Abstract: A link mechanism (10) has a first main link (11) and a second main link (21), which are coupled by a joint (31). The link mechanism (10) includes: a pivot bar (41) which has one end pivotably attached at a position in the second main link (21), the position opposing the joint (31), along a plane that is orthogonal to a rotating shaft of the joint (31), and which extends toward the joint (31) from the one end; a slider (42) provided on the pivot bar (41) slidably along the pivot bar (41); a moving mechanism (50) which has one end coupled to the joint (31) and the other end coupled to the slider (42) to move the slider (42); and elastic members (43) which are connected to the pivot bar (41) and the second main link (21) to urge the pivot bar (41) toward a neutral position.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The positioning tool includes a retractable arm assembly having a tool adaptor and a leveling assembly. The leveling assembly includes a rigid leveling link pivotably coupled to a tool adaptor. The leveling assembly is coupled to the last two arms in the retractably assembly and uses the relative movement of the last two arms to level and stabilize the tool adaptor and the tool attached thereto.

Abstract: A stiffness control apparatus includes a base member, an output link configured to move along a plane parallel to a surface of the base member, and at least one stiffness control unit configured to control stiffness of the output link. The at least one stiffness control unit includes a shaft including a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably coupled to the base member, a rotating member including an elongated hole into which the second end of the shaft is movably inserted, and rotatably arranged by the shaft at a position having contact with the output link on an outer side or an inner side the output link, and an elastic member between the second end of the shaft and at least one inner wall of the elongated hole in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A gripper capable of lifting a work piece includes: a body including a sliding direction and a lifting axis defining a first angle relative to the sliding direction; a plurality of sliding blocks slidably mounted on the body and located at two sides of the lifting axis to move in the sliding direction toward or away from each other, wherein the sliding blocks each include a receiving hole at a second angle relative to the sliding direction; and a plurality of fingers slidably disposed in the receiving holes, and each including: a nose portion disposed in the receiving holes, and a finger portion to grip the work piece. When the sliding blocks are in the lifting position, the fingers are retracted into the receiving holes to make the finger portions move up along the lifting axis toward the body by a certain distance while clamping the work piece.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a guiding assembly and a clamping mechanism. The guiding assembly includes a guiding rod and a transfer rod coupled to the guiding rod. The transfer rod includes a rack. The clamping mechanism includes a driving assembly and a clamping assembly. The driving assembly includes a support frame, a first driver coupled to the support frame, a gear coupled to the first driver and meshing with the rack, and two guiding members adjustably coupled to the support frame and positioned at opposite sides of the guiding rod. The guiding members is latched to the guiding rod and configured to move the support frame to adjust a backlash between the gear and the rack. The clamping assembly is coupled to the support frame.

Abstract: In a transfer system, transport beams are displaced in three types of motions, i.e. toward each other, along a longitudinal extension thereof for advancement, and up and down. Two of these types of motions are triggered by a double-function motor. Such a double-function motor includes a shaft, which simultaneously rotates and displaces back and forth in linear fashion along the longitudinal extension thereof.

Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.

Abstract: The device for transporting upright containers in a straight line includes a rake conveyor comprising multiple receiving sections for the containers and an opposing support element for the containers carried in the receiving sections. The rake conveyor is connected to two drives by at least two pivot systems, each with two arms, in such a way that the rake conveyor can be pushed back and forth both in the transport direction of the containers and also in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular pouch transfer system, in which a gripper mount bar is rigidly mounted an drive arms, which are driven by driving means and mounted to them such that gripper means moves along a circular path. With the continued rotational cycle in one direction there is no reversal of direction reducing stress on the drive components and gears, providing smoother and more reliable operation. The motion at the transfer where the pouch is loaded into the bag clamp is near vertical allowing for the height of the pouch in the bag clamp to be easily adjusted for alteration of pouch height in the bag clamps during active machine operation. This reduces the need for other methods to adjust the pouch height by other means. The transfer gripper means opening and closing occurs during the rotational cycle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a trailer and/or unloading device, a front and rear roller assembly and chock may be moved along the length of the trailer. The front and rear roller assemblies may each include two rollers that may be actuated between a first and second position. The chock may include a stop that may be actuated between a first and second position. The arrangement of front and rear rollers and chock allows the operator to unload a plurality of objects placed on the trailer deck, one object at a time, while remaining in the cab of a prime mover. The moving components of the trailer and/or unloading device may be powered hydraulically. The trailer and/or unloading device may include strategically placed cameras and a control panel for operating the various elements of the trailer and unloading device placed in the cab of the prime mover.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus which performs long-distance transfer at a high speed, while preventing dimensions of the apparatus from increasing. Specifically, a transfer apparatus transfers a work to a pressing machine The transfer apparatus is provided with a base section, a follower arm, which is connected to the base section on the base-section end side such that the follower arm can rotate and vertically slide, and a first driving arm which is rotatably connected to the base section on the base-section end side. The transfer apparatus also includes a driving arm, which is rotatably connected to the first driving arm on the base-section end side and rotatably connected to the follower arm on the leading end side, and a holding apparatus arranged on the leading end side of the follower arm for holding the work.

Abstract: Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches using one or more robots and a plurality of conveyors in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid transfer of a work object in both the horizontal and vertical directions using a robot unit (10) having a gripping mechanism (12) preferably from one workstation (3) to another (4), the work piece (2) weighing between one kilo and forty kilos and the transfer in the horizontal direction being at least one meter but less than ten meters and at least partially being effected along an essentially horizontally extending beam unit (20), and the gripping mechanism (12) being arranged in such a way that, at least in one end situation (E1) along the beam (20), it can collect and/or deliver a work object (2) in a position (E2) situated beyond the end situation (E1) along the said horizontal beam (20), which robot unit is controlled by means of a control unit (50) and is driven by means of a belt member (24) and at least two motors (26, 27) comprising rotor units connected to drive wheels (26A, 27A) for the said belt member (24), the said motors (26, 27) being immovab

Abstract: In order to provide a method of carrying out working steps in at least one work station on miniaturised modules which are held by a module carrier provided with a holding device, whereby the method enables a plurality of processing steps to be carried out on a module, it is proposed that the module be moved by one of the module carriers to a plurality of work stations for carrying out the working steps and that it be precisely positioned for carrying out one of the working steps by means of a relative movement between the module carrier and the currently relevant one of the plurality of workstations, and in that the positioning of the module relative to the module carrier be maintained for carrying out the working steps.

Abstract: A micro device using assembly system for feeding, programming, and placing micro devices on circuit boards includes a robotic handling system capable of picking up and placing the micro devices on the circuit boards on a conveyor system. A control system controls the conveyor system and the robotic handling system. An input feeder provides the micro devices and a programming system is capable of programming a plurality of micro devices in sockets which are in line parallel with the input feeder. The input feeder responds to communication with the control system to feed the unprogrammed micro devices while the programming system programs the micro devices and communicates to the control system. The robotic handling system responds to communication of the programming system with the control system to pickup and places the programmed micro devices on the circuit boards at high speed.

Abstract: A device for automated manipulation of articles along a predetermined movement path has a working area having a working surface for articles. The device also has a manipulator with a gripping device for moving the articles. The working surface consists of neighboring longitudinal elements, wherein longitudinal gaps are formed between the neighboring longitudinal elements. The griping device has at least one gripping finger that can be lowered into the longitudinal gaps between the neighboring longitudinal elements and moved into a position underneath an article for picking up the article. The article is essentially secured in the gripping device by a combination of acceleration forces generated along a movement path of the gripping device and of the force of gravity.

Abstract: A controlled material transport method for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid “robot vehicle” mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting contact between a wafer blade of a wafer-handling robot and a component in a wafer-handling system. The robot moves the wafer blade within the system while the wafer blade is maintained at an electrical potential, which is different from an electrical potential of the component. Contact between the wafer blade and the component is detected by sensing a change in the electrical potential of the wafer blade during the contact.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer device for machine tools that easily achieves positional adjustment of the rack while suppressing increases in cost and therefore preventing occurrences of vibrations and noise is disclosed. The workpiece transfer device includes a frame member having a rectangular cross-section. The device extends from a workpiece machining position to a workpiece loading/unloading position. A support member is hung on the frame member so as to be movable via a linear guide and which has a workpiece holding mechanism mounted thereon. A drive mechanism for rotationally driving a pinion gear engaged with a rack is provided on the frame member so as to be parallel to the linear guide so that the support member is moved between the two positions. The linear guide is disposed on one wall of the frame member and the rack is disposed on another wall surface so as to have its position adjustable.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for handling a structural member. The apparatus includes a beam that extends from a first end to a second end and a shuttle in translational communication with the beam in a direction extending between the first and second ends. A fork actuator is connected to the shuttle and capable of hydraulically raising and lowering a fork. The fork can include a cooling system to maintain a temperature of the fork, even when used in a heated environment.

Abstract: A plate-form member conveying apparatus that includes an upper claw and a lower claw for clamping a plate-form member in between from above and below and conveying the plate-form member, in which each of the upper claw and the lower claw is formed by a clamping plate made of an elastic material and brought into contact with an upper or lower surface of the plate-form member, and a claw holding plate and a claw counter plate that sandwich the clamping plate; and the clamping plate and claw holding plate are detachably fastened by bolts to the claw counter plate.

Abstract: An articulated-arm transport system, provided in particular for the automation of press lines and large-component transfer presses, is distinguished by a design which permits components or workpieces to be inserted or removed even when there is a small clearance between an upper and lower tool.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a first support member, for supportively carrying a pair of opposed jaw members, and a second support member which is slidably attached to the first support member, for linear movement with respect thereto. The second support member has at least one slot formed therein. The apparatus also includes a pair of opposed jaws, which cooperate to define a workpiece-holding space therebetween. The jaws are pivotally attached to one another and to the first support member. Each of the jaws has a hinge portion and an extension opposite the hinge portion. The extension may be made detachable from the hinge portion. The hinge portion of each jaw has an inner portion and an outer portion, with the hinge portions closely aligned with each other. Each of the jaws also has a support post connected to the respective outer portion thereof, and the support posts fit slidably in the slot of the second support member.

Abstract: An apparatus loads and unloads workpieces. The apparatus includes at least one essentially horizontally movable element, at least one essentially vertically movable element and at least one element for receiving workpieces. The horizontally movable element has at least one drive unit and has at least two belts communicating with the one or more drive units and the one or more elements for receiving the workpieces.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement for a stacker device or delivery tray of a printing press. At least one upper gripper arm and at least one lower gripper arm are provided, which have a first opened position and a second closed position. Sheets are located between the upper and lower gripper arms in the closed position. A first guiding device guides the gripping arrangement substantially in the vertical direction, and a second guiding device guides the gripping arrangement substantially in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A device (1) to feed work pieces in steps, for example within a press (2), using two gripping rails (3) that can be moved back and forth in the feed direction, that includes at least one feed traverse (8) that moves perpendicular to itself with which to uniformly feed and return the gripping rails (3). Coupled to this traverse is at least one tilt arm (9) that is driven by a servomotor (11) whose tilt motion is converted to the perpendicular motion of the feed traverse (8) and thus into the feed and return motion of the gripping rails (3). There can also be two tilt arms (9) arranged in a mirror-image fashion.

Abstract: A work conveying system for conveying works in a clean room includes a work holder for holding works, and a moving unit for moving the work holder.

Abstract: A controlled material transport system (MTS) for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid robot vehicle mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the height of a gripping mechanism on a machine for molding glass articles has an upright supporting a gripping head for gripping the glass articles, and an actuating assembly for activating the gripping head and, in use, moving the gripping head, with respect to the upright, between a gripping position gripping the glass articles, and a release position releasing the glass articles onto a supporting surface; the upright has a bottom connecting portion, which is connected to a structure of the machine so as to slide in a vertical direction, and the height of which is adjustable by means of a motor located beneath the supporting surface and in parallel with a transmission activated by a crank.

Abstract: A conveyor, for feeding articles along a given path and in a vertical direction, has a guide parallel to the aforementioned direction and having a succession of first supports defining a succession of first seats, each for housing an article; and a slide movable back and forth in the aforementioned direction and having a succession of second supports defining a succession of second seats, each for housing an article and for transferring an article between two adjacent first seats.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: The abnormal operation and the transferring failure etc. of the loader caused by the core gap are prevented from being happened in transferring the work to the chuck of the outer device. It is applied to the control unit 2 of the loader 5 passing the work W to the chuck 2 of the outer device 1. When the chuck 2 of the outer device 1 is closed after the loader chuck 14 is moved to the work passing position, the constraint releasing means 31 releasing the loader 2 from the constraint condition by the servomotors 11, 12 is provided. This constraint release is designed to be conducted in case that the torque of the servomotors 11, 12 exceeds the set value. Moreover, the adjustment means 32 is provided, which detects the tracking movement position of the loader chuck 14 by the constraint release and adjusts the work passing position of the next cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading condoms onto mandrels is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a plural number of expansion rods adapted to receive and stretch a condom and a plural number of detaining rods to abut and retain the condom ring, the rods being mounted on a reciprocating carriage assembly which moves the rods past the mandrel, the mandrel itself stripping the condom from the rods.

Abstract: A transport and position system, particularly for the workpiece transfer, has a lever mechanism between its driving motors and its output to carry out a step-up. The lever mechanism takes over the guiding as well as the driving of the carrier device which therefore forms the output of the lever mechanism. As a result of the step-up, high accelerations and decelerations can be achieved at the carrier device. Thereby, the mass inertia of linear guides for the bearing of levers and mass inertias of drives moved along play a substantially reduced role. While a high positioning precision can be achieved.

Abstract: A positioning system (31, 32, 33, 34 35, 36), particularly for transporting and positioning workpieces, has a drive and force generating transmission device (47) by means of which a carrier device (41) can be moved and positioned. At least one force generating device (70) is connected to the drive and force transmission device (47), which force generating device (70) feeds into the drive and transmission system of the drive and force transmission device (47), an additional force used for compensating the weight of the drive and force transmission device and its moved parts and possibly of a workpiece, to the extent that this force manifests itself at the drives of the drive and force transmission device (47).

Abstract: A transfer system, particularly for the transfer of workpieces in multi-station presses (1), consists of several transfer modules (14 to 19), which each have a workpiece holding device (28) which is carried by at least one lever mechanism (23). Each lever mechanism transmits the adjusting movement of two mutually independent drives (39, 44) to the workpiece holding device (28). One of the drives (39, 44) is disposed in a stationary manner, and the other is moved by the drive disposed in a stationary manner. This basic principle opens up many design possibilities.

Abstract: The braking device comprises at least one flexible braking means (1) extending across the trajectory of the sheets (2) and mounted so as to pivot around a transverse axis (4) so that its trajectory around the said axis intersects the trajectory of the sheets (2), the direction of rotation of the end of the said flexible braking means (1) and intersecting the trajectory of the sheets (2) being opposite the direction of motion of the sheets, and also comprises drive means for pivoting the braking means (1) in dependence on the longitudinal dimensions of the sheets (2) and the frequency with which they pass. The means driving the braking means (1) around the said transverse axis (4) comprise a variable-speed electromagnetic actuator (5) connected to control means which in real time record the parameters relating to the longitudinal dimension of the sheets and the frequency with which they pass.

Abstract: A top-picking palletizer and de-palletizer moves pallet layers along a fixed path by use of a single-dimension actuation system and top-picking lift head. The illustrated system includes an actuation assembly operated by a single reversible motor moving drive chains selectively in first and second directions. In a first direction, the lift head moves along the fixed path towards a first pick and place site and in the second direction moves along the fixed path toward a second pick and place site. By selectively engaging and disengaging the lift head, layers of items to be stacked or unstacked may be moved from one site to the other site, i.e., such as by palletizing and de-palletizing operations.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting thin boards, in particular coated printed circuit boards, comprising rows of spaced-apart grippers (2) which lie opposite one another and are arranged on a rod (3), in order to prevent the thin boards from sagging when transported, tension is applied to a rod (3), at least on one side of the printed circuit board (1), by an elastic device (15, 20), in order to tension the printed circuit board which has been gripped.