Abstract: A load carrier for an aircraft cargo hold includes a bottom element with a support surface, the load carrier being movable over a floor surface in a floor plane while the support surface faces the floor surface, the bottom element having a base surface. The support surface has rolling elements rotatable about a rotation axis oriented where a parallel to the axis runs parallel to the floor plane, and the rolling elements being retained on the bottom element where the rotation axis of each of the rolling elements can be rotated about a vertical axis running perpendicularly to the floor plane. A load carrier can include a bottom element, the support surface of which has outlet openings, through which air can exit from the support surface to form an air cushion under the support surface. A load carrier can include a bottom element the support surface of which has slider elements.

Abstract: An air supply supplies air to multiple different inflatable devices. The air supply includes an air compressing device, and at least two pressure valves. The air supply operates to introduce air from the first pressure valve to a first inflatable device at a first pressure that is within a first air pressure range. The air supply also operates to introduce air, on demand, from the second pressure valve to a second inflatable device at a second pressure within a second air pressure range while continuing to supply air to the first inflatable device at a pressure within the first air pressure range. The second pressure and/or the second pressure range is different from the first pressure and/or the first pressure range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport device and a specimen analysis system including the transport device that reduce the pulsation of thrust for moving an object to be transported, reduce vibration of the object to be transported during transport, and realize stable transport. The transport device of the present invention includes a first electromagnet unit including a first tooth made of a magnetic body, a first core connected to the first tooth and made of a magnetic body, and a first winding formed around the first core; a second electromagnet unit including a second tooth installed adjacent to the first electromagnet unit and made of a magnetic body, a second core connected to the second tooth and made of a magnetic body, a second winding formed around the second core; and a magnetic coupling unit made of a magnetic body between the first tooth of the first electromagnet unit and the second tooth of the second electromagnet unit.

Abstract: A patient positioning system includes a patient support device and a positioning apparatus including a body comprising a front end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a ramped surface between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, a tail extending from the front end of the body, the tail comprising an elongated piece of material, and a directional guide material coupled to or integrated with the ramped surface and configured to interface with the patient support device, wherein the directional guide material inhibits relative movement in a first direction between the patient support device and the positioning apparatus more than relative movement in a second direction between the patient support device and the positioning apparatus.

Abstract: A non-contact air bearing having electrostatic discharge properties may comprise: a porous media element having a bearing surface; a supply line configured supply an externally pressurize gas or fluid to the porous media; and an electrostatic dissipative porous bearing layer on the bearing surface of the porous media element; wherein the externally pressurized fluid flows through the porous media element and creates a thin film between the electrostatic dissipative layer and a substrate supported by the air bearing.

Abstract: A propellant portioning device for a propellant formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules includes at least a first module holder, wherein the first module holder has at least one expandable holding element for holding one of the individual propellant modules. In an embodiment, the expandable holding element is expandable by a pressure of a fluid, wherein the fluid is introduced into an interior of the expandable holding element.

Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for external mobility systems for heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, and a third module coupled to the first module and the second module. Systems may include an air bearing system disposed under the third module, where the air bearing system is configured to apply an upward force on the third module, and an air supply coupled to the air bearing system. The upward force on the third module may reduce a static friction of the third module with respect to a floor surface by at least 90%, such that the third module can slide from a default position to an expanded position.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform with open-loop control, including: a surface, to support a workpiece by fluid-bearing of fluid flowing through a plurality of nozzles, a supply system, connected to the surface and configured to maintain the fluid-bearing by applying pressure to cause flow of the fluid out of a subset of the plurality of nozzles, and a controller, to control fluid flow in the supply system with an open-loop circuit to support the workpiece while it moves over the non-contact support platform, wherein the fluid flow is controlled based on at least parameter of a group of workpiece parameters consisting of a position of the workpiece, dimensions of the workpiece and a velocity of the workpiece while supported by the surface.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus can comprise one or more support members defining an interior passage and a first plurality of apertures. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a first end portion of a support area can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a second end portion of the support area. A tube can extend within the interior passage and comprises a second plurality of apertures. Methods are also provided for conveying a ribbon with one or more support members.

Abstract: A linear transport system comprising a linear motor with at least a motor module and at least a conveyor driven by the linear motor along a path of motion is described. The motor module thereby comprises a stator magnetically interacting with a magnet device of the conveyor and having a plurality of stator teeth arranged side by side along the path of motion and a plurality of electric coils each wound around a stator tooth. The linear transport system further comprises a fluid system comprising at least a fluid channel passing through a stator tooth of the stator of the motor module.

Abstract: Systems and methods include providing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft with a cargo pod having a selectively inflatable bladder system that firmly secures a payload disposed within the cargo pod when the bladder system is pressurized. The bladder system also controls the location, position, and/or orientation of the payload in order to adjust, control, and/or maintain the center of gravity of the aircraft during flight. The aircraft includes an impact protection system that further pressurizes the bladder system to protect the payload and/or that disperses a flame-retardant fluid into the cargo pod to protect electrical components of the aircraft. The aircraft is fully autonomous and self-directed via a preprogrammed location-based guidance system to allow for accurate delivery of the payload to its intended destination. The bladder system is depressurized in response to a landing event to allow for e f the payload from the cargo pod.

Abstract: Described are systems for a materials handling facility to emit air from a floor which is used to generate an air cushion upon which one or more totes may move. The floor may contain one or more apertures which receive air from an air reservoir which is supplied by an air source such as a compressor. Air emitted by these apertures is constrained by a deck of the tote, forming an air cushion upon which the tote rests. In some implementations the air cushion may be maintained while a user is within a threshold distance, and discontinued when the user is beyond the threshold distance.

Abstract: A carrying method of carrying a substrate with a substrate holder, including: holding a part of the substrate located above the substrate holder using holding pads; controlling and driving downward the holding pads holding the substrate so that the substrate is supported on the support surface of the substrate holder, when releasing the hold of an other part of the substrate by a substrate carry-in hand that holds the other part of the substrate located above the substrate holder. Accordingly, the substrate carriage to the substrate holder can be swiftly performed.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a suspension train comprising a shell body, wheels and a flow disturbing plate connected with the wheels, a suspension train operating system comprising a non-vacuum cover body and the suspension train traveling in the cover body in an ideal vacuum state at high speeds, and first and second propelling force sources converted from fluid resistance for multiplying propelling force of the train. A fluid channel communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the flow disturbing plate with the lower surface being a concave-convex flow disturbing surface and the bottom of the shell body. The high-speed suspension train is completely driven by solar energy.

Abstract: An inflatable stretcher for carrying and conveniently transferring a patient to another patient carrying device includes an air mattress having an upper sheet member and a longitudinally perforated lower sheet member, which are fixedly connected to each other along their peripheral edges to form an inflatable air bag. The air mattress has at least one air inlet, via which an air hose is communicably connected to the air bag. The air mattress includes at least one limiting member located in the vicinity of the air inlet. The limiting member defines a binding space, which is changeable in size to correspond to a size of the air hose, such that the limiting member can always be fitly set or wrapped around the air hose to hold the air hose to the air mattress even if the air hose has a specification not matching the air inlet on the air mattress.

Abstract: A pneumatic material handling slide assembly and method is provided to accommodate work pieces of various sizes at a manufacturing site. The assembly includes a lower base plate fixed to the floor and an upper plate slidably mounted on top of the lower plate. An air pocket is provided in the lower surface of the upper plate. Compressed air can be supplied to the air pocket to lift the upper plate and associated material handling equipment for sliding along the lower base plate. Locks are provided on the upper plate to secure the upper plate in a desired position along the lower plate.

Abstract: Techniques herein provide a workpiece handling and loading apparatus for loading, unloading, and handling relatively flexible and thin substrates for transport and electrochemical deposition. Such a system assists with workpiece holder exchange between a delivery cartridge or magazine, and a workpiece holder. Embodiments include a workpiece handler configured to provide an air cushion to a given workpiece, and maneuvering to a given workpiece holder that can edge clamp the workpiece.

Abstract: This document discloses magnetic sewing rulers, cutting mats, magnetic holders and magnetic ruler sewing kits are disclosed that provide tools to securely and easily hold fabrics and other sewing materials in place on a cutting mat for laying out, measuring, cutting, pinning, etc. when engaged in sewing projects. The magnetic rulers, cutting mats, and magnetic holders provide security in holding projects to allow a person to use their hands freely during sewing projects.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for a transmission device with air-float guide wheel to guide the liquid crystal display panel, which comprising an air-float supplying platform, two air-float guide groups and a magnetic wheel driving device, wherein a plurality of gas holes are opening on the air-float supplying platform, the two air-float guide groups are assembled at the two sides of the air-float supplying platform, the magnetic wheel is connected with the air-float guide groups, and the air-float guide groups can be rotating with the magnetic wheel rolling, the air can be flowing through the gas holes of the air-float supplying platform, the liquid crystal display panel can be limited and transmitted by the two air-float guide groups in the rolling direction.

Abstract: The containers (B) comprised in an incoming flow of containers advancing in a given direction along an axis (XB), wherein the containers (B) may present with a first orientation or else a second orientation with respect to the direction of advance and with a first posture or else a second posture, are oriented so as to generate an outgoing flow of containers (B), in which, for example, the containers all present in a vertical position with an identical orientation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for supporting a source glass sheet and defining an at least partially non-straight cutting line that establishes a closed pattern that circumscribes a desired final shape; scoring the glass sheet at an initiation line using a mechanical scoring device; applying a laser beam to the glass sheet starting at the initiation line and continuously moving the laser beam relative to the glass sheet along the cutting line to elevate a temperature of the glass sheet at the cutting line to a substantially consistent temperature, where the laser beam is of a circular shape; and applying a cooling fluid simultaneously with the application of the laser beam, such that the cooling fluid at least reduces the temperature of the glass sheet in order to propagate a fracture in the glass sheet along the cutting line.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating and positioning work-pieces and other objects at different desired positions includes a main body, a segregating system, and a plurality of dispensing channels defined in the main body. The segregating system has a receiving chamber and a plurality of gas inlets both defined in the main body. The receiving chamber is configured to house the work-pieces. The gas inlets are configured to allow a high-pressure gas fed therethrough into the receiving chamber. Each dispensing channel has a connecting end communicating with the receiving chamber and a positioning end opposite to the connecting end. The work-pieces are able to be driven by the high-pressure gas to move to the positioning ends through the connecting end.

Abstract: Aircraft mission equipment (e.g., an electrical equipment cabinet) comprising a base plate equipped on a bottom with a plurality of air casters that provide flotation mobility. When the equipment is being loaded in or unloaded from an aircraft, the actuated air casters provide a plurality of air cushions. The total lift force produced by the air cushions is sufficient to float the equipment above and out of contact with the floor, thereby improving ease of handling and reducing point loads on the floor structure. Portions of the air distribution system that provides pressurized air to the air casters on the bottom of the base plate are structurally integrated into the base plate of the mission equipment.

Abstract: A device for applying an elastoplastic spacer tape as a spacer during the production of insulating glass panes has at least two supply reels for spacer tapes, several driven tape guide rollers, and a movable application head for the selected spacer tape, with whose assistance the spacer tape is pressed onto a glass pane. For coating one or the other spacer tape, a coating station with two coating nozzles is provided, from which adhesive glue is sprayed on the lateral surfaces of the selected spacer tape. The spacer tape that is unneeded in each case is stopped in the application head in such a way that one or the other of the spacer tapes as desired, depending on which spacer tape is required for the production of a special insulating glass pane, is applied to the glass pane. Thus, the laborious threading and unthreading of spacer tapes is not necessary.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A system and method prints on a continuous web of imaging material in a printing machine. One or more inkjet printheads deposit ink on the continuous web of imaging material which is supported by rollers along a transport path. An air film device is disposed between rollers to stabilize flatness the transported web during printing. Undesirable dynamic movement of the web toward or away from the printheads resulting from fluttering, troughing or catenary sag of the web is reduced to minimize drop placement error in both cross-track and process directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a wafer carrier track for levitating and traversing a wafer carrier within a vapor deposition reactor system is provided which includes upper and lower sections of a track assembly having a gas cavity formed therebetween. A guide path extends along an upper surface of the upper section and between two side surfaces which extend along and above the guide path and parallel to each other. A plurality of gas holes along the guide path extends from the upper surface of the upper section, through the upper section, and into the gas cavity. In some examples, the upper and lower sections of the track assembly may independently contain quartz, and in some examples, may be fused together.

Abstract: Machine (10) and method for treating containers (12) of liquids comprising in succession at least a loading station (15), into which the containers (12) to be treated are loaded, and all disposed according to a determinate first orientation, and a washing station (17), in which the containers (12) are subjected at least to washing and are disposed in a second orientation able to promote the fall due to gravity of the dirt and/or washing liquid present in the containers (12). The machine (10) comprises, downstream of the washing station (17) and outside it, a manipulator device (41) which automatically rotates the containers (12) exiting form the washing station (17) so as to reposition the containers (12) according to the first determinate orientation.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a bearing assembly for transporting an article. The bearing assembly includes a support structure for receiving the article, and a plenum housing for receiving the support structure. The plenum housing and the support structure define a plenum cavity, the plenum cavity being configured to receive and direct a flowing gas for floatingly supporting the article above the support structure. The bearing assembly further includes at least one sensor assembly, which includes a sensor for transmitting and receiving energy emissions for determining a location of the article relative to the support structure. The sensor assembly may determine the location of the article relative to the support structure substantially through at least one aperture located on the bearing assembly. The article location determined by the sensor assembly may be communicated to a display panel or a control unit for adjusting the location if necessary.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: A substrate is held by adsorption by a substrate holding frame that is formed into a frame shape and is lightweight, and the substrate holding frame is driven along a horizontal plane by a drive unit that includes a linear motor. Below the substrate holding frame, a plurality of air levitation units are placed that support by levitation the substrate in a noncontact manner such that the substrate is substantially horizontal, by jetting air to the lower surface of the substrate. Since the plurality of air levitation units cover a movement range of the substrate holding frame, the drive unit can guide the substrate holding frame (substrate) along the horizontal plane at high speed and with high precision.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.

Abstract: A substrate handling apparatus for handling a substrate is disclosed. The substrate handling apparatus includes a substrate feeding device to feed the substrate towards an exposure area, a substrate receiving device to receive the substrate from the exposure area, and a substrate stabilization device to maintain, at least in the exposure area, the substrate substantially flat at an exposure height and/or tilt, the substrate stabilization device configured for contactless stabilization of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A rig transport system provides an air bearing subsystem supporting a drilling and workover rig. The transport system moves the entire rig without having to disassemble the rig, including leaving the derrick in a vertical standing position, along one of a pair of parallel tracks. The air bearing subsystem distributes the rig load over a large footprint to reduce ground bearing pressure. The air bearings lift the load so that the entire rig rides on a film of air, thereby reducing moving friction by up to about 96%.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in unloading bulk material from containers that is vertically adjustable and provides a mechanism for maintaining a coupling engagement with an outlet on a container. The apparatus has a plurality of inflatable flexible members configured and arranged to maintain the coupling engagement of the apparatus to the container outlet.

Abstract: The substrate carrying device includes a carrying passage forming member forming a carrying passage along which a substrate is carried, exhaust grooves extending parallel to the carrying passage in the upper surface of the carrying passage forming member, a plurality of pairs each of right and left carrying gas flow grooves formed in the upper surface of the carrying passage forming member, inclined to a substrate carrying direction so as to approach the exhaust grooves from the right-hand side and the left-hand side of the exhaust grooves, respectively, and having inner ends joined to the exhaust grooves, respectively, and gas spouting pores formed near outer ends of the carrying gas flow grooves to spout a gas for causing the substrate to float and for creating substrate carrying gas flows flowing from the outer ends of the carrying gas flow grooves toward the inner ends of the carrying gas flow grooves.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a liquid film forming mechanism configured to form a liquid film of a process liquid for preventing a contaminant derived from a coating liquid from being deposited or left on a back side peripheral portion of a substrate. The liquid film forming mechanism includes a counter face portion facing the back side peripheral portion of the substrate and a process liquid supply portion for supplying the process liquid onto the counter face portion. The coating apparatus further includes a posture regulating mechanism disposed around the substrate holding member and configured to damp a vertical wobble of the peripheral portion of the substrate being rotated. The posture regulating mechanism includes delivery holes arrayed in a rotational direction of the substrate and configured to deliver a gas onto a back side region of the substrate on an inner side of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate, including supporting a substrate using an air bearing produced via an air bearing assembly, the air bearing assembly having: an upper portion having a plurality of air supply and vacuum holes therethrough; a lower portion; and a plurality of spacers disposed between and maintaining the upper and lower portions in spaced relation, wherein a density of the air supply and vacuum holes is high enough to provide an air bearing for a substrate, but low enough such that at least one of: (i) a sufficient number of the spacers are employed, and (ii) the spacers are located in close enough proximity, to maintain a substantially uniform flatness of the upper portion relative to the lower portion.

Abstract: A bulk component feeder includes a conveying channel 42 through which the electronic components P are conveyed, a ventilation channel 43 that is formed along the conveying channel 42, and a partition 44 by which postures of the electronic components P conveyed through the conveying channel 42 are maintained and by which the conveying channel 42 is separated from the ventilation channel 43. The conveying channel 42 communicates with the ventilation channel 43 through an upper part 45 of the partition 44. It is possible to increase a size of an air channel A which acts as a flow channel for airflow and through which the electronic components P are conveyed with no respect to sizes of the electronic components P, thus, a desirable conveying speed is assured even though the conveyed electronic components P are micro-components.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus comprising: a plurality of floating-transfer guide plates adjacent to each other, each of guide plates having a plurality of floating gas ejecting holes; a gas supplying source; a tray to mount a substrate to be transferred, and that is floated by the floating gas; and a transfer arm for transferring the floated tray from the guide plate to the adjacent other guide plate, wherein the tray includes both side edges, and a contact/engagement portion formed at the respective both side edges for the transfer arm, each of the transfer arms including a base portion that can horizontally reciprocate along a rail provided so as to be parallel to the transfer direction, a guide portion provided to the base portion, that can horizontally reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction, and an arm portion provided to the guide portion, that can horizontally reciprocate in the direction parallel to the transfer direction.

Abstract: A device for slicing food product having a conveyor which transports the food product toward a cutting edge. An air cushion is provided between an end of the conveyor and the cutting edge which elevates and guides the food product.

Abstract: There is provided a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus includes a plurality of first holes each having a plurality of sub-holes arranged in a radial direction and a plurality of second holes arranged in a line proximate the first holes.

Abstract: A pneumatic card transport system is disclosed. The system is configured to use pressurized air to transport a card inserted to a conveying duct inside a card passageway assembly from a first end to a second end. Air nozzles are configured to release the pressurized airstreams at an angle relative to the conveying duct so that the card is essentially floating when traveling along the conveying duct. Hence, the card makes zero or minimum contact with the inner surface of the conveying duct. This will not only reduce the wear and tear of the card, but also reduces the traveling time inside the conveying duct.

Abstract: A device capable of causing a substrate to float by a gas can suppress the consumption of a gas. The device includes a carrying passage along which a substrate is carried. The gas spouted through the gas spouting pores causes the substrate to float and creates gas flows in the carrying gas flow grooves to propel the substrate in a carrying direction. The carrying passage is divided with respect to the carrying direction into passage sections, and the spouting of the gas through groups of the gas spouting pores assigned respectively to the passage sections is controlled to suporess the consumption of the gas.

Abstract: A rig transport system provides an air bearing subsystem supporting a drilling and workover rig. The transport system moves the entire rig without having to disassemble the rig, including leaving the derrick in a vertical standing position, along one of a pair of parallel tracks. The air bearing subsystem distributes the rig load over a large footprint to reduce ground bearing pressure. The air bearings lift the load so that the entire rig rides on a film of air, thereby reducing moving friction by up to about 96%.