Abstract: A parts supplying apparatus for supplying an array of resin molded parts (10) includes an elongated guide member (80) having a longitudinally extending guide passage (81) through which the parts array is fed, and a rotatably driven winding device (43). The guide member has a guide surface (83) along which the parts array is guided and is also provided with at least one hole (85) through which the carrier (31, 33) is drawn to allow the carrier to be drawn away and separated from the molded parts. The carrier is adapted to be wound on the winding device for pulling the carrier and effecting movement of the parts array within the guide passage and for causing the carrier to be separated from the molded parts as the molded parts move past the holder in the guide member. A parts array utilized in conjunction with such an apparatus includes a plurality of molded parts and a carrier to which each of the molded parts are arranged in a row on the carrier.

Abstract: A lead frame magazine conveying device including magazine guides that guide the lead frame magazine to be conveyed. The magazine guide comprises a fixed guide and a movable guide which is a bar attached at the end of a swing lever. When the movable guide is brought into contact with one side of the lead frame magazine, the swing lever is tightened by a screw so as not to swing, thus turning the movable guide so as to be immovable, making it possible to smoothly guide the lead frame magazine in cooperation with the fixed guide which is in contact with another side of the lead frame magazine.

Abstract: A lead frame magazine conveying device including vertically provided magazine loader and unloader sections and an elevator system which transfers the lead frame magazine between the magazine loader and unloader sections after bringing the magazine to lead frame receiving or feed out positions. The conveying device further includes a magazine pressing assembly which presses and corrects the attitude of the magazine in the elevator so that the elevator can move the magazine after its attitude is corrected properly by the magazine pressing assembly.

Abstract: An IC transfer system can be used in conjunction with either a tray type magazine or a rod-shaped magazine. A device reinspection method in the IC test handler reinspects the DUT stored in the magazine without human intervention, sorts in accordance with the test results, and stores in the magazine and the customer tray. For this purpose, a tray supply section transfers a user tray (170) to a test tray (180), whereas a magazine supply section (152) and a pick carrier section (112) transfer a rod-shaped magazine (150) to the test tray (180). An inspection setting sets the number of reinspections, the classification of inspection results, and the storage tray/magazine. The DUT (215) is loaded (203) from the magazine to the test tray (180) and is tested (204). After testing (204), a judgement is made whether or not the reinspection mode is effective.

Abstract: A pivotal mail tray unloader for unloading a tray having mail pieces horizontally stacked therein includes a frame having an elongated, inclined support surface, a carriage slidably mounted to the frame, and a retaining member slidably mounted to the frame. The carriage includes first, second and third pivotal support members. The first support member pivots upwardly and forwardly from said support surface and carries the tray thereon. The second support member is also pivotal upwardly and forwardly and is positioned adjacent to and forward of the first support member. The second member receives the tray from the first support member. The third support member is mounted to the second support member forward thereof and is adapted to receive the mail pieces thereon. The third support member pivots forwardly to receive the mail pieces and subsequently, pivots rearwardly to reorient the mail in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A belt drive tube feeder for use in a surface mount placement system (SMPS) reliably advances a sequence of parts fed from a tube at a determinable sequential rate to a pick location on a belt assembly that includes one or more intermittently driven endless belts. Intermittent movement of the belts moves the parts along a track past a foot to the pick location. One part at a time is advanced to the pick location, with its immediate adjacent neighbor being clamped by the foot prior to the part being picked.

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: A lead frame magazine conveying device including magazine guides that guide the lead frame magazine to be conveyed. The magazine guide comprises a fixed guide and a movable guide which is a bar attached at the end of a swing lever. When the movable guide is brought into contact with one side of the lead frame magazine, the swing lever is tightened by a screw so as not to swing, thus turning the movable guide so as to be immovable, making it possible to smoothly guide the lead frame magazine in cooperation with the fixed guide which is in contact with another side of the lead frame magazine.

Abstract: A pivotal tray unloading apparatus is directed to unloading a plurality of generally rectangular documents onto a feed ramp where the documents are disposed in a generally rectangular container. The container has a bottom surface, upstanding sidewalls and forward and rear endwalls. The apparatus has a primary axis defined to be coaxial with the common edge of the bottom surface and the rear endwall of the container. The apparatus includes a first generally planar reference surface, a second generally planar reference surface fixedly attached to the first reference surface at a substantially right angle, where the second reference surface has a support paddle operatively coupled thereto. The first and second reference surfaces are configured to pivot forwardly and backwardly about the primary axis. The backward pivoting of the reference surfaces effects registration of the plurality of documents toward the first reference surface.

Abstract: An IC package transfer mechanism for transferring molded IC packages to and from a flat tray with a large number of IC holder nests in an array and an IC magazine adapted to accommodate a large number of IC packages in a row within a tubular housing to be turned into a tilted position in loading and unloading operations to let IC packages slide into or out of the cylindrical housing automatically by gravity.

Abstract: A hanger for facilitating the unloading of loose material stored in bulk form in semi-rigid containers. The hanger includes a frame that is positioned over the container. The container is attached to the frame along its outer perimeter by a number of pivoting arms. The arms are biased so that in the absence of a counteracting force, they pivot inwardly towards the center of the container. When a loaded container is initially attached to the hanger, the arms hold it in a fully expanded state. As the container is emptied from a bottom opening, the weight of the container drops, allowing the biasing members to pivot the arms inwardly and upwardly. The inward movement of the arms results in the arms moving the outer perimeter of the bag inwardly and upwardly. Consequently, the lower portion of the container takes on a conical profile to facilitate the emptying of the contents from the container.

Abstract: A waste container throw-in system of a building, comprises a container holder for holding a waste container therein, a handcart for carrying the container holder thereon, a vertical conveyor tube vertically provided in the building, a waste throw-in apparatus including a frame structure and miscellaneous actuators, an inserting tube inserted in the vertical conveyor tube and a central control system for controlling the waste throw-in apparatus. When a collector carries the handcart to the waste throw-in apparatus and couples therewith, the container holder is lifted up from the handcart and moved in the horizontal direction toward the vertical conveyor tube with the help of the actuators. Then, the inserting tube is removed from the vertical conveyor tube and instead thereof the container holder is inserted in the vertical conveyor tube, whereby the waste container is thrown into the vertical conveyor tube.

Abstract: To provide a compact parts feeding apparatus capable of reducing the parts stock in the line, and facilitate 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 conveyor arrangement 14. A positioning unit 200D the tray T carrying the parts PB in a determined position within the assembling range of a assembling body 10 from 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: A device for emptying the contents of a bag into a hopper includes an arrangement for lifting the bag to a position higher than the top edge of the hopper, an arrangement for transporting the bag from an intermediate position in a frame to an unloading position including a retractable conveyor as the upper end of the bag is still engaged by the arrangement for lifting, an arrangement of cutters for cutting the lateral sides of the bag and the leading side of the bag to form a flap connected to the bag by the trailing side which flap will be opened by retracting the forward end of the retractable conveyor to allow the flap to open to discharge the contents as the bag is maintained by the arrangement for lifting over the hopper.

Abstract: A substrate transport path adjustment apparatus allows adjustment of the transport path of a substrate by placing a magazine between regulating members for regulating the position of the magazine provided roughly in a straight line with respect to guide members which guide a substrate along a prescribed path. The magazine is positioned with respect to the prescribed path by moving both regulating members in synchronization in the same direction after the regulating members engage the magazine by approaching each other. The substrate is pushed out from the magazine to bring the substrate between the guide members, and the guide members are driven to approach the substrate. Both guide members are moved in synchronization in the same direction to position the substrate with respect to the prescribed path.

Abstract: A disposal facility for loading objects stored in a bin into a container. The facility includes a plurality of subassemblies, each having a bin and a container. A movable gantry is disposed for movement over each of the subassemblies. A movable gripping assembly, coupled to a carriage traversing an upper section of the gantry, moves perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage. The movable gripping assembly includes an activation device for raising the bin, from a rest position to a position above the container, opening the bottom of the bin, closing the bottom of the bin, and replacing the bin to its original rest position.

Abstract: For high-performance packaging machines, a correspondingly large stock of cigarettes must be supplied. A container magazine (11 ) serves for receiving a plurality of containers (12) combined to form storage units (18). Each container receives a relatively large number of cigarettes. Filling takes place via a bottom wall (17). The storage units (18) can be moved up and down and transversely within the container magazine (11). The containers (12) are also designed in a special way, in order to guarantee fault-free filling and emptying.

Abstract: A tiltable specimen holder (48) in an apparatus (46) for performing an automated operation on a selected one of multiple specimens (12) contained in a specimen carrier (10) has a receiving member (60) that, when oriented in a load position (48C; FIG. 10), receives the carrier from, or presents the carrier to, the hand (108) of a human being (110) without substantial flexure of the human being's wrists (112). The holder also has a bottom member (62) that cooperates with the receiving member and a support member (32, 34) of the carrier to place and hold the carrier in a predetermined alignment relative to the receiving member. The receiving member has beveled edges (84, 86, 88) that cooperate with a guide member (28, 30) of the carrier to guide the carrier to self-align into grooves (90, 92) defined by the beveled edges. Rollers (94) in the grooves cooperate with the guide members to guide the carrier to the predetermined alignment.

Abstract: A slip sheet for use with bulk containers and a method of use of such slip sheet. An empty bulk container is detachably secured to a slip sheet including one or more movable edges. The slip sheet and container can be manipulated and transported with a forklift or similar machinery. The slip sheet can be easily detached from the container after use via the movable edges.

Abstract: A mud pan apparatus provided for use in combination with a well drilling device. The mud pan apparatus includes a housing having a bottom, opposed sidewalls and opposed end walls. Together, the bottom, sidewalls and end wall of the housing form a reservoir which is adapted to receive a slurry laden with earth deposits produced during the well drilling operation. A plurality of sprockets are rotatably mounted on opposite sidewalls of the housing and a chain that is provided around each set of sprockets. A plurality of space scrapers are secured to the chains so that the scrapers extend between the chains and thus across the bottom of the housing. A motor rotatably drives the pulleys which causes the scrapers to move along the bottom of the housing and up one side of the housing to thereby remove earth deposits from the housing and onto the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with the determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

Abstract: A filter plug tray includes a housing having a loading port which cooperates with external loading and unloading stations, a feed conveyor for conveying filter plugs across the loading port, and expandable filter plug constraining means positioned in the housing to contain the filter plugs in a desired orientation and alignment. The constraining means includes a flexible band wound under tension on a reel rotatably mounted the housing. The flexible band unwinds as plugs are loaded into the tray and winds onto the reel to urge plugs to the loading port as plugs are unloaded.

Abstract: A bar-like article supplying apparatus is constructed such that a tray is carried in while remaining in an erected condition on a dolly, which moves intermittently. The tray is open at an upper face thereof and is turned over and fed to drop and supply bar-like articles from the tray into a supply port. Then, the inverted tray is turned over and fed so as to be returned into an erected condition and then is carried out to a dolly while remaining in the erected condition. After the tray is carried into an occupied tray turning over mechanism by a carrying-in mechanism, the occupied tray turning over mechanism is turned over, and consequently, the inverted tray is in an inverted condition just above the supply port so that supply of the bar-like articles is started. When the tray during such supplying is transferred to an empty tray turning over mechanism, the occupied tray turning over mechanism is turned over back to allow a next tray to be carried in.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading objects packed in alternating orientations, for loading into automatic machines for the purposes of subsequent processing where the objects must be presented one by one with the same orientation is made up of two angle plates, a magazine carriage, a thruster, an elevator, a translationally moveable extractor unit, a track for removing the extracted objects, parallel guides along the final stretch of the track, separated from each other by a distance equal to the least thickness of the extracted objects, two other removing tracks downstream of the parallel guides, one track leading to the automatic machine to which the objects are to be fed, and the other leading to advice for inverting the objects.

Abstract: Sheets are stacked in a container substantially open at its front, and which has a pair of sidewalls and an upright back wall having a pair of edges each secured to a respective adjacent edge of the sidewalls. After a stack of sheets is formed within the container by depositing them through the open front of the container, the bottom of the stack or container is supported, and the supported stack and the container are lifted and moved from a first location to a second location. Because of the open front, the container can be slipped from around the stack to leave the stack standing at the second location free of the container.

Abstract: A substantially enhanced and improved automated mail or envelope handling system is obtained by incorporating therein the envelope content separating or staggering system of this invention. By positioning separating devices in the envelope content pathway which cooperate with the envelope contents to physically separate and/or longitudinally stagger one content element relative to the second content element, the staggered portion of the rear element is easily readable by the operator in addition to the readability of the forward element. In this way, the operator is able to initiate processing of the envelope contents without being required to physically remove and separate the elements before processing the information. In the preferred embodiment, vacuum devices are employed to attract and hold one of the content elements for a pre-determined duration of time, while the other element continues to advance. In this way, the desired longitudinally separation is efficiently attained.

Abstract: This application relates to a novel process for distributing construction materials from a supply site to a multi-level building site and delivering the materials to elevated floors during construction of the building.

Abstract: A method for unpacking contents from an envelope in which the envelope is at least weakened along three folding edges and a first panel of the envelope is folded over relative to a second panel about a fourth folding edge. The contents are separated from the envelope and are delivered, and the envelope is discharged separately from its contents. An envelope separated from its contents is discharged along a discharge track from which the envelope can be intercepted. Each time contents from an associated envelope are delivered, an interval of time follows before the associated envelope is discharged.

Abstract: A processing apparatus 10 has chambers 11 and 12 and a loading mechanism 13 for transferring workpieces into and out of the chambers. The workpieces are carried on a pallet 16 which is slotted so that, when it is inserted into the chambers 11 or 12 the slots are aligned with lines A-H on lifting pins. This arrangement enables the mechanism 13 to withdraw the pallet, whilst the pins 22 are in their erect position.

Abstract: A stick feeder comprising a stick for carrying a plurality of semiconductor devices housed therein, a holding block for receiving and holding semiconductor devices discharged sequentially from the stick; and a plurality stop members selectively detachably mounted to the holder for stopping semiconductor devices discharged from the said stick to the holding block, the width of the holding block being adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece feeding direction, and the mounting position of the stop member being adjustable with respect to the holder so that the stop position of a semiconductor device can be adjusted in the workpiece holding portion by varying the mounting position of the stop member.

Abstract: A chip feeder comprising a sprocket for feeding intermittently a tape, which contains a plurality of chips and is sealed with a protective tape, at predetermined pitch intervals to a chip takeout portion; a roller for peeling the protective tape sealing the chip from the the tape fed intermittently; and a vacuum suction nozzle for taking up a chip out of the tape from which the protective tape is peeled off, wherein the roller peels the protective tape immediately before the vacuum suction nozzle takes out the chip when the tape is in a stationary state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the dejacketing of flat, parallelipipedic blocks packed in folding cartons. Dejacketing is performed in three steps. First the flaps provided overlapping one another on opposite sides are unfolded by being moved past unfolding tools. The blocks are then moved past a further unfolding tool which is disposed on the third narrow side and which unfolds the flaps provided at that place. In the third step the folding carton is seized by its lower flap on the third side and pulled downwards, the block being simultaneously advanced in the direction of its open third side, and the top side is stripped off at a fixed stripper.

Abstract: A machine and method for automatically unloading a cassette from a loaded security package of the type having a storage compartment and an access opening providing access into the compartment, and further having a lock plate movable over the access opening and into a locked position to block removal of the cassette from the security package. The security package is fed into an unload station by a pressure-actuated slide plate. Thereafter, a pressure-actuated unlock cylinder will automatically insert a plurality of pins into engagement with locking projections on the security package to disengage the lock plate from the locking projections. A pressure-actuated cylinder then will move the lock plate away from the access opening allowing free access to the storage compartment within the security package.

Abstract: Chip-type electronic elements are applied in line on the surface of a carrier tape before they are supplied to an automatic electronic-element supply apparatus so as to be automatically mounted on a printed circuit board. Side plates are disposed at an end portion of the body frame of the automatic electronic element supply apparatus for a chip-type electronic element mounting apparatus in such a manner that a plurality of carrier tape reels can be fastened to the side plates and the carrier tapes are discharged from the tape reels in a ratchet manner while moving adjacently in parallel to one another through another end portion of the body frame. Thus, a multiplicity of different kinds of electronic elements can be supplied from one supply apparatus.

Abstract: In IC test equipment which has an input magazine support station for supporting a magazine discharged from an input magazine stocker and an output magazine support station for supporting a magazine into which IC elements tested in a testing station are loaded, a magazine inverting device is provided between the input magazine stocker and the input magazine support station, for turning the magazine through 90 or 180 degrees about its lengthwise direction, an IC inverting device is provided between the testing station and the output magazine support station, for turning an IC element through 90 or 180 degrees about the direction of its travel, and an IC diverter is provided whereby the orientation of the inverted IC relative to the direction of its travel is reversed and is then discharged into the magazine supported at the output magazine support station.

Abstract: A device for the careful and gentle transport of mechanically sensitive goods in the form of rolls comprises a rectangular base frame and supporting elements 2, 2', which can be pivoted down onto the base frame. By use of joints 6, 6', the supporting elements 2, 2' can be pivoted down onto the base frame from their vertical position, through an angle of 90.degree., relative to the base frame. Holding elements 3, 3', which receive the shaft ends of goods in the form of rolls, are arranged centrally, relative to the transverse sides of the base frame, on transverse struts of the supporting elements.

Abstract: The method for storing and collecting waste employs periodically emptied waste containers. Waste is stored in a storage space included in the waste container, namely in a reusable subcontainer such as a sack, is picked up from the storage space during the collection and unloaded. A waste container for carrying out the method comprises a storage space for storing waste. The storage space is provided with a reusable subcontainer, such as a sack, for storing waste, and the subcontainer is removable from the storage space. The bottom of the subcontainer is provided with an openable and closable hole for emptying the contents of the subcontainer.

Abstract: A system for the delivery, storage and disposal of medical supplies including a lidded receptacle for receiving the supplies and facilitating their delivery to a use site, such lidded container subsequently being employed in the collection and ultimate disposal of waste medical supplies. The preferred receptacle includes lid means that serves to temporarily close the receptacle when unused medical supplies are held within the receptacle, and that serves the further subsequent function of lockingly closing and sealing the receptacle when waste medical supplies are contained in the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for the careful and gentle transport of mechanically sensitive goods in the form of rolls comprises a rectangular base frame and vertical supporting elements provided on the base frame. The upper ends of the supporting elements are mutually connected by stablizing rails which extend parallel to the longitudinal sides of the base frame. Each of the supporting elements is equipped with a base joint and a further joint about which the supporting element can be pivoted and folded down onto the base frame.

Abstract: System for separating newly hatched chicks from hatching debris is provided with comprising at least one movable belt constituted of rollers arranged parallel with respect to each other, but perpendicularly with respect to their direction of displacement, and above which the chicks and the debris to be sorted are brought, with the chicks being adapted to pass between the rollers. There is further included at least one support arm which is rotationally mounted above the belt about an axis substantially parallel to the rollers of the movable belt, and that comprises means for maintaining at least one basket in which the chicks and debris to be sorted are placed.

Abstract: Containers for rod-like articles are provided with a device, e.g. a transponder, capable of carrying variable coded information. Read and write devices are provided at appropriate positions, e.g. tray fillers and unloaders, to ensure that only containers of the correct type and contents are passed for further processing. The coded information may also relate to time of manufacture or loading, particularly where the articles are filter rods, to ensure unloading of only those containers in which the rods have received adequate curing time. A buffer reservoir system having a tray filler, tray unloader, and a tray handling system includes a transfer member capable of transferring trays between different positions of the tray handling system and a static trolley. The transfer member may comprise a robotic or other programmable member.

Abstract: A horizontal oscillatory feeder apparatus is disclosed for feeding a plurality of different types of electrical components of varying mass along respective tracks to component pick-up stations. The components and the tracks are supported on a base plate, which is excited in an oscillatory movement. The movement of the base plate is constrained so that movement is permitted only along an axis parallel to the feeder tracks. An excitation apparatus excites the base plate so that the acceleration forces applied to the components in a desired direction of movement exceeds the frictional force tending to prevent slippage of the components on the tracks; the acceleration forces applied to the components in the opposite direction are limited so that the components do not slip on the track in the opposite direction to the desired movement.

Abstract: By providing a pair of vacuum manifolds positioned on opposite sides of an envelope travel path with the vacuum manifolds being laterally spaced apart, a unique, effective and dependable envelope handling system is achieved whereby the envelope sides are consistently separated and the contents removed therefrom and positioned in a readily accessible channel. Preferably, the envelope handling system also incorporates sensing devices for automatically and separately inspecting each side of the envelope to determine the presence of additional material which should be processed. In this way, any such material is automatically discovered for handling by the operator.

Abstract: A device for discharging a container of the type which has a cylindrical load storage compartment. The device is in the form of a plunger which has a discharge passage opening therethrough. A conduit is connected to the discharge passage and a driving mechanism is provided for moving the plunger relative to the container so that the contents of the container are compressed between the plunger and the container and are expelled from the container through the discharge passage and through the conduit.

Abstract: A unit which serves to fill trays with surplus cigarettes adjacent the path of movement of a mass flow of cigarettes from a maker to a processing machine is disposed at a level beneath a unit which empties the contents of filled trays into the mass flow when the requirements of the processing machine exceed the output of the maker. Each unit stores empty trays at an upper level and filled trays at a lower level. The two units are adjacent a device which serves to transfer trays between the storeys as well as between the two units on the one hand and a reservoir for additional empty and filled trays on the other hand.

Abstract: A skip to be suspended in a mine shaft has a discharge opening at the lower end region of a chamber defined by a skip body. A door closes the opening and can open to discharge material from the chamber. Door operating members at opposite sides of the body are pivotable about a common axis between a closed position in which the door is closed and an open position in which the door is open. Connectors connect the members and the door and the connectors cross the pivot axis as the door moves between the open and closed positions. The connectors can be at least partly flexible. It is desirable for the chamber to be generally of a greater cross-sectional area at a level above the operating members than at the level of the members and for the body to extend above and at least partly cover the operating members.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing filter cigarettes from a mass flow between one or more producing machines and one or more processing machines when the output of the producing machines exceeds the requirements of the processing machines, and for returning filter cigarettes into the mass flow when the requirements of the processing machines exceed the output of the producing machines, has a filling unit which withdraws cigarettes from the mass flow and introduces them into successive empty chargers or trays, and an emptying unit which dumps the contents of filled trays into a receptacle for reintroduction into the mass flow. The emptying unit is located at a level above the filling unit, and each of these units cooperates with two magazines, one for empty trays and the other for filled trays.

Abstract: The dispenser comprises a feed belt (C) provided with transversely-arranged, equally-spaced tubes (3) receiving the articles to be dispensed which are held therein by stationary boundary walls. While being transferred between two magazines (1-2) in which it is to be stacked, the feed belt is submitted to a slight temporary torsion in the longitudinal direction, so that one end of the tubes will be directed downwards and upon passing in registry with an underlying opening (9) it will permit the articles housed within the tubes to be discharged by the action of gravity. In the upper portion of the guide (F) submitting the charger to said torsion, there is provided an opening (13) with which the top ends of the tubes on the feed belt become aligned during the step-by-step movement of the latter in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction, in order to fill the tubes with new articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: A resin tablet supplying apparatus comprising a plurality of tablet accommodating parts, a tablet discharge part and transporting part. The plurality of table accommodating parts are fixedly mounted at predetermined positions for accommodating a plurality of resin tablets by stacking one upon another with its central longitudinal axis being laid lateral. The tablet accommodating part is formed with a table discharge opening at its bottom end, and the resin tablet is formed generally of a pillar shape and used in encapsulating semiconductor device. The tablet discharge part discharges the tablets in each of the tablet accommodating part, by dropping down the tablets one at a time from the opening. The transporting part receives the tablet discharged one at a time by the tablet discharge part irrespective of whatever the axial length of the tablet may be, and transports the received tablet to a tablet conveying part for conveying the tablet to the next process.

Abstract: A transport mechanism (40) for transporting a semiconductor slice cassette between a clean carrier (10) and a process machine comprises a housing (41) having a forward portion (42) positioned in the people-occupied area of the clean room and a rear portion (46) positioned in the process machine area aerodynamically isolated from people. A moveable glider plate (50) is adapted to receive the carrier (10) and is initially positioned in an aperture provided in the upper surface of forward portion (42). A gearing mechanism (54) is provided which cooperates with glider plate (50) to move the semiconductor slice cassettes mounted on the base of carrier (10) between forward portion (42) and rear portion (46).