Abstract: Apparatus utilizing pressurized liquid for testing containers such as soft drink beverage bottles for the ability to withstand internal pressure and for the absence of leakage. The pressurized liquid is introduced into each bottle with a swirling motion through an annular passageway and air is expelled from the bottle through a vent tube positioned coaxially within the passageway. The outer wall of the annular passageway is formed by a resilient sleeve which is compressed radially and extended axially by the pressurized liquid to provide a tight seal with the bottle. Pressure within the bottle is monitored by a sensing member which is displaced by the pressurized liquid and actuates a pivotally mounted lever arm which provides an amplified movement and corresponding to the displacement of the sensing member.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning mechanism (10, FIG. 1) includes a movable arm (12) having a plurality of joints (14). A pair of grippers (26 and 28) are movable toward and away from a semiconductor wafer boat (44). The grippers are held in position by a stop member (70, FIG. 4) when they engage the boat (44) and locked in an open position by prongs (86). A solenoid (30) is actuated to allow the grippers to move between their open and closed positions. Flexible bellows (22 and 94) and tubing (24) surround moving parts (e.g., 14, 62, 64, 66, 80) of the mechanism (10) to prevent contamination of the semiconductor wafers (52).

Abstract: Machine for transporting and stacking cartons loaded with containers comprising two transport systems one above the other with restraining means to restrain motion of each loaded carton on one or the other or both systems, and pusher means which releases the restrained carton or cartons and pushes both of them in unison and with one above the other to a delivery point where the upper carton is deposited on the lower carton.