Abstract: A gripper grasps irregular and deformable work pieces so as to lift and hold packaged, processed, or raw, and manipulate the work pieces for the purpose of material handling, assembly, packaging, and other robotic and automated manipulative functions. A vacuum is induced at multiple points through a flexible gripping hood to provide lifting force to, and facilitate rapid movement of, work pieces. An array of lighting devices and a double ring array of segmented mirrors provide uniform illumination to ensure accurate positioning of the gripping hood with respect to the work piece to be manipulated.

Abstract: A holding device includes a fixing base, a rotary driving member, a first positioning member, a first holding assembly, a second holding assembly, and a second positioning member. The rotary driving member and the first positioning member are mounted on the fixing base. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly are driven by the rotary driving member to rotate about a rotation axis. The first positioning member can move relative to the second positioning member to engage with the second positioning member, to position the first holding assembly and the second holding assembly. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly can move separately to complete different tasks.

Abstract: A vehicle hood opening and closing device including a slideable assembly with a linear separator bar that has a first end affixed to a first end support and a second end affixed to a second end support, a first intermediate carriage between the end supports, a second intermediate carriage between the second end support and first intermediate carriage, a first pneumatic cylinder with piston affixed to the first end support and cylinder affixed to the first intermediate carriage, a second pneumatic cylinder with cylinder affixed to the first and second intermediate carriages and piston affixed to a flexible element, wherein the flexible element slideably passes through a pulley assembly affixed to the second end support and attaches to a lift assembly that has a lift plate and at least two vacuum cups, and pneumatic control system pneumatically connected to the two pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plunger that is used to feed and withdraw an electronic component, in particular integrated circuits, to and/or from a contact device that is connected to a test device. The plunger head can be secured to a base body by a quick locking system. The quick locking system can be placed in a rear-engagement position when the plunger head is rotated in relation to the base body, a position in which the plunger head is axially coupled to the base body.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus mounts a component (A) on a board (W). The mounting apparatus is provided with a head unit (40) wherein a plurality of heads (41) for picking up components (A) are arranged in a prescribed direction, a head unit transfer device (4) for moving the head unit (40), a board imaging camera (21) (board imaging device) disposed on the head unit (40) for capturing an image of the board (W), and a camera moving device (25) (imaging device moving device) which moves the board imaging camera (21) relative to the head unit (40) in the arrangement direction of the heads (41).

Abstract: Embodiments include a carton feeding system for feeding a plurality of cartons to a conveyor track, comprising a plurality of feeding devices, where each feeding device comprises a pick-up head with a plurality of vacuum cups, and an erecting finger pivotally suspended at the pick-up head, where the pick-up head has a pick-up position (P1) in which the holding plane of the pick-up head is positioned parallel to the folded carton blank that is to be picked up, and an insertion position (P2) in which the erecting finger is pivoted with respect to the holding plane of the pick-up head in such a way that the carton is opened, and where at least two cartons are inserted simultaneously into the conveyor track.

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: Provided are a semiconductor chip attaching apparatus and a semiconductor chip attaching method. The semiconductor chip attaching apparatus includes a collet body comprising a pick-up pad and a pad support and a collet plate on the collet body, the collet plate having a central portion. A lower surface of the edge portion contacts an upper surface of the pad support. An edge portion of the lower surface is spaced apart from the upper surface of the pad support. The apparatus further includes a first pipe extending through the collet plate and the collet body. The collet plate includes a second pipe in the edge portion.

Abstract: A fully automated method is performed on a structure having a confined space. The structure has a location that is identifiable from within the confined space and from outside the confined space. A first robotic system moves a first end effector inside the confined space such that the first end effector is positioned over the location. A first vector corresponding to the location is generated. A second robotic system moves a second end effector outside the confined space such that the second end effector is positioned over the location. A second vector corresponding to the location is generated. The first and second vectors are used to move the first and second end effectors to a new location such that the first and second end effectors are in working opposition. The first and second end effectors perform a synchronous operation at the new location.

Abstract: A gripper grasps irregular and deformable work pieces so as to lift and hold packaged, processed, or raw, and manipulate the work pieces for the purpose of material handling, assembly, packaging, and other robotic and automated manipulative functions. A vacuum is induced at multiple points through a flexible gripping hood to provide lifting force to, and facilitate rapid movement of, work pieces. An array of lighting devices and a double ring array of segmented mirrors provide uniform illumination to ensure accurate positioning of the gripping hood with respect to the work piece to be manipulated.

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: An apparatus for transporting a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes an upper portion housing an electric motor, the electric motor having a drive shaft. A motor housing encloses the electric motor. A pivot bracket having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the pivot bracket is coupled to the drive shaft. The apparatus includes a lower portion having a top surface affixed to the second end of the pivot bracket. The lower portion includes a plurality of paddle assemblies each having support extensions extending though a bearing assembly of the lower portion. Each of the paddle assemblies has an independent drive assembly disposed between corresponding support extensions, wherein the lower portion translates between a vertical and horizontal orientation by pivoting around an axis of the driveshaft.

Abstract: The fetching device has an arm which captures die-cut blanks located in the magazine of an erecting machine for erecting these blanks to form boxes or the like. The extractor arm is provided with suckers and these suckers are supplied by circuits and. The circuits and are connected to each end of the arm and they are also provided with dispenser-type devive and, respectively, so that they can be active together or separately. The suckers are wholly or partly provided with multifunction three-way valves. These valves are able to allow as many suckers as possible to be selected and used for the operation of extracting each die-cut blank and to isolate the circuits from each other in order to deactivate any suckers which are to be shunted in order to erect said die-cut blanks, for example.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: A robotic arm is for holding a molded item. The robotic arm includes a mount; a suction cup assembly r for holding the molded item; and a rotating assembly mounted between the mount and the suction cup assembly to adjust the angle between the suction cup assembly and to the mount.

Abstract: An apparatus to feed elongated metallic workpieces to a manufacturing process including a storage hopper configured to hold a plurality of workpieces that are randomly oriented and a movement device having a workpiece support that is automatically engageable with a workpiece.

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: A configurable end-of-arm tool attachable to an articulable robotic arm is described. The end-of-arm tool comprises a rail element, a machine-adjustable swing arm, a machine-adjustable extendable shaft attached to the swing arm. A machine-adjustable rotator set is attached to the extendable shaft, and a workpiece interface tool is attached to the extendable shaft. The swing arm, the extendable shaft, and the rotator set are machine-adjustable to place the workpiece interface tool at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A robot tool for setting plugs (18) in industrial production has a robot attachment region (2) for attaching the robot tool (1) to an industrial robot. To further simplify or automate the setting of plugs in industrial production, in particular of motor vehicles, the robot tool (1) has a pushrod (42) that can be moved back and forth and with which a plug (18) can be picked up and advanced.

Abstract: In a robotic assembly, a body adapted for mounting on an arm is provided. A connection is adapted to couple the body and an end effector to allow deflection of the end effector with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position. A conduit allows fluid flow between the body and the end effector. A seal is adapted to engage the conduit to provide a fluid seal when the end effector is in the closed position and allow fluid flow when the end effector is in the open position. Further, end effector deflection can be detected based on the fluid flow and utilized to regulate movement of the robotic assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving and positioning an object in space, having at least three actuator arms each connected to a motor/drive unit and pivotable about a motor/drive axis. The free end of each actuator arm is jointedly connected by connecting rods to a support element having at least one gripping device that can be connected to a vacuum source via a vacuum hose. The gripping device is provided with a suction opening for suctionally gripping the object. According to the invention, the vacuum hose is guided by the support element to the motor/drive axis of one of the motor/drive units, and can be connected to the vacuum source by a rotatable hose joint disposed substantially in the motor/drive axis and rotatable about the motor/drive axis.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus includes a component feeding device that supplies an electronic component to a pickup position, a suction nozzle that picks up the electronic component supplied to the pickup position and mounts the picked up electronic component on a printed board, a height level detection device that measures height levels of the printed board positioned in a mounting position, a monitor graphically that displays a warping state of a sample printed board positioned in the mounting position based on height level measurements by the height level detection device on predetermined positions of the sample printed board, a setting device that sets measurement positions for actual mounting operations using the monitor, a converting device that converts the set measurement positions into coordinates on the printed board, and a memory that stores the converted coordinates of the set measurement position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear motor provided with a magnetic body and an armature. The liner motor is adapted to produce a force causing the magnet body and the armature to be relatively displaced along a given linear moving direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the magnetic body and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. In a typical aspect, the linear motor of the present invention comprises a movable section attached to a base plate adapted to set the moving direction on a base surface thereof, in such a movable manner as to relatively reciprocate along the moving direction with respect to the base plate. A mover is provided on the movable section and formed as one of the magnetic body and the armature.

Abstract: A system for loading/unloading sheets is disclosed, some of which also being of metal, and handling method thereof, serving a laser cutting centre. The system includes a pair of rails (1, 2), supported at a preset height above a feeding tray (T) of the cutting centre, whereon at least one Cartesian robotized hand is movably mounted, capable of moving along horizontal axes X and Y as well as along a vertical axis Z, mutually orthogonal, and including at least two bridge cranes (3, 4) sliding along the rails (1, 2) each of which supports at least one pair of robotized hands (5-8), and the robotized hands (5-8) have an electromagnetic pick-up head which may be coupled with a suction-cup device (103). Feeding tray (T) consists of bars whereon small tesserae (204) of ceramic material are fitted.

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: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for lifting the magnetic material where upon its release, the residual magnetic flux of the lifted magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a release material signal from an operator interface panel to release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a plurality of control signals, one of which is at least partially dependent upon the duration of a previously transmitted control signal, to effectively alternate the polarity and reduce the magnitude of the magnetizing force of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A method for manipulating an object with a remote vehicle having a manipulator attached to a manipulator arm. The manipulator comprises a jamming or other phase change material in a housing. The method comprises pressing the manipulator housing to the object, activating the jamming or other phase change material to cause the manipulator to grasp the object, and moving one or more of the manipulator arm and the remote vehicle to manipulate the object.

Abstract: Device and method to pick up and remove from a bundle one or more bars in order to arrange them for use in an operating machine. The device comprises first magnetic means to separate from the bundle an end segment of a plurality of bars and to arrange at least the end segments of plurality bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle. The device comprises second magnetic means to pick up, from the first magnetic means, at least one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to unload the at least one bar in a desired release position.

Abstract: Loading device using a pendular movement for the displacement of cargo. The loading device consists of a pole (2) and a cable (6), which may be attached to a winch (5). The pole may be telescopic enabling the loading device to obtain different heights.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for efficiently transporting large quantities of initially loose pieces of irregularly shaped scrap sheet metal by temporarily compressing batches of such pieces together into unitary slabs and then forming stacks of numerous slabs, arranged in closely fitted rows within open-top railroad cars or truck trailers. Each slab is formed by ramming a batch of pieces against a vertical plate so that the slab is generally vertically arranged. The slab is then allowed to gravity-fall upon a downwardly tilted table. A second slab is formed and similarly allowed to fall on the table in end-to-end contact with the first slab. The table is then tilted into a horizontal position. A horizontal magnet is positioned to overlap and engage both slabs simultaneously. The magnet is supported by a crane which lifts and moves the magnet over the open-top railroad car or truck and deposits the pair of slabs into an adjacent pair of stacks.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector for high-speed precision alignment and assembly of components has a holding device operable for temporarily holding a second component. The second component is to be aligned and assembled to a first component. The robotic end-effector has a course alignment device operable for locating the holding device with respect to a locating feature that is coupled with the first component. The robotic end-effector has a retractor operable for disengaging the course alignment device from the locating feature. The robotic end-effector has a moveable base whereby lateral compliance is provided for the holding device, enabling motion of the second component with respect to the first component, thereby enabling fine alignment of the second component with the first component when the second component touches the first component.

Abstract: Device for turning over electronic components, comprising a turntable (1) for driving the electronic components to be turned over in succession between the following stationary locations: a location (A) for loading them onto the turntable; a start of turning over location (B); an end of turning over location (C); and a location (D) for unloading the turntable. A turning-over device (2) actuated by a fixed rotating motor (21), not linked to said turntable, allows the electronic components to be turned over between the start of turning over position and the end of turning over position.

Abstract: A conveying arm for conveying a substrate while holding it with suction pads has, on the side of the conveying arm from which the suction pads extend, elastic members, such as flat springs, which are shorter than the suction pads. The flat springs are located above the tip ends of the suction pads when they hold the substrate and when the substrate is lowered to the work stage, the flat springs press any bent portions of the substrate down toward the work stage, which leads to flattening of surface of the substrate against the work stage so as to eliminate leakage of vacuum, used for suctioning the substrate against the work stage, from peripheral portions of the substrate. As a result, the substrate can be securely held on the work stage.

Abstract: A stack of magnetized casing tubulars includes a plurality of magnetized wellbore tubulars each of which includes a plurality of north and south magnetic poles imparted to a corresponding plurality of longitudinal positions along the tubulars. The plurality of wellbore tubulars are arranged into a stack having at least two rows and at least two columns, the wellbore tubulars are stacked side by side and atop one another such that the magnetic poles on one tubular are radially aligned with magnetic poles of an opposite polarity on adjacent tubulars. Such a configuration advantageously substantially eliminates weakening of the imparted magnetic field due to interaction of the magnetic poles on adjacent tubulars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for feeding pouches and spouts to an apparatus for processing same. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can feed pouches and spouts to a rotary machine simultaneously. More specifically, the system can provide a transferring assembly for grasping a single spout and pouch simultaneously from a spout supply and a pouch supply, respectively, then relinquishing the spout and pouch simultaneously to the rotary machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling layers of palletised goods, including a vertically displaceable lift head (2) with a mainly horizontal suction face which is substantially adjusted in size for a pallet, and which comprises downwardly open suction chambers (8) which via individual ball valves and an air distribution chamber are connected to a centrifugal blower (4), which is incorporated in the lift head (2) and constitutes the vacuum source of the apparatus. The suction face moves downwards against the upper side of an upper layer of individually or groupwise packed goods on a pallet. The ball valves are light, thin-walled spherical valve bodies (10). The ball valves are closed if the associated suction chamber (8) is not blocked downwardly by contacting the upper side of the goods on the uppermost pallet layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor package pickup apparatus. The apparatus includes a picker base formed with first and second main feeding holes, which are connected to each pneumatic line providing a pneumatic pressure and aligned in a dual-layer structure, and an adsorption pad coupled to a lower portion of the picker base and formed with adsorption holes connected to the first and second main feeding holes. The pneumatic pressure supplied into the first and second main feeding holes is independently controlled, so that the apparatus easily loads or picks up semiconductor packages, even if the size of the semiconductor packages becomes reduced.

Abstract: An integrated vacuum and magnetic gripper includes a rigid housing defining an internal chamber, and a flexible vacuum cup operatively connected thereto. A vacuum cavity is defined by the vacuum cup and a vacuum source is configured to reduce pressure in the vacuum cavity. A permanent magnet is disposed within the rigid housing, and a magnet release mechanism is configured to selectively render the magnet incapable of exerting sufficient force to hold the work piece. A pole plate may be interposed between the internal chamber and vacuum cavity, such that the pole plate forms a portion of the internal chamber and may act to provide friction on the work piece. A method of using the gripped includes operating at high acceleration while the vacuum gripper is monitored as fully operational and operating only at lower acceleration while the vacuum gripper is not fully operational.

Abstract: A printed-board supporting apparatus includes a support pin that is attached to a pin-supporting table. An image of the support surface of the support pin is taken by a mark-image taking device, at a first position where a center of an image-take surface of the mark-image taking device is expected to coincide with a center of the support surface of the support pin. Another image of the support surface is taken at a second position where the center of the image-take surface is distant from the center of the support surface by a predetermined distance. At the second position, the image of the support surface is formed on the image-take surface at a position corresponding to the height of the support surface. Based on the position corresponding to the height of the support surface, the height of the support surface relative to the mark-image taking device is obtained.

Abstract: Curved and Angular Panel Arm is an arm attachment for use with vacuum lifts that has a hinged section and a pivoting vacuum head mount. To use the preferred embodiment of Curved and Angular Panel Arm, a user attaches the arm to a vacuum lift unit using an attaching mechanism. The hinged section is then adjusted and locked into place to accommodate irregularly shaped objects using the hinge pin and clip or other locking mechanism. Finally, the vacuum pads of the pivoting vacuum head mount are placed on a designated panel or object and the vacuum lift unit is turned on, enabling the vacuum pads on the vacuum head mount to attach to the irregularly shaped panel or object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically placing a sheet of glass in a glass frame. The apparatus includes a frame, a carriage, a first gripper, and a second gripper. The carriage is movably mounted to the frame to automatically move between a first position where the carriage is by a stack of glass sheets on a glass rack to a second position where the carriage is by the glass frame. The first gripper is movably mounted to the carriage and moves relative to the carriage to automatically engage the sheet of glass from the stack of glass sheets on the glass rack at the first position of the carriage and to automatically release the sheet of glass at the second position of the carriage. The second gripper automatically engages the sheet of glass when the first gripper automatically releases the sheet of glass at the second position of the carriage, and then automatically places the sheet of glass in the glass frame.

Abstract: A robot system and method for the repair and/or inspection of cast surfaces in an automated comprising a robotic manipulator of at least 4 degrees of freedom and a gripping mechanism which allows taking a repair device from a tool holder rack located at one of its sides and moving it through a defined path to a repair and inspection area, where a repair process will be carried out in a sequential and programmed way to a number of cast faces to be defined. Additionally, the system allows carrying out an inspection process of the surfaces in a sequential and programmed way through the use of a vision system by taking from a tool holder rack or carrying an advanced vision system for the inspection of surfaces.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic component mounting apparatus which can detects an electronic component held by a suction nozzle without fail after a mounting operation of electronic components on a printed board and perform various processes in a case where the electronic component is held by the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A method of controlling contact load in an apparatus for mounting electronic components on a substrate, in which a head is lowered at high speed to slow down starting position where there is no risk that the electronic component makes contact with the substrate (S1), and from there the head is lowered at low speed until a predetermined target contact load is detected. The process of lowering the head at low speed includes the steps of moving down the head a predetermined distance (S3), measuring load after the step of moving down the head (S5), and determining whether the measured contact load has reached the target contact load (S9). The steps of moving down the head (S3) and measuring the load (S5) are repeated until the measured load reaches the target contact load. The actual load is precisely controlled to be close to a very small set level of target contact load. Accordingly, electronic components using low dielectric constant material are mounted without the risk of damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board are disclosed. The apparatus for manufacturing a printed circuit board that uses conductive bumps to interconnect layers includes: a conveyor unit, which is configured to transport a board that has the conductive bumps formed on one side; an upper roller and a lower roller, which press the board and an insulator together; an elastic coating layer, formed on a surface of the upper roller; and a cleaning device, which removes impurities from a surface of the elastic coating layer. The apparatus does not require a separate device for performing a cushioning function and a detaching function between the bumps and the rollers, and the rollers can be kept clean using a cleaning device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for transplanting a multi-board is provided. This apparatus includes an orientation device, a calibration device, and an image-adjusting device. The orientation device has a first movable platform, and the multi-board is fixed on the first movable platform. The calibration device has a second movable platform and is used for moving a substitution circuit board to a recombination position of the multi-board. The image-adjusting device captures image data of the multi-board and the substitution circuit board and compares the image data to obtain an error signal. The calibration device receives the error signal and moves the second movable platform according to the error signal in order to calibrate the relative position between the substitution circuit board and the multi-board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulation device (3) for manipulating a workpiece (4) on a bending press (2), comprising multiple successive moving elements (17), in particular articulated arms (18), connected to one another via articulated joints (19), wherein one moving element (22) has a rotary head (23) which is rotatable about a rotational axis (24) which at least approximately coincides with a center axis (25) of the moving element (22), and comprising a gripping device (27) connected thereto having a gripping zone (34), formed by one or more gripping elements (32), by means of which the workpiece (4) may be held.