Miscellaneous Patents (Class 414/787)
  • Patent number: 11959041
    Abstract: A device includes a tribological assembly including first and second mechanical components in relative motion with respect to each other, the assembly having a silver-alloy surface and an additive lubricant including at least one component of the formulas (Ia) or (II): MxNOy (Ia), where M is Ca, V, Sb, Ni, or Ag, x (M:N ratio) is any number between 0.25 and 2, and y (O:N ratio) is any number between 1 and 8; MxSiOy (II), where M is Mg or Al, x (M:Si ratio) is any number between 0.5 and 2, and y (O:Si ratio) is any number between 2.5 and 6, the device being a sealed constant-pressure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniil A Kitchaev, Mordechai Kornbluth, Martin-Christoph Kruse, Charles Tuffile
  • Patent number: 11131104
    Abstract: A truss stacking system has a main conveyor for conveying trusses of a plurality of diverse designs out of a production facility and into a stack building yard or warehouse. The main conveyor is attended by a dedicated truss stacking station for each of the diverse designs, and which station includes a truss lift sub-station and a stack-forming sub-station. Each truss lift sub-station has at least a pair of traveling masts that each raises and lowers at least one bunk (eg., fork). The bunks are raised to lift a selected truss off the outflow conveyor, the masts are driven on an outbound journey to support the lifted bunk in the airspace above the stack-forming station, and then the bunks are lowered to rest the truss on the stack. Stop posts assist in stripping the truss off the bunks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Jared A. Schulz, Jack A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 10955828
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and a system including at least one industrial robot arranged with a tool, and a conveyance path transferring a plurality of objects within a working area of the at least one robot. The computer implemented method includes obtaining position data indicating a position for each of the plurality of objects and applying a first strategy to the at least one robot. The first strategy includes: determining a value for each object within a certain area of the at least one robot, wherein the determination is based on the position data, and the value indicates a uniformity measure of the flow distribution in the direction of the conveyance path for the remaining objects within the certain area if the object, for which the value is determined for, was excluded from the conveyance path; determining a selected object within the working area of the at least one robot based on the determined values; and controlling the at least one robot to handle the selected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Anders Lager
  • Patent number: 10368500
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Sidekick USA, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Carlson
  • Patent number: 10368501
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A plurality of guide arms extend outwardly of the pushing plate to overlie a sod strip being positioned to prevent upward buckling of the sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Sidekick USA, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Carlson
  • Patent number: 10141227
    Abstract: Methods and systems for achieving semiconductor-based circuits or systems having multiple components with one or more matched or similar characteristics or features are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a system includes a processing device that includes first, second, and third circuitry. The first circuitry is configured to generate control signals that at least indirectly cause a pick and place head mechanism to attempt to pick up and place at least some of first and second dice. The second circuitry is configured to assess whether attempts to implement one or more of first and second dice should be skipped based upon wafer map information. Further, the third circuitry is configured to determine whether a second position of a first one of the second dice is sufficiently proximate to a first position so that it would be appropriate to implement the first one of the second dice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Suarez, Gabriela Michel Sanchez, Audel Sanchez, Michele Lynn Miera, Flavio Hernandez Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9082799
    Abstract: A carrier capable of holding one or more workpieces is disclosed. The carrier includes movable projections located along the sides of each cell in the carrier. This carrier, in conjunction with a separate alignment apparatus, aligns each workpiece within its respective cell against several alignment pins, using a multiple step alignment process to guarantee proper positioning of the workpiece in the cell. First, the workpieces are moved toward one side of the cell. Once the workpieces have been aligned against this side, the workpieces are then moved toward an adjacent orthogonal side such that the workpieces are aligned to two sides of the cell. Once aligned, the workpiece is held in place by the projections located along each side of each cell. In addition, the alignment pins are also used to align the associated mask, thereby guaranteeing that the mask is properly aligned to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Weaver, Charles T. Carlson, Scott A. Smith, Michael A. Beck, Aaron P. Webb, James D. Strassner, Lawrence R. Gravell, Michael C. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9028199
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. A pushing frame provides arms that are slidable into base tubes of a base frame and the cylinders are connected between the arms and the base tubes to slide the pushing frame with respect to the base frame. Further cylinders are employed to pivot the base frame, the pushing frame and the pushing plate between deployed and non-deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Lawns Keeper Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Carlson
  • Publication number: 20130194058
    Abstract: The invention disclosed here relates in general to a field of devices used to eliminate stress and strain to the body caused due to excessive bending and/or stooping. The Back Saver is a device used for the purpose of eliminating stress to the back and legs due to excessive bending and/or stooping. The purpose of this devise is targeted small objects that get trapped in vacuums such as paper clips, staples, safety pins, tacks, nails, etc. This device allows these objects to be picked up using this hand held tool, which consists of a magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: VALERIA DENISE FRANKLIN
  • Patent number: 8490268
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laser-cutting sheet steel (1), wherein a sheet steel (1) is gradually inserted in a defined position into the cutting area (2) of a laser cutter in a direction of advance V in order to machine it. The sheet steel (1) is machined by laser cutting in a machinable area corresponding to the length of the cutting area (2), in the entire machinable area or only in a section thereof. The machined part (8) and the non-machined part (8) of the sheet steel may also only overlap in some sections (10). An automatic discharge device is also provided. The manufactured parts and the remaining grid are likewise cut from the sheet steel (1) by laser cutting. The method can be repeated in several machining steps until the sheet steel (1) is completely machined, the results of the preceding machining step being taken into consideration for the subsequent machining step. The invention allows to optimally utilize the sheet steel (1) even when using smaller laser cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bystronic Laser AG
    Inventor: Thomas Plüss
  • Patent number: 8479607
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: DAIHEN Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Fukuma, Hideki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8464414
    Abstract: A vertical mounted motor hoist and a method of hoisting a motor are provided. The motor hoist includes a threaded eye bolt for lifting the motor hoist; a sleeve threaded inside one end, and attached and held to the threaded eyebolt by means of a threaded plug and dowel pins and welding; and two safety chains for placement around the motor, each safety chain attachable to the sleeve by means of two oppositely positioned pinch bolts, each pinch bolt having a welded nut welded on to the sleeve and a jam nut tightened against the welded nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Lorenzo R. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8465248
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to lift a carrier housing an object onto a secondary unit. The carrier is connected to the secondary unit, configured to rotate about an axis. A tether is provided with at least two branches on one end, and a single branch on a second end. The two branches are secured to the carrier in a spaced relationship, such that a pull of the single branch rotates the carrier about the axis and places the carrier on the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Ciccaglione, Charles C. Gange, R. Kevin Qualters, Terese Sharon Spaulding, Todd D. Voltz
  • Patent number: 8386399
    Abstract: Methods for selecting transportation parameters for transporting parts from at least one point of part supply to at least one point of part demand in a manufacturing facility include determining a physical relationship between the at least one point of part supply and the at least one point of part demand, selecting a transportation route type from a preselected group of transportation route types based at least in part on the physical relationship, selecting an automated guided carrier type from a preselected group of automated guided carrier types based at least in part on the transportation route type, determining a need for traffic control based at least in part on the transportation route type, and if it is determined traffic control is needed, selecting a traffic control type from a preselected group of traffic control types based at least in part on the transportation route type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sudhakar Pillarisetti
  • Patent number: 8348587
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having an assembly for loading sheet material includes a cargo area having a loading opening and a bulkhead located at an opposite end of the cargo area from the loading opening. Also included is a passenger compartment located at a forward region of the vehicle. Further included is at least one fixed end stop located proximate a rear area of the cargo area. Yet further included is at least one load assist strip, where a first end of the strip is mounted to the bulkhead, wherein the strip extends rearward to a second end of the strip that is mounted to the end stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve David Fleming, John K. Harding, Jonathan M. Fisher, Alicia Agius
  • Patent number: 8298815
    Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Kristopher Buchanan, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher, Benno Guggenheimer, Robert Clark, Michael Barber, Bob Lathrop
  • Patent number: 8292041
    Abstract: A friction brake which is suitable for applying friction to one or more load-bearing ropes in the implementation of arbor rigging or other procedures in some embodiments includes a tree engaging frame, a frame attachment mechanism carried by the tree engaging frame, a shaft receptacle carried by the tree engaging frame, an assembly mount shaft releasably inserted in the shaft receptacle and a rope engaging frame carried by the assembly mount shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald L. Shull
  • Publication number: 20120070262
    Abstract: A transport system including a fleet of semi-trailer trucks, wherein a plurality of the semi-trailer trucks are loaded with rectangular bales of tall grass biomass, wherein the total weight of the bales is greater than 80% of the sum of the maximum transport weight capacities of the loaded semi-trailer trucks, wherein the total volume of the bales is greater than 80% of the sum of the maximum transport volumes of the loaded semi-trailer trucks, and wherein the bales on at least one of the plurality of loaded semi-trailer trucks have a net energy value of at least 244 million Btu. The trucks are preferably loaded to at least 85%, and most preferably to at least 90%, of their legal payloads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: FOREST CONCEPTS, LLC.
    Inventors: David Neil Lanning, James H. Dooley, Christopher J. Lanning, James L. Fridley
  • Publication number: 20110064548
    Abstract: A post extending from a medical device facilitates transfer of the device between first and second support structures. Each of the first and second structures includes a mounting receptacle, configured to receive the post, fitting either tightly or loosely thereabout, depending on a position of the post along an axis of the receptacle. When the first receptacle holds the post and is moved in a first direction, the post may be moved into the second receptacle, which is then moved in a second direction, to tighten the second receptacle and loosen the first receptacle about the post. When the second receptacle holds the post, the first receptacle may be moved in the first direction, until the post enters the first receptacle, and, then, the second receptacle may be moved in a direction opposite to the second direction, to loosen the second receptacle and tighten the first receptacle about the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl T. Wrolson, Tom H. Borlaug, Steven P. Plager, David D. Scott
  • Patent number: 7849641
    Abstract: A telescopic undercarriage for raising and lowering a frame. The undercarriage includes a base section having a pair of parallel base legs extending from a first end to a second end of the base section, the base section including a first plurality of braces extending between respective upper surfaces of the base legs and a second plurality of braces extending between respective lower surfaces of the base legs, the base legs, first plurality of braces and second plurality of braces collectively providing an elongate central base section passage. The undercarriage also includes an extendable section slidably disposed within the base section passage and having opposed legs, a drive system for extending and retracting the extendable section relative to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thorkil J. Johannsen
  • Patent number: 7828506
    Abstract: A dual drive drywall lift system for efficiently lifting a panel either manually or through an external motor. The dual drive drywall lift system generally includes a lifting unit including at least one telescoping member, a first drive unit mechanically connected to the lifting unit, wherein the first drive unit selectively extends and retracts the telescoping member(s) outwardly via a manual force input member and a second drive unit mechanically connected to the lifting unit, wherein the second drive unit selectively extends and retracts the telescoping member(s) outwardly via a powered force applied to the second drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Telpro, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry P. Young
  • Publication number: 20100272551
    Abstract: A powder/granular material feeder is provided which can prevent bridges and rat holes, which makes a hopper less likely to vibrate, and which can be easily cleaned. The powder/granular material feeder includes a hopper 1 for storing powder/granular material, and a screw conveyor 2 provided at the lower end of the hopper 1 for feeding powder/granular material in the hopper 1 to the next step, wherein the hopper 1 is a conical member having a downwardly decreasing diameter, and is made of a soft material, and wherein the powder/granular material feeder further includes rollers 3 and 4 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hopper 1, a ring member 5 provided coaxially with the hopper 1 and supporting the rollers 3 and 4, and a motor 8 for rotating the ring member 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Kenichi Kumashiro, Takashi Shima
  • Publication number: 20100242767
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing system, comprising a print material inlet, where non-imprinted print materials can be supplied to the printing system, and a printed product outlet, where printed products can be conveyed out of the printing system, and comprising at least one printing couple (19, 251) or printing tower in which the print material can be imprinted, and comprising at least one reel changer (18) or sheet feeder for feeding the print material, and comprising at least one unit, particularly a folding unit (22, 255, 256) or sheet delivery, for post-processing and/or removing the printed product, wherein the printing system comprises at least two system levels arranged vertically above each other, and wherein the printing system forms at least one material flow line (12) along which the print material is conveyed through the printing system, wherein in addition to the printing system a transport system is provided which extends parallel to the material flow line across the entire length o
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Horst-Walter Hauer
  • Publication number: 20100215468
    Abstract: A loading lift for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle and/or to overcome a difference of level in buildings, at public transportation ramps and the like comprising a holding stand (1,) to be attached to the motor vehicle and/or a wall or a ground area of the building or at the public transportation, a carriage (2) which can be moved backwards and forwards in a first direction on the holding stand (1) and a loading device (3) which can be mounted on the carriage (2) and can be moved backwards and forwards in a second direction substantially vertical to the first direction between a loading position and a transporting position is described. Therein the holding stand (1), the carriage (2) and the loading device (3) each consist of a module, it being possible for these modules to be selectively handled individually or to be inserted one inside another and connected together to produce a ready-made constructional unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Kollewe
  • Patent number: 7766598
    Abstract: The configuration comprises a carrier equipping an ejection plate on the front for ejecting the bundled-paper sheet material P and equipping a plurality of cutout parts, which are open in their top parts, at a predetermined interval on both the left and right sides; and a drive transmission unit being equipped by a plurality of drive rollers, each of which comprises a plurality of bosses in a predetermined interval on a single circumference around the rotation center thereof, in a predetermined interval on both the left and right sides of the bundled-paper sheet material transport path, wherein a drive force is transmitted by allowing bosses of each drive roller, which rotates by receiving a drive force from a drive source, engage in the respective cutout parts of the carrier sequentially, thereby allowing the carrier travel in the front and back directions of the bundle transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Gotoh, Kazuto Kitano, Hayato Minamishin
  • Publication number: 20100166533
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for efficiently transporting large quantities of initially loose pieces of irregularly shaped scrap sheet metal by temporarily compressing batches of such pieces together into unitary slabs and then forming stacks of numerous slabs, arranged in closely fitted rows within open-top railroad cars or truck trailers. Each slab is formed by ramming a batch of pieces against a vertical plate so that the slab is generally vertically arranged. The slab is then allowed to gravity-fall upon a downwardly tilted table. A second slab is formed and similarly allowed to fall on the table in end-to-end contact with the first slab. The table is then tilted into a horizontal position. A horizontal magnet is positioned to overlap and engage both slabs simultaneously. The magnet is supported by a crane which lifts and moves the magnet over the open-top railroad car or truck and deposits the pair of slabs into an adjacent pair of stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred George Hering
  • Publication number: 20100089851
    Abstract: Handling devices and methods for handling microelectronic assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a frame includes a first end portion, a second end portion that is spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first end portion, a first side portion that couples the first and second end portions, and a second side portion that couples the first and second end portions and is spaced along a lateral axis from the first side portion. An insert is releasably disposed on the frame and includes a plurality of pockets, with individual pockets positioned to releasably receive a respective one of the microelectronic assemblies. A retainer is positioned to secure and release the insert with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Slaughter, Justin L. Lawrence, John E. Vannortwick, Jamie J. Wanke, Christopher E. Casey, Michael R. Forbis, James R. Stoor
  • Publication number: 20100047053
    Abstract: The invention provides for a die picker for picking printhead integrated circuitry from a wafer. The picker includes a wafer platform having a displacement actuator to displace said platform which operatively receives the wafer, and a picker head having a vacuum mechanism to lift a dice of the circuitry from said wafer. The picker also includes an alignment sensor configured to detect a position of the dice on the wafer, and a controller arranged in control signal communication with the displacement actuator, the picker head and the sensor to facilitate aligning the wafer with the picker head, and to pick the dice from the wafer with the head for transport to a transfer apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: David Oliver Burke, Jan Waszczuk, Desmond Bruce Boyton, Craig Donald Strudwicke, Peter John Morley Sobey, William Granger, Jason Mark Thelander, Eric Patrick O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20090324378
    Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7618231
    Abstract: A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system includes a first strut section and a second strut section configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround beams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes a first beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strut section includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises a perimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround a respective beam of the first strut section. Each channel beam further configured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Superior Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jarrod J. Felton
  • Publication number: 20090250866
    Abstract: A system for transporting an object between stations, for example, from a magazine to a conveyor is provided having a rotary apparatus having two arms, wherein a first arm rocks back and forth between two positions and a second arm rotates about an axis on the first arm. The second arm can be fixedly connected to a holder having one or more suction heads for grasping the object. Preferably, the holder is arranged parallel to the object and moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the object as the object is removed from the magazine. Additionally, the holder is preferably displaced above the conveyor and positioned to be parallel to the conveyor, after which the holder is moved toward the conveyor in a path that is perpendicular to the plane of the conveyor. Therefore, the lateral force, shearing force, and friction exerted on the object during removal from the magazine and deposition onto the conveyor can be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Frank Lechert
  • Publication number: 20090202333
    Abstract: This invention intends to provide an electronic component pick-up method, an electronic component loading method and an electronic component loading apparatus which are capable of executing a pick-up operation of an electronic component adhesively held on a carrier stably and with high productivity. In an electronic component pick-up method for picking up a chip 6 adhesively held by an adhesive layer 5a on a sheet 5, as the adhesive layer 5a, an adhesive containing a compound generating a nitrogen gas by application of ultraviolet rays is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Ozono, Hiroshi Haji, Teruaki Kasai
  • Publication number: 20090202331
    Abstract: A storage device 1 has a plurality of mount tables Tab storing a plurality of articles-to-be-stored Dab of different sizes placed thereon in a one-to-one correspondence, and at least one transfer device 300a, 300b moving in an upper horizontal plane located above the plurality of mount tables while holding the article-to-be-stored. The transfer device includes a holding mechanism for holding the article-to-be-stored; a vertically moving mechanism for vertically moving the holding mechanism; and a horizontally moving mechanism for moving the vertically moving mechanism in the upper horizontal plane. On the plurality of the mount tables Tab adjacent articles-to-be-stored are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in a lower horizontal plane, and the mount tables Tab have a mount-table-moving mechanism 100 movable in at least one direction in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryoichi Wada
  • Publication number: 20090194659
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a cassette comprising a top plate, a base plate, a plurality of posts arranged between the top plate and the base plate and defining an operation space, a securing device comprising a stop mechanism and a clamping mechanism and arranged along with one post. The stop mechanism comprises a stop projection provided on an outer side of the one of posts, a stop bar parallel to the one post and slidable disposed through the stop projection, and a stop block disposed on a side of the stop bar. A lower end of the stop bar extends beyond a plane of the base plate when the stop block is bearing against an upper surface of the stop projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Haoran GAO, Wei SHEN
  • Publication number: 20090169352
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to staging manufactured items and provide a method, system and computer program product for staging items in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for staging items in a manufacturing environment can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ivory W. Knipfer, Jason S. Lee, Antoine G. Sater, Manivannan Thavasi, Yajun Tu
  • Publication number: 20090148264
    Abstract: A magazine having compartments for receiving cassettes has an outer housing having an open top and an open front side. An inner housing within the outer housing encloses an interior space and defines a plurality of compartments. The inner housing has opposing sidewalls, and spring elements form the compartments. A generally U-shaped feed element is mounted on the inner housing movably reciprocally in the longitudinal direction over a depth of the compartment so that the feed element moves a cassette from one compartment to an adjacent compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20090095111
    Abstract: An multi-joint robot (1) for loading/unloading a work (30) into/from a cassette, characterized by comprising a hand part (7) holding the work (30), an arm part (6) rotatably holding the hand part (7), a link mechanism (3) rotatably holding the base end side of the arm part (6) and moving so that the moving route of the base end side of the arm part (6) becomes linear in a direction roughly orthogonal to a direction for loading/unloading the work (30), and a driving means for moving the tip side of the arm part (6) so as to linearly interpolate it in a direction for loading/unloading the work (30) according to the movement of the link mechanism (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kitahara, Shigeyuki Kaino
  • Publication number: 20090097955
    Abstract: A credential manufacturing device includes a card supply positioned adjacent to a main card input and configured to hold a plurality of plastic card substrates, a card transport, a card processing device, an auxiliary input and a card rotator. The card transport is configured to feed individual card substrates from the card supply through the main card input and along a processing path. The card processing device is either a print head or a laminating roller and is in line with the processing path. The auxiliary input is displaced from the main card input and the processing path, and positioned in line with an auxiliary input path, which is transverse to the processing path. The auxiliary input is configured to receive individual card substrates for travel along the auxiliary input path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Francis, Leon Gershenovich, Mark David Oeltjenbruns
  • Publication number: 20090066128
    Abstract: A carrier element for an object. The carrier element has an essentially u-shaped form and includes two side pieces, which are interconnected by a bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Helmut Grutzeck, Johann Wehrmann, Conrad Haeussermann, Klaus Kasten
  • Publication number: 20090067960
    Abstract: A wafer guide for preventing a wafer breakage in a semiconductor cleaning apparatus includes a lower supporter, side supporters, fixing units and stoppers. The lower supporter is provided with a plurality of slots formed with the same interval in a length direction to vertically stand a plurality of wafers thereon. The side supporters are structured and arranged in parallel at each side above the lower supporter. The side supporters support side end parts of the wafers. The fixing units are adapted to support both end parts of the lower supporter and the side supporters, and may be fixed to a bath. The stoppers are individually coupled to each of the fixing units. The stoppers are operable to generate an error in a close operation of holder units of the robot chuck when the robot chuck deviates from a normal alignment range, so as not to perform a wafer chucking, thereby preventing a wafer breakage during the wafer chucking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hea-Woong LEE, Chang-Gil RYU, Byoung-Moon YOON, Yong-Myung JUN, Kang-Hee HAN
  • Publication number: 20090047105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer plate for loading a cargo space. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with cargo units, into the cargo space and back again, the cargo units remaining in the cargo space. Rolling elements are arranged, over at least part of the length of the transfer plate, on the side of it facing the cargo units to permit movement between the transfer plate and the cargo units. The transfer plate is mainly of plastic and the thickness of the structure formed by the transfer plate and the rolling elements are less than 70 millimetres. The invention also relates to a method for loading a cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jouko Kauhanen
  • Publication number: 20090041565
    Abstract: A mechanism which constrains the spatial location of a working or a focal point of a tool (103), has a manipulator (101) and a remote centre mechanism (102) mounted thereon. The manipulator (101) provides at least one degree of freedom for positioning the remote centre mechanism (102) which itself provides at least a further degree of freedom for positioning a tool holder suitable for holding the tool (103) which is to be constrained in operation with respect to a remote centre point. The orientation of the tool holder is adjustable whilst still maintaining the position of the remote centre point fixed with respect to the manipulator (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: THE ACROBOT COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ferdinando Maria Rodriguez Y Baena
  • Publication number: 20090035105
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, method for separating a chip and a method for fabricating the apparatus. An apparatus for separating a chip, according to example embodiments, may include a suction holder. The suction holder may include an upper surface with at least one suction hole to suction and fix an adhesive tape to which a plurality of semiconductor chips may be attached. The apparatus for separating a chip may also include a rotatable plunger in the suction holder. The rotatable plunger may include an upper end configured to pass through the at least one suction hole and to project over the suction holder upon rotation of the rotatable plunger. The apparatus for separating a chip may also include a vertically movable plunger lifter. The vertically movable plunger lifter may be configured to rotate the rotatable plunger by contacting and raising a lower end of the rotatable plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Cheal-Sang Yoon, Yong-Dae Ha, Jae-Ryoung Lee, Jeong-Soon Cho, Bum-Woo Lee, Young-Gon Hwang, Mok-Kun Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090016867
    Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a transport unit (1), comprising several panels (2), piled in two or more piles (3), supported by one or more support elements (4) and wrapped in a single film (5). Each of said two or more piles (3) is separately supported by said one or more support elements (4) and the film is a stretch film in the form of a tube (5) with elastic radial properties and non-elastic axial properties which is arranged horizontally around the piles (3) and said one or more support elements (4) to hold the above together and to guarantee the stability of the transport unit (1) during manipulation and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN ISOVER
    Inventor: Suzanne Hojholt
  • Publication number: 20090010098
    Abstract: A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin is disclosed wherein 1) said container can comprise a component of a bulk transport system further comprising a container assembly, and 2) said container includes a body defining a cavity, at least one opening, at least one vent, and a material delivery system assembly wherein a) the body is flexible and capable of positioning within the container assembly, b) the opening provides communication with the cavity, and c) the material delivery system assembly comprises at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and said manifold includes a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container and at least one passageway extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Kirk Matthew Schall, James David Allison, Mark Alan Jones, Malcolm Lindsay Felmingham, Gary Robert Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7470101
    Abstract: A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system includes a first strut section and a second strut section configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround beams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes a first beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strut section includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises a perimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround a respective beam of the first strut section. Each channel beam further configured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Superior Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jarrod J. Felton
  • Publication number: 20080317577
    Abstract: A robot positioned welding tip dresser assembly includes a pivot arm pivotally mountable on a welding gun apparatus. The pivot arm is pivotal about a pivot point. A welding tip dresser is mounted on a distal end of the pivot arm. A first retaining tab extends from the pivot arm. The first retaining tab includes an opening extending therethrough. At least one positioning mechanism is disposed relative to the pivot point and is cooperable with the first retaining tab to retain the pivot arm in one of a home position and a working position. The first retaining tab is engagable by end-of-arm tooling of a robot. The end-of-arm tooling is operable to release the positioning mechanism, and movement of the robot moves the pivot arm between the home and working positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Hopkins, Melissa Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20080298938
    Abstract: A Method of Processing a Container and Base Cup Structure For Removal of Vacuum Pressure A plastic container (10) has a wall extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (20). The panel (20) is transversely oriented and can move from a downwardly inclined position providing a geometrically unstable configuration to an upwardly inclined position providing a geometrically stable configuration to control pressure change in the container. This movement may be provided by suitable actuating means such as rod (22). In the unstable configuration a base cup 50 or any other suitable holder can support the container and enable it to be conveyed in a container handling or processing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Publication number: 20080286086
    Abstract: An automation apparatus and method includes a first unit rotationally moving objects from one area to another, and a second unit connected to the first unit and holding the objects, moving through or offset from the body of the first unit from a first side of the first unit to the other side the first unit in a direction other than the rotational movement by the first unit. Moreover, the apparatus and method provides moving the objects through a vertical axis of the body of the first unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Thermo CRS LTD
    Inventors: John Fink, Jonathan David Wittchen, Michael P. Riff, Gary Darnel
  • Publication number: 20080258402
    Abstract: A sealing device provided to a joint section of a robot. The sealing device includes overlapped seal portions having a multi-stage configuration, provided for a driving mechanism incorporated into the joint section. The overlapped seal portions include a first seal portion including a first contact seal element sealing a first inter-member gap defined adjacent to a lubricant retaining section provided in the driving mechanism; and a second seal portion arranged outside the first seal portion and including a second contact seal element sealing a second inter-member gap defined in a circumferential wall of the joint section, the circumferential wall defining an accommodation space for accommodating the driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Toshinari Tamura, Hidenori Kurebayashi, Atsushi Aizawa, Yasuyoshi Tanaka, Katsumi Fujimoto