Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided which may be formed using micromachining techniques commonly used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. This is achieved by forming microcapillaries in a silicon substrate and forming an opening in an insulating layer to allow environmental gases to reach through to the top side of the substrate. A porous electrode is printed on the top side of the insulating layer such that the electrode is formed in the opening in the insulating layer. The sensor also comprises at least one additional electrode. The electrolyte is then formed on top of the electrodes. A cap is formed over the electrodes and electrolyte. This arrangement may easily be produced using micromachining techniques.

Abstract: A light emitting device mixer includes at least two bowl feeders, each including a bowl capable of holding workpieces, and a driving unit capable of causing vibration to the bowl. The bowl feeders include a moving passage through which the workpieces may move from one bowl feeder to an adjacent bowl feeder.

Abstract: A protection system (7) for container treatment machine comprises a support frame (8) with a base frame (9) extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a treatment path of containers and at least one individual support member (10) connected to the base frame (9), at least one individual protection panel (11), at least one individual guide means (12) configured to define a movement path of the individual protection panel (11) between a closure position and an opening position, at least one auxiliary positioning means (13) configured to apply an auxiliary force to the individual protection panel (11), said auxiliary force acting in the direction of said movement path against the force of gravity of the individual protection panel (11), wherein the guide means (12) movably connect the individual protection panel (11) to the individual support member (10) and the auxiliary positioning means (13) is interposed between the protection panel (11) and the support member (10) such as to form at least one individu

Abstract: A charging device for a tube reactor has a plurality of metering chambers which can be filled with filling material, for example a catalytically coated carrier material. Each metering chamber is adjoined by a drop tube or some other filling device via which a tube of the filling device can be filled in each case. The metering chambers can each be filled via antechambers which are combined into one replaceable antechamber unit.

Abstract: At least one non-volatile device is coupled to a first Coulomb island. The floating gates of these non-volatile devices are connected to the island and can charge the Coulomb islands. One device can charge the island positively while a second device can be used to charge the island negatively. The Coulomb island can have a small probe opening where a charge can be introduced by using mechanical means such as an external probe or a MEMS switch. A fully charged capacitor formed in a first substrate can provide additional energy to a levitated substrate if the first substrate is connected to the levitated substrate. Bonding wires can be attached to a substrate that is attached to a mother substrate. Then, Coulomb forces can levitate the substrate from the mother substrate and the bonding wires can provide a source of power to the levitated substrate.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: An emptying unit for powder bags used in powder spray coating facilities comprises a bag-receiving hopper which seats a powder bag and is narrower at its bottom than at its top to keep the powder bag dimensionally stable and in a position such that the bag aperture is situated in the upper bag end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a material container discharge assembly includes: a main frame assembly; material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly; a discharge receiving gate having a material container receiving aperture and first, second, and third movable plates, where the first and third plates are movable between an open and closed position and further define a second plate receiving area for receiving the opposed second plate when the second plate and the first and third plates are in the closed position; and a substantially circular access chamber spaced below the material container receiving aperture that includes at least two access doors on substantially opposite sides of the chamber that operate to substantially air tight seal when closed and a sealing system having a sealing device movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, where the engaged position operates to seal the container in position.

Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.

Abstract: A barrel handling system includes a stationary support platform, a support housing, a gripping claw, a first actuator, a second actuator, and a vibrator. The support housing is pivotably coupled to the support platform. The gripping claw is pivotably coupled to the support housing. The gripping claw has an interior shape adapted to grip and hold a barrel. The first actuator is coupled to a first portion of the gripping claw for opening and closing the gripping claw. The second actuator is coupled to a second portion of the gripping claw for driving a pivotal movement of the gripping claw relative to the support housing. The vibrator is coupled to a third portion of the gripping claw for vibrating a barrel when a barrel is held by the gripping claw. The vibrator aids in emptying the contents of a barrel more effectively and quickly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for regulating the delivery rate of bulk tablets to a tablet transportation system.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a bag containing a bulk particulate material and having a discharge spout for dispensing material from the bag generally consisting of first and second annular clamping members displaceable axially between a first, spaced apart condition permitting a portion of the spout to be drawn in position therebetween, and a second, adjacent condition clamping the spout portion position therebetween, and means for releasably retaining the members in the clamping condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a material container discharge assembly includes: a main frame assembly; material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly; a discharge receiving gate having a material container receiving aperture and first, second, and third movable plates, where the first and third plates are movable between an open and closed position and further define a second plate receiving area for receiving the opposed second plate when the second plate and the first and third plates are in the closed position; and a substantially circular access chamber spaced below the material container receiving aperture that includes at least two access doors on substantially opposite sides of the chamber that operate to substantially air tight seal when closed and a sealing system having a sealing device movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, where the engaged position operates to seal the container in position.

Abstract: An IC package feeder is constructed to include a platform, a vibrator controlled to oscillate the platform, a material delivery tube path unit formed of fixed rails and movable rails respectively mounted on the platform at the top near a rear side and defining a plurality of pitch-adjustable parallel material delivery tube passages, an IC package path unit formed of fixed rod members and movable rod members respectively mounted on the platform at a top near a front side and defining a plurality of pitch-adjustable IC package passages respectively aligned in line with the material delivery tube passages, the IC package passages each having a tapered rear side expanding backwards, and a cover vertically adjustably mounted on the platform and covering over the rod members of the IC package path unit, the cover having sloping guide means disposed corresponding to the tapered rear sides of the IC package passages and adapted to guide IC packages from the material delivery tube path unit to the IC package passages.

Abstract: An automatic wire alignment apparatus that can rapidly align wires on an alignment plate is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated alignment plate 10 having parallel grooves 11 for respectively holding a single wire A, a wire supply box 20, vibration generator 30 for vibrating the wire supply box 20. The vibrating causes the wires A in the wire supply box 20 to descend toward the alignment plate 10. A conveyor 40 moves the wire supply box 20, so that the wire supply box 20 is moved relative to the alignment plate 10 in a direction perpendicular to the grooves 11 in the alignment plate 10, and the wires A respectively descend into grooves 11 in the alignment plate 10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: A discharge chute for a bulk bag discharger is fabricated of molded plastic. The chute has an upper portion for securement to a bulk bag discharger frame, such that the mid and lower portions of the chute are freely suspended from the frame. The mid portion of the chute includes one flat sidewall, and three elliptical sidewalls. A door is provided in the flat sidewall of the chute for affording operator access to the interior of the chute. A vibrator is mounted on a vibrator mounting plate on one of the elliptical sidewalls of the chute. The lower end of the chute forms a circular outlet opening, and preferably is of stepped configuration so that an operator may selectively remove steps from the outlet end of the chute to provide an outlet opening of desired diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for simultaneously inverting a plurality of semiconductor devices includes a conveyor (12) for conveying an input tray below a frame (32) having a primer tray captured therein by tray captivators (64). The input tray is elevated by an elevator (20) and the primer tray is lowered by lowering the frame (32) until the trays are closely adjacent. After the tray captivators (64) release the primer tray, tray clamps (44) are moved inwardly to extend over the sides of the trays, and jaws (52, 56) are moved to clamp the trays together. The frame (32) is rotated to invert the clamped trays. The input tray s then captured by the tray captivators (64) as the tray lamps (44) are released and acts as the primer tray for the next operation. After release of the tray clamps (44), the ay including the devices in an inverted orientation is lowered to be conveyed by the conveyor (12).

Abstract: A circuit-component feeder, including an endless belt having an outer surface a portion of which provides a component-carry surface, a stopper disposed adjacent to the component-carry surface, a component lining-up device which lines up, on the component-carry surface, a plurality of circuit components in a lengthwise direction of the component-carry surface such that the lined-up components are close to each other, and a belt driving device which circulates the belt in one of opposite directions thereof by a first predetermined amount sufficient for a leading one of the lined-up components to be moved and stopped by the stopper, and subsequently circulates the belt in the other direction thereof by a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount.

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

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

Abstract: A top platform with interchangeable guide lanes for use on vibratory feed devices is described. The top platform comprises a rectangular deck member on which is attached a brace means including at least one elevator brace, and at least one holddown brace for holding one or more conventional anti-static delivery tubes in a ski-slope configuration. The top deck also comprises a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an orderly rank and file configuration to secure and facilitate adjustment of the guide lanes.

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

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

Abstract: A massager system for facilitating the rapid unloading of bulk material stored in a semi-rigid bag. The system includes a frame from which the bag is suspended. The bag has a discharge spout in the bottom end thereof that is secured to a complementary hopper. The system includes two massager paddles that are seated against the bottom end of the bag on opposed sides of the hopper. The massager paddles are secured to the frame so as to be able to pivot upwardly. A single actuator, such as a pneumatic drive cylinder, is suspended directly from the massage paddles. The actuation of the drive cylinder causes the simultaneous upward movement of the paddles so that the paddles enhance the movement of the contents of the bag out through the bag discharge spout.

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: 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 method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.

Abstract: An inertial parts feeding apparatus and method for dispensing parts, such as microchips, onto a moving belt. The feeding apparatus has a housing supporting an elongated tube accommodating the microchips. A guide mounted on the housing aligns the tube with an arm having an impact shoulder and a microchip stop finger. A roller, engageable with the tube, driven by a stepping motor, moves the tube longitudinally into engagement with the shoulder causing a microchip to move out of the end of the tube and into engagement with the stop finger. The arm is released from the microchip during the time that the tube moves back to its initial position to allow the microchip to move with the belt.

Abstract: Devices and method are disclosed for opening, e.g. by puncturing, sealed containers of materials, e.g. drums filled with toxic or hazardous substances. In one aspect a support cradle supports one or more containers and is movable to dump their contents into a discharge hopper. In one aspect containers are punctured or opened by movable spears or cutters which are movable to open the containers, preferably with personnel spaced apart from or remote from the apparatus during operation. A variety of spray devices or nozzles may be used to create fogs or protective fluid sheets or films over or about various parts of the apparatus to inhibit unwanted dispersion of material in the containers.

Abstract: A truck platform is elevated at one end and then moved rearwardly by pulsation cylinders which slowly accelerate and then rapidly decelerate the platform and truck. The abrupt deceleration causes the material in the truck to continue to move rearwardly separating from the truck floor and move out of the truck in a stair step fashion through repeating pulsations. The angle in which the platform needs to be raised is minimized by the application of pulsation forces to the system thereby improving the safety and ease of unloading the truck.

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: An apparatus for automatically loading and unloading sleeves for an IC tester and then selectively reloading the sleeves after testing, which is controlled by a conventional microprocessor using sensor input and which automatically transports the IC chip containing sleeves randomly contained in a hopper to a sorter section in a correct posture by means of a timing belt having sleeve holders, to feed the chips in the sorter section, to the tester by a first transfer block, and then automatically transfer empty sleeves from an ejector section having a cam plate and an ejector through a dropping section having a pair of guide rails to an unloader section having a second transfer block, a sleeve holder, a sensor and a pushing plate, thereby permitting the sleeves to be refilled with the tester and sorted IC chips and stored in a storage box.

Abstract: A method of cramming electronic components into a plate-like casing, comprises preparing the casing having a spiral passageway, an opening as a continuation of the passageway to communicate with the exterior of the casing and vents; preparing components; sending the components to vibration-free zone while applying vibration to the components; feeding the foremost one of the components, forwarded to the vibration-free zone, into the passageway through the opening of the casing by the push of subsequent components against the foremost component; causing the foremost components to be moved toward an inside terminal portion of the spiral passageway, while applying vibration to the casing in a manner to cause the vibration, applied to the casing, to extend from an outside terminal portion of the spiral passageway to the inside terminal portion of the spiral passageway and permitting air in the passageway to escape through the vents; and feeding from the vibration-free zone and moving the subsequent components towa

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: A pivotally mounted U-shaped bracket assembly is disposed beneath the bottom of a bag containing a quantity of bulk dry material and surrounding a pourspout in the bottom of the bag. An air cylinder comprising an inflatable bladder positioned opposite the pivotal mount of the bracket selectively pushes the bracket upwardly into the bottom of the bag to dislodge the dry material and separate it into its original granulated or powdered form and break up any agglomerations or solidifications thereof which would otherwise interfere with the free flow of dry material from within the bag and through the pourspout. A vibrator is vertically mounted on the outboard end of the bracket and introduces vibratory forces into the material as the bracket deflects the bag to further aid the free flow of material.

Abstract: A material supply apparatus for transferring powdery, granular and conglomerated materials, including a base member, a material vessel pooling unit, a plurality of elongate material racks arranged side by side in the material vessel pooling unit, a plurality of material vessels arranged in each of the elongate material racks, a material vessel transferring unit for removing and transferring a selected material vessel from a selected elongate material rack, and control devices for controlling movement of the material vessel pooling unit and for controlling movement of the material vessel transferring unit.

Abstract: A vibratory tube-to-tube transfer system for transferring the contents of an input tube to an output tube is disclosed. The system includes an alignment fixture having an input section for receiving an input tube loaded with ICs and an output section for receiving an empty output tube. A support plate supports the alignment fixture and a directional vibrator is affixed to the support plate for vibrating the alignment fixture and effecting the transfer of the contents of the input tube to the output tube. An equal number of input tubes and output tubes, such as eight of each, are accommodated by the transfer system.

Abstract: A method of lifting and tipping a container off of a supporting surface in order to dump contents therefrom, the container being of the type having a bottom walland upright side walls, the upper extent of which side walls define an opening. The apparatus includes a hook for engaging the bottom of the container and a first support carrying the hook for supporting the bottom of the container through a range of lifting and tipping movement upwardly from the supporting surface and defining a first movement segament wherein the forward side wall of the container in relation to the direction of movement of the container is unsupported. A second support cooperates with the first support for supporting the forward side wall of the container through a second range of lifting and tipping movement subsequent to the first lifting and tipping movement wherein the container is tipped to an angle sufficient to empty the contents therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of emptying a material-filled bulk bag of the type having a bottom discharge spout which is releasably closed above a bottom end of the spout being released and opened after the bottom end of the spout is releasably and sealably attached to a material receiving conduit so as to provide a substantially dustless emptying procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a plurality of components comprising a vibrating feed tray, having a plurality of interchangeable modular troughs, each sized to receive a component of a particular size. The troughs are removably and slidably secured to the tray, and can be used in any combination. One end of each trough is characterized by only one side wall. A second, parallel side wall is provided each trough by means of sharing the side wall of the adjoining trough. In the event that there is no directly adjacent trough, a side stop is positioned adjacent the open side of the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and tipping a container off of a supporting surface in order to dump contents therefrom, the container being of the type having a bottom wall and upright side walls, the upper extent of which side walls define an opening. The apparatus includes a hook for engaging the bottom of the container and a first support carrying the hook for supporting the bottom of the container through a range of lifting and tipping movement upwardly from the supporting surface and defining a first movement segment wherein the forward side wall of the container in relation to the direction of movement of the container is unsupported. A second support cooperates with the first support for supporting the forward side wall of the container through a second range of lifting and tipping movement subsequent to the first lifting and tipping movement wherein the container is tipped to an angle sufficient to empty the contents therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for gaseous and vaporous species. The sensor comprises a substrate having a surface having an opening therein. A gas and vapor permeable sensing electrode having front and back sides is located across the opening with the front side facing generally the same direction as does the surface. A gas flow path leads to the back side of the sensing electrode. An electrolytic medium is in contact with the front side of the electrode. An additional electrode is in contact with the electrolytic medium and is electronically isolated from the sensing electrode other than via the electrolytic medium. A gas sensor as described has a very fast response time and an extended lifetime and can be made selective for any of a number of different gaseous species.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading station having a frame from which a bag containing powdery, granular or fibrous material and having a bottom spout, may be suspended; a base plate with an opening; and a mechanism above the base plate for intermittently shaking a bottom portion of the bag to aid the flow of material from the spout. The mechanism has a number of liftable petals actuated pneumatically.

Abstract: A car dumping apparatus intended for open top railway cars or other containers which are moved sequentially through a supporting frame and are rotated upwardly and to one side about a single horizontal axis to discharge the contents onto a dumping area located on one side. A first hydraulic piston motor rotates the frame and railroad car as a combination about the horizontal axis. Thereafter a second hydraulic piston motor advances the combination of frame, railroad car, an intermediate support member and the first hydraulic piston motor, as a combination, about the same horizontal axis until the open top of the railroad car confronts the dumping area whereby the contents of the railway car are spilled onto the dumping area. Economies of construction and operation are achieved as a result of the rotation about a single horizontal axis.

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: A dump assembly having a fixed conduit and a rotatable conduit provided with overlapping plates, respectively, at their adjacent ends. The plates are formed with openings, respectively, normally offset from each other to block flow. The other end of the rotatable conduit is provided with means for securing the open end of a filled container thereto. Rotation of the rotatable conduit raises and inverts the container to empty the contents while concurrently aligning the conduit openings to permit flow of material therethrough.