Wherein The Conveyor Portion Moves In A Closed Path In The Horizontal Plane Only Patents (Class 198/465.2)
  • Patent number: 11740563
    Abstract: A lithography system includes a first load lock chamber configured to receive a mask, a cleaning module configured to clean the mask, a second load lock chamber configured to receive a wafer, an exposure module configured to expose the wafer to a light source through use of the cleaned mask. A direct path is provided between the first load lock chamber and the exposure module allowing the first load lock chamber to directly couple to the exposure module without through the cleaning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Hao Chang, Norman Chen, Jeng-Horng Chen, Kuo-Chang Kau, Ming-Chin Chien, Shang-Chieh Chien, Anthony Yen, Kevin Huang
  • Patent number: 11733256
    Abstract: An embodiment is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample that includes at least one test device for analyzing the sample. The system also includes a rack handler operable to move a sample from a first location to a second location along a travel path. The rack handler has a rotation assembly including a) an engagement element for engagement with the sample rack, and b) a motor coupled to the engagement element and is operable to cause rotation of the engagement element. The rotation assembly rotates the sample rack from a first orientation into a second orientation along the travel path when the engagement element engages the sample rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: William Perry, Michael Chen, Steven Geehan, Gyula Hojer, Norbert Laszka
  • Patent number: 11440054
    Abstract: A conveyance system includes a feeding device, a reading device, a weight measuring device, a storage device, a notification device, and an arithmetic control device which compares the number of pickings of the articles obtained by dividing a difference between the reference weight value and a measurement value after operation as a weight of the container after picking of the articles by the unit weight, with the number of incoming orders, determines whether there is an excess or deficiency, and when there is an excess or deficiency, notifies the excessive or deficient number of articles by the notification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: YAHATA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Kyuichi Nishizato
  • Patent number: 11130328
    Abstract: A multi-layer device assembly system including a substrate source, a plurality of dispenser modules, a feeder, a control system having a number of alignment cameras corresponding to the dispenser modules, an inspection camera, and a defect camera. The substrate source provides a substrate having a plurality of base elements. Each dispenser module includes an actuation mechanism configured to laminate a layer element onto one of the base elements or onto a previously laminated layer element. The feeder metes out the substrate from the substrate source to advance each base to a subsequent dispenser module between lamination steps. The control system determines alignments, defects, and lamination errors via the alignment cameras, inspection camera, and defect camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Preco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Poulain, Ted A. Teuscher
  • Patent number: 11047870
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing photometric cuvette mapping includes detecting edges associated with a plurality of gaps between a plurality of vessels in a reaction ring during a complete rotation of a reaction ring. Each gap is determined according to an edge detection process which includes identifying: a vessel interior in response to detection of a first predetermined number of photometer device control manager (DCM) measurements below a threshold value; a rising edge in response to detection of a second predetermined number of photometer DCM measurements above the threshold value; and identifying a falling edge in response to detection of a third predetermined number of photometer DCM measurements below the threshold value. The edge detection process further includes recording the rising edge and the falling edge as being indicative of one of the plurality of gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Joson K. Joseph, Bestin Abraham
  • Patent number: 10906750
    Abstract: An article sorting facility includes a plurality of storage members each configured to store one or more articles, a plurality of article transport vehicles each capable of traveling in at least a portion of a preset travel lane with one or more support members on board, each support member being configured to support one or more articles; a plurality of work areas each configured to allow work to be performed to transfer articles between one or more storage members and at least one of the one or more support members on board an article transport vehicle in the travel lane, wherein each of the work areas is located adjacent to one or more storage members and to the travel lane, wherein the plurality of work areas are arranged one adjacent to another along the travel lane, and wherein two or more article transport vehicles are in the travel lane simultaneously to travel in a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 10858227
    Abstract: A vertical moving method of a vertical moving unit on which a conveyance target object is mounted includes steps of causing a non-electric biasing unit to generate a biasing force to raise the vertical moving unit, causing an electric motor unit to generate a thrust in a direction to raise the vertical moving unit or a thrust in a direction to lower the vertical moving unit, and causing an electromagnetic brake unit to generate a braking force to resist a movement of the vertical moving unit. Independently of presence/absence of the object and a weight of the object, the thrust and/or the braking force is controlled such that the vertical moving unit stops when an external force of overload more than a predetermined value acts on the vertical moving unit during a vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bungo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10792726
    Abstract: An automated method of manufacturing a laminated heat exchanger, wherein a plurality of unassembled parts is provided, said parts comprising a plurality of laminate members, the method comprising: identifying the correct laminate member to be stacked using an identification system; stacking the laminate members using a robot to form a stack comprising the laminate members; checking the quality of the stack using a quality checking system; and joining the laminate members of the stack together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HS MARSTON AEROSPACE LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 10589307
    Abstract: A station for treating objects may include: a booth including at least one entrance for an object and at least one exit for the object; a system configured to move the object between the at least one entrance and the at least one exit; at least one robot configured to treat the object in the booth; and/or a platform configured to support the object. The platform may be configured to rotate about a vertical axis so as to rotate the object inside the booth relative to the at least one robot. The at least one entrance may not be aligned with the at least one exit. The system may be configured to rotate with the platform so as to align with the at least one entrance in order to receive the object, and so as to align with the at least one exit in order to release the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GEICO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Colombaroli, Giampaolo Covizzi, Aldo Viola
  • Patent number: 10350643
    Abstract: Example aspects relate to at least one transportation vehicle for mobile sorting of shipments, the transportation vehicle comprising a loading area arranged on the transportation vehicle, at least one infeed conveyer foldable attached to the loading area for loading an incoming shipment onto the transportation vehicle, at least two outfeed conveyers foldable attached to the loading area for unloading an outgoing shipment from the transportation vehicle, a scanning device arranged on the loading area adjacent to the at least one infeed conveyer and configured to scan the incoming shipment for obtaining a scanning information, a main conveyer arranged on the loading area and configured to convey the incoming shipment past the scanning device towards a sorting device, and the sorting device configured to sort the scanned incoming shipment according to the scanning information towards one of the outfeed conveyers for unloading the incoming shipment as outgoing shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DEUTSCHE POST AG
    Inventor: Mark Veasey
  • Patent number: 10179910
    Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Duffy, Kerry Wilson, Kalyan Handique, Jeff Williams
  • Patent number: 10111785
    Abstract: Maker machine to manufacture hygiene absorbent articles and having: a feeding line which feeds a continuous strip of impermeable material, which is intended to define a succession of sheets of impermeable material; and at least one operating unit which feeds a corresponding component of the hygiene absorbent articles to the sheets of impermeable material carried by the feeding line by way of an application device; the application device has at least one sucking pick-up head and a conveyor provided with an annular guide which is arranged in fixed position along an application path, a slide which supports the sucking pick-up head and is coupled to the guide so as to freely slide along the guide, and a linear electric motor, which has a stator that is arranged in a fixed position along the guide and a mobile slider which is electro-magnetically coupled to the stator so as to receive, from the stator a driving force and is rigidly connected to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GDM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Piantoni, Valerio Soli
  • Patent number: 9895977
    Abstract: An article transport vehicle includes a transport vehicle main body, a first travel portion, a second travel portion, and power-receiving portions for receiving driving electric power without contact from one or more electricity supply lines. The first travel portion rotatably supports a transport vehicle main body. The second travel portion rotatably supports the transport vehicle main body. The power-receiving portions include a first power-receiving portion which is configured to be rotated integrally with the first travel portion, and a second power-receiving portion which is configured to be rotated integrally with the second travel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinari Wada
  • Patent number: 9758177
    Abstract: A sub-path is connected to a first main path and a second main path along which an article transport vehicle travels in a direction opposite to that of the first main path. The sub-path includes an intersection portion, a first upstream path connected to the first main path and the intersection portion, a second upstream path connected to the second main path and the intersection portion, a first downstream path connected to the intersection portion and the second main path, and a second downstream path connected to the intersection portion and the first main path. In the intersection portion, a first connection path that connects the first upstream path and the first downstream path, and a second connection path that connects the second upstream path and the second downstream path are provided so as to be located at the same height and to intersect each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayato Takada
  • Patent number: 9758321
    Abstract: The automatic layer picking assembly for a warehouse comprises a movable layer transporter comprising layer positioner that is operable to position the movable layer transporter with respect to the predetermined pallet positions separately from a pallet transporter during a pallet layer mixing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTRION NV
    Inventor: Gerard Paulussen
  • Patent number: 9751701
    Abstract: A storage device for stackable containers for conveying items, in particular items of luggage in a sorting conveyor system in an airport, includes a lifting conveyor with a container receiving device which can be guided between upper and lower conveying planes for storing at least one container. A conveyor is disposed in the upper conveyor plane for guiding storage containers to a transfer position and a discharge conveyor is disposed in the upper conveyor plane for discharging stored containers from a transfer position. A moving device moves a container from the transfer position to the empty container receiving device or to a container placed on the uppermost part of the container receiving device and moves the most upper container placed on the container receiving device to the transfer position. As a result, empty containers can be received, housed and guided back in a simple and cost effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Roland Fritzsche, Maik Wesemeier
  • Patent number: 9682483
    Abstract: Robots or other machines may be used for retrieving errant objects from the floor of an automated warehouse. A system can include one or more reporting methods to alert a central control to the existence and location of an object on the warehouse floor. The central control can establish a safety zone around the object to avoid contact with normal warehouse traffic (e.g., standard warehouse robots). The system can route a cleanup robot to the location to retrieve the object. The system can include a cleanup pod comprising a convertible shelving unit with a robotic arm. The cleanup pod can have a similar form factor as shelving units used for storing inventory in the warehouse, thereby enabling standard warehouse robots to lift and transport the cleanup pod to retrieve an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Romano, Peter R. Wurman, Dennis Polic, Peter K. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 9543178
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer stocker apparatus includes a body frame, an inlet port to load a wafer shipping box into the body frame, an outlet port to unload the wafer shipping box from the body frame, an automated transfer robot operable to convey the wafer shipping box between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a shelf module within the body frame. The shelf module includes a shelf plate configured to support the wafer shipping box. The shelf plate includes first, second, and third protruding support pins arranged to align with respective grooves in an underside of the wafer shipping box and orient the wafer shipping box with a door thereof facing away from the body frame. The first and second support pins may be closer to the body frame than the third support pin. Related apparatus and methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Woo Lee, Chang-Woo Son, Yong-Jun Ahn, Tai-Jo Jeon
  • Patent number: 9441219
    Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: NeuMoDx Molecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Williams, Sundaresh Brahmasandra, Michael T. Kusner
  • Patent number: 9315278
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for taking airport baggage. In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for taking airport baggage comprising: a baggage information receiving part receiving baggage information in a tag from a tag reader which recognizes the tag attached to a baggage moving on a conveyor belt; a receipt information generating part generating receipt information with which a baggage owner is able to take the baggage on the basis of the baggage information; a receipt information providing part providing the receipt information to a terminal of the baggage owner; a movement request receiving part receiving a request for movement path of the baggage from the terminal of the baggage owner; and a movement controlling part moving the baggage to a particular location on the basis of the request for movement path of the baggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jae-Gwan Song, Dong-Ho Kim, Dong-Gil Na
  • Patent number: 9063104
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer is provided that can promptly process a request for additional test items for a sample being analyzed or an error that has occurred in the sample. The automatic analyzer can output measurements of a sample analyzed, determine whether or not re-analyzing is necessary, and perform the re-analyzing. The automatic analyzer includes a buffer area for standby until analysis is completed and measurements are outputted. Each of analysis units includes a pair of buffer units that can randomly access the buffer area. The automatic analyzer further includes a position disposed near the buffer area, at which a sample can be unloaded and reloaded. A rack that stands by within the buffer area can be unloaded onto the unloading position by a command to unload issued by an operator. Subsequent reloading of the sample allows samples other than the sample in question to be analyzed continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Akutsu, Shigeki Matsubara, Yoshimitsu Takagi, Hitoshi Tokieda
  • Patent number: 9038807
    Abstract: An assembly line, wherein at least one operating branch of fixed length accommodates a number of platforms aligned with one another and with a given travelling direction; each platform being designed to receive a respective vehicle body, feed it in the travelling direction, and subject it to a succession of n assembly operations along the operating branch; each platform being designed for connection to at least one longitudinal extension to assume a total length, which depends on the length of the body carried, and ranges between a minimum length equal to the length of the platform with no extension, and a maximum length; and the length of the operating branch being equal to n times the maximum length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Denny Monti, Giulio Talarico, Marco Cavaglia′, Elio Tordella, Salvatore Fazio
  • Patent number: 8997969
    Abstract: A production cell for automated processing of workpieces has a protective fence and, arranged therein, at least one production device, for example a bending press, and at least one handling device. A workpiece transfer device for part carriers or workpieces is arranged in the production cell which workpiece transfer device forms a supply position and a delivery position. Here, a delivery device of the workpiece transfer device forms a first delivery path and a second delivery path which extends parallel to the former, wherein, furthermore, a conveyor for optional transfer of a part carrier between the delivery paths is provided on an actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Juergen Plakolm
  • Patent number: 8992154
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a storage system for glass substrate and also a method for storing a glass substrate. The storage system includes a rail system, a plurality of stockers, and a trolley. The rail system is configured with first and second interconnected loops of monorails. And a plurality of stockers is arranged adjacent to the rail system. A trolley is moveably arranged to travel along the first and second monorails of the rail system for transporting glass substrates between the stockers. Accordingly, the yield of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased, while the maintenance costs of the overhead shuttle can be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Zenghong Chen, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Xiande Li, Yongqiang Wang, Weibing Yang, Minghu Qi, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang
  • Patent number: 8939275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate transfer system, comprising a number of roller assemblies used for mobile transfer of the glass substrate on it, and a controller used for controlling rotation of the roller assemblies; the substrate transfer system further comprises a substrate positioning device, which is arranged at the end of the transfer direction of the glass substrate by the roller assemblies; the substrate positioning device comprises a positioning pole, which is used for blocking and positioning the glass substrate transferred by the roller assemblies; and a buffer positioning mechanism on which the positioning pole is mounted on, providing mobile buffer for the positioning pole and driving the positioning pole to reset. A buffer reset mechanism is arranged for controlling the position of the positioning pole, and the positioning deviation of the substrate can be further eliminated; it can provide buffer contact for eliminating the risk of fragmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongqiang Wang, Chun hao Wu, Kun hsien Lin, Minghu Qi, Weibing Yang, Zenghong Chen, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang, Zhiyou Shu
  • Patent number: 8905223
    Abstract: This invention provides a conveying apparatus which conveys a workpiece. The conveying apparatus includes a pallet which supports the workpiece, a conveyor which supports one side of the pallet in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction from below the pallet, and includes a conveyance roller for conveying the pallet and a driving source for driving the conveyance roller, and a heaving suppression guide member which extends along the conveyor, abuts against the other side of the pallet in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and suppresses heaving of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Ichihara, Bungo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8899405
    Abstract: An assembly work conveyor device has a work dolly and a movement driver. The work dolly includes a moving dolly including a plurality of moving portions movable on a movement surface and being movable along an elliptical movement path, and a work board mounted on the moving dolly in a state of extending further to an inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions. The movement driver moves the work dolly along the elliptical movement path. An auxiliary support surface is provided on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path along at least a portion thereof. An auxiliary support is provided in the work dolly, the auxiliary support being brought into contact with the auxiliary support surface further on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions and supporting a gravity of the work board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Ookubo
  • Patent number: 8851820
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Publication number: 20140260092
    Abstract: A carriage for conveyance of a coil of ferromagnetic metal includes an base portion having a carrier supporting, a suspension mechanism, and a cradle portion, supported relative to the base portion by the suspension mechanism, the cradle portion having a magnetic saddle for engaging the coil of ferromagnetic metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eron ENO, John ACKERMAN, Jason MALONE, Clayton TILLEY
  • Patent number: 8827064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rene Kroell Prammann Joergensen, Klaus Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8794432
    Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyor system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the non-circular lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the non-circular lower body comprises a further semicircular shape having the same radius as the semicircular front section and further comprises an intermediate waist in between the front section and the rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Patent number: 8794174
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Uwe Siewert, Guenther Weihermueller
  • Publication number: 20140202831
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting packages from an inlet to an outlet includes a closed transport path having a package transport route and a puck return transport route, an inlet, an outlet, transport elements that are rotatable in a circulation direction and that are adjacent to each other in the transport direction of the packages, and pucks for carrying a package from the inlet to the outlet. After release of the packages at the outlet, the pucks return to the inlet via the puck return transport route. The puck return transport route and the package transport route are in transport planes offset from each other in a vertical direction. The two transports are formed by common transport elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Gyula Varhaniovsky
  • Patent number: 8739964
    Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyer system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the lower body comprises a concave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Publication number: 20140102854
    Abstract: A conveyor system pallet is provided, having: a pallet body; and a guiding system operatively attached to the pallet body and designed to abut against at least one side rail of a conveyor system, the guiding system including: a plurality of first directional guides; and a plurality of second directional guides oriented approximately orthogonally to the first directional guides. A further guiding system for a conveyor pallet is provided, having: a plurality of first directional guides having: a plurality of guides designed to abut against a first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of guides designed to abut against a second side rail located above the first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of second directional guides designed to engage an underside of the first side rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Robert Donald ECOB
  • Patent number: 8678734
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier so the at least one substrate transport carrier is capable of being coupled to the load port interface without lifting the at least one substrate transport carrier off the carrier holding station. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a substantially simultaneous swap section for substantially simultaneous replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Friedman, Michael L. Bufano, Christopher Hofmeister, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight
  • Publication number: 20140041992
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a magnetic drive system for maneuvering a container across a deck. The magnetic drive system may include a puck to support the container on the deck, a driven magnet positioned about the puck, an actuator positioned under the deck, and a drive magnet positioned about the actuator for movement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Simon Andrew English
  • Patent number: 8646590
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Expresso Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Tepel
  • Publication number: 20130319827
    Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyer system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the lower body comprises a concave shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Publication number: 20130256096
    Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyor system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the non-circular lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the non-circular lower body comprises a further semicircular shape having the same radius as the semicircular front section and further comprises an intermediate waist in between the front section and the rear section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Patent number: 8544632
    Abstract: A device (10) for conveying at least one preform (12) in a preform heating unit (12), the conveying device (10) including a conveyor belt which includes at least: a main traction belt (14a) which engages with rotary elements (16a, 16b); and a secondary support belt (14b) which is movably connected to the main belt (14a) by a connecting element (24), and to which at least one support device (34) of at least one preform (12) is attached by an attachment element (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Denis Gillet, Patrice Andreux, Damien Muzzolini
  • Patent number: 8424672
    Abstract: The present invention features, in part, a moving cart system that comprises a moving cart main line which is disposed along process portions and on which a moving cart is transpired along a positive length direction of the moving cart main line, a moving cart return line which is disposed parallel with the moving cart main line and on which the moving cart is transpired along a negative length direction of the moving cart return line, traverses which are disposed for connecting a front and a rear of the moving cart main line and the moving cart return line, and a plurality of storages which are disposed perpendicular to the moving cart return line in predetermined intervals along a length direction of the moving cart return line for storing the moving cart, wherein the moving cart moves along the plurality of storages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20130026005
    Abstract: The invention provides a transporting apparatus, a container-handling installation (19) with such a transporting apparatus, and a transporting method. The transporting apparatus (30) serves for transporting containers (2) in a container-handling installation (1), which has a first container-handling arrangement (10), for handling containers (2), and a second container-handling arrangement (20), which is arranged downstream of the first handling arrangement (10) and serves for handling the containers (2) once they have been handled by the first container-handling arrangement (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Konrad Senn
  • Patent number: 8220617
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus-Gunter Eberle
  • Patent number: 8220621
    Abstract: An IC device conveying apparatus includes an IC device conveying shuttle, at least a pair of slide guide plates which are placed on the IC device conveying shuttle, and each of which has a plurality of slide guide holes, each of the plurality of slide guide holes being made in a direction inclined to a side of a corresponding slide guide plate, and a plurality of positioning members which guide the placed pair of slide guide plates such that the pair of slide guide plates slides in directions in which sides of the respective slide guide plates are separated from and come into contact with each other, the positioning members being secured to the IC device conveying shuttle and engaged with the plurality of slide guide holes, wherein each of the pair of slide guide plates comprises at least one IC device holding side on a side thereof facing a side of another slide guide plate, and an IC device is placed in an IC device holding space which is formed between at least a pair of the IC device holding sides of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Synax Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8136652
    Abstract: A processing station for a processing line, having a module platform (12) and a plurality of withdrawable modules (14) that can be introduced into it has a transporting device (40, 42) for transporting workpieces (59) to be processed at the processing station (10). According to the invention, the transporting device (40, 42) includes a plurality of part-transporting devices (43), and one part-transporting device (43) is associated with each withdrawable module (14) and is solidly connected to the withdrawable module (14). Moreover, at least some of the part-transporting devices 43 include a first transportation path (40), which is embodied for transporting a workpiece (56) essentially over the width of the withdrawable module (14) in a first transporting direction (T1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Hinderer, Paul Skljarow, Wolfram Baier, Karl-Heinz Jaeger, Stefan Pfeiffer, Frank Westphal, Joachim Frangen, Peter Schlaich, Frank Benkert, Ka-Jin Teoh, Boris Buesing
  • Patent number: 8037995
    Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one workpiece carrier, a drive provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a plane of conveyance; an inner guide and an outer guide having a curved outer guide section and defining a conveyor track for the workpiece carrier; the inner guide includes a curved inner guide section that is assigned to the curved outer guide section. The convexly curved inner guide section is situated such that it is offset radially inwardly relative to the curved outer guide section and opposite an imagined tangential extension of a first and a second straight inner guide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Willi, Boris Buesing, Hans-Peter Buttau
  • Patent number: 7958987
    Abstract: A method for transferring articles from a first to a second machine, which packs the articles in containers, using a transport line, interposed between the machines, which removably receives and moves the trays, each tray affording at least a seating complementarily shaped to an article, as well as at least two stores, for receiving the trays, respectively associated to a first station located at a start of the line and a second station located downstream of the first station with a first store containing a predetermined number of empty trays, the method comprising a partial filling of the second store with trays containing articles, and is such that a temporary malfunctioning of the first machine maintains the second machine in service up to emptying of the second store, and a temporary malfunctioning of the second machine maintains the first machine in service up to complete filling of the second store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7757834
    Abstract: A workpiece presentment system and associated method for workpiece presentment with a pick and place device is provided. The system includes a pair of parallel stationary rails, and first and second shuttle rails respectively disposed adjacent first and second ends of the stationary rails. Each shuttle rail is independently moveable laterally to a longitudinal alignment with a selected one of the pair of stationary rails. A control circuit is configured to circulate only two pallets simultaneously in the same rectangular path of travel to load trays to the pallets on one of the stationary rails while presenting the trays to the pick and place device on the other stationary rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Allen Ruden, Richard Gordon Goodrich, Michael William Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20100126828
    Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one workpiece carrier, a drive provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a plane of conveyance; an inner guide and an outer guide having a curved outer guide section and defining a conveyor track for the workpiece carrier; the inner guide includes a curved inner guide section that is assigned to the curved outer guide section. The convexly curved inner guide section is situated such that it is offset radially inwardly relative to the curved outer guide section and opposite an imagined tangential extension of a first and a second straight inner guide section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Marco Willi, Boris Buesing, Hans-Peter Buttau