Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixturing an airfoil stub during linear friction welding are described. Critical clamping support structures are manufactured by a direct digital manufacturing process such as direct metal laser sintering to minimize time and expense of the process.

Abstract: A target holding device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of target plates, each target plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface has a plurality of holes. A shaft may be used to facilitate the alignment and joinder of the target plates such that the first surface of one target plate contacts a second surface of an adjacent target plate. The target holding device may optionally include end plates arranged to sandwich the target plates therebetween and/or separator plates alternately arranged with the target plates. The target holding device may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.

Abstract: A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.

Abstract: A system and method of painting parts of large dimensions that present a certain amount of flexibility that makes their shape geometrically unstable in the event of being moved. The surface of a part is moved in front of a paint spray device by an arm of a robot, while the spray device remains stationary relative to the robot and while the part is being deformed. Other elements include a gripper for gripping parts of large dimensions, the gripper being adapted to implement the method; an installation; and a booth for performing surface treatment of parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment used to manufacture PV cells or modules. In some embodiments, a support structure is provided that provides support for substrates used in the manufacture of PV cells or modules. The support structure provides support for the substrate at the edge, allows access to the rear of the substrate and is composed of materials that do not contaminate the substrate during processing.

Abstract: A liquid crystal coating apparatus includes a liquid crystal spraying head for coating a liquid crystal material on a color filter (CF) substrate with a sealant to allow the liquid crystal material to be coated within an area surrounded by the sealant; and a supporting stage for accommodating and fixing the CF substrate. The supporting stage is provided with a vibrating mechanism for driving the CF substrate to mechanically vibrate continuously so that the liquid crystal material can become uniformly diffused quickly. In the present disclosure, the vibrating mechanism is activated after coating of the liquid crystal material is completed to drive the CF substrate to mechanically vibrate continuously; and is deactivated once the liquid crystal material is diffused uniformly. Therefore, the liquid crystal material can become uniformly diffused quickly, which guarantees the displaying performance of the final products and improves the production efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over an article (12) in a vacuum coating system includes a holder (10) for the article (12), which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (23) on a carrier. The apparatus further includes a turnover device (2, 4, 28) turning over the holder (10) by rotation about the axis of rotation (23) by utilizing a force generator. The turnover device (2, 4, 28) generates a force which turns over the holder (10) without mechanical coupling and without movable mechanical components between the turnover device (2, 4, 28) and the holder (10). A method of turning over an article (12) and for using the device or the method for turning over, in particular a plastic ophthalmic lens (12), is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a method, and a component made according to the method having at least one thread pattern formed thereon from a stamping method. The invention includes a tubular member comprising a body having a wall formed from a wrapped sheet of stock to define an interior wall and an exterior wall, a seam in the wall defining a first and second end of the wrapped sheet of stock, and a thread pattern stamped on the exterior wall. The method comprises the steps of forming a blank from sheet of stock having a first surface. A thread pattern is formed onto the first surface while in a substantially sheet-like form. A bending operation then forms the sheet stock into a tubular member such that the thread pattern, located on the tube's external surface, is substantially aligned about its circumference.

Abstract: An edge alignment control apparatus for correcting vertical alignment of sheet members is disclosed to include two base units each having multiple first power drives controllable to reciprocate a respective horizontal reciprocating member, and adjustment units arranged between the base units, each adjustment unit having two holder blocks connected to the horizontal reciprocating members of the base units at one same elevation and movable by the respective horizontal reciprocating members horizontally, sheet-transfer rollers pivotally connected between the holder blocks, a bearing board connected between the holder blocks for receiving a sheet member from the sheet-transfer rollers and a suction hood suspending above the bearing board and defining with the bearing board a passage for the passing of a sheet member and controllable to suck up a sheet member from the bearing board for allowing adjustment of the position of the sheet member horizontally subject to the operation of the first power drive.

Abstract: A disc holding apparatus including a plurality of movable holding claws, which have a holding section abutting to the outer circumference of a wafer having a notch and are arranged in the circumference direction of the wafer. The wafer is held by having each holding section on the inner edge side of each movable holding claw abut to the outer circumference of the wafer, thereby, at the time of detecting the notch by a sensor including a light source and a light receiving section, even when one of the holding sections abuts to the outer circumference of the wafer at a part where the notch exists, light from the light source is permitted to enter the light receiving section through the notch without being blocked by the holding section. Even when the wafer is held at the part where the notch exists, the wafer is not required to be correctly held again and throughput is improved with a shortened process time.

Abstract: A superstructure system for a drain located in the floor region of a wash area or shower stall, including a cover box which is to be placed over the drain and has a closed rear side and top and end faces connecting the rear side and the top, a side which is open toward the drain and a visible side which is open toward the water collection element of the drain, and in which a cover flap (10) is vertically oriented, the lower face of which, when installed, delimits a drain slot of the superstructure system and is connected to the cover box by way of a hinge so as to be horizontally pivotable.

Abstract: A turning roll system for rotating a cylindrical workpiece about a workpiece axis comprises a pair of idler rollers cooperating with a pair of drive rollers to support the workpiece. To oppose axial drift of the workpiece, each idler roller is rotatably journalled on a respective idler axle such that the axis of rotation of the idler roller is oriented obliquely relative to a pivot axis of the idler axle. The idler axles may be pivoted about their respective pivot axes to adjust the orientation of the idler roller axes relative to the workpiece to introduce an axially directed force component acting on the workpiece to counter axial drift. Pivoting of the idler axles may be automatically controlled based on a signal generated by a drift sensor arranged to detect axial drift of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention refers to a machine tool for the machining of one or more work pieces, wherein the work piece is held indirectly or directly by a clamping device in the machine tool on or at a non-rotary work piece table or a work piece table rotating around at least one axis. The invention is characterized in that the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element interacting indirectly or directly with the work piece, and an electric motor is provided for generating the clamping power that is in operative connection with the clamping element.

Abstract: A portable expandable work bench is expandable in a longitudinal direction to increase its working surface and so support a power tool for operating on a work piece. The non-expandable portion of the work bench is a rectangular hollow body having a generally planar a top work surface. The expandable portion of the work place is nested inside of the hollow body. A second expandable portion is nested within the first expandable portion and a third expandable portion is nested within the second expandable portion.

Abstract: In the substrate holder, while holding a periphery portion of a semiconductor wafer, some of protruding portions having a grass shape on a pad main body hide beneath the semiconductor wafer, and the others of the protruding portions are exposed outside the semiconductor wafer. Also, the protruding portions hiding beneath the semiconductor wafer contact a rear surface of the semiconductor wafer, and sink the semiconductor wafer to a suitable depth via gravity, thereby holding the semiconductor wafer mainly in a length direction. In addition, some of protruding portions exposed near the periphery portion of the semiconductor wafer contact a side surface of the semiconductor wafer, thereby holding the semiconductor wafer mainly in a width direction.

Abstract: A system for fluid processing substrate surfaces arrayed in a fluid having a process section with a frame having a plurality of process elements to process the substrate surfaces without contacting the substrate surfaces. A substrate holder assembly having a holder frame and a number of substrate holders, each of which is coupled to the holder frame and is configured for holding a substrate so that each substrate holder holds a different substrate for transport as a unit with the substrate holder assembly to and from the process section. The substrate holder assembly and each substrate holder are removably coupled to the process section frame, and the substrate holders of the substrate holder assembly are movable relative to the holder frame and positionable in repeatable alignment with respect to a predetermined feature of the process section and independent of positioning of the holder frame with respect to the process section.

Abstract: A component aligning apparatus includes a component aligning jig, in which electronic components to be aligned have a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose length dimension is L, width dimension is W, and thickness dimension is T, the component aligning jig includes electronic component accommodating recesses opening on a surface, the depth Z of the accommodating recesses is shorter than the length L of the electronic components so that a single electronic component is held in each of the electronic component accommodating recesses while partially projecting upwards from each of the recesses with the WT surface on one side facing up, and letting s be the shortest separation that is larger than the thickness T and is the narrowest distance between opposing inside surfaces of each of the accommodating recesses when each of the accommodating recesses is seen in plan view, W>S>T.

Abstract: A carrier and a pressing device for attaching a panel to a casing are disclosed. The carrier includes a carrier main body; a carrier plate; a plurality elastic components; and a supporting component. The carrier plate is configured to carry the panel. The supporting component is connected to the carrier main body and the carrier plate to be a pivot for the carrier plate to rotate around the carrier main body. Each of the elastic components is connected to the carrier plate and the carrier main body, such that the carrier plate may restore upon having force applied thereon and tilt, so as to be adapted to the different sizes of the panel and the casing. Therefore, the panel is completely attached to the casing, and the attachment of the panel and the casing is thus effectively improved.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for handling of substrates in a thermal treatment chamber. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber body having sidewalls, a substrate support assembly disposed in the chamber body, the substrate support assembly movable in a first direction within the chamber body, and two or more support fingers coupled to the sidewalls, the two or more support fingers being movable in a second direction within the chamber body, the second direction being transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a magnetic attachment mechanism is described. A method is provided for determining the magnetic field axis of an element prior to machining it. The magnetic field axis can be used as a reference to machine an outer surface of the magnetic element at a desired angle. The method provides a means to more precisely align magnetic field axes of corresponding magnets in a magnetic attachment system.

Abstract: A device (1) for the handling of containers with a mandrel (4), the cross-section of which is adjusted to the cross-section of one of the containers to be handled, whereby the mandrel (4) is displaceable, relative to the support device (30), along a direction of movement (L) between a resting position and a working position. The device has a spacing element (10) which is displaceable relative to the mandrel (4) in a direction of displacement (R) between at least two positions, whereby the direction of displacement (R) and the direction of movement form an angle with one another that differs by 0°, and whereby this spacing element is constructed in such a manner that the working position of the mandrel (4) in the direction of movement (L) is changed through a shifting of the spacing element.

Abstract: The device is used to retain workpieces, has a tong-like design, and is provided with two tong arms. The tong arms are retained by a tong base and can be arranged at least in an open position and in a closed position. The tong base is retained by a main element. When a specified actuating force is applied, the tong base is released and can be pivoted relative to the main element within a certain range. Respectively one movable counter-element is arranged adjacent to two lateral surfaces of the tong base. The counter-elements are retained in a starting position by means of at least one spring.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tool indexer assembly, a computer numerically controlled machine that includes such tool indexer assembly, and associated methods. The assembly in one embodiment includes a turret and an indexer, the indexer including a portion that is movable with respect to the turret and that includes plural tool station configured to receive plural tool structures. The tool indexer is disposed on a facet of the turret, and, in some embodiments includes a table that is rotatable about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the turret. In another embodiment, a tool indexer includes a clamping mechanism having a source of pressurized fluid and a piston that is hydraulically actuated by the pressurized fluid and movable to a clamping position. The assembly further includes a conduit for delivery of the pressurized fluid proximal the tool structure as coolant fluid.

Abstract: In order to enable high accuracy positioning and strong pressing of a substrate, the present invention provides a substrate holding apparatus including: a rotating bed having an inclined surface supporting a lower side of an outer circumferential side surface of the substrate, which bed rotates on a normal line of the substrate as the rotation axis together with the substrate; a position restriction unit rotating together with the rotating bed and restricting the substrate in a predetermined position on the rotating bed by pressing a plurality of points on the circumference on an upper side of the outer circumferential side surface of the substrate prior to the rotation; and a pressing unit rotating together with the rotating bed and pressing the substrate against the inclined surface by pressing a plurality of points on the upper side of the outer circumferential side surface of the substrate during the rotation.

Abstract: A beam working apparatus, includes opposed vice assemblies for holding and rotating a beam about a long axis thereof and a number of gantries that are arranged for translational motion along the beam. At least one tool head mount is provided fast with each of the gantries for a tool for working upon the beam. A number of motors are provided to selectively rotate the vice assemblies and move the gantries in order that the apparatus can be operated by a computerized control system.

Abstract: A fine positioner module is used to perform fine positioning of a device that is pressing against a work surface. In some embodiments, the fine positioner module includes a contact member for making contact with a work surface, a position adjustor for using the contact member to move the device along the work surface, and an actuator for relieving pressure of the device against the work surface while the contact member is used to move the device along the work surface.

Abstract: A receiving jig device and a working machine using the device. The receiving jig device includes a base table, a bearing member, a rotating axis supported by the bearing member, a rotating device for rotating the rotating axis, a first receiving jig having a supporting arm fixed to the rotating axis, a second receiving jig having a supporting arm connected rotatably to the rotating axis, and an engaging device for causing the supporting arm of the first receiving jig and the supporting arm of the second receiving jig to be brought into a connected or a disconnected state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot system in which a robot and a positioner are combined with each other. In the robot system, footprint is reduced and a production line having a short tact time between steps is formed. The robot system includes a work object, robots that perform a work operation on the work object, and positioners that position the work object, wherein the robots are provided on frame members of the positioners.

Abstract: If the rotation angle in a rotation direction allowed by a joint portion detected by the angle sensor is no more than a predetermined lower limit or no less than a predetermined upper limit, the controller maintains the released state of the brake mechanism so that the rotation of the workpiece in the direction is not restricted.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is for testing products on an assembly line and includes a worktable, a positioning device, and a testing member. The worktable includes a number of wheels pivotably attached to a bottom thereof, and a number of retractable feet attached to the bottom thereof. The positioning device is attached to the worktable and includes a number of clamping members to position a product to be test. The testing member is attached to the worktable and operated by a control box to move a robot arm with a testing head to test the product.

Abstract: A machine tool including a spindle oriented along a first direction with an adjustable chuck to receive a piece to be worked on. The machine tool further includes a transport device positioned essentially perpendicular to the first direction with deposit areas for the deposit of a number of the pieces to be worked on. The transport device is positioned such that each of the deposit areas may be moved into a transfer position in order to receive a piece to be worked on from the pertinent deposit area by the adjustable chuck or to release it from the adjustable chuck and to deposit it in the pertinent deposit area. An orientation device is provided that is configured to orient the piece to be worked on in a deposit area such that it may be received by the adjustable chuck in the transfer position.

Abstract: A jig pallet for conveying a workpiece that is placed on it and has a portion to be worked. The jig pallet has a conveyance carriage (A) movable along a production line, a workpiece receiving member (B) provided on the conveyance carriage (A) and on which the workpiece is placed, a pressing mechanism (E) to be placed so as to face a peripheral section of a to-be-worked portion of the workpiece placed on the workpiece receiving member (B), and an opening/closing member (D) on which the pressing mechanism (E) is provided. When the opening/closing member (D) is closed, the pressing mechanism (E) presses a peripheral section of the to-be-worked portion of the workpiece from above, and when being opened, the pressing is released, enabling the opening/closing member (D) to be opened and closed, with one end of the conveyance carriage (A) functioning as the support point, and allowing the workpiece to be taken out.

Abstract: A connection structure between a lifting device and a lifted body is provided wherein lifted body side portions are connected to a pair of lifting bodies moving up and down on the lifted body outer sides. Gripping means provided in each side of a lifted body grip a lifting arm of each lifting body and include a first gripping piece swingably connected to a base rack and a second gripping piece swingably connected to the first gripping piece. When the lifting arm is separated from the lifted body, the first gripping piece is located outwardly of the lifting arm and a gripper is located within a vertical projective space of the lifting arm, and the first gripping piece is lifted via the second gripping piece, by which a gripper abuts against the lifting arm from below.

Abstract: A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift.

Abstract: A fabrication line that utilizes a jig pallet that is commonly used in processing equipment to efficiently finish and assemble semifinished products of plural shapes. The jig pallet includes a holding member D for holding a semifinished product W and an opening/closing device G1 for opening and closing the holding member D, and allows the semifinished product W to be mounted and dismounted by opening and closing the holding member D with the opening/closing device G1. The jig pallet is transported to processing equipment M1, M2, and M3 to allow the semifinished product to be processed in the fabrication line. An opening/closing driving device G2 that engages the opening/closing device G1 to open and close the holding member is provided along the fabrication line.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fruit. The apparatus includes a frame, at least first and second cutting stations, at least one receptacle in which the fruit is received that includes a plurality of extensions protruding outwardly from an outer circumference thereof, and a conveyor that conveys the receptacle from the first cutting station to the second cutting station. The frame includes a kicker. In use, the object is cut along its vertical axis at the first station, the receptacle is then rotated about its vertical axis as a result of one of the extensions contacting the kicker, and the object is cut at the second station.

Abstract: Mounting device for mounting or demounting a wind turbine blade (14) to or from a hub which is located on a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower (12). The mounting device comprises a sledge which comprises a support structure and a gripping structure. The support structure is adapted to releasably grip the wind turbine tower and adapted to guide the sledge along an outer surface of the wind turbine tower between a bottom end position and a top end position of the tower. The gripping structure is adapted to provide a releasable fixation of the wind turbine blade in a fixed orientation relative to the gripping structure. The sledge is adapted to be moved along the tower by a combination of the support structure and a cable connection to the top end. A tilt device (17) is arranged between the support structure and the gripping structure to facilitate tilting of the gripping structure relative to the support structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pad printing system configured to print a work piece having at least a first print area and a second print area distal from the first print area is provided. The pad printing system may include a first print station and a second print station, wherein each print station is independently operable and configured to transfer a fluid image from an ink tampon to a work piece at least once during a printing cycle. The pad printing system may further include a moveable platform and a work piece holder supported by the platform having a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation may be configured to align the first print area with an ink tampon in the first print station and the second orientation may be configured to align the second print area with an ink tampon in the second print station.

Abstract: A fixture that allows for quickly preparing, painting and finishing a plurality of door panels that have opposed side surfaces interconnected by a relatively narrow edge. The fixture includes upper and lower horizontal support bars. A plurality of spaced vertical support bars extend between and are slidably attached to the upper and lower horizontal support bars so that the spacing between vertical support bars may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the door panels. A plurality of mounting stations are on the vertical supports. A pair of pins are received by the mounting stations and engage the opposite edges of a panel for pivotal movement, painting and finishing of the panel there between.

Abstract: A holding unit for a panel transmitting device provided with a robot of an articulated joint type to hold a panel of various types and transmit between processes includes a supporting means and a plurality of moving means. An end of the supporting means is movably supported and fixed to the robot and the other end of which extends along a width direction of the panel. Each of the moving means is provided with a moving bar an end of which is provided at a side of the supporting means and is able to rotate and slide in a thickness direction and a width direction of the panel so that the other end thereof may hold the panel. With the unit, precise position adjustment can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet.

Abstract: A loading container (10) for a washing machine (60) comprises a containing body (12) to support and position objects to be washed inside the washing machine (60) or washing devices (20, 22) containing the objects to be washed. The container (10) also comprises a base body (14), located below the containing body (12), and a rotation unit (45) to connect rotatably the base body (14) and the containing body (12) so as to allow a selective reciprocal angular positioning of the containing body (12) and the base body (14).

Abstract: A workpiece carrier includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier includes a plurality of first posts substantially parallel to each other. Each of the first posts is rotatable about a central axis thereof. The second carrier includes a plurality of second posts substantially parallel to each other. Each of the second posts is rotatable about a central axis thereof. The first carrier surrounds the second carrier therein. The workpiece carrier further includes at least one connecting arm interconnected between the first carrier and the second carrier, such that the first carrier and the second carrier are jointly rotatable about a rotation axis.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus includes a frame and a contact structure connected to and supported by the frame. The contact structure is configured to receive and secure a workpiece having a plurality of working locations. The contact structure and the workpiece are capable of movement relative to the frame such that each working location of the workpiece has an assembly position proximate to an assembly substation and another position that is distal from the assembly substation, and such that the working location at its assembly position is substantially equidistant from assembly substation relative to the other working locations in their respective assembly positions.

Abstract: An adjustable work platform comprises a fixed platform carrying a multiplicity of adjustable members designed to slide out of the fixed platform to variable lengths as needed. A large irregularly shaped object, such as an aircraft, may be driven into the interior of the platform with the adjustable members retracted. Once in place, the adjustable members are extended to form a heavy duty work platform conforming to the irregular shape of the exterior of the object.

Abstract: A field sawbuck having a tree gripper forming a top side fulcrum for holding an end of a felled tree and a tree engaging arm for pivoting the felled tree about the fulcrum to bring the felled tree to an elevated condition whereby the limbs can be removed and the tree can be conviently cut into desired length without concern for pinching or binding the saw or having the saw blade accidentally contact a support soil for the felled tree as well a method for delivering a felled tree to a field sawbuck that can cantileverly support the felled tree during the process of removing limbs from the tree or during the process of field cutting of the felled tree into firewood lengths.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a platform including a first clamping surface, a track proximate to an edge of the first clamping surface, and a clamp mechanism including a second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is configured to clamp a workpiece between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is mounted to the track. The clamp mechanism is positionable at different locations along the track. The assembly may further comprise one or more adjustable spacer blocks mountable to the track to facilitate precisely positioning a workpiece proximate to the track at least two different spacings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for both rotating a cylinder about its center axis and translating the cylinder linearly along the same axis. The invention is suitable for X-raying rockets and other cylindrical objects. Multi-axis movement is accomplished by two sets of rollers: rotational and translational. The translational roller set is held in a retracted and unengaged position while the cylinder rests on the rotational roller set. Movement about the axis of the rotational roller set is allowed. When the translational roller set is engaged with the cylinder, the cylinder is disengaged from the rotational roller set, and movement about the axis is not allowed, but linear movement is allowed. The action may be reversed and repeated. The rollers or the cylinder may be powered by motor or manual device.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus is provided to fix a cylindrical object. The fixing apparatus includes a support board, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the support board, a moving member, and a number of positioning members. The rotating member defines a receiving space, and a number of receiving slots communicating with the receiving space. The moving member includes a taper-shaped pushing portion, and the pushing portion is slidably received in the receiving space. The number of positioning members are slidably received in the corresponding receiving slots. Each positioning member includes a slanting surface resisting against a circumference of the pushing portion, and a sliding surface to resist against an intrados of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A work supply apparatus that can cope with a variation (decrease or increase) in length of the work and can eliminate adverse effects caused by vibration or the like and a machine tool provided with this work supply apparatus are aimed at to be provided.