Abstract: A fuel pellet visual inspection device for manufacturing a nuclear fuel rod improves convenience and workability of visual inspection of a plurality of pellets by simultaneously turning over the pellet. The fuel pellet visual inspection device for manufacturing a nuclear fuel rod includes: a rotary shaft; a pair of seats hinged to the hinge shaft, arranged at both sides from the rotary shaft, and seated with a tray thereon; and a dust-collecting unit disposed under the pair of seats and collecting dust scattered from pellets.

Abstract: A hoisting platform system configured to permit transport of loads to and between floors of a building. The system includes a roof lift having a pair of beams resting on a roof and jutting out therefrom. The roof lift includes a winch coupled to and positioned over the beams. The roof lift includes a mounting structure extending upwardly from the beams with a plurality of cables coupled to and extending from a top region of the mounting structure downwardly at an angle. The cables are fixedly coupled to the roof. The hoisting platform system includes a floor deck disposed below the roof lift. The floor deck is coupled to a floor of the building and extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A carrier device may include a loading board, a moving mechanism to move the loading board horizontally for a storage member storing a plurality of containers for storing liquid to be loaded on the loading board; a base material having set thereon the loading board and moving mechanism, and a first mounting member mounted to the base material.

Abstract: A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.

Abstract: An article processing facility includes an article carrier movable along a track and having an article gripper, and a pair of article racks for temporarily supporting articles. Each of the article racks is configured to be shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position. When an article for loading gripped by the article gripper is to be delivered to an article loading and unloading station but an article for unloading is present at the article loading and unloading station, the article for loading is stored temporarily on one of the article racks, and thereafter the article for unloading at the article loading and unloading station is temporarily stored on the other article rack.

Abstract: To correct any positional misalignment of a substrate manifesting along the horizontal direction by utilizing a substrate transfer device alone without engaging a transfer arm in operation. A substrate transfer device comprises a plurality of support pins disposed at positions set apart from one another around a support shaft of a stage, which support a substrate, e.g., a wafer W, on the bottom surface thereof, a base at which the support pins are mounted, a vertical drive means (Z-direction drive means) for raising/lowering the substrate by driving the support pins up/down via the base and a horizontal drive means (X-direction drive means, Y-direction drive means) for adjusting the position of the substrate along the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) by horizontally driving the support pins via the base.

Abstract: A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.

Abstract: A substrate W rotates about the center of rotations A0 of a spin base 3, while supported by plural support pins 5 in such a manner that the substrate W can freely slide and while held owing to the force of friction which develops between the bottom surface of the substrate W and the support pins 5. After a detection sensor 74 detects, while the substrate W rotates, an edge surface position (eccentric position) of the edge surface of the substrate which is the farthest from the center of rotations A0, a press block 71 pushes this edge surface position to a preset position P1 which is away along the horizontal direction from the center of rotations A0 by a distance which is determined in accordance with the radius of the substrate W. This aligns the eccentric position to the preset position P1 and positions the center W0 of the substrate within a predetermined range from the center of rotations A0.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism having a first frame and a second frame. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame. A pulley is rotatably attached to one of the frames and a means for rotating the pulley is provided. A cordage is attached at one end to the pulley and another end of the cordage is attached to one of the frames. As the pulley is rotated the second frame is moved relative to the first frame.

Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus, system, and method are provided for transferring a plurality of workpieces between vacuum and atmospheric pressures, wherein an alignment mechanism is operable to align a plurality of workpieces for generally simultaneous transportation to a dual-workpiece load lock chamber. The alignment mechanism comprises a characterization device, an elevator, and two vertically-aligned workpiece supports for supporting two workpieces. First and second atmospheric robots are configured to generally simultaneously transfer two workpieces at a time between load lock modules, the alignment mechanism, and a FOUP. Third and fourth vacuum robots are configured to transfer one workpiece at a time between the load lock modules and a process module.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for a conveyor system raises a two-dimensionally arrayed layer of objects conveyed by the conveyor system and stacks the raised layer of objects on a subsequent layer of objects conveyed by the conveyor system. The apparatus then dispenses the stacked layers of objects from the apparatus, whereby the stacked layers of objects can be received by a palletizer for loading on a pallet in a more time efficient manner.

Abstract: A single opening is formed in a central portion of a susceptor of a vapor phase epitaxial growth system. Consequently, any dopant diffused off outwardly from the back surface of a wafer during an epitaxial growth process can be exhausted through the opening to the beneath side with respect to the susceptor. As a result, it may become difficult for auto-doping to be induced, even with no protective film formed on a back surface of the wafer. Uniformity in a dopant concentration in the surface may be improved and thus a resistivity may be made uniform. Further, since a temperature of the back surface of the wafer is measured through the opening, a heating temperature can be controlled stably, thus allowing a precise temperature control thereof. Consequently, the epitaxial film as well as the distribution of its resistivity may be made uniform across the entire wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for supporting during a testing operation a leadframe formed with at least one row of non-singulated semiconductor devices. The apparatus comprises a main body and a leadframe support member, and the leadframe support member is formed with at least one groove for receiving semiconductor devices such that in use leads extending from said devices lie on a surface of said support member. The invention also relates to a system for transporting devices to and from a test probe head.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of objects that are sensitive to impact, such as eggs, includes a horizontally-feeding collection conveyor, a vertically-feeding elevator, and at least one separation wheel located in a transition area between the horizontally feeding collection conveyor and the vertically feeding elevator. The separation wheel includes an outer edge having a recessed portion adapted to cradle an egg therein, wherein at least the recessed portion of the outer edge is elastically deformable, and is thereby adapted to cushion an impact of the egg with the recessed portion of the outer edge.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hoisting platform system which is usable in the construction of high rise buildings Included in the system are two I-beams which are mounted on a higher floor of the building under construction which has been finished already. The two I-beams are mounted in a cantilevered fashion with one section jutting forward from the higher floor and another section being attached to the higher floor by several post jacks on top of the I-beams and against the ceiling of the next higher floor. On the forward section there is mounted a pair of A-frames having a cross beam mounted at their tops which in turn has a winch mounted thereon. A movable transfer deck is located between the I's of the two I-beams and can be moved to a position interior of the building once a load is placed thereon. The winch can also be located on the higher floor and idler sheaves can be used on top of the cross beam.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting transport containers storing articles in a sealed condition is disclosed. Each transport container has a support portion formed on an upper portion thereof. When the transport container is moved with the support portion suspended, a receiving device supports the bottom of the transport container to lessen the load applied to the support portion. As a result, deformation of the transport container is restrained to maintained the sealed condition.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of objects that are sensitive to impact, such as eggs, includes a horizontally-feeding collection conveyor, a vertically-feeding elevator, and at least one separation wheel located in a transition area between the horizontally feeding collection conveyor and the vertically feeding elevator. The separation wheel includes an outer edge having a recessed portion adapted to cradle an egg therein, wherein at least the recessed portion of the outer edge is elastically deformable, and is thereby adapted to cushion an impact of the egg with the recessed portion of the outer edge.

Abstract: An automated conveyance system moves green tires (24) with monorail carriers (18) to tire molding presses (40). Each monorail carrier (18) deposits a green tire (24) into an elevator system (31) which, in turn, transfers the green tire to within reach of a press loader (38) for tire press (40). The elevator system (31) also provides a buffer storage for the tires in process. In one embodiment, the green tire in the basket (28) is rotated about a vertical path through which the basket moves to within reach of the press loader. In another embodiment, the elevator system (31) can move the green tire by linear translation from the vertical path through which the basket moves to within reach of the loader (38).

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 pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a flat, low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted laterally for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. A pneumatic bellows and an air reservoir in the base are adapted to raise and provide self-leveling to the platform. Two hydraulic cylinders provide dampening and a stabilizing effect. The flow of hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is used to control the motion of the carrier. A braking system under the platform prevents its rotation at ground level.

Abstract: A robot assembly including multiple independently operable robot assemblies are provided for use in semiconductor wafer processing. The robot assembly includes independent co-axial upper and lower robot assemblies adapted to handle multiple objects. The upper robot is stacked above the lower robot and the two robots are mounted concentrically to allow fast wafer transfer. Concentric drive mechanisms may also be provided for imparting rotary motion to either rotate the robot assembly or extend an extendable arm assembly into an adjacent chamber. Each robot can be either a single blade robot or a dual blade robot. Also provided is an apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers comprising a pre/post process transfer chamber housing multiple independent robot assemblies and surrounded by a plurality of pre-process chambers and post process chambers. Within each process, pre-process and post-process chamber is an apparatus for holding a plurality of stacked wafers.

Abstract: A substrate lift mechanism includes a plurality of fingers mounted on a hoop controlled by an actuator to transfer a substrate, such as a wafer or a flat panel display, from an edge grip arm to a chuck on a processing tool, such as integrated metrology tools. The substrate lift mechanism includes a base that is configured to be mounted to existing processing tools thereby allowing the processing tools to be adapted to be operable with new edge grip arms. The plurality of fingers are positioned to permit an edge grip arm to pass between two of the fingers and are configured to gravitationally support the substrate. Advantageously, the base of the substrate lift mechanism has a small footprint to minimize the space requirements of the processing tool to which it is mounted.

Abstract: Two pairs of lifters 9A and two pairs of lifters 9B are arranged on a table 7 in a processing chamber 2. In a transporting chamber 3 communicating with the processing chamber 2, a transporting mechanism 10 of an articulated robot is provided with a catch plate 10E in a single stage arrangement. The elevation of a rotating spindle 10A of the transporting mechanism 10 allows the catch plate 10E to be moved up and down. By rising and falling the catch plate 10E while stopping the lifters 9A, 9B, it is possible to transfer a substrate between the catch plate 10E and the lifters 9A or between the catch plate 10E and the lifters 9B.

Abstract: An assembly system and method thereof for manufacturing an outdoor unit of a dual-unit type air conditioner employs an assembly system in which the outdoor unit is assembled, a refrigerant charging section in which the assembled outdoor unit is charged with a refrigerant, a testing section in which the outdoor unit charged with the refrigerant is tested, and a packaging section in which the outdoor unit after passing the test in the testing section is packaged and forwarded. The outdoor unit is carried on a mobile cart through the assembly section, the refrigerant charging section, and the testing section.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A robotic arm end effector engaging only the lower surface of the outer edge of the wafer permits hot wafer pick-up and unloading by the inner susceptor section. Several end effectors are disclosed that minimize non-uniform thermal effect on the substrate.

Abstract: In an elevating mechanism 14 where an elevating body 17 carried so as to rise and fall along a fixed surface 16 is moved up and down through a suspension member 18, a braking body 18 is born by the elevating body 17 so as to pivot vertically. A tensile spring 32 is provided on the braking body 31, for pivotally urging it to the direction close to the fixed surface 16, while the suspension member 18 is connected to the braking body 31, for pulling the braking body 31 in the direction apart from the fixed surface 16 due to the weight of the elevating body 17, in opposition to the tensile spring 32. When the suspension member 18 is cut off, then the braking body 31 comes into contact with and digs into the fixed surface 16 by action of the tensile spring 32, so that the elevating body 17 can be stopped from falling.

Abstract: In an elevating mechanism 14 where an elevating body 17 carried so as to rise and fall along a fixed surface 16 is moved up and down through a suspension member 18, a braking body 18 is born by the elevating body 17 so as to pivot vertically. A tensile spring 32 is provided on the braking body 31, for pivotally urging it to the direction close to the fixed surface 16, while the suspension member 18 is connected to the braking body 31, for pulling the braking body 31 in the direction apart from the fixed surface 16 due to the weight of the elevating body 17, in opposition to the tensile spring 32. When the suspension member 18 is cut off, then the braking body 31 comes into contact with and digs into the fixed surface 16 by action of the tensile spring 32, so that the elevating body 17 can be stopped from falling.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates includes a chamber, a substrate transfer element for transferring a substrate to and from the chamber, and a substrate support for receiving and holding a substrate within the chamber. The apparatus also includes multiple pins positioned and configured to be received by respective holes in the chamber bottom and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A pin actuation system is provided for moving the pins between the retracted position and the extended position. The pin actuation system controls the velocity at which the pins move and varies the speed of the pins by accelerating or decelerating at particular points during the pin cycle. A reduction in the cycle time is facilitated by accelerating the lift pins to relatively high speeds and then slowing the pins down prior to their arrival at locations where the substrate or wafer may be damaged.

Abstract: A carrier transfer apparatus for automatically unloading and/or loading semiconductor device packages from and/or to printed circuit boards loaded into a carrier. The apparatus includes a housing, an input portion, an elevator portion and an output portion.

Abstract: A robot assembly including multiple independently operable robot assemblies are provided for use in semiconductor wafer processing. The robot assembly includes independent co-axial upper and lower robot assemblies adapted to handle multiple objects. The upper robot is stacked above the lower robot and the two robots are mounted concentrically to allow fast wafer transfer. Concentric drive mechanisms may also be provided for imparting rotary motion to either rotate the robot assembly or extend an extendable arm assembly into an adjacent chamber. Each robot can be either a single blade robot or a dual blade robot. Also provided is an apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers comprising a pre/post process transfer chamber housing multiple independent robot assemblies and surrounded by a plurality of pre-process chambers and post process chambers. Within each process, pre-process and post-process chamber is an apparatus for holding a plurality of stacked wafers.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A fork type robotic arm end effector permits wafer pick up and unloading by the inner susceptor section.

Abstract: A lead frame supplying method and apparatus used with, for instance, a wire bonding machine, including a sensor which detects a presence or absence of a lead frame in a frame storing section of a lead frame magazine. The sensor is installed at the level of a frame conveying path or above the level of the frame conveying path of a frame feeder that feeds lead frames to, for instance, the bonding machine and is located so that the lead frame magazine is positioned between the sensor and the frame feeder. In addition, a control unit positions a frame storing section that contains a lead frame at the level of the frame conveying path of the frame feeder when the sensor detects the absence of a lead frame in one frame storing section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for synthesizing a silica glass ingot. The appartus includes a stage having a target plate thereover, the target plate being rotatable relative to the stage around a predetermined vertical axis, and a furnace for reacting material gas with combustion gas to synthesize the silica glass ingot on the target plate; the furnace having an opening at its bottom. The appratus further includes an elevation system that moves the stage in a vertical direction parallel to the predetermined vertical axis so as to vertically move the target plate through the opening of the furnace, the elevation system supporting the stage from at least one side of the stage and lacking a structure directly below the stage that would substantially interfere with the vertical movement of the stage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for indexing magazines and molded leadframes within the magazines comprising a lateral drive portion coupled to and located below the magazines for selectively moving a selected one of the magazines laterally at a first speed and for simultaneously moving the rest of the magazines laterally at a second speed, and a vertical drive portion having a portion for insertion into the selected one of the magazines when the magazines have ceased moving laterally for selectively moving the molded leadframes vertically within the selected one of the magazines. A plurality of magazine retaining members are also included each having a portion inserted into a portion of the lateral drive portion, and each having a cavity wherein a base portion of a corresponding one of the magazines rests.

Abstract: There is provided a ready mixed concrete conveying apparatus which carries up ready mixed concrete in the vertical direction, and continuously and quantitatively feeds out the concrete to a belt conveyor to continuously and quantitatively the concrete to a concrete placing position, wherein a lift which includes a boom with the belt conveyor and a tripper for taking out the concrete from the belt conveyor is arranged on a tower mast so as to be liftable, and the concrete which has been carried up by a container-like carrier arranged on the tower mast is continuously and quantitatively supplied to the belt conveyor on the boom by supply means which is arranged on the container-like carrier or a transferring container for receiving the concrete from the container-like carrier.

Abstract: The cassette transfer mechanism of the present invention comprises a cassette chamber for housing a cassette storing a plurality of substrates, a liftable stand capable of moving up and down in the cassette chamber, a cassette holder having a bottom-surface supporting portion for supporting a bottom-surface of the cassette and a back-surface supporting portion for supporting a back-surface of the cassette, and a moving mechanism provided outside the cassette chamber and rotatably supporting the cassette holder, for moving the cassette holder between a waiting position outside the cassette chamber and the liftable stand inside the cassette chamber, wherein the moving mechanism has rotation mechanism for rotating the cassette holder around an axis crossed virtually in perpendicular to an axis extending along the moving direction of the liftable stand.

Abstract: A cart loading machine including a loading section for loading objects onto a multi-tiered cart, and an infeed conveyor section for conveying the objects to the loading section. The loading section includes a framework defining an open area for receiving the multi-tiered cart, and a elevator mechanism for vertically moving the cart relative to the framework within the open area. A stationary accumulation table is disposed adjacent to the framework and accumulates an array of the objects thereon. A pusher is associated with the accumulation table for pushing an accumulated array from the accumulation table and onto one of the shelves of the multi-tiered cart. Initially, the cart is raised so that its bottommost shelf is level with the accumulation table, such that when the pusher is actuated, the accumulated array is loaded onto the bottommost shelf. The cart is then lowered until the next shelf is level with the accumulation table, while the next array is being accumulated on the accumulation table.

Abstract: A data, which is used for raising-and-lowering a magazine holder on which a magazine for storing articles such as lead frames is placed in a magazine elevator device, being set by the steps of: placing a magazine on the magazine holder, storing in a memory the number of article storing sections of this magazine, aligning the lowermost article storing section of the magazine with the level of a lead frame conveying path by moving the magazine holder, storing in the memory the positional data of the thus moved magazine holder, aligning the uppermost article storing section of the magazine with the level of the frame conveying path by further moving the magazine holder, and then storing in the memory the data of the thus further moved magazine holder.

Abstract: An automated mechanical storage facility is provided including at least one closed loop track assembly. Also included is a plurality of storage units for being slidably moved along the track assembly and further adapted to contain cargo. Further included is a belt for discharging the cargo from the storage units and further receiving cargo thereon.

Abstract: The rack loader/unloader system includes a rack unloader and a container elevator disposed on opposite sides of a rack conveyor to unload containers from a rack at a transfer station. The container elevator enables unloaded containers to be transported away from the transfer station as replacement containers are accumulated to replace the unloaded containers. A rack loader displaces the replacement containers from the container elevator into the rack.

Abstract: A storage system for the storage and retrieval of material goods has a continuous track and a storage carousel movable along the track. The carousel carries a plurality of shelf arrays, each of which includes a plurality of vertically-spaced shelves removably attachable to the carousel at an adjustable vertical pitch. One or more inserter assemblies are disposed adjacent the carousel for transferring cartons onto the carousel. One or more removal assemblies are disposed adjacent the carousel for removing cartons from the carousel. A vertical transport unit has an upward reach disposed adjacent the inserter assemblies for transferring cartons to the inserter assemblies, and a downward reach disposed adjacent the removal assemblies for receiving cartons from the removal assemblies. The vertical transport unit has a plurality of platforms removably attachable to the vertical transport unit at an adjustable pitch.

Abstract: Main lifter pins and sub-lifter pins are arranged on the top surface of a plate to support a rectangular frame area of a glass substrate of a liquid crystal display. The rectangular frame area is an area surrounding a rectangular center area which is a surface area requiring processing. The main lifter pins and sub-lifter pins cooperate to push up the substrate from the top surface of the plate after a surface processing of the substrate on the plate is completed. The main lifter pins and the sub-lifter pins are arranged to contact a pair of shorter sides and a pair of longer sides of the rectangular frame area, respectively. The substrate is easily removed from the plate without being bent due to its own weight. Then, the main lifter pins further push up the substrate to a level at which the substrate is transferred to a transporter robot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ready mixed concrete conveying apparatus which carries up ready mixed concrete in the vertical direction, and continuously and quantitatively feeds out the concrete to a belt conveyor to continuously and quantitatively the concrete to a concrete placing position, wherein a lift which includes a boom with the belt conveyor and a tripper for taking out the concrete from the belt conveyor is arranged on a tower mast so as to be liftable, and the concrete which has been carried up by a container-like carrier arranged on the tower mast is continuously and quantitatively supplied to the belt conveyor on the boom by a supply device which is arranged on the container-like carrier or a transferring container for receiving the concrete from the container-like carrier.

Abstract: A device for mounting and dismounting a heavy weight includes a vertical frame having an opening formed on a side thereof, through which a heavy weight is received into the frame. A laterally extending frame is formed at a lower part of the vertical frame. A stopping member is attached to the lateral frame, opposite to the opening, to prevent the heavy weight from being moved outside the frame. A moving device moves the heavy weight to the frame and a lifter raises and lowers the heavy weight in the frame.

Abstract: A lead frame magazine conveying device including vertically provided magazine loader and unloader sections and an elevator system which transferred the lead frame magazine between the magazine loader and unloader sections, and the conveying device further including a a shutter that is movable back and forth so as to come into contact with or close to a magazine which has been transferred onto the magazine unloader section, thus preventing the magazine from falling over and from dropping from the magazine unloader section.

Abstract: A measuring flask 10 is described for use in a mine shaft assembly. The measuring flask 10 includes a body 12, a discharge opening 25, a door 24, and a pressurised fluid actuated door locking mechanism 40. The body 12 defines a storage chamber having a sloping bottom 22 and the discharge opening 25 is defined in the body 12 adjacent to the sloping bottom 22. The door 24 is displaceable between a closed position in which it closes the discharge opening 25 and an open position in which is permits material to be discharged from the measuring flask 10 through the opening 25. The door locking mechanism 40 is operable to lock the door 24 releasably in its closed position. Instead or in addition to the door locking mechanism 40, the measuring flask 10 has a resilient door retaining arrangement 50 configured to retain the door 24 releasably in its closed position.

Abstract: Containers for temporary confinement of empty and filled trays serving for temporary storage of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are advanced, one after the other, first at an upper level to a first station for evacuation of empty trays, thereupon downwardly to, along and beyond a second station for introduction of filled trays at a lower level, and then to the upper level for withdrawal from the apparatus. Empty trays are filled with rod-shaped articles during downward movement from the first station to the second station. One or more pneumatically operated devices can be employed to expel or otherwise remove empty trays from the container at the first station, and one or more similar devices can be used for reintroduction of filled trays into the container at the second station.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an apparatus for automatically testing condoms comprising a retrieving mechanism to present condoms from a large batch receptacle to an orienting mechanism, the orienting mechanism to orient each condom into the same configuration and orientation, a suction mechanism to move the condoms through the apparatus, a receiving mechanism to receive the oriented condom and position each condom onto a loading mechanism, the loading mechanism for loading the condom onto the testing mandrel, a mandrel shuttling mechanism to move the mandrels to the test position and a condom testing mechanism.

Abstract: A bulk envelope container for use in a bulk envelope transfer system and method includes a plurality of elongate chambers, each of which can store a stack of envelopes. The chambers can be arranged in rows and columns and the container is designed for use with a positioning table which is movable both horizontally and vertically to selectively align one of the chambers with a loading or unloading device. Each chamber has attached thereto a motorized gate which can be opened when the chamber is aligned for loading or unloading and closed when the associated chamber is not so aligned. An exemplary loading and unloading apparatus and a synchronizing control system is disclosed for use with the container and positioning table.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing products from a central unit to a plurality of peripheral units, including at least one annular guide which connects the central unit to at least one part of the peripheral units, at least one independently motorized trolley for conveying at least one product container, the trolley being retained on the guide, and at least one device, present at each peripheral unit, for removing and conveying the container to a region for the use of the products.