Abstract: Provided are a single substrate cleaning apparatus, and a method for cleaning the backside of a substrate, where a substrate reversing device for cleaning the backside of a substrate is installed inside a processing chamber.

Abstract: A hinge feeder for feeding open hinges at a predetermined orientation to a receiver ready for use by an automatic door hinger. A dispenser is provided to hold a stack of closed hinges. The orientation of the top end and hinge joint of each hinge is sensed and the hinges sequentially dispensed at a uniform orientation, except for the pinhead location, to a rotator that rotates those hinges to bring their top ends to a desired side. The hinges are then opened by a leaf turner, fed to a stacker and the opened and oriented hinges then deposited in a stack by a stacker.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder is used to orient wood material, such as but not limited to blocks (e.g., finger joint blocks), preparatory to further processing. The rotating cylinder uses gravity and a tumbling action of the blocks to orient the blocks and move them through the cylinder. Unlike known apparatus such as vibrating conveyors, embodiments of the invention are relatively simple, vibration free, not prone to mechanical stress failures, are quiet, and use minimal horsepower to operate. Furthermore, embodiments of invention may advantageously reduce noise-caused fatigue amongst lumber workers, as well as reduce maintenance and power costs. The rotating cylinder may be part of a larger system for orienting wood material, such as blocks, for further lumber processing.

Abstract: A container inverting device is capable of inverting containers that have a neck oriented in a first direction at the entrance of the device and then in a second direction at the exit of the device. The inverting device includes at least one clamp (45) for holding the neck of a container. The clamp (45) is mounted on a belt (49) by a fixing bracket (47), and in order to invert the container, the belt passes around at least one pulley (33) and moves the clamp from one side of the pulley (33) to the other.

Abstract: A heavy article inversion device is provided, in which the inverting operations may be performed in a short time by reducing the size of the heavy article inversion device comprising a pair of inversion boards that may be revolved about a common rotary shaft supported in the center of a base between the horizontal state and the angles of revolution of less than 180 degrees from the horizontal state, and a pair of cam plates each fixed to the corresponding one of the pair of inversion boards and having its proximal end side rotatably fixed to the common rotary shaft, in which each one of the pair of cam plates has a curved lower outer circumferential surface extending from the proximal end side toward the radial outside end and which may be engaged by the rod of each respective one of the pair of linear drive mechanisms when the rod is being moved out of and moved back into the corresponding cylinder of the respective liner drive mechanism, thereby causing the respective cam plate to be rotated about the commo

Abstract: Mail reorientation apparatus which transfers horizontally oriented mail stack in an input tray to a vertical orientation in an output tray. The input tray is brought to a rotating station where a plate is brought down on top of the mail stack and a plurality of pusher rods are extended through apertures in the bottom of the input tray to contact the bottom of the mail stack. The rotation process orients the mail stack to the desired vertical orientation and the rods and plate are simultaneously moved to eject the mail from the input tray to the output tray.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inverting heavy objects, the apparatus including: a retaining assembly, including two opposing retaining members each having rotational pins extending from the ends thereof, the rotational pins all reside together in a cross plane extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the retaining assembly, and the retaining members are spaced apart a consistent distance, a base member, including two open double bearing components positioned at opposite ends of the base member, each open double bearing component including two side-by-side troughs, and a securing member, operable to lock the retaining assembly into a secure position with respect to the base member

Abstract: A method for coating flat structural parts (2), in particular furniture fronts, with a film (3), wherein the parts lie in a pallet (1) which is turned by about 180° in a rotator after the coating process, so that the coated parts (2) joined by a common film (3) can fall out of the pallet (1) and be separated. The essential point is that a pallet (1) which can be filled on two sides is used and that the previous turning back of the pallet after the part has been removed can be omitted.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A system for selectively turning elongated pieces comprising a conveyor transversally receiving and carrying in a sequence the elongated pieces along a transfer course. A piece turning apparatus is mounted next to the conveyor and has a number of turning hands in which an end of one of the elongated pieces is engageable so that rotation of the turning hand effects a turning of the one of the elongated pieces about a longitudinal axis thereof when the end of the one of the elongated pieces is engaged in the turning hand. Carriages are distributively mounted onto the endless driving body and supporting respectively the turning hands so that each one of the turning hands successively moves into an engaging position with an end of one of the elongated pieces as the one of the elongated pieces is carried by the conveyor. A cam body drives the turning hands in rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for flipping electronic components in the sense of changing their orientation, such as for changing the orientation of electronic components between ‘live bug’ and ‘dead bug’ orientations. The apparatus comprises a rotary device that is configured to receive the electronic component and a force actuator operative to bias the electronic component into engagement with the rotary device. A driving mechanism coupled to the rotary device is operative to rotate said rotary device for changing the orientation of the electronic component, after which an ejector is used to eject the electronic component from the rotary device after changing the orientation of the electronic component.

Abstract: Cavities for holding semiconductor chips are etched anisotropically into a semiconductor wafer. An orientation of the wafer in the (100) pulling direction results in geometrically exactly etched sidewalls of the cavities with an angle of 125.3°. What is thereby achieved is that chips can slip into the cavity with a low risk of damage. A transparent cover plate is situated on the cavity plate.

Abstract: Provided is a component mounter having a plurality of revolving nozzle spindles, which can simultaneously pick up and mount two or more electronic components. A head assembly for the component mounter includes: a base frame; a rotary housing rotatably mounted on the base frame and having spindle receiving holes vertically formed at regular intervals at the same radius from a center thereof; a plurality of nozzle spindles having lower ends to which nozzles for picking up electronic components are coupled, and received in the spindle receiving holes such that the plurality of nozzle spindles rotate on the same axis when the rotary housing rotates; a housing rotating mechanism rotating the rotary housing; and a nozzle lifting mechanism including a nozzle lift driving unit, and a clutch part that moves according to the operation of the nozzle lift driving unit and can simultaneously press down and lower the plurality of nozzle spindles.

Abstract: A turnover apparatus and method for inverting articles such as lumber or board pieces being conveyed sideways on two or more conveyor chain loops in which each article is advanced on the conveyor chain loops by speed up belts engaging the underside of the articles to force a leading side against a pair of lugs mounted on a respective conveyor chain loop, the article thereafter flipped up to an on edge position by flipper arms also mounted on the conveyor chain loops which each engage an adjustable cam ramp at a turnover station, the article thereafter tipped over backward by being driven by the speed belts against an elevated overhung trailing edge on the lugs to complete the turnover. Optional pivoted let down elements may be arranged to engage the trailing side of the articles to controllably lower the same by motion induced by a second cam ramp at the turnover station.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling pallets, such as for inspection and sorting, are disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, an up-ender includes a support frame, a pallet-tilting mechanism coupled in a pivotal manner to the frame, and first and second generally upright pusher arms coupled to the frame. The pallet-tilting mechanism is pivotable between an up position and a down position, such that when the pallet-tilting mechanism is in the up position, an upright stack of pallets can be loaded onto the pallet-tilting mechanism and when pivoted to the down position, the stack is rotated about 90° so that the pallets become generally vertically oriented. The pallet-tilting mechanism also is adapted to displace the stack of vertically oriented pallets along a support surface. The pusher arms are positioned to receive the stack of pallets from the pallet-tilting mechanism and automatically index the pallets in the stack along the support surface.

Abstract: While periphery or peripheries of workpiece(s) W lifted in floating fashion by simultaneous suction and expulsion of gas(es) between pair(s) of first and second, or upper and lower, transport stages 14, 15 is/are retained by plurality of elevator pins 16, respective transport stage(s) is/are inverted vertically and workpiece(s) is/are transferred from upper first transport stage(s) to lower second transport stage(s) such that workpiece(s) W is/are lifted in floating fashion thereabove by simultaneous suction and expulsion of gas(es) in accompaniment to lowering of respective elevator pin(s) at said first transport stage(s).

Abstract: An intermediate guide member is provided attachable and removable between a head portion and a supporting frame of a stocker for printing plates. A number of intermediate guide members is an element to set a time of starting downward movement of hooks supporting a leading end of a printing plate. Three conditions in accordance with lengths of non-detection times are set for detecting the printing plate to judge authenticity of the detection. When the hooks reach vicinities of stoppers provided at supporting bars of a reversal unit, the hooks swing, are pulled-in from above the slope, and transfer the printing plate to the stoppers. Thereafter, by rotating the supporting bars and the stoppers integrally around a shaft, the printing plate is pivoted over toward a back plate, and a lower end of the printing plate is transferred from the stoppers to a receiving plate without damaging the printing plate.

Abstract: A device for positioning disk-shaped objects (1) to inspect the front and rear sides of disk-shaped objects and to reduce the negative effect of large-area contact between the holder and the disk-shaped object. The device comprises a rotatable table (24) which can be adjusted in the x-y direction in an adjustment plane and is intended to accomodate a platform (3). A fork-shaped frame (8) is mounted on the platform so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation which is aligned perpendicular to the surface of the platform (3) and the angle of tilt of which can be set relative to the adjustment plane. At its fork ends, the fork-shaped frame (8) has another axis of rotation which is aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fork-shaped frame (8) and about which a frame-shaped object holder (9) is mounted so as to be rotatable in the fork-shaped frame (8) for the purpose of turning the object.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.

Abstract: A pedestal for inverting a soft contact lens has been invented. The pedestal of the invention has an inner surface, an outer surface, a dome shape capable of supporting the back surface of the contact lens or the front surface of that contact lens which has been inverted, is made from an elastic material which allows a negative pressure gradient to be generated from the outer surface to the inner surface, and has an elastic top which is capable of collapsing in to invert the contact lens.

Abstract: While periphery or peripheries of workpiece(s) W lifted in floating fashion by simultaneous suction and expulsion of gas(es) between pair(s) of first and second, or upper and lower, transport stages 14, 15 is/are retained by plurality of elevator pins 16, respective transport stage(s) is/are inverted vertically and workpiece(s) is/are transferred from upper first transport stage(s) to lower second transport stage(s) such that workpiece(s) W is/are lifted in floating fashion thereabove by simultaneous suction and expulsion of gas(es) in accompaniment to lowering of respective elevator pin(s) at said first transport stage(s).

Abstract: On a processing apparatus with step-by-step conveying of the articles to be processed and a turning module for the articles, turning is performed transversely with respect to the conveying direction. This allows much space to be saved in the turning arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an unvulcanized tire tread from a storage device (14) includes the step of inverting the tread (12) and transporting it to a roller conveyor in a single step. The tread (12) is picked up by a vacuum bar (80) fitted with a series of suction cups (76). Individual suction cups (76) can be selectively supplied with vacuum depending on the length of the tread (12). After the suction cups (76) have engaged the tread, the tread is raised from the storage device (14), inverted through 180 degrees, and then set onto a special slotted roller conveyor (130). The slotted roller conveyor (130) has a center slot (142) to receive the vacuum bar (80) as it passes therethrough. Side slots (144,146) in the conveyor receive arms (90,92) attached to the vacuum bar (80).

Abstract: An assembly for orienting and fixturing an array of contact lenses in a lens-fixturing tray to enable automated picking of the lenses includes an array of tubes to which a first support tray having an array of lens receptacles each having a respective contact lens therein is removably mounted. A lens-fixturing tray having an array of lens receptacles is removably mounted to the other end of the tubes and the assembly is rotated and submerged in a fluid bath whereby the lenses release from the first support tray and float downwardly through a respective tube coming to rest in a centered, concave side-up position in a respective receptacle of the lens-fixturing tray.

Abstract: A plate cassette loader for a platesetter comprises a cassette holder for receiving a cassette, containing a stack of plates. A cassette inverter then rotates this cassette to a feed position in which the plates can be fed into the imaging engine of the platesetter. In this way, the somewhat unwieldy process of loading plates into the imaging engine is handled by the cassette inverter, in combination with the fact that the stack of plates, contained in the cassette, can be loaded in one step, rather than requiring the feeding of individual plates by a dedicated operator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for transferring ordered articles between carriers. Generally, an empty partitioned carrier is aligned in a generally opposing relationship with partitions in a carrier containing at least one article to be transferred to the empty carriers. The carriers are aligned to perform the transfer of the articles, while maintaining the relative order, or arrangement, of the articles in the carrier. The aligned carriers are then rotated through a gravitational field to exert a sufficient force to transfer the articles between the carriers. An apparatus of the present invention for transferring articles preferably includes a fulcrum and a lever arm having a transfer end. The lever arm is attached to the fulcrum to allow the lever arm to be rotated about the fulcrum. The transfer end includes a clamp having first and second adjacent carrier retaining portions configured to retain two carriers in an opposing relationship to allow for the transfer of articles between the carriers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable the orientations of chip components accommodated in groove portions of an index table to be assuredly uniformized. When a polarity judgment device finds that the orientation of the chip component accommodated in the groove portion of the index table is opposite, the polarity inversion apparatus according to the present invention moves the chip component to the component accommodating inversion portion by using compressed air and the intake air from air inlet/outlet ports. Since the bottom surface of the inlet of the inversion portion is set so as to be lower than the base surface under the index table and the width of the inlet of the inversion portion is set so as to be wider than the width of the groove portion, the chip component can move to the inversion portion without getting stuck in the vicinity of the boundary.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for attachment to a conventional lift device such as a forklift or an end loader, or the like, includes a pair of movable side arms each attached to a respective end of a cross member. Each side arm has attached thereto a respective engaging member for engaging lateral ribs of a first seed box for lifting the seed box. The apparatus further includes a pivoting connection for rotating the first seed box to an inverted orientation for positioning on a second seed box in a nested configuration for storage. The first seed box may also be positioned on the second seed box in a stacked configuration for receiving and storing seed by engaging and lifting the first seed box, rotating the first seed box to an upright orientation, and placing the first seed box on the second seed box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing the surface contamination of semiconductor wafers (11) during the semiconductor device manufacturing process. Semiconductor wafers (11) are stored in a storage cassette (12) with their face sides (17) facing downward and their back sides (16) facing upward. Particulate contamination present on the back sides of the wafers is thereby secured to the wafers by the force of gravity, and the faces of the wafers are shielded from falling debris. An automated wafer handling device (19) is provided with a rotary joint (22) to accomplish the wafer flipping motion before inserting a wafer into a cassette and after removing the wafer from the cassette.

Abstract: An automatic dipping machine consists of a loading platform, a carrier platform, a vacuum suction disk and a lifting means. The loading platform is a rectangular frame and has two sides mounted respectively with a turning shaft and engaged with two sides of the carrier platform for turning the carrier platform. The vacuum suction disk is located on the surface of the carrier platform and may suck and hold a carrier plate. The lifting means engages with the loading platform to drive the loading platform moving up or down. When the vacuum suction disk sucks and holds a carrier plate, the turning shaft will be turned 180 degrees to move the carrier platform and the vacuum suction disk and carrier plate facing downward, the lifting means will drive the loading platform downwards to make the chips mounted on the carrier plate to contact a silver paste tray located below the loading platform to complete dipping process.

Abstract: A device and a method for separately transporting substances are provided. The device and method according to the invention can especially be used in connection with an unit for producing DVDs. Preferably, the device according to the invention has for each substrate an input station, a processing station and an output station, which stations are arranged on the circular arc at given distances &agr;. Furthermore, grippers are provided, which are arranged on said circular arc at given distances &agr; and can be simultaneously rotated around an axis through the center of said circle through an angle &bgr;. Each gripper transports one substrate to the processing and output stations in a rotational movement. It is the advantage of the invention that the mixing-up of substrates is avoided.

Abstract: An automated feed mechanism (2) for retrieving a desired wafer assembly (20). The automated feed mechanism (2) has an elevator assembly (12) for storing a plurality of wafer assemblies (20) and the elevator assembly (12) is driven to facilitate retrieval of the desired wafer assembly (20). A pick and place assembly (16) retrieves electronic components (22), from a retrieved wafer assembly (20), and transports each retrieved electronic component (22) to a shuttle assembly (18). The shuttle assembly (18) comprises first and second shuttle platforms (34, 36), with one of the shuttle platforms (34 or 36) located adjacent the pick and place assembly (16) for loading electronic components (22) thereon, and the second shuttle platform (36 or 34) located at a dispensing position (D) for retrieval of the previously loaded electronic components (22) by an automated assembly machine (3).

Abstract: A material handling system, apparatus, and method for transferring and inverting a generally planar panel is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method is comprised of a panel-engaging member and a panel-engaging member rotator. The panel-engaging member has a generally rectangular slot to receive only a portion of a panel. The panel-engaging member rotator is adapted to rotate the panel-engaging member about an axis generally parallel to the width of the slot between a position where the slot is generally horizontal and facing one direction to another position where the slot is generally horizontal and facing a generally opposite direction. The height, depth, and width of the slot are selected so that when a portion of the panel is inserted into the slot, the portion of the panel is kept from falling out of the slot by gravity and friction when the holding member is moved.

Abstract: A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the drainage of contents from a second drum or vessel into a first drum or vessel, including a first supporting member for supporting the first vessel and a second supporting member for supporting the second vessel, and a lifting mechanism for lifting the second vessel over and in tilted relation to the first vessel, and maintaining the second vessel in the raised, tilted position to permit the emptying of contents into the first vessel, the lifting mechanism including a hydraulic lifting device.

Abstract: A disk transfer apparatus includes an elongated arm which is pivotally connected at one end to a mounting block for pivotal movement through a vertical plane. A head is mounted on the free end of the arm, and has a pair of fixed, parallel jaws projecting therefrom forming a slot therebetween to receive a disk. A disk will contact the bottom of the slot between the jaws so that the forward ends of the jaws are juxtaposed through the central aperture in the disk. In this way, the disk will contact the jaws only at the edges of the inner side wall of the aperture and the outer side wall around the perimeter of the disk, during movement of the disk with the arm.

Abstract: A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first work station to a second work station along a predetermined path of travel wherein a pair of spaced carriages carry the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel and rotate the workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to an axis of rotation. Preferably, the carriages rotate the workpiece while carrying the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel. The carriages are transported along a guiderail which extends between the first and second work stations. A continuous drive belt reciprocally drives the carriages along the guiderail wherein the continuous drive belt extends from one end of the guiderail to the opposite end of the guiderail. A vertical lift portion reciprocally moves the workpiece in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path of travel. In addition, the carriages provide releasable power clamps for engaging and securing the workpiece.

Abstract: An actuating device is taught for use with a robotic arm having a linear actuator which includes an actuated portion and a stationary portion with a tool device supported by the actuated portion. The actuating device includes a bracket attached to the stationary potion of the linear actuator with bracket presenting an engaging surface. There is a mechanical assembly for controlling rotation of parts acquired by the tool device which is attached to the actuated member of the linear actuator of the robotic arm. The mechanical assembly includes a displacement linkage member and a rotatable subassembly. The displacement linkage member contacts the engaging surface when the mechanical assembly is raised to a predetermined height through operation of the linear actuator portion. By raising the mechanical assembly above the predetermined height, the displacement linkage member is caused to drive rotation of the rotatable subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for the coating of flat-form substrates, especially of printed circuit boards, solder masks and the like, wherein there is arranged between two coating stations a turning station for the printed circuit boards, which are conveyed on a transporter pathway through the coating stations and the turning station, wherein in the turning station (4) there are provided in the same plane as the incoming transporter pathway (2) receiving elements (5) located, spaced apart, opposite one another, which enter into engagement with the edge of a printed circuit board (11) or a holding element attached to the printed circuit board, it being possible to pivot those receiving elements (5) through 180.degree. so that, when the printed circuit board is discharged, they again lie in the plane of the onwards-leading transporter pathway (2').

Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin

Abstract: A signature bundle inverting machine having a table for movement between a bundle receiving position and a rotating position for inverting bundles prior to transport to a binding machine. The table may also include a hoist-accessible position that permits the bundles to be removed from the table by a hoist or other lifting mechanism to reduce manual labor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flipping or rotating a component 180 degrees. The apparatus includes a rotatable plate having a component opening where the component may pass through and a top and a bottom shutter where when the plate is rotated in a first direction, the top shutter closes and the bottom shutter opens and when the plate is rotated in a second, opposite direction, the bottom shutter closes and the top shutter opens. The top shutter and the bottom shutter may be coupled to a proximal and distal cam following bearing where the proximal and distal cam following bearings are located within a proximal and distal cam slot of a cam barrel.

Abstract: In a vacuum coating apparatus for an allover coating of a substrate by rotation of the substrate (3) in a stream of material, comprising a vacuum chamber with a material source (13), a substrate holder (6) with a point of attachment (19) for the holding of the substrate (3) in front of the material source (13) and a drive (10, 11, 21) provided for the substrate holder (6) for generating a rotating and shifting motion of the substrate (3), the substrate holder (6) is composed of three legs manufactured from hollow sections (7, 8, 9), disposed at angles to each other, where the first leg (7) and the second leg (8) form an obtuse angle (.alpha.) and the second and third legs (8 and 9) form an approximately right-angle knee, and the substrate (3) is held at the end of the third leg (9), where the substrate holder (6) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (1) of the first leg (7) by a motor drive and in addition is shiftable axially to and from along this longitudinal axis (1).

Abstract: A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first work station to a second work station along a predetermined path of travel wherein a pair of spaced carriages carry the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel and rotate the workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to an axis of rotation. Preferably, the carriages rotate the workpiece while carrying the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel. The carriages are transported along a guiderail which extends between the first and second work stations. A continuous drive belt reciprocally drives the carriages along the guiderail wherein the continuous drive belt extends from one end of the guiderail to the opposite end of the guiderail. A vertical lift portion reciprocally moves the workpiece in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path of travel. In addition, the carriages provide releasable power clamps for engaging and securing the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for connecting to, lifting at a first location load support surface, moving, inverting and releasing at a second load support surface individual heavy loads. The device includes a support frame for carrying heavy loads. The frame carries a mechanism for selective and controlled connection to and selective and controlled detachment from individual heavy loads, such as concrete molds with or without concrete in the molds. A lifting mechanism for providing selective and controlled vertical upward and downward movement to the connection mechanism and to any individual heavy load carried by the connection mechanism is associated with the connection mechanism. A mechanism for providing selective and controlled rotational movement of at least about 180.degree. to the connection mechanism and to any individual heavy load carried by the connection mechanism is also associated with the connection mechanism.

Abstract: A film packaging system has a tubular casing arraying and conveying device for arraying and conveying tubular casings each housing a roll of unexposed photographic film, a packing device for inserting the tubular casings into respective first packaging cartons each having a packaging carton housing and a tongue-like hanger integral with the packaging carton housing, a packaging carton conveying device for successively conveying the first packaging cartons, and a charging device for picking up a desired number of first packaging cartons conveyed by the packaging carton conveying device, arraying the desired number of picked-up first packaging cartons and a desired number of second packaging cartons, each having a packaging carton housing and a tongue-like hanger integral with the packaging carton housing, such that the hangers are oriented in opposite directions, and placing the array of first and second packaging cartons into a box.

Abstract: A stack turner and replenisher 10 is provided for keeping a hopper of a carton prefeeder P filled with carton blanks, traditionally a job that requires a human worker and causes carpal tunnel syndrome due to the inverting motion required. Stack turner 10 allows for the movement of a stack of blanks in a lateral direction as well as in an inverted u-shaped path. Clamp 53, with adjustable upper and lower plates 54,55, is used to pick up a stack of blanks from a source of such blanks. Clamp 53 then moves upwardly, laterally, and downwardly along groove 52, while an upper portion 50 of stack turner 10 simultaneously moves laterally toward prefeeder P. Clamp 53 then deposits the blanks in the hopper of prefeeder P. Finally, stack turner 10 retraces its path in order to pick up another stack of blanks and repeat the procedure, thus ensuring that the hopper of prefeeder P is always filled with carton blanks. Stack turner 10 also squares the stack of blanks both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting from an operating position, inverting, and returning to the operating position a workpiece. The mechanism includes two drive devices, a linear drive which provides a continuous lifting force to a vertically movable member, and rotary drive which is energized to lift, invert, and lower a workpiece. The vertically movable member carries a rotational support member, which includes a rotatable shaft from which is supported the workpiece. The vertically movable member is raised, rotated and lowered by the rotary drive through a pair of levers, a first one of which is connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft and the second one of which is connected to be rotated by the rotary drive. Rotation of the second lever is imparted to the first lever through a cam and cam follower arrangement, the cam being provided on one of the levers and the cam follower on the other lever.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser having a housing defining a reservoir for a supply of liquid. The housing has an upwardly facing support surface. A bottle has a wall defining a receptacle for supply of liquid and a mouth through which liquid can be introduced to the receptacle and discharged from the receptacle. First structure cooperates between the bottle and the housing for removably maintaining the bottle in an operative state wherein liquid in the receptacle communicates under the force of gravity through the bottle mouth to the reservoir. Second structure is provided on at least one of the bottle and first structure for selectively blocking flow of liquid from the bottle receptacle through the bottle mouth to the liquid dispenser reservoir with the bottle in the operative state.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically laying up veneer sheets for the manufacture of continuous veneer panels composed of a plurality of stacked sheets, optionally glued on their top face. The apparatus includes a frame, a conveyor for receiving the veneer sheets transversely and for successively feeding said veneer sheets in a timed manner into the apparatus, the conveyor having an alignment device for aligning the sheets and having lug members for pushing against the back transverse edge of each of said sheets, thereby urging said sheets forward. The conveyor running on a track having a upward trajectory portion and an inverted trajectory portion so that the sheets are gradually flipped top face down. The sheets are maintained against the conveyor by vacuum hoods mounted behind and between the conveyor. When reaching their inverted position, the sheets transfer onto a suction box having suction feet substantially straddling the inverted portion of the conveyor.

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