Abstract: Method of and device for transferring packages like bags, blister packs, etc. from a packaging machine to a further-processing mahcine, a box-packing machine for example, wherein a small portion of the packages released by the packaging machine are automatically transferred to a supply shaft by a transfer device and most of the packages are provided to the downstream further-processing machine by the transfer device, whereby the packages diverted upstream of the transfer device are replaced with packages obtained from the supply shaft by the transfer device.

Abstract: An automatic loading system includes an automatic loading apparatus for automatically loading, onto a pallet, a glass sheet product as it lies substantially horizontally and is delivered along a feed path to a terminal position of the feed path. The automatic loading apparatus has a suction mechanism for attracting the lower surface of the glass sheet product at the terminal position and for moving the glass sheet product to a loading position to load the glass sheet product onto the pallet. The automatic loading system also includes an apparatus for putting an interleaving sheet on an upper surface of the glass sheet product in the feed path. The interleaving sheet putting apparatus comprises a mechanism for moving an uppermost interleaving sheet of a stack of interleaving sheets over the glass sheet product, and a holder mechanism for holding the uppermost interleaving sheet against an upper surface of the glass sheet product.

Abstract: Windshields are automatically mounted on automobiles on the assembly-line by advancing a gripping device carrying the windshield and associated position sensors relatively towards the automobile, moving the sensors over a windshield opening in the automobile body shell and across edges of the shell defining such opening to provide signals indicating the position of such edges. Such measurements take place firstly on a gross scale and subsequently on a fine scale along at least four axes during the mounting process. The gross position of the windshield opening is first detected using the gross sensors. Starting from a reference point determined in the course of the gross measurement, a gripping device is then moved towards the upper edge of the windshield opening until a first of two fine sensors moves across such upper edge when the gripping device is pivoted around the detected point until the second fine sensor also moves across the upper edge.

Abstract: An automatic fastener selection apparatus for segregating a single fastener from a particular contained pile of fasteners and for depositing the segregated fastener into the intake device of a fastening machine is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of segregating headed or nonheaded fasteners within a wide range of sizes. The apparatus includes a scoop (20) that is connected to the forward end of a shaft (22). The scoop is mounted for movement into and out of a bin (24). The bin contains a pile of randomly oriented fasteners (26). When moved into the bin (24) the blade (28) of the scoop is thrust beneath at least some of the fasteners. The scoop is then tipped upwardly so that a number of fasteners remain on the upper surface of the scoop and slide inwardly to the corner (30) of the scoop. The scoop includes a vacuum port (34) and associated mechanisms for capturing a single fastener as the scoop is rotated into an inverted position within the bin, after the shaft is tilted to remove the scoop from the pile.

Abstract: Apparatus is set forth for prealigning the transport stage of an automated wafer handling lithographic system. The wafer is first rotated and its displacement in X, Y, and .THETA. from a desired orientation is determined. Rotation of the wafer is stopped when its angular position reaches a desired orientation. The wafer chuck of the transport stage is then displaced to compensate for any deviation of the wafer in the X and Y directions from a desired rectilinear orientation. This permits the wafer stage to present the wafer to the exposure station of a lithographic system aligned in the X, Y and .theta. directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for transferring objects from a gripping station to a depositing station, and is particularly applicable to the loading or unloading of panes of glass. The device includes at least one arm mounted perpendicularly to a shaft which drives it in rotation, with the arm being adapted to slide perpendicularly relative to the shaft. Gripping devices such as suction cups are mounted at each end of the arm, and a motor and indexer are provided for automatically controlling the rotation of the shaft, the sliding and locking of the arm, and the maneuvering of the gripping devices.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rotary carrier which carries a plurality of semi-spherical gripping heads having concave gripping surfaces. The gripping heads are positioned such that the gripping surfaces become flush with the forwardmost plate in a vertically arrayed stack of plates as the carrier rotates. Each gripping head is mounted to the carrier through a hollow bellows and vacuum air drawn into a hole in the gripping face passes through the bellows. When the vacuum increases, due to the forwardmost plate in the stack being pulled up against the gripping head, the bellows collapses and pulls the forwardmost plate away from the stack. Rollers, which extend beyond the periphery of the carrier, urge the stack away from the gripping head immediately before they become aligned. The vacuum then pulls the forwardmost plate away from the stack and into contact with the gripping head before the bellows collapses thereby increasing the gap between them.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which operates to receive and package automatically a plurality of articles molded cyclically and continuously by a high speed, high production injection molding machine where the articles are oriented, stacked or nested within a container in an orderly and antiseptic fashion.

Abstract: A device for holding flat objects comprises a motor on the output shaft of which is mounted a rotatable terminator assembly. A turbine is rotatable by the motor within the terminator assembly, which is partly partitioned forwardly of the turbine. The terminator assembly comprises a flat suction chamber open laterally and containing the turbine and a flat holding chamber forward of and communicating with the suction chamber. This has an open holding surface facing forwardly which is closed off by an object to be held. A separate motor-gearbox unit coupled to the terminator assembly controls its orientation relative to the turbine drive motor.

Abstract: A measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable members (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).

Abstract: A pick and place machine has two pairs of centering jaws slidably mounted in rectilinear slots of a shift plate, with each jaw pair being driven by a pair of scissor links respectively pivoted to a pair of nuts mounted on a dual reverse threaded shaft.

Abstract: A sample handling device for automatically handling a multiplicity of samples, particularly the encapsulated samples for evaluation using a differential scanning calorimeter, on an individual basis. The device comprises a vacuum means, which is capable of transferring a new sample to be substituted for a tested sample, a transfer means, which is capable of removing and replacing a cover means to allow the transfer of the new sample to be substituted for the tested sample.

Abstract: A pick and place head for transferring die or chips containing electronic circuitry from waffle packs to substrates prior to lead bonding operations. The pick and place head includes a spindle rotatably mounted at the end of an arm and carrying jaws which are extendable to grasp, retract and rotate a collet having a vacuum pickup tip. Embodied as part of the spindle is a vacuum sensor manifold which sealably receives the collet and cooperates with it to form part of a vacuum sensing system to detect pickup of the chip or die.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for lifting arrays of paving stones has a mobile arm one end of which carries a support for a polygonal assembly of suction cups having axially and angularly movable bellows which attract the paving stones of an array during transport. The support further carries directional jaws which are adjacent to the sides of the polygonal assembly of suction cups and are movable relative to the support to rearrange the paving stones of an array if the distribution of paving stones departs from an optimum distribution. The jaws are moved out of the way before the suction cups deposit the paving stones of an array so that a freshly deposited array can be placed into immediate or close proximity of the previously deposited array or arrays.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a workpiece to and out of a press is provided with at least a pair of workpiece carrying mechanism assemblies which are driven and controlled independently, and each of the mechanism assemblies includes at least one attachment for attracting the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically transferring a semiconductor wafer between a horizontal and a vertical plane, beginning and ending in precisely located positions. A wafer support arm is carried by a transfer member which also includes a motor for rotating the support arm between a "start" position and an intermediate position in a horizontal plane. Another motor is provided for rotating the transfer member to position the support arm in a vertical plane. The wafer support arm is then returned to its original position relative to the transfer member, thus establishing a "finish" position in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A vacuum-type pickup and transfer apparatus for irregularly surfaced, shaped and sized objects such as populated printed wiring boards (PWBs) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of downwardly directed vacuum conduits that have enlarged lips at their lower end. It also includes a thin, flexible, non-porous membrane which extends transversely and loosely between the conduits and through which the conduits extend so that their lower ends communicate with the region below the membrane. The pick-up apparatus is moved down to the PWBs and vacuum applied, so that the flexible membrane seals against the PWBs, adapting and conforming to any irregular surfaces, sizes and shapes. The apparatus includes a control for selectively regulating the movement of the pick-up apparatus and the application of the vacuum. The PWBs are accordingly moved to the desired location and the vacuum released to release the PWBs.

Abstract: A vacuum part handling device, attached to a robot, serially picks up magazine-loaded brackets and passes them over a double-sided adhesive tape applicator. A strip of tape is secured to a bracket flange and the robot moves the vacuum-held bracket to a final location. The handling device urges the taped flange against a structural member where it is temporarily attached at a precise position enabling accurate automatic insertion of fasteners.

Abstract: A device for loading X-ray film cassettes comprises a housing having a compartment receiving a cassette, a plurality of boxes accommodating film dispensing magazines positioned one above another in the housing, a suction device and transport roller pairs for transporting a film sheet sucked by the suction device towards the cassette. The suction device which includes at least one sucker is displaceable between a dispensing magazine, which contains a film pack corresponding in size to that of the cassette, and the transport roller pairs so as to provide a transport path for the film sheets with very few direction changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling semiconductor wafers comprises first and second tables having first and second elastic bases each of which has one surface on which a semiconductor wafer having a mirror surface is mounted with the mirror surface facing up and the other surface, and a plurality of through holes extending from one to the other surfaces thereof, a suction mechanism for reducing pressure in the through holes and chucking the semiconductor wafers to said bases and a projecting mechanism, provided to face the other surface of at least said second base, for urging the other surface to elastically deform said base corresponding thereto, thereby projecting a central portion of said base to project the mirror surface of the semiconductor wafer. The projecting mechanism includes projecting member having a conical end surface which is capable of being brought into contact with the other surface of the second elastic base.

Abstract: Handling apparatus for the transfer of sheets, particularly of glass, from a horizontal conveyor belt to a container for vertical sheets and vice versa, comprising a rotating and translating device having transfer arms rotating by about 170.degree., supporting a counter rotating shaft, which supports a frame provided with suction pads, as well as a carriage which supports the container, the container being moved into the required exact loading/unloading relationship by the action of a feeling device which detects the position of the last sheet in the container.

Abstract: A positioning device for a hoisting bank with a plurality of horizontally adjustable gripper means, such as vacuum cups, for groupwise handling of cargo units, such as paper rolls. The hoisting bank is of a kind including one or more guiding arms adapted for contacting the cargo units in the group to be lifted enabling the crane operator to adjust, if necessary, the center distance between the gripper means relative to the center distance between the cargo units prior to that the gripper means are positioned on the cargo units. In accordance with the invention at least one of the guiding arms (24) is provided with sensors (40, 30, 32) adapted for upon contacting an adjacent cargo unit (20) or units (20,20) and in dependence upon the outer contour of the cargo unit in question, to effect automatic extension, respectively retraction of the center distance of the gripper means (12) in dependence upon the center distance between the cargo units (20) in the group.

Abstract: A device for pivoting a pivotable member about its pivot axis between its closed and open positions includes a pivot arm pivotally supported about an axis parallel and adjacent to the pivot axis of the pivotable member. A free end of the pivot arm has a mechanism attached thereto, which mechanism supports a member which is movable in a direction normal to a circular arc path taken by the free end of the pivot arm. A connector is attached to the movable member and is further connectable to the pivotable member. Upon movement of the pivot arm into correspondence with the pivotable member under action of a pivot arm actuator, the connector is connected to the pivotable member with the movable member positioned at a predetermined position by a positioning device.

Abstract: An end effector suitable for manipulating articles such as mail flats is disclosed. This end effector has parallel reciprocating arms having suction cups for gripping the article to be manipulated and mechanical grippers mounted on the arms outboard of the suction cups. These mechanical grippers may be actuated to provide a mechanical grip on a manipulated article in addition to the suction grip.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling sheets or the like. The apparatus comprises a bridge structure displacable on rails, an upper carriage displaceable on the bridge structure in a direction perpendicular to the rails, vertical beams attached to the upper carriage, and a carriage displaceable on the vertical beams in the direction thereof. The carriage is provided with lifting forks for removing a sheet pack or the like from a shelf place. The carriage is further provided with a gripper frame for picking up a sheet or the like from the shelf place or the like. In order to provide a simple and reliable apparatus, the carriage is provided with arms pivotable around a horizontal axis from a first position above the lifting forks and essentially in parallel therewith to a second position, and vice versa.

Abstract: An exchangeable multiple function end effector tool suitable for use on the distal end of a robotic end effector includes, in combination; a mechanism for removably affixing the multiple function end effector tool onto a pair of extending fingers provided on a robotic end effector. The multiple function tool is provided with a first gripping device for acquiring a first element or component and releasably retaining it and further incorporates a second gripping device which is capable of acquiring a second element or component and releasably retaining it in the tool. Provision is made for engaging and disengaging the elements either separately or in unison. Movement, assembly or disassembly of the elements remains a function of the end effector and its control mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of feeding a work, in which a jig having an attitude controlling groove formed therein is prepared. A first work is controlled to assume a predetermined attitude by placing the work in the attitude controlling groove. The jig is conveyed to a first position so that the attitude controlling groove is located at a second position. Then, the first work is moved to a third position in the controlling groove and the first work at the third position is transferred to a processing device.

Abstract: A system for the transfer of an individual folded carton from a supply of folded cartons to a conveyor for further processing using a vacuum unit that is reciprocated over an arcuate path and wherein vacuum is applied to the vacuum unit immediately prior to its contact with a first one of a supply of folded cartons so as to secure the first one to the vacuum unit and the vacuum is discontinued from the vacuum unit after the vacuum unit and the first one of the folded cartons have moved away from the supply of folded cartons through a distance less than about three inches.

Abstract: A positioning arrangement for use with a device having a fixed or movable crane arm includes a suction device for plate-shaped bodies which hangs from the free end of the crane arm, the suction device being provided with a tilting device. The tilting device is infinitely variable by a setting mechanism. In this way, the center of gravity of the suction device with the plate-shaped body attached by suction may be adjusted such that the plate-shaped body is kept vertically.

Abstract: Wafer transfer apparatus including a wafer-pickup element having suction openings closer to the edge of wafer than the wafer's center so that the wafer can be picked up with greater certainty as to the locations of the wafer edges, the pickup element being thin and made of a structural layer of rigid structural material having grooves and a TEFLON layer laminated to the structural layer and having suction openings, the grooves and covering portions of TEFLON defining vacuum passages.

Abstract: A material handling machine including a power driven, steerable chassis which supports a vertical mast and a pivotally attached telescoping boom having a material carrier rack, including a device for securing material to the rack. The mast is supported on a base that is selectively movable in a transverse direction with respect to the chassis. The end of the telescoping boom carries a hydraulic orbiting motor that provides for selective rotation of the rack in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. A pair of hydraulic cylinders, together with a universal joint, are attached to the rack and provide for pivoting or tilting of the rack about both the vertical and horizontal axes.

Abstract: A material handling sensor device that includes a proximity sensor located within a vacuum cup. A raised surface in the vacuum cup maintains the proper spacing between the proximity sensor and the handled object, and a seal is formed integrally with the vaccum cup.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved end effector for a robot which is particularly advantageous in applications such as placing flat pack integrated circuits on circuit boards. The end effector includes a vacuum-operated quill for picking up the integrated circuit from a predetermined location. A pressure spring mechanism is included in the end effector permits the flat pack to be held in the desired position with a predetermined force by utilizing the robot arm to compress the pressure spring a predetermined amount. Once the integrated circuit is positioned on the circuit board, the circuit is released and the quill moved away from the board a predetermined distance by a linear actuator included in the end effector without any motion of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A handling apparatus for work pieces such as sheet metal pieces which are to be formed in a sheet metal press. The handling apparatus is designed to pick up a work piece from a first location which may comprise a stack of sheets, and to then move the work piece to a second location which may comprise the tool of the forming press. In the course of movement, the work piece will generally travel laterally, however, a vertical component of movement is imposed in at least one location, for example, when placing the work piece in position at the forming station. The drive means for moving the gripping means comprises a driver and a first shaft supporting a primary arm. A connection is provided between the first shaft and the driver so that the driver oscillates the primary arm. A pivoting follower is also associated with the driver so that movement of the driver simultaneously controls movement of the follower.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary transfer device or apparatus for the pickup, transfer and deposit of articles. The rotary transfer device has a drive source, a frame structure and an article pickup and deposit mechanism that travels in a predetermined, but changeable, path which has at least two apex positions of travel. The rotary transfer device includes a first stationary gear mounted to the frame structure which provides a first rotary motion for the articles transferred by the device. A first planetary gear is provided for rotation about the first stationary gear, and structure for rotating the first planetary gear about the first stationary gear is provided to produce the rotation. A second stationary gear mounted for rotation with the first planetary gear is provided to produce a secondary motion effect for the articles to be transferred by the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling parcels wherein, for the handling of bulky parcels with a low mass and covered with a relatively fragile wrapping, a gripping method is utilized which serves to exert suction on a relatively large surface area of the parcel so as not to damage the wrapping of the parcels wherein the intensity of suction is controlled and the surface area to which the suction is exerted is determined such that a threshold of tearing resistance of the wrapping is not reached.

Abstract: A workpiece conveying apparatus for a working machine including provided with a slider rail arranged vertically on the body of the workpiece conveying apparatus, a drive source, a parallel link consisting of the slider link which is fitted crossing at right angles to and slidably in said slider rail, a slider arm, a lower slider link carrying a work holder and a sub arm and being connected rotatably with each other, a rocking lever being connected to the middle portion of the slider arm rotatably and rocked by a driving mechanism at a predetermined angle, whereby the work holder can convey a workpiece into or out of the specified position along with the intentional locus settled selectively so as to reduce the operating range, and keep a continuous working operation of the working machine, resulting in the durability of the working machine.

Abstract: A pick-up head especially for use in a machine for placing electrical components on a substrate comprises a tool holder mounted for movement, conveniently by a lead screw driven by a motor, between a plurality of datum positions and further positions remote therefrom, having means for interchangeably mounting a pick-up tool with a datum face of the tool located at a predetermined position relative to the tool holder. The head further comprises a plurality of orienting jaws mounted for movement towards and away from a component carried on the datum face of a tool on the tool holder when the holder is in one of the datum positions whereby the jaws can engage the component to orient the component.

Abstract: A gripper head for attachment to the Z axis shaft of a robot or a pick and place machine to pick up objects and position them on a workpiece, comprises a body from which projects a pair of gripping jaws which are slidable horizontally relative to the body by first and second pneumatic piston and cylinder units, respectively. A hold down and tamper member is vertically movable between the jaws by a third piston and cylinder unit so as to hold down an object to be picked up while the jaws are being closed about it and to tamp the object down against the workpiece. A brake is provided for stopping the piston of one of the first and second piston and cylinder units in a desired position. The hold down and tamper member may be arranged also to act as a vacuum pick up device.

Abstract: A device for heavy duty use in loading or unloading industrial presses comprises a mechanism that tilts a frame (which carries a stroke arm and a work support) in a vertical plane at opposite ends of the stroke so as to provide a desired stroke pattern.

Abstract: A telescoping parts manipulator comprising a telescoping tubular arm which is extended and retracted by a cable from a cable drum, and a workpiece engaging assembly which pivots on a wrist swivel axis carried at the end of the telescoping arm which engages molded articles in a molding machine. The telescoping arm is mounted to a slide box which moves forward and backward to allow engagement with a molded article, clearance of the tie bars in the mold, and movement towards a work station such as a conveyor belt. The cable is a hollow nylon tube which provides vacuum from a vacuum source through the telescoping arm to suction cups at the end of the arm which engage the molded articles.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses a suction engagement element to transport semiconductor wafers between processing boats and detects when suction engagement has not occurred despite the engagement element having been moved toward a wafer a distance sufficient to enable said engagement, and then adjusts the position of the engagement element relative to the object (e.g., by backing up and trying again or by pivoting the engagement element) to facilitate the suction engagement.

Abstract: A crawler tractor with a dozer blade and fitted with accessories to loosen the ground in the strafing pit area of an Air Force gunnery range and simultaneously remove from the ground rocks the size of a man's fist and larger and spent projectiles. The tractor is provided with an electromagnet positioned ahead of the dozer blade. Positioned to the rear of the tractor, and pivotally attached to its frame by drawbars, is a chisel bar with a plurality of chisel blades. Just ahead of the chisel bar is a rock rake having a spine from which extend a plurality of forwardly projecting tines. The rake is supported with its tines at such an angle that their tips barely scrape the surface of the earth. Ahead of the rock rake, there is a drag consisting of a section of railroad rail suspended from the drawbars of the chisel assembly at a height sufficient to just scrape the surface of the ground during operation of the tractor.

Abstract: The robotic assembly of a keyboard using a multiplicity of keys of a plurality of distinct types, such As key caps on a sculptured keyboard, can be substantially increased in speed by the use of a multifacted rotatable turret for picking up and installing the key caps onto the keyboard. A programmable robot, having a robotic arm is provided with a rotatable multifaceted turret. Each facet of the turret includes a key handling member which is molded to accept a distinct type of sculptured key. The types of sculptured keys are segregated in a pick-up position. The turret is manipulated by the robotic arm in the pick-up position to pick up a multiplicity of keys of one given type on each of the facets of the turret. Thus, each turret picks up one type of keys. The turret is then translated by the robotic arm to an assembly position. The turret is once again rotated and advanced to assemble the key caps on to key stem projected from the keyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading or unloading a workpiece to be pressed by a press machine. The equipment has cam grooves for a work motion and a return motion, on which a pin is mounted to contact with the biasing force of a cylinder device. The pin is further engaged with an intermediate portion of a maim arm which constitutes a parallel link mechanism in association with a slider link, a sub arm and a carriage link mounting a workpiece holder thereon. The slider link, on which the upper end of the main arm is secured, upwardly and downwardly moves with the guidance of a guide member. As separate cam grooves are provided for the work motion and the return motion, the workpiece holder can move in an appropriate route. This enables the continuous operation of the press machine.

Abstract: A workpiece conveying apparatus for a working machine including provided with a slider rail arranged vertically on the body of the workpiece conveying apparatus, a drive source, a parallel link consisting of the slider link which is fitted crossing at right angles to and slidably in said slider rail, a slider arm, a lower slider link carrying a work holder and a sub arm and being connected rotatably with each other, a rocking lever being connected to the middle portion of the slider arm rotatably and rocked by a driving mechanism at a predetermined angle, whereby the work holder can convey a workpiece into or out of the specified position along with the intentional locus settled selectively so as to reduce the operating range, and keep a continuous working operation of the working machine, resulting in the durability of the working machine.

Abstract: A carton transfer apparatus including an inverting arm having a carrier for transferring individual blanks of flexible paperboard material. The inverting arm pivots so that its effective length remains constant throughout its feeding movement. The inverting arm specifically pivots about a follower on one of its ends; the follower being movable along a track to vary the location of the pivotal axis during the feed movement. The track is secured to a pivotable support member. A feed arm drives the inverting arm and the support member is rotated in timed relationship by an interconnecting link. As the follower on the inverting arm moves along the track, the effective length of the arm is maintained substantially the same so as not to impose acceleration movement on the carrier.

Abstract: A device to bundle rolled bars which are advantageously flanged and channel sections coming from a delivery line, comprising a conveyor cooperating with retractable separating and sorting stops and a two-armed lever able to take the bars from the conveyor and to place them in successive layers on suitable gathering and discharge conveyors, the two-armed lever being keyed to and supported on a central shaft and whereby the end of at least one arm of the lever is equipped with a swinging magnetic head which is pivoted at one of its ends on the end of the arm according to a horizontal axis substantially crosswise to the arm, and whereby the magnetic head is rotated and positioned so as to move towards and prolong the lengthwise axis of the relative arm when it is taking, carrying and laying down the bars.

Abstract: A pick-up head especially for use in a machine for placing electrical components on a substrate comprises a tool holder mounted for movement, conveniently by a lead screw driven by a motor, between a plurality of datum positions and further positions remote therefrom, having means for interchangeably mounting a pick-up tool with a datum face of the tool located at a predetermined position relative to the tool holder. The head further comprises a plurality of orienting jaws mounted for movement towards and away from a component carried on the datum face of a tool on the tool holder when the holder is in one of the datum positions whereby the jaws can engage the component to orient the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for inverting articles utilizing a fixture which comprises a pair of hinged plates each containing a plurality of holes. The holes in opposite sides are in alignment with one another and are connected to two vacuum switches so that vacuum to each plate can be independently controlled. Articles recognized as being upside down are placed over the holes in a first plate with the vacuum activated on that side to secure the articles to the plate. The plates are then rotated together about the hinge. The vacuum on the first plate is released, and the vacuum on the second plate is activated. As a consequence, the articles are transferred right side up to the second plate.