Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for handling a plurality of disks and repositioning them into pairs is provided. In one embodiment, a nest is configured to hold a cassette and includes a nest. The nest includes a curved surface with ribs or teeth extending therefrom which define a row of grooves. The grooves are dimensioned to hold a pair of disks in concentric contact merge orientation and the teeth facilitate movement of pairs of disks into the grooves.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a sheet stack which is located on a first pallet to a second, different pallet. The apparatus is distinguished by a number of horizontal carrying rods which are disposed like a rake, are intended to engage temporarily under the sheet stack, can be moved in their longitudinal direction and in a vertical direction while the respective ends of the carrying rods are supported. The carrying rods are longer in length than a respective extent of both pallets in a direction of the carrying rods.

Abstract: An apparatus moves a plurality of transport media along a path of travel. The plurality of transport media define at least two groups of transport media, where each group of transport media has substantially identical transverse dimensions with respect to one another within one group of transport media, while having substantially different transverse dimensions with respect to another group of transport media. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving at least one of the rollers in rotation. At least one transport media is supported on the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the roller by the motor. Each transport media has at least one elongate support member continuously engageable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the transport media moves along the path of travel.

Abstract: A receiver frame loads and unloads a batch of semiconductor wafers onto wafer holders in a wafer boat. The wafer holders extends continuously about the perimeter of an overlying wafer. The receiver frame is provided with a plurality of supporting arms which are immovably mounted to a vertically extending structure. The supporting arms are coaxially aligned and vertically spaced in a manner corresponding with the spacing of the wafer holders in the wafer boat. Each supporting arm is configured to be accommodated below a support ring, with its distal end extending to align with the center region of the wafer holder. The distal end of each supporting arm is provided with at least three support pins to support a wafer vertically spaced above a wafer holder. To load wafers onto the wafer holders, after placing the wafers upon the support pins, the wafer holders are moved above the support pins so that the wafer holders contact and lift the wafers off the support pins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.

Abstract: The invention can be easily applied to various contacts irrespective of the length of time needed for replacing ICs with other ICs relative to the contact. An IC handler comprises contact cleaning chips made of a material including polishing particles in the same shape as an ICs wherein a transfer attachment is removed from the contacts when contact cleaning chips are conveyed to the contacts so as to contact the contacts, then the contacts are taken out.

Abstract: A substrate transporting apparatus includes a wafer transfer arm 10 for carrying a plurality of semiconductor wafers W being processed horizontally, a pitch changer 20 for carrying the wafers W at predetermined intervals vertically and a posture changing device 30 positioned between the wafer transfer arm 10 and the pitch changer 20, for changing the posture of the wafers W to the horizontal and vertical arrangements. The pitch changer 20 includes a first holding part 21A and a second holding part 21B which are adapted so as to elevate relatively to each other. The wafers W are held by either one of the holding parts 21A, 21B at the predetermined intervals. The posture changing device 30 has a pair of holders 31 between which the semiconductor wafers W is interposed. The holders 31 are respectively provided, on their sides opposing each other, with a plurality of holding grooves 32A, 32B for retaining the wafers W independently.

Abstract: A device and method for residual concrete collection for disposal or reclamation of same, wherein a bag is formed, generally prismatic in structure, with a rectangular opening in the top. Suspension straps serve to attach the bag and support it below the outflow of concrete mixing or delivery equipment such that concrete and/or water will flow into the device, wherein water will subsequently pass therethrough. The device and collected concrete can then be moved and/or stored for disposal or reclamation of the concrete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.

Abstract: An assistance tray for manual distribution used in a medicine sharing and packing device with a disk-type tray for manual distribution of pills mounted in the front side. The assistance tray includes an assistance tray body at the rim portion of which a plurality of auxiliary pill containing portions are formed which correspond in number to a plurality of pill containing portions formed at the rim of the upper surface of a disk-type tray for manual distribution, and on both sides of which handle portions are formed having openings therethrough. An opening/closing plate is mounted on the lower surface of the assistance tray body so as to be rotated, at the rim portion of which holes are formed, a number of the holes corresponding in number to the number of the auxiliary pill containing portions of the assistance tray body.

Abstract: A racked glass inverter which may be used alone or in combination with a processing system for preparing and filling beverage containers with ice and liquid. The beverage processing system simplifies the task of filling multiple glasses, cups or like containers with ice and a beverage, in a short time period, which is required with large crowds at restaurants and banquets. The system features three components including an ice tray, a glass inverter, and a glass filler, which in the best mode combine to the task of filling such beverage containers. The glass inverter is adapted to cooperatively engage with conventonal glass racks and allow two mated racks to be rotated thereby transferring the glasses from one to the other and inverting them in there position in the second rack.

Abstract: A wafer loading system positioning method and device, comprising a loading system, having a base and a rear plate for docking on a positioning frame of a production equipment. The main characteristic thereof is that the loading system in an upper part of the rear plate has a holding seat and the positioning frame in an upper part of a front side has an upward extending positioning element. Two eccentric cams on the holding seat and the positioning element allow to adjust a relative position of the holding seat with respect to the positioning element. A lifting mechanism enables raising of the loading system for lifting said holding seat above said positioning element, so as to enable said holding seat to engage with said positioning element.

Abstract: A device (100) for feeding articles (2) to a blister band (3) moving below and having at least one row of blisters (3a) made therein for receiving corresponding articles (2). The row of blisters is parallel to the blister band forward direction (W). The device (100) has a grid (G) situated over the blister band (3), with at least one longitudinal channel (9), facing the longitudinal row of blisters (3a). A station (101) is provided for feeding the articles (2) to the grid (G), while oscillating means (10,20) generate a relative oscillating motion between the grid (G) and the corresponding blister band (3), to facilitate stabile introduction of the articles (2) into the corresponding blisters (3a) present along said longitudinal channel (9).

Abstract: A substrate arraying method, a substrate arraying device and a small-sized processing apparatus commonly includes a step of taking 26 sheets of wafers W out of one carrier C at regular intervals of L, a step of taking 26 sheets of wafers W out of another carrier C at regular intervals of L and a step of respectively inserting the 26 sheets of wafers W taken out of the latter carrier C between the 26 sheets of wafers W taken out of the former carrier C to form a group of wafers 100 where 52 sheets of wafers W are arranged at regular intervals of L/2 which is substantially half of the intervals of L. Consequently, it is possible to complete the stable formation of substrates group in a short time.

Abstract: A wafer transfer machine transfers wafers from either of a first wafer cassette (55) and a second wafer cassette (56) having incompatible registration features into the other, and includes a support plate (30) having a top surface (38) for supporting the first and second wafer cassette. A first and second registration bosses attached to the top surface extend upward into registration features of the first and second wafer cassette, respectively. A carriage (1) is supported by and movable in opposite directions along a track mechanism (41A,B) that is attached in fixed relationship to the support plate (30). First and second wafer pushing members (10A,B) are supported by the carriage. Each wafer pushing member can be moved to push wafers in one of the wafer cassettes into the other by moving the carriage in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a drum unit accommodating tablet cassettes open to tablet channels. A base tray slides in and out underneath the drum unit. First openings are formed through upper and lower surfaces of the base tray and a first membrane having pores is slidably provided on the lower surface. A removable tray has second openings therethrough a second membrane having pores is slidably provided on the lower surface of the removable tray to either keep tablets in the second openings thereby or drop the tablets through the pores thereof when slidably displaced to a predetermined extent. The removable tray is detachably mountable on the slid-out base tray.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system has a carrier including wafer slots. A process robot engages the carrier and installs the carrier into a rotor within a process chamber. The rotor has a tapered or stepped inside surface matching a tapered or stepped outside surface of the carrier. Wafer retainers on the carrier pivot to better secure wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system for wafers or other semiconductor articles. The system uses an interface section at an end of the machine accessible from the clean room. A plurality of processing stations are arranged away from the clean room interface. A transfer subsystem removes wafers from supporting carriers, and positions both the wafers and carriers onto a carrousel which is used as an inventory storage. Wafers are shuttled between the inventory and processing stations by a robotic conveyor which is oriented to move toward and away from the interface end. The system processes the wafers without wafer carriers.

Abstract: In the device for emptying of rectangular open-top mail piece containers (1) featuring lateral guiding elements (2), the mail piece containers (1) are guided and shifted on lateral guiding tracks (3). The bottom of the mail piece container (1) features continuous recesses (11) that extend in the shifting direction. Between the guiding tracks (3) freely protruding supporting fingers (6) are provisioned that are oriented in a direction toward the shifting direction. The recesses (11) in the container bottom and the supporting fingers (6) are dimensioned and positioned in such a way that the supporting fingers (6) move into the recesses (11) underneath the mail pieces, when the mail piece container (1) is shifted in its position. The—in the shifting direction—forward and rearward side walls of the mail piece container (1) feature, at least above the supporting fingers (6), cuts (5) that are open at the top.

Abstract: A four-bar linkage mechanism for a material transfer device includes a center driving linkage, a center interconnecting linkage, right and left hand support linkages, and right and left hand main linkages. The present invention further includes the method of transferring material using a material transfer device incorporating the four-bar linkage by loading the material container into a dumper frame, positioning a pour hood over the material container, activating a hydraulic cylinder thereby rotating the material container and pour hood about 180 degrees, and releasing the contents of the material container.

Abstract: Within a method for operating a fabrication tool which requires transfer of a series substrates from a storage carrier to a process carrier when fabricating the series of substrates within the process carrier within the fabrication tool, a specific series of substrates is transferred from a storage carrier to a process carrier (and/or the reverse) simultaneously with fabricating a separate series of substrates within a process carrier within the fabrication tool. By employing the method, the fabrication tool may be operated more efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring wafers between wafer holders such as wafer cassettes, etching drums and the like includes a tank for containing a liquid transfer medium in which the wafers can be transferred. The apparatus includes a wafer transfer unit that can transfer a plurality of wafers such as semiconductor wafers between wafer holders, and maintain the wafers in a desired relative orientation during transfer. For example, the wafers can be maintained in a parallel relationship. The apparatus can be used to automatically transfer wafers to etching drums without cross-indexing of the wafers and without manual handling of the wafers.

Abstract: In order to achieve a higher compaction ratio with a wafer transfer apparatus for transferring wafers stacked in an interspaced manner in a first holding device, e.g.

Abstract: A device used in the tobacco-processing industry for emptying a container filled with rod-shaped articles into a magazine, in which the container has an open upper narrow side and an open wide front side. The device includes a container holder that accommodates the container and which can be tilted by 180° so that the container assumes an emptying position above the magazine. The container holder includes an article support comprising two support strips mounted for being adjacent and movable relative to the open narrow side of the container. An actuation mechanism is connected to the article support for effecting an opening movement in which the two support strips undergo a vertical drop movement and a horizontal spreading movement in which the two movable strips move in opposite directions to respective sides of the container to allow the articles to be released from the container.

Abstract: A slide transfer system is provided for transferring semiconductor wafers from a first carrier cassette to a second process cassette. The system includes a base, a transfer mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The base has a first surface for supporting the first cassette, and a second surface for supporting the second cassette adjacent to the first cassette. The transfer mechanism has a wafer engaging member supported by a slidable support member for reciprocating movement of the wafer engaging member across the first surface of the base. The locking mechanism has an actuator element positioned for engagement by the second cassette placed on the second surface, and a locking element. The locking element has a first position in which sliding movement of the transfer mechanism is prevented, and a second position in which sliding movement of the transfer mechanism is permitted. The actuator element is operable to move the locking element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A manually operated lifting and rotating apparatus attached to a garbage dumpster for supporting and positioning a waste collection container for waste material transfer to a dumpster. The lifting and rotating apparatus comprises a bracing member including a pair of legs, with each of the legs including a bracket having a hole formed therein. Each of the legs further has a releasable clamp adapted for frictional engagement over an upper edge of a garbage dumpster to prevent displacement of the bracing member adjacent to the side of a dumpster. An angular displacement structure, pivotally joined to the bracing member, includes a pair of arms each having a first end opposite a second end, there being a support platform connected between the first ends of the arms, each of the second ends having an orifice formed therein.

Abstract: A predetermined number of IC (integrated circuit) packages are transferred from a first IC package tube to a second IC package tube. A chosen IC package track has dimensions that fit to dimensions of each of the IC packages. The first IC package tube is placed on a first end of the chosen IC package track, and the second IC package tube is placed on a second end of the chosen IC package track. A stopper gate and a singulator are disposed above the chosen IC package track between the first end and the second end of the chosen IC package track. The first IC package tube, the chosen IC package track, and the second IC package tube are tilted to a slant with the first IC package tube being disposed toward a top of the slant and with the second IC package tube being disposed toward a bottom of the slant such that the IC packages slide out from the first IC package tube, down along the chosen IC package track, and toward the second IC package tube.

Abstract: A substrate transporting apparatus includes a wafer transfer arm 10 for carrying a plurality of semiconductor wafers W being processed horizontally, a pitch changer 20 for carrying the wafers W at predetermined intervals vertically and a posture changing device 30 positioned between the wafer transfer arm 10 and the pitch changer 20, for changing the posture of the wafers W to the horizontal and vertical arrangements. The pitch changer 20 includes a first holding part 21A and a second holding part 21B which are adapted so as to elevate relatively to each other. The wafers W are held by either one of the holding parts 21A, 21B at the predetermined intervals. The posture changing device 30 has a pair of holders 31 between which the semiconductor wafers W is interposed. The holders 31 are respectively provided, on their sides opposing each other, with a plurality of holding grooves 32A, 32B for retaining the wafers W independently.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer transfer machine for transferring first wafers having a first diameter from a first transferor carrier to a first receiver carrier and second wafers having a second diameter different from the first diameter from a second transferor carrier to a second receiver carrier. The wafer transfer machine includes a base plate with a longitudinal axis for placement on the base plate of the transferor carriers and the receiver carriers and a mechanism for transferring wafers contained in the first and second transferor carriers to the first and second receiver carriers, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring wafers between wafer holders such as wafer cassettes, etching drums and the like includes a tank for containing a liquid transfer medium in which the wafers can be transferred. The apparatus includes a wafer transfer unit that can transfer a plurality of wafers such as semiconductor wafers between wafer holders, and maintain the wafers in a desired relative orientation during transfer. For example, the wafers can be maintained in a parallel relationship. The apparatus can be used to automatically transfer wafers to etching drums without cross-indexing of the wafers and without manual handling of the wafers.

Abstract: A substrate arranging apparatus has a carrier support table 40 for supporting thereon carriers C holding a plurality of wafers in arranged in a row, first support mechanisms 42, 43 capable of moving upward relative to the table 40 to support the wafers contained in the carriers C, and a second support mechanism 60 capable of supporting the even or the odd wafers among the wafers supported by the first support mechanisms 60 and of raising the wafers supported thereon relative to the rest of the wafers. The first support mechanisms 42, 43 or the second support mechanism is able to turn through an angle of 180° relative to the other. As a result, the wafer are arranged in a front-to-front and back-to-back disposition. Thus, the carrier support table, the loader mechanism and the substrate arranging section are integrally combined and the time needed for the transfer of the wafers is shortened.

Abstract: A process and a device for collecting and palletizing bottles 3 is provided, especially empty plastic bottles, which are fed from a bottle producer 36 or a bottle conveyor 8 in one or more rows one behind the other to a collecting device 4. They are transferred there to one or more intermediate carriers 6, forming bottle layers 25, wherein the loaded intermediate carriers 6 are subsequently conveyed to a palletizing device 7. The intermediate carriers 6 move in a circle in the collecting and palletizing unit 2 and can also be transferred into a storage facility 7 for intermediate storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring wafers between wafer holders such as wafer cassettes, etching drums and the like includes a tank for containing a liquid transfer medium in which the wafers can be transferred. The apparatus includes a wafer transfer unit that can transfer a plurality of wafers such as semiconductor wafers between wafer holders, and maintain the wafers in a desired relative orientation during transfer. For example, the wafers can be maintained in a parallel relationship. The apparatus can be used to automatically transfer wafers to etching drums without cross-indexing of the wafers and without manual handling of the wafers.

Abstract: A compliant wafer comb assembly for use in transferring semiconductor wafers between wafer cassettes, wafer carriers, or other wafer holding devices. The compliant wafer comb includes a plurality of slots in which wafer(s) can be held while being transported. The slots are parallel to each other and downward sloping from one end of the comb to the other. The sloped arrangement causes a single wafer at a time to become engaged with the comb when a batch of wafers is transferred from a cassette or wafer holding device to the comb, allowing the compliant features of the comb to compensate for the misalignment of each wafer individually. The comb is coupled to a static base structure by a set of independent column springs which permit motion of the comb slots in any direction necessary to compensate for a wafer's misalignment. This permits transfer of a misaligned wafer or wafers from a cassette or other carrier to the comb without damaging the wafer(s).

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: 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: The present invention provides for a continuous flow transfer system designed to transfer the contents of a mail tray into a cartridge for subsequent processing and then, after processing, to transfer the contents of the cartridge back into a mail tray without disrupting the facing or orientation of each piece of mail. The continuous flow transfer system comprises both a cartridge loader and a cartridge unloader, both of which have a tray section, a transfer conveyor and a cartridge section. The tray section, or infeed section, of the cartridge loader is designed to deliver filled mail trays to the transfer section of the loader. At the transfer section, the contents of each mail tray are deposited into an intermediate container that is affixed to the transfer section. The transfer section then delivers the contents of the intermediate container into empty cartridges being fed onto the cartridge section, or discharge section, of the loader.

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 carrier container having sides, ends and a bottom defining an open face holding chamber, is provided for loading a stack of tiers loaded on a pallet into the holding chamber. The stack of tiers comprises a plurality of tier sheets, each supporting a plurality of products aligned in groups on each tier. The tier sheets are disposed vertically, defining a stack. The stack is positioned on and secured to the pallet. Loading of the stack of tiers and pallet into the holding chamber is accomplished with the holding chamber in a vertical orientation. After loading the stack of tiers and pallet into the holding chamber the carrier container is rotated from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, securing the stack of tiers and pallet in the holding chamber. Each of the tier sheets is removed from the stack destroying the stack and displacing the products from the stack, the products retained in the holding chamber.

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 wafer transfer method of semiconductor fabricating equipment is capable of successively arranging a plurality of wafers in a designated order (e.g., an ascending order, a descending order, an odd/even number order or an individual selection order). The wafer transfer method uses a first cassette containing the wafers, and a second cassette for receiving the wafers. A wafer transfer robot having a wafer transfer arm moves the wafers from the first cassette to the second cassette, after the wafer serial numbers have been read and sent to a computer. The computer uses a selected wafer arrangement order to decide where within the second cassette each wafer from the first cassette should be placed and then controls the wafer transfer robot to place each wafer into the desired location. With the wafers arranged in the selected order, it is not necessary to test each wafer after each fabricating process.

Abstract: A wafer transfer system of semiconductor fabricating equipment is capable of successively arranging a plurality of wafers in a designated order (e.g., an ascending order, a descending order, an odd/even number order or an individual selection order). The wafer transfer system includes a first cassette containing the wafers, and a second cassette for receiving the wafers. A wafer transfer robot having a wafer transfer arm moves the wafers from the first cassette to the second cassette, after the wafer serial numbers have been read and sent to a computer. The computer uses a selected wafer arrangement order to decide where within the second cassette each wafer from the first cassette should be placed and then controls the wafer transfer robot to place each wafer into the desired location. With the wafers arranged in the selected order, it is not necessary to test each wafer after each fabricating process.

Abstract: A multiple force tool for applying pressure to circuit components during a manufacturing operation. A plurality of compressed air pressure cylinders are supported on a plurality of horizontal arms over a circuit board. A pressure foot of each compressed air pressure cylinder is extendable when an air controller foot switch is depressed. Positioning of each of the cylinders is afforded along two axes, so that the cylinders may be positioned over components which are to be pressed against the circuit board. Heat sinks may be pressed against components located on the circuit board to bond the heat sinks to the components.

Abstract: A test handler for picking up semiconductor devices from a conveying system and placing them at testing positions and returning the tested devices to the conveying system efficiently and modularly is shown. The basic apparatus has two concentric shafts each connected at one end to a cam following assembly and at the other end to a pick and place arm. The assembly has a block with a center bore for accommodating a ball screw and a longitudinal channel for receiving a lever cum cam follower subassembly connected to one end of the concentric shafts. The cam follower assembly and the concentric shafts translate the rotational movement of the ball screw into radial movement of the pick and place arms between the conveying system and the test rig. Another pick and insertion assembly associated detachably with the pick and place arms alternately picks up semiconductor devices from the conveying system and places them in position for testing.

Abstract: A method and device for improving mechanical transplanting of balled seedlings involves detection of balls with deficient seedlings, such as those with no seedlings or undersized seedlings, with a sensor through an aperture in a compartment holding the ball. Deficient balls are allowed to exit from the compartment through a shutter, and replacement balls are provided from a seedling supply. The replacement seedling supply includes a cassette having one row of cells for seedlings and the cassette is advanced, as necessary, by a geared shaft engaging the side of the cassette. Alternatively, replacement seedlings are provided from a cultivating tray.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus receiving substrates held in a common carrier in a horizontal attitude, the substrates are transferred in the horizontal attitude from the common carrier to an exclusive carrier. The exclusive carrier is rotatable on a horizontal axis. By rotating the exclusive carrier, the substrates are turned from the horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. Then, the substrates held in the vertical attitude are taken out of the exclusive carrier and transferred to a processing part for processing in the vertical attitude. This allows a simple and speedy turn of the plurality of substrates. Further, even the apparatus for processing the substrates in a vertical attitude can transfer the substrates into and out of the apparatus in the horizontal attitude by using the common carrier.

Abstract: An electronic component preprocessing assembly comprises a press pin plate having a surface from which at least one press pin depends, a load plate having at least one loading aperture spatially aligned with and sized to receive the press pin, a pin holder plate having a surface from which at least one orienting pin depends, and a carrier plate having at least one component passageway spatially aligned with and sized to receive the orienting pin. The load plate and the carrier plate are spatially aligned so that an electronic component initially placed in the loading aperture can travel to the component passageway while captured within a predetermined distance between the press pin and the orienting pin. The predetermined distance is preferably sufficient to prevent unnecessary pressure on the component captured therein while orienting the component in a preferred orientation during transfer.

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.