Abstract: A method of inverting workpieces in a mass production process includes: advancing an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of a carrier to synchronize arrival of the carrier at a stop position with arrival of the end effector at an unloading position, in which the end effector is in alignment with a workpiece held by the carrier for engaging the workpiece; while the end effector is in engagement with the workpiece, retracting the end effector away from the carrier to unload the workpiece from the carrier and advancing the end effector back toward the carrier to load the workpiece back into the carrier; and rotating the end effector relative to the carrier to invert the workpiece in electronic synchronization with the retracting and advancing of the end effector for loading the workpiece back into the carrier when inverted.

Abstract: A system receives data from a submersible remote operated vehicle (ROV), the data being about the operation of an arm of the ROV. The system automatically controls, based on the data, movement of the arm in docking the arm to a tool holder. In certain instances, the system implements an image based control. In certain instances, the system implements a force accommodation control. In certain instances, the system implements both.

Abstract: A carrier (1) for transporting objects, having a carrying limb (2) and a load handling limb (3), wherein at least one rotatably mounted load support is arranged in the region of a free end (7) of the load handling limb (3), wherein the load support includes a pivotably mounted segment (4) which lies on the free end (7) of the load handling limb (3) and, together therewith, forms a load-carrying bearing and at least one inner surface of the load handling limb (3) forms a bearing shell (5) on the free end (7) and supports the pivotably mounted segment (4).

Abstract: A coupling tool for connection to an outer end of a tubular element for the purpose of upending the element has an engaging mechanism with which the outer end of the element can be engaged, and a pivotable lifting member with which the coupling tool can be suspended from a lifting device such as a crane. Resilient arms are further mounted on the coupling tool, which arms can be moved from a starting position to a position against a wall part of the outer end of the element for the purpose of aligning the suspended coupling tool relative to the outer end, and for damping movements of the suspended coupling tool. Also described herein is a device which utilizes the coupling tool, and a method which makes use of the device.

Abstract: A hoisting device includes a first part movably connected to a running rail above it, and a second part suspended under the first part, and a hoist arranged between the first part and second part to lift and lower the second part. In addition, a scissors mechanism is arranged between the first part and second part to prevent the horizontal movement and twisting movement of the second part in relation to the first part. Such a hoisting device is advantageous, because the second part of the hoisting device may be lifted and lowered at the same time as the first part is moved without any notable swinging exerted on the second part.

Abstract: This document generally describes warehousing systems that can, in certain instances, improve the efficiency of warehousing operations and improve utilization of available space in a warehousing facility. The warehousing system may be implemented in an automated warehouse, such as an automated cold-storage facility, that uses programmable equipment to automate tasks associated with warehousing operations, such as transporting inbound storage items to specified storage positions of storage racks in the warehouse and removing outbound storage items from storage so that they may be loaded onto trucks for delivery away from the warehouse.

Abstract: The disclosed systems for automated building construction may include upright supports, a support platform coupled to and vertically movable relative to the upright supports, and a bridge platform coupled to and horizontally movable along the support platform. A track may be mounted on the bridge platform, and a robotic arm may be coupled to and movable along the track. The robotic arm may be configured to retrieve structural insulated panels and to position the structural insulated panels to construct at least a portion of a building. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a measurement device is provided that includes an actuator module, a control module, a load cell module, a processing module, and a notification module. The actuator module includes an actuator. The control module includes one or more actuator controllers configured to control the actuator. The load cell module includes one or more motors configured to set orientation of attachments points for the actuator with respect to a component relative to a location of a user. The processing module includes a processor configured to receive and analyze information from the load cell module pertaining to an insertion force for the component. The notification module is configured to provide a notification based on the analyzing performed by the processing module.

Abstract: A system receives data from a submersible remote operated vehicle (ROV), the data being about the operation of an arm of the ROV. The system automatically controls, based on the data, movement of the arm in docking the arm to a tool holder. In certain instances, the system implements an image based control. In certain instances, the system implements a force accommodation control. In certain instances, the system implements both.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe deployment system that includes pipe deployment equipment, in which a pipe drum having spooled thereon a pipe segment is to be loaded on the pipe deployment equipment, and a pulling device to be secured to an unspooled section of the pipe segment. The pulling device includes a device body having a first body arm and a second body arm, in which the device body is to be disposed around the unspooled section of the pipe segment, the first body arm is to be secured to a first cable branch, and the second body arm is to be secured to a second cable branch. The pulling device includes a first pipe grabber secured to the first body arm and a second pipe grabber secured to the second body arm such that the second pipe grabber and the first pipe grabber open towards one another.

Abstract: A conveyance system for conveying a workpiece to each of a plurality of processing apparatuses includes a conveyance passage, an automated conveying vehicle for travelling on the conveyance passage, the automated conveying vehicle including a workpiece storage member, travelling mechanisms, and a receiver, a stock unit including a storage member holding base and a receiver, and a storage member conveying unit for conveying the workpiece storage member between a region of the conveyance passage above the stock unit and the storage member holding base or between a region of the conveyance passage above the processing apparatus and the inside of the processing apparatus.

Abstract: Implementations of an end effector and an associated method of grasping an item are disclosed. The end effector comprises an interface system comprising a mounting plate having at least a first portion movable relative to at least a second portion. For example, the first portion and/or second portion are configured to pivot about at least a first pivot axis. The interface system further comprises a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate and at least partially defining an inner recess. The end effector further comprises a pair of actuators operably connected to the plate and each configured to apply a force to the plate so as to pivot a portion of the mounting plate and deform the pliable body member. The end effector further comprises a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.

Abstract: A store of an embodiment includes a shelf, a conveyor, an elevator mechanism, a robot hand, and a robot mechanism. In the shelf, products can be displayed. The conveyor is arranged along the shelf. The conveyor is configured to convey a container in which the product is placed. The elevator mechanism is configured to move the container up and down. The robot hand is capable of griping the product. The robot mechanism is configured to perform positioning of the robot hand. The robot mechanism is configured to overlap at least a part of the conveyor in a top view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hoist and hook assembly may determine a position of a target using a position sensor. A hook assembly may be positioned in response to the position of the target as detected by the position sensor. Positioning the hook assembly may include articulating a boom coupled to a hoist, using one or more local thrust sources on the hook assembly, and/or moving an airframe relative to the position of the target.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a crane including an attachment board secured to the cabinet; a receptacle on the attachment board and including threaded holes; a hollow member on the attachment board; an outrigger on bottom of the attachment board and including a slot, a rear sliding tube, a caster mounted to a bottom of a rear end of the sliding tube, and a rod releasably secured to the sliding tube and in the slot; a boom having one end pivotably secured to the hollow member and including threaded holes, an extension extending from the other end and threadedly secured to the boom, a chain at an end of the extension, and two guard members a front portion of the boom; and an adjustable boom hoist having one end releasably secured to the threaded hole of the boom and the other end releasably secured to the threaded hole of the receptacle.

Abstract: Battery gripper (12), for attracting by suction and handling starter batteries (26) of, in particular, motor vehicles, having a housing (56), in which a vacuum chamber which can be loaded with vacuum is provided and which has suction openings (84, 84) on the suction side thereof (54) which faces the starter battery to be attracted by suction, wherein the suction side is assigned a flexible lining (82) for contact with the starter battery, wherein the housing has a T-shaped cross section which runs parallel to the suction side, wherein the cross section has a bar section (64) and a web section (66) which extends transversely from the bar section, in such a way that the web section extends between the battery poles (68, 70) of the starter battery when the starter battery is attracted by suction to the battery gripper.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus configured to mount a first part on a second part having an engaged part extending in a first direction includes a holding part configured to hold the first part, an engaging part extending in the first direction and being configured to engage with the engaged part, a support part configured to support the holding part and the engaging part, a first mechanism configured to displace the support part in the first direction, and a second mechanism configured to allow a displacement of the support part in a plane intersecting with the first direction.

Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mass cultivation of plants, which enables plants to be cultivated in the entire area of a greenhouse when the plants are cultivated in the greenhouse, thus enabling mass production of plants.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment are disclosed. The storage system includes a frame containing a plurality of stacks of containers, a first handling device capable of lifting a plurality of containers from a stack in a single operation, and a second independently moveable handling device capable of lifting a single container and moving the container laterally. The first and second handling devices can work together to remove a target container quickly and with minimum use of resources.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer device is located upwardly of an article delivering and receiving portion and downwardly of a ceiling transport vehicle. A transfer device grip is provided such that the intermediate transfer device is in vertical alignment with the ceiling transport vehicle and the article delivering and receiving portion and is capable of traveling, while guided and supported by a guiding support, to and among a transfer position for the delivering and receiving portion, a transfer position for the intermediate rack, a transfer-time retracted position, and a temporary-storage-time retracted. The guiding support is configured to form a space through which the grip portion and an article can pass in the vertical direction when the ceiling transport vehicle transfers the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing dowel baskets from dowel side frames and transverse dowel rods. The dowel side frames are introduced at a top location of the production system, where there is initially introduced a first dowel rod and subsequently, with successive stepwise advancements, the remaining dowel rods are introduced. The dowel side frames with the dowel rods advance on guides that may rotate the dowel side frames relative to the axes of the longitudinal wires so as to impart a desired inclination angle ? relative to the rods. In following, with continuous stepwise advancements, the dowel rods are alternately welded, each to one of the opposed dowel side frames. Transverse wires are welded on the longitudinal wires to impart rigidity to the dowel basket. Subsequently, mass-produced dowel baskets may be stacked in groups.

Abstract: An unloading device includes a pair of support bodies which supports side surfaces of a vulcanized tire vulcanized by a tire vulcanizer from the lower portion in a vertical direction, and a movement portion which moves the support bodies. The movement portion includes a horizontal movement mechanism which moves the support bodies in a horizontal direction from a position at which the vulcanized tire can be extracted from the tire vulcanizer to a position at which the vulcanized tire can be held by a PCI device for cooling the vulcanized tire, and a transport mechanism which transports the vulcanized tire, which is received from the PCI device by the support bodies, to a carrying-out destination.

Abstract: The tire vulcanizer is provided with an unloading device. The unloading device removes a vulcanized tire that has been vulcanized in the main body of the vulcanizer and conveys same to a cooling position at which the vulcanized tire is cooled, and conveys the vulcanized tire that has been cooled at the cooling position to a discharge position for transfer to an exporting device for discharging the vulcanized tire. The unloading device is provided with a support section capable of supporting the vulcanized tire, a rotational movement section for rotating the support section in a plane, and a linear movement section for moving the support section linearly.

Abstract: A method of transferring pipes from a carrier vessel to a laying vessel includes gripping the pipes in the hold of the carrier vessel and releasing the pipes, in a given position, inside a transfer station on the carrier vessel by means of a manipulator mounted on the carrier vessel. The method also includes guiding a gripping device, connected to a crane, into said given position at the transfer station.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robot arm, and a plurality of guide pins mounted on the robot arm. Each of the plurality of guide pins includes a plurality of wafer supports at different levels, with each of the plurality of wafer supports configured to support and center a wafer having a size different from wafers configured to be supported and centered by remaining ones of the plurality of wafer supports.

Abstract: A transport device includes a traveling holding member which can travel while holding a storage container, and a move out prevention mechanism which prevents substrates from moving out of an opening of the storage container. The move out prevention mechanism is configured to include a contacting member which can be moved between a contact position at which the contacting member is in contact with side faces of the substrates, and a spaced apart position at which the contacting member is spaced apart from the side faces of the substrates. The contact position is set such that the contacting member is located between an opening side end portion and a central portion of the substrates in a direction along which the substrates are inserted and removed.

Abstract: It is common to store decayed radioactive waste in waste packages, lowered into vertical concrete cylindrical storage containers called tile holes. These containers of these packages decay over time and may become fragile, making it difficult to remove them using conventional methods. A retrieval tool has been developed, comprising a cylinder that fits between the tile hole internal diameter and the outside diameter of the waste package inside the tile hole. Inflatable air wedges are equally spaced inside the cylinder. The air wedges are inflated to a low pressure (2.1 psig) to provide uniform grip to the outside of the packages, minimizing the risk of damage to the decayed containers. A back-up system uses horizontal safety bars at the bottom of the cylinder, which may be rotated to form a partial platform under the waste package, preventing the package from falling in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load. The automatic lockout arrangement precludes electrical power from being applied to open the system when the lifting force being applied to the automatic lockout arrangement has reached a predetermined lockout value.

Abstract: A conveyance vehicle system that achieves an increased efficiency of loading an article from a conveyance vehicle into a loading opening of an automated warehouse, includes a stocker, a conveyance vehicle, and a conveyance vehicle controller. The stocker includes racks, a loading port, and a stocker controller. The conveyance vehicle loads an article into the loading port of the stocker. The conveyance vehicle controller assigns the conveyance vehicle with an article conveyance command to convey the article to the stocker. The stocker controller receives a predicted conveyance command before the article is loaded from the conveyance vehicle into the stocker. The predicted conveyance command includes ID information of the article and information indicating whether or not the article is to be loaded into a rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling cargo. A cargo handling system may be positioned relative to the cargo. The cargo handling system may comprise a frame structure and an engagement system. The frame structure may be configured to change in a number of dimensions to encompass the cargo. The engagement system may be configured to engage the cargo. The number of dimensions of the frame structure may be adjusted to encompass the cargo. The cargo may be engaged with the engagement system.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a main load unit, a buffer load unit, and a transfer unit. Containers each accommodating substrates are placed on the main load unit and the buffer load unit. The buffer load unit is disposed above the main load unit and movable into and outward from a process module. Therefore, more containers can be placed in the substrate processing apparatus without increasing the footprint of the substrate processing apparatus, and thus it is possible to reduce equipment idle time during which standby substrates wait before being processed, thereby improving productivity.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to create an overhead robot system that reduces the movements of the system's gripper when it is desired to pick up an individual object from the middle of a stack of objects. The number of movements is reduced as the gripper can be driven to above the desired stack of objects and does not need to be subsequently moved to another location above the warehouse area in order to pick up and move a single object. The invention comprises a separate arrangement for moving a single picked-up object to the edge of the warehouse area. The gripper can move more quickly to the next object to be picked up.

Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.

Abstract: A telescopic barrel lifting attachment device which includes a parallelepiped body, a plate member disposed perpendicularly thereto on each end of the body, a pair of slide bars disposed on each side of the body having a channel therebetween through which the body slides, a concave clamp assembly disposed on a bottom end of each plate member, and a cable having external ends attached to the plate members. As the cable is raised and alternately is lowered by a hoist, the cable pulls the clamp assemblies inwardly toward and alternately allows the clamp assemblies to move away from each other to secure and move and alternately release a barrel in a desired location.

Abstract: A device for longitudinal adjustment of a spreader relative to the yoke beam with a sled for lateral adjustment of the spreader between the supports of a straddle carrier for picking up and transporting containers includes a base frame and mountings for support bolts firmly connected with it, a traverse with openings for support bolts and an attachment for a displacement cylinder, support bolts between the mountings and the traverse, and displacement cylinders between the base frame and the traverse.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body; an article support for storing an article, the article support being configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; an operating device provided on the mobile body for shifting the article support between the article storage position and article transfer position; an operated element supported to be movable in a direction of access between a proximate position adjacent the mobile body standing still in an article transfer location and a remote position away from the mobile body standing still in the article transfer location, the operated element being operable, in the proximate position, to place the article support in the article storage position, and in the remote position, to place the article support in the article transfer position; and a guide device for guiding the operating device in a fore and aft direction to a proper operative position relative to the operated element when the

Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body configured to move along a path and having an article holder; an article support for storing an article, the article support is configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; a lock device provided on the article support to be switchable between a locking state for locking the article support in the article storage position, and an unlocking position for releasing the locking state; and an operating device provided on the mobile body for moving the article support and switching the lock device.

Abstract: A workpiece pickup apparatus is provided. The workpiece pickup apparatus includes: a gripping unit which sucks a workpiece so as to lift up the workpiece; a lowering unit which lowers the gripping unit from a waiting position towards the workpiece; a detecting unit which detects a physical amount which corresponds to a force with which the gripping unit presses the workpiece; a comparison unit which compares the detected physical amount with a reference physical amount; and a controller which controls a movement of the gripping unit based on a comparison result of the detected physical amount and the reference physical amount.

Abstract: A high-efficiency buffer stocker is disclosed. The buffer stocker includes an overhead transport track for supporting overhead transport vehicles carrying wafer containers and at least one conveyor system or conveyor belt provided beneath the overhead transport track for receiving the wafer containers from the overhead transport vehicles on the overhead transport track. The buffer stocker is capable of absorbing the excessive flow of wafer containers between a processing tool and a stocker, for example, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of wafers between sequential process tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and unloading a heat treatment furnace and to a corresponding method. Heat treatment furnaces are normally loaded and unloaded by means of a so-called elevator. During unloading, a removed workpiece is usually lowered by means of the elevator into an oil bath, in which it is then removed from the elevator. Oil is then transferred into the furnace chamber via the oil-covered elevator. Such an application of oil is avoided by means of a device comprising a frame rack having a first and a second level, which are disposed parallel above each other, and are connected to each other by means of a plurality of frame braces, wherein the first and the second levels have a plurality of openings and the frame braces have guide means.

Abstract: An outer filter removal tool for a boiling water reactor control rod drive that uses a mechanical advantage obtained through the use of lead screw threads to pull the outer filter off of the control rod drive. Fingers on the tool are closed around the upper flange of the outer filter by sliding a collar over the outwardly biased fingers. A shaft extending through the tool is rotated which in turn extends a push plate against the control rod drive index tube causing the fingers to pull against the upper flange on the outer filter until the filter is freed from the control rod drive. The tool will hold the filter in place until affirmatively released for proper disposal.

Abstract: The article storage facility comprises an article transporter configured to move along a path via an article transfer location with respect to an article storage rack; an article loader for bringing articles into and taking articles out of the article storage rack, provided to the article storage rack so as to project and retract between a protruding position for article receipt that projects to an outside of the article storage rack, and a retracted position for retracting toward the article storage rack; and a protrusion and retraction operating device provided to the article transporter, for causing the article loader to protrude and retract between the protruding position and the retracted position when the article transporter is at the article transfer location.

Abstract: One transport device for media rolls used with grand format printers includes a base having opposed ends, means for coupling the base to a forklift tine, and two arms respectively adjacent the base ends. Each arm is coupled to the base for rotatable and lateral movement. A first hook extends from a first cable having an upper end coupled to one arm's distal end. The first hook has a receiving area configured to receive a shaft extending generally along the media roll's center axis, and position the shaft along a generally vertical line extending through the first cable upper end. A second hook extends from a second cable having an upper end coupled to the other arm's distal end. The second hook has a receiving area configured to receive the mounting shaft and position the mounting shaft along a generally vertical line extending through the second cable upper end.

Abstract: An overhead shuttle is controlled to support a bottom of an article while traveling. A transfer apparatus is controlled to hold the article from above the article, move the article between a position above the overhead shuttle and a position above stations provided on a side of a travel rail, and elevate and lower the article to transfer the article between the transfer apparatus and the station.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a plurality of longitudinal battery cells includes: a base plate; a plurality of holding structures for holding the battery cells, the holding structures being mounted on the base plate and configured to hold the battery cells with their longitudinal axes being perpendicular with respect to the base plate; and a plurality of contacts arranged on the base plate to electrically contact positive and negative terminals of each of the battery cells.

Abstract: An actuation system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and an end effector and is configured for moving a payload. A first actuator is operatively connected to the bridge crane. The bridge crane is configured for moving along an X axis in response to the first actuator being actuated. The trolley extends from the bridge crane. A second actuator is operatively connected to the trolley. The trolley is configured for moving along a Y axis in response to the second actuator being actuated. The end effector extends from the trolley and is configured for supporting a payload. A third actuator is operatively connected to the end effector. The end effector is configured for rotating about the Z axis in response to the third actuator being actuated to rotate the end effector. Each actuator is disposed in spaced relationship to the bridge crane, the trolley, and the end effector.

Abstract: A container changing system able to prevent deterioration in the working rate of substrate processing apparatuses and deterioration in the amount of production of semiconductor devices. A second mounting portion is arranged between a carrier of a container conveying unit and a first mounting portion of a substrate processing apparatus with respect to a lifting direction of a container. The second mounting portion is configured to freely advance and withdraw to/from a lifting path of the container. A container lifting unit is arranged between the carrier and the second mounting portion with respect to the lifting direction.

Abstract: An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism.