Abstract: A barrel assembly for a composite structure includes a barrel of composite material, a first end ring, and a mid support. The barrel of composite material has a first end, an interior surface and an outer surface, and the first end ring is removably attached to the first end. The first end ring has a perimeter that is substantially congruent with the first end, and is configured to maintain a shape of the barrel. The mid support is removably disposed within the barrel, and has a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from a central hub to contact the interior surface, to maintain a shape of the barrel.

Abstract: A device for turning over a flattening element having a plurality of spaced-apart cylinders rotatably mounted on a frame and a device for securing it to the turning-over device, includes two uprights extending vertically from a base. A supporting and securing device for the flattening element engages with the securing device of the flattening element. The supporting and securing device is disposed between the uprights. A device rotates the supporting and securing device about a horizontal axis between a first position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented downward, and a second position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented upward. Vertical translation drive devices vertically translate the supporting and securing device. Each vertical translation drive device is connected to one respective upright.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

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: To prevent semiconductor chips from adhering to the trays during transport, a method is employed which transports semiconductor chips in the following state. When trays provided with a plurality of accommodating portions having a recessed cross section for accommodating semiconductor chips on a main surface thereof are stacked in a plurality of stages, the semiconductor chips are accommodated in spaces defined by the accommodating portions formed over the main surface of the lower-stage tray and corresponding accommodating portions formed over the back surface of the upper-stage tray. Here, on bottom surfaces of the accommodating portions formed over the back surface of the upper-stage tray, isolated projections having a height which prevents the projections from coming into contact with the semiconductor chips are arranged in a scattered manner. In this way, it is possible to prevent the semiconductor chips from adhering to the back surface of the upper-stage tray.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transferring products from a first conveying line to a second line conveying line operated stepwise in a feeding direction and particularly for feeding a boxing machine a plurality of compartments are aligned along the feeding direction. Each compartment has a bottom and a pair of lateral boards. The compartments receive products released by a manipulator and taken from the first conveying line. An actuator rotates the compartments from a loading configuration for receiving the products, to an overturned configuration, in which the compartments face corresponding, dwelling seats of the second, feeding line. A holding element closes the upper part of the compartments, moving from the loading configuration up to the overturned configuration. A pusher moves into the compartments in the overturned configuration, to push the products into the facing seats of the second, feeding line.

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: Apparatus for repositioning eggs from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position such that injection/removal of material into/from the side of the egg can occur. Each apparatus may include a cradle, an alignment member, and an orientation member. The cradle has an inclined, arcuate surface with an upper portion, a lower portion, and opposite side portions. The alignment member is operably positioned adjacent the cradle and is configured to engage an egg positioned on the arcuate surface lower portion in an inclined orientation and to releasably secure the egg in a predetermined alignment relative to the cradle. The orientation member is operably positioned relative to the cradle, and is configured to urge an egg positioned on the lower portion in an inclined orientation to a generally vertical orientation after injection/removal of material into/from the egg has occurred.

Abstract: A system for transferring tubes or bars or like elongated elements between a processing line and associated storage structures or intermediate delivery locations is disclosed. The system includes spacing stations for intermittently spacing groups of tubes or bars, apparatus for transporting the groups from one spacing station onto one of several storage cantilever supports adapted to support the tubes or bars with their axes parallel to that of the processing line, apparatus for intermittently laterally removing groups of spaced elongate elements from the storage supports via an intermediate supporting station, and apparatus for rotating the elements through 90.degree. in order to deposit them on supports at the inlet end of the processing line with their axes at right angles to that of the processing line, or after removal from such supports onto an intermediate supporting station at the outlet end of the processing line.