Abstract: Boom drive apparatus for substrate transport systems and methods are described. The boom drive apparatus is adapted to drive one or more multi-arm robots rotationally mounted to the boom to efficiently put or pick substrates. The boom drive apparatus has a boom including a hub, a web, a first pilot above the web, and a second pilot below the web, a first driving member rotationally mounted to the first pilot, a second driving member rotationally mounted to the second pilot, a first driven member rotationally mounted to the boom above the a web, a second driven member rotationally mounted to the boom below the a web, and a first and second transmission members coupling the driving members to driven members located outboard on the boom. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes a traveling rail hung from a ceiling portion and configured for guiding an article transport carriage, an article loading unit disposed laterally and downwardly of the traveling rail and configured for loading and supporting an article to be transferred to/from the article transport carriage, and a supporting mechanism for supporting the article loading unit hung from the ceiling portion in such a manner that the article loading unit is rendered position-adjustable between a transferring position for transferring the article to/from the article transport carriage and a retracted position retracted upwards from the transferring position. The supporting mechanism is capable of causing the article loading unit loading an article thereon to be position-changeable between the transferring position and the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harvesting device for facilitating harvesting of crops growing on a substrate or soil, the device comprising:—a harvesting conveyer comprising crop receiving members suitable for simple manual placing of the crops therein, wherein the conveyor is adapted to discharge the crops from a location within reach of the harvesting location,—transport means for transporting the harvesting conveyer relative to the substrate or the soil, wherein—the harvesting device is suitable for simultaneously harvesting from at least two seed-beds.

Abstract: The disc device includes a picker which conveys, in a horizontal direction, a magazine tray in which a plurality of discs are stored, a lifter which pushes out the plurality of discs from the magazine tray, and a carrier which shifts in a vertical direction, which retains in a stacked manner the plurality of discs pushed out by the lifter, and which supplies the discs to a plurality of disc drives, respectively. The lifter is flexibly mounted such that the lifter shifts relative to the picker in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A holding member can be made to move up and down with long strokes by means of short vertical strokes so that the overall arrangement can be downsized and lightweight. Additionally, the holding member can be held to a constant attitude and the overall arrangement can be simplified to reduce the cost. A swing arm is adapted to be swung between the metal mold of a resin molding machine and the outside of the resin molding machine by means of a rotary shaft rotating in response to a vertical motion of an elevating body relative to a vertical frame and, at the same time, a fitting member is adapted to be driven to rotate in response to the swinging motion of the swing arm in order to control the attitude of a vertical arm so as to make its axial line aligned with the vertical direction.

Abstract: A transporting device for liquid crystal display module (LCM) is provided and includes a platform for carrying the liquid crystal display module. The platform includes a plurality of supporting racks arranged in parallel along a first direction. A trolley is configured with a base installed with a plurality of fingers extending along the first direction. A driving device is used to manipulate the trolley. The transportation device is beneficial for automation of the LCM production. During the transportation, the LCM along with its printed circuit pattern is fully supported by the trolley and all the hindrance resulted from the loosely arranged printed circuit pattern can be successfully resolved.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus for handling glass substrate is disclosed and which comprises a chassis and a transportation platform which includes a transferring device disposed on the chassis and includes a first frame and a plurality of transferring rods rotationally disposed across the first frame along a first reference direction. A vertical displacing mechanism is provided for moving the transportation platform to move vertically to a pre-determined height. And a horizontal displacing device is provided for moving the transportation platform to more along the first reference direction such that the transferring device can be moved in and out of the cartridge, wherein the first transferring rods rotationally move the glass substrate into the cartridge or out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A robotic placement machine including a base operably connected to the Y axis actuator and the X axis actuator, a first Z axis actuator coupled to the first end of the base, the first Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a first Z axis, a second Z axis actuator coupled to the second end of the base, the second Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a second Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator, wherein the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator are each capable of moving independently of each other to tilt the pick and place plate is provided. Furthermore, a system comprising a first machine, second machine, and third machine to eliminate air bubbles when bonding two substrates is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.

Abstract: A work piece transfer mechanism for use in a chamber has at least one port through which a work piece may be passed along a linear work piece transfer path between a retracted location inside the chamber and an extended location outside the chamber. The chamber has a predetermined internal dimension of given axial extent in the direction of the transfer path, and the transfer mechanism includes a work piece support movable with a linear stroke. The work piece support is driven along the linear stroke by a drive lever pivotally attached to the work piece support by a pivot, and the drive lever is drivable such that the pivot is driven along a linear path to move the work piece support along the linear work piece transfer path. The linear work piece transfer path includes a portion beyond the port of axial extent greater than predetermined internal dimension.

Abstract: This invention discloses a transferring apparatus for transferring a glass substrate from a cartridge in case the glass substrate disposed therein is damaged or defective. The transferring apparatus includes a chassis, and a conveying device. The conveying device includes a frame and a plurality of transferring rods arranged in a common plane and along a longitudinal direction. A first driving device disposed on the chassis and is interlinked with the conveying device. The first driving device moves the frame along the first horizontal direction such that the frame can be moved in and out from the cartridge to carry the damaged glass substrate. The driving device further drives the transferring rods to rotate centered with its own axis. By the provision of the transferring apparatus, a damaged or defective glass substrate can be properly transferred out of the cartridge without damaging adjacent glass substrate. This can be performed automatically so as to increase the efficiency, while reducing labors.

Abstract: A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.

Abstract: A magnet loading apparatus for loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine is described. The apparatus includes positioning means realized to hold a magnet pole piece of a plurality P of magnet pole pieces in place relative to its designated position on the field; and a transfer means realized to simultaneously transfer a plurality P of magnet pole pieces from the positioning means onto the field of the electric machine. Also described is a method of loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine.

Abstract: A robotic arm is for holding a molding item. The robotic arm includes a mount; a lifting mechanism mounted to the mount; a horizontal driving device; a rotating assembly mounted between the lifting mechanism and the horizontal driving device to rotate the horizontal driving device relative to the lifting mechanism; a holder for holding the molding item, the holder mounted on the horizontal driving device. The lifting mechanism cause the holder to move relative to the mount in a first direction, the horizontal driving device moves the holder relative to the mount and the lifting mechanism in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a work carrying mechanism, a driving source that drives the work carrying mechanism, a sealed box that accommodates the driving source in a hermetically sealed state, and a coolant circulation path provided in the sealed box for cooling the driving source. The sealed box includes a box body with an opening, and a partition lid for closing the opening. The partition lid includes an outer plate member and an inner plate member superposed on the outer plate member. The coolant circulation path is disposed at the interface between the outer plate member and the inner plate member.

Abstract: Tomatoes are placed on parallel cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). Alternate blades are oscillated in arcuate paths in opposite direction as article pushers (24) move downwardly, pushing the tomatoes through the parallel cutter blades (20). The end slices of the tomatoes are gathered separately in the collectors (96) and are later discarded, while the intermediate slices are received in a transfer plate (78). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes together in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer plate (78) is lowered to a position immediately above the shipping containers (80) and opened to deposit the tomatoes in the shipping containers. A fluid spray nozzle (75) may be positioned to emit a spray of gas or liquid between the fins of the pushers and/or toward the cutter blades (20) and toward engagement with the tomatoes for sterilizing, cleaning, or other treatment of the tomatoes and the adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: A pick-and-place device for transferring and positioning a plurality of workpieces includes a transferring mechanism and a handling assembly. The handling assembly includes at least two handling heads. Each of the at least two handling heads includes a handling portion for handling the plurality of workpieces. The handling portions of the at least two handling heads have different sizes. The transferring mechanism is capable of picking one of the handling head of the at least two handling heads according to sizes of the plurality of workpieces.

Abstract: A two-axis inertial positioner comprises a cascaded stack of orthogonal actuators mounted on a base and a platform frictionally mounted to the top surface of one of the actuators. An alignment cartridge overlies the platform and a clamp block overlies the alignment cartridge. Ball and groove bearings are provided between the platform, alignment cartridge and clamp block to provide two axes of motion corresponding to the two operational axes of the actuators.

Abstract: Tomatoes or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings of an article locator of an article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins for pushing the tomatoes through the cutter blades. The article pushers are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades and extended positions over the cutter blades. A pick and placer (76) is carried by the same movable support plate (78) and moves simultaneously in the same lateral directions as the article pushers, between positions over the oncoming line of tomatoes on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades.

Abstract: There is described apparatus and methods for transporting and processing substrates including wafers as to efficiently produce at reasonable costs improved throughput as compared to systems in use today. A linear transport chamber includes linear tracks and robot arms riding on the linear tracks to linearly transfer substrates along the sides of processing chambers for feeding substrates into a controlled atmosphere through a load lock and then along a transport chamber as a way of reaching processing chambers. A four-axis robot arm is disclosed, capable of linear translation, rotation and articulation, and z-motion.

Abstract: A gantry assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, the gantry assembly comprising a first bearing shaft, a carriage slidably engaged with the first bearing shaft, and a second bearing shaft operably supported by the carriage, the second linear bearing extending along a second axis. The gantry assembly also comprises a tool-head mount slidably engaged with the second linear bearing, a drive belt secured to the tool-head mount, a first motor having a first drive shaft engaged with the drive belt, and a second motor having a second drive shaft engaged with the drive belt.

Abstract: A loader for a substrate storage container defines a buffer space in which the substrate storage container is temporarily stored between a transfer facility and a semiconductor production facility of a semiconductor production line. The loader includes a load port configured to store the substrate storage container, a buffer port configured to store the substrate storage container, a transfer robot to transfer the substrate storage container within the loader, and a dual entrance sensing device on the transfer robot to determine if the substrate storage container is loaded on the load port and to determine if the substrate storage container is loaded on the buffer port.

Abstract: A water-chamber working apparatus (1) that performs a predetermined work inside a water chamber (131) of a steam generator includes at least two locking units (2) inserted into and locked to heat transfer tubes (132) provided on a tube plate (137) in the water chamber (131), a support means (3) spanned between the respective locking units (2), and a movable body (4) movably provided along the spanned support means (3). Accordingly, the movable body (4) can be stably supported in the water chamber (131) and can be easily moved.

Abstract: A biaxial drive mechanism including a Z axis capable of realizing a high speed elevation axis without an increment in torque on a horizontal drive axes and a die bonder using the biaxial drive mechanism is disclosed. The biaxial drive mechanism includes a handling part; a first linear motor having a first movable part that moves up/down the handling part and a first stationary part; a second linear motor having a second movable part and a second stationary part; a connecting part that directly or indirectly connects the first movable part to the second movable part via the first linear guide; a second linear guide that moves the first movable part; and a support body that fixes the first stationary part and the second stationary part with a predetermined length in parallel to each other in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a plurality of arms movable relative each other about a plurality of joints, and electrical motors moving the arms. The robot is also arranged and designed to resist corrosion in a harsh environment. The robot is also mobile and arranged for movement or travel and suitable for maintenance and inspection tasks in an installation for oil and gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot, comprising a movable carriage (2, 22, 42, 52-1, 52-2), on which a working device (3.1, 23.1, 43.1) is vertically movably supported and can be lowered from a first area above a safety plane to a second area below the safety plane. A protection device is arranged in the safety plane and, in a first position, prevents the working device (3.1, 23.1, 43.1) from lowering from the first area to the second area. In a second position of the protection device, the working device (3.1, 23.1, 43.1) is able to lower to the second area. The protection device is attached to the movable carriage (2, 22, 42, 52-I, 52-2) and associated with the working device (3.1, 23.1, 43.1) such that the protection of persons and machines is ensured using a simple design.

Abstract: A paper retrieving mechanism includes a base, a handle movably connected to the base, and a resisting element. The base supports an amount of paper, and defines a first slot. The paper is to be placed over the first slot. The resisting element passes through the first slot, and is connected to the handle. The handle is to be acted upon by an external force to drive the resisting element to move along the first slot to push the paper to move relative to the base.

Abstract: An assembly unit with an industrial robot for handling a vehicle body is provided. The industrial robot can be moved by coupling to the vehicle body in the conveying direction, in which a conveyor belt conveys the vehicle body. The industrial robot retains in any conveying situation its exact position relative to the workpiece in all directions. A transport platform serves to transport the industrial robot. The transport platform can be moved independently of the conveyor belt and without use of rails if the industrial robot is decoupled from the vehicle body. A component storage unit can be coupled to the transport platform. The component storage unit then can also be moved by the transport platform. The industrial robot can be designed for a small load to achieve a cost-effective assembly unit.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus can prevent photo-corrosion of, e.g., copper interconnects due to exposure of a surface to be processed of a substrate to light, and can perform processing, such as cleaning, of a substrate surface while preventing photo-corrosion of, e.g., copper interconnects due to exposure to light. The substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing areas housing therein processing units which have been subjected to light shielding processing; and at least one transfer area housing therein a transfer robot and disposed between two adjacent ones of the plurality of processing areas. A light shielding wall is provided between the transfer area and each of the two adjacent processing areas, and a light-shielding maintenance door is provided for the front opening of the transfer area. The processing units are coupled to the light shielding walls in a light-shielding manner.

Abstract: In accordance to an aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate transport apparatus is provided. The substrate transport apparatus includes a frame defining a chamber, at least one stator module embedded at least partly into a peripheral wall of the chamber, the at least one stator module defining an axis of rotation. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one rotor substantially concentrically disposed relative to the at least one stator module about the axis of rotation, the at least one rotor being configured to interface with the at least one stator module and being suspended by a respective one of the at least one stator module substantially without contact within the chamber. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one substrate transport arm connected to the at least one rotor and having at least one end effector configured to hold at least one substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning electrostatic chucks in processing chambers are provided. The process comprises flowing a backside gas comprising a reactive agent into a zone in a process chamber, the zone defined by a space between a surface of an electrostatic chuck or of a cleaning station and a surface of a substrate. The surface of the electrostatic chuck is etched with the reactive agent to remove debris. An apparatus for cleaning an electrostatic chuck is also provided, the apparatus comprising: a process chamber; an elongate arm having a reach disposed through a wall of the process chamber; an electrostatic chuck attached to the elongate arm; a cleaning station located within the reach of the elongate arm; and a reactive gas source that is operatively connected to the cleaning station.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring springs to a spring conveyor comprises a transfer device and an output device. The transfer device is mounted such that it can be moved between a plurality of positions in which the transfer device is respectively configured to receive a spring, and is configured to transport a received spring during movement of the transfer device between the plurality of positions. The output device is configured to selectively output the spring received by the transfer device from the transfer device at one of plural output positions, wherein the plural output positions are pairwise different.

Abstract: A place station for a pick-and-place machine, comprising: a place stage assembly comprising a place stage for supporting a substrate; a covering for providing a clean environment at the substrate, the covering comprising a first opening in a first face of the covering through which a placement operation may be performed to a limited area of the substrate; wherein the place stage and the covering are mounted for relative movement to allow the opening to achieve a selected relative position over the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate handling robot includes an arm section and a wrist portion connected to the arm section. An end effector is connected to the wrist portion and is configured to support a substrate. A housing is arranged adjacent to the end effector and includes a gas outlet that directs gas onto an exposed surface of the substrate during transport.

Abstract: A rotation-transmitting mechanism capable of obtaining a high deceleration ratio in a small number of stages, and a conveying apparatus and driving apparatus using the rotation-transmitting mechanism are provided. In one form, a rotation-transmitting mechanism includes an inner rotating body and an outer rotating body arranged coaxially with the inner rotating body. Further, the rotation-transmitting mechanism includes a driving rotating body and rotating body arranged on an input side (lower stage), and two planetary rotating bodies arranged on an output side (upper stage). When the driving rotating body is rotated by a motor on the input side, the two planetary rotating bodies revolve around the inner rotating body while rotating on the output side. At this time, the planetary rotating bodies revolve very slowly around the inner rotating body.

Abstract: A cooling system, a motor handling system, and a method of positioning a motor in a cooling system are disclosed. The motor handling system includes a suspension feature configured to engage a support member, the support member positioned partially below a cooler. The motor handling system permits positioning of a motor in a first position and re-positioning of the motor to a second position. The cooling system includes a cooler, a support member positioned partially below the cooler, and a motor handling system. The method of positioning includes engaging a support member of a cooling system with a suspension feature, positioning the motor at a first position, and re-positioning the motor at a second position.

Abstract: A modular automatic traveling apparatus includes a seat and an external coupling device mounted onto the seat. The seat includes a moving device to allow the seat to move automatically and an assembling passage which has two ends formed respectively an inlet and a holding orifice. The holding orifice has a detent portion on the perimeter thereof. The external coupling device has an installation portion which is inserted into the assembling passage through the inlet and latched on the detent portion and anchored on the holding orifice, thus is movable automatically with the seat. Users can change the external coupling devices with varying functions such as a vacuum cleaner, odorator and the like to automatically perform different types of tasks through the automatic movement of the seat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing an item from a conveyor system are provided. In some aspects, an escapement assembly includes a sensor system configured to detect a target item of a plurality of items on a feed conveyor of a conveyor system. The feed conveyor is configured to facilitate transport of the plurality of items to a first location. The escapement assembly also includes an escape conveyor configured to couple to a body of the conveyor system such that at least a portion of the escape conveyor is above the feed conveyor. The escapement assembly also includes a delivery assembly configured to pick the target item from the feed conveyor and to place the target item onto the escape conveyor. The escape conveyor is configured to facilitate transport of the target item to a second location different from the first location.

Abstract: A robotic placement machine including a base operably connected to the Y axis actuator and the X axis actuator, a first Z axis actuator coupled to the first end of the base, the first Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a first Z axis, a second Z axis actuator coupled to the second end of the base, the second Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a second Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator, wherein the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator are each capable of moving independently of each other to tilt the pick and place plate is provided. Furthermore, a system comprising a first machine, second machine, and third machine to eliminate air bubbles when bonding two substrates is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.

Abstract: A conveying device A is disposed inside a vacuum chamber B, includes a fixation base 1; a swivel base which is held rotatably with respect to the fixation base 1; linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B supported by the swivel base 2; and hands 4A, 4B supported by the linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B; and a transports work W placed on the hands 4A, 4B by operation of the linear movement mechanism 3A, 3B. Radiation plates 62, 63, 65 are provided at appropriate locations on a lower surface side of the swivel base or of the linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B. The vacuum chamber is provided with heat absorption plates 61, 66 on a wall which faces the lower surface side of the swivel base 2.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer mechanism 76 transfers workpieces W to a workpiece boat 40 having ringlike tables 86. The transfer mechanism 76 includes a fork main body 78 being movable forward and rearward with the workpiece W placed thereon; stopper members 94 provided at the end portion of the fork main body 78; clamp means 96 provided on the proximal end side of the fork main body 78 and having a pressing portion 102 coming into contact with the circumferential edge of the workpiece W and pressing the workpiece W toward the stopper member 94 for clamping; and fork elevating means 80 for lifting and lowering the fork main body 78. When the workpieces W are transferred to a workpiece boat 40, the pressing portion 102 of the clamp means 96 is controlled so as not to be inserted into a gap between tables 86. Thus, although the pitch between the tables 86 is small, the pressing portion 102 of the clamp means 96 does not interfere with the workpiece boat 40.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus comprises a substrate holder capable of holding a substrate, a link unit which extends/retracts the substrate holder, a driving unit which generates a driving force to operate the link unit, a guide bar provided to one of the substrate holder and the link unit; and a support unit which is provided to the other of the substrate holder and the link unit, and slidably supports the guide bar when the substrate holder moves by the operation of the link unit.

Abstract: Techniques for construction and operation of a programmable product picking apparatus are described herein. Such an apparatus picks up product according to a first spacing (e.g., from a conveyor) and releases the product according to a second spacing (e.g., into a carton). In one possible configuration, a fixed matrix plate defines at least first and second rows of slots. Two movable matrix plates, one that moves right-then-left and one that moves left-then-right, move in opposite directions parallel to the fixed matrix plate according to strokes of pneumatic cylinders. Each of a plurality of product pickers is driven by one of the two movable matrix plates. As that plate moves, the product picker is also moved according to a slot defined in the movable matrix plate. Each product picker comes to a stop when it reaches an end of a slot defined in the fixed matrix plate.

Abstract: In a transport system, carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a moving distance sensor configured to measure a moving distance of the endless belt, a carrier sensor configured to detect one of the carriers at a position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction, and a signal processor configured to operate the hand are provided. To load an article, when the moving distance from a time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a first moving distance, the hand is activated at a first acceleration, and to unload an article, when the moving distance from the time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a second moving distance which is larger than the first moving distance, the hand is activated at a second acceleration which is larger than the first acceleration.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a transfer target object includes a support member, which is movable forward and backward, for supporting the transfer target object, and a sensor for detecting that a tip of the support member comes into contact with an obstacle when the support member moves forward. The sensor includes a first conductive ring having flexibility, which is provided at the tip of the support member in a grounded state, a second conductive ring provided inside the first conductive ring and separated from the first conductive ring, and a detector which detects that the first conductive ring and the second conductive ring are short-circuited when the first conductive ring comes into contact with the second conductive ring by being deformed due to a contact with the obstacle.

Abstract: By a substrate support member moving in predetermined strokes in a scanning direction on a Y step surface plate, a substrate held by the substrate support member moves in the scanning direction in predetermined strokes in a state supported from below by an air floating device. Further, because a Y step guide having an air floating device moves in a cross-scan direction along with the substrate holding member, the substrate can be moved optionally in the scanning direction, and/or in the cross-scan direction. In doing so, because the Y step surface plate moves in the cross-scan direction with the substrate support member and the Y step guide, the substrate support member is constantly supported by the Y step surface plate.

Abstract: On a +X side of a first air floating unit which supports a substrate subject to carry-out, a second air floating unit which supports a substrate subject to carry-in is placed, and a third air floating unit is placed tilted in a ?y direction below the second air floating unit. After the first air floating unit has been tilted in the ?y direction and the substrate has been carried from above the first air floating unit onto the third air floating unit, the first air floating unit is made horizontal and another substrate is carried from above the second air floating unit onto the first air floating unit. Specifically, a carry-in path and a carry-out path of the substrate with respect to the first air floating unit are different. Accordingly, exchange of the substrate above the first air floating unit can be performed quickly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying articles, in particular product slices produced by simultaneous slicing of a plurality of food products or respective portions including a plurality of product slices, wherein the articles are conveyed in a conveying direction on a main conveying path in multitracks in desired arrangements formed by articles from different tracks, in particular in rows extending transverse to the conveying direction, incomplete arrangements of articles having at least one deficient point are expelled onto a secondary conveying path and desired arrangements are formed from the articles forming the incomplete arrangements.

Abstract: A shuttle-type conveying system to convey an article. The system includes a feeding and collecting device capable of setting a cassette in which articles to be conveyed are stacked as they are on a rotating and feeding table, a pickup device taking out the article and placing it on a receiving/delivery table, and a conveying device feeding the article on the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table by a shuttle conveying portion traveling on conveying paths below the receiving/delivery table. After the article is lifted up by the shuttle conveying portion and moved to outside the receiving/delivery table, the article is lowered below the receiving/delivery table and made to travel under the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table.