Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing slide fastener sliders preparatory to application thereof onto a stringer chain, the apparatus comprising a plurality of slider stockers removably mounted on a stocker holder and a slider supply including a chute, the slider stockers being movable successively into operative position registering with the chute to receive therefrom a supply of sliders.

Abstract: An automated archiving and retrieval system for computer tape cassettes includes at least one tape storage facility for storing a number of computer cassettes during periods of non-use, and at least one pair of tape drive sections. Each of the tape drive sections is positioned on a respective lateral side of the tape storage facility in spaced relationship therewith. A pair of robot transports is therefore capable of operating in a respective one of these defined spaces so as to transport tape cassettes between the tape storage facility and its respective tape drive sections.

Abstract: A stacker preferably includes two units, each having three storage drums which are arranged one above the other and which can be rotated independently of each other, and a feed device for carrying printing plates to the storage drums and arranged between the units. Further arranged between the storage drums is a drum loader for receiving printing plates from the feed device and for inserting the received plates into empty storage cells of the drums. The drums can be rotated independently of one another in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, for insertion or removal of the printing plates, which may be offset plates or other printing plates which must be handled very carefully.

Abstract: An apparatus for rental of articles such as videocassettes comprises an outer housing, and a storage assembly within the housing having storage locations for storing a plurality of videocassettes. The housing has a front panel including an array of separate display areas each containing pictorial indicia representing a particular videocassette and a predetermined selection code corresponding to that videocassette, a selection device adjacent the array for allowing a user to enter the selection code of a selected videocassette, and a delivery chute for delivering selected videocassettes to users. A transport mechanism is provided for retrieving selected videocassettes from the storage assembly for delivery to users, and for returning videocassettes to the storage assembly. A control device associates each stored videocassette with its storage location and controls the transport mechanism to deliver selected videocassettes to customers.

Abstract: A stock unit for carriers includes a stocker having shelves, for storing carriers containing semiconductor wafers, a mounting port on which the carriers are temporarily mounted, and a handler for transporting the carriers between the shelf and the mounting port.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a first element at a location on a second element, there being associated with the location some known variation in the shape of the second element, the apparatus including a support member for supporting the first element while the member is translated toward the second element along a placement direction, a transporter for moving the support member or the second element along a transport direction transverse to the placement direction, a sensor for sensing the relative alignment of the support member with the known variation in shape along the transport direction, the sensor including a scanning element that is detachably engageable by the support member, and a holder for storing the scanning element when the scanning element is not in use.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the handling of mail and, in particular, to an improved document transporter for use in a forwarding address system for mail sorting machines.

Abstract: A continuously operating unloading and loading system giving access to an automated multi-level storage conveyor makes use of individual containers adapted to be releasably hooked at established stations of an endlessly traveling rack which may be built in multiple levels. Selected containers are arranged to be called to a selected station, preferably at one end of the rack where, during continuous travel of the rack, an unloading mechanism unhooks the container and moves it to a location clear of the conveyor for disposition of the contents. A reloading mechanism accepts other containers, moves them to a position for replacement on the rack at one of the stations, in which position the container is pushed into hooked engagement with the rack while travel of the rack continues without interruption. Different expedients may be resorted to within the concept of the invention for releasably hooking the containers on the traveling rack.

Abstract: A component carrier includes a matrix of raised platforms on a space that support components with depending leads extending toward the base beside the raised platform and raised portions releasably support a cover plate formed with an opening that accommodates a tapered stud having an undercut portion for receiving a sliding lock attached to the cover plate. In one form the raised platforms are annular spacers. In another form the raised platforms are milled grooves transverse to the bar length.

Abstract: A chuck for transporting wafer carriers is designed to hold the wafer carriers in a cantilever manner and with support members supporting one sides of the wafer carriers. This enables the whole chuck to be extremely compact. This also enables the wafer carriers to be made freer fron any limit while they are being transported and prevents them from being damaged because they can be steadily transported.

Abstract: A magazine for the maturation of cakes of synthetic foam material, for a plant served by a conveyor belt bringing the cakes for distribution in the magazine, and by an overhead crane with a gripper intended for lifting a cake from the belt conveyor, for shifting it laterally and for depositing the same into a maturation space, which comprises stands arranged parallel to and at the side of the belt conveyor; each stand comprises a frame which supports a fixed lower shelf whose width and length are adapted to the width and length of the cakes to be received, and above the fixed shelf, at vertical mutual distances somewhat greater than the height of the cakes to be received, a plurality of movable shelves for receiving the cakes; each movable shelf is shiftable between a working position, in which it constitutes a surface whose width and length are adapted to the width and length of the cakes to be received, and a rest position, in which it leaves free the access from above to the shelf lying below.

Abstract: In an automatic plant for the production of products, such as food products, in which modular supports carrying a determined number of products are used. A high-capacity physical and/or chemical treatment apparatus provides a temporary storage facility sufficient to ensure continuity of operation and production of the plants positioned downstream and upstream thereof, even if one or the other is momentarily at rest.

Abstract: An article storage and delivery system comprising a rack having vertical rows of article storage compartments, and a storage and retrieval machine movable along one side of the rack for selectively placing articles in and removing them from the compartments. An indexable turntable, having a plurality of circumferentially spaced article supports, is arranged at the opposite side of and partially within the rack so that each support is indexable into a machine accessible position, thereby enabling articles to be transferred by the machine between the storage compartments and the turntable supports. By dedicating each turntable support to a particular article type, different articles on the turntable are selectively deliverable by indexing movements thereof to a station on the turntable periphery externally of the rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting annular disks is disclosed in which a pair of jaws provide either a radial or an inside grip on the disks. The disks are stored on a cantilever and moved along the beam by an additional walking beam.

Abstract: A vending machine for articles, such as videotape cassettes, includes a rotatable turret having article-retaining compartments in which the articles to be dispensed are retained, and a vertically movable robotic arm located adjacent the turret for removing a desired article from the turret and directing the article to a discharge opening in the device. Preferably the vending machine is computer controlled to dispense the desired article from the machine, based upon an input signal provided by a user, and also to return an article to the machine, when the user desires to return it. A unique package arrangement for a videotape cassette includes a case having opposed planar walls and passageways extending through the surfaces in a central location thereof.

Abstract: A stacking device for uniform platelike pieces includes a conveying device and a container in which the pieces, which are advanced by the conveying device, are deposited with the front side of one piece against the back side of another. In order to protect the coated surface of the pieces the latter are separated from one another by means of intermediate layers separately fed into the container.

Abstract: A mechanical cabinet for storing and delivering inventory, wherein carrier units having inserts are selectively delivered to a delivery station by a conveyor mechanism which includes a vertical conveyor having an endless chain and sprocket wheels. The inventory items are contained within inserts in the carrier units, and when a carrier unit is located at the delivery station, an ejection device arranged on a side of the carrier unit opposite the delivery station operates to eject the inserts in order to make the inventory items available. The ejection device is provided with a drive which is switched to alternate with a drive which is provided for the carrier units.

Abstract: Two bucket holder for crane buckets allows one bucket to be filled while the other is in use on the crane. Means are provided for automatically disconnecting a just-returned bucket from the crane cable and connecting the other bucket. Guide means for a returning bucket, and a universal bucket arm connection places the bucket arm in contact with the disconnect-connect means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling semiconductor chips and the like are disclosed which include the use of a flat flexible film which is attached to the face of a base member. The face of the base member is formed with recesses covered by the flat flexible film. Chips are loaded onto the flat flexible film in good surface contact therewith whereby they are securely held in position by interfacial, adhesive, or other forces between the chips and film. To facilitate removal of chips from the film, the recesses are connected to a vaccuum source, drawing portions of the flexible film into said recesses and providing the film with a texturized, or undulating, surface. The area of contact between the chips and film is thereby reduced which, in turn, results in a reduction in the force by which the chips are attached to the film, thereby enabling removal of the chips by conventional techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a crop from a continuous tray. The apparatus includes a first conveyor which engages and transports a continuous tray which has disposed thereon a crop to be harvested into contact with a second conveyor. The second conveyor engages and inverts the continous tray to dislodge the crop disposed thereon. A third conveyor is disposed in receiving relation to the second conveyor and collects the dislodged crop and moves it to a collection point.

Abstract: A method of taking an electronic component or chip out of each of plural pockets which are formed at regular intervals along a longitudinal direction of a carrier tape and which have openings in the upper surface of the tape, through vacuum suction of a suction member, while the tape is intermittently fed in a feeding direction parallel to its longitudinal direction, including the steps of: (a) bringing the pockets having the chips, into a position where their openings are covered with a covering device having a notch with a width narrower than that of the chip and wider than that of the suction member; (b) feeding the tape by the regular interval in the feeding direction, and permitting a leading chip of the chips covered with the covering device to be brought into a suction position where the leading chip is right below the suction member and the notch; (c) lowering the suction member through the notch so as to allow the suction member to suck and hold the leading chip; (d) retracting the covering device wh

Abstract: A materials handling system which includes a deck on which is mounted a number of rollers, a motor for rotating the rollers in either sense, a pair of rails for a tracked vehicle, and at least one cover which is pivotal to expose or overlie the rollers.

Abstract: A "hands-free" apparatus for loading and unloading piece parts from baskets containing a plurality of such parts on a ferris wheel or other type carrier for submersion into plating or cleaning tanks. The preferred embodiment is adapted for handling plurality of metallic disks to be plated for the purpose of magnetic recording of data. The system accepts a plurality of baskets transported to it on a conveyor mechanism. The baskets are simultaneously lifted up to a load/unload position at which a mandrel is threaded through the aperture in each metallic disk. The baskets are lowered back down to the conveyor. The mandrel carrying the disks is swung onto a slot on the ferris wheel which is adapted to carry approximately twelve such disk carrying mandrels. The ferris wheel is stepped to the next slot which is loaded the same way. After all slots on the ferris wheel are loaded, the entire ferris wheel is removed from engagement with the loader and transported through the fabrication cycle.

Abstract: A system for machine assembly of component kits for electronic printed circuit boards is disclosed. Components for assembling the kits are stored in a plurality of standardized machine recoverable trays, more specifically a multi-level carousel. An elevator transports trays between storage and an automated work station where components are removed to construct the component kits.

Abstract: An automatic storing equipment which is provided with a carrousel having a number of shelves and capable of automatically storing or taking out articles, such as electronic instruments, onto or from the predetermined shelf and which comprises pallets for carrying thereon the article, carrousel for storing therein the pallets with articles thereon, and a loading/unloading machine for storing or taking out the article onto or from the carrousel enables continuous power-feeding from the storing action to taking out action for the articles by means of characteristic construction. Hence, in a case that an electronic instrument mounted a microcomputer is the object to be stored, the object stored onto the shelves can be continuously energized to execute the programs loaded prior to the storing, thereby enabling perfect automatization of storing and taking out work for the continuous ageing test.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading cylindrical articles, such as kegs, onto a pallet so that the articles lie on their sides in a plurality of rows, has an assembly station at which rows of the articles are assembled at a level higher than the surface of a pallet at an adjacent loading station. A ramp extends from the assembly station to a pallet at the unloading station. A pusher mechanism pushes each row of articles at the assembly station onto the ramp so that the articles roll down the ramp under their own weight onto the pallet. A transfer member engages each row of articles on the ramp and controls the movement of the articles down the ramp. The transfer member is suspended from a carriage that is movable above the ramp. The carriage is movable vertically to enable it to engage each row, in turn, of articles pushed onto the ramp.

Abstract: A filling attachment for an auger comprises a hollow body providing a tubular section which can surround the feed end of the auger and an open mouth section which extends away from the tubular section. A conduit in the form of a plurality of inter-engaging hollow tubular buckets includes a member for connection to the tailgate of a truck and arranged so that the lowermost bucket projects into the open mouth section of the hollow body. The buckets and the hollow body can be interconnected by strapping which cooperates with press studs on the outer surface of the bucket and the rim of the mouth section. The tubular section includes stepped cylindrical portions for cooperation with auger tubes of different diameter.

Abstract: A tool for picking up and releasing washers which uses a retractable rod member that is insertable into the washer and directs jets of pressurized air alternately onto the bottom surface of the washer to cause the latter to be picked up and onto the top surface of the washer to cause the latter to be released.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a plurality of objects or containers for selecting, positioning, or retrieving one of the objects or containers organizes the objects or containers into two similar and parallel packets or stacks. The selection of an individual object is carried out by displacing each of the packets through a distance corresponding to the distance between adjacently stacked objects, and transferring the most upwardly or downwardly extreme object or container from one packet or stack to the other. The hoisting and lowering of the packets of objects is actuated by means of a plurality of screws engaging the edges of the objects, the displacement of an object or container from one packet or stack to the other is actuated by means of one of a pair of carriages moving transversely to the screws. The sequence of motion of the screws and carriages is controlled by two maltese cross-type gears.

Abstract: A mold handling system comprising an indexing turntable for carrying a multiplicity of molds in concentric inner and outer rings with the outer ring located at a lower elevation than the inner ring, a conveyor for transporting a multiplicity of molds to a mold transfer station adjacent the turntable, the transfer station including a mold transfer shuttle having a tandem pair of pusher plates for simultaneously (1) transferring a mold from the radial location of the outer ring of molds to the radial location of the inner ring of molds on the turntable, and (2) transferring a new mold from the conveyor to the radial location of the outer ring of molds, the pusher plates directly engaging the respective molds transferred thereby, an elevator mechanism for transporting molds back and forth between the different elevations, the upward movement of the elevator mechanism lifting a mold from the outer ring to the elevation of the inner ring so that the shuttle mechanism transfers the lifted mold directly from the ele

Abstract: An article transporting apparatus for inserting an article into a port of a vessel and removing the article from the vessel through the port and for transporting the article in a direction transverse to the inserting and removing direction within the vessel. The apparatus includes a frame movable into and out from the vessel through the port, a parallel link mechanism mounted on the frame for transporting the article in a direction transverse to a direction of movement of the frame, a device for driving the parallel link mechanism, and a device for connecting the end of the parallel link mechanism to the article.

Abstract: A method and insulation transport device for transporting building-type rolled insulation or batts of insulation through an opening in a building to an area to be insulated, such as a crawl space, in which the opening to the area to be insulated is of less diameter than that of the roll of insulation or package of batts.

Abstract: A transfer device for an industrial robot includes two members, preferably having tubular shapes, the first member being extendable and/or retractable over a certain distance and a second member, preferably telescopically coupled to the first member, which is extendable and/or retractable over substantially the same distance with respect to the first member so that the second member is extendable and/or retractable over about twice the distance the first member is moved with respect to a fixed reference point. The device further comprises a support on which the first member is mounted, first drive apparatus for extending and/or retracting the first member with respect to the support and second apparatus for extending and/or retracting the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a first element at a receptacle location on a second element, there being associated with the precise receptacle location some known variation in the shape of the second element, the apparatus comprising a support member for supporting the first element while the member is translated toward the second element along a placement direction, a first transport device for moving the support member or the second element along a direction transverse to the placement direction, and a sensing device located on the support member for sensing the relative alignment along the transverse direction of the support member and the variation in shape, the sensing device comprising an energy-beam source adapted and positioned to direct an energy beam along a path that interacts with the variation in shape at least when the support member and receptacle location are aligned so that more of the beam is transmitted along the path when the member and receptacle location are aligned than when the member and rece

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic means of deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.

Abstract: Damage to tools and/or equipment (such as measuring equipment) mounted on industrial robot systems or other positioning systems tending to drop when electrical power is cut off, is eliminated by auxiliary equipment which prevents such dropping.

Abstract: An installation for handling a workpiece, particularly a workpiece to be forged includes a manipulator and an overhead crane, the controls of the manipulator and the crane form part of an integrated system so that movement of the crane and the manipulator are controlled together when they are handling a workpiece. Apparatus is disclosed for ensuring that the crane and the manipulator remain in step.

Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source. The article storage units are put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of one article storage unit to provide access to the article.

Abstract: An automatic wafer orienting apparatus comprising a first orienting device for driving and rotating a wafer thereby orienting the wafer while utilizing a peripheral edge and an orientation cut thereof as the guide, a device for disengaging the thus oriented wafer from the first wafer orienting device, and a second wafer orienting device for re-orienting the wafer by pressing a lateral edge and an orientation cut thereof against orienting members provided on a wafer chuck.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus and method is provided that is particularly suited for restocking store shelves with a variety of articles. The articles (16) are supported in a plurality of like trays (17) that are arranged side by side. A caddy shelf (18) has a rear portion that slidably inserts at different lateral positions into a slot formed between a display shelf (13) and shelf cover (39) to be supported in a cantilever manner. A forward portion of the shelf caddy supports one or more of the trays after they have been removed from the display shelf, permitting the user to inspect the removed articles, face the articles forward and easily rotate articles of merchandise for freshness in restocking the removed tray, and then slide the tray back onto the display shelf and remove the caddy shelf.

Abstract: In combination with automatic storage and retrieval system having a continuous track which supports a continuous rotating storage unit to move therearound in a horizontal direction, the rotating storage unit including a plurality of horizontally spaced shelves arranged vertically into columns, a conveyor system mounted adjacent the rotating storage unit for moving storage bins towards and away from the rotating storage unit, and an elevator mounted in a fixed position between the rotating storage unit and the conveyor system; a platform mounted in the elevator for vertical movement up and down adjacent the rotating storage unit, an extraction and insertion arm assembly slidably mounted on the platform, the arm assembly including a pair of longitudinally disposed extractor arms having the forward ends extending towards the rotating storage units, a motor for driving the arm assembly in a horizontal direction towards and away from the rotating storage unit for bin placement in and withdrawal from a preselected

Abstract: A sorting method and apparatus for sorting steel products such as bars, rods, shapes and tubular products which are delivered in a random manner, according to the ordered lengths, sizes and so forth. The steel products are made to stay on a sorting apparatus temporarily. Then, pieces of products of the same class are successively selected and forwarded to a bundling bed from the sorting apparatus, while the latter receives a new piece of steel products. This operation is repeated for successive classes to sort the steel products into a plurality of classes having different ordered lengths, sizes or other sorting condition. The sorting apparatus has a vertically movable sorting roller table and a sorting truck arranged in a side-by-side relation to the sorting roller table and movable in the direction normal to the direction of movement of the steel products.

Abstract: A stacking device is provided for rigid discs which have an interior aperture. An elongate registry member has cross sectional dimensions slightly less than the interior dimensions of the aperture in the discs. The registry member has a hollow interior and at least six circumferentially spaced axially elongate slots in the outer surface of the member. A pair of sets of elongate rack members are located in the alternating slots in the registry member. Each rack member has a plurality of outwardly directed teeth. The rack members of one set, designated set A, are movable both radially and axially with respect to the registry member. The rack members of the other set, designated set B, are movable radially with respect to the registry member.The sets of rack members of the present invention are operated to load discs in the following fashion. Set A is moved outwardly to receive a disc with set B recessed. Set A moves downwardly carrying the received disc, and set B moves outwardly to receive the disc from set A.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning a pair of planar templates on opposite sides of a planar board. The apparatus includes a pivotable open-book structure having a pair of surfaces which intersect at an inclined interior edge substantially paralleling the structure's pivot axis. Projecting from each of the surfaces, adjacent the lower edges thereof, is a pin for aligning matching edges in a board and template supported on the associated surface. When the structure is pivoted, an aligned board and template combination placed against one surface in the apparatus is flipped from that one to the other surface, exposing the other side of the board. The method of the invention proposes first, cradling a board and a template placed against one side of the board, with such cradling producing alignment of the two. The aligned board and template are flipped to expose the other side of the board.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking rigid magnetic discs so that the discs do not come into contact with one another. A hollow elongate member has at least two elongate axial recesses terminating at openings at each end of the recesses. The outer surface of the elongate member has dimensions slightly less than the inner dimensions of the central apertures of the discs. Endless loops are mounted so that the loops traverse the respective recesses and return within the elongate member. Each loop has a plurality of equally spaced nibs projecting outwardly beyond the outer surface of the elongate member. A drive element is located within the elongate member and is attached to each of the loops. The drive member is moved axially within the elongate member to move the loops in unison and thereby allow serial loading and unloading of the discs on sequential nibs. A sensor system may be included to automatically move the loops to space the discs each time a disc is loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: Objects are levitated in a sound system substantially free of reverberation and reflection by positioning a small reflector in the path of sound waves. Interference between the primary waves and reflected waves creates a localized zone of minimized energy closely adjacent to the reflector in which an object may be stably levitated. The energy well thus produced is not dependent upon distance from the sound source, and the levitated object may be moved in any direction by moving the reflector. A plurality of reflectors may be employed to manipulate and combine levitated materials, and improvements in the processing of levitated objects are also achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of locating a rectangular board including a printed circuit board on a support for correctly positioning the board relative to an electrical component inserting machine which inserts terminals of the components into pre-drilled holes in the printed circuit board. The board is provided with one V-shaped notch in the center of each of its end edges and in one of its side edges. The board is disposed roughly in position on the support which has three retractable spring loaded locators thereon in positions corresponding to the notches, and retractable spring loaded abutment pad. Rough positioning of the board on the support is assisted by a pair of diagonally opposed right angle guides on the support. The board is mounted on the support with the locators and the pad retracted. Then the locator at the end edges of the board are released so that V-shaped wedges thereon engage in the respective notches in the end edges of the board.

Abstract: A distributing apparatus for collecting information carrying sheets of paper and the like comprising, a plurality of trays which are each pivotally mounted to a succeeding tray in a stack thereof to form a magazine of trays with a locking device for locking each tray to an adjacent tray in the magazine so that the magazine can be transported as a unit. The magazine is supplied to a guide which has a curved portion adjacent a loading station. The curved portion of the guide causes adjacent trays to pivot apart from each other and open after their respective locks have been unlocked so that one or more information carrying sheets can be supplied to each of the now opened trays. A driving mechanism in the form of rotating rollers having pins extending therefrom is engageable with angle portions extending from the trays for moving the trays along a feed path and along the guides.

Abstract: A cable suspension system for a rotary drum is disclosed which includes cable tension adjustment features providing dynamic load equalization, traction control and variable load distribution. The system includes an endless cable and at least one set of axially aligned support sheaves suspending the drum at its dynamic center of gravity. The system further includes devices for connecting wire rope in endless loops which incorporate load bearing, adjustment, and flexure features minimizing wear of the wire rope.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for opening barrels containing granular or powdered products and the like and for emptying said barrels of their content without polluting the environment; wherein the barrel is placed with the peripheral portions of one of its end walls in a fixed sealing contact with a supporting surface provided with a through-feed opening for dumping content of the barrel and that the said end wall is cut through by relative rotation of the supporting surface and a knife means acting from beneath via said through-feed opening along a circular, arcuate line subtending at most 360.degree. and causing the goods passing out through the broken end wall to fall down to a collecting point through a chute shielded from the surroundings.