Abstract: Disclosed is an automated dolly assembly that includes a body including a frame and a top surface, a sync arm and a support arm connected to the body, and at least one switch disposed on the body to control movement of the support arm. The sync arm is capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the sync arm is in the first position, the sync arm is free from contact with a portion of a workpart carrier traveling along a rail of an overhead conveyor. When the sync arm is in the second position, the sync arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier. The support arm is also capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the support arm is in the first position, the support arm is free from contact with a portion of the workpart carrier. When the support arm is in the second position, the support arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable tube holder (10) is used to print unshrunk heat-shrinkable tubes (14) held in a printer. The holder (10) comprises a flat transport material and holds the heat-shrinkable tubes (14) at certain distances, wherein two tongues (22) of the carrier material (12) are placed into the two ends of each heat-shrinkable tube (14). In order to simplify handling, it is proposed that at least one of the two tongues (22) has a slot (24) at the center. Such a heat-shrinkable tube holder (10) can be used to easily insert a cable (26) into the respective heat-shrinkable tube (14) after printing of the heat-shrinkable tubes while the heat-shrinkable tubes (14) is still positioned on the holder (10).

Abstract: A flexible retaining device (1) for a profiling installation for clamping a sheet metal (5) to be profiled is provided. Furthermore, a method for profiling a sheet metal (5) by using the flexible retaining device (1) is provided as well as sheet metal profiled with the method.

Abstract: A CNC system including a travelling drive bar assembly for support of material to be processed. A CNC system including a cutting tool operates on a work piece in at least three axes, with a gantry across the machine that a carriage moves along and a tool that moves vertically on the carriage. A drive bar, oriented perpendicularly to the gantry and to a vertical axis, may travel to support and move the workpiece along its line of orientation. The drive bar may include an elongated structural member, two tracks mounted longitudinally to the elongated member on opposite sides of the elongated member, and a rack, adapted to accept a pinion to urge the drive bar to move, also mounted longitudinally to the elongated member. Guide wheels may receive the tracks to support and align the drive bar. Rollers may further support material that is mounted to the drive bar.

Abstract: A support assembly and a method for holding an elongated workpiece are provided. First and second tensioning assemblies are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis. Each tensioning assembly has a fixture element adapted to hold a portion of the workpiece and a tension actuator operably coupled to the fixture element to move the fixture element. First and second clamp devices are disposed along the longitudinal axis where the first clamp device is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second lateral clamp device is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal axis. Each lateral clamp device has an end portion configured to hold a portion of the workpiece and restrain the workpiece for twisting and/or lateral movement of the workpiece orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and a clamp actuator operably coupled to the end portion to move the end portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation that is used to perform operations for forming glass or crystal pieces (21), comprising: at least one drive wheel and at least one idler wheel (3); a support element which is driven by the drive wheel; main mandrels (7) which are supported by the support element and which, in turn, each support a first end of a glass or crystal piece (21); and work stations. According to the invention, at least one wheel takes the form of a carousel (2) which comprises secondary mandrels (8), numbering fewer than the main mandrels (7), and which co-operates with the moving support element. Each secondary mandrel (8) opposes a main mandrel (7) along a common axis (23) and supports the second end of the glass or crystal piece.

Abstract: A device for removing particles from a connecting rod includes a clamp for fixing a rod of a connecting rod disposed on a base plate, a vibration cylinder disposed to the clamp and a driving unit connected to the vibration cylinder for reciprocating a cap of the connecting rod according to driving of the vibration cylinder.

Abstract: The invention refers to a machining unit with a work piece changing unit, the work piece changing unit having a cover which can swivel around a rotational axis, and opens and closes the working room of the machining unit for work piece changing processes. The work piece changing unit has at least two lifting and lowering work piece carriers separated by the cover. The work piece carrier remains in the working room during the machining by the machining unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating upholstered furniture articles and components is disclosed. The method employs an assembly line with work stations. A selected beginning part such as a wooden frame or skeleton is transported along the assembly line using a specially configured fixture or jig to hold the frame or skeleton. At selected work stations, the fixture can be rotated or tilted depending upon the work to be performed. A locking arrangement secures the fixture to the track at each work station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece clamping device (10) for clamping a workpiece (9), wherein the workpiece clamping device (10) and in this way the workpiece (9) can be moved by means of a piezoactuator (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method. The invention provides a machine tool in which vibrations occurring during a machining operation are reduced.

Abstract: A support device used in sputtering machine includes a chamber housing, a frame, at least one holding device, a first and second driving assemblies. The frame is rotatably mounted in the chamber housing. The holding device is rotatably mounted on the frame. The first driving assembly is received in the chamber housing and includes a first motor mounted on the chamber housing and a first shaft installed on the first motor. The first driving assembly is configured for driving the frame rotating in a plane by the first shaft. The second driving assembly is received in the chamber housing and includes a second motor mounted on the chamber housing and second shaft installed on the second motor. The second shaft adjacently parallels to the first shaft. The second driving assembly is configured for driving the at least one holding device rotating in a plane perpendicular to the rotating plane of the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fixture assembly that is capable of holding work pieces such tiles of various sizes in various positions in a manner which enables freehand cutting. Various embodiments include a main fixture having a working top surface area that includes strategically placed cylindrical openings that are configured to receive easily manipulated tile holding clamps, various dogs that can be removably secured to the fixture in order to place tiles in a desirable position to be held during a cutting operations. The fixture is light weight and is easily transportable to a jobsite and has the capability of storing the clamps, dogs, marking instruments and the like.

Abstract: Substrate processing method and apparatus are disclosed. The substrate processing apparatus includes a non-contact air bearing chuck with a vacuum preload.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power assist device including a workpiece holding device, a handle, a force sensor that measures operating force of a worker that acts on the handle, a robot arm that supports the workpiece holding device, and a control device that controls an action of the robot arm based on a measurement result of the force sensor. The workpiece holding device includes an angle sensor that measures an inclination angle of the workpiece holding device. An action of robot arm is controlled by the control device based on measurement results of the angle sensor and of the force sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are discloses for wirebonding leads of a plurality of lead frames being part of a lead frame assembly by a wirebonding tool to semiconductor products mounted on the respective lead frames. The semiconductor products are clamped by a clamping mechanism comprising a stationary clamp and a movable clamp. The movable clamp follows the indexing movement of the lead frame assembly during wirebonding of the semiconductor products clamped by the movable clamp. The wirebonding process does not need to be interrupted for the indexing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work holder device designed for holding work for machining by a machine tool and to a machine tool equipped with such a holder device. The work holder device includes a carrier fixture and at least one transferable jig adapted to be attached to the carrier fixture, such transferable jig having a work trap for receiving and holding the work, the at least one transferable jig being able to be inserted on a linear guide arrangement like a drawer into a trap of the transferable jig in an insertion plane and being able to be fixed in the trap in a fixing position.

Abstract: A fixed-side connecting portion 151 is provided on an end of the fixed bar 141 while a movable-side connecting portion 152 is provided on an end of the movable bar 142. An air clamp 16 is housed within the fixed bar 141. By pneumatically driving the air clamp 16 while the movable-side connecting portion 152 is superimposed on an upper side of the fixed-side connecting portion 151, a clamp member 165 protrudes from a case 161 to be downwardly rotated and holds the movable-side connecting portion 152 against the fixed-side connecting portion 151. Since the clamp member 165 is pneumatically driven, a die replacement time can be shortened. In addition, since the air clamp 16 is housed within the fixed bar 141, the size of a transfer feeder 41 can be reduced.

Abstract: A workpiece-transporting apparatus of in-line sputtering machine includes a conveyer unit and a carrying salver. The conveyer unit has a holder, and a transporting wheel group is arranged in the holder. A conveyer belt covers around the transporting wheel group. A driving wheel group is arranged in one side of the conveyer belt and located in the holder. The driving wheel group connects to a motor and surrounded by a connecting belt. The carrying salver is placed on the conveyer belt of the conveyer unit. The carrying salver has a base, a plurality of supporting shafts are assembled in the base and linked together for being driven together. A workpiece base is arranged on the supporting shafts. At least one of the supporting shafts is surrounded by a supporting wheel. The supporting wheel engages with the connecting belt for being driven by the connecting belt.

Abstract: A relocating device for a flexible processing line is embodied for relocating a workpiece holder (56) from a first workpiece holder position to a second workpiece holder position, different from the first, having at least one pilot pin (68), which extends along a pin axis (S) and is adjustable between a nonengagement position, in which it is out of engagement with a workpiece holder (56), and an engagement position, in which it is in engagement with a workpiece holder (56), and the pilot pin (68) has a pilot pin body (78) as well as a first support face (84) and a second support face (86), which extend in the axial direction and the circumferential direction relative to the pin axis (S) and point in the radial direction and are located remote in the radial direction from the pilot pin body (78) and are embodied for contact with counterpart support faces (70a) of an engagement recess (70), and the first support face (84) and the second support face (86) are embodied at least in some portions in different axial

Abstract: A roll-like medium supporting device includes flange members 117 that are fitted to both ends of the roll-like medium; a first holder member 113 that is fixed to a main body of the device so as to support one of the flange members; and a second holder member 114 that is disposed in the main body of the device to be movable in the axial direction of the roll-like medium so as to support the other flange member. With such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate necessity of a conventional lengthy roll shaft and thus to set the roll paper in a simple manner.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device comprising a frame having a bottom surface; a clamping device securable to the frame; and an aligning mechanism for aligning the clamping device in a substantially straight line adjacent to a saw is provided. In one embodiment, the aligning mechanism is a miter track securable to the bottom surface of the frame, the miter track adapted to fit within a miter slot located on the table. In one embodiment, the device can also be used as a fence. A conventional saw, such as a stationary and upright band saw can now be converted into a handy and portable sawmill using one of the devices described herein as an accessory, without the need to make any alterations to the saw or saw table. Users can now, for the first time, hold very short (less than about one (1) ft) and small diameter (down to about one (1) inch) logs in the device described herein and slice them into lumber without causing splitting of the log.

Abstract: A cutting workstation which includes a cutter mounted on an arm type configuration. The arm configuration is slidably moveable relative to a divided work piece support table, the cutter moveable there between. Further, the cutter is capable of elevating the arm either above or below the worktable. Not only is the arm capable of being lengthened and shortened, but also it is also of capable of rotation producing a variety of miter cuts. The arm is also capable of rotating to a vertical axis to produce a chop cut motion. The bifurcated table or work piece support is capable of being rotated through a number of degrees relative to the cutter also producing mitered or angled cuts. The bifurcated worktable is also capable of being elevated above or below or at the level of the cutter. The cutter, if in the form of a circular cutter blade, is preferably provided with the conventional pivotal spring-loaded blade guard.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with: a rotating table apparatus that has a table for holding a workpiece, and that rotates the table based on a drive force that has been input; a processing area for processing the workpiece, the rotating table apparatus being carried into and out from the processing area; and a drive source for inputting the drive force when connected to the rotating table apparatus, the drive source being provided in the processing area such that the drive source can be disconnected from the rotating table apparatus.

Abstract: A production line (1) is constituted of a sliding path (10) as a moving path provided along nine working step positions from a first step position (P1) to a ninth step position (P9), nine skids (20) as support-receipt plates slidably mounted on the sliding path (10) every predetermined interval so as to correspond to the step positions (P1) to (P9), and driving mechanisms (30), that is, (31A), (30B) and (30C) as moving and driving mechanisms for moving and driving the skids (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum bonding a liquid crystal display device includes a unitary vacuum processing chamber, upper and lower stages provided at upper and lower spaces within the vacuum processing chamber for receiving first and second substrates, and at least one first substrate receiving system provided within the vacuum chamber to contact dummy areas between cell areas of one of the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An electronic device (205) is attached to a container (200) that carries a lithography mask (201) through a semiconductor factory (100) form a first station (110) to a second station (120). In the device, a receiver unit (210) receives first data (111) indicating how the first station has used the mask in a first process; a memory unit (220) temporarily stores the first data; a processor unit (230) processes the first data and provides second data (122) indicating how the second station uses the mask in a second future process; and a transmitter unit (240) transmits the second data to the second station or to a factory host.

Abstract: A workpiece processing system having, a first assembly for performing at least a first processing operation on a workpiece at a first location and having a frame, a nesting assembly, a bolster assembly upon which a workpiece can be supported at the first processing location, and a transfer assembly. The bolster assembly is repositionable relative to the frame by movement along a first path between first and second positions.

Abstract: A container for enclosing a mask for a lithographic device is disclosed. The container is at least partially translucent for radiation of at least a predetermined wavelength and is formed in such a way that an image can be obtained from outside the container using light of that wavelength.

Abstract: A mower blade sharpener apparatus has an automatic reciprocating holder means to sharpen lawn mower blades conveniently with any stationary circular flat-faced grindstone with its driving motor affixed to a common base. A housing frame having open opposing sides contains a blade holder with upper and lower securing clamps and a V-shaped cradle. The housing frame is attached by a screw to a carriage automatically moved back and forth a limited distance on a pair of parallel rods to sharpen the lawn mower blade. The housing frame and carriage are driven by a pneumatic system designed with a reciprocating movement of approximately 4 inches in a cycle duration of approximately a second. An on/off pneumatic valve switch automatically shuts off the pneumatic pressure when a semicylindrical shield which covers the blade portion not being sharpened is rotated back away from the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning packaged semiconductor devices having different rectangular shapes and sizes. A positioning apparatus includes an adjustable alignment guide releasably coupled to a base. The adjustable alignment guide may be positioned along a first axis to partially define a recess into which the packaged semiconductor devices are placed during positioning. The positioning apparatus may also include additional adjustable alignment guides that may be positioned along the first or a second axis to further define the recess into which the packaged semiconductor device is to placed during positioning. The adjustable alignment guides may have alignment surfaces against which the integrated circuit rests when placed into the recess that is partially defined by the alignment surfaces.

Abstract: A non-arcing bias rail assembly for supplying an electrical bias potential to a moving workpiece/substrate holder, comprising an elongated metal strip adapted for mounting along a wall of a workpiece/substrate treatment apparatus and having a surface bounded by first and second opposed, laterally extending side edges; a bracket comprised of an electrically insulating material and including a first portion mounted on the surface adjacent to and extending along a portion of the first side edge, and a second portion forming an upstanding wall extending perpendicularly from the first portion and including a surface facing the second side edge of the metal strip; an electrically conductive bias contact spring assembly mounted on the upstanding wall of the bracket facing the second side edge; and electrically insulated wire means electrically connected to the bias contact spring assembly for supplying an electrical bias potential.

Abstract: A system and method of selectively fastening a substrate to a limited travel staging system are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of a substrate holder, a securing mechanism may be manually or automatically moved in a repeatable manner such that a selected region of a substrate can be moved into the precision travel range of a highly accurate staging system. Some embodiments of a substrate holder may comprise an indexing system enabling referenced movements such that one or more selected substrate regions may be moved relative to the stage.

Abstract: The bonding system for auxiliary door seals contains a receiving means for detachably holding a mounting template whose peripheral edge at the narrow side is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart trough-like suction members which are connectable via a joint line and a connection valve to a source of vacuum to suck in the auxiliary door seal placed on the peripheral edge. The receiving means is guided together with the mounting template by a slide means below and past two plasma irradiation means and below two metering devices which apply a predetermined amount of a viscous adhesive to the auxiliary door seal. Each of the metering devices has a double seat valve which releases either the connection between a cartridge and a displacement-type metering means or the connection between the displacement-type metering means and the outlet opening of the valve means.

Abstract: A station (10) for shearing wood sheets from a log comprises a shearing blade (18) and a pair of chucks (16) supporting log gripping means (21). The chucks are powered to rotate around an axis (20) parallel to the blade and the gripping means (21) are movable to change the inclination of the gripped log with respect to said chuck rotation axis.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of carrying out working steps in at least one work station on miniaturized 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: Die bonding apparatus is provided in which in order to move a target die to a pick-up position, a wafer table is moved by rotation and along one linear axis. This reduces the footprint of the apparatus in comparison to prior art apparatus in which this movement is accomplished by movement along two orthogonal linear axes. In an embodiment of the invention, however, movement along a second orthogonal liner axis may also be provided whereby a user may select the method of moving a target die to the pick-up position.

Abstract: This invention refers to a woodworking machine equipped with fastening devices capable of allowing the processing of items of complex shape and variable size, characterized in that it provides a multiple number of devices which are mobile and capable of being positioned on a working plane independently from each other, where each of said devices simultaneously constitutes both a striking element for positioning the item and a blocking element for the same.

Abstract: In a system and method for automatically transporting and precisely positioning a work piece at a station for processing, a relatively low precision transport mechanism is utilized to transfer a chuck that holds the work piece to and from the processing station. Notwithstanding the use of the low precision transport mechanism, the chuck can be precisely positioned at the processing station by using a quasi-kinematic coupling. More specifically, the chuck is precisely located at the coupling by engaging pre-defined indexing notches at the coupling. The chuck is securely held against the coupling at the processing station by suction. The coupling may be supported on a precision stage, which is configured to further position the chuck with the work piece thereon with high precision for processing at the processing station. In another aspect of the invention, the chuck is configured to securely hold a smooth surface of the work piece by suction.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fixture can be used as a part of, or in conjunction with, a manufacturing line to make many different items, such as telephones or other types of communication equipment. A single, multi-purpose fixture can be used to make multiple items. When one item has completed a manufacturing process a different item can be inserted into the same fixture. The fixture is then adjusted to fit the new item. Because the fixture can be used with more than one item, changeover times are reduced as are the costs of developing separate fixtures for each item. Reductions in changeover times and costs allow a manufacturing line to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A transfer device for moving a poison rod assembly between fuel cells in a nuclear fuel storage facility, where the poison rod assembly has a plurality of poison rods depending from a web. The transfer device includes a frame assembly, a poison rod assembly lifting assembly, which is moveable between an upper position and a lower position, a plurality of comb assemblies. The comb assemblies are slidably mounted on the frame so that the comb assemblies slide between an open position and a closed position as the lifting assembly moves from its lower position to its upper position.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A woodworking machine, in particular a trimming machine, of working elongate workpieces such as timbers, beams, boards and the like is proposed, the workpiece resting on a support and a longitudinally movable coupling element guiding the workpiece to working units. In this machine there is provided a guiding element which is likewise longitudinally movable and can be positioned in such a manner at a working unit that, on the one hand, optimal workpiece guidance is achieved and, on the other hand, the coupling element and the guiding element remain outside the operative region of the working unit.

Abstract: A wafer carrier adapter for use with a 200 millimeter wafer carrier and a pod door opener to a front end of a semiconductor processing environment. The 200 millimeter wafer carrier has a bottom surface and is provided with a plurality of recesses extending through the bottom surface in a predetermined configuration and a front opening for accessing silicon wafers in the wafer carrier. The pod door opener has a platform with a kinematic coupling which includes a plurality of pins extending upwardly in a predetermined pattern from the platform for aligning and supporting 300 millimeter wafer carriers relative to a port in the pod door opener. The wafer carrier adapter comprises a support structure having top and bottom surfaces. The support structure is provided with a plurality of recesses extending through the bottom surface adapted to receive the plurality of pins.

Abstract: A component assembly, or fan, comprises a hub having secured thereto a plurality of radially extending components. The hub, which is generally of semi-circular configuration, includes planar raised portions constructed and arranged to be vacuum gripped by a rotary indexing support, or turret, and holes which accommodate guide rods of a hopper for storing a supply of the fans. The components are connected to the hub at angularly spaced intervals by severable linkage portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal fixture for holding printed circuit boards with different sizes and shapes during, stencil printing and other manufacturing processes related to printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a universal fixture for holding a printed circuit board has a platform with a work surface, a first support member attached to the platform to hold a portion of a printed circuit board, and a second moveable support member attached to the first support member to support another portion of the printed circuit board. The platform is preferably adapted to be attached to a workstation of a processing machine, such as a stenciling machine for printing solder or adhesive onto the printed circuit board. The first support member preferably has an elongated sidewall, a first endwall extending transversely from the sidewall, and a second endwall spaced apart from the first endwall along the sidewall and extending transversely from the sidewall.

Abstract: A support fixture to support a PC card, having components on side 1. A backing plate supports a casting, the casting having a nest. The surface of the nest is characterized in that it is a slightly larger mirror image of the side 1 of the PC card. The backing plate has apertures and the casting is received in the apertures to lock the casting to the backing plate. Vacuum holes are formed in the backing plate, to draw a vacuum to hold the PC card in a planar position.

Abstract: A machine for cutting flat bodies, wherein a fixed first table supports flat bodies to be cut into strips; a straight cutting line, located between an input station and an output station, being travelled by a rotary tool for cutting the flat bodies in a given cutting pattern; and a movable second table being connectable to the first table by connecting means, so as to be rotatable selectively about at least one vertical axis, and so as to slide parallel to the cutting line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a sequence of machine operations on connecting rod blanks to convert the blanks from an original casting to a finished product includes loading parts at a beginning of a process stream for performing various machining operations on the parts as the parts travel along the process stream. The process stream is defined at least in part by a first path portion extending between opposing work stations for partially machining the parts, and recirculating the partially machined parts along the process stream into a second path portion. The second path portion extends parallel with the first path portion of the process stream in order to provide generally symmetrically opposing machining operations at the opposing work stations along a portion of the process stream. Lift and carry devices engage and move the raw parts and recirculating parts simultaneously between adjacent opposing work stations in step fashion.