Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.

Abstract: Microelectronic workpiece transfer devices and methods for using such transfer devices. One embodiment of a transfer device includes a transport unit configured to move along a linear track and a lift assembly carried by the transport unit. The transfer device can also include an arm assembly having an arm actuator carried by the lift assembly to move along a lift path and an arm carried by the arm actuator to rotate about the lift path. The arm can include an extension projecting from one side of the lift path. The arm actuator can rotate the arm about the lift path. The transfer device can also include a first end-effector and a second end-effector. The end-effectors are rotatably coupled to the extension of the arm and can rotate independently about a common axis, with the first and second end-effectors at different elevations relative to the arm.

Abstract: Transfer devices for handling microelectronic workpieces, apparatus for processing microelectronic workpieces, and methods for manufacturing and using such transfer devices. One embodiment of a transfer device includes a transport unit configured to move along a linear track and a lift assembly carried by the transport unit. The transfer device can also include an arm assembly having an arm actuator carried by the lift assembly to move along a lift path and an arm carried by the arm actuator to rotate about the lift path. The arm can include a first extension projecting from one side of the lift path and a second extension projecting from another side of the lift path. The arm actuator can rotate the arm about the lift path. The transfer device can also include a first end-effector and a second end-effector.

Abstract: There is provided a processing system for processing a processing object, capable of precisely and efficiently carrying out alignment during a teaching operation.

Abstract: Relating to improvement in a hand of an apparatus for taking out a workpiece such as liquid crystal glass from a cassette and carrying it to a predetermined position, and aiming at reducing a weight of an arm portion for holding the liquid crystal glass and a quantity of deflection. A workpiece holding portion of the hand for holding a workpiece such as liquid crystal glass is formed by a horizontal holding arm (5) extending in the horizontal direction and consisting of a carbon fiber material, the horizontal holding arm (5) has a horizontal arm portion (7) opposed to the workpiece and at least one bent portion (6) being bent in a direction crossing the horizontal arm portion (7), and a surface of a corner portion (5d) on the border between the bent portion (6) and the horizontal arm portion (7) is rounded.

Abstract: An extremely-small-swing working machine, comprising an operator cabin mounted on a swing table and a working arm device having a first boom section installed on the swing table on either one of the right and left sides of the cabin, a second boom section connected to the first boom section through a lower rotating shaft, a third boom section connected to the second boom section through an upper rotating shaft generally in parallel with the lower rotating shaft, an arm connected to the third boom section, and a working attachment connected to the tip of the arm, wherein the working attachment and the operation cab are formed so that they are not brought into contact with each other over the entire operating range of the working attachment without limiting or controlling the operation of the working attachment.

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

Abstract: A universal power wheelchair lift and restraint system for attachment to a rear of a vehicle. The system includes a lift platform having a substantially flat, uninterrupted generally rectangular support surface sized in length and width to be similar to, and to supportively receive, a broad size and configuration range of power wheelchairs thereon. A power lift mechanism is attachable to the rear of the vehicle and supportively connected to the platform for elevating and lowering the platform with the power wheelchair positioned thereatop. A locking tiedown mechanism is pivotally connected in proximity to each corner of the platform and in proximity to each of the corner areas of the power wheelchair atop the platform. Each tiedown includes an elongated flexible strap extendable from a rolled configuration and having an attaching member securely disposed at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: In combination with a vehicle, a gripping apparatus comprising connected top, bottom, left, right, and intermediate support members; a brace support wall; a pivot bar positioned horizontally across the apparatus and extending through openings in left, right, and intermediate support members; a jaw housing having first and second lower jaw weld walls, and top, bottom, left and right members; concaved shaped left and right upper jaw members each pivotally attached to the pivot bar; concaved shaped left and right lower jaw members each having upper, lower, left and right side surfaces, with upper and lower surfaces immovably attached to a first lower jaw attachment wall and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the second lower jaw attachment wall; a lower right jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; at least one lower left jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; a first hydraulic cyli

Abstract: A telescoping lift arm assembly has an outer lift arm tube that is formed with a cross section configuration that has spaced side walls, and outwardly extending flange guide panels at the lower portions of the side walls. An inner lift arm tube is generally bell-shaped and fits into the outer lift arm tube and has outwardly flared flanges that are parallel to the flange guide panels of the outer lift arm tube. The inner lift arm tube is held in place with a cross support plate that is supported to the side walls of the outer lift arm tube, to hold the inner lift arm tube in place. There are linear bearings between the mating outwardly flared flanges and panels, as well as between the support plate and mating lower surfaces of the inner lift arm tube. Fasteners are provided to adjustably hold the support plate secured to the outer lift arm tube.

Abstract: A linked manufacturing system for processing parts is disclosed having at least a first processing station for performing a first processing operation, and having a second processing station for performing a second processing operation. At least a first gantry extends in a first direction for linking at least a first and a second processing station. Also at least a second gantry is provided extending transversely to the first direction in a second direction for linking a plurality of first and second processing stations. Each second gantry is coupled to a storage device for receiving parts, wherein slides are displaceable along each second gantry that have a gripper displaceable at least in vertical direction and allowing at least an additional handling operation, while slides are displaceable along the first gantries that are coupled with a gripper for picking up or placing parts and for moving parts along the first gantries.

Abstract: An end arm manipulator includes a base, an arm pivotably mounted to the base and a workpiece interfacing member coupled to the arm. In another aspect of the present invention, multiple arms are coupled to the base and are movable independent of each other. In still another aspect of the present invention, generally spherical balls are adjustably mounted between a clamping member and a cavity of the base.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a frame attachable to a front-end loader vehicle. A tine is attached to the frame, and a top clamp arm is pivoted to the frame and extends over the tine. The clamp arm is movable between a closed position where teeth on a forward lower surface extend generally parallel the tine for holding objects on the front portion, and a partially closed position where teeth on the rearward lower surface are located to hold objects on the rear portion of the tine. The rearward lower surface is upwardly angled from the forward lower surface so that the rear teeth do not interfere with holding a primary object on the front teeth even with secondary objects under the rearward lower surface. The clamp arm has a width and defines a space for receiving the tine, thus providing improved clamping ability.

Abstract: A transport system provided in particular for large-component transfer presses is distinguished by a design with a low width and, nevertheless, permits large transport steps. By controlling two drives in the direction of rotation in relation to each other, all desired travel curves in one plane can be realized. As a result of the simple construction, a cost-effective solution is achieved for a highly dynamic transport system.

Abstract: A light-pole erecting and lowering apparatus (10) that is designed to allow a single person to install, remove and service a light pole (136) that is attached to an above-ground concrete pedestal (130). The apparatus (10) consists of an integrated unit that incorporates three major elements: a transporting dolly (12), a pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) and a pivoting pole-securing assembly (70). The dolly (12) includes a set of wheels (28) and casters (30) that allow the apparatus (10) to be transported over various surfaces. The pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) allows the apparatus (10) to be placed in either a horizontal storage and transporting position or in a vertical position. The pivoting pole-securing assembly (70) includes a pole securing platform (86) and means for allowing the platform (86) to be rotated to either a horizontal or to a vertical position and to adjust the height of an erected platform (86).

Abstract: An assembly for detachably coupling an implement to a machine having lift arms and a link cylinder generally consisting of a first component mounted on the implement and having a downwardly opening hook and a downwardly spaced spring biased latch element, and a second component including means for mounting the second component on the lift arms and tilt link of the machine, a connecting pin engageable with the hook on the first component allowing the first component to swing relative to the second component about an axis, a striker element engageable with the latch element in tripping relation when the connecting pin of the second component engages the hook of the first component and the first component is caused to swing toward the second component about the pivotal axis thereof, to position the striker between the latch element and a portion of the first component, and means for selectively depressing the latch element to permit the first component to swing away from the second component.

Abstract: This invention relates to an outdoor equipment unit such as a walk-behind skid steer loader. The loader has a tracked traction system in which endless tracks are entrained around a rear drive support member and a front support member. The front support member is spring biased forwardly, but can move rearwardly against the spring bias to allow debris that is caught between the front support member to clear itself to help prevent the track from un-tracking. A single control handle having front and rear hand grips located between a fixed grab bar can be rotated and/or twisted to control the traction system. Return to neutral systems ensure that the control handle will return to a centered, neutral position upon release of the control handle by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a lift truck comprising a mobile frame (1), a tiltable boom (3) provided upon it and tilting means (7) for tilting said boom (3), whereby the boom (3) is fixed to the frame (1) in a tilting manner by means of a support (5) which can be moved in relation to the frame (1) in the longitudinal direction of this frame (1), and whereby the lift truck contains displacement means (8) for moving this support (5) which are coupled to the tilting means (7) for the boom (3), such that these tilting means (7) and the displacement means (8) simultaneously tilt the boom (3) together and move the support (5) of the boom (3) in such a manner that the front end of the boom (3) follows a path which is practically perpendicular to the above-mentioned longitudinal direction of the frame (1).

Abstract: A coupler includes a body having first and second recesses that are adapted for respectively receiving first and second associated pins of an associated bucket or other implement. A wedge lock member is movably secured to the body and is movable between a retracted position one or more extended positions. The wedge lock member at least partially obstructs the second recess when it is moved to an extended position so as to capture a second associated pin in the second recess. An actuator is operably coupled to the wedge lock member and is operable to move the wedge lock member between its retracted and extended positions. A supplemental lock arm member is movably secured to the coupler body and is movable between an unlocked position and one or more locked positions. When the supplemental lock arm member is in its locked position, it engages and prevents movement of the lock member from the one or more extended positions to the retracted position.

Abstract: Telescopic lifting vehicle comprising a support frame having a central longitudinal axis of development at the two sides whereof are mounted a control cab and an engine. The engine and the cab identify between them a housing open superiorly and developing along the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a telescopic arm pivotally engaged to a rear portion of the frame, able to be inserted at least partially in the housing, and having an operative end able to be associated to an operative organ. A lifting cylinder, positioned below the telescopic arm, allows the actuation of the telescopic arm, and can be inserted into a vertical opening obtained in correspondence with at least a part of the housing, when the telescopic arm is inserted in the housing itself.