Abstract: A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer with a gripper system comprising a pivot mechanism with vertically disposed pivot axles to move gripper arms relative to each other and parallel to a transport plane.

Abstract: In the separation of a cover tape 15e from a carrier tape 15 performed by a cover tape separating mechanism 50, a cover tape 15e, which is separated from a base tape 15a by a separating blade edge 51f, comes into contact with a concave conical surface 52c, so that one side portion of a cover tape 15e is bent toward the other side portion; and the bent cover tape 15e is pressed against a guide surface 32s from below while the carrier tape 15 is guided to a pick-up position. Accordingly, the cover tape 15e is folded on the base tape 15a in a flat shape.

Abstract: A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: In a supplying system using containers for supplying groups of filter elements to smoking article assembling equipment, each container has a unique source of information that travels with the container. An unloader receives and unloads the containers. An automated data reader is proximate the unloader for reading the source of information for each container before it is unloaded. A computerized controller uses the information read by the automated data reader to obtain information from a database. The information from the database is compared to information from another source to verify that the proper filter elements are being supplied. The computerized controller allows, or instructs, the unloader to unload correctly supplied filter elements, and stops the unloader from unloading incorrectly supplied filter elements.

Abstract: In a structure that exfoliation is performed in the pitch sending of a carrier tape (15) by making a cover tape exfoliating mechanism (50) intervene between joining surfaces of a base tape (15a) and a cover tape (15e), in an exfoliation start position where an exfoliating knife tip (51f) of an acuminate shape, which is provided at a front end, starts to exfoliate the joining surface, a lower guide member (40), which guides the carrier tape (15) from below, is pushed up from the bottom side by a lever member (44), and when the carrier tape (15) is installed, the carrier tape (15) is pushed up together with the lower guide member (40) to make the exfoliating knife tip (51f) in the exfoliation start position to be aligned to the joining surfaces and enter between the joining surfaces.

Abstract: A method of operation of a micro device feeder system includes: adjusting a distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate for aligning a carrier tape carrying a micro device to a center line for pick-up of the micro device by external device handling equipment; and configuring a tape handling mechanism, having a sprocket assembly, to accommodate a predetermined width of the carrier tape.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism, which determines the relative position of a carrier tape 15 in a tape feed direction by fitting alignment pins 37 to feed holes 15d in a lower member 31, and a cover tape separating mechanism 50, which is provided on an upper member 32 and exposes electronic components 16 stored in component pockets 15b by separating a cover tape 15e from a base tape 15, are provided at non-interference positions that do not interfere with each other when the upper member 32 is closed to the lower member 31. Accordingly, when the cover tape 15e is separated from the carrier tape 15, the carrier tape 15 is aligned with the guide section 30.

Abstract: A carrier tape feeder is provided. The carrier tape feeder includes a unit for loading a carrier tape, a picking-up unit where chips are picked up, and a driving unit. The pick-up unit includes a knife portion, a folding-guiding portion, and an inversion-guiding portion. The knife portion separates a cover tape from a base tape in a first adhesive portion. The folding-guiding portion is spaced from one lateral side of the knife portion to induce folding of the cover tape separated by the knife portion in the lengthwise direction in a state in which the cover tape is partially attached to the base tape in a second adhesive portion. The inversion-guiding portion extends in an oblique direction from the knife portion and the folding-guiding portion toward the outside of the carrier tape to induce inversion of the upper and lower surfaces of the cover tape folded in the folding-guiding portion so as to be superimposed on the base tape.

Abstract: A system for unstrapping and unsleeving a tray is provided. The system comprises a tray-transport configured to transport a tray in the system, a strap cutter configured to cut a strap on the tray, a strap-removal portion configured to remove the strap cut by the strap cutter, and an unsleeving station configured to remove a sleeve from the tray. The unsleeving station is configured to remove the sleeve from the tray after the strap-removal portion removes the cut strap.

Abstract: A variable tape feeder is provided. The variable tape feeder includes a frame having an accommodating section and a component feeding section on a transfer path that transfers a carrier tape having components packaged with a cover tape. Width adjusters for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section are installed respectively on the transfer path, accommodating section, and component feeding section to adjust widths thereof according to widths of the carrier tape, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section, respectively. Width sensors for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section detect widths adjustment of the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section width adjusters, respectively. A controller outputs a response signal in response to signals detected by the respective sensors installed in the component feeding section and the accommodating section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance adjustment system and a solar wafer inspection machine provided with the system. The inspection machine has a conveyer for carrying a solar wafer, an optical inspection system for inspecting the surface and color appearance of the wafer and an illumination inspection system. A holder is provided in the inspection position where the wafer is clamped along its width direction to prevent the wafer from offset. During the opto-electrical inspection, probes are brought into contact with conductive buses of the wafer and light is applied to the wafer to allow the probing of electric energy thus generated. An adjusting device is employed to adjust the clamping gap of the holder and the distance of the probes in accordance with the size of the solar wafer. The data are collected and transmitted to a sorting system for sorting the wafer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder device (1) for insertion machines for printed circuit boards, comprising a housing, a drive motor (3, 3?), a gear unit (5) and a pin wheel (6) engaging with a transport tape. The drive motor and the gear unit are arranged on a common side wall (2) of the housing such that the axles thereof are perpendicular to the side wall. It is the object of the invention to provide a narrow structural design of the feeder device, which also allows easy mounting. To this end, the rotor (14, 14?) of the drive motor (3) is rotatably mounted on only one axle (4, 4?) which is fixedly connected to the side wall (2) of the housing.

Abstract: A component feeder capable of enhancing productivity is provided by that the component feeder includes a tape feeding device intermittently feeding a component housing tape constituted of a carrier tape having component housing parts formed with predetermined interval to contain respective electronic components, and a cover tape covering the component housing parts to prevent the components from jumping out from the component housing parts while the component housing tape wound on a housing tape reel is sequentially fed to a component extracting position, and an electronic component exposing device exposing the electronic components in the component housing parts to be allowed to be extracted, wherein the tape feeding device is constituted of a first feeding device and a second feeding device, and the electronic component exposing device is provided between the first feeding device and the second feeding device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which can pick up a chip from an adhesive film while preventing damage to the chip. In addition, a device which can pick up a chip over an adhesive film with a high yield is provided. A pickup device includes: a frame for holding a film to which a chip is attached, which is fixed to a support; a pressing jig which presses a surface of the film, to which a chip is not attached, while rotated or moved; a holding jig which holds the chip simultaneously with or after the pressing jig pressing the film; and a moving unit which moves the holding jig.

Abstract: When a component (X) is fed to a pickup position (53) but no suction action is carried out due to a variety of reasons, a reverse feeding action is carried out to return the component (X), which has been fed to the pickup position (53), to a position upstream of the pickup position (53) in the tape feeding direction. The same component (X) is thus not wasted but is resupplied to the pickup position (53) in the following pickup action, whereby the amount of waste of components is reduced.

Abstract: A tape feeder 1 includes a carrying sprocket 4 for carrying a carrier tape 3 at inside of a cabinet 2, a motor 5 for driving to rotate the carrying sprocket 4, a driven sprocket 6 driven to rotate by a movement of the carrier tape 3 carried at inside of the cabinet 2, and an exfoliating roller 7 rotated cooperatively with rotation of the driven sprocket 6 for reeling to exfoliate a cover tape 12 pasted onto the carrier tape 3 for sealing a part, in which driving of the motor 5 is transmitted as an operation of carrying the carrier tape 3 and is transmitted to the driven sprocket 6 by way of the carrier tape 3.

Abstract: A conveyor 4 for transporting a reticle cassette 18 is provided. A lifter 16 of a rail vehicle 14 lifts the reticle cassette 18 for transferring the reticle cassette 18 between the inside of a dummy FOUP 22 and the conveyor 4.

Abstract: A tape feeder feeds electronic components by advancing a tape intermittently. The tape feeder includes a motor controller for controlling a motor, which rotatively drives a sprocket to advance the tape, and a communication unit for receiving a control signal from a control unit of an electronic component mounting apparatus and transmitting a control parameter such as a rotating speed, an amount of rotation, and acceleration and deceleration pattern to the motor controller. The tape feeder has such a structure that a tape advancing speed and an amount of tape advancement are easily changeable according to a type of the electronic components by changing the control parameter of the rotating speed and the amount of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor unit constituting a separating and feed mechanism (33), in particular for sheet-shaped workpieces, in particular sheets (3) to be printed, with a lifting mechanism (2) for transporting the sheet (3) vertically and a conveyor track with conveyor means (51, 52) for transporting the sheet (3) horizontally. This being the case, the conveying means (51, 52) are displaceable in a guide system between an operating position for feeding the sheet (3) to a production unit (36), in particular a printing machine (37), and a non-operating position to enable the sheet (3) to be lifted unhindered from a sheet stack (39).

Abstract: A medicine tray storage member (100) capable of storing medicine trays (7) in a stacked condition includes: a tray support member (101) for supporting the medicine trays (7); a tray transport member (102) having a transport mechanism for transporting the medicine trays (7), the tray transport member constituting a part of the tray transport line (3); and a control portion for allowing the tray support member (101) to move down to put the stacked medicine trays (7) on the tray transport member (102), thereby allowing the tray support member (101) to support and move up the next medicine tray (7) positioned above the lowermost one, and allowing the tray transport member (102) to supply the medicine tray (7) situated at the lowermost position to the tray transport line (3). The tray transport member (102) includes cut out portions (11) receiving movable leg portions (125) of a carrier (123) on which the medicine trays (7) in a stacked state are loaded.

Abstract: A method of exposing components, which are carried by a carrier tape (2), arranged in sequence along the carrier tape (2) and covered by a cover (3). The cover is attached to the carrier tape having a lower surface facing the sequence of components. The method is performed by, while feeding the carrier tape towards the picking position, separating a first portion of the cover from a first portion (31) of the carrier tape. Thereafter, guiding a thus loosened portion of the cover towards the second side of the carrier tape. Performing said guiding such that before reaching the picking position, while being raised to an upright position, the cover is automatically gathered by being folded, so that at least two portions of the lower surface of the cover face each other, thereby reducing the height of the cover.

Abstract: A linear multiple feeder for use with an apparatus for automatically positioning surface-mounted devices (SMDs) collected from a tape wound on a reel. The tape has a protective film coating removably attached thereto, for enabling the device to be picked-up. The feeder comprises a support structure, a plurality of reels of tape carrying the device or component rotatably mounted to the structure, motor-driven wheels for retrieving the protective film being detached from the tape to expose those devices or components that are ready for collection, and a plurality of relatively parallel lanes on the support structure. Also provided is a device for forward linear delivery of the tape along the lanes. The lanes are provided with respective elements for separating the film coating entrained axially by the film-retrieving wheels in a direction opposite to that of delivery of the corresponding tape, thereby detaching the film coating from the tape as the latter moves forward.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a container transport and loading system. The system generally comprises a load port for presenting articles to a tool and a container transport system. In one embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable FOUP advance plate assembly that is adapted to load and unload a FOUP from a conveyor that passes by the load port and move the FOUP horizontally. In another embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable support structure that is adapted to load and unload a container from a shuttle that passes by the load port. The various embodiments of the load port and container transport system are improvements over conventional container transport systems. The present invention also includes a shuttle for simultaneously transporting multiple containers that a load port may load or unload a container from.

Abstract: A part feeding device capable of preventing the adhesive surface of a top tape from being exposed even if a pleat line is displaced and easily and collectively removing the top tape collected by winding on a reel body and a part feeding method, the device comprising a top tape transfer part (1) having raising rollers (6) raising the top tape (104) a specified amount by generally 90° with the adhesive surfaces thereof at both ends facing inside, a folding rollers (5) folding the raised top tape by falling on the unraised top tape, and a tape delivery part (18) feeding the folded top tape at a specified pitch, wherein the reel body collecting the peeled top tape can collectively push out the group of the wound top tape in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a container transport and loading system. The system generally comprises a load port for presenting articles to a tool and a container transport system. In one embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable FOUP advance plate assembly that is adapted to load and unload a FOUP from a conveyor that passes by the load port and move the FOUP horizontally. In another embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable support structure that is adapted to load and unload a container from a shuttle that passes by the load port. The various embodiments of the load port and container transport system are improvements over conventional container transport systems. The present invention also includes a shuttle for simultaneously transporting multiple containers that a load port may load or unload a container from.

Abstract: Provided are tape feeding and recovering modules for a tape feeder, and a tape feeder including the tape feeding module and the recovering module. The tape feeding module feeds a tape storing a plurality of electronic components in a predetermined pitch by driving a sprocket which inserts its teeth into the tape. And the recovering module exposes the plurality of electrical components by removing a top cover from a top surface of the tape and discharges the top cover from the tape feeder.

Abstract: A carrier tape for a tape and reel machine includes at least one edge having a plurality of sprocket openings therein. The carrier tape also includes a first row of aperture cavities and a second row of aperture cavities. Electrical components are contained in the first and second row of aperture cavities. In some embodiments, the electrical components carried are the same, and in other embodiments, the electrical components carried in the first row differ from the electrical components carried in the second row.

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: An apparatus for supplying a component carrier in the form of a tape is provided. The component carrier has a number of cavities formed on one surface thereof for containing components. A pair of spaced first and second guide plates that function to guide one surface of the component carrier. A movable guide plate is disposed between the first and second guide plates so that it can move back and forth between a first position adjacent to the first guide plate for defining a component pickup station and a second position adjacent to the second guide plate. The movable guide plate has an extension which extends along at least one longitudinal edge of the component carrier and opposes the one surface of the component carrier for preventing movement thereof when the movable guide plate takes the first position.

Abstract: A method and unit for transferring blanks on a packing machine, whereby stacks of blanks are transferred from a platform, on which the blanks are arranged in stacks, to a store wherein the blanks are packed successively and seamlessly along a path for supply to a pickup station of the packing machine; transfer of the stacks from the platform to the store including forming, at a loading station and by means of two gripping devices for gripping the stacks, a group of blanks defined by stacks superimposed and aligned in a container, feeding the container and the group along a path to an unloading station at the store, and transferring the group of blanks from the container to the store.

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 supply module for feeding electrical components to an automatic component-mounting machine has a locking element which is a piezoceramic bending transducer that extends in the longitudinal direction of the supply module along a supply path for the components. A free end of the locking element projects into a window of the supply module to an extent such that the locking element is located slightly above the component which has been conveyed there and is ready for removal. By applying an operating voltage to the locking element, the locking element can be deflected laterally to an extent such that it is moved out of the coverage region over the component transversely with respect to the component advancing direction.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and a device for transferring storage containers, especially cassettes for printing plates, in order to reliably and accurately receive both manually inserted cassettes and cassettes from upstream transport systems and upstream storage devices, such as MCLs. The invention enables these cassettes to be supplied to other devices constructed, for example, for separating printing plates. The storage containers are aligned in a holder provided for them, and are positioned and secured against inadvertent withdrawal. In this case, the transport of the storage containers within the device is carried out in a damped manner and can be assisted automatically. A pneumatic drive system is preferably used for this purpose.

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: An interbay transfer interface between an automated material handling system and a stocker which includes a conveyor belt positioned juxtaposed to the stocker, a plurality of open-top containers positioned on the conveyor belt, at least two locating pins situated on the conveyor belt for engaging the containers, a wave emitting/receiving device positioned immediately adjacent to the conveyor belt, and a controller for receiving signals from the wave emitting/receiving device and sensors mounted on the locating pins.

Abstract: A reticle protection and transport system and method for a lithography tool. The system includes an indexer that stores a plurality of reticles and a removable reticle cassette. The removable reticle cassette is comprised of an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The system further includes an end effector coupled to a robotic arm. The end effector engages one of the plurality of reticles to enable the reticle to be positioned within the removable reticle cassette and thereafter transported. The system further includes a seal, coupled to the end effector and the robotic arm. To transport the reticle, the reticle is first loaded onto the end effector. Next, the end effector is used to create an arrangement wherein the reticle is loaded into the removable reticle cassette. Importantly, the reticle and removable reticle cassette do not come into contact with one another.

Abstract: A chemically analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of reaction containers, a reaction container holder for holding the plurality of reaction containers and for supplying a sample and reagent at predetermined positions, a plurality of reagent containers for holding reagent adapted to be supplied into the reaction containers, a reagent container holder provided above the reaction container holder, for holding the plurality of reagent containers, a measuring part for measuring physical properties of the sample, a liquid feed mechanism provided in a lower part of each of the plurality of reagent containers, for supplying a predetermined quantity of reagent from each of the reagent container into the associated reaction containers by means of the liquid feed mechanism.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a rotation accommodating shelf and a transfer machine. The rotation accommodating shelf is capable of accommodating a plurality of accommodating containers in which substrates are to be loaded. The transfer machine is for transferring the plurality of accommodating containers to the rotation accommodating shelf. The plurality of accommodating containers are respectively disposed on radial lines, which radiate from a rotation center of the rotation accommodating shelf, such that each accommodating container is respectively inclined in a horizontal plane in a same fixed direction with respect to a radial line.

Abstract: A loader conveyor adapted so as to receive a wafer carrier from a transfer conveyor and adapted to terminate at an intersection with a processing system, is provided. Thus, the need for a front-end loader robot may be eliminated.

Abstract: A series of successive filled and closed containers for filter rod sections or other products of the tobacco processing industry is advanced stepwise along a horizontal path. When the foremost container of the series reaches a given portion of the path, it is moved forwardly and away from the next-following container into the cage of an elevator. The foremost container is opened while in or at the cage, and the cage is thereupon lifted to a level at which the opened container therein can be tilted to dump its contents into a chute, a magazine of the like. The thus emptied container is thereupon tilted back to its original orientation and is transported away to a dump, to a recycling station or to a refilling station. All of the above-enumerated undertakings are carried out automatically. The next-following container, i.e., the foremost container of the remainder of the series, is thereupon manipulated in the same way as the aforementioned foremost container, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mounting apparatus installed with a tray feeder in which a mounter is, at its one side, installed with a tape reel feeder and is, at its other side, installed with a tray feeder so that various semiconductor device can be, easily and rapidly, supplied.

Abstract: A substrate processing pallet has a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces. The top surface has at least one recess adapted to receive a substrate. The recess includes a support structure adapted to contact a portion of a substrate seated in the recess and a plurality of apertures each adapted to accommodate a lift pin. Lift pins can extend through the apertures initially to support the substrate and retract to deposit the substrate onto the support structure. A side surface includes a process positioning feature adapted to engage with a feature located in a process chamber to position the pallet. A side surface includes a positioning feature adapted to engage with an end effector alignment feature to position the pallet with respect to the end effector during transport. A side surface includes support features adapted to engage with end effector support features to support the pallet during transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting product-filled bags from retainers that are conveyed along a rectilinear path. The extracting apparatus includes a base member disposed along a base guide path parallel to the rectilinear path of the retainers so that the base member is free to make a reciprocating motion, a frame member supported on a supporting shaft on the base member so as to swing upward and downward, a sliding shaft member supported on the frame member so as to advance and retract, and a holding means disposed on the front end portion of the sliding shaft member. A cylindrical cam roller is attached to a cam roller attachment link which is pin-connected to the lower portion of the frame member, and the cam roller rolls through the cam groove of a raising-and-lowering cam, thus allowing the frame member to swing upward and downward about the supporting shaft.

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

Abstract: A substrate processing pallet has a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces. The top surface has at least one recess adapted to receive a substrate. The recess includes a support structure adapted to contact a portion of a substrate seated in the recess and a plurality of apertures each adapted to accommodate a lift pin. Lift pins can extend through the apertures initially to support the substrate and retract to deposit the substrate onto the support structure. A side surface includes a process positioning feature adapted to engage with a feature located in a process chamber to position the pallet. A side surface includes a positioning feature adapted to engage with an end effector alignment feature to position the pallet with respect to the end effector during transport. A side surface includes support features adapted to engage with end effector support features to support the pallet during transport.