Abstract: Disclosed herein is a radiotherapy apparatus for delivering radiation to a patient. The apparatus comprises a gantry, a source of radiation attached to the gantry and configured to emit radiation along a radiation axis, a support structure for supporting the gantry, and a gantry rotation mechanism positioned between the support structure and the gantry. The gantry rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the gantry about a gantry rotation axis, and tilt the gantry with respect to the gantry rotation axis such that the radiation axis is non-perpendicular with the gantry rotation axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, a pharmacy order processing system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of picking workstations, each picking workstation including a plurality of bins. The system also includes a plurality of trays for carrying a plurality of pharmacy orders, a tray drop-off station, and a tray delivery conveyor extending between the tray drop-off station and the plurality of picking workstations. The system further includes a tray delivery conveyor extending between the tray drop-off station and the plurality of picking workstations. The system includes a plurality of packing workstations, each packing workstation including an opening to receive a scale and a plurality of receptacles configured to receive shipping label printers. The system also includes at least one inspection workstation, the at least one inspection workstation including at least one product scanner. The system further includes a packing delivery conveyor extending from the plurality of packing workstations.

Abstract: An article transport apparatus includes a plurality of supports, a supporting rotator that rotatably supports the supports at a plurality of positions, a driving portion for rotating the supporting rotator, an attitude maintenance mechanism for keeping the plurality of supports in a constant attitude irrespective of a phase of the supporting rotator, an article carry-in portion for carrying an article into the support located at a first position, and an article carry-out portion for carrying an article out of the support located at a second position.

Abstract: A lotion application machine for allowing automatic application of a lotion to the body of a user is provided. The lotion application machine has a rotatable platform, on which the user can stand and be rotated while the lotion is being applied. The lotion can be applied evenly to the entire body of the user.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.

Abstract: A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A flower pot saucer for receiving a flower pot or the like is provided. The flower pot saucer comprises a base having an outer surface and a flat annular top surface angled downward toward the outer surface. A revolving saucer is mounted within top surface of the base with the flower pot positionable upon the revolving saucer. At least one solar panel is positioned on the angled top surface of the base. A motor is mounted within the base and powered only by the solar panel with the motor connected between the solar panel and the revolving saucer and the motor causing the rotation of the revolving saucer wherein the junction of the outer surface and the top surface of the base creates an outer edge and wherein the angling of the top surface of the base allows any liquids or other debris spilled on the top surface to drain off the top surface toward the outer surface and over the outer edge.

Abstract: There is provided a reconfigurable furniture assembly having a substantially planar surface member movable about a horizontal axis in an endless manner, a support member holding the substantially planar surface over the ground surface, and a plurality of assigned location around the planar surface member for individuals to occupy and face a portion of the planar surface member. A drive element moves the planar surface member and assigned locations about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A rotary table mounting and drive device (1), including a rotary table (3) which is rotatably mounted on a frame (2) and for the mounting of which an axial/radial rolling bearing arrangement (4) and an active magnetic bearing arrangement (5) are provided, has an electric direct drive (19) which is preferably a torque motor having a rotor (20) rigidly connected to the rotary table (3) and a stator (21) rigidly connected to the frame (2).

Abstract: A first rotating plate 10 is supported on a planar base plate 4 in such a manner as to be rotatable about a spindle 8. The first rotating plate 10 has a spar gear 30 disposed along its outer periphery to which driving force for rotating the first rotating plate 10 about the spindle 8. The first rotating plate 10 has first attachment parts 40a and 40b on its top surface for attachment to a television receiver. A second rotating plate 42 is detachably attached to the first rotating plate 10. The attachment of the second rotating plate 42 is such as to permit the second rotating plate 42 to slip about the spindle 8 relative to the first rotating plate 10 when force greater than a predetermined magnitude is exerted to the second rotating plate. The second rotating plate 42 has a second attachment part 54 on its top surface for attachment to a television receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating objects around a tree. The apparatus includes a rigid material that has a top surface and a bottom surface with a first aperture, configured to receive the base of the tree. The aperture is disposed substantially in the center of the rigid material. A gear is coupled to the bottom surface of the rigid material. A frame includes a pinion configured to rotate about the gear. A motor, coupled to the pinion, rotates the pinion. The frame also includes a second aperture, configured to receive the base of a tree.

Abstract: A table system with angular position control in which a table is moved accurately over a tiny angle in circular direction to any desired position. The table is supported on a bed for rotation through a crossed-roller bearing. Position control apparatus turns the table over a tiny angle through an arm plate fastened to the table. A nut and screw set cause a linear motion that is in line with a tangent of the table, and the linear motion is translated into a circular motion to turn the table by a first linear motion guide unit to control the linear motion in the tangential direction, and a second linear motion guide unit to control a linear motion in the direction facing the center of the table.

Abstract: The invention provides a material turn table for supporting objects to be worked on. The material turn table includes a placement plate upon which objects are placeable; a supporting plate; and a support assembly that connects the placement plate to the supporting plate in such a manner that the placement plate is rotateably supported above the supporting plate. The support assembly includes an annular first pipe connected to the placement plate and an annular second pipe connected to the supporting plate. A portion of a length of the first pipe is disposed telescopically relative to the second pipe. An annular bearing assembly connects the small pipe to the large pipe.

Abstract: The automatic dish serving system includes: a supply center for supplying articles such as food and drink; a customer's seat to which the articles are served; a carrier wagon traveling along a route between the supply center and the customer's seat for carrying the articles of food and drink loaded on the carrier wagon; and a route guide device for guiding the carrier wagon so as to take an appropriate route, wherein the customer's seat is provided with a turntable for retaining the served articles of food and drink and provided with an arrival portion to which the carrier wagon arrives and wherein the carrier wagon is provided with a transfer device for transferring the articles between the turntable and the carrier wagon.

Abstract: A movable stage assembly suitable for use in a vacuum has three circular stages rotating independently of one another. The stage assembly includes a base and a large rotatable circular table mounted on the base. This large table has a second smaller circular table which is eccentrically mounted within the first large table and rotates independently. This second table also has a smaller third circular table eccentrically mounted on it and independently rotatable within the second table. All the rotatable tables utilize ferrofluidic seals to prevent air within the air bearings from leaking into the vacuum chamber and are driven by motors mounted beneath the tables.

Abstract: A movable table unit capable of carrying out an operation for rotating a movable table at a position other than an original point and an operation for moving it in parallel after rotating at a predetermined angle by a simple control, capable of moving the rotation center linearly along two axes easily, and further moving the movable table largely along a single axis, is provided.

Abstract: Two wedge-shaped platforms, each rotatable about a different axis, are rotationally mounted together so that a pointing device mounted on one of the platforms can be made to point in a desired direction by predetermined rotational positioning of the two platforms.

Abstract: A vending machine featuring rotating stacked carousels for the display and sale of floral and plant arrangements is disclosed. The vending machine is capable of carrying out both cash and credit card transactions and includes a certified credit card terminal for connecting to the credit card processing network. The present vending machine includes an integrated microprocessor to control the mechanical motion and position of the stacked carousels, accept payment from either cash or credit cards, maintain accounting records, provide printed receipts, and to control on-line modem communications with credit approval sources as well as dial-up auditing of machine's inventory. A significant feature of the certified credit card terminal is the ability to transact purchases in both an off-line and on-line mode and the ability to enter bad credit card numbers into a credit card file when purchase is attempted with an invalid card number.

Abstract: A novelty cake stand device 10 including a base member 20 and a cake support member 30 defining a peripheral opening 50 around the device 10 wherein the opening 50 is dimensioned to receive a portion of an elongated support arm 41 having one end attached to a figurine member 40 and the other end rotatably disposed within the base member 20 such that the figurine member 40 is disposed in an orbiting relationship to the base member 20 and/or the cake support member 30 to provide an amusing appearance to the device 10.

Abstract: A rotary turntable for use in a building, such as in a residential or office environment, includes at least one door and at least one wall panel for cooperating with adjacent stationary building structures such as walls and a ceiling to define a variable floor plan. The turntable door and wall panel include expansion members for engaging and contacting adjacent building structures to provide an acoustic barrier between rooms. In the preferred form, the turntable door is powered for driven movement between open and closed positions which can vary according to the specific rotational position of the turntable.

Abstract: A rotary book rack arrangement has a stand and a stable plate fixed to and extending upwardly from the stand. The stable plate has a circular groove on one side. A rotating plate is mounted for rotation to the stable plate. Multiple book racks are connected for rotation to the rotating plate. A lower pin is fixed to each book rack and extends into the circular groove for riding in said circular groove with rotation of said rotating plate. An upper pin mounts the racks to the plate and a line between the upper and lower pins for each book rack is always vertical. A motor rotates the rotating plate.

Abstract: A rotary indexing table has a table defining a flat table surface. A dial having an upper surface and a lower surface is positioned over and generally parallel to the table surface. The dial further defines a circular inner edge and an outer edge. First bearings mounted to the table surface engage the inner edge of the dial to radially support the dial on the table. Second bearings axially support the lower surface on the table surface for rotation. The second bearings comprise circular grooves in the lower surface of the dial and concentric with the inner edge. Ball bearings are in the grooves and in contact with the flat table surface. A drive assembly comprising a belt engaging the outer edge and driven by a motor indexes the rotation of the dial.

Abstract: A substrate rotating device includes a turn table placed horizontally, a substrate supporting member provided on the turn table, for supporting a substrate with respect to a vertical direction and for regulating the position of the outside periphery of the substrate with respect to a horizontal direction, a driving mechanism causing rotation of the turn table, an opening formed in the turn table, and an evacuating mechanism rotatable as a unit with the turn table, for forcibly evacuating a space between the turn table and the substrate through the opening,

Abstract: A positioning stage device capable of regulating in a wide range the rotational angle of a Z-stage supporting a suction chuck. The suction chuck is constructed integrally with the Z-stage, which is supported by a bearing so as to be movable along the Z-axis and rotatable about the Z-axis. A rotation stopper plate integral with the Z-stage is supported on both faces by bearing pads of an air bearing supported by a rotary ring, and is rotated about the Z-axis together with the air bearing by means of a motor, whereby the rotational angel of the Z-stage is regulated.

Abstract: A turntable for rotating a wafer carrier in order to enable the attachment of a handle to the wafer carrier. The turntable includes a platform rotatably mounted to a baseplate. In addition, the turntable includes stops which are positioned to enable 180.degree. clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the platform to provide access to the wafer carrier for handle attachment. The platform includes carrier guides which are spaced apart to accommodate the wafer carrier. The platform further includes a platform handle which an operator manipulates to rotate the platform.

Abstract: An oscillating, modular turntable for displaying objects includes a base formed from a ring-like lower track having a generally circular upwardly facing lower track surface formed thereon, a hub assembly and a plurality of spokes extending between the lower track and the hub assembly and releasably attached thereto by a plurality of toggle clamps. The turntable also includes a lower table having a plurality of support wheels resting on the lower track surface and a generally circular upwardly facing upper track surface formed thereon extending in a plane tilted at a predetermined angle relative to a plane in which the base extends and an upper table having a plurality of support wheels resting on the upper track surface. Both tables include a center section having a pair of generally straight sides and a pair of generally semicircular end sections releasably attached to a corresponding one of the straight sides by toggle clamps.

Abstract: A restraining mechanism of an adjustable work table is disclosed for releasably restraining movement of a movable member of the table relative to a stationary member of the table. The restraining mechanism includes a clamping portion connected to one of the movable and stationary members, and a spring portion connected to the clamping portion for forcing the clamping means against the other of the movable and stationary members and thereby restraining movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: There is provided an improved turntable structure wherein a turning plate may be motor-driven or manually driven at the option of a user. The turntable includes a turning plate supported on a base plate via a rotation ring assembly. On the bottom surface of the turning plate is mounted a driving device from which extends a tie rod by which the user may manipulate the position of a driving wheel in the motor of the driving device to engage or disengage from the rotation ring assembly. The rotation ring assembly includes an upper sleeve affixed to the bottom surface of the turning plate, a lower sleeve affixed to the top surface of the base plate, and a bushing circumferentially opposing both the upper and lower sleeves. A plurality of roller balls are captured in aligned grooves formed into opposing surfaces of each of the upper and lower sleeves and the bushing.

Abstract: A rotary table for supporting items within an enclosure includes a base having a planar top surface, a central through hole, and a radially extending circumferential flange, and a bearing retainer having a central through hole and an array of barrel-shaped recesses defined therein, arranged on plural concentric circles. Each of the recesses loosely contains a captive ball which partly protrudes from both top and bottom ends of the recess, each ball bearing against the top surface of the base. A rotatable plate is supported by the balls, and retained with respect to the base by a central post that extends downwardly through the central holes in both the retainer and the base. The ball retainer and the base have similar polar arrays of reinforcing ribs, to provide a strong but lightweight unit.

Abstract: An improved turntable is provided for use in a building, such as in a residential or office environment, wherein the turntable is constructed from modular components for facilitated installation within a relatively low profile space. The turntable comprises a skeletal frame including an outer rim in combination with a plurality of radially extending support beams, wherein the assembled frame defines a plurality of generally pie-shaped openings for nested reception of a corresponding plurality of lightweight modular panel units. Wheels are mounted to the outer rim in adjacent pairs on opposite sides of each radial support beam for shared distribution of loads applied to the turntable during use. A traction drive surface is formed on the periphery of the outer rim in a position engaged by a drive roller of a low profile drive unit.

Abstract: A base plate positioning mechanism in an electronic part mounting apparatus wherein a part supplying position and a mounting position are fixed, characterized in that a friction driving mechanism is used in a rotative driving unit for setting the rotated positions of an electronic part and a base plate to predetermined angles in order to adjust the part mounting position of the base plate to the fixed mounting position.

Abstract: A patient support system for irradiation therapy or treatment simulation comprises a main arm 1 on a sub-floor mounted pivot 10 about a first vertical axis 17, which supports a further arm 49 rotatable about a second vertical axis 16. At the other end of the arm 49 a vertical pillar 4, pivotable about a third vertical axis 15, supports a vertically displaceable carriage 3 on which a patient support table top 2 is directly mounted. A control system is described which enables x, y coordinate command values to control respective drives associated with the three vertical axes to position a patient quickly and accurately relative to the treatment isocentre.

Abstract: A patient support system for irradiation therapy or treatment simulation comprises a main arm 1 on a sub-floor mounted pivot 10 about a first vertical axis 17, which supports a further arm 49 rotatable about a second vertical axis 16. At the other end of the arm 49 a vertical pillar 4, pivotable about a third vertical axis 15, supports a vertically displaceable carriage 3 on which a patient support table top 2 is directly mounted. A control system is described which enables x, y coordinate command values to control respective drives associated with the three vertical axes to position a patient quickly and accurately relative to the treatment isocenter. The system requires only a shallow well while providing a large range of vertical lift. Furthermore, no sub-table x-y carriage is required increasing patient accessability.

Abstract: A control system for vertical storage equipment requires only two sensing devices, in combination with a microprocessor controller, for positioning a selected article carrier at a specified work station. One sensor senses a reference mark having a direct speed and position relation with the carriers. The second sensor senses at least one reference mark mounted to a high speed member in the drive mechanism used to move the carriers. By sensing the high speed member, the resolution of the control system is greatly increased, thereby providing the control system with increased accuracy and versatility. A flywheel having a relative inertia greater than the total of the remaining moving parts is preferably employed to negate the influence of carrier loading conditions on control system smoothness and accuracy.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing floppy disks and other panel-shaped objects. The apparatus includes a rotatable storage carousel for floppy disks and a mechanism for selectively dispensing disks from the carousel, and includes a motor movable between two operative positions to alternately provide motive power to rotate the carousel and drive the disk dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A system for substantially filling a cubicle container including its corners with frangible material discharged from a fixed offcenter hopper outlet including means for rotating the container under the outlet at a variable rate, relatively slower during corner passage and relatively faster during side passage.

Abstract: This invention is a revolving examination table apparatus to be used by, for example, optometrists during eye examination to place a desired instrument between the patient and the doctor. More particularly, the table apparatus includes (1) a main, circular support base assembly; (2) a revolving table top assembly rotatably mounted on the support base assembly; and (3) an electrical control and drive assembly operable to control rotation of the revolving table top assembly. A central portion of the support base assembly and the revolving table top assembly is cut out to receive a chair and person (optometrist) therein while the patient sits opposite therefrom with the table apparatus therebetween.

Abstract: A circular transfer table comprising a ring-shaped member having a central circular opening which is driven in rotation by a roller chain secured to the table and mounted in a circular slideway in a work table below the transfer table to leave the center of the transfer table a free space permitting mounting therein of tools or machinery.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing individual servings of food for a banquet type meal is disclosed which includes a carousel means for presenting empty plates for use in a plurality of vertical stacks and means for positioning cooked food in bulk adjacent such carousel means. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are described in which the empty plates are automatically presented in a common plane for serving of bulk food thereon at each of three work stations with a fourth work station for the removal of filled plates and in which the empty plates may be stored and heated in the carousel prior to use. Design considerations for mobility and flexibility of the apparatus in use are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanized service bar and serving system consisting of a service counter adapted to accommodate a plurality of patrons at spaced serving stations therealong, and a carriage mounted for guided movement along a path adjacent to the service counter having an operating station thereon adapted to be occupied by a service attendant or carriage operator. The carriage is provided with an adequate supply of items to be served which are adapted to be dispensed by the service attendant. Movement of the carriage in either direction is controlled by the service attendant and suitable signal means are provided at the service stations for communicating to the service attendant, those stations at which service is desired. The carriage further includes a cash register for handling the purchase of dispensed items by patrons, and preferably further includes a platform for accommodating entertainment personnel as may be desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in assembling hot and cold food portions onto moving trays. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular cabinet section which may be mounted on casters for portability. The top surface of the cabinet is provided with a plurality of hot food wells and frost plates adjacent each of its longitudinally extending sides. Mounted centrally on the top of the cabinet and extending upwardly therefrom is a tray conveyer assembly. Food trays carried by continuously rotating tray carriers mounted on the conveyer assembly pass in front of attendants who place the required portions of hot and/or cold food upon the trays.