Abstract: An apparatus for holding and orienting a wafer having an alignment feature, and including a movable robot arm; and an end effector attached to an end of the robot arm, the end effector including a gripping mechanism which during operation both holds the wafer and rotates it about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the wafer and a sensing element for detecting the alignment feature on the wafer as the gripping mechanism rotates the wafer past the sensing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved wafer carrier device comprising a wafer holder having at least one suction area in its wafer bearing area, an articulate arm-like extension and turning means for rotating the arm-like extension. The suction area has a plurality of minute suction spots. Each suction spot may be a pore whose diameter is 0.5 or less millimeters, and the number of such pores is 50 or more. Otherwise, each suction spot may be a minute groove whose width is 0.5 or less millimeters, and the number of such minute grooves is 20 or more.

Abstract: A chip mounting apparatus capable of permitting a chip mounting operation to be executed at an increased speed and ensuring continuous running of the apparatus over a long period of time. The apparatus includes a chip observing camera mounted on the side of a chip mounting head, a lighting unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to light a background of a chip hold on a chip suction nozzle of the head, a reflection unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to input an image of the chip to the chip observing camera, feeder and stocker sections each adapted to replaceably held a chip storage package therein, and a package replacement mechanism for carrying out replacement of the chip storage package between both sections.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing robot is provided with a robot arm on which is mounted an integrated edge gripper having an orienting assembly and a detecting assembly. The orienting assembly operates to rotate a substrate such that a substrate reference marking, or indicium, is positioned at the detecting assembly. The detecting assembly detects the location of the reference indicium and thereby derives information about the relative orientation of the substrate in the integrated edge gripper.

Abstract: A system can re-orient a series of objects, such as containers, including pouches, from a first orientation that is one of several possible orientations, to a pre-selected second orientation. The system includes an orientation apparatus that can move a series of objects from their first orientation to the pre-selected second orientation by a movement sequence. The system includes a sensor system, such as a vision system, for detecting which of said several orientations is the first orientation. The orientation apparatus responds to a signal from said sensor, and performs a pre-determined movement sequence based on the detected first orientation.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and rotating an object having a center of gravity is provided. The tool includes a first rail, which is adapted to be coupled to a first end of the object, and a second rail, which is adapted to be coupled to a second end of the object. Inversion linkage is coupled to the first rail and to the second rail. The inversion linkage includes a pivot pin that automatically moves into coincidence with the center of gravity of the object when the first rail is coupled to the first end of the object and the second rail is coupled to the second end of the object.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in adjusting a substrate centering system to center a substrate on a rotatable chuck in a semiconductor processing machine, the chuck including at least one reference point. One apparatus comprises a plate configured to be placed on the chuck and at least one centering mark formed on the plate, wherein the at least one centering mark is configured so that it may be compared to the at least one reference point on the chuck to determine if the plate is centered. The plate often is at least partially transparent so that its position relative to the at least one reference point on the chuck may be seen.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge grip aligner with buffering capabilities and a method for increasing the throughput of wafers through the device. According to one embodiment, the present invention has first and second buffer arms, and a chuck arm. A workpiece can be aligned while supported on the chuck arm. Once the workpiece is aligned, the chuck arm transfers the workpiece to the buffer arms so that a second workpiece can be aligned on the chuck arm. While the second workpiece is being aligned, an end effector can transfer the first workpiece away from the buffer arms and retrieve another workpiece to place upon the chuck arm.

Abstract: Particles are prevented from clinging to the back of a water in the notch alignment of the wafer, and the problems encountered when a plurality of wafers were aligned all at once are solved. Three support poles 105 are erected on a turntable 103. The substrate outer periphery 104b of wafers 104 is supported by the tapered portions of support pins 107 protruding from the support poles 105. The turntable 103 is driven by a single motor 106, and all of the wafers 104 are rotated at once. During rotation, the notches 104a of al the wafers 104 are detected by an optical sensor 116 provided to a sensor pole 117, and the angular position thereof is stored. The wafers 104 are rotated an the basis of the angular position data, and notch alignment is performed successively, starting with the bottom wafer 104.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a liquid. A process reactor or head holds a workpiece between an upper rotor and a lower rotor. A head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into contact with the liquid. The head spins the workpiece during or after contact with the liquid. The upper and lower rotors have side openings for loading and unloading a workpiece into the head. The rotors are axially moveable to align the side openings.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to prolong the life of a sealing portion by using bellows and to prevent the generation of dust and the effect thereof. A support member for positioning is extended to the outside through an opening of a vacuum vessel and bellows connected to the circumference of the opening with a play such that positioning movement can be performed without being in contact with the opening and the bellows, and the support member is received by roller bearings in a bulkhead portion connected to a free end of the bellows and closing the bellows of a bearing support. Necessary rotation is given to the support member from outside via inside and outside magnetic couplings facing each other on the inside and outside of the bulkhead portion, and movement in the X direction perpendicular to the axis is given to the support member from outside by moving the bearing support in the direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the vacuum vessel.

Abstract: A workpiece changing system capable of automatically changing a heavy workpiece using a robot. A jig for attaching a workpiece thereto is mounted on a jig mounting device. The jig mounting device comprises a jig mounting unit having a rotary member and a swing member. The rotary member rotates the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired rotary position. The tilting member swings around an axis to tilt the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired tilting position. As the jig and the workpiece on the jig can take a suitable orientation or posture for being handled by the handling robot, the handling robot can hold a heavy workpiece without exerting excessive load on the robot wrist.

Abstract: Lifting tools for safe, 105 degree, off-center rotation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. A lifting tool includes a bar that can be positioned generally parallel to a centerline of the object, and first and second clamps that are rotatably or slidably coupled to first and second ends of the bar, respectively. The clamps are adapted to secure the tool to edges of the object. The tool also includes a pivot arm that is rotatably coupled to the bar, which allows the object to be lifted, rotated up to 90 degrees, moved, and then set down. The pivot arm includes first and second chain sprockets disposed along a length thereof. A second pair of chain sprockets is coupled to the second chain sprocket via a common shaft. A pair of chain segments are attached to the pivot arm, and engage each of the second pair of chain sprockets.

Abstract: A system for flipping a semiconductor workpiece on its thin edge for microscope inspection of a workpiece facet is disclosed. The system has a holding device attached to a handling block. The holding device picks a workpiece by one of its thin edges. The edge of the workpiece may be attached to the holding device by vacuum. Then an operator rotates the handling block ninety degrees, which in turn rotates the holding device and workpiece ninety degrees. After rotation, one of the workpiece facets faces upward and perpendicular to the microscope for proper inspection of the facet.

Abstract: This invention provides a wafer inspecting apparatus which enables macroscopic inspection of the entire surface of a wafer. According to the wafer inspecting apparatus of this invention, the edge portion of a wafer 8 is held by suction with the distal ends of wafer holding portions 702 of a wafer holding arm 7, and first-time observation of the lower surface of the wafer 8 is performed. Then, the wafer 8 is transported onto a center table 6. The center table 6 is rotated through a predetermined angle. The edge portion of the wafer 8 is held by suction again with the distal ends of the wafer holding portions 702 of the wafer holding arm 7. Then, second-time observation of the lower surface of the wafer 8 is performed.

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

Abstract: Lifting tools for safe, 90 degree rotation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. A lifting tool includes a bar that can be positioned generally parallel to a centerline of the object, and first and second clamps that are rotatably or slidably coupled to first and second ends of the bar, respectively. The clamps are adapted to secure the tool to edges of the object. The tool also includes a pivot arm that is rotatably coupled to the bar, which allows the object to be lifted, rotated up to 90 degrees, moved, and then set down. The pivot arm includes a pair of idler pulleys disposed along a length thereof. A first end of the pivot arm can be coupled to a hoist hook, for example, via a cable that wraps partially around the pulleys and is coupled to the bar at a point between the clamps.

Abstract: A stepper alignment method and apparatus for transferring circuit layout on a mask to a wafer precisely includes a stepper located in a susceptor and includes a vacuum chuck and a movable vacuum chuck. The wafer has two notches on its perimeter. The vacuum chuck has two sets of photo sensors mating against the notches and a central circular opening for housing the movable vacuum chuck therein. The movable vacuum chuck holds the wafer by means of vacuum force and is able to rotate and move linearly to align the notches of the wafer against the photo sensors accurately at high speed.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for centering and gripping semiconductor wafers. A solenoid is used to actuate two or three curved contacts. Power to the solenoid, and position information from the solenoid is transmitted along a pair of wires. To center the wafer, the solenoid is actuated and the contacts move radially towards the center of the wafer. The contacts grip the edge of the wafer and a pulse-width-modulation signal is used to determine solenoid position as a function of back electromotive force value or waveform. During handling, the contacts hold the wafer such that the wafer does not move relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of nesting a pair of elongate articles, each having a complementary nesting surface, comprising the steps of: providing an article receiving surface; delivering a first elongate article to a first ready position on the article receiving surface; the first article having a first near end portion and a first far end portion; delivering a second elongate article to the article receiving surface; the second article having a second near end portion and a second far end portion; arranging the second article so that the second near end portion lies in a second ready position adjacent the first near end portion; engaging the near end portion of one of the articles independently of the far end portion thereof; transferring the engaged near end portion relative to the other of the near end portions to initiate nesting thereof; and manipulating at least one of the articles downstream of the first and second near end portions, to allow the nesting of the articles to continue beyond the first

Abstract: A method of tilting rolled sections, for example billets, about their longitudinal axes into an on-edge position or diamond pass position. The method utilizes a device which includes a frame that is moveable transversely of a roller conveyor for transporting the billets, and a roller head with pivoting drive equipped with clamping rollers for clamping a billet and pivotable about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the billet, wherein the roller head grasps the billet during the longitudinal conveyance thereof and tilts the billet by a predetermined angle before the billet enters a following station, and wherein the roller head lifts the billet guided between the clamping rollers during the tilting procedure above the conveying plane of the roller conveyor.

Abstract: A method for grasping, aligning and orienting an object uses first and second rotatable arm members each having object holders, respectively. An object holder each comprises a vacuum recess and alignment features to align the object in a fixed position in its respective vacuum recess. Rotation of first rotatable arm member into abutting contact with second rotatable arm member forms a formable vacuum chamber. Partially closed vacuum chamber has a closed end for positioning the object, a first wall defined by the first vacuum recess, an opposing spaced apart second wall defined by the second vacuum recess and an open end between the first and second walls for receiving the object in the partially closed vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning and orienting an object has cooperating first and second rotatable arm members each having object holders, respectively. Object holders, each comprises a vacuum recess and alignment features for aligning the object in a fixed position in its respective vacuum recess. Rotation of first and second rotatable arm members about their respective pivot points from a fully extended configuration into abutting contact forms a partially closed vacuum chamber for securing an object. Partially closed vacuum chamber has a closed end for positioning the object, a first wall defined by the first vacuum recess, an opposing spaced apart second wall defined by the second vacuum recess and an open end between the first and second walls for receiving the object in the partially closed vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted assemblage for handling an object has a formable vacuum chamber. Formable vacuum chamber, when formed, has first and second rotatable suction chambers each operably connected to an actuator for cooperative rotational movements. Rotational movements of first and second suction chambers include a first position in which the first suction chamber is positioned generally in abutting contact with the second suction chamber. Further, first and second suction chambers may rotate such that peripheral surfaces of the first and second suction chamber snugly abut to form the formable vacuum chamber for handling an object.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment apparatus (20) is provided for aligning a semiconductor die (11) and a packaging substrate (12) to enable aligned mounting therebetween. The alignment apparatus (20) includes a first magnetic device (23) coupled to the die (11) and adapted to generate a first magnetic field (25) oriented relative to a first reference point (26) of the die (11). A second magnetic device (27) is coupled to the substrate (12) and adapted to generate a second magnetic field (28) oriented relative to a second reference point (30) of the substrate (12). The first magnetic field (25) and the second magnetic field (28) cooperate to directionally align the first reference point (26) of the die substantially with the second reference point (30) of the substrate (12).

Abstract: A method of transporting a laser bar, such as from a facet coat holding fixture, and an apparatus for implementing the same. A vacuum collet is automatically positioned at a predetermined position vertically and horizontally offset with respect to a facet of the laser bar. A vacuum is then applied to the vacuum collet to pull the laser bar against it and hold the laser bar in place. Since the vacuum collet is offset horizontally as well as vertically from the bar, the laser bar flips by 90.degree. when the vacuum is applied such that the laser bar longitudinal surface winds up abutting a bottom surface of the vacuum collet, and contact with the laser bar facets is substantially avoided. The vacuum collet is then transported while the vacuum is maintained to thereby transport the laser bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting a disk to precisely align a fiducial mark on the disk relative to an external reference point while gripping the disk only along its circumferential edge.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a plurality of stages of mounting bases on each of which is disposed upwardly orientated, narrow tapered pins around the periphery of a semiconductor wafer, and a plurality of stages of turntables, one for each of the mounting bases, with the mounting bases being capable of moving independently of the turntables. When a wafer is transferred from a transporter arm to the tapered pins, the peripheral edge of the wafer comes into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the tapered pins and the wafer is centered thereby. The turntable then picks up the wafer and aligns the orientation thereof. This makes it possible to position the centers of a plurality of wafers and position the orientations thereof in a simple manner.

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: For association with a packaging line, a device for overturning packaged editorial products which grips the editorial products (12) advancing on a conveyor belt (13) and overturns them to superpose them on the next product in order to facilitate their final stacking within a collection element. Such a device is particularly advantageous when handling packaged editorial products the thickness of which varies along their length by virtue of consisting of at least one editorial product (12') combined within its wrapper with a second added product (12") of different dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which includes a method and apparatus for the removal of carton bundles from where they are stacked, such as on pallets, re-positions the carton bundles relative to a carton holding structure such as a hopper, removes the restraining strap(s) from each bundle and feeds the bundle or cartons onto a hopper.

Abstract: A unitary prealigner and robot arm includes an upper arm, a forearm, and a hand that is equipped with vacuum pressure outlets to securely hold a specimen. The robot arm is carried atop a tube that is controllably positionable along a Z-axis direction. The prealigner is attached to the tube by a movable carriage that is elevatable relative to the robot arm. The prealigner further includes a rotatable chuck having a vacuum pressure outlet for securely holding a specimen in place within an edge detector assembly that senses a peripheral edge of the specimen. The prealigner may be elevated to receive a specimen from the robot arm or it may be lowered to allow clearance for the robot arm to rotate. In operation, the robot arm retrieves a specimen and places it on the prealigner, which performs an edge scanning operation to determine the effective center and specific orientation of the specimen.

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

Abstract: A component mounting device adapted to mount components such IC or the like on a printed circuit board that includes replaceable pick up nozzles to accommodate different types of components to be picked up. A sensing station is provided that permits the pick up nozzle to be verified as the correct one. The same sensing station is employed to sense both the orientation of a component that is picked up and also whether the component is correctly oriented for deposit. This is done by measuring projected lengths in a plane with a photo sensitive device and by making calculations in accordance with trigonometric relationships.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning substrates is provided. The substrates are typically semiconductor wafers that require centering on a mounting location within a process module and orientation of a notch, flat or perimeter interruption to a known rotational position. A robot arm transfers wafers from a source to the process module. A camera is provided adjacent a path of travel of the robot arm to scan the wafers as they pass thereover. A grayscale analysis determines the centroid, or other reference point, of the wafer and the location of the notch or flat. The path of travel of the arm is altered to account for misalignment of the centroid/reference point from a known location. Data related to the rotational offset of the notch or flat relative to a known standard location is also obtained. The wafer can be rotated to position the notch or flat at a desired standard position using a rotator mounted on the robot arm or at a remote site.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying device for semiconductor wafers. By using a simply constructed stage, the semiconductor wafers can be precisely positioned and rotating semiconductor wafers can be reliably supported and, only one kind of wafer stage needs to be provided for semiconductor wafers of different diameters, allowing more flexibility. The carrying device for loading a semiconductor wafer into a wafer carrier or taking the semiconductor wafer from the wafer carrier includes a carrier station for receiving wafer carrier, carrying arms for carrying semiconductor wafer, and a wafer stage for receiving the wafer. The wafer stage has a supporting shaft and four supporting arms. The supporting shaft is horizontally rotatable and is elevatable. Each supporting arm is upwardly curved.

Abstract: A vacuum collet for handling semiconductor piece parts is formed to include a plurality of separate vacuum ports, disposed in proximity to one another. By selectively turning the vacuum ports "on" and "off", with only one vacuum port turned "on" at a time, a semiconductor chip may be articulated through various 90.degree. rotations to provide the orientation required for placement of the semiconductor chip on a final assembly.

Abstract: A detector is provided to optically monitor the outer periphery of a wafer rotated by rotation of a rotary stage, so as to detect how much the center of the wafer placed on the rotary inspection stage is offset from the rotational center of the rotary stage as well as an angular position, on the stage, of a V-shaped notch formed in the wafer. From the detected eccentricity of the wafer, it is determined whether a precise positioning operation, using at least three positioning pins, to locate the center of the wafer at the rotational center of the rotary stage should be performed or not. When the detected eccentricity is so great as to necessitate the precise positioning operation, one of the positioning pins is caused to fit into the V-shaped notch of the wafer on the basis of the detected angular position of the notch and then the precise positioning of the wafer is performed using the other two positioning pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for handling objects, such as a hospital bed, whereby the object is moved by the arrangement from a use or starting position to an uplifted working position which facilitates cleaning, servicing and the like of the object under improved ergonomical conditions. The arrangement includes a mobile frame including two frame parts. The arrangement further includes means to adjust and vary the spacing between the frame parts. Each of the frame parts carries a pivotally mounted lifting arm and maneuvering means for swinging the lifting arm between a generally horizontal starting position and an uplifted position. The lifting arm includes a hook device and a lever arm which are configured for engagement with the object to be handled.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating stacks of detachably interlocking totes or trays one at a time by removal at the uppermost tray for processing thereof such as cleaning, sanitizing or otherwise refurbishing. The apparatus includes an elevating platform for maintaining the position of the uppermost tray in a stack thereof at a pre-specified vertical position defined by a sensing device such as a photocell. A tray gripping apparatus having a pivot arm and a gripping head is adapted to selectively grasp the uppermost tray from the top of a stack while at the same time a stack returning device is adapted to clamp the remaining portion of the stack downwardly. The tray is removed and moved through a 180 degree arc where it is released at the output station for cleaning or other service. A main beam member is pivotally mounted to the frame to achieve the back and forth pivotal movement for removal of the top tray one at a time from the stack thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and automatically positioning film samples such that individual film samples can be retrieved from a magazine and moved precisely to a position where a subsequent operation can be performed such as the reading thereof by a densitometer. Individual samples are acquired from the magazine by means of a vacuum pad supported on a rotatable arm. Once acquired, the sample is repositioned in a horizontal plane through rotation of the arm. A second arm is moved into position such that clamping jaws grasp one end of the sample. Once the sample has been grasped by the clamping jaws, the sample is released from the vacuum pad. The second arm which is rotatable in a horizontal plane is mounted on a linear slide such that through operation of the linear slide and rotation of the arm, the acquired film sample can be automatically and precisely positioned through computer control thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring eggs from a first roller conveyor (1) to a second conveyor (2), with an orienting operation taking place during the transfer, so that the eggs on the second conveyor (2) are all oriented with their points to one side, the rollers (3) of the first roller conveyor being substantially hourglass-shaped and comprising a roller center part (3a) which is substantially cylindrical, the apparatus comprising pre-orienting devices (4) for bringing the eggs on the first roller conveyor (1) into a pre-oriented position (A), the apparatus being provided with a transfer conveyor (5) having grippers (6) which are each adapted to pick up an egg from the pre-oriented position (A), the grippers (6) being adapted to bring the eggs into an aligned position (C) and to transfer the eggs from the aligned position (C) to the second conveyor (2).

Abstract: A component mounting device adapted to mount components such IC or the like on a printed circuit board that includes replaceable pick up nozzles to accommodate different types of components to be picked up. A sensing station is provided that permits the pick up nozzle to be verified as the correct one. The same sensing station is employed to sense both the orientation of a component that is picked up and also whether the component is correctly oriented for deposit. This is done by measuring projected lengths in a plane with a photo sensitive device and by making calculations in accordance with trigonometric relationships.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer positioner including a rotating table on which a wafer is placed and a peripheral shape of the wafer is optically detected as a first peripheral shape signal. A control section combines two half cycle components of the first peripheral shape signal, the components being 180.degree. out of phase, to obtain a second peripheral shape signal exhibiting a characteristic feature of flat orientation. A peak in the second peripheral shape signal is detected, and data in the first peripheral shape signal corresponding to the peak and 180.degree. from the peak is invalidated. A curve approximation is utilized to approximate the invalidated data to produce a third peripheral shape signal from which an eccentricity amount and direction are calculated.

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 specific number of printed products is arranged on a supporting belt in a compacted imbricated formation. The printed product arranged at the leading end of the imbricated formation, as seen in the conveying direction, rests with its bottom end against a stop element. The printed product arranged at the other end bears, with its lower flat side, on the supporting belt. By virtue of the upending element being pivoted from a horizontal to an upright position, the imbricated formation is formed into a horizontal stack which is transferred to the removal conveyor by means of the stack transporter.

Abstract: A media autochanger flipping assembly which includes a base unit and a media holder unit which is rotatably attached to the base unit. A brake drum is fixedly attached to one of the base unit and the media holder unit 14. A brake drum engager is attached to the other of the base unit and the media holder unit. The brake drum and brake engager co-act to produce a torque on the media holder which resists rotation in the flip direction and thus controls the flip speed of the media holder unit.