Abstract: A chip feeder includes a feed pallet in which accommodating portions, in which chips are to be accommodated, are provided, a suction unit configured to perform suction through the accommodating portions, a vibration application unit configured to apply vibration to the feed pallet, a control unit that is configured and programmed to periodically switch between a state where the suction is being performed and a state where the suction is not performed in a state where the chips have been supplied on the feed pallet, and where the vibration has been applied to the feed pallet. The chips supplied on the feed pallet are to be fed into the accommodating portions by the vibration and the suction. The suction is performed at least once during one period of the vibration. A negative pressure reaches a maximum range when an amplitude is maximum, and the negative pressure reaches a minimum range when the amplitude is minimum.

Abstract: A system for testing a lens module is provided. The lens module includes a barrel and a lens received in the barrel. The barrel includes a side surface which is parallel to the central axis thereof. The lens includes a smooth flat non-optical surface. The system includes an alignment device, a position detection device, and a processing device. The alignment device includes a leveling unit and an alignment block including an alignment surface for being in contact with and parallel to the side surface. The leveling unit adjusts the alignment surface to be perpendicular to a horizontal plane such that the side surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The position detection device determines the three dimensional coordinates of three non-collinear points on the non-optical surface. The processing device determines whether the non-optical surface is parallel to the horizontal plane according to the coordinates of the three non-collinear points.

Abstract: A nozzle system that includes an improved air nozzle is provided. In one embodiment, the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet. An air source is connected with the nozzle through a conduit and generates an air flow using a high flow centrifugal blower. The nozzle is connected with and part of an air-driven orientation device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of devices for arranging containers enabling the correct positioning of containers or bottles made of plastic on the bottling feeding line. The device (1) for arranging plastic containers (100) with one or more devices for blowing down the containers (101) overlapped on the erecting elements, includes a cylindrical hopper (17) inwardly provided with a conical or flat base, conveying elements (19) and erecting-aligning elements, and includes one or more blowing elements (2), for example blowers, adapted to inwardly blow, adjacent to the upper edge of the hopper (17) aligning elements, an air flow for hitting possible containers (101) overlying other containers located on the erecting elements themselves.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing packages of eggs on a conveyor is disclosed which comprises an egg orienter configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor so as to adjust a position of one or more of the eggs in each of the packages so that each of the eggs in a given package assumes a particular orientation within that package. In some embodiments, the egg orienter may be located between an egg loading section and a package closing section of an egg packer. In addition, in some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a laser source and one or more optical steering elements configured and arranged to direct laser energy from the laser source so as to laser mark information on a surface of one or more of the eggs while the eggs are in a package disposed on the conveyor and in said particular orientation.

Abstract: A method for providing a flexible molding, in particular an ophthalmic lens such as a contact lens, in a predetermined orientation, comprises the steps of determining the actual orientation of the molding, and in case the molding has been determined as not having the predetermined orientation, inverting the flexible molding to the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An automatic gathering pre-shape machine has a main body and a gathering device. The main body can make plastic films formed into a circular shape with an annular flange formed around a top edge of the film. The gathering device allows a pre-shaped plastic film be blown toward an outer end of the barrel to hit a block wall and drop and mount around a tip portion of corresponding shelf to be gathered. Consequently, the plastic film may easily and automatically be gathered from the main body. Therefore, the plastic films can be kept from being damaged and the pre-shaping process is accelerated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: The workpiece centering apparatus is capable of highly reducing damage of a workpiece. The workpiece centering apparatus comprises: a guide plate being provided in a tray and covering a water inlet so as to horizontally introduce water into the tray; and at least three overflow outlets for overflowing the water from the tray, the overflow outlets being formed in a peripheral wall of the tray and arranged in the circumferential direction at regular intervals. The workpiece, which is horizontally fed on a surface of the water stored in the tray, is received and floated by surface tension of the water. Then, the workpiece is centered in the tray by water flows radially overflowing from the tray via the overflow outlets.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use in packaging. The device generally uses a guide plate, dome shaped member through which a stream of air flows, and guide bar to reject improperly packaging elements. This apparatus provides an easy way to ensure properly oriented and aligned packaging elements during the automated packaging processes, thereby reducing wasteful and costly errors due to incorrectly aligned packaging elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning microelements on a substrate and a method for the same are provided. The steps of the method include providing a substrate, forming a protruding structure on the substrate, providing a microelement, forming a microdroplet on the protruding structure, and forcing the microelement to contact the microdroplet. The surface tension of the microdroplet is used to move the microdroplet to a surface of the protruding structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling lenses includes a lens tray, a support and a tray-securing member. The lens tray defines a plurality of lens-receiving holes configured for receiving lenses and a plurality of positioning holes defined therein. The support is configured for supporting the lens tray and defines a plurality of positioning pins thereon configured for extending through the corresponding positioning holes of the lens tray. The tray-securing member includes a pressing portion defining a through hole therein and a plurality of sleeves configured for receiving the positioning pins therein. The pressing portion is configured for downwardly pressing the lens tray to prevent the lens tray from shaking.

Abstract: A pedestal for inverting a soft contact lens has been invented. The pedestal of the invention has an inner surface, an outer surface, a dome shape capable of supporting the back surface of the contact lens or the front surface of that contact lens which has been inverted, is made from an elastic material which allows a negative pressure gradient to be generated from the outer surface to the inner surface, and has an elastic top which is capable of collapsing in to invert the contact lens.

Abstract: An assembly for orienting and fixturing an array of contact lenses in a lens-fixturing tray to enable automated picking of the lenses includes an array of tubes to which a first support tray having an array of lens receptacles each having a respective contact lens therein is removably mounted. A lens-fixturing tray having an array of lens receptacles is removably mounted to the other end of the tubes and the assembly is rotated and submerged in a fluid bath whereby the lenses release from the first support tray and float downwardly through a respective tube coming to rest in a centered, concave side-up position in a respective receptacle of the lens-fixturing tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving a multiplicity of like circular articles, such as discs, rings, and lids, for example, presented in a known or random horizontal orientation, and for collecting them for subsequent conventional processing into a horizontal counted stack in which each of the circular articles of the stack has the same on-edge or vertical orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a wafer handling system that manipulates semiconductor wafers. The present invention includes an end effector having a vacuum chuck, an internal vacuum plenum, and a plurality of flow diverters positioned within the vacuum plenum to define vacuum distribution channels in fluid communication with respective vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The present invention also includes a vacuum chuck having flow diverters positioned in one or more internal vacuum plenums which are in fluid communication with the vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The flow diverters of the vacuum chucks adjust the vacuum pressure supplied to the vacuum ports such that, as vacuum ports are occluded by the wafer, the vacuum pressure is preferentially applied to unblocked vacuum ports for increasing the attractive force applied to unengaged portions of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving a multiplicity of like circular articles, such as discs, rings, and lids, for example, presented in a known or random horizontal orientation, and for collecting them for subsequent conventional processing into a horizontal counted stack in which each of the circular articles of the stack has the same on-edge or vertical orientation.

Abstract: An adaptive Reed-Solomon(RS) decoder (207) and analogous methods arranged and constructed to decode a RS(n,k) encoded symbol stream, including; a code register (211), coupled to the symbol stream, for storing a received code word including code symbols, an index register (213) for storing a location information corresponding to each of a portion of the code symbols, a processor (215), coupled to the code register (211) and the index register (213), for performing soft decision decoding using an error parameter (217) and an erasure parameter (219) to provide corrected data (215) when the decoding is successful and to provide a failure indication (221) when decoding is unsuccessful, and a controller (223), coupled to the processor (215), for providing the error parameter and the erasure parameter and for adjusting the error parameter and the erasure parameter when the processor provides the failure indication.

Abstract: An elevation apparatus for a handler used for loading/unloading integrated circuit devices into/from a test tray is provide that includes an up/down block slidably mounted to be vertically displaceable with respect to a base plate. A nozzle block is affixed to the up/down block for displacement therewith. An aligner assembly is disposed above the nozzle block and supported by a pair of upper base blocks that are slidably mounted for displacement relative to the base plate. An elastically coupling assembly couples the pair of upper base blocks to the up/down block, the elastic coupling assembly upwardly displacing the pair of upper base blocks responsive to a corresponding upward displacement of the up/down block. The apparatus also includes a drive assembly secured to the base plate and coupled to the up/down block for vertically displacing the up/down block.

Abstract: An inertial force applied to a motor drive shaft when jaw members stop at opening and closing ends, grasping positions of a workpiece, and the like is absorbed and damage to motor parts such as gears due to impact is prevented.

Abstract: A system for flipping a semiconductor workpiece on its thin edge for microscope inspection of a workpiece facet is disclosed. The system has a holding device attached to a handling block. The holding device picks a workpiece by one of its thin edges. The edge of the workpiece may be attached to the holding device by vacuum. Then an operator rotates the handling block ninety degrees, which in turn rotates the holding device and workpiece ninety degrees. After rotation, one of the workpiece facets faces upward and perpendicular to the microscope for proper inspection of the facet.

Abstract: A fin alternating and delivering apparatus is provided for orientating and delivering fins emanating from a fin mill to a fin trayer for assembly into a heat exchanger. The fin alternating and delivering apparatus includes an entrance chute for receiving fins emanating from the fin mill in a horizontal position. The fin alternating and delivering apparatus also includes a sensor disposed adjacent the entrance chute to sense the fins entering the entrance chute. The fin alternating and delivering apparatus includes an air jet operatively connected to the sensor for delivering a blast of air to the fins upon sensing the fins entering the entrance chute to reorientate the fins from the horizontal position to a vertical position. The fin alternating and delivering apparatus further includes a discharge chute disposed adjacent the entrance chute for guiding the fins from the entrance chute to the fin trayer in the vertical position.

Abstract: An orienting assembly for medicinal capsules; the orienting assembly being characterized by having a rotary drum having seats, each for housing a top or bottom shell oriented in one of two opposite spatial directions; and by having a nozzle for generating compressed air jets, so that, if the top or bottom shell is oriented with the convexity facing the nozzle, the initial position of the top or bottom shell remains unchanged; whereas, if the top or bottom shell is oriented with the concavity facing the nozzle, the top or bottom shell is inverted by the compressed air jet generated by the nozzle; the invention also relating to a supply and orienting unit featuring the above orienting assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting portions of a disposable undergarment, such as a core thereof, is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a core lifting system for lifting a core of a disposable undergarment when in a first orientation position during travel along a predetermined path and a core orientor connected to the core lifting system for orienting the core in a second orientation position along the predetermined path of travel. The core orientor preferably includes at least one drive for driving the core lifting system along the predetermined path of travel and an orientation changing system associated with the at least one drive for changing the orientation of the lifted core to the second orientation position when driving at least portions of the core lifting system along the predetermined path of travel.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated rotating of semiconductor objects during the fabrication process is disclosed. The device uses a slotted base fixture with a channel, lifting members with ducts, and a vacuum. Semiconductor objects are rotated from a vertical position to a substantially horizontal essentially evenly spaced parallel configuration. The positioning of the semiconductor objects by the device is such that the facet end of each semiconductor object remains undisturbed. The configuration of the semiconductor objects allows for quick and easy transfer to a storage surface or transfer to further semiconductor processing steps.

Abstract: A device is provided for carrying a thin plate-like substrate such as a semiconductor wafer and for controlling the position of the wafer by floating it with an inert gas of low impurity concentration. A transferring unit and a control unit are both respectively provided with gas nozzles for floating a wafer and with a gas exhausting and circulating system. A plurality of transferring and control units are sealingly interconnected. Each control unit has a vacuum suction hole at its control center, and is provided with nozzles for controlling the wafer in the radial and circumferential directions, respectively, and with nozzles for stopping the wafer and for transporting the wafer to the next unit. On the bottom of a control space defined by each control unit, grooves which extend from the vacuum suction hole are formed for improving the positional accuracy of stopping the wafer.

Abstract: When feeding parts (102) to a mounting machine (A) by using a parts feed cassette (B), prior to parts feed, air is preliminarily supplied to the parts feed cassette (B) to put the parts (102) in neat order, and the parts (102) are preliminarily sent up to a final position in a parts feed route (113). Accordingly, if the parts (102) cannot be securely sent up to the parts feed position (114) in the parts feed route (113) by supplying air (1b) only for a specific limited time for feeding parts (102), the parts (102) can be preliminarily sent forward in neat order, and by the supply of air (1b) for parts feed, the parts (102) can be fed quickly, securely, and stably.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use in manufacture of fed objects which is able to handle (e.g., convey and/or array) the fed objects in a soft manner and prevent the fed objects from suffering mechanical damage. A chamber is provided below a perforated plate having a multiplicity of fine holes formed therein and having an upper surface inclined at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. Compressed air is introduced into the chamber through a supply pipe to be ejected from the upper surface of the perforated plate. The ejected air causes fed objects placed on the upper surface side of the perforated plate to float above the perforated plate and moves them due to the inclination of the upper surface. The fed objects thus moved are received one by one into pockets formed in a rotating stopper wall at a periphery of the perforated plate.

Abstract: A hosiery item spreading unit with pneumatic feed, usable with pneumatic hosiery item conveyance systems equipped with a centralized suction, comprising: a structure which forms an elongated spreading chamber arranged with its longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and provided, at its longitudinal ends, respectively with a first opening, connected to a duct for feeding the hosiery item to be spread, and with a second opening, connected to a suction duct which can be connected to suction means; the spreading chamber being closed, in a downward region, by a door which can be opened on command to remove the spread hosiery item and containing also elements for gripping a longitudinal end of the hosiery item which are spaced from the first opening towards the second opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively orienting consecutive fin strips relative to one another as a preliminary step in the manufacture of a heat exchanger includes a sensor for sensing the presence of each of a series of fin strips all having a common orientation relative to one another. The apparatus includes an orienting member which receives signals from the sensor as to the presence of each fin strip and rotates each consecutive fin strips in alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise directions to orient consecutive fin strips 180.degree. relative to each adjacent fin strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates comprises a mechanism for forming a plurality of truss plates and a mechanism for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include a mechanism for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, an aligning mechanism for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, a stacking mechanism for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and an interconnecting mechanism for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.

Abstract: A component supply apparatus includes a component feeding device for feeding components to a component feeding path, with the components arranged in a row while the components are being agitated by air, and a path forming member having a curved path extending from the component feeding path to a component supply position, for guiding the components fed from the component feeding path to the component supply position by changing a direction of each of the components by a predetermined angle. A plurality of air supply holes are provided at plural portions of the curved path for feeding the components fed to the curved path to the component supply position.

Abstract: A method for handling wafers one at a time for processing without the necessity for transporting the wafers in a carrier such as a wafer cassette or basket. After a manufacturing step such as a polishing step, the wafers are carried to a loader assembly in a horizontal orientation under the influence of flowing liquid. The wafers are then individually erected into a vertical orientation by being first stopped by stopper pins which stand vertically on a wafer receiving plate of a suction arm including a suction nozzle which firmly holds the wafers while the arm is pivotally rotated until the wafer is positioned into a vertical orientation. The vertical orientation thus achieved allows the wafer to be gripped by a wafer gripping portion of a transportation robot including grooved gripping arms operated by a mechanism which limits the force applied to the wafer.

Abstract: A device for carrying a thin plate-like substrate such as a semiconductor wafer and controlling its position by floating it with an inert gas of low impurity concentration. A transferring unit and a controlling unit are respectively provided with gas nozzles for floating a thin plate-like substrate and with a gas exhausting and circulating system, and a plurality of them are in combination with each other in a sealing state. The controlling unit, further, has a vacuum suction hole at its controlling center, and is provided with nozzles for controlling the thin plate-like substrate in its radial and circumferential direction respectively and with nozzles for stopping the thin plate-like substrate or sending out it to the next unit too.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inverting a plurality of contact lenses between separate processing steps which treat the opposite concave and convex surfaces of the lenses. The lenses are initially placed convex side-up on a perforated lens support surface and are subjected to the first processing step which treats this surface of the lens. The support surface is then passed over an elongated air stream which traverses and is directed to impinge upon the bottom surface of the support whereby the air stream passes through the perforations in the support and inverts the lenses from the convex side-up position to a concave side-up position whereupon this surface of the lenses may be treated in a subsequent processing step.

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: An apparatus for orienting and delivering individual condoms is disclosed comprising in general an orienting tube having an inner diameter sized slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the condom ring, whereby a suction is used to draw the non-oriented, randomly configured condom into, through and out of the tube. Each condom is oriented in the same orientation and configuration upon exiting the orientation tube, with the tip proceeding the main body of the condom, followed by the ring and open end. The invention further comprises a retrieving mechanism to pick up individual, non-oriented condoms and deliver the condoms to the orienting tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically orient golf balls for milling comprising a plurality of aligned cups. Each cup has a generally hemispherical recess to receive a golf ball. A first component is provided to move the golf balls from cup to cup. A second component is provided to detect the height of the golf ball in the cup as a function of whether excess circumferential material is in the cup or resting on the upper surface of the cup. A third component is provided to initiate blasts of air when excess material is in the recess. A fourth component is provided to terminate the blasts of air at subsequent cups if there is no excess material in the recess.

Abstract: A queue of randomly oriented chips is advanced down a track. Each chip in the queue is sequentially and individually elevated into a pneumatic circuit and pressed against a mirrored surface of an upper slide member to which it adheres if the chip was oriented with upwardly disposed solder lands. A jet of compressible fluid insufficient in magnitude to dislodge the chip is injected in a direction toward the queue. If the chip, alternatively, was oriented with the solder lands down, this fluid jet propels the chip about the oval-shaped pneumatic circuit so as to reorient the chip with the lands extending in the desired upward orientation, whereupon the chip is injected into a storage magazine.

Abstract: A device in which the wafers are moved with the aid of aqueous media, is posed for the transportation of semiconductor wafers and also for use in processes for the cleaning thereof, the device including a guideplate having a bottom plate with nozzle systems which are differently inclined in each case and independent of one another and through which the transportation fluid is, if necessary, forced into the transportation space, as a result of which the wafer can be loaded, retarded, caused to rotate and unloaded again. The devices can be combined to form treatment lines, different fluids being used in each case in the individual sections thereof, so that no mechanically moving parts act on the wafers during retardation and rotation and that no change of reagents has to be carried out inside a treatment station.

Abstract: A queue of randomly oriented chips is advanced down a track. Each chip in the queue is sequentially and individually elevated into a pneumatic circuit and pressed against a mirrored surface of an upper slide member to which it adheres if the chip was oriented with upwardly disposed solder lands. A jet of compressible fluid insufficient in magnitude to dislodge the chip is injected in a direction toward the queue. If the chip, alternatively, was oriented with the solder lands down, this fluid jet propels the chip about the oval-shaped pneumatic circuit so as to reorient the chip with the lands extending in the desired upward orientation, whereupon the chip is injected into a storage magazine.

Abstract: "Method and device for aligning and storing in a given order moldings having a tubular perforation."Individual moldings (6) are introduced successively from above into a turbulence space above a receiving mandrel (5) profiled for reception in the perforation (7) in the molding (6). Each molding is subjected to an aligning air turbulence until the molding (6) has been aligned with its perforation (7) with respect to the receiving mandrel (5) in such a manner that the molding (6) falls onto the receiving mandrel (5) due to an air resistance decreasing as a result of the alignment. The receiving mandrel (5) then passes the molding (6) on to a deposition transport rail (19).

Abstract: A rivet orientation device includes a horizontally extending track into which fed rivets drop. If the rivet is properly oriented, it will seat properly within the track and be pushed, by a plunger, to a robotic member pick-up point. However, if the rivet has been incorrectly oriented within the track, it will be subjected to compressed air thereby causing tumbling of the rivet and encouraging its proper orientation within the track. Once re-oriented a plunger guides the correctly seated rivet along the track to the pick-up point.

Abstract: In the feeding of sheet material to a machine such as a tire building former a sheet is first placed on a table and one edge of the sheet is aligned with a first datum line, preferably by tilting the table and supplying floatation air under the sheet. The sheet is then picked up and moved transversely through a predetermined distance by a gripping device to align one edge with a second datum line so as to enable the sheet to be fed in appropriate alignment to a machine.

Abstract: In the feeding of sheet material to a machine such as a tire building former a sheet is first placed on a table and one edge of the sheet is aligned with a first datum line, preferably by tilting the table and supplying floatation air under the sheet. The sheet is then picked up and moved transversely through a predetermined distance by a gripping device to align the edge with a second datum line so as to enable the sheet to be fed in appropriate alignment to a machine.

Abstract: A robot wrist for introducing a male part into a bore, the end of the part and/or the opening of the bore being chamfered, and which has an arm connected to the robot, an end piece adapted for carrying the part and connecting elements fixed to the arm and the end piece allowing free movement of the end piece with respect to the arm, and ensuring self centering of this end piece. The connecting elements are magnetized in the direction of their axis and are interposed between the arm and the end piece, disposed so as to attract each other mutually and separated from each other by balls.

Abstract: A manipulator of the type where a base and a hand are connected via a flexible arm in which the flexible arm comprises a plurality of hollow coupling members which are coupled to each other via universal joints in a manner allowing free flexion and integral rotation. Plural hand-operating shafts are attached to the center of the flexible arm via spherical bearings in a manner to allow relative rotation therebetween and coupled to each other via universal joints at intermediate points of the coupling members, and one of the hand-operating shafts is expandable. Actuators are housed inside the base to drive and rotate the flexible arm and hand-operating shafts, and a separate actuator is housed inside the base to flex the flexible arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for prealigning a silicon wafer prior to transfer to a work station. The wafer is spun on an aligning platform by means of air jets emanating from holes disposed in the surface of the platform while simultaneously being stopped by means of a vacuum source communicating with the surface of the platform. Sensor means detect when the wafer is centered within a first predetermined tolerance to turn off the air jets and vacuum to stop the wafer. Control means responsive to the sensor means then center the wafer to within a second predetermined tolerance. The wafer is then transported to the work station for processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding and orienting parts having at least one terminal depending from each body. The parts are fed with at least one terminal in sliding engagement along a guide rail. Misoriented parts are blown out of engagement with the guide rail by a fluid ejection means and recirculated for refeeding and orienting.