders, each being connected between a different interior frame end rail and a corresponding main frame end rail, operates for selective longitudinal movement of the interior frame between main frame end rails.

Abstract: The invention provides a cart for transporting elongated objects such as compressed gas cylinders and for moving the objects from a first surface having a first height to a second surface having a higher or lower second height. The cart is designed such that an object retainer which is pivotally mounted to the frame of the cart can be removably engaged with the object to be transported at a location which is at or near the center of gravity of the object. The cart of the invention can also comprise a height adjustable object retainer and a height adjustable object rest. The cart will be made movable by a moving means mounted on the base of the cart.

Abstract: A manipulator head for use in a precision assembly unit is disclosed. The manipulator head includes a coarse X-Y stage or movement along the top surface in the X and Y-axis, a fine X stage for fine X-axis movements, a fine Y stage for fine Y-axis movements, and a Z stage for movement in the Z direction. Additionally, a &thgr; stage carried by the manipulator is included. A video camera is coupled to the fine X stage and fine Y stage. The video camera has an optical axis directed substantially in the Z direction. The video camera's field of view encompassing at least a portion of a part secured by a gripper attached to the manipulator head when the part is in position for processing at the workstation.

Abstract: A system for manipulating and transporting relatively large, flat, heavy tabular articles such as portable folding conference tables and construction materials such as plywood or plasterboard sheets comprises a leveraging dolly for lifting an article from a horizontally oriented position at a first location to a vertically oriented position in which the article may be rolled on the dolly to a second location, and a racking cart for receiving and transporting a plurality of articles individually loadable from and onto the leveraging dolly which includes a base rollaby supported by a pair of laterally spaced apart casters, one having a horizontally disposed axle fixed with respect to the base, and the other having a horizontally disposed axle rotatable in a horizontal plane on a vertically disposed swivel attached to the base.

Abstract: The handling device is particularly suited for handling the test heads on a wafer tester. The test head is thereby supported on a mount which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis on a supporting part. A frame column supports the supporting part adjustably in a vertical direction relative to the frame column via at least one linear bearing. A weight balancing device balances the weight of the head and the mount. The supporting part is configured such that the mount is laterally displayed relative to the frame column.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a removable wafer mounting tray for positioning a wafer in a microscope by utilizing a tray body that is generally constructed in a disk shape and has a recess in its top surface for receiving a wafer to be tested. The wafer mounting tray further includes a handle that extends outwardly from the tray adapted for gripping by a machine arm or by a human hand for placement of the wafer mounting tray into a test machine. The novel wafer mounting tray shelters and protects a wafer during transit to and from a test machine such that wafer breakage or scratching problems can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A support device for imparting repetitive motion to items such as a computer monitor. The device has a support base connected to drive means which impart either a reciprocal, an up-and-down or both motions to the support to induce relief and therapy to those who are required to focus on the device for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A positioner facilitates docking and undocking of an electronic test head with a device handler. The positioner provides for rotation of the test head about a first axis. The positioner includes a support structure for moving the test head along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The support structure accurately docks the electronic test head with the device handler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera pedestal comprising a rolling base (10), a vertically extending column (11) mounted on the base and having a camera mounting (12) at its upper end. The base comprises a chassis (16) having steerable wheel units (17) on which the chassis runs, a body (18) on which the column is mounted, screw-jack (25) supporting the body for vertical adjustment on the chassis, and a skirt (14) depending from the periphery of the body and encircling the chassis to sweep cables and other such obstructions from the path of the pedestal. The gap between the lower periphery of the skirt and the ground is minimised by adjustment of the body vertically with respect to the chassis by means of the screw-jacks.

Abstract: A manipulator with an expanded range of motion. The manipulator attaches to a testing head for manipulation of the testing head for testing semiconductor devices. A vertical bearing assembly is coupled to a horizontal bearing assembly so as to give vertical and horizontal motion. An expansion joint attaches to the horizontal bearing assembly such that the length of the manipulator may be expanded and retracted. A swing arm attaches to the expansion joint such that it may rotate horizontally. A tumble assembly couples a rotary bearing assembly to the swing arm. The test head attaches to the rotary bearing assembly such that the rotation of the tumble assembly gives tumble rotation and such that the rotation of the rotary bearing assembly gives twist rotation. By rotating the swing arm, tumble rotation may be obtained by rotating the rotary bearing assembly and twist rotation may be obtained by movement of the tumble assembly.

Abstract: A lift and rotate dolly (10) functioning to allow a user to lift and rotate material (22) in situations where space is limited such as an elevator. The lift and rotate dolly (10) has a frame (12) which has a frame bed (12A) having a right-rear castor wheel (18RR), left-rear castor wheel (18LR), right-front castor wheel (18RF), and left-front castor wheel (18LF) mounted thereon. The lift and rotate dolly (10) further has a mast (14) securely mounted at a bottom distal end to the frame bed (12A). The mast (14) is vertically aligned and the frame bed (12A) is horizontally aligned forming a perpendicular angle therebetween. The mast (14) further has a mast slot (14A) positioned on a front side therein. The mast (14) further has at least one mast pulley (14F, 14R) rotatably mounted at a top distal end. The lift and rotate dolly (10) further has a lift (20) slidably mounted on the mast (14). The lift (20) comprises a lift pin (20) securely fastened at a front end to a lift plate (20B).

Abstract: A semiconductor test system having a test head connection apparatus for connecting and disconnecting a test head of the test system with a wafer prober or a test handler includes a housing formed outside of the semiconductor test system wherein the housing is integral with a body of the test system, a pair of arms provide on the housing for holding the test head wherein the test head rotates about 180 degrees in the arms so that a performance board on the test head faces with a corresponding member on the wafer prober or the test handler, at least one rail built on a floor in a direction which accurately positioning the test head right over the wafer prober or the test handler, a guide mechanism provided on the housing to guide an up-down movement of the arms, a plurality of free casters provided at the bottom of the housing to transfer the test system and the test head toward the wafer prober or the test handler along the rail, and a balancing mechanism for offsetting the weight of the test head so that the

Abstract: A rolled web carrying apparatus is used to enable easy and safe handling of a web. On a carrying truck is mounted a web receiver which faces the peripheral surface of the web and is vertically movable and rotatable around a bearing through a parallelogram link device. Further a fluid pressure cylinder is mounted as one side of the parallelogram link device, by which the web receiver can be tilted between a level position and a vertical position.

Abstract: A device for fitting shop windows comprises: a base (100) having wheels, at least two independent vertical lifts (210, 220) secured to the base (100), and a ram (300) supported by the lifts (210, 220) and comprising an axial translator (330). A suction cup structure (500) is arranged on the end of the ram (300) and two independent translators for transversely translating the ram (300) are arranged at the top of the lift (210, 220). A rotator (510, 520, 610, 620) is present for rotating the suction cup structure (500) about the axis (D1) of the ram (300), and about an axis (D2) parallel to the direction of movement of the lift (210, 220).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and rail system (80) for installing divider wall panels (100) into ceiling rails, is described. The apparatus includes a base (12) which is adapted to be attached to a forklift truck (200). A frame (22) is rotatably mounted on the base and includes vertical members (24) to which are mounted support channels (50) and a holding channel (54). The channels act together along the sides (100C) of the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. An end channel (60) is connected to one of the support channels and to the holding channel and is mounted to one end (100B) of the panel. The rail system includes an entry rail (82) comprised of rail segments (84 and 86) with a keyway (88) therebetween and a rail key (95). In use, the panel is mounted in the apparatus which is attached to the forklift truck. The channels are tightened around the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. The forklift truck then lifts the apparatus and the panel.

Abstract: A device testing system of the type in which an electronic test head is mounted for pivotal movement about three orthogonal axes. Cables are connected between a test cabinet and the test head to carry electronic signals. The test head is directly mounted to, and the cable is introduced to the test head through, a single piece cable pivot. The single piece cable pivot is attached to its housing by a method of installation which includes attaching cam followers to the housing through an opening included in the ring.

Abstract: A positioner facilitates docking and undocking of an electronic test head with a device handler. The positioner provides for rotation of the test head about a first axis. The positioner includes a linkage arm structure for moving the test head along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. Using motors, sensors and a processor, the linkage arm structure accurately docks the electronic test head with the device handler.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading reels into a packaging machine comprises a loading device that has a post rotating about a vertical axis under the actuation of a drive unit; a lifting element, which is provided with elements for supporting a reel to be loaded and is guided so that it can slide longitudinally with respect to the post and can move under the actuation of an additional drive unit between a lowered position for picking up the reel and a raised position for transferring the reel to the packaging machine; and sensors for controlling respectively the angular rotation of the post and the coordinated longitudinal sliding movement of the lifting element.

Abstract: Device for the quick change of tracks, which is suitable to cooperate with a traction unit (12) of a type with two facing tracks (11) such as that of EP-A-548723, for instance, and comprises a movable trolley (13), which has in a position substantially at the front of the traction unit (12) a first withdrawal and delivery position (13a), a second replacement position (13b) and an intermediate rotation position (13c) for pre-arrangement of the new set of tracks (111).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in a paint booth to facilitate the coating of an object such as a wheel or rim with a liquid, powder, or other coating. The apparatus is designed to rotate a wheel about both its horizontal and vertical axes. In this manner, the wheel may be more easily and uniformly coated with a minimum of effort by a paint booth operator. After the wheel is coated, the apparatus is designed to lift the object above the work surface so that it can be connected to an overhead conveyor system that may be provided to remove the wheel from the paint booth.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear trolley (1) for supporting a landing gear (2) and adjusting the position of pintle bearings (39, 71) thereof in relation to pintle mountings on an aircraft is provided. The trolley (1) includes a rolling chassis (3) and a number of frames (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) nested therein, each arranged to provide a different degree of freedom for the landing gear (2). The said degrees of freedom include movement along horizontal, longitudinal and transverse axes, raising and lowering movement and rotational movement about horizontal and substantially upright axes. The rotational axes are coincident at a point positioned centrally of one of the pintle bearings (39) of landing gear (2) supported by the trolley.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test-piece manipulator and an appropriate cylindrical test-piece with standard defects for setting ultrasonic test equipment. The test-piece manipulator is connected at its end region to a flange which is axially inserted in the test-piece, shares an axis therewith and has a coaxial axially accessible cone section. The test-piece manipulator has a clamping flange which can rotate about a rotation axis and a counter-cone section arranged concentrically with the rotation axis corresponding to the cone section which is axially accessible.

Abstract: A jack for lifting and moving heavy truck parts, such as clutch assemblies and fly wheels. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is mounted on a wheeled frame for pivotal movement through an arc of greater than 90 degrees so that an object secured to the end of the rod of the cylinder can be moved from a horizontal position, where it rests low in the frame, to a vertical position tilted slightly forward for easy placement or removal of the object under the truck. When the cylinder is in the vertical position and the rod is slightly extended, the object may be rotated in a horizontal plane which assists in positioning the object under the truck. Yet, means is included for limiting the range of such rotation when the rod is completely retracted so that while the object is being lifted up or down it will not swing around the rod and fall off of the apparatus. While secured to the end of the rod of the first cylinder, the object may be rotated in a plane parallel to the axis of the rod.

Abstract: Successive workpieces of a series of identical and/or different workpieces are measured at a monitoring station to which the workpieces are delivered by a conveyor serving to advance the workpieces along and/or against one or more orienting devices. A workpiece at the monitoring station is engaged by a clamping device which can enter an axial passage of the workpiece, or can engage a coaxial stud of the workpiece, and is mounted on an elevator which can shift a properly engaged workpiece above or below the transporting level. The workpiece is thereupon monitored by one or more sensors in suspended condition and is returned onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for moving passengers in and out of an amusement ride of the type having a passenger cabin capable of movement in multiple degrees of freedom within an enclosure. The cabin includes ingress doors on one side of the cabin and egress doors on the other side to admit and discharge passengers from seats within the cabin. Another set of ingress and egress doors are provided on opposite sides of the enclosure in respective alignment with the ingress and egress doors of the cabin when the cabin is at rest in a loading position. A plurality of ingress and egress platforms, located outside the operating envelope of the cabin when the cabin is in motion, are adapted to be moved to a deployed position when the cabin is in the loading position to connect the ingress and egress doors of the enclosure with the ingress and egress doors of the cabin. In this way, movement of passengers in and out of the cabin, which is spaced from the enclosure, is provided in a rapid and orderly fashion.

Abstract: A processor for centrifugal processing of semiconductor wafers and similar units. The processor is specially constructed to provide an automatically extendible and retractable rotor head to allow automated loading and unloading of wafers. The processor includes a novel shaft assembly construction which includes an axially extendible shaft controlled using pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid is supplied to the shaft assembly by a pressure supply which is controllably extendable and retractable for engagement with the shaft assembly when rotation is stopped. The shaft assembly also preferably incorporates an axial locking mechanism which holds the axially movable components of the shaft assembly in fixed axial position during rotation, while allowing release when rotation is stopped so that movable portions of the shaft assembly can be axially extended.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel handling device in the form of a pair of tire and wheel receiving cradles or supports for receiving, supporting and handling vehicle tires and wheels when a vehicle is on a hoist in elevated position to facilitate the tires and wheels being "rotated", that is, being switched from one position on the vehicle to another position. Each cradle or support includes spaced parallel side support members interconnected by end rollers to cradle and receive a substantial portion of the periphery of a tire and wheel assembly in order to engage and support the wheel as it is removed from a wheel hub and maintain it supported in generally an upright position while the wheel is moved from a position adjacent one hub of the vehicle to a position adjacent another hub of the vehicle so that the tire and wheel assembly can be remounted on the vehicle on a different hub from which it was removed.

Abstract: A wall board lifting and positioning apparatus which includes an elongated boom having first and second ends and apparatus for holding an associated individual panel. The apparatus for holding is carried on the elongated boom proximate to the first end thereof and apparatus for moving the boom through a plurality of substantially coplanar positions. The apparatus includes apparatus for pivoting and rotating the apparatus for holding to position the apparatus for holding. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for moving includes a first elongated control link and a second elongated control link. The boom may be supported on a head member. The first control link and the second control link may be each pivotally connected to the head member and may also be pivotally connected to the boom.

Abstract: Handling apparatus for metal slabs comprising a slab turner and a transfer cart. The slab turner receives the metal slab and transfers it to a bunk on the cart which tilts the slab so that one surface of the slab is upward. The cart moves the slab through a scarfing station which scarfs the upwardly-directed surface of the slab. The cart moves back to the slab turner and the slab turner cooperates with the transfer cart to receive the slab from the transfer cart and return the slab to the transfer cart bunk with the opposite surface upward, whereupon the transfer cart again moves the slab into the scarfing station for scarfing the opposite surface. In the scarfing station, the transfer cart supports the slab in a tilted position by toe portions underlying one edge of the slab, and enables rotation of the slab to a generally horizontal position which exposes the edge which supports the slab in the tilted position, so that the edge may be scarfed while the slab is generally horizontal.