Abstract: An arm of a robot is configured to which an arm cover for covering a wire or a pipe placed outside of the arm is attachable. An input reception unit receives first input indicating attachment of the arm cover to the arm. A movable range determination unit determines a movable range of the robot to be a second movable range smaller than a first movable range without the attachment of the arm cover according to the first input. A robot control unit controls an operation of the robot according to the second movable range.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate inverting device that can reverse the front and back of a substrate without causing damage and that can suppress a decrease in work efficiency due to inverting the substrate. A substrate inverting device that inverts the front and back of a substrate comprise: a rectangular frame shaped casing that encloses the circumference of a substrate to be inverted; a first holding unit that is joined to one edge of the casing so as to be able to rotate and that holds the substrate from the front side; a second holding unit that is joined to another edge of the casing facing the one edge so as to be able to rotate and that holds the substrate from the back side; and a support unit that supports the casing so that same can rotate about an axis in the horizontal direction while the substrate is held by the first holding unit and second holding unit.

Abstract: The pallet changing system comprises a pallet deposition and pick-up station and a pallet loading and unloading station, horizontally spaced from one another along a first horizontal direction (A-A), as well as a pallet handling unit.

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.

Abstract: A method for calibration including determining a temperature induced offset in a pedestal of a process module under a temperature condition for a process. The method includes delivering a wafer to the pedestal of the process module by a robot, and detecting an entry offset. The method includes rotating the wafer over the pedestal by an angle. The method includes removing the wafer from the pedestal by the robot and measuring an exit offset. The method includes determining a magnitude and direction of the temperature induced offset using the entry offset and exit offset.

Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: A multi-story goods storage arrangement comprising a plurality of levels of storage lines arranged in parallel and transport lines extending between opposing ends of said storage lines, wherein a transfer cart is operable along each transport line. It further comprises a top shuttle suspending from top rail arrangement on said transfer cart and moveable out from said transfer cart into a suspension rail arrangement in said storage lines, and lifting means arranged on said top shuttle to lift goods stored in said storage lines and to transport lifted goods to the transfer cart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing workpieces to form parts. Tools associated with a multi-spindle machine may be positioned with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture comprising a plurality of platforms and an adjustment system. Each platform may be individually moveable with respect to others in the plurality of platforms about a number of axes. The plurality of platforms may be configured to hold the plurality of workpieces in which each platform may be configured to hold a workpiece in the plurality of workpieces during operations performed by the multi-spindle machine. The adjustment system may be configured to move each of the plurality of platforms about the number of axes independently from the others in the plurality of platforms. The operations may be performed on the plurality of workpieces using the multi-spindle machine and the fixture to form a plurality of parts.

Abstract: A sheet loading system is provided for consecutively loading sheets onto a multi-step process press machine such that a plurality of workpieces loaded respectively on a plurality of workstations is simultaneously processed by one stroke. The sheet loading system includes a conveyor, a sheet loader, a first sheet transfer feeder, and a second sheet transfer feeder.

Abstract: Provided is a technique which can properly invert a plurality of substrates at a time. To achieve this object, a substrate inverting apparatus includes: a support mechanism which supports a plurality of substrates in a state where the substrates are stacked vertically in a spaced-apart manner in a horizontal posture; and a clamping and inverting mechanism which clamps the plurality of substrates supported by the support mechanism respectively and inverts the plurality of substrates at a time. In the support mechanism, support members which support the substrate are moved to a standby position from a support position while being moved downward away from the center of the substrate as viewed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the clamping and inverting mechanism, clamping members which clamp the substrate are moved to a near position from a remote position by a clamping member drive part and are elastically biased by an elastic member toward side surfaces of the substrate at the near position.

Abstract: A system for producing a fibre-reinforced composite module, such as a panel module, having an integrated stiffening structure for an aircraft or spacecraft includes a form core assembly station for assembling a plurality of form cores covered with reinforcing fibre layers to constitute at least one stiffening element of the integrated stiffening structure, a form core placement station which receives assembled form cores from the assembly station for placing or depositing the assembled form cores in or on a moulding tool, and a turning station for rotating or inverting the assembled form cores. The turning station is configured to convey or transport the assembled form cores from the assembly station to the placement station. The turning station defines a path which is configured to rotate or invert the assembled form cores as they are conveyed or moved to the placement station.

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

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and methods are provided for improved handling of lithography masks including a mask inverter that includes a first contact pad dedicated to inverting masks that have not been cleaned; a second contact pad dedicated to inverting masks that have been cleaned; an actuator coupled to the first and second contact pads and operable to invert the first and second contact pads; and a controller coupled to the actuator and operative to control the actuator. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a door having first and second door facings and an internal doorframe. An interior side of a first facing is coated with quick acting adhesive. A frame is placed on the coated interior side about the periphery of the first facing. The frame is then coated with quick acting adhesive. An interior side of a second facing is placed on the coated frame. The facings and frame assembly are then compressed to form a door. The present invention also provides for an automated system of making the door.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method (e.g., a method for forming one or more semiconductor layers on a device) includes modifying a first side of a first semiconductor body inside of a processing system to at least partially manufacture one or more photovoltaic modules; flipping the first semiconductor body over inside the processing system; and modifying an opposite, second side of the first semiconductor body inside of the processing system to continue fabrication of the one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein modifying at least one of the first side or second side of the first semiconductor body is performed in at least one of a reduced pressure or increased temperature environment of the processing system and flipping the first semiconductor body is performed without removing the first semiconductor body from the processing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for turning steel products. The apparatus comprises a rotating shaft, a first turning plate, and a second turning plate. The first turning plate is fixedly mounted to the rotating shaft with a longitudinal axis of the first turning plate perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. The second turning plate is movably mounted to the rotating shaft with a longitudinal axis of the second turning plate perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-contact substrate transfer turner capable of performing a transfer and a turn-over of a substrate in a non-contact state. The non-contact substrate transfer turner includes a transfer member moving along a guide rail; a substrate supporting member installed at the transfer member and non-contact supporting a substrate by drag force and lift force; and a power transmitting member providing power to the substrate supporting member to rotate the substrate supporting member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flipping module operable to flip a workpiece delivered by a robot in a vacuum transfer chamber (VTC) includes a gripper disposed outside a working envelope of the robot in a parked position in a vacuum environment of the VTC, and an actuator operable to move the gripper from the parked position to a receiving position, and to rotate the gripper and workpiece to thereby flip the workpiece.

Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment for transporting and inverting material, such as a mail item, and exchanging the lead and trail edge of the material along a transport feed path. The equipment conveys material to a holding mechanism that rotates to a suitable angle to the transport feed path and within the plane of the flat material. The direction of the material is reversed while contained in the holding mechanism. The holding mechanism is rotated to turning over the material, e.g., face-up to face-down, and exchanges the lead and trail edges with respect to the feed path.

Abstract: A system and method for partially or completely inverting (rotating) a die and subsequently returning the die to its normal operating position. Systems of the invention include a roll-over unit that engages a roll frame or similar structure to which a die of interest is temporarily secured. The roll-over unit includes a drive motor that is used to rotate the roll frame and the die that is releasably coupled thereto. A deceleration assembly is provided to bring rotation of the die to a slow and controlled stop in one or both rotational directions. When the drive motor is a hydraulic motor, the deceleration assembly may include deceleration valves that are actuated by a rack gear that is caused to move linearly during rotation of the drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for flipping a semiconductor device comprises a platform comprising a carrier and a roller system, a positioning unit above the platform and comprising a circular opening, and an elevating unit connecting the platform and the positioning unit.

Abstract: A turning mechanism for turning over workpieces includes a supporting bracket, a turning assembly, and a suction assembly. The turning assembly includes a first driving member mounted on the supporting bracket and a turning member connected to the first driving member. The suction assembly includes a plurality of suction members and a second driving member connected to the plurality of suction members. The plurality of suction members is separately mounted on the turning member. The second driving member is mounted on the supporting bracket and is capable of generating negative air pressure in the plurality of suction members to enable the plurality of suction members to suction adhere to the workpiece, thereby holding the workpiece on the turning member. The first driving member is capable of rotating the turning member to turn over the workpiece.

Abstract: A turnover mechanism is used for turning a fixture and a workpiece positioned on the fixture, which includes a support bracket, a first turning mechanism, a movement mechanism, and a second turning mechanism. First turning mechanism includes a first rotary driver, a first clamping driver and two first clamping members oppositely positioned on the first clamping driver. The first rotary driver is positioned on the support bracket and connected to the first clamping driver. The first clamping driver drives the first clamping members to clamp the fixture and the workpiece. The first rotary driver rotate the first clamping driver and the two first clamping members to such that the fixture is driven to be rotated on a reverse side. The movement mechanism reaches the first turning mechanism to transfer the workpiece to the second turning mechanism. Second turning mechanism is mounted on the support bracket, clamping and turning the workpiece.

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).

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking sticks of split-firewood has a drum with interior flights as well as a ramp and chute which do not rotate with the drum. The flights partition the inside wall of the drum into a procession of shelves and pockets. Each shelf extends radially between the drum sidewall and an inner edge. The ramp is mounted inside the drum and has an axially extending upper edge disposed to be spaced by a small gap from the shelf edges at about 9 o'clock relative clockwise rotation of the drum. The chute is also mounted partly inside the drum slopes from a top to a discharge end. The chute is mounted relative to the ramp to form a catch zone for sticks sliding off the ramp inside the drum. The chute furthermore extends outside the drum to discharge sticks of split firewood in neat stacks there.

Abstract: A conveying device for a deposition device includes a transport device and a carrier. The transport device includes a main body, two wheels, a connection shaft, and a first bevel gear. The connection shaft is mounted on the main body. The two wheels are mounted on two opposite ends of the connection shaft. The first bevel gear is sleeved on the connection shaft. The carrier includes a revolving frame, a rotating shaft, a second bevel gear, and at least one carrying bar. The rotating shaft is mounted on the revolving frame. The second bevel gear is sleeved on one end of the rotating shaft and meshed with the first bevel gear. The revolving frame rotates relative to the rotating shaft. The at least one carrying bar is mounted on the revolving frame and driven by the rotating shaft to rotate. Each carrying bar includes supporting elements for carrying workpieces.

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.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a substrate inverting device for inverting front and rear surfaces of a substrate is provided. The substrate includes a first holding unit configured to hold one surface of the substrate and a second holding unit disposed to face the first holding unit and configured to hold one surface of the substrate. Further, the substrate includes a moving mechanism configured to relatively move at least one of the first holding unit and the second holding unit to approach each other and stay spaced apart from each other, and a transfer mechanism configured to hold the one surface of the substrate. In this case, a support of the substrate in the first holding unit, the second holding unit and the transfer mechanism is performed by a Bernoulli chuck.

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.

Abstract: A disclosed lift device serves as a work piece handling tool for performing service operations on a mechanical component, such as a power cylinder head of a gas engine compressor. The lift device may be attached to the cylinder head and used to securely and efficiently remove (and install) the cylinder head from the gas engine compressor. The lift device may also provide a free-standing base for holding the cylinder head securely in a manner that provides access for servicing operations. The advantages of the lift device include a single mounting and unmounting operation for the entire duration of the servicing operations.

Abstract: A reusable up-ending device for loading or unloading nuclear fuel assembly shipping packages. The device has a translating base mounted to a fixed beam structure and two stabilizing arms affixed to a mounting fixture on the base that is secured to the operating floor. The stabilizing arms include a spring dampener and have a simple elbow joint that straightens after the package is up righted. Translation is achieved by means of a hand adjustable lead screw and enables the base to be most advantageously positioned. The shipping package is inserted into pivot mount blocks located at the front of the base and the package is secured at the pivot mount blocks by means of a trunnion and at the support arms by means of a locking pin. Once the package is up-righted the elbows on the support arms are locked in place.

Abstract: A substrate inverting apparatus includes a plurality of first lower guides supporting a substrate in a horizontal orientation by contact of first lower inclined portions with a peripheral edge portion of the substrate, a plurality of first upper guides that, by contact of first upper inclined portions with the peripheral edge portion of the substrate, clamp the substrate in cooperation with the plurality of first lower guides, a guide moving mechanism that moves the plurality of first upper guides and first lower guides horizontally, and a guide rotating unit that inverts the substrate by rotating the plurality of first upper guides and first lower guides around a horizontally extending inversion axis.

Abstract: A system and method for partially or completely inverting (rotating) a die and subsequently returning the die to its normal operating position. Systems of the invention include a roll-over unit that engages a roll frame or similar structure to which a die of interest is temporarily secured. The roll-over unit includes a drive motor that is used to rotate the roll frame and the die that is releasably coupled thereto. A deceleration assembly is provided to bring rotation of the die to a slow and controlled stop in one or both rotational directions. When the drive motor is a hydraulic motor, the deceleration assembly may include deceleration valves that are actuated by a rack gear that is caused to move linearly during rotation of the drive motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the alignment of a sheet in a direction transverse (cross-track) to its transport direction in a sheet-printing machine, in particular in a digital printing machine, preferably in an electrographically operating printing machine. The object of the invention is to improve, in a simple manner, a method and a device of the aforementioned generic types in view of a first rough alignment of the individual sheet. Referring to the method, this object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the individual sheet is flipped about a preferably non-physical, mathematical or imagined flipping axis extending in transport direction, and that this flipping produces a transverse offset of the sheet in transverse direction.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts an apparatus and method for transferring beverage glasses from a first a beverage glass containment rack to an empty second beverage glass containment rack. Each rack includes side walls and a plurality of chambers arrayed within the perimeter. Each chamber of the rack is adapted to contain a beverage glass. The apparatus has side walls bearing edges adapted to engage the perimeter of the glass rack when in a mounted position. It also has a center divider within an interior of the apparatus and orthogonal its side walls. A plurality of ducts is arrayed within the side walls, each respective duct passing through and coupled to the center divider such that each respective duct is positioned to fit within a respective chamber when in the mounted position.

Abstract: A substrate holder positioning method, capable of positioning a substrate holder without using any positioning jig, includes: measuring a first position of a substrate held on a substrate holder included in a substrate carrying mechanism; carrying the substrate held on the substrate holder to a substrate rotating unit for holding and rotating the substrate; turning the substrate held by the substrate rotating unit through a predetermined angle by the substrate rotating unit; transferring the substrate turned by the substrate rotating unit from the substrate rotating unit to the substrate holder; measuring a second position of the substrate transferred from the substrate rotating unit to the substrate holder; determining the position of the center of rotation of the substrate rotating unit on the basis of the first and the second position; and positioning the substrate holder on the basis of the position of the center of rotation.

Abstract: A disc turning device is formed with at least one support portion at one side of a center of gravity of the disc to make a disc turn over automatically by gravity by turning about the support portion, thus achieving the objectives of automatically turning over a disc by gravity, and saving energy.

Abstract: A container-contents discharging station may include a guard in sealing engagement with a container prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A container-contents discharging station may also include an air bellows to seal an open top of a container to a guard prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A method for retrofitting an existing container-contents discharging system removes an existing enclosure and replaces it with a modified enclosure having a sealing guard and a container lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A turnover apparatus includes a tower configured to travel on abase, a lifter configured to rise and fall along the tower, a target holding portion configured to hold a turnover target, a wheel traveling base, a wheel axle rotatably attached to the target holding portion, and a wheel axle lock. The wheel axle includes a wheel configured to roll on the wheel traveling base. The target holding portion is attached to the lifter via a rotation shaft parallel to the wheel axle. The wheel axle lock is configured to lock the wheel axle such that the wheel does not roll on the wheel traveling base and the wheel axle can rotate with respect to the target holding portion.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus comprises a rotary bobbin, a processing component fixedly attached to the bobbin and connectors fixedly connected to the processing component. At least one helical groove is located along the bobbin wherein the connectors are housed. A motor coupled to the processing component is operative to rotate the processing component together with the bobbin in two opposite rotary directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tray handling apparatus in which the conveyance and inversion of a tray can be performed simultaneously to thereby achieve a rapid inspecting operation and a simplified apparatus configuration, and a semiconductor device inspecting method using the tray handling apparatus. The tray handling apparatus includes an inverting unit to turn the tray, in which objects are received, upside down, and a transfer device to convey the object receiving tray from one conveyor to another conveyor while being reciprocally moved above a body of the apparatus. The inverting unit is integrally provided at a lower end of the transfer device, to allow the conveyance and inversion of the tray to be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A pan inverting system (10) comprises a rotating table (11) having a central longitudinal axis (13), the table being rotatably mounted within a static frame (15) for rotation about the longitudinal axis (13). Conveyors (21) are disposed on opposed pan-receiving surfaces (20) of the table (11). The conveyors (21) are independently operable to displace a pan (12) along the table (11) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (13). A pan engagement device (24) within the table (11) is operable to releasably fasten the pan (12) to the pan receiving surface (20) of the table (11), such that when the pan (12) is fastened to one of the pan receiving surfaces (20) by the pan engagement mechanism (24), rotation of the table (11) about the longitudinally extending axis (13) will invert the pan (12).

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

Abstract: Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for swiveling a bottle (2) from a suspended position to an overhead position and back, said bottle being conveyed in a gripper. The aim of the invention is to devise a device of the above type which is compact for the bottles conveyed in the grippers so that it can be used in a different station where it is necessary to swivel the bottle but not necessarily to supply it to a rinser. The device according to the invention has a gripper (4) which is mounted on a rotational element (6) having a shaft (7), a gear or the like actively connected supporting arm (5), the rotational element (6) being driven by a drive element (8) and being arranged on a spider (12) or the like which is located in immediate proximity outside the rinser (3).

Abstract: Book-turning equipment is detailed. The equipment acts on horizontally-oriented books and rotates them vertically through approximately one hundred eighty degrees without reorienting their backbones (spines). Mechanical assistance is provided only for the first approximately ninety degrees of the book rotation, however, with gravity and centrifugal forces causing the remaining rotation.

Abstract: A mechanism for inverting containers or other objects. The mechanism inverts the container or object a full 180 degrees while providing motion control without the use of hydraulic actuators; thereby eliminating the costs, maintenance, environmental issues, and contamination concerns associated with hydraulic systems. The primary application for the inverting mechanism is inverting containers for the purpose of emptying the contents. The mechanism may also be employed to rotate a variety of other objects in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an automated system for handling trays for containing animals in a lab animal room, and particularly for inverting the trays when they emerge from the tunnel washer. One object of the present invention is thus a completely automated system comprising an inverter device associated with a system for moving the trays on rotating rollers and complete with stopper means capable of blocking the trays in their forward feed movement synchronised, by means of a central control unit, with the movements of an inverter device capable of managing trays of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A disc turning device and method thereof utilizes a device whose supporting portion is located at one side of the gravity center of the disc body to make the disc body, under the gravity action, use the supporting portion as a pivot to carry out turning operation, thus achieving the objectives of automatic turning operation by gravity using and energy saving.

Abstract: An overturning apparatus includes a seat, a first gear; a second gear; an overturning board; and a motor. The second gear, the motor, and the overturning board are mounted on the seat. The first gear is coupled to the motor and engages with the second gear. The number of teeth of the second gear is more than the number of teeth of the first gear. The overturning board is fixed to the second gear.