Abstract: A method and a configuration are provided for transporting electrically conductive paint from a point at ground potential to at least one paint application device which is at a high voltage potential. A given quantity of a given paint is put into a cartridge at the point at ground potential, which is used as a loading station. The cartridge is then conveyed pneumatically through an at least partly electrically insulated pipe system to the at least one paint application device and is connected to a spray head provided there. The cartridge, which is completely or partly emptied after the painting operation, is conveyed pneumatically back to the point at ground potential, while at least one further cartridge is being filled there. Following the receipt of the completely or partly emptied cartridge, a further cartridge is then conveyed to the at least one paint application device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing surface sensitivity of a TEOS/O3 SACVD silicon oxide layer, formed over a substrate, that deposits a ramp layer while ramping pressure to a target deposition pressure and deposits an SACVD layer over the ramp layer. In one embodiment, the flow of ozone is stopped during the pressure ramp-up to control the thickness of the ramp layer.

Abstract: A diffusion system for manufacturing semiconductor devices has an air curtain formed across a furnace opening for preventing the loss of heat energy from inside the furnace. The diffusion system includes the furnace having an opening through which a wafer boat having a plurality of wafers is loaded/unloaded; an air curtain apparatus for spraying a gas across the opening so as to form an air curtain cutting off the atmosphere inside of the furnace from the outside environment; and a controlling unit for controlling the air curtain apparatus by applying on/off signals to the air curtain apparatus. The diffusion system is controlled by the controlling unit so as to form the air curtain at the opening of the furnace while the wafer boat moves in and out of the furnace. After the wafer boat is completely loaded into the furnace, the air curtain is removed.

Abstract: An improved vertical diffusion furnace for semiconductor manufacturing processes is provided. Temperature and flow rate management enables more uniform temperature distribution across the wafer during ramp up and ramp down, thereby preventing wafer warp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing onto a substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an injector having an injecting outlet and an air inlet, a fixture for receiving a substrate in communication with the injecting outlet and the air inlet and having a gasket forming a seal around the injecting outlet and air inlet, and a sheet of substantially taut film disposed between the injector and a substrate placed in the receptacle of the fixture such that, when the injector is in a position for dispensing encapsulant to a process area on the substrate, at least the injectng tip and the inlet tip of the injector project through the substantially taut film to the process area.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting parts through a plurality of processing areas. The conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors, each of the conveyors for transporting parts through an associated one of the processing areas. Each of the conveyors are driven by a motor. Each of a plurality of sensors are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control interfaces are associated with a device in one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control circuits are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas and coupled to corresponding sensors and corresponding interfaces. At least one operator interface is coupled to the plurality of control circuits. Wherein, the operator interface can modularly control and monitor devices within the plurality of processing areas.

Abstract: A dispensing system used in a spin coater is provided to transport a solvent to a wafer. The dispensing, system includes a switch valve, a sucking-back valve, a solenoid valve, a speed control unit of the sucking-back valve, and a speed control unit of the switch valve. The switch valve controls a solvent dispensing status. The sucking-back valve receives the solvent from the switch valve and exports the solvent to a wafer. The solenoid valve controls the switch valve and the sucking-back valve. The speed control unit of the switch valve is coupled between the switch valve and the solenoid valve and is used for a control of action speed on the switch valve. The speed control unit of the sucking-back valve is coupled between the switch valve and the sucking-back valve, and is used for a control of action speed of the sucking-back valve by a sufficient delay time of action.

Abstract: An oxidizing gas containing water vapor generated by hydrogen combustion is introduced from an external gas burner via gas supply pipes into the upper space of a process tube surrounded by a heater, and exhausted from the lower part of the process tube. Until the flame of hydrogen burnt in the external gas burner becomes stable, a dilute gas such as N.sub.2 is introduced into the upper space of the process tube via other gas supply pipes so as to suppress the initial oxidation. Suppressing the initial oxidation may also be performed by bypassing an oxidizing gas from the external gas burner to an exhaust system while introducing a non-oxidizing gas such as N.sub.2 into the upper space of the process tube.

Abstract: A plurality of wafers are placed on a boat, and the boat is inserted into a reactor. The reactor is heated by a heater, thereby heating the inserted wafers. Then, air is supplied between the reactor and the heater through the fan nozzles of a fan unit, thereby cooling the heater quickly at a rate of 17.degree. C./min. PH.sub.3 and SiH.sub.4 gases are introduced into the reactor through first and second gas nozzles, only while the average temperature of a peripheral portion of each wafer remains 30.degree. C. lower than that of a central portion of the same. Thereafter, when the temperature difference between the peripheral and central portions has become lower than 30.degree. C., the supply of PH.sub.3 and SiH.sub.4 gases is stopped. Thus, a polycrystal silicon film is formed on each wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for color coating and further manipulating workpieces of wood, plastic material or metal includes a color coating station and further product-manipulation stations for finishing the workpiece. Through provision of a conveyor, the workpiece shuttles through the color coating unit and the manipulation stations at least in one forward run and at least in one return run, whereby a control unit moves the color coating unit and the manipulation stations commensurate with a preselected program between an operating position and an idle position during forward run and return run of the workpiece.

Abstract: A full automatic coating system includes an endless metal tape driven to run in one direction along an endless traveling path, a product supplying station for automatically selecting products of a desired type and supplying them to the endless metal tape according to a production control procedure stored in a control unit, a coating station disposed in the traveling path downstream of the product supplying station and including a spray gun for selectively spraying one of coatings of different colors according to instructions received from the control unit, a drying and baking station and a coating removing station disposed in the traveling path downstream of the coating portion in the order named. All the components are linked to operate in timed relation to one another according to the instructions received from the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing disc-shaped registration carriers, provided with a number of processing stations in which the disc-shaped registration carriers are supported, and with a transport assembly by which said disc-shaped registration carriers can be moved from one processing station to another processing station. The transport assembly is fitted with interconnected, jointly driven holders for simultaneously taking hold of and moving the registration carriers between the processing stations. The processing stations are at least partially fitted with readily exchangeable processing units.

Abstract: Related operations are performed on workpieces, e.g., coating and curing circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective workpieces are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station at which the type and orientation of the workpiece is sensed, next to an initial work station at which initial work, e.g., coating, is performed on the workpiece in dependence upon its type and orientation previously sensed at the sensing station, then to a subsequent work station at which related subsequent work is performed on the workpiece, e.g., curing of the coating, and in turn back to the load-unload station to complete a cycle. The workpiece is either changed in orientation on the table section for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece in random order.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a fiberglass reinforced grating from preformed bearing bars and cross bars includes an elongated open frame table having a plurality of rollers in side-by-side fashion with their axes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the table and supporting a set of upwardly upright transversely spaced bearing bars on the peripheries of the rollers. A loading rack formed of vertically upright transversely spaced spacing and alignment pins controls the lateral spacing of the bearing bars. A raisable stop upstream of a grooving station aligns the ends of the bearing bars. A vertically shiftable hold press hold down bar operates alternately with a vertically shiftable car press hold down bar and the car press is incremented which frictionally presses the bearing bars against the tabletop rollers to increment the set of bearing bars upon release of the hold press hold down bar.

Abstract: An equipment for discharging treated articles from a barrel in a surface treatment system includes: a carriage movable between a discharging position and a charging position; a water tank supported at the discharging position for vertical movements; and a receiver set at the discharging position above the water tank. The carriage device includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the barrel in water in the tank at the discharging position to discharge the articles from the barrel onto the receiver; a cover operating mechanism for removing a cover from an aperture of the barrel at the discharging position and put it on the aperture at the charging position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for enabling automated printing of through holes extending between top and bottom surfaces of a ceramic substrate or the like. The perimeter of the substrate is placed on a support that locates the bottom surface of the substrate spaced from a member that interacts with the interior portion of the substrate. The interacting member has holes that correspond to the through holes in the substrate, and it is moved generally perpendicular to the substrate to a position where it is in juxtaposition with the bottom surface of the substrate and its holes are in registration with the holes in the substrate. Conductive material is applied to the top surface of the substrate and a vacuum is applied to the holes in the interacting member to pull the conductive material through the through holes in the substrate. The vacuum is then discontinued and the interacting member is moved back to a position where it is spaced from the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A pressure control device for controlling the application of pressure provided by a pressure roller to a pressing object, which includes a support member for pivotally supporting the pressure roller, a locking member coupled with the support member, an eccentric cam switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state by the locking member, a clutch for rotating the eccentric cam by a driving means connected thereto, and a solenoid for pushing or pulling the joint portion of the support member and the locking member so as to allow both members to move pivotally. When the solenoid is turned on and the locking of the eccentric cam is released from the locking member, the clutch rotates the eccentric cam thereby moving the solenoid. The pulling force of the solenoid pivotally move the support member strongly enough to allow the pressure roller to press the pressing object. When the solenoid is turned off at this state, the pressure roller is moved downward away from the pressing object by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying the surfaces of glass containers which are being moved in longitudinally spaced transverse rows by a conveyor wherein a rodless air cylinder is mounted transversely of the conveyor and the spraying apparatus is connected to the piston of the rodless cylinder so that the spraying apparatus is moved transversely of the rows of containers. The rodless cylinder is supported for pivotal movement about a vertical axis so that the axis of the cylinder may be moved to a position other than a right angle to the longitudinal axis of movement of the conveyor. The offset of the angle from a right angle and the speed of traverse of the piston is coordinated with the conveyor speed so that any time during the travel, the spray apparatus is spraying between the rows being sprayed.

Abstract: Work is performed on workpieces, e.g., coating circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective workpieces are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station at which the type and orientation of the workpiece is sensed, next to a work station at which work is performed on the workpiece in dependence upon its type and orientation previously sensed at the sensing station, and in turn back to the load-unload station to complete a cycle. The workpiece is either changed in orientation on the table section for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece in random order.

Abstract: Plastic ophthalmic lenses are coated with a scratch-resistant coating using a spin coating process. The lenses are separated from lens mold pieces, and the lenses are routed through a coating system where the lens coating in applied. A conveyor moves the lens mold pieces toward an inspection station while the corresponding lenses are moving through the coating system. The operation of the lens coating system and the conveyor are coordinated so that the coated lens and the lens mold pieces from which that lens was made are delivered as a group to the inspection station.

Abstract: In a semiconductor vapor phase growing apparatus of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,959 dated Feb. 14, 1984, the thickness and resistivity of the semiconductor grown on a substrate by vapor phase growing technique are controlled by a sequence program. The content of the sequence program is corrected to approach a target thickness and a target resistivity at each batch operation. In a modification, an auxiliary mass flow valve is provided for each main mass flow valve and when the main mass flow valve becomes faulty, it is substituted by the auxiliary mass flow valve so as to continue the normal operation of the vapor phase growing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for liquid treating, particularly with coating materials such as paint, of an article, especially an article having a plurality of internal passages. The article is simultaneously rotated on an axis of rotation of the article and about a circular travel path into, back and forth in, and out of the liquid bath. The coated article is moved out of the bath, naturally drained under gravity, and then subjected first to low speed, then high speed rotation to clear the article of excess coating liquid and partially to dry the coating.

Abstract: In order for paints not to be adhered to the device for opening and closing a door and to the door fixing unit for maintaining the open state of a door when painting doors of an automobile, the door is alternately held by the opening and closing device and the door fixing unit. The portion of the door which is not held is to be painted, thereby preventing paint from being sprayed directed on the opening and closing device and the door fixing unit with which the door is held, and preventing paint from adhering to these members.

Abstract: An apparatus for thin layer vapor deposition has two horizontally spaced apart vacuum deposition chambers. Rearwardly and inwardly angled horizontal vacuum ducts are connected to the chambers, and a vacuum pumping device is connected to a further horizontal vacuum duct which communicates with the inwardly angled ducts. A computerized central system disposed between the chambers is operatively connected to the ducts and vacuum pumping device to enable either of the chambers to be used for set-up and evacuation while the other chamber is used for heating and deposition.

Abstract: Lead frame workholder and transport apparatus for holding and transporting a strip of lead frames from one station to another, each lead frame having a pad and a locating pinhole, comprises a track having an input station at one end and an output station at the other end with an application station in between, a vacuum loader for loading a strip of lead frames onto the input station, a first transporter for contacting the lead frame strip in the input station by inserting a pin into the locating pinhole and moving the strip along the track to the application station, and a second transporter for moving the strip to the output station and into an exit carrier. A method of applying an epoxy layer to the pads of a strip of lead frames using the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the sequential coating of motor-vehicle bodies using a preprogrammed painter-robot is provided. As a result of wear, the signal/response delay times of valves and other control elements deviate from the information stored in the program. According to the subject invention, the actual signal/response delay time is measured and compared with the stored information stored in the program. In the event of unacceptable deviations in the actual verses stored signal/response delay times, the actuating times controlled by the program are changed in response thereto, and signals warning of excessive actual delay time are given.

Abstract: A painting system for an automobile for washing an automobile using a plurality of robots comprises a plurality of washing apparatus disposed in the proximity of robots for individually washing the robots. The robots operate in accordance with a program taught in advance and is automatically washed by the washing apparatus after a suitable interval of time.

Abstract: A control system for a patterning device which provides a method for sequentially loading look-up tables, representing pattern conversion values for different patterns to be printed in sequence, into a patterning device in real time. The system also provides a method for reloading a paricular look-up table or group of look-up tables in a prioritized sequence as necessary in order to change the characteristics of the pattern or patterns represented by the table or tables.

Abstract: A housing forming an internal powdering chamber in which an article support tray is removably supported. A hopper located on the exterior top of the housing is structured to dispense a metered amount of powder onto a powder distributor and sifting screen located in the top interior of the housing. An electric motor powering a wheel with an eccentrically connected actuator arm and linkage are connected to the powder distributor and sifting screen in order to supply an oscillatory movement thereto. The powder distributor also includes powered shuttered apertures to allow the powder to be distributed evenly on the powder distributor before being opened to allow the powder onto the sifting screen. The powder distributor and sifting screen are structured to evenly distribute a fine coating of powder vertically downward toward the article support tray. Power actuated lifting arms are located one on each interior corner of the housing slightly below the article support tray.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus having a controller which operates to modify a tool speed signal from a robot and to generate a corrected signal to the dispenser nozzle flow controller which compensates for non-linear flow characteristics of fluids, such as non-Newtonian adhesive fluids, to maintain uniform bead size as the tool speed varies. The corrected tool speed signal is generated by computing the ideal flow for the tool speed signaled, comparing the computed flow with actual flow data stored in a memory using linear interpolation of data between the stored values, and generating a control signal modified in accordance with the comparison. The stored data is acquired by operation in a calibration mode wherein a series of standard signals is sent to the fluid controller while the actual flow at each signal level is measured and stored in a table. The method of operation corrects non-linear flow phenomena such as the shear-thinning effect.

Abstract: The device for spraying a coating on the internal faces of a vessel (2) for the transfer of molten metal such as a tundish comprises a spraying lance (3) secured to a carriage (4).The carriage (4) is capable of displacement in translational motion on a guide (6; 106) which extends in a first longitudinal or transverse direction (D; L) of the vessel (2) and which is in turn capable of translational motion on guiding means (7; 107) extending in a second direction (L; D) which is transverse with respect to direction (D; L) aforesaid. These guiding means (7; 107) are themselves mounted on a suppport (8, 12) which is capable of translational motion in the longitudinal direction (D).

Abstract: In an electrostatic spray coating apparatus (10), liquid coating material is applied to a workpart inside of a spray booth (12). Alternating flows of liquid coating material, liquid solvent and air are conducted through various internal flow passages in a conduit (14) inside the spray booth. An electronic differentiator (24) is positioned adjacent a predetermined location along the conduit (14) and energized from an electrical source disposed outside of the spray booth (12) to differentiate between liquid and gas in the internal flow passage for nonintrusively detecting when the head of liquid flow reaches the predetermined location along the internal flow passage. This is accomplished by an electromagnetic field extending into the flow passage and sensing the changes in the electromagnetic field resulting from dielectric differences between liquid and gas in the flow passage.

Abstract: An automatic coating system includes a coating apparatus for coating a coating material on an object to be coated in accordance with a coating operation including a plurality of steps, a memory for storing operation programs of a series of steps, a step updating key for inputting a signal for operating the series of steps of the coating apparatus one by one, and a CPU for starting one step of the coating apparatus on the basis of the program when the signal is input. After the one step of the coating apparatus is finished, the next step is not started until the step updating key is operated.

Abstract: An applying robot which is disclosed herein comprises a movable arm having an applying gun and reciprocatingly movable at least between a work carry-in position and an applying position; and a work transporting hanger member mounted on the movable arm for engagement with and disengagement from a work in the individual positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a plurality of semiconductor substrates on a movable, support in a desired pattern, in a semiconductor vapor phase growing apparatus. A memory is provided for storing two dimensional data corresponding to the desired pattern. The desired pattern is predetermined by the sizes of the substrates and the space available on the flat support. A loading/unloading device loads and unloads the substrates on the support at positions corresponding to the two-dimensional data read from the memory. A positioning device positions the support so that the substrates can be loaded and unloaded at the predetermined positions. A control device synchronizes the movement of the loading/unloading device and the positioning device in accordance with the selected position so that the substrates are loaded and unloaded on the flat support in the desired pattern.

Abstract: An automated system for reconditioning electrical terminals of an electrical work piece, such as a leadless chip carrier. The system includes a carrousel which stops upon rotating each 360/n degrees (wherein "n" is an integer greater than three), dwells, and then resumes rotation. "n" work piece holding assemblies are respectively uniformly disposed on the carrousel and include vacuum tips extending over the periphery of the carrousel for holding work pieces over work stations positioned adjacent and around the periphery of the carrousel beneath the positions occupied by the vacuum tips when the carrousel stops and dwells. A first work piece feed mechanism is located at a sequentially first work station for feeding a work piece to the vacuum tip positioned over the first work station when the carrousel is dwelling. A flux bath is located at a sequentially second work station for bathing a work piece held by the vacuum tip positioned over the second work station when the carrousel is dwelling.

Abstract: A device for intermittent application of liquids such as adhesive, in particular hot-melt adhesive, to material moved relatively to the device, comprises a reservoir for the liquid, an application nozzle which is preferably formed as slit nozzle or a plurality of adjacent application passages, a supply line from the reservoir to the nozzle, a needle valve provided shortly upstream from the nozzle, a means for interrupting the flow from the reservoir to the nozzle at desired intervals, a return line to the reservoir connected to the supply line upstream from the main valve and a second needle valve for shutting off the return line. The second needle valve is larger than the main valve and lies as preliminary valve in the supply line a small distance upstream from the main valve; both valves are controllable in adjustable time relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for applying adhesive material to card blanks in a packeting machine, comprising a gumming roller and a pressing roller which are substantially mutually tangential and between which the blanks are led in succession to receive traces of adhesive material in predetermined zones. Should the packeting machine halt for a time exceeding a predetermined time limit, detachment means withdraw from the gumming roller that blank disposed between the two rollers in order to prevent it becoming stuck to the gumming roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing samples, such as tissue samples, including a rotatable table which carries either the samples or solutions in which the samples are to be immersed. The table is rotatable between a series of sample processing stations and is also arranged for axial movement between positions at which a sample is and is not respectively immersed in a solution. A single reversible motor is operable to both rotate the table and cause axial movement thereof. The motor drives a spindle having a double helix and also drives the table through a one way clutch arranged so that in one mode of operation the motor rotates both the spindle and the table and in another mode it rotates the spindle only. In the latter case the table is caused to move up and down the spindle as a result of cooperation between a follower and the helix tracks of the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus for annotating a workpiece with powder comprises a writing device which outputs a stream of powder and a mechanism such as an X-Y plotter for moving the device and the workpiece relative to one another to shape the annotation. One such writing device comprises a grinding wheel which grinds powder from a stick of chalk, a nozzle aimed at the workpiece, and air moving means for entraining the powder and transporting it through the nozzle. Another such writing device comprises a storage means for the powder, the storage means tapering to form a downwardly sloping guide which collects powder and leads to an outlet, and a gear adjacent the guide having teeth which move the powder along the guide towards the outlet. Both the rate of powder grinding by the first device and the rotational speed of the gear in the latter device are variable in proportion to the writing speed to adjust the output of powder and thereby provide an annotation of generally uniform intensity despite variations in writing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for tinting a soft contact lens which is received in a fixture including an inlet and an outlet for directing predetermined fluids therethrough for engagement with predetermined surfaces of the contact lens. The apparatus comprises a carrier for carrying the fixture in a predetermined orientation; a guide arrangement for defining a predetermined path of travel; a motive assembly for propelling the carrier along the predetermined path; and a plurality of fluid application stations arranged along the path, each fluid application station including a fluid release member. The guide track and the motive assembly cooperate for aligning the inlet of the fixture with each fluid release member sequentially as the carrier travels along the predetermined path, for delivering a quantity of fluid to the fixture and the contact lens therein.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a viscous material in a predetermined pattern onto a surface. A nozzle in the form of a chemical dispensing tip (hollow needle) is positioned in three spatial coordinates by servomechanisms controlled by a pre-programmed digital process controller. The controller also controls the emission of the viscous material through the nozzle according to a predetermined pattern of deposition. The apparatus includes vacuum/pressure pumping for degassing the viscous material in a holding tank and subsequently pressurizing it for delivery through the nozzle. A poppet type valve and actuating solenoid deterine the viscous material flow and an output chamber in communication with the nozzle includes a diaphragm and spring arrangement to provide a draw-back action when the poppet is closed to prevent dripping from the nozzle.

Abstract: In an apparatus for applying a viscous material, for example, a frit slurry, to a horizontally disposed seal edge surface of the funnel portion of a cathode ray tube through nozzles moved in a closed pattern above such surface, the frit slurry is supplied under pressure from a valved outlet of a container or other source through flexible hoses and then bellows to the nozzles, and the bellows are contracted and expanded in correspondence with the opening and closing, respectively, of the valved outlet.

Abstract: A body of steel heated to a high temperature of at least 300.degree. C., e.g. a slab coming from a hot-rolling stage, is marked with alphanumerical characters by training a jet of molten metallic material, preferably consisting at least predominantly of aluminum or copper, onto a face of that body from a nozzle which is two-dimensionally displaceable parallel to that face under the control of a programmable microprocessor. The nozzle is part of a working head to which the marking material is fed in the form of a wire whose leading end is atomized by an electric arc generated between that end and an adjoining counterelectrode. The working head is mounted on a carriage movable toward and away from the steel body to be marked.

Abstract: A thin amorphous film-forming apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge unit chambers connected in a loop, each provided with a glow discharge generating means and a space for storing a substrate, gas supply and discharge valves are provided between the unit chambers, and means for periodically changing the opening and closing of the valves.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating an internal wall of a curved conduit (50) with a layer of protective material, characterized in that it comprises a guide means (46, 46a), a longitudinally flexible member (44) which is transversely substantially rigid associated with the guide means, means for mounting a coating means (62) adjacent a first end of the flexible member for incremental rotation with the flexible member, a drive means (28) for driving the flexible member relative to a curved conduit (50) to be coated, so that the coating means can enter the curved conduit in use and so that the coating means can deposit a strip of protective material longitudinally of the conduit, and means (32, 34, 36) acting on the flexible member for automatically stepping the flexible member and consequently the coating means by a rotational increment after the coating means has completed a traverse of the conduit and for automatically reversing the drive means so that the apparatus deposits a strip of protective material adjacent the fi

Abstract: Apparatus for indexing and accurately registering a selected one of a plurality of deposition masks in operative relationship to a substrate comprising carriage means for supporting a plurality of deposition masks in an aligned spaced relationship relative to each other wherein each of the deposition masks has a selected number of prealigned registration members located thereon in a predetermined pattern and which are adapted to co-act with reference registration members loaded thereagainst, gantry means for supporting a substrate at a deposition station above the surface of the deposition masks having the prealigned registration members located thereon, reference registration members which are located on the substrate or around the periphery of the gantry means and which are directed towards and adapted to be loaded against the prealigned registration members to position the gantry means and the substrate relative to the selected one of said plurality of deposition masks, indexing means for transporting the

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a plurality of work pieces at spaced apart treatment stations 19 arranged around a circle comprises a conveyor 8 that is a horizontal ring and that is mounted on supports 5 connected to an outer housing for rotation about its vertical axis by a drive 10, and hangers 12 mounted on the ring 8 and including reciprocating means 15 by which a work piece 13 may be lowered into or raised from a treatment station 19. The apparatus is useful for conducting inspection penetrant treatment processes and other processes.

Abstract: A closed loop method and apparatus is disclosed for spray processing an article such as alodine processing of aluminum. The apparatus includes valved supply and return piping connecting a processing tank with the article therein to a plurality of supply tanks each containing a liquid that is different from the liquid in the other tanks. The valves and two pumps are preferably computer controlled for initiating major steps by circulating liquids from one supply tank at a time through the processing tank for return to the same supply tank. Each major step is followed by an air purging step of at least the return piping for returning sbstantially all flowable liquid into the supply tank from which it originated thereby minimizing contamination of the other liquids. Other apparatus cleans the air of toxic fluids with the environmentally safe air discharged to the atmosphere and the toxic liquids separated into two groups for reuse.

Abstract: Spindled photographic film discs are coated with an ultraviolet light curable protective coating apparatus which receives a developer spindle carrying a plurality of film discs at a receiving station. Carry-in arms transfer the spindle into a coating station through a door and deposit the spindle at a location where the lower films on the stacked discs are partially submerged in a pool of coating liquid. A drive gear engages a spur gear on the spindle and slowly rotates the spindle for applying the coating evenly to the discs. Carry-over arms engage the spindle and carry it about the circumference of the drive gear, first lifting the spindle above the coating material and then causing the spindle to be spun at a relatively high rate for removing excess material from the discs. The carry-over arms thereafter transport the spindle through a second door and into an ultraviolet curing region while maintaining the rotation of the discs during curing.