Abstract: A system for turning over a vehicle frame defining openings and having a longitudinal center axis includes first and second robots each having an end effector. Each end effector has a pair of oppositely-positioned locator pins, at least one of which is selectively moveable toward the other. A controller is used to control the positioning of the frame via the robots and end effector by executing method instructions to cause the robots to align the locator pins of the end effectors with the openings of the frame, and to insert the aligned locator pins into the openings toward the center axis from outside of the vehicle frame. The robots lift the frame from a first conveyor, with weight of the vehicle frame born by the locator pins during the lift. The robots also rotate the frame about the center axis and lower the vehicle frame onto a second conveyor.

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: An automated, high volume container manipulator and process useful with an agricultural seed box. In an exemplary application, the manipulator removes an upper ring of a seed box, rotates the ring 180 degrees and places the ring over the lower seed box base in a nested condition. Container lid removal, transport and replacement devices and processes are also included.

Abstract: A device for turning over an object, particularly a package of stacked sacks, having a holder device for the purpose of receiving, turning over, and releasing the object, the holder device including two transport elements for conveying the object, and having a rotary device for rotating the transport elements about a stationary axis of rotation, the rotary device including a rotatable frame to fasten the transport elements on both sides thereof, wherein the transport elements are fastened to the frame in a manner allowing movement, where the rotary device has a rotary drive which drives the frame on both sides.

Abstract: A device for turning over an object, particularly a package of stacked sacks, having a holder device for receiving, turning over, and releasing the object, the holder device including two transport elements for conveying the object, and including at least one transport drive for the purpose of driving the transport elements, and having a rotary device for rotating the transport elements about a stationary axis of rotation, the rotary device comprising including a rotatable frame to fasten the transport elements on both sides thereof, wherein the transport elements are fastened to the frame in a manner allowing movement, and wherein the transport drive is fastened in a torque-proof manner to the frame.

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: The present invention provides apparatuses for processing an object just as semiconductor chips and dies. The first embodiment comprises two or more pick and place heads (FIG. 1) which operate sequentially (ie leap frog) to pick components from a first location to a second. The second embodiment (FIG. 8) comprises a flipping head combined with a pick and place heads where an object is picked up by the flipping head, turned over and then presented to a pick and place head for relocation to an output.

Abstract: A device, used for clamping and rotating the object, includes two first rods, one ends of which are respectively connected to one ends of the first plate and the second plate through a linked unit; another ends of the first rods are connected to the third rod that is used for balancing the rotating angles of the first rod and two linked units, such that the heights of two ends of the first rods and the second rods can be kept in step. Two second rods are connected to the first plate and the second plate respectively, as well as, another ends of second rods are connected to the fourth rod respectively. Accordingly, the fourth rod can be rotated to drive the second rod, such that the first plate and the second plate can be rotated. Therefore, due to two plates are used for clamping and rotating synchronously, users can take the advantages while the device is used.

Abstract: A BOLTS compatible module includes a support mechanism for gripping a wafer. The support mechanism is coupled to a rotary mechanism for rotating the support mechanism with a wafer grip therein. The rotary mechanism is coupled to the module and capable of at least 180° of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection system 10 for rolled products 20 of a milling station, comprising at least one plate turning device 11 with an arrangement of transferring turning arms 12 located on a turning shaft 14 and of receiving turning arms 13 located on a turning shaft 15. According to the invention it is thereby provided that the turning shaft 15 of the receiving turning arms 13 is arranged offset with respect to the turning shaft 14 of the transferring turning arms 12. The invention relates in addition to a method for examination of the surface of rolled products 20 of a milling station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for overturning containers (2), particularly roller bottles intended for cell cultures, characterized in that it comprises a rotation actuator (3) associated by means of a transmission shaft (13) to a reducer (4) and a dynamic brake (5), a support (17) and rods (7) gripping the container (2), said support (17) being joined to the rotation actuator (3) by means of a shifter (16) of the transmission shaft (13) of the mentioned rotation actuator (3), the rotation actuator (3) being actuated by means of a pneumatic foot pedal (18), and the mentioned rotation actuator (3) in turn being associated to a timer (19) indicating the end of the overturning time of the container (2).

Abstract: A handling machine for rails, arranged in line and immediately downstream of a rolling plant, which allows both to easily handle the rail for transferring it from the roller table to the thermal treatment zone, and to ensure an optimal gripping of the rail along its longitudinal extension, thus effectively contrasting its bending and variations while allowing a longitudinal movement of the rail caused by thermal shrinkage, thus avoiding damages both to the external surface of the rail and to the handlers. A rail handling process is also described, which optimizes moving, positioning along a roller table and maintaining the rail substantially rectilinear during the thermal treatment to which it is subjected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a board inverter and a boarding inverting system. The board inverter includes a support, a first board picking device, an second board picking device and a controller. Each of the first board picking device and the second board picking device includes a driving mechanism and a first board picking device. The driving mechanism comprises a first linear driving means mounted on the support, a second linear driving means mechanically coupled to the first linear driving means, and a rotary driving means attached to the second linear driving means. The controller is connected to all the power supply members. The controller controls the motion of the first board picking device and the second board picking device such that the first board picking device and the second board picking device cooperatively inverting workpieces transmitted on a production line. The board inverter can be installed on a production line without altering the arrangement of existing production line.

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: 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 load lock chamber and method for transferring large area substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a load lock chamber suitable for transferring large area substrates includes a plurality of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers. The configuration of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers contributes to reduced size and greater throughput as compared to conventional state of the art, dual slot dual substrate designs. Moreover, the increased throughput has been realized at reduced pumping and venting rates, which corresponds to reduced probability of substrate contamination due to particulates and condensation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for overturning containers (2), particularly roller bottles intended for cell cultures, characterized in that it comprises a rotation actuator (3) associated by means of a transmission shaft (13) to a reducer (4) and a dynamic brake (5), a support (17) and rods (7) gripping the container (2), said support (17) being joined to the rotation actuator (3) by means of a shifter (16) of the transmission shaft (13) of the mentioned rotation actuator (3), the rotation actuator (3) being actuated by means of a pneumatic foot pedal (18), and the mentioned rotation actuator (3) in turn being associated to a timer (19) indicating the end of the overturning time of the container (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a board inverter and a boarding inverting system. The board inverter includes a support, a first board picking device, an second board picking device and a controller. Each of the first board picking device and the second board picking device includes a driving mechanism and a first board picking device. The driving mechanism comprises a first linear driving means mounted on the support, a second linear driving means mechanically coupled to the first linear driving means, and a rotary driving means attached to the second linear driving means. The controller is connected to all the power supply members. The controller controls the motion of the first board picking device and the second board picking device such that the first board picking device and the second board picking device cooperatively inverting workpieces transmitted on a production line. The board inverter can be installed on a production line without altering the arrangement of existing production line.

Abstract: A flipper for rotating and positioning a photomask in two flip orientations includes a flip unit rotatably held in a base. The flip unit includes a flip frame in which clamps are preferably spring loaded guided such that the clamps are oppositely and laterally displaceable between engaged positions and parking positions. A stepper motor rotates the flip unit between two flip orientations and positions the flip unit such that opposite inspection sides of the work piece are alternately oriented with respect to a single inspection direction. The flipper may be placed on or adjacent to a stage system of an inspection device. A robotically actuated effector may access the flipper for loading and unloading the work piece. In combination with an effector operating without lift motion, the clamps may feature wedge lift faces to lift the work piece off the effector during their actuation into engaged position.

Abstract: A material handling method and apparatus for flipping a workpiece. The method involves raising a retracted arm out of the worksurface to pivot the workpiece up and away from an edge of the worksurface. The workpiece is then slid in the direction of the edge before being guided thought the remainder of its 180 degree rotation. The guiding step further slides the workpiece toward the edge so that the workpiece is flipped at least partially in place. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an arm and catcher plate both having an idle position below the worksurface. Pneumatic drives under microprocessor control pivot, slide and flip the workpiece, at least partially in place. An optical sensor array monitors a peripheral area around the worksurface which may be smaller than the workpiece. The drives may be halted upon the array sensing movement of the workpiece beyond a certain distance from the worksurface periphery.

Abstract: A chip removal apparatus, chip removal system, fitting system and method of removing chips from a wafer, involve a removal tool and a turning tool, designed to be rotatable. The removal tool is used for removing chips from a wafer. The chips removed can either be transferred in a turned state to a fitting head at a first transfer position, or can be transferred from the removal tool to the turning tool and rotated by the latter into a second transfer position, where then they can be removed in an unturned state by a fitting head of a fitting system. This allows continuous and flexible removal of chips from a wafer in large numbers.

Abstract: A work support which assists in the inversion of a large workpiece has a supporting frame and a top frame. The top frame is provided with an intermediate hinge and an end hinge along at least one end, so as to be collapsible, and the leg of the supporting frame is hinged along the opposite end. The workpiece can be moved to one side of the intermediate hinge and the top frame can be collapsed, lowering the centre of gravity of the workpiece and standing it partially on edge. One or two workers can then easily shift the workpiece over to the other side of the top frame. When the top frame is raised back to a horizontal position the work surface is in an inverted condition, exposing unfinished surfaces for finishing. In the preferred embodiment the top frame is provided with a flexible membrane overlaying the intermediate hinge. When the top frame is collapsed the membrane curls upwardly and forms a cushion which supports the edge of the workpiece, and thus assists in the inversion process.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for decorating a flat self-supporting article which is turned for decoration thereof on both sides, the article is firstly removed from a horizontal position in an article holder by being lifted by a first pivoting means and then pivoted into a vertical intermediate position from which the article is moved by a second pivoting means producing a pivoting movement of the article into a horizontal position with its previously upward surface facing downwardly. The article is then lowered into an article holder again.

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 simple, robust and rationally operable device for tilting rolled stock comprises a tilting head comprising a gripping device for the rolled stock, which defines a tilting axis, and a first drive for rotating the tilting head about a tilting head axis extending parallel to the tilting axis to adjust the tilting head in respective tilted positions. A lifting device supports the tilting head, and a second drive is arranged to raise and lower the lifting device to adjust the lifting device in respective lifting positions. A carriage supports the lifting device, and a third drive is arranged to displace the carriage transversely to the tilting axis to adjust the carriage in respective transverse positions. A numerical control is connected to the first, second and third drives and is arranged to receive control signal components respectively corresponding to the respective tilted, lifting and transverse positions to control the drives in response thereto to adjust the tilting of the rolled stock.

Abstract: An invertor (10) is disclosed including first and second probes (12, 14) which are pivotably mounted to a U-shaped housing (20) and to a block (18) which is reciprocally mounted to the housing (20) by guide shafts (38). The block (18) is reciprocated by a rotary actuator (42) between a first position where the probes (12, 14) are in a parallel relation and a second position where the probes (12, 14) are in line. The suction pin (80) of the first probe (12) is extended to attach to the first surface (96) of the chip (98) and then retracted. The probes (12, 14) are then moved to their in line relation where the chip (98) is passed from the first probe (12) to the second probe (14) by attaching the opposing surface (100) of the chip (98) to the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14). After moving the probes (12, 14) to their parallel relation, the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14) is extended to place and release the chip (98).

Abstract: A feed device for a corner finishing machine for finishing frames consists f a framework which supports the frames, a conveyor for longitudinal movement of the frames along the support plane and a pivot device to rotate the frames around a normal pivot axis to the support plane in the area of the finishing tools. In order to achieve reliable, careful support of the frames, the framework forms an inclined support, with a guide rail, interrupted in the area of the finishing tools, and the pivot device includes two support arms which fit into the break in the guide rail in their extended position. The arms can be pivoted up out of their extended position by an angle that corresponds at least to the greatest corner angle of the frames via a suitable drive.

Abstract: The apparatus described measures the angle of rotation necessary to rotate a cable end from a first angular position, wherein the cores of the cable end have a certain position independent of their color, to a desired angular position, at a measuring station. The cable end is then brought into an aligning station where a rotational movement through the measured angle occurs. Subsequent to core color identification, the cable end is further turned, if required. There is provided for the scaning of the position of the cores a rotatable and axially slidably mounted scanning element which is coupled with an angle of rotation signal generator, which element contacts individual cores by means of scanning fingers or engages in the external intermediate spaces of the cores. During the scanning process the scanning element is disconnected from all drives.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bodies such as cardboard boxes or cartons or the ke, especially for use in a machine for packing envelopes into cartons, includes at least one bottom carrier which is tiltably driven about a horizontal axis, and at least one top carrier which may be tilted on top of the body to be turned over. At least one connecting member and journalling elements connect the two carriers with each other in such a manner that both carriers can be tilted together or in unison and so that one carrier can also be tilted independently of the other carrier by a respective drive or tilting member. At least one carton supporting lip protrudes from at least one of the carriers for holding the carton while it is being turned.

Abstract: Inbound and outbound parallel conveyors carry parts supported on a screen tray engaged by the conveyors. The parts are conveyed to a station on the inbound conveyor line where a substance is applied to a first portion of the parts. The parts are then conveyed to an inverting apparatus which inverts the parts onto another tray screen so that the relative locations of the parts on the tray screen are maintained to prevent masking each other when the substance is applied to a second portion of the parts. The parts are then conveyed to another location where the upwardly disposed second portions of the parts receive a coating of the substance. The inverting operation is accomplished by the inverting apparatus, slideably engaged to a lateral mobile assembly, which engages the parts tray from the conveyor within a lower tray receptacle. The parts are clamped between the lower tray and an upper screen tray removably engaged in an upper tray receptacle.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for separating a suspension bar (14) from an electrode (11) that is vertically suspended by this bar and that comprises, besides this bar, an electrolytic plate (12) and one or several suspension loops (13) fastened to the plate, the suspension bar extending through these loops.The suspension bar (14) is first relieved of the weight of the plate (12) by bringing the electrode (11) in a horizontal position in which its plate (12) is caused to rest on a support (34 or 34').The position of the bar (14) is then changed with regard to the position of the plate (12) by moving the support (34 or 34') with the plate (12) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (14) while retaining the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a blank having a first blank-retaining member for retaining a blank before turnover; a second blank-retaining member for receiving the blank from the first blank-retaining member, the second blank-retaining member having its inner end rotatably linked to the inner end of said first blank-retaining member; first and second horizontally moving members adapted to be movable only in the horizontal direction and rotatably supporting the outer ends of the first and second blank-retaining members, respectively; and a driving force transmitting means which maintains the first and second blank-retaining members in their respective horizontal positions in their inoperative states but draws down the linked inner ends of the first and second blank-retaining members in their operative states so that the first and second blank-retaining members come in contact with each other at their respective vertical positions and then returns said first and second blank-retaining members to their respecti

Abstract: A novel turnover device adapted to receive a workpiece at its inlet end and deliver the workpiece in a turned over state from its outlet end at a distance from the inlet end is disclosed herein, which comprises a main body frame, first and second carriers supported on the main body frame so as to be movable in the inlet-outlet direction, first and second arm holders rotatably supported by the first and second carriers, respectively, first and second arm rods slidably held by the first and second arm holders, respectively, first and second workpiece holders fixedly secured to one end of the first and second crank drive mechanisms associated with the first and second carriers, respectively, and adapted to rock the first and second rods, respectively, in the inlet-outlet direction when the carriers are moved in the inlet-outlet direction, and carrier drive means for driving the first and second carriers simultaneously in the opposite directions so that they may approach to each other and they may separate from e

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stacking or stacking as well as facing, bricks. In stacking, the bricks are conveyed to adjacent horizontal fold plates and then one of the plates is moved under the other plate to place the bricks one above the other. The underlying plate with the bricks thereon is moved horizontally away from the upper plate while the bricks on the upper plate are also moved in the same direction so that they are stacked on the bricks on the lower plate. The lower plate is then elevated with the stack of bricks thereon after which the bricks are conveyed off the plate by newly arriving incoming bricks. When it is desired to stack the bricks with their faces contacting each other, after the bricks arrive on the plates (hereinafter termed the first and second plates), the plates are separated in a horizontal plane to expose a third underlying fold plate. The first and second plates are then folded or pivoted upwardly 90.degree.

Abstract: A portable inverter, adapted to be moved to a desired location by a fork lift truck, enables bulk goods packed in sacks, boxes and the like and supported on a first pallet to be transferred to a second pallet. The inverter comprises a unitary three-sided, rotatably supported platform, the three sides of which are reinforced by intersecting ribs, which receives bulk goods stacked onto the first pallet, and includes a sheet metal floor onto which the pallet can be placed, a sheet metal side wall for retaining bulk goods resting against it, and a sheet metal rear wall which is longer than the side wall so that the first pallet can be loaded widthwise onto the load platform from the front thereof. A lid is slideably supported on the rear wall of the load platform in spaced parallel relationship to the floor for movement, by means of a hydraulic ram actuator, towards and away from the floor.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus or machine which is especially useful in performing an important article handling function in a semi-automatic production arrangement for inverting and moving interlocking, epoxy bonded blocks. These blocks, commonly referred to as Super Blocks, are cast three at a time on a special steel pallet having accurately positioned cavities. During the casting process eight alignment pins or protrusions are formed on the bottom of each block while at the same time matching alignment dimples or depressions are formed on the top of each block. The semi-cured blocks are inverted by the disclosed apparatus to avoid damage to the alignment pins when the blocks are placed on an exit conveyor. The same block inversion or transfer operation conveniently strips the three blocks off of each of the steel pallets making them ready for the next casting cycle.