Abstract: A single-layer three-section rail-type planar robot containing a double parallelogram, is composed of a stationary platform, a motion platform and three branched chains with the same structure connecting the stationary platform and the motion platform, the stationary platform is provided with three planar curved rails, each planar curved rail is connected to the motion platform through a branched chain, and each branched chain includes a slider, two link bars I arranged in parallel, two link bars II arranged in parallel, and link bar III, select one revolute joint I in each branched chain to form three revolute joints I as the main driving joint or three sliders as the driving parts.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system includes a VR display and a VR movement apparatus that includes hand user interfaces (UIs) and foot UIs that can support the hands, feet, seat, and total weight of a user. The VR movement apparatus allow the user's hands and feet to move in 3-dimensional space that include vertical, lateral, and fore-aft direction movements. A computer running VR software coordinate and synchronizes the VR movement apparatus and the VR display to provide system users with simulated activities in a VR environment.

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism includes a first member having a protruding part with a spherical surface, and a second member having a pair of planes opposite to each other across the protruding part. One of the first member and the second member is able to make relative movement with respect to the other with sliding movement of the spherical surface on the pair of planes. The pair of planes is in contact with the spherical surface. The relative movement includes translational movement in two degrees of freedom in planar direction and rotational movement about an axis in three degrees of freedom in the pair of planes.

Abstract: A machine tool facility includes the following: machine tools; a first pallet stocker in which a plurality of pallets are arranged in parallel with a predetermined space therebetween; a second pallet stocker in which a plurality of pallets are arranged in parallel with a predetermined space therebetween, and which is disposed in parallel with the first pallet stocker; a conveyance car that conveys a pallet in a direction parallel to the row of the pallets of the first pallet stocker; a first transfer device for transferring the pallet between the first pallet stocker and the conveyance car; and a second transfer device for transferring, by horizontal movement, the pallet between the first pallet stocker and the second pallet stocker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport unit comprising a base member, a transport mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The base member includes a bottom wall extending in a transport direction and a pair of side walls standing upright from two side portions, respectively, of the bottom wall. The transport mechanism is supported by the base member and transports an object to be transported. The positioning mechanism is supported by the base member, and positions the object relative to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport unit comprising a base member, a transport mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The base member includes a bottom wall extending in a transport direction and a pair of side walls standing upright from two side portions, respectively, of the bottom wall. The transport mechanism is supported by the base member and transports an object to be transported. The positioning mechanism is supported by the base member, and positions the object relative to the base member.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool for moving a drivetrain component (1) in a nacelle (53) of a horizontal axis wind turbine, the nacelle comprising a nacelle structure (55, 56), the component (1) being connected, in operation of the wind turbine, to a rotor (51) of the wind turbine, the tool comprising -at least drive unit (407) for moving the component in relation to the nacelle in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor, and -a plurality of position adjustment devices (405, 406) adapted to be located between the nacelle structure and the component, and distributed so that rotational movement of the component can be provided by coordinated control of the position adjustment devices.

Abstract: Provided is a component placement machine including a rail (102) which extends along an X axis and slidably guides a head (101) along the X axis; an X beam (103) which has a bar shape, extends along the X axis, and has one side which is in a direction of a Y axis and on which the rail (102) is installed; and a Y beam (104) which extends along the Y axis and slidably guides the X beam (103) along the Y axis, and further including a reinforcement member (105) which acts against bending caused by difference in thermal expansion between the rail (102) and the X beam (103), is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and is fastened, with first fasteners at three or more positions arranged along the X axis, to another side of the X beam (103) in the direction of the Y axis.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus for handling glass substrate is disclosed and which comprises a chassis and a transportation platform which includes a transferring device disposed on the chassis and includes a first frame and a plurality of transferring rods rotationally disposed across the first frame along a first reference direction. A vertical displacing mechanism is provided for moving the transportation platform to move vertically to a pre-determined height. And a horizontal displacing device is provided for moving the transportation platform to more along the first reference direction such that the transferring device can be moved in and out of the cartridge, wherein the first transferring rods rotationally move the glass substrate into the cartridge or out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A transporting device includes a support frame, a driving mechanism, a first picking mechanism, and a second picking mechanism. The driving mechanism is mounted on the support frame. The first picking mechanism includes a first sliding member slidably mounted on the support frame and driven by the driving mechanism, a first driving member mounted on the first sliding member, a hinge member comprising a hinge portion driven by the first driving member, a first connection portion rotatably connected to the hinge portion, and a second connection portion rotatably connected to the first connection portion. The second driving member includes a driving portion capable of telescoping and selectively latching with the second connection portion. Thus, the first connection portion and the first picking member are rotatable relative to the second connection portion.

Abstract: A device and a method for chemically or electrolytically treating work pieces (1) are proposed in an effort to avoid irregular contours of finest conductive structures, pads and lands as well as bridges (shorts) on the one side or breaks on printed circuit boards on the other side. The device comprises processing tanks (2) for the treating of work pieces and a conveyor system for the transport thereof. The conveyor system comprises at least one transport carriage (18), at least one holding element (14, 25) and at least one connection means (12, 13, 35) between the transport carriage(s) and the holding element(s). The processing tanks adjoined with a clean room zone (3). The work pieces are conveyed through the clean room zone using the conveyor system.

Abstract: A kinematic holding system for a placement head of a placement apparatus comprises a placement head alignment device which comprises at least one length-variable holding member arranged at a distance from a joint between a placement head support and the placement head. This holding member determines the pivoting position of the placement head relative to the placement head support. The length of the holding member is changeable during the placement operation depending on a deformation of the placement head guide device caused by the pressing force of the placement head against the substrate in such a way that an axis error (tilt) of the placement head caused by the deformation of the placement head guide device is compensated.

Abstract: A pallet transport system of a machine tool promoting transport of a pallet for workpiece mounting use from a first stand to an adjoining second stand, wherein the first stand has a first mounting part which defines a first mounting surface, the second stand has a second mounting part which defines a second mounting surface, and the pallet has a mounted part attachable to the first and second mounting parts, along a transport direction of the pallet, includes a support mechanism turnably supporting at least one of the first stand, the second stand, and the pallet so that the orientations of a mounted surface defined by the mounted part and the second mounting surface match due to contact force between the mounted part and the second mounting part along with transport of the pallet from the first stand to the second stand along the first mounting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing magnetic biasing of a carriage in context of linear guides. In one embodiment, a robotic mechanism is configured to travel on a platform assembly within a structural context. The platform assembly transports a carriage in a Z direction, and the carriage transports the robotic mechanism in an X direction. The carriage moves in the X direction along rails (e.g., and/or other types of linear guides) in a substantially floating or unbiased manner. For example, one or more alignment features on the carriage are in communication with the rails to allow the carriage to move relatively freely within an alignment region defined by the alignment features. When the carriage reaches its desired X location, magnetic features bias the carriage into a substantially accurate, secure, and repeatable position.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus for handling glass substrate is disclosed and which comprises a chassis and a transportation platform which includes a transferring device disposed on the chassis and includes a first frame and a plurality of transferring rods rotationally disposed across the first frame along a first reference direction. A vertical displacing mechanism is provided for moving the transportation platform to move vertically to a pre-determined height. And a horizontal displacing device is provided for moving the transportation platform to more along the first reference direction such that the transferring device can be moved in and out of the cartridge, wherein the first transferring rods rotationally move the glass substrate into the cartridge or out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A work handling apparatus includes a general-purpose tray holding unit which can move in the left and right direction while holding a general-purpose tray that accommodates works, a processing tray holding unit which is arranged adjacent to the rear side in the front and rear direction of the general-purpose tray holding unit and can move in the left and right direction while holding a processing tray for carrying works in and out of a processing area, and work transfer units which can move in the front and rear direction and the vertical direction so as to transfer works between the general-purpose tray and the processing tray. Thus, the general-purpose tray holding unit and the processing tray holding unit move in the Y direction within the XY plane, and the work transfer units move within the XZ plane, so that the work transfer operation can be increased in speed and the productivity is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate alignment apparatus precisely and automatically aligning a mask on a substrate by sequentially moving the substrate and the mask horizontally on a susceptor being driven up and down, a substrate processing apparatus including the same, and a substrate alignment method. The substrate alignment apparatus includes a position fixing unit protruding from an upper surface of the susceptor driven up and down in a chamber so as to form a reference line for alignment of the substrate and the mask, a horizontal transfer unit connected at outer surfaces of two sidewalls of the chamber and extended into the chamber to align the substrate and the mask according to the up and down movement of the susceptor until the substrate and the mask are stopped by the position fixing unit from horizontally moving, and a control unit adapted to control the susceptor and the horizontal transfer unit.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a receiving frame, a guide plate, two drive assemblies, and two clamping assemblies. The receiving frame includes two parallel securing arms and a connection arm. The securing arms and the connection arm define a first receiving space. Each of the securing arms defines a slot. The guide plate is configured for mounting of a workpiece thereon. The drive assemblies are configured for cooperatively moving the guide plate between a first position and a second position. When the guide plate is located at the first position, the workpiece is loaded on the guide plate and distant from the connection arm. When the guide plate is located at the second position, the workpiece is adjacent to the connection arm and entirely received in the first receiving space and the slots. The clamping assemblies are configured for cooperatively clamping the workpiece.

Abstract: A loadport for handling film frames is disclosed. The loadport is modular and substantially compatible with applicable standards regarding modular equipment. In particular, the load port is substantially interchangeable with loadports not adapted for handling film frames. The loadport has a compact shuttle for moving film frames and flexible alignment mechanisms for aligning film frames and cassettes of different configurations.

Abstract: Device and method for alignment of a first contact surface of a first substrate with a second contact surface of a second substrate which can be held on a second platform. The device includes first X-Y positions of first alignment keys located along the first contact surface, and second X-Y positions of second alignment keys which correspond to the first alignment keys and which are located along the second contact surface, wherein the first contact surface can be aligned based on the first X-Y positions in the first alignment position and the second contact surface can be aligned based on the second X-Y positions in the second alignment position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robot arm, and a plurality of guide pins mounted on the robot arm.

Abstract: An edge justification device for a mail processing machine. The device shifts the mailpiece from bottom edge justified to top edge justified. The amount of shift is determined as a function of the height of the mail piece. One embodiment solves the problem of switching from bottom to top registration by having a series of steerable nips, which are arranged in line, parallel to the mail flow direction. As the mail piece travels though the justifier, the nips will rotate to impart a lateral velocity to the mail piece, shifting it over to properly justify it. In a further embodiment, the nips of the justification device are not steerable. Rather, a whole nip assembly that is transporting the mail piece is moved laterally to switch from bottom to top justification.

Abstract: A barrier transfer device includes a cantilevered support arm and a carriage coupled to the support arm. The carriage includes at least a pair of barrier interface members extending downwardly from the support arm. The barrier interface members are configured to engage a barrier on opposite sides thereof when the barrier. A system for transferring a barrier includes a transfer vehicle having an outermost portion on each of first and second opposite sides of the transfer vehicle. The cantilevered support arm is coupled to the transfer vehicle and extends laterally outwardly past the outermost portion of the transfer vehicle on the first side of the transfer vehicle. A moveable barrier system includes at least one barrier having first and second sides and a bottom adapted to be supported by a ground surface and a transfer vehicle having a barrier interface element engaging only a first side of said barrier. Methods for transferring a barrier are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring an upright tray at high speeds that can sense an entrance and discharge of the tray. The apparatus includes a transferring unit with pulleys driven by a driving source to form a transferring path. The pulleys contact a fixing member, which is attached to a lower edge of a substrate and mask fixed to the tray. The apparatus also includes a sensing unit with a sensor installed beneath the transferring path to detect the entrance and discharge of the tray. The apparatus may also include rollers disposed to contact both sides of the upper portion of the tray, and the rollers may be coupled with moveable members encased within rails along the transferring path so that the rollers can translate when a tray passes between two rollers. The rollers along both sides of the tray can be arranged symmetrically or alternately in a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: Provided are a moving carrier for a lead frame, and a method of moving a lead frame using the moving carrier. The moving carrier includes a base which supports the lead frame including a body and a chip attach pad on which a chip is disposed. The moving carrier includes a groove portion which is integrated with a part of the base and contains the chip attach pad of the lead frame. The lead frame is inserted or withdrawn into or out from a magazine using the moving carrier and thus without deformation of the lead frame or damage to the chip.

Abstract: A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate alignment apparatus precisely and automatically aligning a mask on a substrate by sequentially moving the substrate and the mask horizontally on a susceptor being driven up and down, a substrate processing apparatus including the same, and a substrate alignment method. The substrate alignment apparatus includes a position fixing unit protruding from an upper surface of the susceptor driven up and down in a chamber so as to form a reference line for alignment of the substrate and the mask, a horizontal transfer unit connected at outer surfaces of two sidewalls of the chamber and extended into the chamber to align the substrate and the mask according to the up and down movement of the susceptor until the substrate and the mask are stopped by the position fixing unit from horizontally moving, and a control unit adapted to control the susceptor and the horizontal transfer unit.

Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus includes a base, a pair of guideways fixed on the base in parallel, a rodless cylinder installed on one of the pair of guideways and including a sliding block operable to be driven by the rodless cylinder to slide along one of the pair of guideways, a supporting member fixed on the sliding block, a lift cylinder installed on the supporting member, and a manipulating member installed on the cylinder. Each of two opposite sides of the supporting member is configured with an upper roller and a side roller abutting against an upper side and an inner side of one of the pair of the guideways, respectively. The manipulating member is operable to be driven by the cylinder to move along a direction different from an extending direction of the pair of guideways.

Abstract: This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has movables so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a transfer plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing, or marking. This transfer plate and the stacker cart have on their lower surface movables that allow both easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart and easy moving of the stacker cart from one location to another. The transfer plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or for moving the transfer plate to a second surface. The movables used in both the transfer plate and the stacker cart can be wheels, slides, or bearings.

Abstract: A glass sheet guidance system includes a guidance member (22) having a small contact area with the glass sheet (12) and being taut to provide guidance to the glass sheet. In order to provide consistent guidance, even in environments where there is a large change in temperature, the guidance member is held taut by a tension member (24). The guidance member is supported by holders (10) so that, while remaining taut, the guidance member can be moved in three dimensions so as to accommodate glass sheets having different widths (1), heights (2), and thicknesses (3). Also, there is provided a method of guiding glass sheets with the guidance system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading device for a tire of a vehicle that facilitates installation of the tire in a tire assembly processes as a consequence of supplying the tire to a mounting position of the tire in a vehicle body.

Abstract: A suspension type robot comprises posts, support arms having apical ends, a traveling rail mounted between the apical ends of the support arms and robot body. Each of the support arms has at the apical end a U-shape-cut portion providing a U-shape opening and a U-shape upper surface surrounding the U-shape opening. The traveling rail has an attachment portion comprising a first cylinder portion and a second cylinder portion. The first cylinder portion is inserted into the U-shape-cut portion. The second cylinder portion is disposed on the first cylinder portion, engaged with the U-shape upper surface, and is larger in diameter than the first cylinder portion. The first cylinder portion is inserted deep into the U-shape-cut portion, and both sides of the U-shape opening of the U-shape-cut portion are extended from the plane of projection of the second cylinder portion.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.

Abstract: Rack (1) for the dynamic warehousing of goods boxed in containers (S), of the type including at least one bidirectional conveyor device (2) for the containers (S); and at least some means of inversion (4 and 4a) of the movement and connection of conveyor devices (2), the means (4) of inversion of the movement (4) being fitted with variable-geometry guiding means (6), movable between an open operating position (A) and a closed position (B); the means (4) of inversion of the movement including at least one rotating disc (12) capable of transporting the containers (5) along a substantially semicircular path corresponding to the closed operating position (B).

Abstract: A device is operable by a door panel for moving a footwear article between a use position that is near a door opening and a store position that is away from the door opening. The device includes a carrier having a footwear support, and a link member connecting the carrier to the door panel so that the carrier moves along with closing and opening movements of the door panel. A method for moving the footwear article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for handling a device in a manner that enhances a self-purging efficiency with which debris in the device is ameliorated. The apparatus and associated method includes rocking the device along a rocker conveyor path defined by opposing rails supporting respective rows of cantilevered eccentric rollers, wherein the rollers supported by one rail of the opposing rails are clearingly disengaged from the rollers supported by the other rail of the opposing rails, and wherein the device is instantaneously supported by one or more of the rollers supported by the one rail and one or more of the rollers supported by the other rail.

Abstract: Provided are a moving carrier for a lead frame, and a method of moving a lead frame using the moving carrier. The moving carrier includes a base which supports the lead frame including a body and a chip attach pad on which a chip is disposed. The moving carrier includes a groove portion which is integrated with a part of the base and contains the chip attach pad of the lead frame. The lead frame is inserted or withdrawn into or out from a magazine using the moving carrier and thus without deformation of the lead frame or damage to the chip.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting substrates includes a plurality of shafts arranged in a row and transporting rollers installed at the respective shafts to rotate with the shafts. A guide unit is provided to prevent a substrate from shaking in a side direction when the substrate is transported by the rotation of the transporting roller. The guide unit includes an inner ring where formed is a through-hole into which a shaft is inserted, an outer ring where formed is a through-hole into which the inner ring is formed, and bearings provided between the inner ring and the outer ring to allow the inner ring and the outer ring to rotate independently. The outer ring includes a ring-shaped guide protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring in a side direction.

Abstract: An application for an efficient storage system includes objects held in containers or on frames. The objects are moveably organized within a building and organized in positions within a grid of rows and columns, each position large enough to hold the one of the objects. At least one empty position within the grid for shifting one of the objects from one position to another. At least one access location is provided for loading and unloading the objects and a mechanism is provided for moving the containers within the grid.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article carrier movable along a track, and an article rack arranged along the track. Each article rack has a fixed frame, and a movable frame supported to be movable relative to said fixed frame between an extended position projecting toward the track and a retracted position retracted away from the track. A movable guide shiftably supports and guides the movable frame to be movable relative thereto in a shifting direction. A fixed guide is mounted on the fixed frame for supporting and guiding the movable guide to be movable in the shifting direction.

Abstract: A drilling machine for drilling variable-thickness on-edge supported wood, plastics material, aluminum panels, comprises a bottom intermittent conveyor for abutting against a bottom edge of a panel and horizontally conveying a panel to be processed to a tool bearing a rotary turret, top horizontal axis vertically movable abutment and guide rollers for abutting against the top edge of the panel and rear vertical axis rollers. for abutting against and guiding the rear surface of the panel.

Abstract: A polar coordinate stage that may be used in a chamber includes a rotating chuck that moves in a linear direction and has the motors that drive the motion of the chuck outside the chamber. The stage can include a linkage of arms to support and drive the linear motion of the chuck. The chuck is coupled to a horizontal rail such that rotational motion of a first arm is translated into precise linear motion of the chuck along the horizontal rail through a second arm. In addition, a system of pulleys within the arms translates rotational (or linear) motion through the arms and rotates the chuck. Vertical motion may be provided by an actuator between the second arm and the chuck or by a motor under the stage. Because of the compact nature of the stage, it can be easily placed within a chamber.

Abstract: A method of changing a width of a variable-width substrate conveyor including a feeding device for feeding a circuit substrate along the guide rails, a pair of guide rails having guide surfaces for guiding the circuit substrate being fed by the feeding device, in a longitudinal direction of the guide rails, and a width changing device for moving the guide rails relative to each other toward or away from each other, to change a distance between the guide rails, wherein an image-taking device is operated to take an image of a portion of at least one of the guide rails, and the width changing device is controlled on the basis of the image taken by the image-taking device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier elevating apparatus suitable for a low floor type conveying apparatus with carriers. A cam rail 36 extends along a horizontal running track, along which a carriage runs. The carriage includes a deck 1, on which an erectable cross-linking mechanism 3 is mounted. The cross-linking mechanism 3 supports and vertically moves a carrier 2A. The cross-linking mechanism 3 includes a link 14a and a link 14b. The link 14a is supported at its lower end pivotably by the deck 1 through a fixed horizontal pivot shaft 16. The links 14a and 14b are connected together at their middle points by a fulcrum shaft 15, which is parallel with the pivot shaft 16. The link 14a is fitted with a driven member 25 between the shafts 15 and 16. An elevator 27 is supported vertically movably by the deck 1. The elevator 27 includes a bearing member 32 fixed to its top and a cam follower 34 supported by its bottom.

Abstract: The XY stage mechanism comprises a Y slide shaft 2 penetrating through only one side surface of the wall surfaces of a vacuum chamber 1 for holding a stage base plate in a cantilevered manner, a Y air slide bearing 4 for guiding the Y slide shaft 2, an X air slide plate 5, a first air slide bearing 6 for supporting the X air slide plate 5, a coupling portion 8, and a second X air slide bearing 9 serving as the guide of the coupling portion 8, whereby, in a state where not only the Y slide shaft is floated up but also the X air slide plate and coupling portion are floated up, the XY stage is driven.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer transfer apparatus includes a wafer supporting block to support a semiconductor wafer, a casing which is formed along a moving path of the wafer supporting block and having a guiding slot through which a part of the wafer supporting block passes, a driving part which is accommodated in the casing and moves the wafer supporting block, a connection part which connects the driving part with the wafer supporting block, and a shield part which shields the driving part from the guide slot. Accordingly, dust and particles generated inside the casing is effectively prevented from leaking out through the guide slot.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a mobile platform and first and second linearly-actuated slides supported on a base connected to the frame. The first and second slides are movable along a line defining a first axis. The apparatus may include a first driving connector movably coupled to the first slide and to the mobile platform, and a second driving connector movably coupled to the second slide and to the mobile platform, such that the mobile platform is displaceable within at least two degrees of freedom defined by linear motions along the first axis and a second axis, the second axis being coplanar and orthogonal to the first axis. An end effector may be also coupled to the mobile platform, the end effector having an axis aligned in a direction defined by the second axis. The end effector may comprise, for example, a tool or a gripper.

Abstract: A vision comparison inspection system is disclosed for use in a printed circuit assembly production line having a plurality of component processing locations and a conveyor system for transporting circuit assemblies between processing locations in an upstream to downstream work flow direction. The vision comparison inspection system includes a printed circuit assembly image capture and inspection conveyor disposed in the production line, the image capture and inspection conveyor being adapted to receive printed circuit assemblies from an upstream portion of the production line and to transport the printed circuit assemblies to a downstream portion of the production line for subsequent processing. An electronic imaging device is fixedly positioned to capture an image of a printed circuit assembly located on the image capture and inspection conveyor. A lighting system is mounted for illuminating a printed circuit assembly located in the field of view of the imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking and placing an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated frame, first and second carriages slidingly engaged with the frame, first and second connecting rods pivotally engaged with the first carriage at one end and at least a third connecting rod pivotally engaged with the second carriage at one end, and a gripper pivotally and operatively attached to the connecting rods at their other ends. The method of operation includes moving the gripper in a first direction (upwardly) by sliding the first and second carriages away from each other along the frame, moving the gripper in a second direction (laterally), perpendicular to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages together along the frame in the same direction, and moving, the gripper in a third direction (downwardly), opposite to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages toward each other along the frame.