Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring and a guide pin retaining plate. The forward clamp portion and the rearward clamp portion move relative to one another to also move guide pin retaining plate from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.

Abstract: A system for rotating a vessel may include a container assembly, a linear actuating mechanism, and a double-pivot link. An exemplary container assembly may include a head end frame that may be spaced apart from and interconnected with a tail end frame. An exemplary container assembly may hold the vessel or a portion of the vessel. An exemplary linear actuating mechanism may be coupled to a bottom edge of the tail end frame and may drive a translational movement of the bottom edge of the tail end frame along a first axis. An exemplary double-pivot link may be pivotally connected between a top edge of the head end frame and a fixed revolute joint. An exemplary double-pivot link may rotate the top edge about the fixed revolute joint responsive to the translational movement of the bottom edge of the tail end frame along the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to lift a carrier housing an object onto a secondary unit. The carrier is connected to the secondary unit, configured to rotate about an axis. A tether is provided with at least two branches on one end, and a single branch on a second end. The two branches are secured to the carrier in a spaced relationship, such that a pull of the single branch rotates the carrier about the axis and places the carrier on the base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for downending a vertically disposed cylindrical coil supported on an underlying pallet, with a stem projecting from the pallet through the coil. The apparatus comprises a cradle rotatable about a horizontal axis. A table on the cradle is configured and arranged to receive and retain the pallet with the coil in a vertical first position at which the coil extends across the horizontal axis. An electrically powered drive serves to rotate the cradle about the horizontal axis to translate the coil from its vertical first position to a horizontal second position.

Abstract: A process to invert a structure, for example a vehicle body after an equipment mounting phase, namely of mobility means, on the underside of said structure, process wherein the structure is made to swivel around an instantaneous axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure, such axis of rotation being located in the vicinity of a first end of the structure, maneuvering means being positioned at the other end of the structure to control this swiveling.

Abstract: A wheelchair lifting bay comprising base means, a lifting platform, lifting means and pivot means, in which the lifting platform is connected to the base means by the pivot means, in which the lifting platform comprises a bottom wall and a back wall, in which the pivot means is disposed rearward of said back wall and is spaced apart from it, in which the lifting means is mounted between the base means and the lifting platform forward of the pivot means, and in which the lifting means rotates the lifting platform about the pivot means in use such that the back wall follows a circumferential path about the pivot means.

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: A device for stacking empty transport pallets and removing empty transport pallets from a stack has a pallet receptacle with a first leg and a second leg positioned at a right angle to the first leg. The pallet receptacle is configured to receive a pallet stack of pallets, wherein the pallets are supported with a narrow side on the first leg while the lowermost pallet of the pallet stack rests flat on the second leg. A pivoting device is provided to pivot the pallet receptacle between a first end position, in which the first leg extends at a slant to the horizontal, and a second end position, in which the first leg extends substantially vertically.

Abstract: An improved downender device for translating heavy objects such as steel coils from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. Comprises a downender transport table having a center channel, a drive chain disposed in said center channel, and an arbor for receiving heavy objects. The arbor may extend and retract without interfering with the drive chain, which includes a series of catchers for pushing the heavy objects along a table of rollers.

Abstract: A method and device for turning over stacks of products on a cartoning machine, whereby a group of products, arranged in at least one stack, is fed into a container, from which the group is expelled by a push device after the container is rotated 90° about an axis from a loading position to a turned-over unloading position; the container has a first and a second passage enabling the push device to move through the container when the container is in the turned-over unloading position and the loading position respectively.

Abstract: A convertible wheelchair is provided along with a separable lift module for engaging and elevating the convertible wheelchair to a selected elevation. A coupling assembly is operative associated with the lift module and adapted to extend therefrom to where the coupling assembly attaches to the convertible wheelchair. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a three-point attachment that results in the wheelchair being connected to the coupling assembly and hence the separable lift system at three points. Once coupled to the lift system, the convertible wheelchair, with a patient supported therein, can be raised to a selected elevation. Thereafter, the wheelchair can be converted from a chair configuration to any one of several examination configurations.

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: A method and apparatus for picking up module ICs from customer trays utilizes a rotating table. In the apparatus and method, the customer tray is placed on the rotating table, and the rotating table is inclined a predetermined amount. The inclination of the rotating table causes the customer tray, and the module ICs held in the tray, to also be inclined. A grasping apparatus is then used to pick up the module ICs from the customer tray. The pick up apparatus may also be configured to incline the same amount as the rotating table. Once the module ICs have been picked up from the customer tray, they can be delivered to an unloading station, or to a module IC carrier.

Abstract: A load turning device specifically designed to turn paper in a work and turn printing process includes a pair of slides mounted on a pair of parallel tracks. To turn the paper stack, the paper turner is positioned so that a first slide is under the pallet on which the paper stack rests. The second slide is lowered to rest on top of the paper stack, and the slides are locked in position relative to each other. The paper turner is then turned, using wheels to support the weight, until the stack is in a horizontal position. The slides and the paper stack are then moved to the opposite end of the tracks. The paper turner is again rotated until it is in a vertical orientation, rotated 180° from its original position. The printed sides of the paper are now facing downward, and the paper is ready to be loaded into the printing press.

Abstract: A pallet changer is rotatable around a pin which releasably engages a shop floor. A pneumatic load module assembly creates a cushion of air which supports the pallet changer for manual rotation. The pin can be released from the floor to allow linear horizontal movement of the pallet changer or the cushion of air when it is necessary to repair, refurbish or replace equipment adjacent the pallet changer.

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 tilting platform for roll testing automotive vehicles rotates the automotive vehicle so that data can be collected to determine various roll characteristics of the vehicle. The tilting platform includes a support platform that is pivotally attached to a floor hoist. A pivot pin is positioned away from the midpoint of the support platform so that a distal end of the support platform rotates downward and a proximal end rotates upward when the floor hoist is raised.

Abstract: A device for stacking empty transport pallets and removing empty transport pallets from a stack has a pallet receptacle with a first leg and a second leg positioned at a right angle to the first leg. The pallet receptacle is configured to receive a pallet stack of pallets, wherein the pallets are supported with a narrow side on the first leg while the lowermost pallet of the pallet stack rests flat on the second leg. A pivoting device is provided to pivot the pallet receptacle between a first end position, in which the first leg extends at a slant to the horizontal, and a second end position, in which the first leg extends substantially vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple and cost-effective method for aligning substrates. In order to achieve this, the invention provides a device for aligning disc-shaped substrates, in particular semiconductor wafers, comprising an alignment detection unit, at least one first support for receiving the substrate, which forms an oblique plane in relation to the horizontal, a stop against which the substrate can be displaced as a result of the oblique angle and a rotational device for rotating the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are machines and methods of orienting and stacking a stream of workpieces when it is desirable to stack at lease some of the workpieces in a face-to-face or back-to-back orientation. The apparatus has a receiving assembly for receiving a continuous stream of workpieces. A flipping assembly follows the receiving assembly for selectively flipping selected workpieces onto their opposing faces. Downstream from the flipping assembly, a stacking guide is positioned for guiding the workpieces into stacks for further manual or automated handling.

Abstract: A roll of wound material is upended or turned 90° by a pivotable cart and a conventional forklift apparatus. The roll is supported on a pallet and has a central opening which extends substantially vertically. The cart includes a pair of perpendicular walls and a roller which is mounted on the walls adjacent the intersection between the walls. The forklift first loads the pallet and the roll onto one of the walls of the cart which extends horizontally. The forklift is then arranged so that one of its tines is below said one horizontal wall and a second tine is laterally outward of the roller. The forklift is raised to pivot said one wall about the roller until the second wall pivots into engagement with the second tine. The fork lift is then lowered so that the second wall pivots into a horizontal position. The roll is then supported on the second wall with the central opening extending horizontally.

Abstract: A receiving frame, mounted on a horizontal platform includes a sub-frame that is tiltable, with respect to the platform, and has an elevator and elevator platform on its rear wall. The receiving frame receives a stack of tiers of plastic containers on a pallet. The pallet is positioned on the elevator platform. The sub-frame tilts 30 degrees off the vertical, out the open back of the receiving frame. A cover and tier sheet gripping device is provided, located above the top of the sub-frame, for securing and removing the top cover and tier sheets from the stack of tiers on the pallet, on the elevator platform. With the sub-frame tilted at 30 degrees off vertical, the elevator incrementally lifts its platform so that the base of the containers in the top tier and adjacent the rear wall of the sub-frame are at level with the top of the rear wall.

Abstract: An aid for use in repairing large appliances. The appliance support slips under a large appliance such as a washing machine and allows the service technician to tilt the appliance forward or sideways to an easier position to work on. The support has two angled working positions one at about 45 degrees tilt and a second at about 90 degrees of tilt of the appliance. This allows a technician to remove parts such as the back off a washing machine without bending down into an uncomfortable position. Flipping the appliance support over it can serve as a step stool.

Abstract: In a sorting unit for glass blanks, next to a device (1) for righting of glass blanks delivered horizontally, there is buffer storage (20) on the side opposite conveyor (10) by which glass blanks are moved to compartmented cars (60) in which they are sorted are deposited. Buffer storage (20) is a compartmented shelf with compartments formed by several tensioned cables. In buffer storage (20) glass blanks can be deposited without hindering the remaining sorting process. To align the compartments of the compartmented shelf of buffer storage (20) relative to the conveyor plane of the device (1) for righting of glass blanks, compartmented car (21) of buffer storage (20) can be adjusted relative to its base frame (22) transversely to the conveyor plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic loading or unloading printed circuit boards (PCBs) for semiconductor modules is disclosed. The apparatus employs an elastic jig carrier into which the PCBs are loaded. The jig carrier includes movable clamps for fixing the PCBs by elastic force. A jig opener of the apparatus applies opening force, in the reverse direction of the elastic force, to the movable clamps so that the PCBs can be loaded into or unloaded from the jig carrier by a picker. The jig carrier is transferred along a conveyor belt, while the PCBs are supplied from a PCB stage such as a tray to the jig carrier. The apparatus may further comprise a gripper and a rotator. The gripper grips the upright PCBs and the rotator rotates them to be horizontal, so that the picker can pick up the horizontal PCBs. The apparatus may also comprise an aligner for exact alignment of the PCBs in the jig carrier. A method for loading or unloading the PCBs into or from the jig carrier is also disclosed in connection with the apparatus.

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 method and device for handling fabrication articles in an electronics application includes a pickup head with an array of article-holding slots aligned to receive the articles and includes a drive mechanism for tilting the pickup head. Cantilevered support members, such as support rods, have first ends attached to the pickup head and are arranged to form article-receiving regions that are generally aligned with the article-holding slots. In the preferred embodiment, the article-holding slots have a geometry for supporting the fabrication articles when the support members are in an upright condition, i.e. when the articles are vertically oriented. Also in the preferred embodiment, the device includes stops that prevent the articles from entering the slots when the support members are in a horizontal condition. The stops provide a controlled exit and entrance of the articles from and into the slots as the pickup head is tilted, thereby reducing the risk of breakage.

Abstract: A lead frame separating and conveying device used with, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus, including a frame separating assembly that includes frame guides which support lead frames that are lined up with the flat surfaces in a vertical direction, frame suspension guides which are installed above the front ends of the frame guides in the feeding direction of the lead frames, and a frame pusher which pushes the rear end of the lead frames lined up on the frame guides so as to convey the lead frames onto the frame suspension guides. The frame suspension guides supports the lead frames in a suspended fashion and have frame separating sections which are inclined upward.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted or tipped from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A transfer device for wafers stacked in magazines has a vertically displaceable frame of a platform, with which the cover of the box surrounding the magazine in the closed condition. The magazine remains in the original position on the base of the box and is then supplied by a gripping device from this position to a processing system in which the wafers are removed from the magazine and are processed. A gripping device preferably has two extension arms arranged on both sides of the magazine as well as one stop element which can be caused to impact on the wafer edges. The stop element preferably has two lips consisting of an elastic material which lips can be caused to impact on the wafer edges. The device permits a very fast loading and unloading into or out of the processing system.

Abstract: There is provided a cassette carrying-in system, which can rotate a cassette housing therein substrates to be treated so that the substrates are changed from a vertical state to a horizontal state and which can carry the cassette in, e.g., a load-lock chamber of a vacuum processing unit. The cassette carrying-in system is provided for carrying a cassette, in which a plurality of substrates to be processed are arranged in parallel, in a processing unit for treating the substrates.

Abstract: The cassette transfer mechanism of the present invention comprises a cassette chamber for housing a cassette storing a plurality of substrates, a liftable stand capable of moving up and down in the cassette chamber, a cassette holder having a bottom-surface supporting portion for supporting a bottom-surface of the cassette and a back-surface supporting portion for supporting a back-surface of the cassette, and a moving mechanism provided outside the cassette chamber and rotatably supporting the cassette holder, for moving the cassette holder between a waiting position outside the cassette chamber and the liftable stand inside the cassette chamber, wherein the moving mechanism has rotation mechanism for rotating the cassette holder around an axis crossed virtually in perpendicular to an axis extending along the moving direction of the liftable stand.

Abstract: A vehicle side tilting apparatus having strap-on wheel rockers to attach to wheels at one side of a vehicle and lift structure to elevate the other side of the vehicle and to roll the vehicle on the wheel rockers until the raised side of the vehicle is upright or slightly over center, where it is held even after removal of the lift structure and during movement of the tilted vehicle.

Abstract: A pivotal mail tray unloader for unloading a tray having mail pieces horizontally stacked therein includes a frame having an elongated, inclined support surface, a carriage slidably mounted to the frame, and a retaining member slidably mounted to the frame. The carriage includes first, second and third pivotal support members. The first support member pivots upwardly and forwardly from said support surface and carries the tray thereon. The second support member is also pivotal upwardly and forwardly and is positioned adjacent to and forward of the first support member. The second member receives the tray from the first support member. The third support member is mounted to the second support member forward thereof and is adapted to receive the mail pieces thereon. The third support member pivots forwardly to receive the mail pieces and subsequently, pivots rearwardly to reorient the mail in a generally vertical orientation.

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: A tilting platform that elevates and tilts an object while maintaining a center of gravity of the object about a center line of the platform. The platform includes a surface upon which the object is fastened, and a plurality of slideable sections each having a forward end coupled to a forward end of the surface. The slideable sections are retractable. The tilting plaform also includes a base coupled to a forward end of each of the plurality of slideable sections, where the plurality of slideable sections are retractable into the base, an actuator that retracts and expands the plurality of the slideable sections uniformly along the direction of the base, and the vertical linkage, coupled to the base, and coupled to the surface to cause the surface to tilt as the plurality of slideable sections are retracted by the actuator.

Abstract: A tire stacking apparatus includes a base frame with a carriage pivotally mounted on the frame for selective movement between a horizontal loading position and a vertical stacking position. The carriage includes a pair of parallel support members connected to a rotatable axle, and a pair of legs connected to the axle generally perpendicularly to the support members, the leg members and support members connected for rotation on the axle to pivot between the loading and stacking positions. The support members and leg members are spaced apart a distance to support tires therebetween such that a row of vertically oriented tires resting on the support members will be formed in a vertical stack on the carriage leg members when the carriage is pivoted to the stacking position. A cylinder with an extensible plunger rod is operably connected between the base frame and a lever arm connected to the axle to selectively pivot the carriage between the loading and stacking position.

Abstract: A lifting and swivelling apparatus for objects, in particular for motor vehicles and the like, includes substantially horizontally extending tie rods (28) and a clamping frame (4, 5), which can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of the tie rods, and a lifting device (24) which can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of the tie rods (28) and is connected in an articulated manner to the clamping frame (4, 5) via a holding member (23) which is displaceable along said lifting device, the holding member (23) being designed to be displaceable along the lifting device (24) by an actuating device and to be locked in position at any point desired, wherein the clamping frame (4, 5), on its side facing away from the lifting device, is provided with a supporting frame (15) which is curved substantially through 90.degree. and subsequently continues rectilinearly, and in that fastening member (10, 14) are provided on the clamping frame (4, 5) to lock the object to be tilted in position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a load to and from a load supporting platform having a first end pivotally coupled at a first end of a main frame having a support surface for supporting the platform in a substantially level position. The platform is pivotally raisable, from the support surface of the main frame to a raised position for discharging and accepting a load, either manually or by an actuatable member. A damping member interconnects the platform and the main frame wherein the damping member progressively increases resistance on the load bearing platform as the platform moves from the raised position toward the support surface of the main frame to reduce any impact on the load. The platform includes a lower frame and a cover biased away from the lower frame by a plurality of spring members wherein the cover is movable toward the lower frame by a load disposed on a support surface of the cover to actuate a load sensor, which indicates the presence of the load.

Abstract: A stage assembly for a substrate processing system including a cassette support assembly for receiving and supporting a cassette and an actuation and support assembly for supporting and moving the cassette and cassette support assembly between a loading position and a processing position. The processing position provides convenient and efficient access by a central processing system, and the loading position preferably places each cassette closer to, and aligned with, a front panel of the processing system for convenient access by an operator. The actuator and support assembly preferably includes a frame assembly and a rotating plate pivotally mounted to the frame assembly, where the cassette support assembly is mounted to the rotating plate for pivoting relative to the frame assembly. An actuator assembly mounted to the frame assembly flits the cassette support assembly between the loading and processing positions. A shaft assembly pivotally mounts the cassette support assembly to the rotating plate.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning an object includes a fixed vertical frame and a carriage to support the object. The carriage includes a first end with rollers to engage the frame and a second end with a bearing to engage a floor or other surface. Also at the second end is a gate which can be moved from a position wherein it is parallel to said carriage to a position wherein it is perpendicular to said carriage. A drive operates a cable linkage to move the first end of the carriage along the frame and to rotate driven wheels in the bearing to move the carriage between vertical and horizontal positions.

Abstract: The cart includes a cart body tiltable relative to a base mounted on casters. A locking device for maintaining the cart body in selected tilted position relative to the base includes an actuator having a cam surface and a pin biased into a locking position by a spring having a cam follower surface. By displacing the actuator, the cam displaces the pin from an opening in a locking plate carried by the cart body to enable tilting movement of the cart body relative to the base. By displacing the actuator in the opposite direction, the bias of the spring moves the pin into an opening in the locking plate, locking the cart body in a selected angular position relative to the base.

Abstract: A bale transfer system for transferring bales from a baler mechanism to a support vehicle including a baler mechanism a bale tipper mechanism and a bale receiving station for receiving bales ejected from the baler mechanism. Each bale when ejected has a height dimension and a width dimension. A tipper mechanism is mounted at the bale receiving station and is operable to reposition a bale 90.degree. so that its height dimension becomes its width dimension. A bale loading means is provided for loading the repositioned bales into a transport vehicle. The tipper is comprised of a rotatable bale tipping wing having a bale support surface and a rotatable bale support wing having a bale support surface. The bale tipper mechanism further includes a power means for activating the tipping and support wings to thereby reposition a bale 90.degree. as it is moved from the tipping wing support surface to the support wing support surface.

Abstract: A box tilter that comprises a movable chassis and a container-supporting frame directly hinged to the chassis. The actuating force for lifting and tilting the container is provided by a hydraulic cylinder connected in retractable pulling relation between the chassis and a radial arm rigidly attached to the container-supporting frame and projecting backward from the hinge point. This radial-arm configuration reduces the distance of the container from the operator of the device and results in improved access to the items in the container.

Abstract: A holder mechanism tilts and rotates a vertically oriented wafer-loaded cassette for proper presentation in a horizontal orientation to the robotic arm of a workstation. The mechanism includes a cassette holder, a support member, and a motor. The cassette holder has first and second supports that define orthogonal first and second planes. In two embodiments, the support member connects the cassette holder to the motor shaft and, as the motor shaft rotates, the cassette holder is rotated about a single pivot axis that is oblique to the first and second planes. This rotation tilts a cassette placed in the holder through a tilt angle of about 45.degree. to 90.degree., and simultaneous rotates the cassette through an angle .theta. about the vertical axis. The support member shape determines whether tilting and rotation is away from or toward the motor, and also determines the angle of rotation .theta. and the tilt angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for overturning a long-web roll comprises chucks for holding the long-web roll, which is placed on a first resting surface, by nipping an outer circumference of the long-web roll from both sides in the radial direction, and stop plates capable of being set at supporting positions that stand facing a front end face of the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, the front end face being directed towards the side of a second resting surface. A rotating transfer device rotates the stop plates and the chucks together with each other by an angle of approximately 90.degree. and thereby places the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, on the second resting surface such that the front end face may rest on the second resting surface.

Abstract: A load receiving platform and cradle are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis through approximately ninety degrees. A machine base is spaced upwardly from a floor surface by supports which may be embodied in load cells. A load receiving surface of the platform extends along a cantilever portion of the platform. A hydraulic cylinder, coupled to the cantilever portion of the platform, imparts rotational movement thereto. The hydraulic cylinder is part of a hydraulic system having lines communicating cylinder ends with a pressure source. One of the lines includes a piloted valve with fluid flow through the line being regulated by pilot pressure taken from the remaining line to control platform movement during an unbalanced condition of the platform.

Abstract: A system for loading a plurality of cylindrical members, initially oriented to longitudinally extend in a first direction, into a processing module adapted to receive the plurality of cylindrical members longitudinally extending in a second direction, is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted for use in a rotary atomization manufacturing system for manufacturing photoreceptors from the cylindrical member in the form of substrate members. The system includes a first support structure for receiving and retaining removably thereon the plurality of cylindrical members oriented to longitudinally extend in the first direction. The system transfers the plurality of cylindrical members, longitudinally extending in the first direction, to the first support structure. The system includes a second support structure for receiving and retaining removably thereon the plurality of cylindrical members oriented to longitudinally extend in the second direction.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.