Abstract: The disclosed wafer handling system includes an input port, an input queue, and output port, and an output queue. The input and output queue each include a vertical elevator assembly capable of storing plural carriers representing multiple tube-loads of wafers input in the input port and into the output queue. A ferriswheel having multiple tube-load storage means is cooperative with an input waling beam and the input queue for arraying the plural carriers therein in multiple tube-loads of wafers each at different intermediate storage locations. A vertical transfer sub-assembly is cooperative with the ferriswheel and with a computer-controlled robot arm for transferring the wafers from each tube-load of carries to quartzware maintained by an inclinable transfer pad defining an elevator-transport access port.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting flat objects having first and second faces between a first carrier and a second carrier, the apparatus comprising a mechanism for supporting the first and second carriers, a pickup mechanism for picking up the objects and transporting the objects between the first carrier and the second carrier, and intermediate station having a mechanism for receiving the objects from the pickup mechanism with the faces in a first orientation and for changing the orientation of the faces before the objects are removed by the pickup mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the bulk transfer of pluralities of semiconductor wafers or slices from container to container. The device includes a stage adapted to receive a standard semiconductor wafer container and a plurality of vertical storage slots are provided above the stage. A pneumatically controlled elevation device is utilized to raise a plurality of semiconductor wafers from each container into the storage slots and an automatic wafer retainer is selectively rotated in response to each operation of the elevation device to retain the semiconductor wafers within the storage slots. In a preferred mode of the present invention the wafer retainer is designed to permit insertion and retention of a first plurality of semiconductor wafers into odd numbered storage slots while permitting insertion of a second plurality of semiconductor wafers into even numbered storage slots.

Abstract: The method and device disclosed are for the testing of microelectronic components in a centrifuge. The method includes the steps of loading the components to be tested into a holder or stick and then providing a device controlling the dispensing of the microelectronic components from the holder into receptacles circularly arranged in an insert which fits into the rotor of the centrifuge. The control device in the form disclosed is in the form of a manual tool having a passageway into which the end of the holder can be extended. The tool is positioned between the holder and a receptacle in the insert so as to be able to control the dispensing of components into the receptacle or unloading them from the receptacle. The tool embodies a trigger and a plunger member actuatable thereby which can obstruct the passageway through the tool or to open the passageway for the passage of components through it.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring workpieces, such as silicon wafers, between a pair of cassettes involve simultaneously and conjointly indexing the cassettes such that the cassettes are incrementally lowered as the individual workpieces are removed from one cassette and delivered to the other cassette. Such indexing of the cassettes is achieved by a single elevator mechanism adapted to support both of the cassettes such that they are vertically and horizontally offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A carrier for dual-in-line packages to be wave soldered, comprises a frame with tracks into which the packages can be slid. The tracks are defined by aligned upper and lower "U"-shaped channel members providing rails. Each track is defined between adjacent pairs of upper and lower members. Gates at either end of the tracks control movement of the packages into or out of the carrier. The carrier can be loaded and unloaded by means of apparatus including an inclined ramp on which the carrier can be releasably located, the packages being fed into the top of the ramp to fill the carrier, and sliding to the bottom of the ramp to empty the carrier of soldered packages prior to re-filling. Movement of the packages down the ramp is controlled by gates.

Abstract: A grouping head hoist uses a plurality of conical couplers mounted upon cables to rearrange and lift a plurality of projectiles. The couplers are locked to the eyelet at the nose of the projectiles and the cables are raised relative to a lower guide plate such that the couplers will seat within corresponding conical holes within the guide plate. The positioning of the holes in the guide plate determines the structure of the array into which the projectiles are rearranged. An upper support plate disposed above the guide plate raises and lowers the cables by operation of hydraulic cylinders connecting the upper support plate and lower guide plate. Alternately, the cables may be reeled upon reels or drums mounted within a case. An automatic release plate is used to simultaneously release numerous of the projectiles. A turn counting mechanism limits rotation of the reels upon which the cables are wound. A scissors mechanism or linkage assembly is used to stabilize the hoist.

Abstract: DIP tube handling apparatus including an input hopper 62 suitable for containing a quantity of randomly oriented DIP container tubes, agitating, singulating and metering means 34 at the bottom of the hopper 12 for causing one tube at a time to leave the hopper 12 under the influence of gravity, a pair of walking beams 26, 28 for moving the singulated DIP tube to an orientation station, an orientation device 30 for orienting the tubes so that the tubes and DIPs contained therein are positioned top side up, a tube inclining means 110 for causing the tube to be inclined so that DIPs may slide therefrom under the influence of gravity, either into the tube from a supply chute or out of the tube into a discharge chute, and an output hopper 14 for receiving tubes that have been loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are transferred from and to holder elements or "boats", in which the wafers are processed, by transfer apparatus including a movable head having rotatable holder elements which hold the wafers. Wafers are moved out of and into the boats by vertically moving lifting elements. The lifting elements move the wafers from a boat to the rotatable holder elements, and vertical lifting elements move the wafers from the rotatable holder elements into boats after the head has moved itself from one position to another. Typically, there are three positions or stations for the head, and vertical lifting elements are positioned at each station for moving the wafers vertically to and from the boats which are located at each station.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses a suction engagement element to transport semiconductor wafers between processing boats and detects when suction engagement has not occurred despite the engagement element having been moved toward a wafer a distance sufficient to enable said engagement, and then adjusts the position of the engagement element relative to the object (e.g., by backing up and trying again or by pivoting the engagement element) to facilitate the suction engagement.

Abstract: A device for feeding cylindrical components such as diodes, resistors or capacitors includes a buffer container for receiving components from a storage container, a horizontal exit track at the bottom of the buffer container, a delivery container for receiving components from the exit track, and a zig-zag delivery track. The storage container and buffer container have serpentine chambers and vibrator assemblies are employed to move components through the containers. The flow of components is halted by stopping the vibrators, thereby controlling the component flow rate and preventing jamming.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading of film cassette, in particular X-rays cassettes has a housing which defines a compartment in which the cassette is to be positioned, means for transporting the cassette into the compartment and for discharging therefrom, and means for removing the film from the cassette and loading the cassette with a new film. For recognizing the size of the cassette first and second identifying means are provided which determine the length and the width of the cassette. These determining means are in communication with comparing means which compare the determined values with nominal values corresponding to predetermined length-and-width values.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring wafers between carriers with different wafer spacings and different wafer capacities includes an elevator with two sets of wafer supporting grooves that extend through a carrier to lift wafers from it to a temporary holding region whereat the first and second groups of wafers can be selectively retained by means of first and second movable retainers and first and second retainer blocks. Each wafer supporting groove includes a steeply inclined surface that contacts one point of an edge of a wafer, urging a peripheral portion of the opposite face against a flat opposite vertical wall of the groove. The steeply inclined surface of another wafer supporting groove contacting the same wafer urges a peripheral portion of the opposite wafer face against a flat vertical wall of the second groove. The first and second retainers each contain V-grooves that are aligned with V-grooves of a corresponding one of the retainer blocks to support alternate wafers in the holding region.

Abstract: An automated system lifts a batch of semiconductor wafers from a slotted carrier, transfers them laterally and lowers them into a second slotted carrier. In doing this, jaws on the lifting apparatus open automatically to receive or release the wafers. With a carrier having relatively high slotted sides, such as the commonly used plastic cassette, a pusher engages the lower edge of the wafers exposed through the bottom of the cassette and pushes them upwardly sufficiently far to permit the lifter jaws to receive and lift the wafers. The apparatus is oriented at a slight angle to insure that the wafers are all arranged in precise, spaced, parallel relation so as to cooperate with slots in the lifter jaws and slots in the receiving carrier. The system has the capability to move two batches of 25 wafers to a quartz boat having 50 more-closely spaced slots, and similarly, two batches from a quartz boat may be transferred to two different plastic cassettes.

Abstract: A quartz diffusion boat for carrying semiconductor wafers during very high temperature semiconductor manufacturing operations includes first and second quartz rails having first and second sets of wafer supporting grooves, respectively. Each wafer supporting groove of the first set includes a steeply inclined surface that contacts one point of an edge of a first face of a wafer, urging a peripheral portion of the opposite second face of that wafer against an opposite flat vertical wall of that groove. The steeply inclined surface of a corresponding wafer supporting groove of the second set contacting one point of an edge of the second face of the same wafer urges a peripheral portion of the first wafer face against an opposite flat vertical wall of the second groove. The wafers are prevented from tilting away from either flat vertical wall and therefore are held precisely parallel in the wafer supporting grooves.

Abstract: An automatic plasma processing device having a substantially vertically disposed plasma chamber in which a plurality of semiconductor wafers can be simultaneously processed with plasma. The automatic plasma processing device comprises a container cassette adapted to contain a plurality of wafers therein, a feeding mechanism for taking out the wafers one by one from the cassette and for feeding the same, a holding frame for receiving the wafers one by one from the feeding mechanism and for holding the same therein, a driving mechanism for moving the holding frame up and down into and out of the plasma chamber, a plasma generating mechanism for generating plasma in the plasma chamber, and a control system for controlling the aforesaid mechanisms. The device is simplified in construction and can automatically and successively process a large number of wafers, while at the same time having a compact construction.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel rod bundle transferring apparatus is disclosed for transferring a bundle of the rods along a path from a first container to a second container. The apparatus includes a set of rollers mounted to permit the distance between the axes of the rollers to be varied from a first distance sufficient to receive the bundle of fuel rods to a second distance less than said first distance, wherein the rollers engage opposing sides of the bundle of nuclear fuel rods. A hatch is disposable between a first position intercepting the path and retaining the bundle of fuel rods within the first container, and a second position permitting the bundle of nuclear fuel rods to be transferred from the first container to the second container.

Abstract: In accordance with the method and apparatus of the invention for loading cargo, palletized cargo is pushed off of a pallet as a unit and onto a slinger platform. The slinger platform has a base divided into two platform areas with transverse slots containing cargo slings. The cargo slings are thereafter attached to a hoisting bridle of a crane or the ship's gear, and the loads, supported by the cargo slings, are lifted simultaneously off of the slinger platform and into the ship's hold, where they are landed on a platform or received directly by forklifts for stowage. The cargo slings are unhooked on one side of the load and withdrawn from under the load by the hoisting gear and returned to the dock to repeat the process. Modifications may be made whereby 4, 6, 8 or 10 pallet loads may be lifted simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for transferring semiconductor wafers from a first wafer carrier to a second wafer carrier with each wafer carrier having a pair of grooved sides for receiving and holding a number of vertically spaced wafers in horizontal planes and with each wafer carrier having front and rear openings. The device comprises a base having a flat upper surface. A wall member is secured to and extends upwardly from the surface midway between the sides thereof and near one end of the base. The wall member is spaced above the surface to present a slot for receiving a web forming a part of the wafer carrier as the wafer carrier moves over the surface. The wall member has a vertical end face which enters a wafer carrier as the wafer carrier is moved over the surface, whereby the wall member forces the wafers out of the first wafer carrier and into the second wafer carrier while the wafers remain in horizontal planes and vertically spaced with respect to each other.

Abstract: Compact apparatus characterized by cleanliness of operation, high throughput and low cost is designed for automatically loading and unloading wafer-carrying trays that are designed to be mounted in the reaction chamber of a processing system. A key component of the apparatus comprises a unique wafer vacuum chuck.

Abstract: A non-jamming magazine 51 supports bar-like articles 10 in inclined positions so that the lowermost articles may be successively withdrawn and the remainder of the stack will drop without cocking an article between side rails 22 and 23 to jam and preclude further withdrawal of the articles. A parallelogram fixture 50 is used to receive a supply of articles 10 and upon flexing of the fixture, the articles are placed in inclined positions for loading into the magazine.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a first element at a receptacle location on a second element, there being associated with the precise receptacle location some known variation in the shape of the second element, the apparatus comprising a support member for supporting the first element while the member is translated toward the second element along a placement direction, a first transport device for moving the support member or the second element along a direction transverse to the placement direction, and a sensing device located on the support member for sensing the relative alignment along the transverse direction of the support member and the variation in shape, the sensing device comprising an energy-beam source adapted and positioned to direct an energy beam along a path that interacts with the variation in shape at least when the support member and receptacle location are aligned so that more of the beam is transmitted along the path when the member and receptacle location are aligned than when the member and rece

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring plural articles from a shipping carton to a receptacle from which such articles are orderly removed to a machine for further processing is described. The apparatus is constructed from a shuttle box adapted to receive the shipping carton, a pusher bar adapted to load the shipping carton into the shuttle box and for withdrawing the carton such that the articles remain within the shuttle box, and an ejector blade adapted to reciprocally remove articles from the shuttle box to be conveyed to machine for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring wafers between a process carrier and a furnace carrier. The apparatus lifts a plurality of wafers from one carrier and deposits them into another carrier without damage to the wafers or touching any more than the edge surfaces and adjacent areas of the wafers.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring wafers between storage magazines and processing trays. The trays are mounted on a generally cylindrical carousel which is rotated about its axis to bring successive ones of the trays into position for loading wafers on to the trays and unloading wafers from the trays. An elevator assembly is mounted within the carousel and is moveable in an axial direction for alignment with different wafer holding positions which are spaced along the trays. The storage magazines are mounted on the elevator assembly, and wafer transfer blades transfer the wafers between the magazines and radially moveable chucks which carry the wafers to and from the wafer holding positions in the trays.

Abstract: A device for transferring sample vessels carried by a microtiter member to collecting vessels which are carried in cassettes and are dimensioned to accommodate the sample vessels.

Abstract: A machine for automatically removing soil plugs from the densely packed configuration of their growing tray and presenting them serially in a reliable and precisely positioned manner to appropriate plug takeup portions of an automated plug handling system. Broadly, the plug loader and feeder according to the present invention comprises a reciprocating plug ejection mechanism operable to remove a complete row of plugs from the tray, a tray indexing mechanism for incrementally moving the tray, one row at a time, past the plug ejection mechanism, and a carousel feeder which acts first as a receiving station and then as a plug presenting system. The machine further comprises a synchronous drive mechanism for taking motion from any appropriate input drive and generating the timed motions of the above-mentioned components over each machine cycle.

Abstract: The application discloses a design for an automatically dumping hopper for use with a forklift. The hopper is designed for a 1-man operation with the operator transporting stacking and dumping the hopper without leaving the forklift seat and without the use of any controls other than the controls of the forklift. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment which is useful for sand, gravel and other loose bulk material has a hinged bottom secured to the sidewalls with a hasp latch constructed such that when the hopper is tilted on edge, the hasp clears from its retainer, releasing the bottom to open when the hopper is lifted. The latch only releases upon tilting of the hopper so that the hopper can be transported and stored when lifted vertically.

Abstract: A system for transferring substantially identical fixtures, on each of which is mounted a workpiece, from a stack of said fixtures in a transferor magazine to a transferee magazine. Each of the magazines has substantially planar walls defining a prismatic interior space having a substantially rectangular cross-section and open top and bottom, or end, faces. The walls of the magazine are provided with spring catches for retaining in the storage space fixtures placed therein, with the catches defining that portion of the interior of the magazine constituting a fixture storage space. The transferor magazine is mounted on a transferor base, which is provided with a transferor station and apparatus for placing the catches of the transferor base in a condition so that fixtures in the storage space can descend into the transferor station. The transferee magazine is mounted on a transferee base which is provided with a transferee station.

Abstract: A box or container for transporting and disposing of trash is constructed to be operated by the action of a forklift truck alone without the addition of special accessories and so constructed as to have a low overall height making it suitable for placement under machines, benches and other devices, because of the absence of operating mechanisms under the container. The box is constructed so that the discharge cover or lid, as well as a specially constructed dumping leg are automatically released by the action of the forklift. The dumping leg then drops into a pivot bracket customarily located on the edge of the receptacle which receives the trash and further action of the forklift causes the box to tilt or pivot around the leg and discharge the contents of the box. Further action of the forklift returns the leg to its position under the box and closes the cover or lid making the box ready for further receipt of trash.

Abstract: A sheet receiving and storage apparatus comprises a housing and an open-bottomed magazine releasably connected therewith for collecting sheets introduced therein through its open bottom. The sheets after being partially introduced into the magazine are intercepted along their lower edges by a support located below the entrance opening of the magazine. When a predetermined amount of sheets are stacked thereon the support and sheet stack are bodily raised, so that the stack of sheets moves entirely into the magazine. The sheet stack is then retained in the magazine with the help of a stack retaining element, after which the support is lowered and a light-trap associated with the magazine is actuated to light-tightly close the magazine. Then, the magazine may be taken out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming reference flats on a plurality of styli comprises the step of placing the styli lengthwise in parallel grooves disposed adjacent the surface of a first plate, allowing the top portions of the styli to project above the surface. A coating of wax is applied to the flat surface of a second plate. The wax-coated second plate is then pressed against the surface of the first plate until the top portions of the styli are held firmly against the surface of the second plate, after which the second plate is lifted from the first plate with the styli remaining adhered to the second plate. The exposed portions of the styli are lapped to form the reference flats by moving an abrasive surface in a direction along the lengthwise orientation of the styli.

Abstract: A hoist includes an upper support plate connected to a lower guide plate by two sliding rods. The hoist is designed for lifting a plurality of elongated articles, such as projectiles, by hooking each article onto a fastener attached to the lower surface of the upper support plate with the article extending through one of several holes in the lower guide plate. The holes in the lower guide plate serve to keep the articles from banging together. Springs may be used to bias the upper support plate towards the lower guide plate. An associated method of using the hoist is especially well-suited for moving projectiles between pallets having different center-to-center or projectile separation distances.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling photographic slides is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is adapted to support two rotary slide trays disposed one above the other. Means is provided for indexing the lower tray and a coupling member extends between the two trays so that the upper tray is indexed in synchronism with the lower tray. A chute is provided for conveying slides from the upper tray to the lower tray and is shaped to turn the slides laterally so that they enter the second tray in reverse orientation compared with their former orientation in the first tray. Slide loading and unloading devices for use with the apparatus are also disclosed. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is adapted to load stacked slides into a rotary slide tray.

Abstract: Initially randomly oriented elongated articles (11) are uniformly oriented and inserted into cavities (47) of a magazine (48) in a mass insertion process. The articles (11) are first aligned in parallel grooves (32) of a rack (31), wherein they initially retain a random longitudinal orientation. The articles (11) are then translated longitudinally in one or the other direction depending on their orientation in the rack. Those of the articles extending in the one longitudinal direction are first transferred to the magazine (48) while the other articles remain in the rack. The longitudinal orientation of the remaining articles is thereafter reversed by rotating the rack about its longitudinal axis, and the remaining articles are inserted into the magazine as the complement of such first transferred articles.

Abstract: A conveyor system for rod-like articles such as cigarettes uses compartmented trays adapted for insertion into a holder. Successive compartments of the tray are filled longitudinally with multi-layer batches of the articles delivered on a separator conveyor. Filled compartments are intermittently transversely moved into the holder. Holders containing full trays firmly retain the articles in the trays so that handling of the tray/holder combination is facilitated. The system is reversible so that trays may be unloaded by delivery of batches onto the conveyor between the separators.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing mixed cargo in which a plurality of containers each house therein a plurality of storage channels arranged in tiers and rows filling each container and located immovably with respect to each other. The storage channels lead away from a loading and unloading opening in one container end wall. Each channel has a smooth, low friction bottom extending in its longitudinal direction. Packages are loaded through the loading and unloading opening one in back of the other in series in each channel. The channels are loaded by pushing items of cargo in mutual contact into the channels and by tilting the container to allow sliding of the items of cargo in rows out of the channels.

Abstract: A buffer store for filled and empty cigarette containers is provided between a cigarette making machine and a cigarette packing machine so that either of the machines may be kept running if the other stops. In one example the buffer store consists of separate cigarette loading and unloading stations between which the cigarette containers are carried in trolleys. In a further example, the loading and unloading stations are combined into a single unit which is adapted to either load or unload containers, depending on the operating conditions of the machines, the containers again being carried in trolleys.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for serially dispensing dual-in-line-type integrated circuit devices for use in manually loading circuit boards. Integrated circuit devices are placed in queues in a plurality of dispensers. The dispensers are adapted to serially release individual circuit devices to an access position within the dispensers. The dispensers are mounted on laterally moveable frames in a rack and can be withdrawn from the rack over a circuit board at an array position substantially directly over and adjacent the position on the circuit board into which the circuit devices are to be loaded. The dispensers comprise an indexing head which is adapted to release only single ones of circuit devices for rapid and convenient manual transfer from the access position of the dispensers to the load position of the board. A plurality of stations can be disposed in an assembly line with a board advancement mechanism to implement speed controlled loading of circuit boards.

Abstract: A cop supplying truck which runs along the individual winding units of an automatic winding machine is provided. The cop supplying truck travels while storing the cops accomodated in an individual cylindrical cop container and feeds the cops into a magazine of a winding unit without stopping at the individual winding units. The cop supplying truck is provided with a hole through which the cop falls onto the magazine. The cops are travelled and fed by means of a first conveyer device which works to successively convey the cop containers toward the falling hole, a device which takes out one of the cop container when the cop supplying truck passes over the empty magazine, and a second conveyor device which so works that a cop in the taken-out cop container is only allowed to fall into the magazine through the falling hole.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the automatic handling of wafer materials is proposed for the plasma treatment of the wafers such as high-purity silicon semiconductor wafers. In this apparatus, the wafer carried by a carrier means to a position neighboring to a wafer table is picked up by a movable pick-up means and placed on the wafer table where it is subjected to the plasma treatment after the wafer table is fixed vacuum-tightly to a plasma reaction chamber. After completion of the treatment, the wafer is taken out by a second movable pick-up means and carried away by another carrier means to the succeeding processing step. Thus a possibility of full automatization of wafer processing is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading contact pins into a loading fixture, the pins in two or more rows, has a magazine for holding pins in a plurality of vertically stacked rows. Automatic insertion members push pins from the magazine into the loading fixture. The number of pins, and disposition of the pins, in a row can be predetermined by a template. The pins are swaged at a position intermediate the ends and thus do not stack level in the magazine. The magazine is provided with a stepped formation so as to offset the effect of the swage and provide for pins to be horizontal at the levels at which they are to be inserted into the loading fixture. Small rings of solder can be positioned on the pins prior to insertion in the board.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a trash container and compactor for trash collecting vehicles; the container being removeably carried on a vehicle chassis and the container having a generally box like configuration and being provided with a moveable trash compacting side pivotally connected with the container; the vehicle chassis having a compactor arm adapted to cooperate with the pivotally moveable side of the trash container such that the actuator alternately opens and closes said moveable side of said container for compacting trash therein; the side of the container being pivoted at its lower portion and the upper portion of the container being moveable generally away therefrom to alternately provide a trash receiving opening in the upper portion of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and displaying articles as fruit and the like utilizes a display package that includes a diaphragm member for holding the contents of the package and a pneumatic expander that moves the contents contained in the diaphragm member and the diaphragm member itself toward the top of the display package as the contents are removed or to the bottom of the package as contents are added.