Abstract: There is provided a scalable area gripper that includes a structural frame and variable vacuum zones coupled to the structural frame. Each variable vacuum zone includes (i) vacuum ports, (ii) one or more movable barrier elements, and (iii) an actuator assembly to move each of the one or more movable barrier elements across one or more of the vacuum port(s), to cause the one or more vacuum port(s) to go between a closed state and an open state. One or more of the variable vacuum zone(s) is configured to be adjusted to each provide an adjusted vacuum zone that corresponds to a corresponding identified section of a material having a start portion and an end portion. Each adjusted vacuum zone is configured to be positioned adjacent to its corresponding identified section of the material, and is configured to be activated to pick up the material during a material handling process.

Abstract: A solder member mounting method includes providing a substrate having bonding pads formed thereon, detecting a pattern interval of the bonding pads, selecting one of solder member attachers having different pattern intervals from each other, such that the one selected solder member attacher of the solder member attachers has a pattern interval corresponding to the detected pattern interval of the bonding pads, and attaching solder members on the bonding pads of the substrate, respectively, using the one selected solder member attacher.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A labelling device having a label dispenser and transfer device for transferring a row of labels delivered to the transfer device to an article web. The transfer device may include at least one vertically adjustable slide assembly mounted thereon for pressing the labels onto the article web, and the slide assembly may comprise a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements. The slide assembly may further comprise at least one cassette module assembled with the base plate, and one or more of the pressing elements may be arranged on each of the cassette modules.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool for attachment to a robotic arm, includes a housing, an outer suction cup assembly that includes an outer suction cup located at the distal end of the housing, and an inner suction cup assembly that extends centrally through the outer suction cup assembly. The inner suction cup assembly includes a lower suction tube, an inner suction cup that is positioned at a distal end of the lower suction tube and is in fluid communication with the lower suction tube. The inner suction cup is concentrically located relative to the outer suction cup. The tool includes an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lower suction tube with respect to the outer suction cup.

Abstract: A method is provided, wherein the eggs which are pre-incubated in setter trays are transferred to the poultry house in these setter trays. In the poultry house, a layer of insulating covering material is provided on the floor of the poultry house, in one or more strips. The covering material comprises, in particular, litter which is applied in a layer thickness of at least 2 cm. By a set of egg pickup members of a transfer machine, the pre-incubated eggs are removed in the poultry house from the setter trays, after which they are positioned on the covering material by the transfer machine. In this way, the eggs can be placed in the poultry house efficiently, with a minimal risk of damage to the eggs a high hatching rate being ensured.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece includes a fixture base, a linear actuator coupled to the fixture base and having an outboard end that is linearly movable by the linear actuator, and a vacuum gripper located at the outboard end of the linear actuator. The linear actuator is configured to linearly move the vacuum gripper relative to the fixture base into contact with a surface of the workpiece. With the vacuum gripper in contact with the surface of the workpiece, the vacuum gripper is configured to grip the workpiece using a vacuum formed between the vacuum gripper and the surface of the workpiece. With the vacuum formed between the vacuum gripper and the surface of the workpiece, the linear actuator is configured to lock linear movement of the vacuum gripper.

Abstract: A linear axis robotic structure including a Z-tower. A vertical drive is configured within the Z-tower, and a vertical drive mechanism is adapted to integrate with the vertical drive for linear movement along the Z-tower along a Z-axis. A first section arm is adapted to attach to the vertical drive mechanism and having a horizontal orientation, wherein the first section arm is configured for linear movement along the Z-tower with movement of the vertical drive mechanism. A first linear drive is configured within the first section arm. A first linear drive mechanism is adapted to integrate with the first linear drive for linear movement along the first section arm along a Y-axis. A first gripper is adapted to attach to the first linear drive mechanism and adapted for linear movement along the Y-axis with movement of the first linear drive mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector. Embodiments may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber to the gripped element; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element through the vacuum chamber in the y-axis until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected.

Abstract: A workpiece attachment/removal device includes a guide mechanism disposed along an X-axis before a table, first and second placement tables disposed at right and left sides of the table behind the guide mechanism, and a transfer mechanism moving along the X-axis while being guided by the guide mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a base engaged with the guide mechanism and moving along the X-axis, a linear drive part moving the base along the X-axis, a pair of clamping arms having tip ends positioned at the table side, a clamping drive part opening and closing the clamping arms, and a turning drive part turning the clamping arms to move the tip ends of the clamping arms between a lower position and an upper position.

Abstract: One method for filling packaging holders with products comprises the steps of providing a pushing-in unit, which comprises a pushing-in device for pushing products into the packaging holders and a mechanical testing system for testing an arrangement and orientation of the products, prepositioning the products in openings of the packaging holders, actuating the mechanical testing system for testing an arrangement and orientation of the products in the openings of the packaging holders, actuating the pushing-in device and pushing the products into the packaging holders if it has been determined during the testing step that the products are correctly arranged and oriented, and interrupting the filling operation if it has been determined during the testing step that at least one of the products is incorrectly arranged or oriented.

Abstract: Improvements in a processing basket lining system for slide maker-stainer instrument. The utility liner is configured to sit on top of the processing baskets that are customarily occupied/filled with the processing reagents. The probe jackets are shaped to slip in and out without interfere with its capacity to dispense-drain reagents while submerged to the intended reagents in the processing baskets. The liners provide a surface between the processing baskets or probes and the reagents where debris can accumulate as a waste by-product of the process largely in quantities or simply just by the length of use time. The disposable utility lining system, processing basket and probe cover are disposable. The liners are preferably made of plastics. The material of choice is tested not to react with the processing reagent for a period of time, depending on the manufacturer's maintenance requirement.

Abstract: A system creates streams of articles on a laning conveyor having differentiated lanes from groups of articles on a feed, the groups each including articles arranged in a grid including at least two rows. The system includes an end effector on a robot arm. The robot arm is configured to simultaneously lift all of the articles in all of the rows of one of the groups from the feed. The end effector has individually actuatable row portions corresponding to the locations of the articles in the groups. The end effector is configured to sequentially place the lifted articles of each of the rows on the laning conveyor in a given lane of the laning conveyor. Related end effectors and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A door mounting system for mounting a door includes a door mounting frame and a lifter mount. The door mounting frame is attachable to a door and is removable from that door. The lifter mount is attachable to a propulsion device such as a forklift. The lifter mount is attached to the door mounting frame so that the propulsion device provides a way to transport the door mounting frame and the door to a location where it is desired to install the door.

Abstract: A panel pickup and placing method includes providing a liquid crystal panel, a machine table, a panel pickup device, and a vacuum suction device; coupling the panel pickup device and the vacuum suction device together; moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device engaging a surface of the liquid crystal panel; the vacuum suction device sucking and adhering to the liquid crystal panel; moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device lifting the liquid crystal panel for transfer to the machine table; the vacuum suction device releasing the liquid crystal panel; and moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device departing from the liquid crystal panel in order to position the liquid crystal panel on the machine table. The combined panel pickup device includes a panel pickup device and a vacuum suction device mounted to the panel pickup device.

Abstract: Removal mechanism for holding a PCB includes a suction cup, a floating pin comprising a rod and a frustum-shaped head at an end, a connecting member and a positioning board for supporting the PCB opposite to a positioning surface of the suction cup, the positioning board forming a positioning post corresponding to a pinhole of the suction cup. The positioning surface of the suction cup is for holding the PCB, and defines a pinhole having a frustum-shaped opening at the positioning surface. The connecting member defines a limiting hole for receiving the head of the floating pin. The opening has an angled sliding surface, and the end of the floating pin away from the head is connected to the suction cup, and an axial and radial movement of the floating pin adjusts relative position of the suction cup and the positioning post for aligning the positioning post and the pinhole.

Abstract: A robot hand (20) and has: a measurement instrument (22); a hollow shaft unit (24b) attached to a distal end of the measurement instrument coaxially with the distal shaft; a suction unit (26) attached to a distal end of the hollow shaft unit and holds the object; a hollow member (32) that surrounds the hollow shaft unit rotatably in the circumferential direction; a hollow member connecting unit (31, 31a) that extends from a casing (12) supporting the distal shaft (11) and is connected to the hollow member; and a suction unit drive unit (37, 42) that is connected to the hollow member in a position corresponding to the peripheral surface of the hollow shaft unit and drives the suction unit, and the suction unit drive unit communicates with the inner space of the hollow shaft unit through one opening (25).

Abstract: A system is provided for collecting defect data of components in a passenger cabin of a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a component identification device for identifying an affected component, and a malfunction selection device, connected to the component identification device, for selecting a malfunction of the identified component from a predefined quantity of component-specific malfunctions. The system includes, but is not limited to a locating device for acquiring a position of the affected component in the passenger cabin, with the aforesaid being connected to the component identification device. In this manner, by means of devices that are very simple to use, imprecise positioning information, component information and malfunction information can be avoided.

Abstract: There is described a vacuum transfer element for transferring a tubular label having a first axis (A) form a first to a second position, comprising a first surface which may reciprocate along a second axis (E) parallel to first axis (A), comprises a plurality of ports and is adapted to cooperate with an outer side, opposite to first axis (A), of said tubular label; first ports are selectively connectable to a vacuum source to establish a vacuum suction action on outer side, at least when first surface moves from first to second position; surface is angularly fixed relative to said second axis (E); first surface is angularly fixed relative to second axis (E).

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically removing pieces of luggage that have different surface properties and dimensions and getting the pieces of luggage ready for further transport by means of a gripper that is hingedly connected to a robot arm is described. The method includes: a) moving the gripper and the container that is to be emptied close together; b) determining the first piece of luggage to be removed; (c) gripping the piece of luggage using a horizontal suction elements (3) and withdrawing the luggage horizontally; d) if the vertical suction elements (4) are not yet able to sufficiently grip the luggage, the vertical suction elements (4) are repositioned and turned off, the vertical suction elements (5) are repositioned, and then turned on to re-grip the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A robot for handling rolls of web material, is disclosed. The robot includes an articulated arm (60), moving according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes and supporting a suction head (61A).

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: There is provided a gripper system for stacked packaged goods. An exemplary gripper system comprises a first gripper unit for gripping a package by a front surface of the package. The exemplary gripper system further comprises a second gripper unit for gripping the package by a second surface that is at a right angle to the front surface, the second gripper unit having a drive device associated therewith, the second gripper unit being adapted to be moved out of a starting position in which the second gripper unit and the drive device as seen from the gripping side of the first gripper unit, are arranged behind the first gripper unit, into a gripping position in which the first gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its front surface and the second gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its second surface.

Abstract: A vacuum lifting device with a contractible and extensible suction tube and a suction cup, which device is provided with a valve house having an interior that is communicating with the interior of the suction tube. The valve house has an aperture for inlet of air and a valve device for regulating the air inlet by a valve body that is actuated by a rotary cam disc which is rotatable together with a rotary hand grip, which cam disc has a periphery designed to continuously displace the valve body an adjustable distance essentially perpendicular to the turning axis of the cam disc in dependence on the turning angle of the hand grip. A steep increase of the cam disc radius makes possible at need a stepwise displacement of the valve body in addition to the regulated distance.

Abstract: A method for operating vacuum-operated hoists with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism, with a controllable vacuum generator, and with at least one motorized lifting drive is disclosed. A load detection device is used in order to detect the weight of a load picked up by the hoist. The load detection device generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load exceeding a predetermined tare weight of the hoist if the vacuum is insufficient to lift the load. The protection signal indirectly or directly deactivates the lifting drive with the aid of a switch-off control and/or prevents further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins.

Abstract: Pick-up heads and systems are especially useful for picking up, transporting, and placing semiconductor dies at bond sites on packaging substrates. Alternatively, the heads and systems are useful for performing these tasks with any of various other planar objects. An exemplary head includes a shank and a body. The body includes a compliant end portion contactable by the shank, and the end portion includes a face. The shank is movable relative to the end portion such that, whenever the shank is retracted, the face has a substantially planar contour, and whenever the shank is extended, the shank contacts and urges the end portion to provide the face with a convex contour. The end portion desirably defines at least one vacuum orifice connected to an evacuation device (e.g., a vacuum pump) that evacuates the vacuum orifice sufficiently to cause the planar object to adhere to the face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses.

Abstract: An attachment for a telescopic material handler supplies five degrees of freedom (DOF) for the task of picking, manipulating and aiding in the installation of vertical and horizontal wall cladding and other construction materials. The cladding can be of a size up to 1.3×8.0 m and a mass of 350 kg. The control and positioning of the load is accomplished through standard operation of the telehandler in conjunction with wireless control of the five DOF of the device. Hydraulic power for the device functions may be supplied through the telehandler auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary flow also powers a hydraulic generator, which supplies the device with electrical power for both system logic and control and vacuum generation. The cladding panels are handled by the vacuum system.

Abstract: An improved vacuum material handler having an onboard drive engine powering a vacuum pump and a hydraulic pump. The vacuum material handler also having a frame with integrated forklift lugs.

Abstract: An accessory for a forklift allows handling of cartoned goods a whole layer at a time and part of a layer. The head has a series of closely parked suction devices which are served by a common vacuum chamber. The head is carried by the forks and vacuum is supplied by a separate unit mounted on the forklift. In a modification, the head is carried on a sub assembly which allows the head to move to one side of the forklift.

Abstract: A shuttle is disclosed in which a large-sized substrate is prevented from sagging under its weight or from slipping. The shuttle includes a body, support pins supporting sides of the substrate, and shuttle arms provided to sides of the body to rotate in an axial direction and move in a right-to-left direction. The support pins are coupled with the shuttle arms, respectively. A pair of center supports support center parts of sides of the substrate not supported by the support pins. The center supports are movably coupled to a main frame in a front-to-rear direction. A driving unit moves and rotates the shuttle arms in the right-to-left direction. The driving unit moves the center supports in the front-to-rear direction using the main frame. A vacuum instrument assembly is provided to each of the support pins to securely hold the substrate by a vacuum force.

Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A panel installation apparatus is cooperable with an aerial work platform of a lift vehicle for installation of panels on a surface. The apparatus includes a trolley movable on at least one rail supported by the aerial work platform between a displaced position spaced from the surface and engaged position adjacent the surface. The trolley is sized to support a panel to be installed. At least one mounting unit is fixed to the aerial work platform via a mounting unit frame and pivotable between a receiving position adjacent the trolley in the engaged position and an installing position adjacent the surface. The mounting unit includes at least one fixing unit selectively attachable to the panel. With the panel delivered to the mounting unit, the mounting unit can be pivoted and secured to the panel via the fixing unit, and the panel can be subsequently pivoted adjacent the surface for installation.

Abstract: In a linear driving mechanism for electronic component mounting apparatus that performs mounting operation for mounting an electronic component on a substrate and linearly drives a transfer beam 8 in a Y direction using a linear motor, an object to be driven and the linear motor are disposed such that a position P of thrust generated by the linear motor for driving the transfer beam 8 in the Y direction approximately corresponds to a central position D1 of inertial resistance of the object to be driven comprising movable portions such as transfer beam 8, loading head 9, and transfer plate 12. Accordingly, twisting moment applied to the transfer beam 8 due to inertial force is eliminated in acceleration/deceleration, and loading position accuracy is ensured and a component life can be lengthened.

Abstract: A device for operating on a package includes a housing having a portion adapted to be coupled to the package, and a fan coupled to the housing for generating a vacuum within the housing to selectively retain or release the package relative to the housing. A method of operating on the package includes decreasing a distance between the housing and the package, actuating the fan coupled to the housing to generate a vacuum therein, retaining the package relative to the housing using the vacuum generated by the fan, and releasing the vacuum in the housing to release the package relative to the housing.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a part-delivery apparatus which transports a part to a designated part-delivery position by drawing the part onto a head by suction pressure at a designated part-suction position, and which releases the part at the part-delivery position by stopping application of the suction pressure. The apparatus includes: a compliance mechanism for allowing movement of the head in a horizontal plane; an upper-side positioning unit for positioning the head in the part-suction position by responding to an upward movement of the head; and a lower-side positioning unit for positioning the head in the part-delivery position by responding to the downward movement of the head.

Abstract: In a method for operating vacuum-operated hoists (1) with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism (4) and with a controllable means of generating the vacuum, and with at least one motorized lifting drive (2), with a load detection device (8) being used in order to detect the weight of a load (3) picked up by the hoist (1), the load detection device (8) generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load (3) exceeding a predetermined tare weight (T) of the hoist (1) if the vacuum (V) is insufficient to lift the load, said protection signal indirectly or directly deactivating the lifting drive (2) with the aid of a switch-off control (2S) and/or preventing further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins. This function prevents the lifting of loads exclusively by a suction cup effect of vacuum-operated lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: A vacuum suction transport carriage includes a movably mounted carriage body, a vacuum suction generating device and a vacuum picker apparatus mounted on the carriage body, the vacuum picker apparatus including a main frame and at least two vacuum bar assemblies mounted on the main frame. These each include extension and retraction devices mounted on and extending downwards from the main frame and a vacuum bar mounted on a lower end of the extension and retraction device, the vacuum bar including a plurality of suction pads connected to the vacuum suction generating device.

Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses.

Abstract: A transfer unit 10 is structured including a supporting plate 11 having a supporting face 20A for a semiconductor wafer W, an arm plate 30 for supporting the supporting plate 11 and a parallelism adjuster 14 provided between the supporting plate and the arm plate 13. The supporting plate is arranged to be able to intake/discharge the air from the supporting face. Owing to the reaction when the supporting plate comes close to the semiconductor wafer W in the blowing state of the air, the supporting plate is maintained to be parallel with respect to the wafer. After coming close to the wafer in the state that the parallelism is maintained, the wafer is sucked and transferred.

Abstract: In a method and a transport device for transporting objects, limp objects in particular, such as carbon fiber mats or the like, a holding surface of a holding unit for holding the objects includes several holding elements, and the disadvantages of the related art are avoided or at least greatly reduced. A central actuating unit actuates and not actuates all holding elements. It is possible to realize a centrally actuated selection of the holding elements that is carried out as a function of the shape and/or dimensions of the object to be held.

Abstract: It relates to an equipment to transport and move material which transfer products in bulk into one by one; it receivers a certain amount of pieces (1) and delivers one by one to the next industrial process. This equipment transfers products from a belt conveyor (2) to a weighing system (8) of products on a constant flow; it comprises a rotating cylinder (5) with holes (9) on the cylindrical surface which suck the pieces (1) one by one discharging them in a sequence over a weighing and grading system (8).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a wafer handling system that manipulates semiconductor wafers. The invention includes an end effector having a vacuum chuck, an internal vacuum plenum, and flow diverters positioned within the vacuum plenum that define vacuum distribution channels coupled in fluid communication with vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The invention also includes a vacuum chuck having flow diverters positioned in one or more internal vacuum plenums that are in fluid communication with the vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The flow diverters adjust the vacuum pressure supplied to the vacuum ports such that, as vacuum ports are occluded by the wafer, the vacuum pressure is preferentially applied to unblocked vacuum ports for increasing the attractive force applied to unengaged portions of the wafer. The apparatus of the present invention has particularly utility for securing thin semiconductor wafers with a significant warpage.

Abstract: A component-placing apparatus for driving a nozzle in the rotational and vertical directions for applying suction to a component includes a rotary actuator and a linear actuator having a stator connected to a stator of the rotary actuator such that these stators are immovable relative to each other. A spline shaft is connected to a rotating shaft of the rotary actuator, and a nozzle connecting shaft having a suction nozzle disposed at the bottom thereof is engaged with the spline shaft and is allowed to move only rectilinearly. A hollow holder encircling the nozzle connecting shaft with rotary bearings being interposed therebetween is connected to a mover of the linear actuator, and the hollow holder is engaged with the stator of the linear actuator with a linear guide being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for handling coverslips (20) for specimen slides (9) comprises a transport arm (8), a base block (3) mounted on the transport arm and having a having a notional center axis (3a), and at least two suction devices (4 and 5) carried by the base block (3), each suction device (4 and 5) having an end (4a and 5a) that comes into contact with a coverslip (2) and points away from the notional center axis (3a) of said base block (3). The base block (3) both removes a single coverslip (2) from a magazine (24), and deposits the removed coverslip (2) onto a specimen slide (9).