Abstract: A reticle including a mask and an edge cover may be provided. The mask may include a mask substrate and mask patterns on the mask substrate. The edge cover may be coupled to an edge of the mask substrate and may include a floating cover part. The floating cover part may be spaced apart from the mask patterns while extending from a sidewall of the mask substrate over the mask patterns.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for moving, loading, and/or sorting logs. A log grapple may include opposing arm assemblies and independently positionable drive wheels disposed between the arms. The log grapple may be operable in a grapple mode, in which the arms are in a closed position and the drive wheels are in an open position, and a feed mode, in which the arms and the drive wheels are in closed positions. In feed mode, the first and second drive wheels may be rotated to drive the log through the arms. The log grapple may be further configured to delimb, measure, and/or cut logs in the feed mode. A log grapple may also include a measuring wheel assembly. Optionally, the measuring wheel assembly may include a hydraulic actuator configured to retract the measuring wheel and a gas spring configured to extend the measuring wheel.

Abstract: A machine for treatment and/or analysis of biological samples is provided. The machine includes a hinged arm to which a clamp for gripping a first biological sample holder is fixed. The clamp includes first and second arms able to move relative to each other along a gripping position between a first position of gripping the first biological sample holder, and a first position of releasing the biological sample holder. Each arm of the clamp includes a groove. When the first and second arms are in the first position of release, the first and second grooves are spaced away from each other along the gripping direction, and when the first and second arms are in the first gripping position, the first and second grooves are brought closer to each other along the gripping direction, so as to be able to receive lateral edges of and grip the first biological sample holder.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm. A robot hand is disposed at a distal end of the robot arm and grips an object. The robot hand includes an air chuck device including a pair of pistons and an air cylinder. The air cylinder opens and closes the pistons in parallel to one another. A pair of first gripping members are disposed at a first side of the pistons and move close to and apart from one another within a first movable range on a movable plane. A pair of second gripping members are disposed at a second side of the pistons and move close to and apart from one another within a second movable range different from the first movable range on the movable plane. The robot hand pivots relative to the distal end of the robot arm about a pivot axis approximately perpendicular to the movable plane.

Abstract: A robot hand and a robot according to an embodiment include a set of sliding parts, supporting units, a rotary unit, and a plurality of holding claws. The sliding parts slide in a direction to come close to or move away from each other. The supporting units are secured to the respective sliding parts. The rotary unit is attached to an end portion of at least one of the supporting units and rotates around an axis of rotation parallel to sliding shafts of the sliding parts. The holding claws are attached in directions orthogonal to the axis of rotation and different from one another.

Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.

Abstract: A dual mode end effector is disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a turbine lift. The turbine lift includes a mounting base configured to mount to a non-stable structure. The turbine lift also includes an arm coupled to the mounting base. The turbine lift further includes a stabilizing head coupled to the arm, wherein the stabilizing head is configured to connect with a turbine engine, and the stabilizing head is configured to stabilize the turbine engine while moving the turbine engine.

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: A device, method and computer readable-storage for mechanically handling impact-sensitive sheets of various formats ready for dispatch is described. The device has the following features: a) a control device in the form of a multi-axis robotic arm connected to a gripper device and means for mechanically gripping the sheets; b) the gripper device is hinged onto and suspended from the control device at a gentle incline by means of an adjustable damping device; c) the gripper device has sliding sections for the relative displacement of the means for mechanically gripping the sheets; d) the gripper device has means for determining the geometric dimensions of the sheets to be seized and for determining their set-down position; e) the gripper device has means for determining the exact positional co-ordinates of the set-down position; and f) the gripper device has means for gently feeding and depositing the sheets in the set-down position.

Abstract: A blade handling apparatus includes a mount frame; a stinger boom carried by the mount frame; and a lift block assembly including a lift block carried by the stinger boom; a pair of rod housings carried by the lift block; a pair of push rods slidably carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively; and a pair of blade lock pins carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively, and engaged by the pair of push rods, respectively.

Abstract: A workpiece gripping integrity device and method are provided having a charge-transfer sensing device configured to detect a change in charge associated with a gripper arm assembly based on a grip condition thereof. The charge-transfer sensing device can be configured to detect a change in capacitance between the gripper arm assembly and ground, wherein the change in capacitance is based on a grip condition of the gripper arm assembly associated with a plurality of grippers contacting the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for implementing a method of sizing a cylindrical part following shaping, by plastic deformation, of a metallic material that has maximum structural shrinkage at a maximum-shrinkage temperature between a first temperature and a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, is disclosed. The method includes placing the part in a shaft furnace, heating the part to the first temperature, lowering and fitting into the part an internal-sizing tool with an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the part at maximum structural shrinkage, transporting the assembly formed by the part and the sizing tool to a tempering vessel, cooling the part to a temperature below said second temperature, and extracting the internal-sizing tool. The method applies to the manufacture of turbomachine casings.

Abstract: A device and a method for turning stacks of sheet-shaped material include a device for transporting the stacks into a pivot fork. The pivot fork is part of a turning unit and includes upper grippers, lower grippers and a stack stop. The pivot fork is open on one side to receive the stacks. The pivot fork is supported at its other end to pivot on a horizontal pivot shaft that extends in a direction transverse to a direction of introduction of the stacks and is disposed off-center relative to the pivot fork.

Abstract: An apparatus such as an attachment for a skid steer used to remove and transport curb segments may include a fork configured to drive into the ground behind the curb. The apparatus also may include a curb restrainer configured to engage the upper side of the curb. Each of the forks may be tapered to slide into the ground more easily, and each bearing surface may be removably attached to the apparatus for easy repair or replacement. Additionally, the curb restrainer may both translate and rotate to adjust for various curb thicknesses in order to position the restrainer against the top of the curb, preferably in the curve of the curb. By limiting the amount of the apparatus that penetrates the ground, the apparatus provides a method of removing curbs that is quick and efficient, resulting in minimal disturbance to the ground and easier preparation for pouring a new curb.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuits capable of variably limiting respective maximum hydraulic pressures at which an assembly of bidirectional hydraulic power devices can move respective clamping members, such as forks or clamp arms, selectively in a closing movement toward each other, in an opening movement away from each other, or in a side-shifting movement in unison with each other, so as to provide damage-control capabilities for the control of the clamping members. The circuits preferably include one or more pressure-regulating valves interconnected with the assembly of power devices, and capable of variably limiting a maximum side-shifting pressure, at which said assembly can cause said side-shifting movement, in response to a maximum pressure selection. The circuits preferably include at least one override assembly, capable of overriding the maximum pressure selection to thereby lower the maximum side-shifting pressure automatically irrespective of the maximum pressure selection.

Abstract: A device (1) for containing and dispensing tablets, wherein vial bottles (3) filled with tablets wait in waiting spaces (701a, b, c) and the vial bottles (3) are taken out from the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). A plurality of pairs of holding members (703a, b) facing each other for holding the bodies of the vial bottles (3) are installed in the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). Also, stock sensors (710) in the same quantity as the pair of holding members (703a, b) are installed to check for each pair of holding members whether a vial bottle is held on the pair of holding members (703a, b) or not.

Abstract: A device (1) for moving a book (2) with a clamping device (3) moved by a first drive (22, 23) and having two clamping jaws (3a, b) that can be displaced in a parallel to open and close the clamping device, with a gear mechanism (8) on the moving clamping device (3) that converts a rotative movement into a linear adjusting movement for the clamping jaw (3a, b) which can be displaced in parallel, with a controllable second drive (21) that is arranged stationarily, and with a permanent driving connection (13, 14, 15) between the second drive (21) and the gear mechanism (8). The second drive (21) is not arranged on the moving system, such that the clamping device (3) can be realized in a lightweight construction. Pneumatic and electric connecting lines and signalling lines (35a, b) for the second drive (21) can be permanently installed.

Abstract: A grabber for automatically grabbing and placing packing units of different dimensions and configurations includes a frame with a support, a hold-down device and a stripper attached to the frame. The support supports a bottom portion of a respective packing unit, and is generally horizontally movable with respect to the frame. The hold-down device is downwardly movable toward the support to clamp the respective packing unit between the support and the hold-down device. The stripper is disposed above the support and is generally horizontally movable. The respective packing unit is substantially immobilized by the hold-down device and the stripper as the support is retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is a pod opener having an end effector which: a. grips and releases a reticle supported above the base of a pod; and b. while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, reorients the reticle. In one embodiment, the pod opener reorients the reticle by rotating it about a single axis disposed substantially perpendicular to its patterned surface. In another embodiment, the present invention is a pod opener which while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, in addition to effecting rotation substantially perpendicular to a reticle's patterned surface, also turns the reticle over so a patterned surface of the reticle is oriented for proper focus within the IC photolithography tool.

Abstract: A device (1) for moving a book (2) with a clamping device (3) moved by a first drive (22, 23) and having two clamping jaws (3a, b) that can be displaced in a parallel to open and close the clamping device, with a gear mechanism (8) on the moving clamping device (3) that converts a rotative movement into a linear adjusting movement for the clamping jaw (3a, b) which can be displaced in parallel, with a controllable second drive (21) that is arranged stationarily, and with a permanent driving connection (13, 14, 15) between the second drive (21) and the gear mechanism (8). The second drive (21) is not arranged on the moving system, such that the clamping device (3) can be realized in a lightweight construction. Pneumatic and electric connecting lines and signalling lines (35a, b) for the second drive (21) can be permanently installed.

Abstract: The item-carrying system comprises: a robot comprising: a gripping portion for gripping an item; external force detecting means for detecting an external force applied to the gripping portion; opening-degree detecting means for detecting an opening-degree of the gripping portion; autonomous movement means; and receiving/passing motion deciding means for deciding a motion of the robot in an item receiving/passing operation, wherein the receiving/passing motion deciding means comprises: means for determining to start receiving an item that causes the gripping portion to start a receiving motion if the external force detecting means has detected an external force not less than a first predetermined value, when the gripping portion is not gripping an item; and means for determining the completion of a receiving motion on the basis of at least one of an external force and an opening-degree during the receiving motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably gripping a sample plate for use with a mass spectrometer has been developed, the sample plate having substantially parallel faces and a peripheral surface. The apparatus comprises a planar member and first and second guiding structures. The second guiding structure comprises a biasing mechanism which when activiated, provides a force that forces the second guiding structure towards the peripheral surface of the sample plate such that the sample plate is retained by the apparatus. Utilization of the configuration reduces frictional point contact thus reduces localized stress point resulting in yielding the surface material thus in effect guarding both sample plate and first guiding means from galling and/or reducing any type of material removal when gripping a sample plate, or releasing a sample plate.

Abstract: A double action grab fork is provided according to the invention. The double action grab fork includes an upper grab member, a lower grab member, and an arm. The upper grab member has an upper grab end and an upper grab body. The lower grab member has a lower grab end and a lower grab body. The upper grab end and the lower grab end are constructed for grasping an article. The arm has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the arm is rotatably attached to the upper grab body to allow rotation of the upper grab member relative to the upper end of the arm. The lower end of the arm is rotatably attached to the lower grab body to allow rotation of the lower grab body relative to the lower end of the arm. A grab teeth assembly for use with a bucket is provided, and a method for using the double action grab fork is provided.

Abstract: A slab tipping apparatus for tipping slabs onto forks of a forklift. The slab tipping apparatus includes a base member being designed for being selectively coupled to a carriage of the forklift. A pivoting assembly is coupled to the base member. The pivoting assembly is designed for being selectively to the carriage of the forklift whereby the pivoting assembly extends between the base member and the carriage of the forklift. The pivoting assembly is designed for being actuated by a user for pivoting the base member with respect to the carriage of the forklift. An arm member slidably engages the base member whereby the arm member is selectively extendable from the base member. The arm member is designed for engaging an edge of the slab whereby the arm member tips the slab onto the forks of the forklift when the pivoting assembly pivots the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic loading cell for plastic utensils is characterized by a synchronized supply conveyor and gripping mechanism for packaging individual utensils from an integrally molded group or rack of utensils. The gripping device is operable to remove a plurality of individually stacked utensils from the integral racks. A robotic transfer mechanism connected with the gripping device transfers the utensils to a packaging assembly. Operation of the conveyor, gripper and robotic transfer device is coordinated through a programmed controller.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can be loaded in a drive device by a robot hand which grips the recording tape cartridge from above and below. A pair of ribs along a loading direction of a recording tape cartridge are formed at an angled surface portion of a lower case. A separation distance between these ribs is substantially the same as a width of a lower hand portion of a robot hand. The robot hand grips the recording tape cartridge such that the lower hand portion of the robot hand is disposed between the two ribs. When the recording tape cartridge is being loaded into the drive device, the ribs abut against lateral direction end surfaces of the lower hand portion. Thus, positioning of the recording tape cartridge in the lateral direction relative to the lower hand portion is achieved through the ribs.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring a thin plate is provided, in which three or more grasping claws of a transfer arm grasp the periphery of the thin plate in order to transfer it to a predetermined transfer position, and three or more holding claws hold the periphery of the thin plate in the transfer position. The transfer arm rotates about a shaft which is in a direction of a vector sum of a first vector perpendicular to a surface of the thin plate before transfer, and a second vector perpendicular to the surface of the thin plate after the transfer, to transfer the thin plate with changing the posture thereof.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: This mask case is a mask case for accommodating a reticle formed with a pattern to be transferred to a substrate, in which one outer wall face of the mask case is formed with first and second depressions and the form of the first depression is one of conical and triangular pyramidal forms, whereas the second depression has a V-groove form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products or oral/solid products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. More specifically the system of the present invention includes a robotic transfer device capable of automatically receiving and opening a pneumatic tube carrier, automatically retrieving a product from a pick-up point and placing the product into the carrier, and automatically closing and distributing the carrier into a pneumatic tube transport system.

Abstract: A cartridge transferring robot for use in a library apparatus includes a pair of upper and lower hand members made to vertically come into contact with a cartridge to grip the cartridge, a pair of left and right direct-acting beatings for fitting the hand members to a hand base so that they are vertically slidable, and an opening and closing mechanism for making the hand members take opening and closing actions. The hand members are independently guided by the direct-acting bearings, and the fitting portions of the hand members to the direct-acting bearings are made not to interfere with each other in a state where the hand members are in a closed condition. This invention is applicable to a library apparatus storing a large number of cartridges such as magnetic tape cartridges and optical disk cartridges.

Abstract: A gripping tool assembly disposed on the wrist section of a robot for gripping and moving various objects between a pick-up zone and a drop-off zone. The gripping tool assembly includes a frame having a top portion and a bottom portion with a pair of parallel lift arms secured to the bottom portion of the frame and projecting outwardly from the frame for supporting the object. A clamp is movably mounted to the frame for vertical movement between the top and bottom portions relative to the lift arms to sandwich the object between the clamp and the lift arms. The gripping tool assembly is characterized by a pusher movably mounted to the frame along a hollow tine. The pusher is mounted to a lead screw disposed within the tine wherein the lead screw horizontally moves the pusher relative to the lift arms for pushing the object toward the distal ends of the lift arms.

Abstract: Banknotes directed along the formation channels of a machine for making up bundles are caused to accumulate into an ordered stack at the outlet of each channel. The machine utilizes a bundling unit equipped with a sliding carriage and a first gripper, of which the operation is piloted by sensors associated with each outlet and governed by a monitoring and control unit in such a way that the gripper will address the single outlet each time a stack is formed, then pick up the stack and pass it to a second gripper forming part of a translate and tilt unit; this same unit proceeds first to offer the stack of banknotes to a binder, by which two wrapping bands are applied to the two ends to complete the bundle, and thereafter to tilt the bundle into the path of a push rod which directs it toward a packaging and/or storage station.

Abstract: A gripper assembly with an integrated heat shield. The integrated heat shield is in the form of a shell having one or more openings through which a gas may flow into and out of in order to create a cooling current flow. Two axially aligned and opposed cylinders, each having a main portion, are individually mounted to the shell and the shell substantially surrounds the main portion of each cylinder. Each cylinder has a piston and each piston has a piston rod. Each piston rod is coupled to a jaw and each jaw is supported by one or more guide rods slidably received in one or more sleeves mounted to the shell. The jaws are positioned substantially parallel to one another and operable to grasp and release objects of interest. Motion of the jaws is synchronized by a synchronization mechanism.

Abstract: A system for transporting an article between a loading station and an inspection stage includes a novel support for safely retaining the article during transit. The support includes a number of article-retaining members, at least one of which is connected to an actuator. The actuator clamps the article between the article-retaining members during transit. To ensure that the article is not dropped or damaged during transit, the system includes an un-clamp sensor connected to at least one of the article-retaining members. The un-clamp sensor is connected to a robot controller so that the system may be shut down immediately should the article become unclamped during transit. The system also includes novel loading and inspection stages that ensure proper orientation and placement of articles prior to transit from one to the other, further reducing risk of damage to transported articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wafer tweezer assembling device by utilizing a chuck member and a plurality of tweezer blades separated by spacers having a predetermined thickness such that the mounting and the calibration of the tweezer can be accomplished in one operation without the need of further calibration steps after the assembling process.

Abstract: A media cartridge handling apparatus and method are disclosed which includes a frictional cartridge gripping feature and an optional cartridge flipping feature.

Abstract: A device for handling an automobile seat having a bar suspended from a cable and a rotor connected to the bottom end of the bar with the output shaft of the rotor used to rotate a clamp-like device. The clamp-like device has a pair of blades which are moved together and apart using piston-cylinders. The blades have a first portion and an angularly offset second portion specifically designed to be utilized for handling an automobile seat without damage to the seat.

Abstract: A wafer holding apparatus comprises a susceptor unit having wafer support grooves where wafers are detachably fixed, a plurality of chuck claws so provided as to be movable by air cylinders relative to a chuck body and adapted to hold the outer edge of the wafer, a transfer arm for transferring the chuck body to a predetermined position, and an automatic position correcting device for automatically correcting the positions of the chucks relative to the wafer support groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for overturning a long-web roll comprises chucks for holding the long-web roll, which is placed on a first resting surface, by nipping an outer circumference of the long-web roll from both sides in the radial direction, and stop plates capable of being set at supporting positions that stand facing a front end face of the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, the front end face being directed towards the side of a second resting surface. A rotating transfer device rotates the stop plates and the chucks together with each other by an angle of approximately 90.degree. and thereby places the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, on the second resting surface such that the front end face may rest on the second resting surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling cylindrical bodies provided with central holes, the apparatus comprising gripping arms provided with gripping pins, second means arranged to move the gripping arms to obtain a forward movement, third means arranged to wind the gripping arms clockwise and counterclockwise, and fourth means arranged to move the gripping arms towards each other such that the gripping pins are self-centeringly brought into alignment with the central holes of the cylindrical body and to make a reverse movement of release.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating concrete products having first and second ends. The apparatus includes first and second engaging assemblies for engaging the first and second ends of the product. The engaging assemblies are mounted on a structural assembly. At least one of the engaging assemblies is displaced along the structural assembly towards the other of the engaging assemblies to grip the concrete product therebetween. A rotational actuator may be provided for each of the engaging assemblies for rotating the concrete product from a casting orientation into an installation orientation. The structural assembly may accommodate one or more sets of engaging assemblies and may be designed to allow fine adjustment of these assemblies relative to the concrete products to be manipulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering an opening in a pipe and sealing a gas or fluid leak includes first and second pipe engaging blocks coupled to a frame. With the second block fixedly mounted to the frame and the first block movable along the frame by means of a hydraulic cylinder coupled thereto, the first block is positioned over and seals the leak under the force of hydraulic pressure. The frame includes first and second mounting arrangements for attaching an articulated boom such as on a backhoe to either an end of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in a generally upright orientation) or to an intermediate portion of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in an inclined orientation). The position of the second block along the length of the frame is adjustable depending upon the diameter of the pipe. A guide rod couples the movable first block to the frame to ensure linear displacement of the first block and proper alignment between the first and second blocks during engagement of the pipe.

Abstract: An automatic container loading device connected to an appropriate truck comprises a first telescopic arm connected to the chassis of the truck and able to rotate, both on a horizontal and on a vertical plane, a second telescopic arm centrally connected to the free end of the first arm and able to make a complete rotation on its vertical axis and comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, also able to make a complete rotation. The third and fourth arms support a mechanism for gripping containers of all shapes and sizes form any position whatsoever, even at a considerable distance from the truck and on a different level, placing them automatically in the right position for being lifted and emptied into the body of the truck.

Abstract: A system for transferring articles between containers to vary the mix of articles in the containers. A plurality of containers are moved to a mixing station and apparatus including a robot removes selected articles from the containers and places them into other of the containers to provide the desired mix of articles. In the arrangement disclosed, the articles are cups and the system is employed to change the color mix of the cups in the containers.