Abstract: The present invention discloses a transfer for a tray feeder comprising: a base frame; a support frame installed at both sides of the base frame; first and second linear motion guiders installed oppositely and longitudinally to the inside of the support frame and having a plurality of first and second linear motion guide rails; first and second plates installed to an upper portion of the first and second linear guides and having a cylinder block capable of supporting a side of the tray received an electronic parts and the like; and a driving unit installed to a side portion of the support frame and for making the movement of the first and second plates; wherein the first and second plates can move along the first and second guide rails, crossing with each other.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for folding sheet bars, particularly sheet metal bars, comprising a folding press with two press beams, which are adjustable in relation to each other and provided with folding dies, whereby the folding press is fed by means of an automated manipulating system. The manipulating system has three hinged arms connected via pivoting devices to form an arrangement of hinged arms. A first hinged arm is swivel-mounted on a swivel axle extending in a swivel device parallel to a guide track of a linearly displaceable chassis. A second and a third swivel axles supporting the hinged arms are arranged extending parallel to the swivel axle of the swivel device. A gripping system and a seizing device for picking up the sheet bars are arranged in another end area of the hinged-arm arrangement. A positioning device assures that the sheet bar is correctly positioned for the folding process.

Abstract: There is provided a plurality of component mounting apparatuses for sucking a plurality of components by a mounting head section and successively mounting the components onto a board located at a board positioning section. The component mounting apparatuses are arranged in parallel to one another, and a board transfer path is provided so that it penetrates the component mounting apparatuses. Even when the number of components to be mounted onto the board increases, the components are mounted on the component supply tables of the component mounting apparatuses as distributed thereto, and therefore, the whole apparatus is not dimensionally increased. The component supply tables are fixedly installed so as to become free of vibration, and the mounting head section executes the suction and the mounting of the plurality of components. Therefore, the component mounting operation speed can be remarkably increased.

Abstract: A component mounting method for picking up an electronic component, positioning the electronic component on a circuit substrate and mounting the electronic component to the circuit substrate adapted to perform an idling operation during a pause of component mounting operation, thereby eliminating any degradation of the component mounting accuracy due to temperature changes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic component mounting apparatus. In the apparatus, a rotary body for changing the direction of a component mounting section is fixed to a hollow rotary shaft with a flange. The hollow rotary shaft is provided in a hollow motor and rotated integrally with the rotary body by driving of the hollow motor. A wire extending from an electric component, which is provided in the rotary body for changing the direction of the component mounting section, is arranged in the hollow rotary shaft of the hollow motor. An end of the wire is fixed to the rotary body, and the wire is arranged with looseness or into a spiral in the hollow rotary shaft. Further a lateral surface of inside the hollow rotary shaft and a surface of a coupling shaft are coated with protective materials.

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 substrate 110 that is not lying flat on its substrate tray 100 can present significant process problems when a vacuum pickup attempts to pick up the substrate and fails due to the lack of a proper bond forming between the pickup and the substrate 110. The substrate 110 left behind on the substrate tray 100 could require human intervention. Intervention slows down the manufacturing process and increases costs. A method and apparatus to ensure that substrates are laying flat when presented to the vacuum pickup pad 220 is disclosed. A plate 320 with protrusions 320 is raised into a substrate tray 100 with holes. The protrusions 320 lift the substrates 110 up off the bottom of the substrate tray 100 and ensure that they are laying flat when presented to the vacuum pickup pad 220.

Abstract: A suction nozzle (21) has an outer nozzle member (30), a nozzle body (40), and an urging member (50) for urging the nozzle body (40) in a direction away from the outer nozzle member (30). The suction nozzle (21) also has a spring accommodation chamber (60) defined by at least a wall surface of a nozzle body accommodation bore (32) and a proximal end face (40c) of the nozzle body (40). The spring accommodation chamber (60) is shut off from first and second suction passages (31, 32) and communicates with atmosphere. The urging member (50) is housed in the spring accommodation chamber (60).

Abstract: A component-placing apparatus for driving a nozzle in the rotational and vertical directions for applying suction to a component includes a rotary actuator and a linear actuator having a stator connected to a stator of the rotary actuator such that these stators are immovable relative to each other. A spline shaft is connected to a rotating shaft of the rotary actuator, and a nozzle connecting shaft having a suction nozzle disposed at the bottom thereof is engaged with the spline shaft and is allowed to move only rectilinearly. A hollow holder encircling the nozzle connecting shaft with rotary bearings being interposed therebetween is connected to a mover of the linear actuator, and the hollow holder is engaged with the stator of the linear actuator with a linear guide being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a spindle along a longitudinal axis, the apparatus includes a spindle; a drive member for moving said spindle over a range of travel along said longitudinal axis in a first direction; a spring for applying a first force in combination with a second force to the spindle in the first direction; a stop element arranged so as to disengage the second force, such that when said spindle is within a first portion of said range of travel, said first force is applied to said spindle in combination with said second force, and when said spindle is within a second portion of said range of travel, said stop element disengages said second force so only said first force is applied to said spindle.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor system transports a selectable workpiece from vertically extending storage racks having a plurality of horizontally extending shelves with stationary stacks of workpieces to be processed on each shelf. Each shelf includes horizontally spaced shelf support members defining openings complementary to horizontally extending support members of a carriage. The horizontally extending members of the carriage are insertable between adjacent horizontally spaced shelf members to engage the upper most workpiece supported by the shelf located below the horizontally extending support members of the carriage. Workpiece engaging members operably associate or engage the upper-most workpiece with the carriage for movement vertically and horizontally along the path of travel to a workstation for processing.

Abstract: A suction control unit in a plate suction and lifting device that can suck and lift even the plate with process holes or the corrugated plate by finding the suckable flat part of the plate. A suction control unit 1 controls a plate suction and lifting device 2 for lifting a plate W by sucking the flat part of the plate W by a suction pad 4. The suction control unit 1 is equipped with a suction pressure detector 19 and a retry control unit 29. The retry control unit 29 detects the suction pressure of the suction pad 4. The retry control unit 29 sucks the plate again if the suction pressure of the suction pressure detector 19 does not reach the set pressure when the suction pad 4 sucks the plate W. This suction is implemented again by changing the flat part of the plate W sucked by the suction pad 4.

Abstract: An automated system for handling material and parts cut therefrom. The system includes means for unloading a material pallet positioned on a shelf within a first storage device and loading the material on a movable cart, transporting the material to an unloading station wherein the material is positioned onto a first shuttle table, the shuttle moving to a laser cutting station, unloading the cut material from the cutting station after parts are cut in the material, and transporting the cut parts on a pallet to a selected shelf in a second storage device using movable carts. The skeleton material remaining after the cutting operation is collected for eventual disposal. A second shuttle table is used to prepare additional material for cutting after the material brought by the first shuttle table is moved to the laser cutting station.

Abstract: An exchanger for a tray feeder is provided which can easily and stably grasp and move a tray plate loaded with electronic parts using a suction force. A plurality of vacuum pads are provided on a moveable nozzle support unit of the exchanger. The vacuum pads are mounted on a plurality of suction nozzles along the surface of the nozzle support unit. A plurality of stoppers are interspersed between pairs of adjacent suction nozzles. These stoppers stably and precisely position the tray plate while it is grasped by the suction nozzles and moved through the action of the nozzle support unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a pick-and-place apparatus and methods of operating a pick-and-place apparatus. The pick-and-place apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of vacuum rails movable in the frame, a row of vacuum nozzles on each vacuum rail, a plurality of stop members, a first mechanism for biasing the vacuum rails apart, toward, and into engagement with the stop members, and a second mechanism for biasing the vacuum rails together. The vacuum rails have a maximum pitch, in which the vacuum rails are biased apart by the first mechanism and engage the stop members, and a minimum pitch, in which the second mechanism overcomes the bias of the first mechanism and biases the vacuum rails together. The pick-and-place apparatus can pick up a two dimensional array of electrical parts, change spacing between the electrical parts, rotate the two-dimension array of electrical parts and place the parts in carrier tape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.

Abstract: A holding head includes an axially driveable shaft having a nozzle at one end of the shaft for holding a component, a motor for driving the shaft in an axial direction in response to power supplied to the motor, and a detecting device for detecting movement of the shall in the axial direction. A method of operating the component holding head comprises using the detecting device to detect movement of the shaft in the axial direction resulting from the shaft being driven by the motor, and controlling power supplied to the motor in response to the movement of the shaft as detected by the detecting device such that the distance that the shaft is driven by the motor in the axial direction is controlled.

Abstract: A method for separating lightweight sheets to be discarded interleaved with heavier items to be further processed. A gas such as air is delivered by nozzles and directed at slip sheets interleaved between photosensitive plates. The slip sheets are directed by the gas to a discarded slip sheet area. An apparatus for the slip sheet removal system comprising a plate handling area and a discarded slip sheet area.

Abstract: Relating to improvement in a hand of an apparatus for taking out a workpiece such as liquid crystal glass from a cassette and carrying it to a predetermined position, and aiming at reducing a weight of an arm portion for holding the liquid crystal glass and a quantity of deflection. A workpiece holding portion of the hand for holding a workpiece such as liquid crystal glass is formed by a horizontal holding arm (5) extending in the horizontal direction and consisting of a carbon fiber material, the horizontal holding arm (5) has a horizontal arm portion (7) opposed to the workpiece and at least one bent portion (6) being bent in a direction crossing the horizontal arm portion (7), and a surface of a corner portion (5d) on the border between the bent portion (6) and the horizontal arm portion (7) is rounded.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a component pick and place machine includes a housing containing a spindle for movement therein along a longitudinal axis of the spindle; the housing accommodating a valve for controlling the flow of air to an inner bore of the spindle; the inner bore of the spindle having an opening at one end for communicating the flow of air for picking and placing the components; and the flow of air from the valve to the inner bore of the spindle is internal to the housing through passageways.

Abstract: A transport system provided in particular for large-component transfer presses is distinguished by a design with a low width and, nevertheless, permits large transport steps. By controlling two drives in the direction of rotation in relation to each other, all desired travel curves in one plane can be realized. As a result of the simple construction, a cost-effective solution is achieved for a highly dynamic transport system.

Abstract: Robotic apparatus for transferring and distributing small particles, such as seeds, contained in covered or uncovered containers, such as capped jars, are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a vacuum-activated probe configured to pick up a selected number of seeds from a donor container and to deposit the seeds in a selected recipient container. The seeds being transferred may be weighed during the transfer process by depositing the seeds in a crucible of a microgram balance or analogous device. After weighing, the seeds are picked up using a second probe that transfers the seeds to a recipient container. Also disclosed are automated methods for transferring and weighing particles, such as seeds.

Abstract: A component-placing apparatus for driving a nozzle in the rotational and vertical directions for applying suction to a component includes a rotary actuator and a linear actuator having a stator connected to a stator of the rotary actuator such that these stators are immovable relative to each other. A spline shaft is connected to a rotating shaft of the rotary actuator, and a nozzle connecting shaft having a suction nozzle disposed at the bottom thereof is engaged with the spline shaft and is allowed to move only rectilinearly. A hollow holder encircling the nozzle connecting shaft with rotary bearings being interposed therebetween is connected to a mover of the linear actuator, and the hollow holder is engaged with the stator of the linear actuator with a linear guide being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for applying a suction to an object and thereby holding the object, the suction nozzle including a nozzle portion having an end surface, and a suction passage formed in the nozzle portion and opening in the end surface thereof, the end surface providing a suction surface that applies the suction to the object and thereby holds the object. At least a free end portion of the nozzle portion has a shape whose diameter gradually increases in a direction from the end surface thereof toward a base end thereof opposite to the end surface.

Abstract: An improved tool mount structure allows the infinite placement of a tool along a generally elongate cylindrical member at an infinite number of locations. The elongate cylindrical member is fixed at each axial end to a generally rigid moving member such as a robotic arm boom or transfer bar. The cylindrical member is fixed in a bracket at one axial end, and into a quick-release mount at an opposed axial end. The cylindrical member may be quickly released from the moving member such that the tool may be easily changed. At the same time, by fixing the cylindrical member at each axial end, a secure rigid connection is provided.

Abstract: A suction unit includes a rotary driving source which is arranged outside of a casing, a substantially oblong circular crank member which is rotatable and which is connected to a rotary shaft of the rotary driving source, a connecting rod which has one end rotatably supported on one end of the crank member, a connecting member on which the other end of the connecting rod is rotatably supported, a shaft which is inserted into the casing and which has a substantially central portion to which the connecting member is connected, and a suction pad which is attached to one end of the shaft and which attracts a workpiece.

Abstract: An air-suspended die sorter is disclosed, in particular an air-suspended die sorter capable of performing die sorting, die attaching and die pick-up in the semiconductor industry. The present invention provides an air-suspended die sorter capable of eliminating spring preload, and lowering mechanical friction so as to lift die sorting precision and elevate the success rate, and has a cylinder unit, a piston unit and a pressure unit. The piston type design and a precise control of pressure on top and on bottom of the piston, respectively, enables the present invention to offer an air-suspended state that has done away with stress problems associated with the use of springs. The present invention further provides a novel buffer design for reducing friction and die impact often encountered in prior art applications.

Abstract: An electronic parts-mounting method for mounting parts on a board in which at least two electronic parts can be picked up by a plurality of nozzles including a plurality of first nozzles arranged substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the board and a plurality of second nozzles arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the board such that the positions of the parts picked up by the second nozzles can be recognized by a line sensor and corrected.

Abstract: An articulated arm attachment for use in handling a boat windshield. The attachment includes an elongated vertical member including a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the vertical member is adapted for connection to the articulated arm. The attachment also includes a windshield holding assembly having a suction device for holding the windshield via vacuum pressure. The suction device is connected to a mounting structure that is positioned adjacent to the bottom end of the vertical member. The mounting structure is pivotally moveable relative to the vertical member about a horizontal axis. The attachment further includes a catch member connected to the mounting structure for catching the windshield if the windshield accidentally disengages from the suction device.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying, for instance, dies, comprising: an X-axis moving block movable in an X-axis direction that is a lead frame conveying direction, a Y-axis moving block installed on the X-axis moving block and moved in a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction, a nozzle holder installed on the Y-axis moving block so as to be movable upward and downward, a Z-axis guide rail installed on the X-axis moving block and has an inclined part that rises from a die pick-up position side toward a die bonding position side, a Z-axis moving plate moved upward and downward along the Z-axis guide rail and is connected to the nozzle holder, and a suction chucking nozzle that holds the dies by vacuum suction and is installed so as to be moved upward and downward on the nozzle holder and together with the nozzle holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly forming a cementitious panel. A cementitious mixture is introduced into a mold configured to provide the desired surface appearance and profile of the cementitious panel. The cementitious mixture is then subject to an accelerated curing process by applying microwave energy to the cementitious mixture for a predetermined time period. After a relatively short resting or cooling period, the resulting cementitious panel is ready to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use in a die feeder used in automated assembly machines and includes, among other aspects and features, a novel nest for holding a die against a vacuum port and releasing same without an independently controlled vacuum source. The invention also includes a novel elevator mechanism, employed to lift the nest to a pick location and means for positioning and aligning the nest for precision travel and pick location placement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mounting apparatus installed with a tray feeder in which a mounter is, at its one side, installed with a tape reel feeder and is, at its other side, installed with a tray feeder so that various semiconductor device can be, easily and rapidly, supplied.

Abstract: A wafer transferring robot capable of restraining the vibration of wafers during the transfer. The robot comprises a rotating base (2) rotatable on a base (1), two horizontally extensible robot arms (3A, 3B) arranged laterally symmetrically to each other on the rotating base (2) and comprising first arms (32A, 32B), second arms (33A, 33B), and third arms (34A, 34B), respectively, and chucks (4A, 4B), fixed to the third arms (34A, 34B), respectively; wherein the lower surface of the second arm (33B) of one robot arm (3B) is higher than the upper surface of the wafer (WA) held over the third arm (34A) of the other robot arm (3A) via the chuck. Accordingly, the rigidity of transferring parts can be so enhanced that the vibration of wafers (WA, WB) can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention is transfer tip, system and process for handling injection molded ophthalmic lens molds. The transfer tip is substantially rigid and in one embodiment has an outer surface that has a shape complementary to the shape of the lens mold being handled.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a processing system having a robot assembly which includes a multiple sided robot blade that can support a substrate on at least two sides thereof and associated methods to transfer one or more substrates in a processing system. An unprocessed substrate can be supported on the blade while a processed substrate is retrieved from a location to which the unprocessed substrate is to be delivered. The processing throughput rate is increased by reducing the movements required by the robot to exchange processed substrates and unprocessed substrates, thus decreasing the swap time.

Abstract: A component feeder including a rotary mechanism 31 which is mounted on a turning mechanism 17 for turning the suction nozzle 3 and causes the suction nozzle 3 to rotate around its axis line A, a detector 7 for detecting an amount of displacement the component 2 in rotating direction around the axis line A of the suction nozzle 3, and a controller 32 which controls the suction nozzle 3 such as to rotate at a necessary angle around its axis line A before picking up the component 2 in accordance with displacement of the component 2 in rotating direction around the axis line A.

Abstract: A parts mounter including a unit for supplying a part, circuit board supporting means for fastening a circuit board when mounting a part, parts mounting means including a mechanism loaded with a suction nozzle and for vertically moving the suction nozzle when sucking and holding a part, and for positioning the suction nozzle at any position, and nozzle exchanging means including a mechanism for removing and installing a requested suction nozzle from and to the parts mounting means. The parts mounting means further includes a nozzle existence checking sensor for performing detection of conditions of a suction nozzle loaded to the parts mounting means.

Abstract: A dual-arm wafer hand-off assembly includes a pair of pickup arms for transferring wafers within a wafer processing system. The two pickup arms are adapted to move such that the wafer on one of the arms can be positioned over the other arm and handed off. In one version, a Bernoulli-style wand translates along a linear guideway and may be positioned over a paddle-style pickup arm. The wafer carried by the Bernoulli wand can be handed off to the paddle by shutting off the flow of gas from the Bernoulli wand jets. The two pickup arms may be mounted on linear slides and adapted to translate between a load/unload chamber and a processing chamber, or the guideway may be adapted to rotate to allow transfer of wafers to multiple processing chambers in a cluster system. One of the pickup arms is preferably an all-quartz Bernoulli-style pickup arm having a proximal arm portion and a distal wand.

Abstract: A dual-arm wafer hand-off assembly includes a pair of pickup arms for transferring wafers within a wafer processing system. The two pickup arms are adapted to move such that the wafer on one of the arms can be positioned over the other arm and handed off. In one version, a Bernoulli-style wand translates along a linear guideway and may be positioned over a paddle-style pickup arm. The wafer carried by the Bernoulli wand can be handed off to the paddle by shutting off the flow of gas from the Bernoulli wand jets. The two pickup arms may be mounted on linear slides and adapted to translate between a load/unload chamber and a processing chamber, or the guideway may be adapted to rotate to allow transfer of wafers to multiple processing chambers in a cluster system. One of the pickup arms is preferably an all-quartz Bernoulli-style pickup arm having a proximal arm portion and a distal wand.

Abstract: A chip mounting apparatus capable of permitting a chip mounting operation to be executed at an increased speed and ensuring continuous running of the apparatus over a long period of time. The apparatus includes a chip observing camera mounted on the side of a chip mounting head, a lighting unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to light a background of a chip hold on a chip suction nozzle of the head, a reflection unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to input an image of the chip to the chip observing camera, feeder and stocker sections each adapted to replaceably held a chip storage package therein, and a package replacement mechanism for carrying out replacement of the chip storage package between both sections.

Abstract: A combined vacuum cup and sensor is utilized to lift parts. The vacuum cup defines a vacuum chamber between radially inner and outer lips. The sensor is mounted radially inwardly of the inner lip, but is isolated from the vacuum chamber. In this way, parts that are difficult for a larger cup to lift can be lifted easily. Moreover, the sensor need not be provided with a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: An automatic plate feeding system for loading plates of various sizes into a printing plate imaging device, which includes a plurality of trays staggered one on top of the other, and an arm mechanism for loading plates from the plurality of trays and feeding the loaded plates to the imaging device.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for conveying a conveyable object is disclosed whereby the object (W) attracted at a conveying start site (A) by suction to an attractor means (12) carried by a conveyer arm (14) and conveyed by the conveyer arm (14) while being retained by suction to the attractor means (12) is instantaneously detached from the attractor means (12) at an object conveying destination site (B). To attract the object (W) and to hold it retained to the attractor means (12), an attractor plate (32) having fastened thereto the attractor means (12) and attached to a lower end of an inner cylinder (28) that extends in the outer cylinder (20) is held in a vacuum contact with a head plate (24) attached to a lower end of an outer cylinder (20) carried by a conveyer arm (14) in which a vacuum communication is established of the attractor means (12) with a suction source (16) via the attractor plate (32), the head plate (24) and suction hose means (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate transfer apparatus which can hold the substrate without contacting the surface of the substrate while the substrate is transferred and which does not require the additional prealignment mechanism. The substrate is transferred by a handler. The handler comprises a substrate holding apparatus and a substrate contact apparatus. The substrate holding apparatus includes a noncontact chuck for holding the substrate without contacting the surface of the substrate, and an elevating mechanism for lowering and lifting the noncontact chuck. The substrate contact apparatus includes a contact member to be in contact with the end face of the substrate, a moving mechanism for moving the contact member away from the end face of the substrate when the noncontact chuck is lowered and moving the contact member towards the end face of the substrate when the noncontact chuck is lifted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit board carrier including a carrier sliding between a conveyor and a holder disposed at the lower part of a main machine. The carrier includes a sliding rail disposed at the top of a main machine above the conveyor and the holder; a sliding base being on the sliding rail by means of a sliding recess thereof; a sliding rod disposed above the sliding base and being vertically spaced to the sliding rail; a sliding seat being slid on the sliding rod by means of a sliding piece and having a shaft post at the top thereof; a pivot sleeve pivoted on the shaft post of the sliding seat by means of a bearing thereof and having a connection groove; a turning arm, one end of which is connected to the connection groove of the pivot sleeve while the other end thereof is connected to a motor and a driving axle of a reduction machine; and a suction unit installed under the sliding base.

Abstract: A pick and place system is provided which is connectable to an air and an electrical power source. The system has a pick and place unit including an actuator responsive to the connection to the air power source to move to a pick-up position. The actuator moves a coupler which in turn moves a probe to compliantly move to a pick-up position. The probe is responsive to a connection to the air power source to pick up the micro device. A pneumatic valve connected to the actuator is capable of electrical actuation to connect the air power source to the actuator and a supply valve connected to the probe is capable of electrical actuation to remove the power source from the probe. Deactivation of the pneumatic valve moves the actuator and probe to a raised position. A system control, connectable to the electrical power source, is connected to the pneumatic and supply valves for selectively, electrically actuating the pneumatic and supply valves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workpiece-transfer device that has functions for both loading and unloading workpieces, without requiring a workpiece-storage device to enable a function for replacing material and product workpieces with each other, and that requires only a simple configuration and low costs. A workpiece-transfer device loads a material workpiece W1 in a workpiece-machining device 1 and unloads a product workpiece W2 from the workpiece-machining device 1. A movement means with a rectangular coordinate system 30 is provided to move a traveling body 27 in a first direction along the direction in which the workpiece-machining device 1 and a workpiece-storage device 2 stand in a line (direction X) as well as in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first direction (direction Y). The traveling body 27 includes a gripping means 28 for gripping a material or product workpiece W1 and W2.

Abstract: An apparatus for the mounting of semiconductor chips comprises a bondhead with a pick-up tool with a longitudinal drill hole to which vacuum can be applied for the gripping and transport of a semiconductor chip. To detect whether the pick-up tool has gripped the semiconductor chip, a body with a reflecting surface is arranged in the longitudinal drill hole of the pick-up tool which, when passing over the light source on absence of the semiconductor chip deflects light shining from underneath into the longitudinal drill hole of the pick-up tool into a horizontal plane. The pick-up tool has locations which are pervious to the deflected light of the light source. At least one optical element is arranged on the bondhead which concentrates at least part of the deflected light emerging laterally from the pick-up tool onto a photosensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a pitch of a picker using a single actuator is provided. The apparatus includes a picker base, a plurality of pickers adapted for varying the pitch of the pickers by use of a linear guide device provided at one side of the picker base. The apparatus includes an actuator for driving the plurality of pickers, and a bevel gear unit coupled to the actuator by upper and lower racks for transmitting the driving force to the plurality of pickers.