Article Reorienting Device Patents (Class 414/754)
  • Patent number: 11931896
    Abstract: A robot system for adjusting a machining load depending on tool wear includes a robot that is coupled to a machining unit, moves the machining unit to change a position of a tool with respect to a machining target, and has a plurality of joints. The robot system further includes a support that supports the machining target and moves the machining target to change a position of the machining target with respect to the tool, a sensor unit that is provided on the machining unit and measures an amount of current supplied to a machining motor which operates the tool or an operation force of the tool, and a controller that receives a measurement signal from the sensor unit and transmits a control signal to the robot and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Tae Gon Kim, Seok Woo Lee, Hyo Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11867755
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a memory device test method, apparatus, and system, a medium, and an electronic device. The memory device test method includes: determining an operation path according to position coordinates of a target test platform and current position coordinates of a memory device; setting a movable apparatus according to the operation path, such that the movable apparatus moves the memory device into the target test platform according to the operation path; controlling the target test platform to test the memory device according to a target test program; and monitoring a test result of the memory device in real time, and storing the test result of the memory device into a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Yu Yu
  • Patent number: 11862499
    Abstract: Implementations disclosed describe an integrated sensor controller comprising a sensor circuit and a logic circuit. The sensor circuit includes a light source driver to generate a driving signal, a demultiplexer to produce, using the driving signal, a plurality of output driving signals to be delivered to one of a plurality of sensors, and an amplifier to: receive a first signal from a first sensor, the first signal being associated with a first event representative of a position of a substrate within a device manufacturing machine, and generate a second signal. The sensor circuit further includes an analog-to-digital converter to receive the second signal and generate a third signal. The logic circuit includes a memory device and a processing device coupled to the memory device, the processing device to obtain based on the third signal, information about the position of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyki-Shiy Shang, Mikhail Taraboukhine, Venkata Raghavaiah Chowdhary Kode
  • Patent number: 11807454
    Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement includes multiple container receiving spaces, a loading space arranged below the container receiving spaces, in which the container receiving spaces are held at a first height above the loading space; and a loading vehicle movable between the loading space and a transfer region. The loading vehicle includes a container seat with a container contact surface, and the container seat is movable in a lifting direction. In the container contact surface, the container seat further includes at least two notches opening to at least one side, and at least one transfer device includes transfer fingers configured to match the notches in the container contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Volker Rollwa, Jörg Cavelius, Michael Becker, Markus Liebhaber
  • Patent number: 11802914
    Abstract: The All Test Platform (ATP) provides provides a safe and easy way to test batteries within an environmental test chamber. The ATP enables rapid changing of batteries and battery types between tests, and provides the highest density per square foot of environmental test chamber space available for battery testing. The ATP combines multiple components critical for battery testing into a configurable, scalable, safe, and high density battery testing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Associated Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Beran Peter, Brockton Kenyon
  • Patent number: 11801547
    Abstract: A conveyer equipped with rotating discs rotatable around axes thereof relative to a mounting base. Each of the rotating discs has grooves in which rectangular wires are receivable. When an upstream and a downstream one of the rotating disc are arranged in a given angular relation to each other, one of the grooves of the upstream rotating disc is aligned with that of the downstream rotating disc to pass the rectangular wire from the upstream rotating disc to the downstream rotating disc. Upon such passing of the rectangular wire, the grooves of the upstream and downstream rotating discs hold or clamp all side surfaces of the rectangular wire, thereby ensuring the stability in retaining the rectangular wire when passed from one to another of the rotating discs, which enables the conveyer to carry the rectangular wires at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kurosawa, Kazuhiko Fukuda, Hiroaki Takeda, Ryosuke Maruyama, Toshiro Nakamura, Tadashi Fujiyoshi, Daisuke Mizushima, Hideki Mukaizaka
  • Patent number: 11795007
    Abstract: A turning assembly includes four arms extending from a central position located just outside of the expanse of conveyor rollers, with each of the arms being arranged at 90 degree angles relative to adjacent ones of the four arms. A vertical actuator is configured to move the turning assembly between an active position above a level of the conveyor rollers and an inactive position at or below the level of the conveyor rollers, where at least one of the arms is received within at least one of the gaps between adjacent rollers on the conveyor. Finally, a rotational actuator is configured to rotate the turning assembly arms through an arc around the central position, whereby articles traveling along an article path on the conveyor are configured to either pass over at least one of the turning assembly arms or impact upon the at least one of the turning assembly arms depending upon whether the turning assembly is in an inactive or active position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Columbia Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Justin Gierman
  • Patent number: 11794508
    Abstract: A device for recording information in a data carrier, comprising a data carrier receptacle for partially receiving the data carrier in a planar manner; a data carrier cover arranged relative to the data carrier receptacle, which is designed for holding the data carrier between the data carrier receptacle and the data carrier cover; a laser source for the controlled emission of a laser beam designed to effect irreversible changes of the data carrier with the laser beam; and a mount that receives the data carrier receptacle to be pivotable about a pivot axis. The data carrier receptacle has two or more positions, that allow the data carrier receptacle to be received in the mount in such a way that the data carrier receptacle can be repositioned about the pivot axis in a pivotable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MUEHLBAUER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Sascha Egermann
  • Patent number: 11651509
    Abstract: A method for process control of a semiconductor structure fabricated by a series of fabrication steps, the method comprising obtaining an image of the semiconductor structure indicative of at least two individual fabrication steps; wherein the image is generated by scanning the semiconductor structure with a charged particle beam and collecting signals emanating from the semiconductor structure; and processing, by a hardware processor, the image to determining a parameter of the semiconductor structure, wherein processing includes measuring step/s from among the fabrication steps as an individual feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: Roman Kris, Roi Meir, Sahar Levin, Ishai Schwarzband, Grigory Klebanov, Shimon Levi, Efrat Noifeld, Hiroshi Miroku, Taku Yoshizawa, Kasturi Saha, Sharon Duvdevani-Bar, Vadim Vereschagin
  • Patent number: 11515191
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may include a heater pedestal. In an embodiment, the heater pedestal may comprise a heater pedestal body and a conductive mesh embedded in the heater pedestal. In an embodiment, the conductive mesh is electrically coupled to a voltage source In an embodiment, the heater pedestal may further comprise a support surface on the heater pedestal body. In an embodiment, the support surface comprises a plurality of pillars extending out from the heater pedestal body and arranged in concentric rings. In an embodiment pillars in an outermost concentric ring have a height that is greater than a height of pillars in an innermost concentric ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek B. Shah, Bhaskar Kumar, Ganesh Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 11491656
    Abstract: Examples provide a system for decanting items from a set of cases into a set of storage totes in preparation for induction into an automated tote storage device. A set of robotic decanting devices includes at least one robotic de-palletizing device configured to remove a selected case comprising a set of items from a pallet at a de-palletizing station. A stationary robotic case opener device opens each case as it moves along a conveyor device. A set of sensor devices scans cases and/or contents of cases to identify each item removed from each case. A stationary robotic picker device removes each item from each case and places each item into an appropriate destination tote. A robotic tote transfer device moves the destination tote to an induction point of the storage device. A decant manager component updates inventory to include items placed into each tote inducted into the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
  • Patent number: 11479363
    Abstract: A method of assembling and installing an underwing package to an underside of an aircraft wing is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes assembling the underwing package, comprising at least a pylon and an engine, using a build frame; attaching a transfer cart to the underwing package; lowering the underwing package and the transfer cart from the build frame; transporting the underwing package and the transfer cart to the underside of the aircraft wing; and transferring the underwing package from the transfer cart to the underside of the aircraft wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Gormley, Jihad Ramlaoui, Vincent Vignoboul, Timothy Repp, Jasen Miner, Luis A. Lopez, Duffy Adam Randolph, Erik N. Linde
  • Patent number: 11378091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an impeller for a centrifugal pump including a recessed impeller pump which provides improved pumping efficiency, is less subject to wear and tear and provides maximal vortex generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: DAB PUMPS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Sinico, Lorenzo Gobbi, Alessandro Porcari
  • Patent number: 11217466
    Abstract: A wafer processing method includes preparing a holding table having a blade clearance portion formed therein so as to correspond to a notch of a wafer, holding the wafer by the holding table so as to make the notch of the wafer correspond to the blade clearance portion of the holding table, reducing the diameter of the wafer by cutting the wafer by a cutting blade along an outer peripheral edge of the wafer in a state in which an end of the cutting blade is positioned below the holding surface of the holding table and therefore removing at least a part of the notch portion, and forming a second notch in the wafer by cutting the wafer in a thickness direction by the cutting blade along the blade clearance portion of the holding table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yunfeng Yang, Yuji Uemura
  • Patent number: 11084668
    Abstract: An inverter manufacturing cell includes a table including a base, a frame configured to receive a work piece, and at least one pivotable lift arm attached to the base and to the frame. The pivotable lift arm is configured to pivot relative to the base about at least one axis such that the frame and work piece rotate from a first, generally horizontal position to a second, generally vertical position. After rotating to the second, vertical position, the frame is configured to slide such that the frame and work piece further rotate to a third, generally horizontal position wherein the frame and work piece are inverted relative to the first, generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Jordan Byron Rothwell
  • Patent number: 10930538
    Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate alignment apparatus, a substrate processing apparatus, and a substrate processing method using the substrate alignment apparatus. The substrate alignment apparatus and the substrate processing apparatus include a support plate and a plurality of guide units coupled to the support plate to align a position of the substrate. Each of the guide units includes an alignment pin for aligning the substrate in place and a stationary body having a support surface for supporting an edge region of the substrate aligned, the stationary part being fixedly coupled to the support plate. The alignment pin is rotatable about a central axis of the alignment pin relative to the support surface of the stationary part, thereby rapidly aligning the substrate and thus preventing the substrate transferred between a plurality of process chambers by a transfer robot from being separated or having a negative influence on other apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SEMES Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kisang Eum, Cheolmin Chol, Nam Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 10851453
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a shutter disk assembly in a process chamber using a number of sensors. A first, second, and third sensor in a shutter housing for a shutter disk assembly provide indications of a status of the shutter disk assembly. The indications are used in part to determine the operational status of the shutter disk assembly along with process information from a process controller. The operational status is then used to alter a process of the process chamber when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Ananthkrishna Jupudi, Eiji Asahina, Sarath Babu
  • Patent number: 10440353
    Abstract: A dual-camera image capture system may include a first light source, disposed above a target area, a first mobile unit, configured to rotate around the target area, and a second mobile unit, operatively coupled to the first mobile unit, configured to move vertically along the first mobile unit. The dual-camera image capture system may further include a second light source, operatively coupled to the second mobile unit and a dual-camera unit, operatively coupled to the second mobile unit. The dual-camera image capture system may include a first camera configured to capture structural data and a second camera configured to capture color data. The first mobile unit and the second mobile unit may be configured to move the first camera and the second camera to face the target area in a variety of positions around the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Hejl, Jerry Phaneuf, Aaron Jeromin
  • Patent number: 10364054
    Abstract: Disclosed is an M-shaped fully automatic winding machine provided with a main controller, a film clamping device, an automatic film cutting device, and a film lifting device. The film clamping device is provided on an M-shaped turntable, is driven to work by a second electric motor and uses a storage battery as a power source. A secondary controller controlling the second electric motor to work is also provided on the M-shaped turntable, is in a communication connection with the main controller via wireless data and is controlled by the main controller. A film clamping working position of the film clamping device is in front of an upright post when the M-shaped turntable turns to the angle of the original position. The M-shaped winding machine is also provided with a storage battery charging connection device. When the M-shaped turntable turns to the angle of a charging position, a turntable upper part and a turntable outer part of the charging connection device can be electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: HANGZHOU YOUNGSUN INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bangyi Luo, Ziquan Zhang, Caiqin Zhang
  • Patent number: 10239211
    Abstract: A laminate is directly transferred from a first robot arm that carries the laminate from a bonding chamber to an overlapping chamber, to a second robot arm that carries out the laminate from the overlapping chamber to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOKYO OHKA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kimihiro Nakada, Shigeru Kato
  • Patent number: 10211080
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robot arm, including a pedestal, a support arm on the pedestal and configured to support a substrate, a driving system configured to drive the support arm to move, and a substrate alignment device connected to the support arm. The substrate alignment device includes a first position information collection unit configured to acquire first position information of the substrate when the substrate is on the support arm at a first position; a deviation information acquisition unit configured to acquire position deviation information of the substrate in accordance with the first position information and second position information of the substrate in the case that the substrate is located at a standard position, and an adjustment unit configured to generate control information in accordance with the position deviation information, thereby driving the support arm by the driving system to place the substrate at a target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xin Chen, Chao Gao, Qingyang Yao, Jianghua Qi, Yujiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 9269529
    Abstract: A method for performing DA (Dynamic Alignment) beam calibration in a plasma processing system is provided. The method including acquiring a positional difference, the positional difference is acquired using an optical imaging approach. The optical imaging approach comprising of positioning the wafer on the end effector, taking a still image of the wafer on the end effector, processing the still image to ascertain the center of the wafer and an end effector-defined center defined by the end effector, and determining the positional difference between the center of the wafer and the end effector-defined center defined by the end effector. The method also includes centering a wafer with respect to an end effector by compensating for a positional difference between the wafer and the end effector with robot movement compensation. The method including moving the wafer and the end effector through DA beams associated with a plasma processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matt Rodnick, Christine Allen-Blanchette
  • Patent number: 9254566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an end effector including: blade members for holding substrates, each configured to hold the substrate, and configured such that each interval between the blade members can be changed; a blade support unit configured to support the blade members, the blade support unit being configured to be driven integrally with the blade members by the robot; and blade drive means configured to change the interval between the blade members by moving at least one of the blade members relative to another blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hashimoto, Tetsuya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9205523
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a mounting plate, a driving assembly, and two first position assemblies. The mounting plate defines a first guiding groove. The driving assembly is mounted on the mounting plate and includes a driver, and a transfer rod coupled to the driver. The first pivoting assembly includes a first coupling rod and a second coupling rod. The first coupling rod is movably received in the first guiding groove and pivotably coupled to the transfer rod. The second coupling rod is movably received in the first guiding groove and pivotably coupled to the transfer rod. The first position assemblies are respectively pivotably coupled to the first coupling rod and the second coupling rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Lu Yang, Chao Shen, Jie Ni, Qiang-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9096388
    Abstract: Structural profile rotator that can be used with a structural profile conveyor device. The rotator (150) comprises two blades (10,40) attached to a spindle (5) and which define between them a variable angle, comprised for example between 90° and 180°, a pushing member (35) disposed below the first blade (10) and arranged to push the second blade (40) so that it rotates about the spindle (5); and rotation members (80a, 80b), which may be parallel to the second blade (40) arranged to rotate said spindle (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GEKA AUTOMATION S.L.
    Inventors: Alberto Jose Herrero Zabaleta, Jon Gurruchaga Recarte
  • Publication number: 20150113916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for automatically arranging and feeding root canal treatment materials and a system for packaging the root canal treatment materials using the device, in which the device can neatly and efficiently arrange root canal treatment materials, such as root canal fillers or sorbefacients used in a root canal treatment, in such a way that the treatment materials are oriented in one direction, and can feed the arranged treatment materials; and the system can package the root canal treatment materials by automatically inserting the materials into small-sized casings. The device includes: a feeding unit feeding the root canal treatment materials in one direction; an arranging unit spaced apart from the dropping edge of the feeding unit; and a distributing unit distributing the root canal treatment materials dropping from the feeding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9017007
    Abstract: The invention provides for a pallet turntable (1). The turntable (1) comprises a stationary bottom part (2) and a movable top part (3) comprising a platform (4) suitable for receiving a pallet (5), wherein the movable top part (3) is arranged linearly displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary bottom part (2). The turntable (1) further comprises guide means (6) for guiding an angular displacement around a direction of the vertical linear displacement in dependency of the linear displacement, at least when the movable top part (3) is being vertically linearly displaced in a direction towards the stationary bottom part (2). The invention further provides for a method for turning a pallet (5) and use of a pallet turntable (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: JBT Maskinvaerksted
    Inventor: Jens Bregnbjerg Therkildsen
  • Patent number: 9003656
    Abstract: A securing device for securing a rotor of a turbomachine against tilting is provided, the rotor being arranged perpendicular in relation to a horizontal plane. The securing device includes a support surface enabling the rotor to be laterally supported in relation to the securing device. The rotor or the tie rod, arranged in an essentially vertical manner, are oriented vertically such that during an alignment, the support surface on which the rotor or the tie rod support, are displaced such that rotor is perpendicular in relation to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Floter, Armin Hülfenhaus, Claus Vögelin
  • Publication number: 20150063969
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is aligned by placing the semiconductor device in a nest between first and second sections of the nest when the nest is in a receiving position in which the first and second sections are spaced further apart from one another than when the nest is in an aligning position. The nest is moved from the receiving position to the aligning position with the semiconductor device in the nest so that the first and second sections are spaced closer to one another and align the semiconductor device in the nest. The semiconductor device is removed from the nest after the semiconductor device is aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Nee Wan Khoo, Horst Groeninger
  • Patent number: 8961094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning substrates (2) in an XY-plane. A polygonal, flat substrate (2), the substrate plane of which is parallel to the XY-plane or lies in the XY-plane, is aligned with respect to reference coordinates and a reference angular position in the XY-plane. A corner (12) of the substrate (2) is detected using image detecting means (9). In addition, the position coordinates of the substrate (2) are determined. Using evaluating means (10), the angular position of the corner (12) of the substrate (2) in the XY-plane is determined, and the position differences between the reference coordinates and the position coordinates as well as the angle difference between the reference angular position and the angular position of the substrate corner (12) are calculated. The substrate (2) is moved and/or rotated in the XY-plane according to the determined position difference or the angle difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Singulus Technologies AG
    Inventors: Edgar Rüth, Wolfgang Becker, Marjan Filipovic, Reiner Rohrmann
  • Publication number: 20140321958
    Abstract: A clean stocker includes an orientation adjustment device that includes a pivot device which pivots a placing base, a reticle carrier device which holds an article without changing an orientation of the article, and a controller which controls the pivot device and the reticle carrier device. The controller is programmed to cause the article to be held in a state in which the article is separate from the placing base held by the pivot device, the placing base in the state in which the article is separate therefrom to be pivoted from an initial position to an intended position, the article to be placed on the placing base which has been pivoted to the intended position, and the placing base having the article placed thereon to be pivoted from the intended position to the initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiko Gambe
  • Patent number: 8864408
    Abstract: Compact, readily maneuverable apparatus for picking up and laterally transferring roadway barrier modules includes a vehicle for moving along a roadway barrier and elongated conveyors located at the sides of the vehicle, connected to the vehicle and pivotal between operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lindsey Transportation Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerrit A. Dyke
  • Publication number: 20140294552
    Abstract: A rotary apparatus or machine that takes or receives a barrel stack of mounted tires in the vertical position (i.e., barrel stacked), and rotates the stack as a whole to a horizontal position, where each unit or tire is an upright position. The tires can then be rolled off individually or in multiple units to be installed on the equipment being built, or transported from the tire holding area to the assembly floor or installation area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: DAVID STRICKLAND, JR.
  • Patent number: 8842174
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first panel and a second panel, between which the biologic fluid sample quiescently resides. At least one of the first and second panels is flexible. The chamber has one or more fields that are each defined by a cross-sectional area. The apparatus comprises a field illuminator, a chamber flattener, a positioner, and an image dissector. The field illuminator has an objective lens. The chamber flattener has a platen with a window and a cover plate. The chamber flattener is operable to cause the chamber to assume a substantially uniform Z-axis position for substantially all of the fields within the chamber. The positioner is adapted to position the objective lens and the chamber relative to one another. The image dissector is adapted to image the sample residing within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.
    Inventors: John Blum, John J. Doskoczynski, Kaushal K. Verma, Pierre R. Emeric
  • Publication number: 20140219764
    Abstract: An apparatus for centering workpieces of different sizes, particularly wafers, featuring a single plane centering guide. The guide features a plate having a cutout region with a first arcuate cutout within which a portion of a circumference of a first circular workpiece is nestable and a second arcuate cutout adjacent to and deeper than the first arcuate cutout and centered along the cutout region within which a portion of a circumference of a smaller second circular workpiece is nestable. The arcuate cutouts and nested workpiece have centers of curvature along a common centerline that are collinear with a linear path. The workpiece delivery device horizontally moveable along the linear path, delivers a workpiece to the nesting position thereby centering the workpiece relative to the first or second arcuate cutout. From the centered position, the workpiece delivery device may deliver the workpiece to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Spintrac Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan W. Kukas
  • Publication number: 20140196663
    Abstract: An aligner includes a plurality of substrate rotators and a shaft member. Each substrate rotator includes a holder, a notch detector, an electromagnetic clutch and a driving belt. Each holder sucks the back surface of the substrate under vacuum and horizontally holds the substrate. Each notch detector detects a notch formed at the substrate, and supplies a detection result to the corresponding electromagnetic clutch as a detection signal. One end of the shaft member is connected to a motor. The shaft member is continuously rotated by the motor. Each electromagnetic clutch switches to a connection state in which rotational force of an inner periphery is transmitted to an outer periphery and a disconnection state in which rotational force of the inner periphery is transmitted to the outer periphery according to a detection signal supplied from the notch detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Masahito KASHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140193312
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for positioning a sample carrier plate, wherein the apparatus comprises a main body for receiving the sample carrier plate, positioning stops which are disposed in opposing first corner regions of the main body and are prestressed for clamping the sample carrier plate and mounted displaceably, an actuating device which is disposed at the main body and is equipped such that by actuating the actuating device the positioning stops can be transferred between an operating state engaging the sample carrier plate and an operating state releasing the sample carrier plate, and comprises a force transmitting element which is equipped to transmit an actuating force from the actuating device to the positioning stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Quantifoil Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Hoyer, Andreas Vester, Patrick Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8756798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fitting and equipping motor vehicle battery housings as a compact system, which comprises individual production stations and associated transport devices, wherein the battery plate packs to be processed are arranged in clamping cassettes and are provided to the device in the necessary pack width for the intended battery cells by a feeding station arranged upstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Sasit Industrietechnik GmbH, VB Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGAA
    Inventors: Jochen Meier, Thomas Dörffel, Roger Loer
  • Publication number: 20140140802
    Abstract: A nut arranging apparatus includes a nut arranging portion having a generally ring-shaped shape for arranging nuts, and a nut supplying portion that is a portion for supplying the nuts to the nut arranging portion and is arranged inside the nut arranging portion. The nut supplying portion includes a holding portion that is a portion for temporarily holding the nuts. The nut supplying portion forms a bottom plate portion that is a bottom surface portion of the holding portion with a surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and changes a direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion. The nut supplying portion supplies the nuts to an appropriate position of the nut arranging portion by sliding the nuts held in the holding portion in the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion while changing the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kira, Toshio Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20140119613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for orientating discrete objects, such as gemstones, is described. The method comprises providing the objects on a travelling path; providing a pair of opposed walls (38) extending generally along the direction of the path; and generating relative oscillatory movement (14) between the pair of walls (38) and the travelling path (in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the path), so that the pair of walls (38) imparts lateral force to the objects to thereby urge them into their most stable orientation as they progress along the path. A device for checking the orientation of the discrete objects is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: DE BEERS CENTENARY AG
    Inventors: Siobhan D'Gama, Maxwell Ralph Willis, Nicholas Matthew Davies, Graham Ralph Powell
  • Publication number: 20140112751
    Abstract: The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein operate to change the orientation of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a transfer apparatus having a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The method includes advancing an absorbent article in a machine direction. The absorbent article is defined by a longitudinal centerline intersected by a lateral centerline at a center. The method includes rotating the absorbent article from a first orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in a cross direction to a second orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in the machine direction. The method includes shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts from a first cross-directional position to a second cross-directional position. The steps of rotating the absorbent article and shifting the absorbent article may occur concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe SCHNEIDER, Todd Douglas LENSER, Clifford Theodore PAPSDORF
  • Patent number: 8662818
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for turning racks (1) for specimen slides (4), having a rack receptacle for at least one rack, the rack (1) being oriented in the rack receptacle horizontally in a first position such that specimen slides in the rack are arranged vertically next to one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the rack, and the rack receptacle being pivotable around a rotation axis (8) into a second position in which the rack (1) is oriented vertically. The rotation axis (8) of the rack (1) extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (5) of the horizontally oriented rack (1), so that the rack (1) can be pivoted back and forth between the first and the second position by means of a 180-degree rotation around the rotation axis (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LEICA Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Wilke
  • Publication number: 20140056680
    Abstract: A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: DATACARD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael LIND, Gary SCHULTZE, Dennis J. WARWICK
  • Publication number: 20140056681
    Abstract: A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a spine guidance system that is configured to hold the area adjacent to the spine of an opened, multiple sheet booklet against a backing plate during processing on a page of the booklet, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The spine guidance system is configured so that it resides closely adjacent to the spine of the booklet, below the field of lasing by the laser or other processing operation, so that it does not interfere with the processing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: DATACARD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary SCHULTZE, Dennis J. WARWICK
  • Patent number: 8602714
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for rotating a structural profile quickly and easily on a single spindle drill line without the use of a crane. The apparatus has two arms which can lay flat or create any angle less than 180 degrees between the two. The apparatus can move horizontally along the drill line and can lift the structural profile vertically for movement and during rotation. This will allow a drill machine operator to rotate large and heavy structural profiles on a drill line and position them with the datum blocks in order to drill the different sides without the need for an overhead crane or other lifting device and without any additional labor to assist with manual flipping and positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Thanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8591664
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for integrated cleaning of objects comprising a sequence of wet cleaning and vacuum drying in a same process chamber. The present integrated cleaning process can eliminate moving parts, improving the system reliability. Vacuum decontamination can be included for degassing and decontaminating the cleaned objects. In an embodiment, a cleaner system combines various movements into an integrated movement to be handled by a robot, for example, to improve the throughput. For example, an integrated robot movement comprising picking up a closed container from the input load port, moving both the lid and body together, and then depositing the body and lid separately into the appropriate positions in the cleaner to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Dynamic Micro System
    Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
  • Publication number: 20130311126
    Abstract: System force-deformation measuring apparatuses (e.g., an apparatus that applies a quasi-static force), such as those, for example, configured to generate data (e.g., non-generic or accident-specific data) that assists in the reconstruction of vehicle collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Biodynamic Research Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Scott, Enrique J. Bonugli, Herbert M. Guzman, Daniel J. Swartzendruber
  • Publication number: 20130287536
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for positioning and/or rotating a substrate without solid contact, such as by floating the wafer on a thin layer of gas. Since there is no solid contact with components of a processing chamber, features on the wafer are used to determine wafer position and rotational speed. Closed loop control systems are provided with capacitive sensors to monitor the position of the edge of the wafer in a horizontal plane. Control systems may also monitor the position of a wafer feature as it rotates, such as a notch in the edge of the wafer. Because the presence of a notch can disrupt sensors facing the edge of the wafer, methods and devices to reduce or eliminate this disruption are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake Koelmel
  • Publication number: 20130259628
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Hirata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 8545164
    Abstract: A system for repositioning row bars includes a base support including a top surface, and a support arm positioned on the top surface and configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, a tray assembly coupled to the support arm, the tray assembly including a first tray including a plurality of first channels, each configured to retain one of the row bars in an initial position, a transfer substrate including a plurality of transfer channels, each configured to receive one of the row bars from the first tray as the support arm moves from the first position to the second position, and a second tray including a plurality of second channels, each configured to retain the one of the row bars in a final position, where the row bars in the final position are rotated by a preselected number of degrees from the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Sarapong Choumwong, Sunan Maliwong, Somporn Pitakkotchawong