Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously loading a plurality of small items such as small items into the wells of a multiple well microtiter plate which includes a small item loading unit and a small item insertion device. The small item loading device includes a top plate having a plurality of openings positioned to register with the microtiter plate wells and a closure unit to close the openings on one side of the top plate. The small item insertion device includes a base mounting a plurality of plunger pins which each register with a well in the microtiter plate. A movable deck unit is mounted in spaced relationship above the base and is provided with apertures, each of which receives a plunger pin. The small item loading device rests on the deck unit and the closure unit opens the openings therein to drop small items into the apertures over the pins. The deck unit is moved toward the base to cause the pins to enter the wells of a microtiter plate and seat the small items.

Abstract: A component feeder for an automatic placement machine holds a number of tubes containing electronic components and feeds them sequentially to a pick point located at the end of a track. A tube in a loading position is pressed into contact with the end of a track. The remaining tubes in the magazine are held by an escapement mechanism. A pusher is driven along the bore of the tube in the loading position to drive component from the tube and along the track to the pick point. When the tube in the loading position is empty, front and rear supports are withdrawn and the tube drops from the bottom of the feeder. The escapement mechanism then lowers a next tube into the loading position.

Abstract: A wafer transport mechanism is disclosed capable of transferring workpiece cassettes between lot boxes and SMIF pods. The transport mechanism includes a frame having a first support platform on a first side of the frame for supporting a SMIF pod, and a second support platform on a second side of the frame for supporting a lot box. The frame further includes a carrier transfer mechanism which resides completely within the frame when in a home position. The transfer mechanism includes an arm and a gripper pivotally mounted to the arm. Once a SMIF pod and lot box are seated on their respective support platforms, the transfer mechanism transfers a cassette between the two containers.

Abstract: Placement element release device and release system for placement elements having at least one multiple placement element belt which has, transversely with respect to its transport direction at least two tracks along which placement elements are arranged in openings. A transport apparatus is provided, by which the multiple placement element belt can be transported in the transport direction and the openings can be positioned in a collection position. In this case, in the collection position a plurality of placement elements corresponding to the number of tracks are arranged next to one another transversely with respect to the transport direction, and, in the region of the collection position, a screen which can be displaced relative to the placement elements is arranged above the multiple placement element belt in such a way that the placement elements can be covered, and can be released by the screen.

Abstract: A tube feeder for feeding a plurality of components to a pick and place machine includes an elongated channel having a first end and a second end; the first end of the channel arranged so as to receive a component from a source of the component; the second end of the channel having a pick-up location; and the pick-up location including an elevated zone on which the component can pivot.

Abstract: A pick-up apparatus for picking up semiconductor chips comprising an integrated or a separately rotatable composite cam formed by a plurality of cylindrical cams, and a plurality of cylindrical pin holders having a plurality of push-up pins, and at least part of the pin holder is in contact with the composite cam. The rotation of the composite cam selects one of the pin holders suited for pushing up a desired semiconductor chip, and the counter rotation selects another pin holder suited for another semiconductor chip having a different size. In this manner, a plurality of semiconductor chips having different sizes can be properly picked up without replacing the pin holder.

Abstract: A handling assembly for handling integrated circuits and trays for receiving these integrated circuits, the handling assembly comprising at least one integrated circuit manipulator having a holder pivoted on a fixed axis of rotation; the holder having a plurality of grippers arranged substantially in the plane passing through said axis of rotation, the holder being adapted to rotate said plurality of grippers at least to a first and second angular positions, a tray transporter adapted to move a tray into an operational position in which at least one of the integrated circuits in the tray is engageable by at least one of the grippers rotated to the first angular position, and an integrated circuit receiving/releasing means engageable by at least one of the grippers rotated to the second angular position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape feeder for use with electronic assembly machines. The feeder simultaneously presents multiple electronic components in a pick up zone for access by a pick up head having a plurality of pick up spindles. The effective feed rate for the electronic components is increased and waiting time for the pick up head is reduced.

Abstract: A plate feeding apparatus includes a slide mechanism for horizontally moving one of a plurality of cassettes, a lift mechanism for supporting and vertically moving the cassette horizontally moved by the slide mechanism, to a plate feed position for feeding plates to an image recording apparatus, a transport mechanism for transporting the plates to the image recording apparatus from the cassette moved to the plate feed position by the lift mechanism, and a strip sheet discharge mechanism for discharging strip sheets each disposed between an adjacent pair of the plates.

Abstract: A method and device for unloading stacked sheet-like items from an open box-shaped container with an open top into a v-shaped receiving device is provided. The box-shaped container is inserted into a holding device. The top of the box-shaped container is closed off with a plunger. The box-shaped container and holding device is swung such that a side wall of the holding device is approximately aligned against and overlaps a flank of the v-shaped receiving device. The plunger is lifted off the top of the box-shaped container and swung to the side such that the items slide into the receiving device.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying, for instance, dies, comprising: an X-axis moving block movable in an X-axis direction that is a lead frame conveying direction, a Y-axis moving block installed on the X-axis moving block and moved in a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction, a nozzle holder installed on the Y-axis moving block so as to be movable upward and downward, a Z-axis guide rail installed on the X-axis moving block and has an inclined part that rises from a die pick-up position side toward a die bonding position side, a Z-axis moving plate moved upward and downward along the Z-axis guide rail and is connected to the nozzle holder, and a suction chucking nozzle that holds the dies by vacuum suction and is installed so as to be moved upward and downward on the nozzle holder and together with the nozzle holder.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a rotary wafer carousel and related wafer handler for moving wafers or other workpieces through a processing system, i.e., a semiconductor fabrication tool. Generally, the present invention includes a rotary wafer carousel having a plurality of wafer seats disposed thereon to support one or more wafers. The rotary carousel is preferably disposed through the lid in a transfer chamber opposite the robot which is preferably disposed through the bottom of the transfer chamber. The rotary carousel and the robot cooperate to locate wafers adjacent to process chambers and move wafers into and out of various chambers of the system. The invention improves the throughput of the system by positioning wafers adjacent to the appropriate chamber to reduce the amount of movement required of the robot for transporting wafers between chambers.

Abstract: For stripping selected chips from a wafer of diced chips adhered, bottom surface down, to a flexible, elastic membrane, the bottom surface of the membrane is disposed against an apertured plate of a vacuum chuck for firmly holding the membrane in place with a group of the chips directly overlying push-up pins vertically movable through slots through the apertured plate. Selected pins are fired upwardly with sufficient speed to dislodge struck chips, but not non-selected adjacent chips, off the membrane and to hurl them, in free flight, upwardly against an overlying chip catching member. The stripped and caught chips are then transferred for storage or use.

Abstract: In a method for aligning products, the products, being substantially aligned in crossways rows on a first conveyor, are carried by the first conveyor in hollows made in trays through a pickup position at which the products in each row are picked up by a suction head which, while remaining parallel to itself, moves in a circular path extending partly over the first conveyor. The suction head transfers the products along a portion of its path between the pickup position and an unloading position at which the products are dropped onto a second conveyor equipped with hollows so that the products are arranged in a single line, with one product in each hollow.

Abstract: A bulk component feeder is provided for delivering components contained with a bulk cassette. The feeder includes a feeder housing defining a component cassette receiving area. The receiving area includes a cassette mounting means for registration with the cassette, and the housing defines an opening for receiving components from the cassette. A gate slidable within the cassette receiving area interfaces with a mounting means, and the gate is slidable to cover the opening in a closed position and uncover the opening in an open position upon attachment of the cassette to the housing. A spring is used to bias the gate toward the closed position, and a latch is mounted to the housing and is engagable with the gate to prevent sliding of the gale toward the open position and thereby prevent installation of the cassette.

Abstract: The feed device has its own pneumatic lifting device for raising and lowering a table-like support (2) for feed modules (5), in which the electrical components can be moved into a pick-up position. As a result, the feed device can be exchanged quickly and easily.

Abstract: A mechanism for accurately transferring a predetermined number of IC (Integrated Circuit) packages from a first IC (integrated Circuit) storage tube to a second IC (Integrated Circuit) storage tube. A first tube platform holds the first IC package storage tube at an inclination, and a second tube platform holds the second IC package storage tube at an inclination. Additionally, an IC (Integrated Circuit) package transfer wheel is disposed between the first tube platform and the second tube platform. The IC package transfer wheel has a plurality of spokes radiating outward from a center of the IC package transfer wheel. An IC package from the first IC package storage tube encounters a stopping spoke of the plurality of spokes of the IC package transfer wheel when the first IC package storage tube is placed on the first tube platform, and the stopping spoke prevents the IC package from entering the second IC package storage tube.

Abstract: A method of transferring IC devices with use of a horizontal transfer test handler in horizontal directions to and from a test head wherein the test handler includes a device tray for carrying a plurality of IC devices to be tested, an IC socket mounted on the test head to interface between the IC device under test and an IC tester by establishing electrical connections therebetween, and a reference position marker provided on an upper surface of the test handler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning dirty transport containers, especially catering carts, the device comprising:—a cleaning chamber with essentially vertical chamber walls, a closable insertion opening for the transport containers, a supporting surface for the transport containers, a plurality of nozzles for emitting a cleaner for cleaning the transport containers, and a dryer for drying the cleaned transport containers, —an insertion track disposed against the insertion opening and outside the cleaning chamber for temporary keeping and insertion of the dirty transport containers, and—automated insertion in the cleaning chamber of dirty transport containers placed on the insertion track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for emptying a container filled with products such as agricultural or horticultural products by immersing the container in a basin filled with liquid, causing the products to flow out of the container and lifting the emptied container out of the basin, wherein the container is tilted in the basin and lifted out of the basin in a curved path. In this manner products which do not float, or hardly so, can be offloaded quickly and efficiently without danger of damage. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method. Such an apparatus is provided according to the invention with a basin filled with liquid and means for immersing the filled container in the basin and lifting the container therefrom after offloading of the products, which immersing and lifting means are adapted to perform a combined tilting and translation movement along a curved path during offloading of the products.

Abstract: An egg removal apparatus includes a frame and a manifold removably secured to the frame. The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups. The removable manifold can be quickly and easily removed from a supporting frame and cleaned as a unit.

Abstract: A carrier for refuse containers of the type having a front and a back, a top and a bottom, wheels located on the bottom back, and a cross bar located on the front midway between the top and bottom, comprising a longitudinal main beam and a plurality of cradles supported by the main beam. Each cradle is adapted to support one of the refuse containers from the bottom thereof. A locking mechanism includes a latch hook extending from the main beam centered with respect to the cradle to selectively lock onto the cross bar of the trash receptacle, and an operating handle extending alongside the cradle for engaging the latch hook.

Abstract: A tape feeder 200 includes a sprocket 201 having a plurality of teeth 202 for engaging holes of a tape. A pawl 205 engages selected teeth of sprocket 201. A first lever 203 is coupled to pawl 205 and a second lever 204 is coupled to first lever 203 and a source 208 of a driving force. First lever 203 and second lever 204 operate by a toggle action to selectively engage pawl 205 with ones of teeth 202 and thereby index sprocket 201.

Abstract: In an integrated-circuit tester which is provided with a contact failure analysis/storage part for counting and storing the number of failures occurring at each contact, an automatic stop part for deciding contact as defective based on the numbers of failures stored in the storage part and for stopping a handler, an automatic turn-OFF part by which, upon each operation of the automatic stop part, contacts having met the stop condition are automatically put in their unused state, and a defective contact display for displaying the number of contacts put in the unused state upon each automatic stop of the handler, an operator checks the number of contacts put in the unused state upon each automatic stop of the handler, then decides whether or not all the contacts used are to be replaced, and performs the necessary operations for resuming the test.

Abstract: A rotary-type circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, at least one rotary table which is rotatable about a first axis line which is substantially vertical and which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a circle having a center on the first axis line, and a table-driving device which rotates and stops the rotary table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one pendent feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the rotary table such that the main portion extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and which supports a tape-feeding mechanism which feeds a tape carrying the circuit components to the component-supply portion of the pendent feeder,

Abstract: A bulk mail processing system (10) conveys bulk mail containers (C) from a receiving station (R) at which the container is placed on a conveyor (12) to an unloading station (D) at which the contents of the container are dumped. A video camera (22) obtains an image of the container which is transmitted to a processor (24). The image is processed to determine if residual mail (M) is left in the container after it is emptied. A mechanism (18) removes the container from the conveyor, empties the container, and then returns the container back to the conveyor. A controller (20) controls operation of the emptying mechanism. The controller is responsive to an input from the processor that all the contents of a container have been removed to replace the empty container on the conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for transporting disks in vacuum to a vacuum station whereat a lubricant film is applied uniformly to the surfaces of the disks by evaporation. Thickness uniformity is achieved by directing the evaporate through a multi-hole aperture plate. Described is equipment for manufacture, the process of manufacture and the novel disks created.

Abstract: A horizontal transfer test handler for transferring IC devices under test in horizontal directions to and from a test head.

Abstract: Trays for temporary reception of accumulations of parallel cigarettes are being introduced into and withdrawn from open-sided containers for groups of trays. The containers are provided with partitions defining tray-receiving compartments in a predetermined distribution, and the trays are assembled into groups wherein the trays are arrayed in such a way that they can be pushed, as a unit, into an empty container whereby each tray of the array enters a discrete compartment. Analogously, a set of mobile suction-operated devices is used to simultaneously withdraw an entire group of arrayed trays from the compartments of a filled container. The introduction of groups of filled or empty trays into containers can take place at a first level, and the evacuation of groups of filled or empty trays from filled containers can take place at a different second level. The second level can receive filled trays from a tray filling unit and the first level can serve for delivery of empty trays to the tray filling unit.

Abstract: A battery of rod making machines of the tobacco processing industry (such as plain or filter cigarette makers or filter rod makers) is separated from a battery of processing machines (such as cigarette packing or filter tipping machines) by a magazine which is provided with compartments for discrete containers. Articles which are turned out by the making machines are introduced into so-called trays, and groups of filled trays are introduced into containers which are delivered into the compartments of the magazine for temporary storage, or directly to the processing machines, A container which is to furnish articles to a processing machine is relieved of filled trays, and the contents of the filled trays are conveyed to one or more selected processing machines. The thus emptied trays are returned into containers, and such containers are thereupon delivered into the magazine or directly to one or more selected rod making machines.

Abstract: A component conveying device is provided in which a lead component and a second component behind the lead component can be reliably separated and the lead component can be readily extracted with reduced error. The device includes a guide groove 6 for guiding and aligning the components P in a single line. A blade 5 is provided which moves back and forth in the groove. The components P are conveyed forward by moving the blade 5 forward at a low speed and then moving the blade backward in a high speed. A first stopper 31 holds a second component at the distal end of the device. A second stopper 41 stops the lead component P1 from moving back and forth, and a shutter 43 includes a magnet 49 for attracting the lead component. The second stopper is provided at a distal end portion of the guide groove 6.

Abstract: A chip supplying apparatus for picking chips from a wafer positioned on an elastic film is disclosed. The chip supplying apparatus includes a shifting device, a clutch device, a film-expanding device, and a chip-picking device. In the present chip supplying apparatus, the input torque provided by the clutching device for driving the film-expanding device to perform a film-expanding operation is orthogonal to the resulting rotation torque of the film-expanding device. Therefore, when the film-expanding operation is performed, the film-expanding device will not shake. In other words, the present chip supplying apparatus can perform stable film-expanding operation.

Abstract: The invention is a stacked tube component feeder with changeable parts to accommodate different size components. A feed station, including a channel, is mounted on a base. The feed station includes a slot for holding component tubes. A changeable component track is mounted in the channel, and a singulator is mounted on the component track to prevent the feeding of more than one component at a time to a changeable component nest. A removable nest is mounted on the base for receiving components from the removable component track, and transports the component between first and second positions on the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advancing and extracting a component from a tube or channel of a magazine by the employment of a vacuum to a port that engages an open proximal end of the tube or channel of the magazine where the vacuum is sufficient to advance and hold the component as the head is moved away from the proximal end in a direction parallel to the long axis of the tube or channel of the magazine.

Abstract: The contents of successive containers for comminuted tobacco leaves are transferred onto or into a receiver (such as a belt conveyor) at a transfer station where an indexible upright manipulator carries a lifter and an evacuating device including a tilting unit. Successive containers, delivered to the transfer station by a roller conveyor or the like, are lifted by the lifter off the conveyor and the manipulator is thereupon indexed to deliver the lifted container to a location above the receiver. The tilting unit is thereupon caused to tilt the container to thus transfer, by gravity flow, the contents of the container onto an openable intercepting device at a level between the tilter and the receiver. The intercepting device is thereupon opened to permit the intercepted material to descend onto or into the receiver. The manipulator is thereupon indexed to move the emptied container to a position above a further conveyor serving to transport empty containers away from the transfer station.

Abstract: A component supply apparatus includes a rectangular cross-sectional component passage which can house a plurality of chip components in a longitudinal direction, and at a first side surface of the tip of this component passage a rectangular-shaped component discharge opening is formed, and at a second side surface opposing the first side surface of the tip of the component passage a rectangular-shaped pusher insertion opening is formed. Inserting the pusher into the component passage through the pusher insertion opening enables a forefront electronic component to be pushed by the pusher and be discharged outside from the component discharge opening in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A chip peeling apparatus has a plurality of protrusions which include first protrusions and second protrusions lower than the first protrusions. A vacuum pump communicates through holes with grooves defined between adjacent ones of the protrusions. A UV sheet is attached to chips, and the chips are supported in the vicinity of their corners by the tops of the first protrusions. When the vacuum pump is actuated, the chips and streets disposed between the chips are lowered, and the chips are curved and supported in abutment against the tops of the second protrusions. Each of the chips is gradually peeled off the UV sheet under a force tending to recover the original shape of the curved sheet. The chip peeling apparatus is effective in preventing the chips from being damaged and positionally deviated when the chips are attracted and carried.

Abstract: A transfer machine tipper mechanism for overturning a container being moved from a first station to a second station. The transfer machine tipper mechanism has a plurality of actuators to engage and rotate the container. The actuators are sequenced to rotate the container from an initial orientation to a final orientation wherein the final orientation is defined by the top and bottom of the container being inverted from the initial orientation.

Abstract: A tape feeder 200 includes a sprocket 201 having a plurality of teeth 202 for engaging holes of a tape. A pawl 205 engages selected teeth of sprocket 201. A first lever 203 is coupled to pawl 205 and a second lever 204 is coupled to first lever 203 and a source 208 of a driving force. First lever 203 and second lever 204 operate by a toggle action to selectively engage pawl 205 with ones of teeth 202 and thereby index sprocket 201.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharger is disclosed having an inner product tube for receiving the discharge spout on the bottom of the bulk bag, the tube being housed within an outer chamber that traps and retains foreign material and contaminants that could otherwise fall into the clean product zone. The result is discharge of product from within the bulk bag with minimal contamination from the outer bag.

Abstract: A semiconductor device transporting apparatus and a semiconductor device posture altering apparatus are provided which constitute a portion of a semiconductor device transporting and handling apparatus used in a semiconductor device testing apparatus of magazine/tray combination type. The semiconductor device transporting apparatus and the semiconductor device posture altering apparatus are used for loading onto a test tray in the horizontal posture semiconductor devices from a magazine supported in an inclined posture by which semiconductor devices can run out therefrom by their own weights.

Abstract: The delivery device is provided with sword-like flat parts (2) at which reels (6) having component belts (7) are individually held. The flat parts (2) are guided between circular guide disks (3) at their base end, the circular guide disks (3) being slipped onto a swiveling axis. As a result thereof, the operation of the delivery means is facilitated.

Abstract: An automatic bulk vending machine is described including specific details as to various aspects of accurate volumetric dispensing, the separation of small broken pieces or fines from the dispensed product, and the easy and sanitary loading of such a machine. Further details as to how to provide a highly flexible selection process are provided. An automatic bulk vending machine according to the present invention may include a touch-screen for providing a visually entertaining and instructive display to guide a customer through the product selection process. Products to be selected may be stored in bins and volumetrically dispensed by a dispenser to a blending and holding pan. From this pan, they are then directed through a dispenser tube including a fines separator and collector to a dispensing cup. Bulk refill containers are also disclosed. Unlike an ordinary vending machine, the customer can choose the blend of product to be purchased.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, chamfering and unloading a ceramic or ceramic/polymer substrate for electronic components. An automatic part loader moves substrates in a row as a unit, using a frangible pin to push the parts. The part loader separates the first of the substrates from the rest, and a load pedestal pushes the first substrate up into a loading/unloading nest. The load pedestal is mounted on rods so that the substrate may move laterally to center itself in the nest. The nest then rotates to load the substrate onto a movable process pedestal. The chamfering apparatus includes a pair of spaced, rotatable cutting spindles for chamfering edges and corners on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a rotary wafer carousel and related wafer handler for moving wafers or other workpieces through a processing system, i.e., a semiconductor fabrication tool. Generally, the present invention includes a rotary wafer carousel having a plurality of wafer seats disposed thereon to support one or more wafers. The rotary carousel is preferably disposed through the lid in a transfer chamber opposite the robot which is preferably disposed through the bottom of the transfer chamber. The rotary carousel and the robot cooperate to locate wafers adjacent to process chambers and move wafers into and out of various chambers of the system. The invention improves the throughput of the system by positioning wafers adjacent to the appropriate chamber to reduce the amount of movement required of the robot for transporting wafers between chambers.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharger is disclosed having an inner product tube for receiving the discharge spout on the bottom of the bulk bag, the tube being housed within an outer chamber that traps and retains foreign material and contaminants that could otherwise fall into the clean product zone. The result is discharge of product from within the bulk bag with minimal contamination from the outer bag.

Abstract: A fully automatic device is provided for handling components-containing tubes and for feeding the components contained in these tubes into the input rail or "accumulator" of the loading area of a component processing equipment. Another fully automatic device which is very similar in structure to the above device is also provided for recovering the components from the output rail of the unloading area of the component processing equipment, and reinserting such components into their tubes. Both of these devices have a column holder mounted on a frame for receiving and holding a column of tubes stacked one above the other. A rotatable barrel having a conical shape and a horizontal axis supports a set of tube catching assemblies.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus for supplying surface mounting elements for suction by a suction nozzle for surface mounting on PC boards, the apparatus including a first casing, a second casing connected in series to the first casing in an oblique position, first holder means which holds a delivery pipe on the first casing, second holder means which holds a stack of material pipes on the second casing, a material take-up unit mounted on the first casing and controlled to take out surface mounting elements from the delivery pipe for suction by the suction nozzle above, vibration motors controlled to vibrate the delivery pipe and the material pipes, enabling surface mounting elements to be shaken out of the material pipes into the delivery pipe in proper order and then shaken out of the delivery pipe to the material take-up unit, and an empty pipe return drive unit controlled to carry emptied material pipes away from the second casing.

Abstract: To provide a compact parts feeding apparatus capable of reducing the parts stock in the line, and facilitate the exchange between different kinds of devices, a first transfer unit 200A of a transferring and positioning arrangement 200C of a parts feeding apparatus 200, transfers a tray T carrying parts PB upward in a first direction Z1 from a conveyor arrangement 14. A positioning unit 200D positions the tray T carrying the parts PB in a determined position within the assembly range of an assembling body 10 of the first transfer unit 200A. A second transfer unit 200B descends in a second direction Z2 opposite to the first direction, to transfer the positioned tray T to the first transfer unit 200a or to discharge the tray T after it has been emptied of parts onto the conveyor arrangement 14.

Abstract: The apparatus is used to remove a generally rectangular container from an unloading device that places the container in a predetermined position. The container has a bottom surface, upstanding sidewalls and forward and rear endwalls. The apparatus includes a base portion for supporting the apparatus and a container removing arm pivotally attached to the base portion configured to releasably engage the container and remove the container from the unloading device. Also included are container engaging clamps operatively connected to the container removing arm arranged to contact and releasably engage at least one of the bottom surface, the upstanding sidewalls, the forward endwall, and the rear endwall of the container. A powered assembly pivotally displaces the container removing arm when the clamps releasably engage the container. A controller is operatively coupled to the powered assembly to selectively control forward and backward pivoting of the arm.