Abstract: A system for bundling long ferrous products comprises a roller table for delivering the products longitudinally to a receiving station. A cradle is spaced laterally from the receiving station and is constructed and arranged to receive and accumulate the products in bundle form. A stacker is positioned between the receiving station and the cradle, and a pre-stacker is positioned between the stacker and the receiving station. A transport system laterally advances products from the receiving station to the pre-stacker, and the pre-stacker operates in concert with the transport system to pre-stack multiple layers of the products into sub-bundles and to transfer the sub-bundles to the stacker, which then operates to deposit the sub-bundles in the cradle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units, wherein the packaging units are continuously supplied on a transportation apparatus and distributed to two further transportation apparatuses (16, 16?). The packaging units are centered on the first transportation apparatus by means of two flaps (20a, 20b) wherein, according to the present invention, the movement of the flaps is mechanically coupled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to removing and/or replacing elongate generally vertical members, such as utility poles, trees, etc., and, include a tilting apparatus having a lower support member pivotally coupled to a lower support member, two or more elongate member couplers positioned to secure the elongate member to the upper and lower support members, and an actuator coupled to the upper and lower support members to control pivotal movement of the upper support member relative to the lower support member and tilt the upper portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper for a robotic arm which is specially designed for fresh food products. The invention also relates to a method, a device and a system which arranges food products fully automatically onto a conveyor, e.g. in-feed conveyor to an IQF freezer, or into a tray or a box. The gripper unit comprises penetration mechanism for penetrating into the articles that are to be picked up, thereby providing an engagement between the gripper unit and the articles while rearranging the positions of the articles, whereby the position of the penetration mechanism into the articles is operated in such a way that one end of the articles becomes at least partially freely hanging.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and rotating a massive container comprising a base frame assembly, a cradle pivotally connected to the base frame assembly and adapted to hold the container, a mechanism for moving the container vertically relative to at least part of the base frame assembly, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the base frame assembly and the cradle for rotating in a vertical plane the cradle relative to the base frame assembly.

Abstract: In a side-docking type test handler, a descending mechanism lowers a horizontally postured test tray, which has been transferred into a soak chamber, down to a descent finish position and a vertical posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray, which has been lowered to the descent finish position, from the horizontal state to a vertical state, to transfer the test tray into a test chamber. Further, a horizontal posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray in the test chamber from the vertical state to the horizontal state while transferring the test tray to an ascent start position in a desoak chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for overturning containers (2), particularly roller bottles intended for cell cultures, characterized in that it comprises a rotation actuator (3) associated by means of a transmission shaft (13) to a reducer (4) and a dynamic brake (5), a support (17) and rods (7) gripping the container (2), said support (17) being joined to the rotation actuator (3) by means of a shifter (16) of the transmission shaft (13) of the mentioned rotation actuator (3), the rotation actuator (3) being actuated by means of a pneumatic foot pedal (18), and the mentioned rotation actuator (3) in turn being associated to a timer (19) indicating the end of the overturning time of the container (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of handling substrates is disclosed. A detecting system, capable of determining whether a substrate is tilted in relation to the platen, is positioned proximate to the substrate. In some embodiments, the detecting system is a distance measuring system. In other embodiments, it is an angle sensor. The detecting system is in communication with a controller, which, in turn, is in communication with a substrate handling robot. If, based on information received from the detecting system, the controller determines that the substrate is tilted beyond an acceptable range, it is assumed that the substrate has remained attached to the platen. In such a case, the substrate handling robot does not attempt to remove it from the platen. In this way, the substrate is not damaged.

Abstract: Problem to be Solved The present invention provides a method of adjusting any deviations of plate material, wherein the method can adjust the deviations in the lateral and longitudinal directions at one location. Also, the present invention provides the equipment for the method.

Abstract: A robot calibration system and method for robots in semiconductor wafer processing systems is disclosed. The calibration system comprises a calibration array, a dummy wafer and a control system programmed with a calibration routine. The calibration array has an plurality of inductive proximity sensors to determine parallelism of the robot relative to a station and a center locating sensor to determine the center of the station.

Abstract: A ladder rack for supporting a ladder in a stowage position and for moving the ladder between the stowage position and a loading/unloading position at which the ladder can be loaded onto the rack or unloaded from the rack. The ladder rack includes a frame assembly which is mounted on a support structure such as a vehicle roof and a bed platform having opposite ends that are coupled to the frame assembly for sliding and hinged movement with respect to the frame assembly. At least one of the ends of the bed platform is configured to be extendible when pivoted downward into a loading or unloading position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inverting heavy objects, the apparatus including: a retaining assembly, including two opposing retaining members each having rotational pins extending from the ends thereof, the rotational pins all reside together in a cross plane extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the retaining assembly, and the retaining members are spaced apart a consistent distance, a base member, including two open double bearing components positioned at opposite ends of the base member, each open double bearing component including two side-by-side troughs, and a securing member, operable to lock the retaining assembly into a secure position with respect to the base member

Abstract: An arrangement is described that includes a compartmentalized structure having a multiplicity of compartments defined by associated links and each having a bottom surface. The arrangement also includes a multiplicity of fiducials. The fiducials are positioned at top surfaces of the links that surround each compartment such that each compartment includes at least one associated fiducial at the top surface of an adjacent link that defines the compartment. The arrangement further includes an adhesive layer positioned on the bottom surface of each compartment. The at least one fiducial that surrounds each compartment is suitable for use by a vision system to identify the location of the associated compartment.

Abstract: A material roll is transported to a roll changer by being arranged on a transport carriage. The material roll and transport carriage are placed on a transfer table which is moved into position between journal bearings of the roll changer. The transfer table is adapted to move the material roll transversely and along a longitudinal axis of the material roll and can pivot in a horizontal plane. An inclined position of the material roll, arranged on the transfer table, is determined by sensors. In this determined, axially aligned position, the material roll is axially aligned on the bearing journals. The roll size of the material is determined. An axially aligned position for roller support arms of a roll carrier of the roll changer is determined as a function of the determined roll size. An axially aligned position of the transfer table is determined as a function of the determined roll size and the determined inclined position of the material roll.

Abstract: A wafer bonding apparatus and method are provided. The wafer bonding apparatus can include an aligning unit, and the aligning unit can include a rotating roller for rotating at least two wafers, an aligning bar for aligning the at least two wafers, and a notch alignment sensor for sensing at least two notches of each of the at least two wafers.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a substrate in a track lithography tool includes a processing chamber having an opening large enough to admit the substrate. The processing chamber includes a substrate support member. The substrate is characterized by a diameter and comprises a mounting surface, a process surface, and an edge. The apparatus also includes a clamped robot blade including a substrate support surface adapted to support the mounting surface of the substrate, two edge contact regions, and a base contact region. The clamped robot blade also includes a clamping system adapted to move at least one of the two edge contact regions or the base contact region from an unclamped position to a clamped position, thereby making contact between the edge of the substrate and the two edge contact regions and the base contact region in the clamped position. The apparatus further includes a robot arm coupled to the clamped robot blade.

Abstract: A machine includes a seat assembly and a mechanical strut attached to the seat assembly. The mechanical strut, free of pneumatic seals, is positioned to move at least a portion of an armrest of the seat assembly along a horizontal axis. A length adjustment mechanism is movable to release a friction lock mechanism within the mechanical strut. The mechanical strut is telescopically movable through a continuous range of armrest lengths when the friction lock mechanism is released.

Abstract: A method or an apparatus for aligning a plurality of structures can include applying a first force in a first plane to a first structure. The method can also include constraining in the first plane the first structure with respect to a second structure such that the first structure is in a position with respect to the second structure that aligns first features on the first structure with second features on the second structures. The second feature can be in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane. The first and second structures can be first and second electronic components, which can be components of a probe card assembly.

Abstract: Alignment assembly is used to center a sample on a moving stage system. The alignment assembly includes a pair of slides stacked on a stage with linear perpendicular movement relative to each other, and at least one actuator that is preferably physically separate from the linear slides and stage. The actuator(s) repeatedly extend an actuator arm to move the linear slides, and retract the arm for subsequent movement of the stage during and after the process of centering the sample in two dimensions on the stage. Either the stage system rotates, or multiple actuators are placed to move the alignment system in perpendicular directions relative to the stage, by repeatedly contacting only the top linear slide.

Abstract: An invertible decorative tree having sections that are each provided with complementary receiving portions and/or extending members. The sections include a stand, a trunk segment, at least one tree body, and a tree top. Through the complementary relationships of the receiving and associating mechanisms, the tree can be arranged to provide a triangular appearance with its apex at the top or its apex near the bottom. In order to provide for this inversion, the tree top is equipped to connect with the trunk segment or with a tree body segment.

Abstract: A test tube (72, 72?) defines a test tube axis (75) and contains or supports an associated sample in an annular sampling region (12). At least two alignment bearings (80, 81, 81?, 82, 83, 110, 140, 142, 181, 182, 183, 184, 211, 212) engage the test tube at opposite sides of the annular sampling region along the test tube axis. At least one bias bearing (86, 86?, 87, 140, 142, 204) is radially spaced apart from the at least two alignment bearings and presses the test tube against the at least two alignment bearings to align a portion of the annular sampling region respective to the at least two alignment bearings. A motor (112) engages the test tube to selectively rotate the test tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the contactless personalisation of chips integrated into passports within a system for processing, sorting and packaging a large number of passports comprising a straight main transport path with a first transport direction for transporting the passports one behind the other through the system comprising a plurality of system modules for processing, sorting and/or packaging, with a respective straight first auxiliary transport path connected to the main transport path and arranged on either side thereof for leading the passports away from the main transport path in a second transport direction running perpendicular to the first transport direction, a plurality of coding stations arranged along the two first auxiliary transport paths and next to one another with respect to the first transport direction for coding the chips of the passports, and an equal plurality of transport elements which are respectively assigned to the coding stations and can be displaced

Abstract: A machine tool is provided for processing a workpiece, e.g., a metal sheet. The machine tool comprises at least one support configured to, in a support position, support a part of the workpiece on an upper surface, the part being completely separated from the workpiece, and a motion unit for moving the support downwards out of the support position into a discharge position located underneath the support. The motion unit is configured to accelerate the support, at least in a region of the part lying thereon, out of the support position along a gravitational direction with an acceleration which is greater than an acceleration of the part in the gravitational direction, and to move the accelerated support into an open position located outside a path of movement of the part at a speed such that the workpiece part attains the discharge position in free fall.

Abstract: A pick and place tool including a part penetration element adapted to induce a generation of a compressive force by the part against the part penetration element, securing the part to the part penetration element. The pick and place tool secures a part at first location employing an induced compressive force by the part against a part penetration element of the pick and place tool. In one embodiment, a pick and place tool for picking a part while maintaining a selected part orientation includes a tool body and a part penetration element attached to the tool body, the part penetration element adapted to induce a compressive force by the part against the part penetration element, securing the part to the part penetration element in a selected part orientation.

Abstract: A selectively rigidizable and actively steerable device is described. In one aspect, an articulatable device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: Substrate processing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In some embodiments a substrate processing apparatus may comprise a support structure and a moveable stage including first and second stages. The moveable stage has one or more maglev units attached to the first stage and/or second stage proximate an edge of the first stage. The first stage retains one or more substrates and moves with respect to a first axis that is substantially fixed with respect to the second stage. The second stage translates along a second axis with respect to the support structure. In other embodiments, a primary motor may maintain a rotary stage at an angular speed and/or accelerate or decelerate the stage from a first angular speed to a second angular speed. A secondary motor may accelerate the stage from rest to the first angular speed and/or decelerate the stage from a non-zero angular speed.

Abstract: A collecting apparatus having a seat, and method of use thereof, wherein the collecting apparatus comprises a plurality of selectively positionable elastic members secured to a plurality of securing points on a lower portion of a frame or a removable base section connected to the frame. The elastic members are secured to user-selected securing points so that the distance between the elastic members can accommodate objects of different sizes. The collecting apparatus is pressed on top of a ball or similar object, causing the elastic members to separate and allow the ball or similar object to enter and be retained within the frame. Upon entering of the object within the frame, the elastic members retract to their original position, therein preventing the object from falling back out. Objects can be retrieved by lifting the seat or reaching through an aperture formed by a seat opening and a frame front opening.

Abstract: A loader bucket is attached for tractor shipping in a non-operational position between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. The loader bucket may be attached to the mast using a bracket between a first surface of the loader bucket and the mast, and a brace between a second surface of the loader bucket and the bracket, to resist pivotal movement of the loader bucket.

Abstract: A method of operating a transfer station in a container filling plant. The transfer station comprises a plurality of spaced apart webs between which containers are to be conveyed. A plurality of vertical directing elements are disposed upstream of and adjacent to the webs. The directing elements contact and deflect containers into the receiving spaces in between the webs to minimize backing up or jams of the containers, to thus minimize interruptions in the container handling process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) comprising a turning mechanism which is adapted to change the orientation of a number of packaging containers (12) in motion in a filling machine, from a first orientation (20) to a second orientation (22), comprising a conveyor (26) provided with at least one carrier (28) to which at least one carrier unit is connected. According to the invention, the carrier unit is rotary in relation to the carrier (28) about a geometric axis of rotation and is adapted to carry the packaging container (12) in such a manner that the point of gravity of the packaging container during the change in orientation is substantially located on the geometric axis of rotation, and the point of gravity of the packaging container thereby maintains substantially the same direction and speed from the first to the second orientation (20, 22).

Abstract: The disclosure is a baking apparatus including a susceptor, lift pins, and guiding blocks positioned at the edge of the susceptor to lead a wafer to be exactly positioned on the susceptor. The guiding blocks are linearly movable within a range of a semidiameter of a plate. A wafer is partially mounted on a wafer guide, being inclined against the susceptor, and thereby may heats uniformly.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving a mine conveyor segment (2, 3) between a first position in line with a train of conveyor segments and a second storage position out of line with the train of conveyor segments, comprising: a segment holder (9), and a guide (8) for guiding the movement of the segment (2, 3) between the first and the second position, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a device (102) for manipulating the train of conveyor segments such that the segment holder (9) is at least partially movable independent from the train manipulating device (102). The handling of the conveyor segments (2, 3) in the first position is not decisive for the status of the apparatus according the present invention, and therefore the handling of the segments outside the first position can coincide (overlap) with the operating of the launch platform.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises a storage container for storing multiple substrates and whose substrate loading and unloading opening is sealed by a lid, a load port for placing the storage container, an attaching and detaching device for attaching and detaching the lid on the substrate loading and unloading opening in the load port, a first placement unit for mounting the storage container in the load port and moving away from and near the attaching and detaching device, and a second placement unit provided separately from the first placement unit, for mounting the storage container in the load port and moving up and down relative to the attaching and detaching device.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically and sequentially loading objects onto a feed system, each having a respective axis of rotation and respective first and second indices of rotation about the respective axes. The loading of each object onto the feed system causes an orientation in a predetermined relative position. The method consists in particular in selectively operating a relative rotation of the object and of the handling device about their axis of rotation to achieve the orientation.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a controller of a robotic arm in a microelectronics manufacturing apparatus that includes storing a default position for an edge detector, moving a blade on the robotic arm based on the default position of the edge detector such that at least three edge points on the blade pass through and are detected by the edge detector, generating a plurality of arm position measurements from an arm position sensor by measuring a position with the arm position sensor of the robotic arm at each position of the robotic arm at which an edge point of the blade is detected by the edge detector, and determining at least one of an actual position of the edge detector and an offset for measurements of the arm position sensor based on the plurality of arm position measurements.

Abstract: Positional relationships are established in a process chamber. A base is configured with a lower electrode surface to support a wafer, and an upper electrode has a lower surface. A drive mounted on the base has a linkage connected to the upper electrode. A fixture placed on the lower surface moves into a desired orientation of the lower electrode. With the upper electrode loosely connected by the linkage to the drive, the fixture transfers the desired orientation to the upper electrode. The linkage is tightened to maintain the desired orientation, the fixture is removed and a process exclusion insert is mounted to the upper electrode. The drive moves the upper electrode and the insert to define an inactive process zone between the upper electrode and the wafer on the lower electrode to protect a central area of the wafer during etching of a wafer edge environ around the central area.

Abstract: A technology to resolve positional deviations without using a transport robot. An object to be transported placed on a holding stand is rotated, so as to make an error angle ? to be zero; and thereafter, a temporarily placing portion is made to move obliquely to move for an error distance in a horizontal component, thereby locating the center of the object to be transported on the central axis line of the holding stand; and the object to be transported is placed on holding stand. In a case where an orientation of a notch is definite, the holding stand is further rotated by a desired amount. Without using the transport robot, it is possible to resolve an error angle and an error distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning a wafer (3) with a reference mark (6) in a vacuum processing unit with a transport chamber containing a transport device (2, 20, 21) for moving the wafers (3) in a plane to a process chamber arranged on said chamber and a single sensor (1), arranged within the transport chamber before the process chamber for recording the position of the wafer (3) by means of recording the edge thereof at a first detection point (4) and a second detection point (5), such that the actual position of the wafer (12) with a known wafer diameter can be determined with electronic analysis of both measured detection points (4, 5) and the transport device (2, 20, 21) guides the wafer (3) to a desired set position.

Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus, system, and method are provided for transferring a plurality of workpieces between vacuum and atmospheric pressures, wherein an alignment mechanism is operable to align a plurality of workpieces for generally simultaneous transportation to a dual-workpiece load lock chamber. The alignment mechanism comprises a characterization device, an elevator, and two vertically-aligned workpiece supports for supporting two workpieces. First and second atmospheric robots are configured to generally simultaneously transfer two workpieces at a time between load lock modules, the alignment mechanism, and a FOUP. Third and fourth vacuum robots are configured to transfer one workpiece at a time between the load lock modules and a process module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic positioning and/or orientation of an object. The method includes applying a substance or component to an object, or takes advantage of a substance or component already on or associated with an object. The substance or component has a characteristic that can be utilized to automatically attract the substance or component. That characteristic is used to position, move, and/or orient the object automatically, without requiring manual handling. The object can then be further processed or handled. In one embodiment, the substance or component is a magnetically active substance or component. The attraction can be actuated by a magnet.

Abstract: A substrate-handling robot which serves a processing tool such as a plating tool may be automatically controlled by a controller to perform a self-calibration procedure. As part of the procedure, an end effector of the robot is moved to interact with sensors provided on a calibration fixture that is positioned in a substrate placement location for which the calibration procedure is performed. The calibration fixture may have an opening formed therein to allow movement of the robot end effector within the calibration fixture. Sensor light beams generated by the sensors may interact with the end effector during the automatic calibration process so as to determine calibration data for the substrate placement location.

Abstract: A device for aligning a plurality of vertically arranged (upright) disks (20), especially wafer disks during the fabrication of semiconductor chips. Two mounting or bearing elements (30, 32) respectively have individually mounted guide rollers (34) positioned next to each other for each disk position. A drive device (40, 42; 50, 60; 240, 242) is for rotating the disks in relation to their azimuthal positions. A device (80) is provided for detecting the azimuthal positions of notches or indentations (22) arranged in the outer circumference in the disks (20). A device is provided for controlling the drive with the signals of the detection device (80) for detecting the azimuthal positions of the notches (22). The drive for rotating the disks in relation to their azimuthal positions has an individually driven drive roller element (42) for each disk (20) mounted on the stationary axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: A centering unit comprises a plate, centering mechanism, link mechanism, and cylinder mechanism. The plate vertically divides the interior of a frame. The support table is located substantially on the center of the plate. The centering mechanism can center each wafer on the support table. Centering plates of the centering mechanism are located on either side of the support table and have engaging surfaces and that extend along the outer peripheral surface of the wafer. The link mechanism and the cylinder mechanism serve to extend and contract the space between the centering plates.

Abstract: A turnover apparatus and method for inverting articles such as lumber or board pieces being conveyed sideways on two or more conveyor chain loops in which each article is advanced on the conveyor chain loops by speed up belts engaging the underside of the articles to force a leading side against a pair of lugs mounted on a respective conveyor chain loop, the article thereafter flipped up to an on edge position by flipper arms also mounted on the conveyor chain loops which each engage an adjustable cam ramp at a turnover station, the article thereafter tipped over backward by being driven by the speed belts against an elevated overhung trailing edge on the lugs to complete the turnover. Optional pivoted let down elements may be arranged to engage the trailing side of the articles to controllably lower the same by motion induced by a second cam ramp at the turnover station.

Abstract: The orientation of a wafer with respect to the surface of an electrolyte is controlled during an electroplating process. The wafer is delivered to an electrolyte bath along a trajectory normal to the surface of the electrolyte. Along this trajectory, the wafer is angled before entry into the electrolyte for angled immersion. A wafer can be plated in an angled orientation or not, depending on what is optimal for a given situation. Also, in some designs, the wafer's orientation can be adjusted actively during immersion or during electroplating, providing flexibility in various electroplating scenarios.

Abstract: A wafer or some other article is aligned while being held by an end-effector.

Abstract: A cable-processing device includes a first drive for swiveling movement and a second drive for linear movement of a swivel-arm. The swivel-arm is held on a bracket for rotation about an axle with a spring force acting counterclockwise on the swivel-arm. A gripper on the end of the swivel-arm holds a cable-end between first and second gripper-jaws. The jaws are arranged rotatably on an axle and are opened and closed by means of gears. To reduce the swivel-arm mass to be moved, the actuator for the gears is arranged on the swivel-arm.