Abstract: A conveyor is described. The conveyor includes: a conveyor frame having a sidewall and a roller. In some examples, the roller can be mounted on the conveyor frame so that a first portion of the roller extends beyond the sidewall of the conveyor frame. In this regard, the first portion of the roller is the portion that includes a bearing assembly of the roller and the sidewall is that portion of the conveyor frame that guards a conveying surface of the conveyor. The conveyor also includes a strip belt-mounted over a second portion of the roller. The second portion is a portion of the roller that is defined adjacent to the first portion of the roller. In some examples, the strip belt is mounted over the roller so that the strip belt is positioned adjacent to the sidewall on the conveyor.

Abstract: A filling machine includes a plurality of parallel-running conveyor lines, to which packaging jackets are supplied for producing the packaging containers and along which the packaging jackets or the packaging containers produced therefrom are conveyed in a conveying direction. The conveyor lines include a first section and a second section therebehind in the conveying direction the distance between at least two of the conveyor lines in the first and second section transverse to the course of the conveyor lines is different so that at least one of the two conveyor lines in the second section runs with a lateral offset to the first section. A handling apparatus is disposed in the conveying direction upstream of the second section, which apparatus takes the packaging jackets or packaging containers from the conveyor lines in the first section and transfers them to the conveyor lines in the second section.

Abstract: A system and method for the handling of workpieces in a workpiece processing system is disclosed. The system utilizes three conveyor belts, where one may be a loading belt, feeding unprocessed workpieces from its associated workpiece carrier to a processing system. A second conveyor belt may be an unloading belt, receiving processed workpieces from the processing system and filling its associated workpiece carrier. The third conveyor belt may be exchanging its workpiece carrier during this time, so that it is available to start operating as the loading belt once all of the workpieces have been removed from the workpiece carrier associated with the first conveyor belt.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically setting trim removal or stacking device arms. One point on a trim arm (such as an end) is attached to a transverse rail, along which that end moves, and provides an anchor point to which the trim arm can be angled. An automated device anchors that end of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a position designated by an operator. A skew adjustment pin couples to a second point on the trim arm, so that adjusting the position of the adjustment pin skews the trim arm's angle. An automated device anchors that second point of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a angle designated by an operator. A control system electronically measures the location of the first anchor point, and directs positioning devices to move trim arms, skew them, and lock or unlock those settings.

Abstract: A system and a method for processing of optical lenses in which the processing takes place by means of different processing apparatus between which there is a respective transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus are used both for longitudinal and also cross conveyance. Each processing apparatus has its own conveyor apparatus which is controlled by the processing apparatus itself. The transfer apparatus are controlled by a central transfer control.

Abstract: A sorting device having at least one control unit for sorting mixtures of individual elements in sorting units according to at least one characterizing feature of the individual elements and having at least one conveyor belt. The sorting device comprises at least one buffer unit having at least two displaceable storage elements for intermediate storage of individual elements.

Abstract: In some implementations, a banded discharge removes or rejects comestibles from a production line when the comestibles have a diameter less than a minimum value. The banded discharge may include two or more support members and each pair of adjacent support members may be spaced apart a distance W. When a comestible with a diameter about the same as or less than the distance W moves onto the banded discharge, the banded discharge may remove the comestible from the production line. For example, the comestible may fall between two adjacent support members.

Abstract: A method for automatic packaging of sanitary articles (A) in at least one first type of package (I) and one second type of package (II) containing, respectively, a first number of articles and a second number of articles, envisages: providing a flow of incoming articles (A); diverting (10) articles from said flow of articles with a ratio between non-deflected articles and deflected articles that is a function of the ratio between the aforesaid first number and the aforesaid second number, generating a main flow of non-deflected articles (A) that may be packaged in the packages of the first type (I) and a derived flow of deflected articles that may be packaged in the packages of the second type (II).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a first transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force from a driving source to a first development roller, a second transmission mechanism transmitting the driving force from the driving source to a second development roller, and a drive switching mechanism disposed between the driving source and the first transmission mechanism and between the driving source and the second transmission mechanism, the drive switching mechanism including a switching gear movable along a rotational axis direction of the first development roller, between a first position to transmit the driving force to the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism, and a second position to restrict the driving force from being transmitted from the driving source to the first transmission mechanism and allow the driving force to be transmitted from the driving source to the second transmission mechanism.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a paper sheet processing apparatus is provided with a conveying device which conveys a paper sheet along a conveying way, a discrimination section 14 which distinguishes a paper sheet, a plurality of accumulation sections which accumulate the paper sheet distinguished, a sorting mechanism which sorts the paper sheet distinguished to one of the accumulation sections, a first sensor which includes an opaque substance sensor which detects an opaque substance and a transparent substance sensor which detects a transparent substance, and which detects a paper sheet which is conveyed, a second sensor which detects a paper sheet which is conveyed, and a controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating installation, in particular for painting motor vehicle bodies, comprising a transport path (2, 12), along which a plurality of coating objects (1) are transported one after the other through the coating installation, and a plurality of treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27), in which the coating objects (1) are treated. It is proposed that the transport path (2, 12) branches into a plurality of parallel branches (5-9), in each of which at least one of the treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27) is arranged.

Abstract: A vibration device includes a base, a movable bench elastically supported with respect to the base, a first horizontal excitation unit that vibrates the movable bench in a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal excitation unit that vibrates the movable bench in a second horizontal direction that crosses the first horizontal direction, a vertical excitation unit that vibrates the movable bench in a vertical direction, and first and second middle benches between the base and the movable bench, wherein first to third plate-like spring members elastically connect the base, the first and second middle benches, and the movable bench sequentially in the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and the vertical direction.

Abstract: In an arrangement for machining workpieces, with at least a first machining station in which the workpieces are machined during an operating cycle comprising a machining phase and a transport phase, and a transport unit which includes first accommodation structures for the workpieces and via which the workpieces can be supplied to the first machining station during the transport phase, a second machining station is arranged in transport direction after the first machining station in spaced relationship and the first accommodation structure is arranged on the transport unit so as to be movable relative thereto for supplying workpieces to both machining stations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transfer device for transferring sealed packages of a pourable food product, comprising a transporter for conveying packages along an at least partly curved path; transfer device also comprises a through opening which is arranged on one side of path and is adapted to allow the discharge of packages that have fallen along path.

Abstract: Guide rails for an article transport vehicle are provided and include a pair of right and left rail portion which are spaced apart from each other in a rail lateral direction. The guide rails are diverged into a straight forward path, a left diverging path, and a right diverging path at a three-directional diverging portion of the travel paths. The pair of right and left rail portions provided along the straight forward path are spaced apart in the path longitudinal direction from the pair of right and left rail portions provided along the upstream-side travel path of the three-directional diverging portion. In addition, an auxiliary receiving mechanism is provided for receiving and supporting the article transport vehicle traveling between the pair of right and left rail portion of the upstream-side travel path and the pair of right and left rail portions of the straight forward path.

Abstract: An article sorting and conveying device that conveys articles by the vibrations of a movable body provided through an elastic support means, includes a first vibration means that imparts a periodic vibration force to the movable body in a direction inclined from a vertical direction; a second vibration means that imparts a periodic vibration force in a direction crossing the periodic vibration force by the first vibration means; and a vibration control means that causes a periodic vibration force imparted by each vibration means to have a phase difference and occur simultaneously at the same frequency, and that creates an elliptical vibration trajectory in the movable body. The articles are sorted and conveyed on the movable body by setting the vibration trajectory of the movable body by the vibration control means such that articles having a different coefficient of friction are conveyed in different directions.

Abstract: A device sorting apparatus 100 is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the device sorting apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of bin connectors 120 for coupling to respective bins for storing sorted devices and a rotary distribution module 102 for receiving a device 200 to be sorted and for discharging the device 200 selectively into one of the bin connectors 120 to enable the device 200 to be unloaded to the respective bin. The device sorting apparatus 100 further comprises a sensor 110 coupled to the rotary distribution module 102 for detecting the discharge of the device 200, and which is rotatable together with the rotary distribution module 102; and a rotary transformer 400 for powering the sensor 110.

Abstract: A traveling vehicle system (100) has a first closed path (131) and a second closed path (132) each being a one-way path, and having exit points and entrance points. The traveling vehicle system (100) includes a storage unit (112) storing an exit point table (113) and an entrance point table (114). When moving from the first closed path (131) to the second closed path (132), the traveling vehicle (200) moves via an exit point of the first closed path (131) and an entrance point of the second closed path (132). The exit point and the entrance point are respectively shown in the exit point table (113) and the entrance point table (114) stored in the storage unit (112).

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. A transfer conveyor, such as a transpositor conveyor, may be provided for transferring articles from one of the first conveyors to one of the second conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.

Abstract: An automated materials handling system comprises a plurality of overhead hoist buffers (OHBs) for receiving a plurality of semiconductor wafer carriers. Each OHB is assigned to a respective one of a plurality of categories. Each wafer carrier is associated with one or more of the plurality of categories. Each respective category is associated with at least one of a plurality of event trigger types. An overhead transport (OHT) if provided for transporting each of the plurality of wafer carriers to a respective one of the OHBs in response to a respective trigger event. Each trigger event has one of the plurality of event trigger types. Each wafer carrier is stored in a respective one of the plurality of OHBs assigned to a respective one of the categories associated with the respective event trigger type of the trigger event causing that wafer carrier to be transported and stored.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus can include a component carrier structured to transport a component along a travel path, a first sort bin, a second sort bin, a first transfer station structured to transfer a component from the component carrier at a first transfer position along the travel path to the first sort bin and a second transfer station structured to transfer a component from the component carrier at a second transfer position along the travel path to the second sort bin. In this embodiment, the distance between the first transfer position and the second transfer position can be less than a width of at least one of the first sort bin and the second sort bin.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.

Abstract: Equipment for inspecting persons and luggage for accessing restricted areas which comprises a machine for controlling the content of hand luggage, preferably an X-Ray machine; a walk through gate detector for detecting the presence of metal objects on persons; an admission conveyor for trays with luggage disposed at the entrance of an X-Ray machine; the walk through gate detector being located upstream the X-Ray machine to create a personal inspection area with access to the admission conveyor; a collection conveyor for collecting the trays containing luggage and personal objects, disposed at the outlet of the X-Ray machine; and a secondary conveyor disposed parallel to the collection tray conveyor, to re-direct the trays with suspicious luggage.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting products and a sorting device provided therewith are disclosed. A transporting method making use of these systems is also disclosed. The transport device according to the exemplary embodiment comprises, a frame engaging means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and a rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for carrying a product, wherein the carrier means is rotatable about a shaft substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the product.

Abstract: A conveying device, intended for use in conveying a rack, which holds a sample container, to a sample supplying position for supplying a sample in the sample container to a sample processing device for processing the sample, comprising a conveying section for conveying the rack in a conveying direction from a predetermined position on the conveying device to the sample supplying position along a path connecting the predetermined position and the sample supplying position, wherein the conveying section is adapted to convey the rack from the sample supplying position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, is disclosed. A sample processing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decentralized tracking system is discussed herein. The decentralized tracking system can be comprised of two or more tracking elements and be used to track packages moving on a conveyor system. Each tracking element can operate independently, despite being highly sophisticated and dynamically coordinated with one or more other tracking elements. The conveyor system can be a modular and/or accumulation conveyor system that has sorting functionality. The decentralized tracking system can be used to divert packages for sortation by, for example, embedding a destination zone into the package's tracking data and/or preprogramming conveyor zones to sort specific packages based on a package identifier.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine comprising an automatic feed station (8) with an unstacker device (2), a manual feed station (9), and a sorting conveyor adapted to move mailpieces in series one behind another in a conveying direction (31), the automatic feed station being designed to feed the conveyor automatically with mailpieces from a stack of mailpieces, the manual feed station (9) being adapted to receive mailpieces inserted individually and to place them in the conveyor. The manual feed station (9) comprises a protective cover forming a sort of tunnel over the conveyor, and an insertion slot (26) provided in the protective cover and through which a mailpiece can be inserted into the tunnel, said slot being in vertical alignment with a mailpiece receiving and handling space (34) for receiving and handling a mailpiece in the conveyor, which space is funnel-shaped.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively diverting same size articles including a conveying apparatus, a pusher device positioned proximal the conveying apparatus, at least one divergent pathway disposed transverse to the conveying apparatus and substantially opposite the pusher device, and at least one sensor positioned proximal the pusher device, wherein the sensor is operable to detect the presence or absence of an article on the conveyor apparatus and actuate the pusher device to selectively push the article to the divergent pathway. A velocity control device operates to control the flow of articles along the conveying device.

Abstract: A vertical action sorter is provided along a transport conveyor for selectively diverting articles from the conveyor to a different location, such as a bin or another conveyor. Each sorter includes a sorter module that is selectively raised and lowered in response to an actuator, such as a linear actuator, that drives actuator members along respective tracks associated with the sorter module. Each track includes a contoured surface that controls the rate at which the sorter module will be raised and lowered in response to the linear actuator. A cross member may be provided for evenly supporting the sorter module as it is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of interconnected parallel slats defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. The web has upper and lower runs and transition sections between the upper and lower runs. An upper surface of the upper run of the web defining an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travels along at least one of the slats in order to laterally divert articles on the conveying surface. Each of the shoes has a diverting member extending below the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails below the conveying surface is capable of engaging the diverting member to cause the associated shoe to travel laterally to divert an article. A plurality of diverters selectively diverts at least one of the diverting members from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along the sorter to one of the diverting rails in a diverting state. A propulsion system propels the web.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.

Abstract: In an arrangement for machining workpieces, with at least a first machining station in which the workpieces are machined during an operating cycle comprising a machining phase and a transport phase, and a transport unit which includes first accommodation structures for the workpieces and via which the workpieces can be supplied to the first machining station during the transport phase, a second machining station is arranged in transport direction after the first machining station in spaced relationship and the first accommodation structure is arranged on the transport unit so as to be movable relative thereto for supplying workpieces to both machining stations.

Abstract: An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism.

Abstract: The device for dividing a transport stream consisting of one line of successively arranged upright containers into two partial transport streams, each partial transport stream consisting of one line of successively arranged upright containers, has a feed device for conveying the transport stream of containers, and two distribution lines arranged at an angle to each other, each of which serves to accept one of the partial transport streams of containers in a transfer area of the feed device, the feed device and the two distribution lines thus forming a Y-shaped intersection in the transfer area. At least one driven roller with a substantially vertical axis of rotation is arranged between the two distribution lines in the transfer area of the feed device.

Abstract: A sorting device comprises a support member for supporting and transporting an article. The support member is drivable in a conveying direction. The sorting device also comprises a loading station at which at least an article can be loaded to the support member, and an unloading station at which at least an article can be removed from the support member. The unloading station is provided with a plurality of receivers for receiving an article that is removed from the support member. The receivers are arranged transversely with respect to the conveying direction and disposed such that they are below the support member when the support member is at the unloading station. Furthermore, the sorting device comprises a controller for directing an article that is supported and transported by the support member to a selected one of the receivers.

Abstract: A feed unit for feeding elastomeric material, extruded by at least one extruder, to at least one user unit, and wherein a variable-length conveyor is supported by a first and a second supporting device located at an input end and an output end of the conveyor respectively; and wherein the first supporting device is connected to the conveyor to allow the conveyor to rotate about a vertical first axis and a horizontal second axis, both crosswise to a travelling direction of the elastomeric material along the conveyor; the second supporting device is extensible vertically and connected to the conveyor by a first releasable joint; and the conveyor is connectable to the user unit by a second releasable joint.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine comprising an automatic feed station (8) with an unstacker device (2), a manual feed station (9), and a sorting conveyor adapted to move mailpieces in series one behind another in a conveying direction (31), the automatic feed station being designed to feed the conveyor automatically with mailpieces from a stack of mailpieces, the manual feed station (9) being adapted to receive mailpieces inserted individually and to place them in the conveyor. The manual feed station (9) comprises a protective cover forming a sort of tunnel over the conveyor, and an insertion slot (26) provided in the protective cover and through which a mailpiece can be inserted into the tunnel, said slot being in vertical alignment with a mailpiece receiving and handling space (34) for receiving and handling a mailpiece in the conveyor, which space is funnel-shaped.

Abstract: Printed products are optionally processed in a preliminary stage (1) and a follow-up stage (2). The printed products are fed in a printed-product stream. The printed products, for optionally processing in the preliminary stage (1), are directed optionally, by means of a diverter (5), to different conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3), on which processing arrangements (10, 11, 12) are set up. The printed products are processed in the processing arrangements and then conveyed on. In an intermediate region, in which the conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the preliminary stage (1) run parallel to one another and one beside the other, different conveying paths (7.1, 7.2) of the follow-up stage (2) can optionally be connected to the conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the preliminary stage (1). Processing arrangements (13, 14) for optionally processing the printed products are also set up on the various conveying paths of the follow-up stage (2).

Abstract: A sorting system having a vertical sorter for conveying and sorting parcel goods, including a plurality of sorting units provided at specified distances from one another extending over a closed conveyor belt along a traveling path and being connected with the conveyor belt and movable along the traveling path. Two reversing drums with horizontal rotational axes are provided, at least one of the reversing drums serving as the drive drum to reverse and drive the conveyor belt and the sorting units provided thereat around the horizontally oriented rotational axes. The conveyor belt is configured as a traction carrier. To this end the conveyor belt is reinforced by reinforcing apparatus for driving the sorting units. A sorting unit includes a moving device with wheels and is attached to the conveyor belt, the sorting unit including at least one parcel goods receiver which allows controlled discharge of a parcel.

Abstract: A baggage handling system comprising: a plurality of pre-loading queues (10) operable to receive baggage; and a loading station (17) operable to receive baggage from individual ones of said queues. Thereby, a single loading station can be allocated to multiple destinations simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for product changeover in a filling plant and to a bugger system for carrying out the method. A first product is passed through a primary buffer and then a second product is initially buffer-stored in a secondary buffer, and so a clear separation of the products is achieved and a product changeover can be carried out in upstream and downstream production machines without production coming to a standstill.

Abstract: Transfer system 10 cooperating with a machine 11 for producing tobacco product and filter rods 3, comprising a cutting head 2 synchronized with a rod receiving unit 9 of the transfer system and enabling adjustment of the length of the produced rods, the transfer system 10 being situated between the machine 11 for producing the rods and a machine 12 for further processing or transmitting the rods. The transfer system according to the invention comprises a rejection unit for rejecting the rods outside the transfer system. Method of transferring rods in a transfer system of a machine for producing tobacco product and filter rods.

Abstract: Device (6) for transferring candy articles, in particular lollipops provided with a stick, from a feed location to an exit location spaced apart therefrom, comprising at least one conveyor with candy article holders (23a, 23b), wherein the device is provided with first operation means for at the location of a reception location (II) at the conveyor setting candy article holders in a receiving position for receiving a stick coming from the feed location and with second operation means for at the location of a discharge location (I) at the conveyor setting the candy article holders in a discharge position for discharging the stick to the exit location, wherein the device is furthermore provided with third operation means (4) positioned between the reception location and the discharge location for, upstream from the discharge location, setting the candy article holders in a discharge position.

Abstract: An apparatus for resorting piece goods assortments and in particular packaging unit assortments, comprising a supply device which transports along a first predefined transport path a piece goods assortment containing a plurality of piece goods arranged in predefined geometric positions, and comprising at least one redistribution unit arranged at least partially downstream of the first supply device along the transport path (T) of the piece goods assortment, wherein the redistribution unit comprises at least one pick-up element for picking up an individual item of piece goods of the piece goods assortment or a group of piece goods of the piece goods assortment, and a discharge device which is arranged downstream of the redistribution unit along the transport path (T), wherein the pick-up element of the redistribution unit is movable in at least two different directions.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. A transfer conveyor, such as a transpositor conveyor, may be provided for transferring articles from one of the first conveyors to one of the second conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for displacing objects (2) relative to a transport track (10) along which the objects (2) are moved, comprising a plurality of displacement devices (4) which displace at least some of the objects (2) relative to this transport track (10), wherein the displacement devices (4) have at least one displacement element (6) which in at least one region can be brought into contact with the objects (2) in order to displace the latter relative to the transport track (10). According to the invention, the displacement elements (6) can pivot about a predefined pivot axis (S) and movement devices (8) which are respectively assigned to the displacement elements (6) are provided such that various displacement elements (6) can be displaced in their entirety relative to the transport track (10) onto different transport paths.

Abstract: A method and a commissioning system are provided for commissioning articles (A1) which are suitable for a central belt in a central belt commissioning system and articles (A2) which are not suitable for a central belt, preferably manually from an article warehouse or shelf (5), wherein articles which are suitable for a central belt (1) are commissioned and automatically fall directly onto the driven central belt (1) in a targeted manner, and at the end of the central belt they fall into a stationary container or immediately into a container (10) arranged on the driven central belt. The articles (A2) which are not suitable for a central belt are commissioned manually in containers (10) in a commissioning path to the right and/or left of the central belt (1) of the central belt commissioning device and are directly fed to a dispatching station or preferably to the central belt commissioning device for commissioning with articles (A1) which are suitable for a central belt.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a substrate load lock chamber. A substrate transfer chamber is vacuum coupled to the substrate load lock chamber. A plurality of process chamber modules are vacuum coupled to the substrate transfer chamber. At least two of the process chamber modules are horizontally clustered around the substrate transfer chamber. In addition, at least two of the process chamber modules are vertically arranged with one process chamber module above the other process chamber module. The substrate transfer chamber includes one or more robotic arms for transferring semiconductor substrates between the substrate load lock chamber and the plurality of process chamber modules.

Abstract: A baggage screening system and method includes providing a plurality of screening subsystems, each including an automated baggage screen device and a feed conveyor for feeding bags to the screen device. A supply conveyor is provided for supplying bags to the screen subsystems. A sortation network sorts bags downstream of the screen device as a function of the screening of the bags.