Abstract: A system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a tubular storage area, a well center area, and a robotic arm configured to move tubulars. The robotic arm can be coupled to a rig floor and configured to traverse a distance between the well center area toward the tubular storage area.

Abstract: Lifting device for an automobile having hydraulic pistons for lifting and lowering which are guided in hydraulic cylinders positioned in a shaft which is positioned underground. A support which can be furnished by a plate is fixed at a free end of the hydraulic pistons. A receiver is hingedly mounted on the support and the receiver can be swiveled about a swivel axis which extends perpendicular to a plane and essentially horizontal in practice. A bearing having the pivot axis is fixedly mounted on the support.

Abstract: A portable pipe handling apparatus and method includes providing a support structure adapted to support a pipe stand along a pipe stand building axis associated therewith, and inclining the pipe stand building axis so that an upper end of the axis is adjacent a top drive in a drilling rig mast and so that the pipe stand translation trajectory which is substantially co-axial with the pipe stand building axis intersects a hand-off window between the top drive and the pipe stand building axis.

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

Abstract: The invention provides for a pallet turntable (1). The turntable (1) comprises a stationary bottom part (2) and a movable top part (3) comprising a platform (4) suitable for receiving a pallet (5), wherein the movable top part (3) is arranged linearly displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary bottom part (2). The turntable (1) further comprises guide means (6) for guiding an angular displacement around a direction of the vertical linear displacement in dependency of the linear displacement, at least when the movable top part (3) is being vertically linearly displaced in a direction towards the stationary bottom part (2). The invention further provides for a method for turning a pallet (5) and use of a pallet turntable (1).

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

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

Abstract: A skidding pallet (200) for use on the skid rails (110, 115) of a vessel is disclosed, the pallet comprising a supporting means such as a frame (230), a mounting means for the mounting of an object thereon, and at least one actuation means, such as a cylinder (240), attached to one of the supporting means or mounting means. In use, the supporting means interfaces with the skid rails and the actuation means are actuatable to cause the mounting means to rotate in relation to said supporting means and the skid rails.

Abstract: A cableway transport system for moving tubulars between a supply of tubulars and a rig mast implements a gondola suspended and movable along load cables. The gondola is fit with grippers for carrying tubulars between the rack and mast. The gondola has a first landing coupler which is received and releasably couples to a second landing coupler on the mast for forming a landing connection. The landing connection enables rotation of the gondola to align the carried tubular with the wellhead. The grippers can be individually actuable to allow finer alignment of the tubular above the wellhead.

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: An intermodal container tipping apparatus includes an upper support structure configured to be releasably mounted to a container transfer device, such as a reach stacker or crane, and a second support structure configured to be releasably mounted to an intermodal container. The lower supports structure includes at least one arcuate beam. The at least one arcuate beam attaches the lower support structure to the upper support structure. Movement of the at least one arcuate beam relative to the upper support structure causes tipping of the lower support structure and any load attached thereto while substantially maintaining a relative position of the center of gravity of the load.

Abstract: A powered paper turner is an automated load turning device specifically designed to turn a paper stack sandwiched between a pair of pallets in a work and turn printing process. The paper turner is mounted on wheels, with a rotating module rotating about an axle mounted on a moving support beam to give the module its rotational capability. A slide that secures the paper stack moves horizontally within the rotating module to shift the center of gravity. As the support beam moves up and down a pair of guide rods on linear bearings, the rotating module rotates about the axle. During a downstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The stack is then shifted, so that during an upstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack completes a 180° rotation.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer system or method is provided for transferring workpieces one set of pallets to another set of pallets using a workpiece transfer device that is movably attached to a robot. The workpiece transfer device uses mechanical devices to align the workpiece relative to the robot so that different types of workpieces can be placed into a pallet without the need of troublesome, expensive and complex image processing in which the workpiece holding positions are processed as images by using an imaging device such as a visual sensor. Preferably, the workpiece transfer device cooperates with a positional adjustment part such that the workpiece that is held by the transfer device contacts the the positional adjustment part to position the workpiece in a depthwise direction of the workpiece, a widthwise direction of the workpiece and a longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position one or more of the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A transfer device is disclosed for transferring a plurality of stacks of disk-like objects such as frozen hamburger patties, from a plurality of first trays having bottom walls angled with respect to horizontal to a horizontal support platform spaced from the trays. The transfer device includes a support frame having wheels that is movable between first and second ends of a guide track and a pivotal frame pivotally attached to the support frame which pivotal frame supports upper and lower grippers for engaging the upper and lower sides of a plurality of stacks of objects and securely holding the stacks of objects as they are moved between first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and marking a substrate, such as a collapsed corrugated cardboard carton. A feeder station is configured to receive a substantially vertically aligned stack of substrates. An advancement assembly of the feeder station successively moves the lower portions of the substrates in an inboard direction and a tensioner assembly applies a clamping force to the upper portions of the substrates. A transfer assembly engages the innermost substrate in the stack to rotate and remove the substrate from the rest of the stack and provide the substrate to a transport and marking station, which drives the substrate past a marking mechanism. The transport and marking station advances the substrate into a gravity discharge station which induces sufficient tilt in the substrate so that, upon exiting of the substrate from the transport, gravity induces the substrate to rotate and fall in a controlled fashion into a completed stack.

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: 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: A transfer device has an undercarriage with two or more carriage portions which are movable along a travel path between a first location and a second location. The carriage portions carrying at least one work piece support. A linkage extending between the carriage portions, where the linkage is operable to change the position of the work piece support when one carriage portion moves relative to another along the travel path.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus provided with a first substrate transfer mechanism having a first substrate holding hand which is movable while holding a substrate; and a second substrate transfer mechanism having a second substrate holding hand for receiving and transferring a substrate directly from and to the first substrate holding hand. The apparatus has a positioning mechanism disposed, in a moving passage of a substrate held by the first substrate holding hand, independently from the first substrate transfer mechanism, and having a positioning contact portion for regulating the movement of a substrate such that the substrate is positioned at a predetermined position on the first substrate holding hand.

Abstract: A transfer device has an undercarriage with two or more carriage portions which are movable along a travel path between a first location and a second location. The carriage portions carrying at least one work piece support. A linkage extending between the carriage portions, where the linkage is operable to change the position of the work piece support when one carriage portion moves relative to another along the travel path.

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: An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.

Abstract: A tray unloader for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry includes a horizontally-movable, slidable carriage supporting an independently-driven tray inverting carrier arranged to pick up an upright full tray from a receiving position and invert it during movement to an unloading position. In the unloading position articles are received directly over opposed horizontal bands having a delivery channel between confronting ends and defining the initial level at which articles are received over most of the width of the tray. Downstream of the channel is a conveyor which operates at a relatively high rate during a first phase of unloading for each tray and at a reduced rate during a second phase, so as to allow controlled emptying of the tray and establishment of the residual level of articles in the channel after completion of unloading of each tray.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the rotation of a wafer cassette such as between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The wafer cassette rotation device includes a carriage for receiving and supporting a wafer cassette, a receptacle in which the carriage is supported and rotates, and a drive mechanism for rotating the carriage together with any wafer cassette that has been inserted into the carriage, between horizontal and vertical orientations. The carriage is shaped to receive a standard wafer cassette, the carriage open at both front and top portions, includes wafer cassette supports. Wheels may be attached to opposing side edges of the bottom of the carriage. A cam drive mechanism is used to move the carriage within the receptacle.

Abstract: An accumulator for handling pallets in a pallet workstation provides a continuous through-put of panels through the pallet workstation. The accumulator includes a base, which is positioned between a pallet stack holder and a conveyor, and an articulating member supported by the base. The articulating member moves between a first position to receive a stack of pallets from the pallet stack holder and a second position to engage at least one of the pallets to move the pallet along the base to the conveyor. In this manner, the return fill cycle of the pallet stack holder is removed as a bottleneck in the pallet workstation. The accumulator can accommodate a wide range of pallet to pallet variation without affecting its reliability and, moreover, significantly increase the pallet sortation and inspection process.

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 tilt carriage assembly including a base frame and a carriage pivotally supported by the base frame. The carriage includes a bottom member adapted to support a container and a back member positioned above the bottom member. A manual locking mechanism is operatively positioned between the carriage and the base frame, and includes a lock control member positioned adjacent the back member. The lock control member is movable between a locked position where the carriage is secured relative to the base frame and an unlocked position. A step member is secured to and extends laterally outwardly from the carriage, the step member being engageable by a user's foot to facilitate tilting of the carriage. A side member is positioned above at least one of the side portions of the bottom member, and includes a beveled edge that facilitates loading a container onto the carriage. A conveyor device is secured to the bottom member for facilitating motion of a container relative to the bottom member.

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: 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: An apparatus for translating and rotating a cartridge (such as an optical disk cartridge) which utilizes a U-shaped rack engaged with a non-translating (but rotating) pinion; a carrier for the cartridge connected to the rack, and a motor for spinning the pinion on its axis. The apparatus enables the cartridge to be inserted with a shutter face forward, and translates and rotates the cartridge into the final (loaded) position with the shutter face in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading a roll of web (1) from a stack (3) along a first axis (7) into a chamber (2) along a second axis (8) has a pivotable support member (12) and an engaging means (16) having a head member (18) attached to the support member (12) for engaging a roll along the first axis (7) and guiding the roll (1) into the chamber (4) along the second (8). The support member (12) pivots between a first position in alignment with the stack (3) along the first axis (7) and, a second position in alignment with the chamber opening (4) along the second axis (8). A guide means (22) comprising a guide track (24) having first and second elevation positions and predetermined first, second and third stopping means (30) , (53) , (44) are provided to ensure that the engaging means (16) precisely and repeatedly locates at the desired positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a workpiece in a machining operation, the workpiece having internal passageways, includes a stationary support, a carriage mounted for reciprocation with respect to the support and a cylindrical shaft carried by the carriage and capable of rotary motion about its axis. A pinion gear is fixed to one end of the shaft and meshes with a rack which reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the shaft axis. A pin carrier block is fixed to the other end of the shaft, and supports a plurality of pin members adapted to register with the passageways of the workpiece when the carriage moves from one extremity of its travel to the other. Once the pin members are engaged, the rack moves along its path in order to rotate the shaft, and thus the workpiece, through 90.degree. to prepare it for further machining operations.

Abstract: A part loading apparatus is disclosed for transporting a workpiece from a first position generally in a first plane to a second position generally in a second plane for transfer to another work station. The part loading apparatus includes a rail for transporting the workpiece between the first and second positions. A shuttle is disposed on the rail for reciprocally moving between the first and second positions. A drive motor is provided for harmonically driving the shuttle between the first and second positions, wherein the shuttle decelerates when approaching the first and second positions, and accelerates when leaving the first and second positions. A frame carries the workpiece from the first position to the second position and is supported on the shuttle for pivotal movement from the first plane to the second plane while the shuttle moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are useful in positioning components, for example two half shells of a clamp for a pipeline or other cylindrical member (10). One half-shell (12) is clamped by studs (56) to brackets (52) on a carriage (16) which can then traverse about the member (10) by engagement of sprockets (30, 28) with chains (18) encircling the member (10). A second half-shell is then lowered by crane onto the member (10). The two half shells are clamped together by studs and the brackets (52) released and swung clear. The apparatus can then be removed if desired. Drive to the carriage (16) is through a flexible shaft (70), gearbox (34) and sprockets (30) connected together by drive shaft (33). Wheels (26) roll on the member (10).

Abstract: An installer comprising a supporting structure and a carriage adapted to carry a water bottle. The carriage is mounted on the supporting structure for movement along a path between a loading position in which the carriage is adapted to receive the water bottle and an unloading position in which the carriage is at a higher elevation than in the loading position and inverted with respect to the loading position. A stopper is mounted on the carriage for movement with the carriage between the loading and unloading positions. The stopper is movable between a closed position in which it essentially closes a mouth of the water bottle and an open position in which the stopper is displaced from the closed position. A cam system is carried by the supporting structure and is responsive to the carriage approaching the unloading position for moving the stopper from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A workpiece loading interface is included within a workpiece processing system which processes workpieces, typically wafers, in a vacuum. The workpiece loading interface includes two separate chambers. Each chamber may be separately pumped down. Thus, while a first cassette of wafers, from a first chamber is being accessed, a second cassette of wafers may be loaded in the second chamber and the second chamber pumped down. Each chamber is designed to minimize intrusion to a clean room. Thus a door to each chamber has a mechanism which, when opening the door, first moves the door slightly away from an opening in the chamber and then the door is moved down parallel to the chamber. After the door is opened, a cassette of wafers is lowered through the opening in a motion much like a drawbridge. The cassette may be pivoted within the chamber when the position from which wafers are accessed from the cassette differs from the position from which the cassette is lowered out of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing an article or a person in parallel with the curvature of and in proximity to a surface of variable profile possessing convex and/or concave parts, as the case may be, comprising a support for the article to be displaced in the vicinity of the surface, having at least two guide rollers, engaged respectively in each of two separate rail-forming grooves made in a structure for bearing on the ground which is moveable and which is located as near as possible to the surface, this structure having a profile corresponding substantially to that of this surface, the two rollers being arranged in their respective grooves in such a way that they are always separated by an invariable distance, a motor being provided for displacing the rollers in their grooves, wherein the grooves receiving the rollers are open outwards and provided on either side of a upright belonging to the bearing structure, these grooves having different profiles which are a function of the curvature of the surface and whic

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over a package (9) through 180.degree. out of a first position (I) on a supply conveyor (6) into a second position (II) on a removal conveyor (12), a frame (2) mounted on the floor (1) being provided to support a propulsion unit provided with a driving motor (13). To provide a turn-over apparatus for a tubular package, the propulsion unit (15, 20) comprises a movable linear carriage driven between the two positions (I, II) and a stationary slotted guide (20) with a control cam (22) and at least one gripper element is movably mounted in the linear carriage and is rigidly connected to a follower roller (24) guided in the control cam (22).

Abstract: Connector loading apparatus which can be used with a cable-making machine comprises a support surface having a transfer mechanism thereon which comprises a transfer slide assembly that is reciprocable between a magazine containing a stack of connectors and a loading station. The slide assembly comprises a body portion and a connector holder which is pivoted to the body portion on an axis which extends transversely of the path of reciprocation. The support surface is discontinuous in the vicinity of the loading station so that the connector holder pivots through an angle of 90 degrees at the loading station under the influence of gravity and the connector is thereby reoriented and properly positioned for loading into the module or other connector receiving portion of the cable-making machine.

Abstract: A lifting and turning device for work objects comprises a stand (14) and a holding frame (10) which is supported thereby and in which the work object is fixable. The holding frame is connected in a vertically adjustable as well as turnable manner with the stand. Driving elements are provided for lifting, lowering and turning the holding frame. According to the invention, the holding frame (10) has parallel driving and idling wheel tracks (12, 13) which have curved corners and, connected thereto, straight portions extending substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the device has a driving wheel (15) and an idling wheel (17), respectively, engaging the tracks (12, 13) and being provided at a distance from one another as seen in the direction of the tracks, one on the inside and the other on the outside of the parallel tracks. The wheel (17) on the inside is disposed on a higher level than the wheel (15) on the outside.

Abstract: A work supplying system for conveying work attached to a pallet to a plurality of machine stations disposed around an imaginary center line iin a circumferential direction, and a work conveying and delivering unit for conveying the work to the work conveyor and delivering the work from the work conveyor, wherein a conveying and delivering station is disposed for conveying and delivering the work attached to the pallet, and a plurality of releasable stations are disposed corresponding to respective machine stations for machining the work, and are located on linear lines connecting the imaginary center line to the respective machining stations, and the conveying and delivering station and the releasable stations are installed around the imaginary center line at circumferentially equal intervals along an imaginary circle which has a center on the imaginary center line, the work conveyor comprising a post stand with an axis thereof aligned with the imaginary center line, slide units each reciprocatively movable b

Abstract: A combination transfer/turnover machine has a pair of double-acting transfer arms for quickly retrieving and inserting parts into a pair of metal stamping presses performing sequential operations on a workpiece. A turnover mechanism is provided for inverting the part during its transfer between machines. The transfer arm and turnover mechanism are all carried by a horizontally and vertically moveable bar mounted to a carriage. The entire apparatus can be mounted as a single unit to overhead support structure in a factory between the machines.

Abstract: Apparatus for collating and stacking building components, for example tiles, has pairs of conveyors with shelves for supporting edges of tiles. The tiles are fed to the shelves by a conveyor and the pairs of conveyors move upwardly in timed relation to locate tiles on the shelves. When all the shelves are full, the pairs of conveyors move downwards and apart to deposit the tiles in a stack on to a support. The timing of this avoids shock loads on the tiles. The stack of components is then banded and removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical connector pickup station for long electrical connectors, comprises an escapement assembly for receiving connectors from a gravity feed magazine and which is mounted above a base plate so as to be inclined in a vertical plane. A connector locating assembly, also mounted on the base plate, is pivotable and translatable between a first inclined position in alignment with the escapement assembly to receive a connector therefrom, and a second horizontal position in which the connector can be picked up from the locating assembly by the jaws of a robot or pick-and-place machine. A device is provided for securing the connector in the locating assembly during its movement.

Abstract: A riddling device for processing wine according to the champagne method, with reduced energy expenditure due to a balanced assembly. The device comprises a stand, a cradle capable of pivoting through a right angle relative to the stand, and a platform capable of rotating about an axis disposed in the middle of the cradle. According to the invention the cradle (10) is tilted under the control of a vertical screw (25) and two wheels (8) disposed at its opposite end and running on two slopes (9) on the stand (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides transport apparatus for transporting and aculating an article into and out of a housing having limited access, and includes a lifting beam having a curved shape to which is attached a lifting assembly. A hoist device is connected to the lifting assembly for raising and lowering the entire transport apparatus and also includes a worm-drive assembly for moving the lifting assembly relative to the lifting beam to thereby articulate an article about a first axis. In addition, one end of the lifting beam includes a rotational mechanism which is connected to a second worm-drive assembly. Operation of the second worm-drive assembly allows the article to be rotated relative to the lifting beam which allows the article to be rotated relative to a second axis. The combined operations of hoisting and movement about the two axes allows the article to be articulated in any direction for insertion or removal from a housing having limited access.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction of a storage apparatus for temporarily storing a large number of yarn packages (yarn wound on cones or taper cones). The storage apparatus is so arranged that many yarn packages automatically aligned are accommodated in a small space so as to be readily taken out when required, while, for the storing, the large number of yarn packages fed thereinto are aligned on conveyers narrow in width in the direction of take-up axis, and through utilization of a yarn package holding frame which is adapted to be raised while simultaneously holding opposite sides of the yarn packages thus aligned, said holding frame is lowered during taking out of the yarn packages so as to leave the yarn packages held thereby on the conveyers, as the holding frame being further lowered.