Means To Transfer A Load Back And Forth Between The Mainline Conveyor And The Work Station Patents (Class 198/346.2)
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Patent number: 8877128Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the system size, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for various facility sizes.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Fukugaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hiroshi Ohga
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Publication number: 20140311857Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a first conveyer apparatus, a second conveyer apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus. The first conveyer apparatus has a first conveyer unit and a first elevator unit. The first elevator unit is adapted to drive the first conveyer unit to move upward or downward between first and second positions. The second conveyer apparatus has a second conveyer unit and a second elevator unit. The second elevator unit is adapted to drive the second conveyer unit to move upward or downward between third and fourth positions. The manufacturing apparatus disposed between the first and second conveyer apparatuses has a manufacturing unit, a third conveyer unit and a fourth conveyer unit. A conveying path of the third conveyer unit passes through the manufacturing unit. The first and third positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit. The second and fourth positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Wistron CorporationInventors: Chun-Kai Wang, Hsueh-Yen Lai, Xin-Hua Wang
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Patent number: 8863685Abstract: A camera is used to take an image of an end surface of a honeycomb structure gripped by a hand. Based on the image, an initial rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around a vertical axis at a reference position where the image has been taken is recognized. An arm turning section is driven to convey the honeycomb structure gripped by the hand from the reference position to above a plugging mask. A rotation angle required to adjust the rotation angle of the honeycomb structure on the plugging mask to a desired final rotation angle is acquired based on the initial rotation angle recognized at the reference position and a rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around the vertical axis associated with the driving of the arm turning section from the reference position to above the plugging mask. The honeycomb structure is rotated based on the required rotation angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Masaharu Mori, Ying Gong
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Patent number: 8844707Abstract: A transfer system transfers a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis. The transfer system comprises a frame having a main beam extending along the transfer axis. A plurality of transfer heads are spaced along the main beam with each of the transfer heads configured to independently move along the main beam along the transfer axis and relative to the main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations. Each of the transfer heads are suspended from the main beam and extend downwardly from the main beam beneath the main beam so that the transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Noble Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Brian Hulslander
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Patent number: 8827064Abstract: A technique of operating a flow line is provided. The flow line includes two or more assembly stations for the assembly of a heavy machine. The technique involves installing a prepared assembly trailer in the flow line before or at a first assembly station. The prepared assembly trailer is connected to at least one flow line tow bar. If the prepared assembly trailer is installed before the first assembly station, then the assembly trailer is moved to the first assembly station. If not, all the flow line assembly trailers are moved to the next assembly station. The steps of moving the flow line assembly trailers are performed timewise stepwise.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rene Kroell Prammann Joergensen, Klaus Dietrich
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Publication number: 20140246288Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for conveying strip-shaped or plate-shaped products (P), said method and device having the following method steps and features: supply (10, 20) the products (P) out of a continuously operating device, by means of which the products are produced, to the conveying device; convey (30, 40) the products (P) with conveying means in succession in the conveying device; and transfer (60) the products (P) from the conveying device to a device, by means of which the products (P) are continuously further processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: LOESCH Verpackungstechnik GmbHInventors: Heinz-Peter Hammacher, Andreas Maiwald
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Publication number: 20140238820Abstract: A device for removing and replacing containers from and on a conveyor line includes a first lateral guide wall; a second lateral guide wall; and a rotating disc provided with at least a seating The rotating disc is arranged between the first lateral guide wall and the second lateral guide wall for removing a container to be treated from the conveyor line and for replacing a treated container on the conveyor line The device further includes a first guide member mobile between a first retracted position and a first advanced position and a second guide member mobile between a second retracted position and a second advanced position The rotating disc, the first guide member and the second guide member are phase-activatable such as to transfer containers from and onto the conveyor line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: I.M.A INDSUTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.p.A.Inventor: Luigi Cavina
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Patent number: 8807318Abstract: A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Michael F. Lofaro
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Patent number: 8794427Abstract: A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Michael F. Lofaro
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Patent number: 8789679Abstract: A transferring device includes a conveyer system, a reloading mechanism, and a jig. The reloading mechanism includes a blocking assembly and a grasping assembly. The blocking assembly includes a holding member mounted on the conveyer system, a stopping member, and a first driving member positioned on the holding member. The stopping member is connected to the first driving member. The grasping assembly includes a fixing member mounted on the conveyer system, a second driving member mounted on the fixing member, a third driving member mounted on the second driving member, and a pair of catches. The catches are positioned at opposite ends of the third driving member. The jig includes a top cover and a bottom cover engaged with the top cover. The jig is transferred on the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Fu Ding Electronical Technology (Jiashan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jian-Qiang Lu, Jian-Hua Xu
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Patent number: 8789270Abstract: A system for manufacturing a side panel of a vehicle, the system including upper running rails and lower running rails to provide a movement path of a cart, the cart having a support frame, a transfer roller, and a friction bar provided at a bottom surface of the support frame, wherein the side panel may be mounted on the cart and the cart moves selectively along the upper running rails and the lower running rails, at least a friction drive unit and at least a friction wheel disposed along the upper and lower running rails wherein the at least a friction drive selectively rotates the at least a friction wheel to move the cart by selectively engaging at least one of the friction wheels with the friction bar of the cart, and an external unit supporting an edge portion of the side panel during key welding process.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Se Kyu Kang
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Patent number: 8777541Abstract: A conveyor control apparatus of liquid crystal panel substrates and a control method thereof is disclosed. The apparatus has multiple first side pillars and multiple second side pillars mounted opposite to the first side pillars. A movement control assembly is mounted outside the first side pillars and the second side pillars. The movement control assembly is used to move to a slot where the liquid crystal panel substrate is to move is inserted, and control the certain liquid crystal panel substrate inserted in the slot to move out from the conveyor control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wen-da Cheng
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Patent number: 8753060Abstract: An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Ueda, Masashige Iwata, Tsutomu Okazaki, Takashi Nishihara, Kazuhiko Kodera
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Patent number: 8708137Abstract: The object is to provide an article transporting device in which dust generation can be prevented and in which it is hard for the operator at the operator's transfer location to be injured. The device comprises a reciprocating movable body configured to move in a forward and backward directions on a travel path extending between an operator's transfer location P and a non-operator's transfer location Q, a cover body 22 which partially covers an area above the reciprocating movable body which travels over an entire length of the travel path, an article support 20 connected to the reciprocating movable body by a connecting portion which extends upwardly from the reciprocating movable body and vertically through the slit 24 provided to the cover body, the article support being configured to move above the cover body along a direction of the travel path. The slit is formed such that the connecting portion remains out of contact with the cover body, when the reciprocating movable body moves along the travel path.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Yoshioka, Shigeharu Tanii
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Patent number: 8701862Abstract: A disk transportation device includes a pair of rotation arms that are rotatable respectively about a fulcrum shaft extending in the same direction as the axial direction of a center shaft of a disk-shaped recording medium in both sides thereof that pinch the transportation passage of the disk-shaped recording medium transported between a disk changer and a disk drive device; and four transportation rollers of which two at a time are rotatably supported on the pair of rotation arms respectively, wherein the four transportation rollers contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium respectively and the pair of rotation arms are rotated in opposite directions to each other in a state where one of the transportation rollers at a time is supported at the pair of the rotation arms respectively contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takeharu Takasawa, Takeshi Kubo, Naofumi Goto, Akira Suzuki
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Patent number: 8651262Abstract: A circuit board inspection apparatus is equipped with a plurality of lane divided sections for transferring circuit boards, a plurality of movable transfer devices disposed on the plurality of the lane divided sections and having transfer portions for transferring the circuit boards, and visual recognition positions disposed adjacent to the plurality of the lane divided sections in a Y direction. The plurality of the movable transfer devices transfer the circuit boards from the lane divided sections to the visual recognition positions. One of the movable transfer devices has a height adjustment portion that moves a corresponding one of the transfer portions in a Z direction to prevent the movable transfer device from interfering with a corresponding one of the lane divided sections, in transferring one of the circuit boards from one of the lane divided sections to one of the visual recognition positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Kondo
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Patent number: 8646590Abstract: In a revolution transport system for manufacturing and assembly lines with work stations arranged along the transport system, workpiece carriers are movably supported on a track formed by horizontally spaced outer and inner carrier and support rails extending around the transport system wherein each workpiece carrier includes a carriage movably supported on the outer rail and upper and lower rollers in engagement with upwardly facing and downwardly fairing surfaces of the intermediate or inner rail to prevent tilting of the workpiece carrier by forces acting on an outwardly projecting workpiece support arm of the workpiece carrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Expresso Deutschland GmbHInventor: Herbert Tepel
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Publication number: 20140034449Abstract: A ceiling transport carriage transfers an article at a first supporting position and receives the article from second supporting position in an article transfer section, in association with hoisting operations of a support unit. A ground transport device transports the article between the above two positions and a processing position where an article processing device effects a processing or operation on the article. The respective positions above are set in tandem in the article transfer section along a tandem direction along which the article processing device and the article transfer section are disposed in tandem. The ceiling transport carriage includes a movement operating mechanism for operating and moving a support unit along the tandem direction, to a position immediately above the first supporting position and to a position immediately above second supporting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventor: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8607961Abstract: Various embodiments include a locating device for holding a puck in a locating position in a conveyer system, comprising a base portion, a rail section, and a rotating disc rotatable supported in the base portion and having a puck recess, where the locating device comprises a locating position between the puck recess of the rotating disc and a positioning means in the rail section, and that the locating device comprises resilient means adapted to hold a puck in the locating position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: FlexLink Components ABInventor: Anders Ek
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Patent number: 8590481Abstract: A dipping apparatus for dipping the workpiece W in a treatment bath. The workpiece is transferred while fixed on a conveying traveling body 2, and each one flipped upside down together into the treatment bath for carrying out a surface treatment of the workpiece W. The dipping apparatus is provided with a positioning and fixing device to position the conveying traveling body 2 onto the guide rail 17a on the rotation base 15 at a fixed position and to fix the conveying traveling body 2 to the rotation base 15. A feeding mechanism feeds the conveying traveling body 2 to the fixed position on the rotation base 15.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeyoshi Nishihara, Takashi Fukuda, Hirohito Takeichi, Hirofumi Fujisaki
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Publication number: 20130306434Abstract: A tray-handling station for manually loading or unloading piece goods on or from a tray, comprising a tray-conveyor system including a handling position for buffering at least one tray; a working area including at least partially a packing station, or a piece-good conveyor system; and a sliding-surface unit defining a handling plane together with the to-be-handled tray, the handling plane being arranged adjacent to the tray-conveyor system and the packing station, or the piece-good conveyor system; wherein the working area includes the handling position, at least partially, and is dimensioned such that a person moves, during removal of one of the piece goods from the tray located at the handling position, which serves as removal position, the piece good from the tray to a discharging area, which is located within the working area and which, at least partially, overlaps the packing station, or the piece-good-conveyor system, only by moving his/her upper body without a lift.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: SSI Schaefer Noell GmbH Lager-und SystemtechnikInventor: Elmar ISSING
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Publication number: 20130299307Abstract: The invention relates to a workstation of a food item processing system, said workstation comprising a food item reception area for receiving food items at the workstation from a primary conveyor of the food item processing system, a food item dispatch area for returning processed food items to the primary conveyor, a computer registration device arranged for obtaining information about a return of a processed food item from said food item dispatch area to said primary conveyor and sending said information to a computer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: MAREL HFInventors: Brynjolfur Thorsson, Stefan Axelsson
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Patent number: 8561290Abstract: Work line module comprises a plurality of machines (103-106) having a plurality of working functions and non-work facility (107, 108) such as a conveying machine can cooperate so as to produce a necessary amount even if the necessary amount is varied. A plurality of work machines (103-106) for mechanically working a workpiece (124) and non-work facility (107, 108) for processing the workpiece (124). One work machine (106) is a multifunction furnishing machine having a function of measuring the workpiece (124) in addition to a function of mechanically working the workpiece (124). A conveying machine (109) having robots (185-187) for conveying the workpiece (124) between the work machines (103-106), and between the work machines (103-106) and the non-work facility (107, 108).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tsugumaru Yamashita, Noritaka Fujimura, Kenichiro Hirao
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Patent number: 8499919Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Health Robotics, S.r.l.Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
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Patent number: 8474132Abstract: A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Hsien-Chuan Liang, Shou-Kuo Hsu
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Publication number: 20130140136Abstract: Utility of a circuit-substrate working machine including a substrate conveyor device and a shuttle conveyor designed to shift a circuit substrate in a direction intersecting a conveying direction is improved. Based on transmission of a deliverable-state advance notification signal for one of conveyor lanes of an upstream printer, a movable conveyor lane of an intermediate shuttle conveyor is moved to a position continuous to the one conveyor lane. The circuit substrate is delivered to the movable conveyor lane in a state in which the movable conveyor lane is located at a circuit-substrate receiving position, a receivable-state advance notification signal is produced for a receiving lane for receiving the circuit substrate supplied from one of conveyor lanes of a downstream printer which has transmitted a deliverable-state advance notification signal, and a receivable-state signal and a deliverable-state signal are obtained. The circuit substrate is then delivered to the receiving lane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Mizukoshi, Mitsuaki Kato
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Patent number: 8453821Abstract: A device for transporting articles within a packaging machine is disclosed. The device includes at least one conveying system for the articles to be packaged or for the packaging units for the articles to be packaged. The conveying system includes a continuously circulating transport track. The at least one conveying system has several trays that can be connected to each individual transport track. Each conveying system is configured with an upper level and a lower level. A first lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the beginning and a second lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the end, said lifting units moving the trays at the beginning and at the end of the conveying system between the upper level and the lower level.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Alban Hutter, Christian Canalicchio
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Patent number: 8430226Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a holding unit (100) that rotates together with a rotation table (20) as a transferring mechanism intermittently driven to be fed, a lifting and lowering unit (200) for lowering the holding unit in order to transfer a workpiece held by the holding unit onto a processing table (30) as well as lifting the holding unit in order to transfer the workpiece held on the processing table onto the holding unit, and a fixing unit (300) that fixes the workpiece held on the holding unit and releases the workpiece when transferring the workpiece onto the processing table.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Naoyuki Tokunaga, Yoshiaki Araki, Hitoshi Tsugawa
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Patent number: 8430227Abstract: A production device includes a plurality of processing units (41 to 45) arranged so as to consecutively perform a plurality of types of processing with respect to workpieces, a transport unit (30) that successively transports the workpieces toward processing units, a plurality of monitor operation panels (80, 90) capable of monitoring the processing in the plurality of processing units and performing an adjustment operation regarding the processing or performing an operation regarding the overall operation and stop, and a plurality of movable holding mechanisms (60, 70) that movably hold the respective monitor operation panels.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Hisayuki Sueoka, Hitoshi Tsugawa, Susumu Noguchi
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Patent number: 8424669Abstract: A work transport apparatus includes a carriage to carry a work along a guide lane; a work loading mechanism to load the work on the carriage at a work loading position; and a work unloading mechanism to unload the work from the carriage at a work unloading position. Each of the work loading mechanism, the carriage and the work unloading mechanism includes a work sliding incline sloping down to move the work held on a holder from the work loading mechanism through the carriage to the work unloading mechanism. Each of the work unloading mechanism, the carriage and the work loading mechanism includes a holder sliding incline sloping down to move the holder from the work unloading mechanism through the carriage to the work loading mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanaga Suda, Keiji Nasu, Yuuki Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20130048466Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a driving source, a plurality of conveyors, a moving mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The plurality of conveyors are driven by the driving source to each convey a processing object along a first direction. The moving mechanism is capable of moving at least one conveyor of the plurality of conveyors along a second direction different from the first direction. The transmission mechanism includes a clutch configured to perform power transmission from the driving source to the at least one conveyor and to cut off the power transmission and is capable of transmitting a power from the driving source to the plurality of conveyors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Ken Tsunoi
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Patent number: 8322510Abstract: There is described an automated laboratory system for handling test tubes containing biological material specimens supported by conveying devices (3) along guide lanes (1, 2), in which motorized conveyor belts (62) run, comprising main lanes (1) and secondary lanes (2) for overtaking the conveying devices (3) and/or routing the conveying devices (3) of the test tubes (4) to the various pre-testing, (19-20), testing (17) and post-testing stations (21).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Inpeco IP Ltd.Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
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Patent number: 8307972Abstract: A feed and removal system for a machine tool has a supply device and a removal device for workpieces. Arranged at the front side of the machine tool are loading arms and unloading arms, which are pivotable about vertical pivot axes and, at their free ends, carry workpiece carrying devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: MAG IAS GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Horn, Moshe Israel Meidar, Waldemar Haus
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Patent number: 8247711Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventors: David Troisi, Josh White
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Patent number: 8230988Abstract: An apparatus for transferring vehicles onto a conveyer comprises: a front wheel supporting device (6) on an elevator (5), which is provided with a pair of front and rear wheel supporting arms (29a, 29b) that freely open and close in a horizontal direction between a closed posture supporting front wheels (Wf) at a predetermined position in terms of the convey direction and an opened posture releasing the front wheels (Wf) to the convey direction; a rear wheel supporting device (7) on the elevator (5), which is provided with a wheel supporting plate (38) that supports rear wheels (Wr) without determining the position thereof in terms of the convey direction and can switch its posture between a horizontal posture and a front-down tilted posture in terms of the convey direction; and a posture switching device (40) that changes the wheel supporting plate (38) of the rear wheel supporting device (7) to the tilted posture, at least when the elevator (5), supporting a vehicle (C) with the wheel supporting arms (29a,Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignees: Daifuku Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Tada, Yoshifumi Yasuda, Junichi Miura, Yasuhiro Takeda
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Patent number: 8220613Abstract: A stackable carrier assembly, carrier stacking system, and method of storing carrier assemblies is disclosed. The carrier assembly includes a base member presenting a load surface and opposite facing transfer surface. A plurality of carrier trolleys extend transversely from the load surface to engage conveyor tracks. A plurality of track sections are coupled to the load surface for receiving the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. The track sections are vertically aligned with the carrier trolleys. In a power and free or friction drive conveyor system, a lift device and telescoping arm can lift and stack the carrier assemblies so that track sections of one carrier assembly receive the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. In an overhead conveyor system, one carrier assembly can hang from the track sections of another carrier assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Jervis B. Webb CompanyInventors: Noel F. Dehne, Melvin A. Edwards, David M. Stewart
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Patent number: 8220617Abstract: The invention provides a device (10) for feeding sample containers (18) with an analysis sample (P) to be treated, to a treating apparatus (12) for treating the analysis sample (P), in particular to a centrifuge. The device comprises a conveyer (26, 27) for conveying at least one sample container (14) or at least one carrier containing a sample container (14), wherein the conveyer (26, 27) is configured for receiving multiple sample containers (14) and/or carriers and forms a circulating endless conveyer track. The device further comprises an input station (18) for handing over a sample container (14) or a carrier to the conveyer (26, 27). The input station (18) is displaced (V1, V2), with respect to the conveyer (26, 27), obliquely to the conveying direction (26b, 27b) Hof the conveyer (26, 27).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus-Gunter Eberle
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Patent number: 8215473Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multiple screen printing chamber processing system that has an increased system throughput, improved system uptime, and improved device yield performance, while maintaining a repeatable and accurate screen printing process on the processed substrates. In one embodiment, the multiple screen printing chamber processing system is adapted to perform a screen printing process within a portion of a crystalline silicon solar cell production line in which a substrate is patterned with a desired material, and then processed in one or more subsequent processing chambers.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Andrea Baccini, Marco Galiazzo, Daniele Andreola, Luigi De Santi, Christian Zorzi, Tommaso Vercesi
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Patent number: 8205736Abstract: A printing apparatus including a pallet configured to receive a print substrate, a conveyer mechanism configured to convey the pallet, and a working device configured to conduct a processing operation for printing on the print substrate on the pallet. The printing apparatus further includes a locating mechanism configured to stop the pallet at a first holding position and a first holding mechanism configured to hold the pallet, stopped at the first holding position by the first locating mechanism, to be spaced apart from the conveying mechanism. After the pallet being conveyed by the conveying mechanism is stopped by the first locating mechanism, the pallet is held to be spaced apart from the conveying mechanism by the first holding mechanism and the processing operation is conducted by the working device relative to the print substrate on the pallet thus held.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignees: Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., Wiztec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Ando, Masahiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 8196289Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Porter Group, LLCInventor: Richard T. Oliver
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Patent number: 8196732Abstract: A transport mechanism is configured to transport a work piece carrier within a buffer in fabrication facility, comprising: a transporter configured to travel on two rails, wherein the transporter comprises (i) a flat belt hoist mechanism configured to lift and to lower one or more work piece carriers, and (ii) a gripper mechanism configured to capture and to release the one or more work piece carriers.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joseph John Fatula, Jr., Roumen Iliev Deyanov, Kevin Tzou, Pablo Gonzalez, Robert Carlson, John Brooks Greene
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Patent number: 8180483Abstract: In an overhead conveyance/storage system 1 including at least a storage area 100 for the storage of products (e.g., tires) 200, at least one transfer holder 300 adapted to move through a ceiling space in the storage area 100 in three dimensions, including vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions while holding the products 200, and unloader 500 for carrying out the products 200 from the storage area 100, a product receiving position (product unloading position) 501 of the unloader 500 is set to a nearly central part of the storage area 100 when seen in plan. The overhead conveyance/storage system 1 further includes loader 400 for carrying the products 200 into the storage area 100, and product discriminator 402 is disposed in the loader 400.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Ryoichi Wada, Issei Isaka, Toshihiko Watanabe
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Publication number: 20120083920Abstract: A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Takashi Suyama, Junichi Imatome, Toru Kajiwara, Yoshiaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8132317Abstract: A electronic apparatus manufacturing cell defining an electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope having a first side and having a second side opposite the first side. According to one aspect, the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell comprises an infeed conveyor, a pass conveyor and a reject conveyor. The infeed conveyor extends from a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side to a point inside of the envelope. The pass conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the second side. The reject conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Niall Gallagher, Ted Toth
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Publication number: 20120048676Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: HEALTH ROBOTICS S.R.L.Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
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Publication number: 20120048675Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: HEALTH ROBOTICS S.R.L.Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
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Patent number: 8118153Abstract: A shuttle-type conveying system to convey an article. The system includes a feeding and collecting device capable of setting a cassette in which articles to be conveyed are stacked as they are on a rotating and feeding table, a pickup device taking out the article and placing it on a receiving/delivery table, and a conveying device feeding the article on the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table by a shuttle conveying portion traveling on conveying paths below the receiving/delivery table. After the article is lifted up by the shuttle conveying portion and moved to outside the receiving/delivery table, the article is lowered below the receiving/delivery table and made to travel under the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignees: Rorze Corporation, Is Technology Japan, Inc.Inventors: Yukito Yamasaki, Teruyoshi Munakata
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Patent number: 8096401Abstract: A mechanical pallet lift, such as incorporated into a conveyor driven process, having a base. A lower frame is displaceably supported upon the base and includes a first plurality of upwardly extending and spaced apart walls. An upper frame includes a second plurality of downwardly extending and spaced apart walls which nest in offsetting fashion with the first plurality of walls in an initial position. A rotary driven crank includes a first linkage elevating the upper frame so that the second walls are located above the first walls, a second linkage successively displacing the lower frame to cause the first walls to align with the second walls concurrent with the first linkage reverse lowering the upper frame to seat upon the lower frame. A limit stroke bracket surrounds the base includes column supports which, upon shifting in the elevated position, are engaged by horizontal exterior supports mounted to said upper frame upon reverse actuating of said crank at an intermediate elevated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventor: Charles L. Hites
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Patent number: 8061500Abstract: An alignment device to align a plate for electronic circuits comprises transport members able to transport the plate along a transport axis, at least from an entrance position to an alignment position defining an alignment plane. The device also comprises mobile members provided with: first movement members able to move the mobile members in a first direction directed along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the alignment plane so as to associate the mobile members with the plate; second movement members able to rotate the plate, associated with the mobile members, around the first axis; and at least third movement members able to move the plate, associated with the mobile members, in a second direction, directed along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis and substantially co-planar with the transport axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Applied Materials Italia S.R.L.Inventor: Andrea Baccini
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Patent number: 8051973Abstract: A device for transferring objects from a printing machine chuck to a support and distancing pin, the chuck and the pin being moved on two independent paths, at a point of which paths they are parallel to one another and at a predetermined reciprocal distance, the device comprising a carriage which is mobile in a parallel direction to the chuck and to the pin, between a distant position from the chuck and the pin to a close position to the chuck and the pin, means for gripping and releasing the objects being provided on the carriage, which means for gripping and releasing are mobile along a trajectory in a perpendicular plane to the carriage in order to be placed alternatively in front of the chuck and the pin, the trajectory including at least a tract in which it is parallel to the path of the pins.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Decomac-Societa' a Responsabilita' LimitataInventors: Milo Campioli, Vittorio Ferrari