Abstract: A container handling machine having at least one operative unit is disclosed. The container handling machine includes a plunger configured to selectively move along a longitudinal axis and to deform a base of a container from a first swollen configuration to a second inwardly-retracted configuration, and an actuator configured to selectively move the plunger along the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which the plunger is detached from the base of the container, and a second position, in which the plunger deforms the base to the second configuration. The container handling machine further includes a control unit configured to selectively activate the actuator for producing a first stroke of the plunger along the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position, in order to deform the base of the container.

Abstract: A lamination system (110) may be provided for attaching together display layers (45,46) for an electronic device display. The system may include one or more pressure-sensing lamination stages (124, 126) for temporarily mounting the display layers during lamination operations. A pressure-sensing lamination stage (124) may include one or more pressure sensors (130) configured to sense pressures that are applied to the display layers during lamination operations. The pressure-sensing lamination stages may include a fixed mounting stage (126) and a movable mounting stage (124). The movable mounting stage may be moved so that a first set of display layers is pressed against a second set of display layers to attach the first and second sets of display layers. The pressure with which the first set of display layers (45;46) is pressed against the second set of display layers may be adjusted based on pressure data gathered using the pressure sensors (130).

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system includes an ultrasonic welding stack that is movable to initiated a welding operation. A plurality of sensors measure respective control variables and output control signals corresponding, respectively, to the control variables. A motion control system is coupled to and causes controlled movement of the welding stack, including initiating the welding operation. The motion control system determines, based on the control signals, control inputs such that any motion of the welding stack, subsequent to the initiating, is initially delayed until the control signals satisfy a predetermined condition. In response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, the motion control system causes the welding stack to move in accordance with a weld profile.

Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of the label stock; a movable element which defines a portion of a web path between the supply spool and the take-up spool support; a sensor configured to produce a sensor signal indicative of the position of the movable element; a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and output a brake assembly control signal based upon the sensor signal; and a brake assembly configured to apply a braking force to one of said spool supports based upon the brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of said one of said spool supports. The controller is configured to control the brake assembly based upon the sensor signal so as to cause the moveable element to move towards a desired position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system includes a motion control system that is coupled to and that causes controlled movement of an ultrasonic welding stack, in accordance with control inputs that are based on one or more control signals that are received from one or more sensors. The motion control system initiates a welding operation, subsequent to which an initial motion delay occurs until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Subsequently, in response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to move in accordance with a weld profile. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay initiating condition, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to stop motion and to maintain a stationary position. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay terminating condition, motion of the ultrasonic welding stack is resumed in accordance with the weld profile.

Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a mattress generally includes an automated foam layer placement apparatus for accurately securing one or more foam layers onto an innercore unit and bucket assembly.

Abstract: A machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, where each article includes components progressively positioned relative to each other and assembled along a production line. The machine includes a programmable electronic controller device having a shift register, at least one optical inspection system connected to the programmable electronic controller device, and an operator interface connected to the electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller device generates a machine sync signal, a trigger signal for activating the optical inspection system in phase with the sync signal and a shift register shift command. The optical inspection system receives the trigger signal and has a defined maximum response time which produces at least one band of uncertainty. The operator sets with the operator interface the instant of activating the shift register shift command outside the band of uncertainty and between two consecutive sync signals defining a machine step.

Abstract: A method for bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer by molecular adhesion where the wafers have an initial radial misalignment between them. The method includes bringing the two wafers into contact so as to initiate the propagation of a bonding wave between the two wafers while a predefined bonding curvature is imposed on at least one of the two wafers during the contacting step as a function of the initial radial misalignment.

Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automatically printing and applying one or more label to at least one item to enable shipping of the at least one item by a carrier are provided. In some aspects, a movable label applicator device includes a printer for printing the one or more label onto a supply of labeling material, wherein the one or more printed label contains unique information associated with the at least one item. In some aspects, the device further includes an applicator for applying the one or more printed label to a surface of the at least one item, wherein the applicator is configured to apply multiple labels to the surface of the at least one item such that the multiple labels are removably stacked on top of one another.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical characteristic of an adhesive material on a semiconductor device element using structured light is provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) applying a structured light pattern to an adhesive material on a semiconductor device element; (2) creating an image of the structured light pattern using a camera; and (3) analyzing the image of the structured light pattern to determine a physical characteristic of the adhesive material. Additional methods and systems for determining physical characteristics of semiconductor devices and elements using structured light are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an automatic labeling machine and an automatic labeling machine control method. The automatic labeling machine is used for adhering an identification label on a surface of a test tube. The automatic labeling machine comprises: a tube insertion port (80) used for inserting a test tube; a controller (4) used for determining the type of test tube to be inserted; and a prompting apparatus (3) connected to the controller (4) and used for outputting prompting information corresponding to the type of the test tube to be inserted. The problem of automatic labeling machines easily causing a test tube selection error in the prior art is solved.

Abstract: The present application discloses a device for judging whether splicing of carrier tapes, which house multiple electronic components at a specified interval, wound around different reels is allowed. The device is provided with a data management section and a judging section. In the device, the data management section creates an association between and memorizes the reel ID, the type of electronic components housed in the carrier tape wound around the reel, the remaining quantity of electronic components housed in the carrier tape wound around the reel, and the possible winding quantity of electronic components to the reel. Also, in the device, the judging section, in a case in which the total of the remaining quantities of electronic components of two reels exceeds the possible winding quantity of the reel to be wound onto, judges that splicing of the carrier tapes is not allowed.

Abstract: A display panel manufacturing apparatus includes a first jig having a portion that is bent and a lower surface to which a window member is coupleable, a second jig having one surface that is coupleable to the lower surface of the first jig, the second jig being spaced apart from the first jig and having an upper surface on which a sheet member is attachable, a grip unit that is spaced apart from the second jig, the grip unit including a seating groove in which an end portion of the sheet member is seatable, and a movement limiting member moveably mounted on a top of the grip unit and configured to support the end portion of the sheet member in a state that the sheet member is separated from the grip unit, such that a movement of the sheet member is limited for a preset time.

Abstract: A glue delivery system and method for providing precise application of glue on a substrate. A bead of glue is extruded from a first glue chamber through a gun to a leading edge of the substrate. A trailing edge of the substrate is blown off and over to the nozzle to receive a smear of glue from a second glue chamber. A gear pump is controlled by a servo drive that is connected to a servomotor utilizing a gear reducer. The pump regulates the extrusion of the glue onto the substrate that is programmed with empirical data of gear reducer ratio at which the glue flows within a constant speed, torque, current, speed and position of the glue. The empirical data is provided to a programmable logic circuit to achieve a precise pressure related to volume of a glue deposition and speed of the substrate onto which the glue is applied.

Abstract: A driving mechanism including a first rod (103a), a second rod (104a), a first planar motor (106) moving on a plane, a center planar motor (105) moving on the plane and a moving portion (101), in which one end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the moving portion by a first rotation fulcrum (125a), the other end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the first planar motor by a second rotation fulcrum (126a), one end of the second rod is rotatably connected by a third rotation fulcrum (128a) provided on the first rod. The other end of the second rod is rotatably connected to the center planar motor by a fourth rotation fulcrum (127a), and the moving portion is moved so as to recede from the center planar motor when the first planar motor is moved near to the center planar motor.

Abstract: A blood-sampling-tube automatic preparation device comprising a blood-sampling-tube containing section having at least two blood-sampling-tube containers, a label printing and pasting unit that prints blood sampling information data and then pastes the printed label on a surface of a blood-sampling-tube, a hand pasting label printer, a blood-sampling-tube collecting section in which one or more blood-sampling-tubes with label pasted and/or one or more printed labels for hand pasting are collected for each patient, a blood-sampling-tube transferring device that receives a blood-sampling-tube from the blood-sampling-tube container and transfers it to the label printing and pasting unit, and a control device that controls each component.

Abstract: A module placement device and method enable the precision mating of a module to a substrate. The device and method can be effectively used, for example, to mate a light source such as an LED module to the back side of an automotive mirror having portions that permit light to pass therethrough.