Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a surface of at least one object (39) that extends in the XY plane, comprising at least one movable base plate (1) with a surface extending in the XY plane, above the base plate (1) in the Z direction, at least one mask (3) with at least one aperture (5), the mask (3) and the aperture (5) respectively extending in the XY plane, at least one means (25) for moving the base plate (1) in a first direction within the XY plane, at least one means (27) for moving the base plate (1) in a second direction within the XY plane.

Abstract: In a component mounting apparatus, when one of first and second board transfer devices is performing the unloading and loading of boards, a controller operates a component placing device to mount components on a first or second board loaded by the other board transfer device. Thus, it is possible to effectively utilize the time which is taken for the unloading and the loading of either boards, for component mountings on the other board, so that the efficiency in producing boards can be enhanced. Further, since the controller executes a control so that while component mountings are performed on the first boards of M-sheets on the first board transfer device, component mountings are performed on the second boards of N-sheets on the second board transfer device, it is realized to suppress the occurrence of an intermediate stock of either boards where the first boards of the M-sheets and the second boards of the N-sheets are required.

Abstract: In a mounting apparatus for electronic components, a command from a host computer is transmitted to a linear motor M via a motion controller and a servo amplifier to thereby drive a mounting head H1 or a mounting head H2. To prevent collision between the two mounting heads H1, H2, position information from a linear encoder E is fed back to not only the servo amplifier, but also the motion controller. Once determining that the two mounting heads H1, H2 collide, the motion controller applies brake to the mounting heads H1, H2 to avoid collision therebetween, regardless of the command from the host computer.

Abstract: An electronic component is mounted on a printed board by a first head and a second head collaboratively. The first head is prioritized to the second head for moving operations. The range which allows the second head to move is defined in consideration with all the positions where the electronic components held by the first head are to be mounted on the printed board such that no collision occurs between the first head in operation and the second head.

Abstract: Tomatoes (11) or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article locator (44) of the article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins (26) for pushing the tomatoes though the cutter blades (20). The article pushers (24) have laterally extending front openings (36) for receiving a high pressure fluid spray for cleaning the fins (26) and cutter blades (20) without disassembling the components of the slicer. The article pushers (24) are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades (20) and extended positions over the cutter blades (20). 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 (24), between positions over the on-coming line of tomatoes (11) on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades (20).

Abstract: A mobility apparatus for transporting objects along a surface includes first and second slider arrangements for supporting an object to be transported. The first and second slider arrangements have a low friction lower surface and a high friction upper surface. The first and second slider arrangements are coupled by a common strap having first and second ends. The mobility apparatus further comprises a loop located near the second end, securing the second slider arrangement to a fixedly attached connection with the common strap. The mobility apparatus further includes first and second openings located in the first slider arrangement such that the first slider arrangement in an unloaded condition freely moves along an adjustment length of the common strap.

Abstract: A system for moving crates in a warehouse, in which crates (C) to be moved are organised in supply modules (M), each made up of a predetermined number of rows each having a predetermined number of crates. The system includes a translator device (1) for rows of crates that brings about the movement of at least one row of crates, so as to create at least one aisle (W) for passing between one row and another of the module, in which it is possible to gain access through a crates manipulator (3), which is able to move along the module and through the aisles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning system (10) for positioning an object relative to a technical facility, in particular an observation, measurement or processing system or the like, comprising an object carrier device for receiving the object to be positioned, and a positioning device (12) for positioning the object carrier device, wherein the positioning device has a drive facility for driving the object carrier device, wherein the drive facility has two linear motors (21; 22), arranged such that positioning of the object carrier device in two axes is possible, wherein the positioning device has a measurement facility (23), and wherein the drive facility and the measurement facility are arranged in a manner interposed between a referencing base (26) of the positioning device and the object carrier device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for thermoforming articles. The apparatus includes an in line series of processing stations including heating, forming, cutting and separating stations. A stacker is provided to receive formed articles and form an x-y array of stacks of formed articles. A stack picker is provided that is operable to pick up the stacks of articles during a sheet pause cycle portion and move the picked stacks from a storage magazine to a deposit area. The movement of the stacks for depositing and the picker assembly back to the stacker can occur while the apparatus is producing and stacking additionally formed articles.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a fixed base, a swivel, a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the swivel relative to the fixed base, a swivel mechanism for turning the swivel about a vertical swivel axis, a linear movement mechanism supported by the swivel, and a hand supported by the linear movement mechanism for transportation of a work along a linear horizontal travel stroke. The lift mechanism includes N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) lift members arranged for telescopic expansion and retraction relative to the fixed base. The lift mechanism also includes N lift drive mechanisms each for raising and lowering one of the lift members relative to an immediate lower-stage lift member. The swivel is supported by an uppermost one of the lift members. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for processing an object just as semiconductor chips and dies. The first embodiment comprises two or more pick and place heads (FIG. 1) which operate sequentially (ie leap frog) to pick components from a first location to a second. The second embodiment (FIG. 8) comprises a flipping head combined with a pick and place heads where an object is picked up by the flipping head, turned over and then presented to a pick and place head for relocation to an output.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing pick-and-place operations is disclosed, which comprises: a power source; a transmission set, driven by the power source; a mobile seat, capable of being moved by the transmission set; and a retrieval head, coupled to the mobile seat; wherein the transmission set is configured with a driving shaft and a driven shaft as the two shafts are parallel-disposed while enabling the driving shaft to be driven by the power source; and the driving shaft has an active eccentric axle extruding from an end opposite to the power source, and the driven shaft has an passive eccentric axle extruding from an end opposite to the power source; and the active eccentric axle and the passive eccentric axle is coupled to the mobile seat for forming a four-bar linkage mechanism for maintaining the verticality and levelness of the mobile seat while being driven to move in an arc path.

Abstract: A handling device (20) for moving goods (10). The handling device (20) is equipped with at least one tool holder (32) that can be moved by a first drive unit (24) and a second drive unit (25) in two spatial directions that are at an angle (12) with respect to each other. The at least one tool holder (32) is held between the first drive unit (24) and the second drive unit (25).

Abstract: A workpiece conveying apparatus of a machine tool, capable of covering a workpiece moving mechanism based on a simple structure and thereby preventing the entire machine from increasing in size is provided. A frame member 8 is formed by a pipe body extending from a workpiece machining position A to the vicinity of a workpiece carry-in-and-out position B, and the workpiece moving mechanism 7 is structured that a belt 12 is wound around a driving pulley 10 and a driven pulley 11 to drive the driving pulley 10 to rotate by a driving motor 13 where the belt 12 is arranged in the accommodated state in the frame member 8.

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 handling device which has a first hearing device forming a pivot point for two inner pivot arms, to each of which one outer pivot arm is pivotally attached. The two outer pivot arms support a platform. The platform is pivotally connected to the outer pivot arms by an outer three-ring bearing.

Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.

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: A carrier apparatus positions a chuck member above a wafer mounted on a fine movement stage, relatively moves the chuck member and the fine movement stage in a vertical direction, makes the chuck member approach a position which is a predetermined distance away from the upper surface of the wafer, makes the chuck member hold the wafer from above in a non-contact manner, and makes the chuck member holding the wafer and the fine movement stage move apart within a predetermined plane after making the chuck member holding the wafer and the fine movement stage move apart in the vertical direction. Further, the carrier apparatus loads the wafer held in a non-contact manner from above by the chuck member on the fine movement stage.

Abstract: A shift and scan test tube rack apparatus and method comprised of an array of initially aligned racks each comprised of a row of spaced apart receptacles each having a receptacle window through which a barcode on a received barcode labeled test tube is viewable and each rack further comprised of a plurality of line of sight windows each interposed between two adjacent spaced apart receptacles, and a shifting device for individually shifting any one of the racks in the array of initially aligned racks to a shifted position that allows a plurality of the receptacle windows in the shifted rack to be viewed through the plurality of line of sight windows in the remaining aligned racks for reading barcodes on barcode labeled test tubes received in the shifted rack.

Abstract: Rotational hardstop assemblies that provide greater than 360 degrees of non-continuous rotation for rotating mechanisms are provided. In certain embodiments, an assembly is used to provide 630 or more degrees of rotation for the shoulder axis of a robot, such as a wafer transfer robot. The rotational hardstop assemblies include opposing magnets as springs. According to various embodiments, the opposing magnets provide non-contact engagement and produce no contact noise nor have any wear over time. The rotational hardstop assemblies provide the ability to location from either direction of rotation of a robot cylindrical coordinate system.

Abstract: A method of stacking shingles includes manufacturing a plurality of shingles having a granule covered surface and a bottom surface opposite the granule covered surface. Every other shingle is separated into first and second paths. The shingles in the second path are inverted 180 degrees. A shingle from the first path is positioned onto a shingle from the second path, such that the bottom surfaces of each shingle are engaged, thereby defining a stacked pair of shingles.

Abstract: A method for distributing articles (2) made by series production in a storage compartment (3), including the following steps: A. Placing the article (2) on a longitudinally displaceable conveyor (4) above the storage compartment (3); B. Displacing the article (2) by the conveyor (4) to a discharge area (15, 15?, 15?, 15??) which is selected among at least two discharge areas (15, 15?, 15?, 15??) in the storage compartment; C. Discharging the article (2) by pushing it off over one (12) or the other edge (13) of the conveyor by moving the conveyor (4) over the discharge area (15, 15?, 15?, 15??); D. Repeating steps A-C with selection of discharge area (15, 15?, 15?, 15??) in a controlled sequence. Furthermore an apparatus (1) for performing the method is described.

Abstract: A work piece handling apparatus moves workpieces with a plurality of independently movable load cups that have combined multiple axes of motion. The apparatus can load and unload work pieces from a wet process station and move work pieces between wet process stations and maintain wet chemistry delivery to the workpiece without involving a robot. A method of work piece handling using the apparatus provides a significant throughput improvement by reducing the inherent time lag of pneumatic systems and eliminating multiple steps involving the robot during inter-station wafer transfer.

Abstract: A cable holding device for a work transfer device that transfers a workpiece between mutually adjacent press machines. The cable holding device is used for the work transfer device that is provided with a supporting portion (3) disposed on a support member (2) placed between press machines (P1, P2) and swingably supports a transfer arm (5). The cable holding device (10) comprises a rack arm (11) that is swingably connected to the top end of the transfer arm (5) and holds a part of the cable; a slide supporter (12) that is disposed above the transfer arm, swingably connects the rack arm (11), and vertically moved via the rack arm as the transfer arm moves; and a cable support (13) that has its one end connected to the slide supporter and its other end connected to a cable fixing portion (6) that is disposed in a direction intersecting a transfer direction of the work with respect to the slide supporter, supports a part of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides various aspects of support for a processing tool in a fabrication facility capable of routine placement and replacement of processing tools and component assemblies of the tools. Support aspects include a support structure for component assemblies and a quick disconnect flange which facilitates connecting and disconnect of electrical, liquid and gas utilities to a tool component placed in the processing tool.

Abstract: An electronic component feeder and a chip mount having the electronic component feeder are provided. The electronic component feeder includes a body having a pickup position at which electronic components are picked up and a plurality of component feed paths guiding respective component feed tapes holding the electronic components to the pickup position, and which switches the component feed paths to select a component feed path guiding a component feed tape to the pickup position so that the electronic components held in the component feed tape are picked up at the pickup position, based on a component holding state about the electronic components held in one of the component feed tapes.

Abstract: A system separating defective dies from a wafer comprises a film frame platform and a pick-and-place device. The film frame platform comprises a support table assembly configured for supporting a film frame assembly and a platform surface configured to receive the placement of bins thereupon. The pick-and-place device is configured for moving in a linear manner between the support table assembly and the platform surface.

Abstract: An automated pharmaceutical or biotech compound testing system uses a very small molded plastic shelf keeping unit or test tube known as a “minitube”. The minitubes are stored in trays in a standing refrigeration unit and are retrieved by a machine or robot having a die cutting tubular end effector adapted to selectively cut away and remove a minitube from an integrally molded matrix containing hundreds of minitubes (e.g., 384); the matrix is called a minitube well plate. Upon cutting a selected minitube away from the matrix, the end effector is pushed down over the selected minitube, thus forcing the minitube into the cylindrical interior lumen of the end effector, where it is retained by friction fit until such time as the minitube is to be releaseably locked into a plastic receiving tray. Minitubes are stored in the plastic tray which is adapted to receive and releaseably hold or lock the tubes in place.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating parts arranged for example in at least two adjacent rows and including a transfer device, which is provided with at least two holding elements which pick up the parts in a first position and deposit them in a second position 5b, means are provided by which the distance at which the holding elements are disposed adjacent one another is changeable during the transport of the parts from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A position-returning mechanism for a pick-and-place apparatus is disclosed, in which three first circular recesses are respectively concavely provided and three fixing blocks are respectively convexly provided in an equal angle along an outer periphery on a lower surface of a fixing base, and each of the three first circular recesses is inserted and disposed between two adjacent fixing blocks. A movable base is correspondingly installed on the lower part of the fixing base. Three corresponding second circular recesses are concavely provided and three recesses are provided on an upper surface of the movable base. Three ring sprig pillars are provided and received respectively in the corresponding first circular recesses and the corresponding second circular recesses. Therefore, according to the invention, the movable base is allowed to provide functions of radial displacement and axial rotation relative to the fixing base via the three ring sprig pillars.

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: This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has movables so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a transfer plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing, or marking. This transfer plate and the stacker cart have on their lower surface movables that allow both easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart and easy moving of the stacker cart from one location to another. The transfer plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or for moving the transfer plate to a second surface. The movables used in both the transfer plate and the stacker cart can be wheels, slides, or bearings.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying unit loads, comprising at least one conveyor element, said conveyor element comprising a conveyor for transporting at least two unit loads in a conveying direction, the at least two unit loads being arranged side by side in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and to a storage and retrieval device comprising at least one carrier and a load bearing module, wherein the load bearing module has at least two carriages. A logistics system for storage, retrieval and collation of unit loads, comprising at least a store for storing unit loads, and at least one conveyor system. Moreover, a method of operating a logistics system with at least one storage and retrieval device and/or a conveyor system is disclosed, wherein at the storage and retrieval device and/or the conveyor system at least two unit loads are operated at the same time.

Abstract: A carriage of an electric machine has a carriage base for accommodating an object to be moved. The carriage base is fastened to a movable primary part of a linear motor. A seat is integrally formed on the carriage base and represents the housing or a housing part fastened in or to the movable primary part. The one-part design of the seat with the carriage base increases the stability of the entire carriage, allowing a reduced wall thicknesses of the carriage and eliminating the need for additional fastening elements securing the seat to the carriage base. The weight of the carriage to also reduced.

Abstract: A method for conveying especially light objects (23, 23.1), particularly empty or full PET bottles. In the method, the object (23, 23.1) is accepted between two claws (5, 6) of claw arms (3.1, 3.2) of a griping vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) which moves along a rail (1, 1.1, 1.2).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus is disclosed, which transfers and loads semiconductor devices between first and second loading elements. The semiconductor devices are loadable and arrangeable at a first row interval in the first loading element, and alternatively arrangeable at second and third row intervals in the second loading element. The pick-and-place apparatus includes a multiplicity of picking unit modules, each of which has at least one or more picking units; and an interval regulation apparatus for regulating intervals between the picking unit modules at the first to third modes. The first to third row interval values are different from each other. The intervals between the picking unit modules are all regulated to be identical to the first row interval at the first mode. The intervals between the picking unit modules are alternately regulated to the second row interval and the third row interval in turn at the second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for engaging and releasing a plurality of items. The apparatus comprises a frame having a longitudinally extending support member and at least one group of engagement unit. Each engagement unit has at least one engagement member, and each engagement unit is adapted for engaging, and disengaging from at least one item. Each of the engagement units in the one group is mounted in series for longitudinal movement on the longitudinal support member, and each one of the plurality of engagement units is interconnected to at least one other of the plurality of engagement units. A movement apparatus is provided for engaging at least one but not all of the plurality of engagement units in the one group to displace the group longitudinally on the longitudinal support member.

Abstract: Each of guided vehicles has an operating condition memory unit for storing the total travel distance, the travel time, the number of travels, the number of errors at a stop position, and the number of article transfers. These values are evaluated by an evaluation unit 53, and the machine difference is measured again for each of the guided vehicles.

Abstract: A robot for gripping and handling one or more objects, which robot includes a stationary base with a first guide extending in a first direction, and an arm including a second guide extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction, preferably perpendicularly to the first direction, which arm is connected to the base by way of the first guide in such a way that the arm is movable in the first direction. A slide is provided on the second guide and is movable in the second direction. A gripper supported by the slide, for gripping one or more objects, is movable in a third direction intersecting the plane of the first and second directions, preferably perpendicularly. A number of stationary actuators are provided on the base, for driving the arm, the slide and the gripper by means of pulling elements, for example drive belts, which are connected to the arm, the slide and the gripper respectively.

Abstract: A device is operable by a door panel for moving a footwear article between a use position that is near a door opening and a store position that is away from the door opening. The device includes a carrier having a footwear support, and a link member connecting the carrier to the door panel so that the carrier moves along with closing and opening movements of the door panel. A method for moving the footwear article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical arrangement for processing sheet metal includes a sheet metal processing device, a transport device configured to position a sheet metal workpiece relative to the sheet metal processing device, the transport device including at least one workpiece carrier that is movable along a transport path that extends along a first transport line and a second transport line, and at least two X-guides and at least two Y-guides, the X-guides arranged parallel with the first transport line and the Y-guides arranged parallel with the second transport line. The at least two X-guides and the at least two Y-guides are configured to be coupled to each other by a transfer device to form a transport course, the workpiece carrier circulates along the X-guides and the Y-guides, and the transfer device is configured to move the workpiece carrier from one of the X-guides to one of the Y-guides.

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: The present invention provides a sheet separator and method for use in separating sheets of material, such as sheets of material that are provided in stacks. The sheet separator is inserted at a desired position within the stack of material. The sheet separator has dimensions selected to avoid damage to the sheets of material at the separation point or gap created by the sheet separator. The sheet separator clearly marks the gap into which a forklift blade is to be inserted, whereby damage to the sheets of material can be avoided, and injuries to forklift operators when attempting to slide heavy sheets of material can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Tomatoes (11) or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article locator (44) of the article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins (26) for pushing the tomatoes though the cutter blades (20). The article pushers (24) have laterally extending front openings (36) for receiving a high pressure fluid spray for cleaning the fins (26) and cutter blades (20) without disassembling the components of the slicer. The article pushers (24) are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades (20) and extended positions over the cutter blades (20). 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 (24), between positions over the on-coming line of tomatoes (11) on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm transport device which is especially provided for the automation of large component transfer presses. Said articulated arm transport device is characterized by a kinematics and design that do not require any additional clearance between the press rams and pillars and that permit an introduction or extraction of workpieces even with a small clearance between the upper and lower tool. The articulated arm transport device is mounted above the workpiece transport plane on the press stands. The articulated arm part linked with the cross-member is shorter than the articulated arm part and makes a pivoting movement substantially above the common pivot. A lifting and/or pivoting movement can be carried out by means of controlled lift drives that are functionally linked with transmission means.

Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a table capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement; a column arranged upright on the table so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; an arm protruding sidewise from the column, the arm being capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement and ascending and descending along the column; a head mounted to the tip of the arm so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; and a jig mounting stage mounted to the head so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation, thus allowing six-axis movements. A welding robot or a workpiece can be carried on the jig mounting stage and transported while being grasped, and the six-axis movements can be stopped at desired positions, making it possible to perform positioning on the welding robot or the workpiece in terms of orientation, height, etc.