Abstract: To suppress deformation of a portion to be clamped even when a load applied to the portion to be clamped is increased at the time of fixing a front opening unified pod (FOUP), a clamping arm pivotable between a retracting position and a clamping position about a rotational axis inclined relative to a bottom surface of the FOUP is arranged. The clamping arm is housed in a housing depression so that the clamping arm at the retracting position is situated below a surface of a mount base, and at the clamping position, protrudes from the surface of the mount base and becomes engageable with the portion to be clamped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method by which a substrate (typically, a TFT substrate) can be installed directly in a treatment apparatus by using a transfer container without transferring the substrate. It is possible to use the container efficiently and transfer different substrates in size with one container. A manufacturing method in which a substrate is directly installed in an electrostatic-protected transfer container by a substrate supplier, and then the container is directly installed a treatment apparatus by a substrate demander after transferring can be realized, thereby making it possible to transfer substrates such as a TFT substrate. A contamination of a substrate due to particles and electrostatic discharge damage of a TFT substrate can be avoided because a transferring operation is not needed.

Abstract: A feeder and a feeder control method, as well as an electronic component device, reliably engaging a supply tape in a loading operation even if there is an accumulated pitch error between sprocket holes. Third, second and first sprockets are arranged successively from an insertion port. The sprocket hole on a forward end portion of the inserted supply tape is fitted with a third tooth of the third sprocket in the loading operation. The supply tape is rotated by rotation of the third sprocket until fitting with a second tooth of the second sprocket, and the rotation of the third sprocket is stopped after the second tooth fits with the sprocket hole on the forward end portion.

Abstract: A receptacle for disposing of drilling waste includes a frame, a body coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame, a flap movable relative to the body between closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position for receiving waste and releasing the waste, and an actuator. The actuator acts between the body and the frame to rotate the body relative to the frame and cause the body to move relative to the flap for releasing the waste at a dump site.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus includes a vessel loading unit on which a substrate vessel configured to accommodate a plurality of substrates at a first interval is loaded, a substrate holder configured to hold the plurality of substrates at a second interval which is smaller than the first interval, a substrate transfer unit capable of supporting the substrates and configured to transfer the plurality of substrates between the substrate holder and the substrate vessel and includes at least two substrate supporting parts stacked with the first interval therebetween and configured to be simultaneously advanced and retreated relative to the substrate vessel and individually advanced and retreated relative to the substrate holder, and a control unit configured to control an upper one of the at least two substrate supporting parts to be in an inoperative state when a lower one is supporting the substrate.

Abstract: A bulk material handling device can comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base. The frame can have a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also comprise a carriage slidably coupled to the frame. The carriage can have a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the bulk material handling device can comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

Abstract: A container (1) for transportation and/or storage of items is provided with under-slung lifting formations (8, 9) for aiding lifting of the container, rotatable support members (10, 11) upon which the container may be moved, and/or means (17) for securing like containers positioned in side by side relationship to be releasably secured to one another. The invention enables securing together containers in side by side relationship and moving/lifting the containers together between picking or loading locations. Following loading of the containers with at least some material at the distributed picking/loading locations, the containers may be disengaged and separated for onward transportation in separation.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for, unwrapping a module of cotton or other fibrous material from a wrapping having at least one layer of plastics-sheet material, the method including the steps of: raising the module to a first, or elevated, position on a lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface; advancing a plurality of gripper heads, mounted on a support frame, to an advanced position, into gripping engagement with the layer(s) of the sheet material wrapping; lowering the lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface from the first position towards a second, or lowered, position; and retracting the plurality of gripper heads, to expand the wrapping to progressively release the cotton or other fibrous material from the lower portion to the upper portion of the module.

Abstract: A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.

Abstract: A method for unlatching a latch on a container includes providing a lifting arm for lifting a latched container. Moving the latched container from a first position to a second position with the lifting arm and unlatching the container by flexing the latch on the container by moving the container from the first position to the second position. The latch includes a first member which is pivotably mounted to a lid. A second member is adapted to selectively engage a projection on a body of the container. An arch member connects the first member to the second member and a handle extends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the arch member extends. The step of deflecting the handle is by movement of the moving member to the flex the latch.

Abstract: A user pay waste disposal container, having a waste receiving compartment; a waste entry door into the waste receiving compartment; locking means for reversibly locking the waste entry door; and payment means for unlocking the waste entry door. The container may have a waste storage compartment adjacent the waste receiving compartment; and waste transfer means for transferring the waste from the receiving compartment to the storage compartment. A waste disposal system and method using the user pay containers distributed in a network of locations accessible to users for waste disposal.

Abstract: An automatic stack feeder having a moveable stack or product guide is disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may be configured to receive a stack of articles and a container enclosing a stack of articles. To ensure the stack of articles is properly supported following unloading from the container, the stack guide is moveable between a first and a second position, wherein the stack guide is in contact with the stack of articles while in the first position, and not in contact with the stack when in the second position.

Abstract: A pill extraction device removes pills from a blister pack. The blister pack sits on a plate of the device, while a roller rolls across the blister pack to contact the blisters a row at a time and applies a force sufficient to extract the pills through the backing of the blister pack. The pills preferably fall through holes in the plate and may be collected on a tray under the plate. The roller is actuated by a crank, and a gear mechanism controls the advancement of the roller. Methods of extracting pills from a blister pack are also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible mail container and related method. The convertible mail container includes a bottom, two fixed side walls connected to the bottom, and a fixed end wall connected to the side walls and to the bottom. The convertible mail container also includes a movable wall that is movable from a first position where the movable wall forms a second end wall of the convertible mail container, opposite the fixed end wall, to a second position where the movable wall is adjacent to the two fixed side walls and the fixed end wall so that it covers a portion of a top opening of the convertible mail container.

Abstract: A trash container stowing assembly (10) for installation on a lawn area (11) next to a roadway (12) adjacent a curb (13). The assembly (10) comprises a bracket (20) propped up by a post (30) anchored to the ground. Trash containers (40) having side handles (42) are secured to hooks on opposite sides of the bracket (30) so as to prevent them from falling over, blowing off, rolling away, or otherwise causing havoc on the roadway (12).

Abstract: A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

Abstract: A bin moving assembly is provided for tipping and moving upright wheeled recycling bins. The assembly includes a jack and a pair of wheels coupled to the jack. A fork is coupled to and extends from the jack. The jack selectively extends the fork upwardly whereby the fork is configured for engaging and tipping an upright wheeled recycling bin. A handle is coupled to the jack to facilitate moving the jack when the fork engages the bin whereby the bin is moved with the jack.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A mailpiece transfer system uses a transfer box to unload a plurality of mailpieces from an open tray, while maintaining an orientation alignment of the flat items. The tray is placed in the transfer box, after which the transfer box, holding the tray, is rotated to cause the mailpieces to rest against a cover of the transfer box. The tray is then removed, and the transfer box rotated again, allowing the substantially flat items to rest against a bottom of the transfer box, but without the tray. The mailpieces are then guided to a next workstation. The mailpieces may be edged for delivery to the next workstation.

Abstract: To collect refuse, a portable material container gripper is mounted to lift arms of a refuse collection truck. The portable material container gripper is easily mounted to the lift arms by inserting a tube around the lift arms and locking it in place with a bar passing through an opening in the tube. The portable material container gripper includes a clamp that clamps around a horizontal bar on a refuse or material container to hold the refuse or material container in place while it is dumped into the bed of the refuse collection truck by the lift arms.

Abstract: An expeditionary module comprises one or more mission capabilities package (MCP) carts, to provide a self-contained mission support system, such as in remote and austere environments. The exterior structure of the expeditionary module may to preferably comprise a standard shipping container. One or more MCP carts are stowable within the exterior structure, such as on a U-channel track and I-Beam rail system that runs longitudinally along the floor and ceiling of the exterior structure. The expeditionary module typically comprises a suite of standard equipment, to provide general-purpose functionality. Prior to deployment, one or more MCP carts may preferably be selected for an operation, and are loaded into the expeditionary module, via the U-channel track and I-Beam rail system. Upon arrival at the operation location, personnel readily unload the MCP carts. Additional structures allow personnel to configure one or more MCP carts and containers in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes an automated cover system.

Abstract: A paint caddy includes a base having at least two walls and a pole coupled to and extending upwardly from the base. The base has at least one base support extending between the walls for capturing and supporting a paint tray therebetween. The pole has at least a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, with the substantially horizontal portion serving as a handle for carrying a paint tray. A hook extends from the pole and is positioned below and spaced from the handle.

Abstract: This application discloses trunnion bar retention systems, the systems may include a pair of holding pieces configured to be coupled to a garbage truck; and a stop formed in each of the holding pieces configured to substantially prevent a trunnion bar from exiting the retention system in response to operation of the packing panels when a container is dumped into the garbage truck, wherein the stop is fixedly attached to the holding piece. In some embodiments, the stop and the holding piece form a trunnion pocket. The system may further include a locking bar pivotably coupled to each of the pair of holding pieces, and a latch coupled to each of the pair of holding pieces, the latches being configured to selectively secure the locking bars to the holding pieces.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for collecting and sorting material includes at least one container disposed in a material-storage compartment of the motor vehicle, a bin tipper configured to receive a collection bin containing the material, and a hopper configured to receive the material from the collection bin and transport the material to a selected location in the material-storage compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A round module unwrapping method is disclosed. Said round module unwrapping method comprising: supporting one or more round modules on a module feeder floor of a round module unwrapping system, detaching a first flap from a second flap of a module wrapper of said round modules, and pulling said second flap of said module wrapper. Said round module unwrapping system comprises a module feeder floor, a first side and a second side. Each of said round modules comprise a module wrapper holding a packed fibrous material. Each of said round modules comprise a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top, and a bottom. Each of said module wrappers comprise said first flap, said second flap, an inside surface, and an outside surface.

Abstract: A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging disks in a processing cassette includes a first conveyor configured to transfer a shipping cassette containing a plurality of disks to a first position and a comb assembly configured to displace one or more of the plurality of disks from the shipping cassette in the first position. A mandrel assembly is configured to remove the one or more displaced disks from the comb assembly and a turntable assembly is configured to rotate the comb assembly and the shipping cassette from the first position to a second position. The mandrel assembly is further configured to return the one or more displaced disks to the comb assembly and the comb assembly is further configured to replace the one or more displaced disks in the shipping cassette in the second position.

Abstract: A compact lifter is disclosed which allows for an improved operating envelope of the liftplate. The lifter utilizes a motor having 210 degrees of rotation and lifting arms of a unique geometry to rotate a liftplate from a retracted position below and in front of the lifter baseplate to a dumping position wherein the opening of a refuse cart is located substantially forward of an inner hopper or container edge. As a result, refuse is dumped further into the container or vehicle hopper, which minimizes the number of packing cycles required as multiple refuse carts are emptied. The liftplate is attached to the motor using dual lifting arms, and includes a fixed upper hook. A rotating, retractable lower hooking mechanism holds the refuse cart during dumping. The compact design improves ground clearance when the lifter is retracted, permits the dumping of large commercial containers over the lifter, and requires no modification of the hopper structure of a rear-loading refuse collection vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: A method of controlling the deposition and packing of refuse in a refuse vehicle body that includes a container handling lift and dump mechanism that automatically grasps, lifts and dumps refuse containers into a charging hopper and a packer panel and attached follower panel operable in the charging hopper, the method comprising causing the container handling lift and dump mechanism to pause before dumping a container in a lift and dump cycle until the packer panel is fully retracted.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts an apparatus and method for transferring beverage glasses from a first a beverage glass containment rack to an empty second beverage glass containment rack. Each rack includes side walls and a plurality of chambers arrayed within the perimeter. Each chamber of the rack is adapted to contain a beverage glass. The apparatus has side walls bearing edges adapted to engage the perimeter of the glass rack when in a mounted position. It also has a center divider within an interior of the apparatus and orthogonal its side walls. A plurality of ducts is arrayed within the side walls, each respective duct passing through and coupled to the center divider such that each respective duct is positioned to fit within a respective chamber when in the mounted position.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: A method and a device for the automated emptying of packets and packages or similar piece goods from a collection or transport container holding the piece goods. The container is pivotable to this end by way of a tipping device at least temporarily holding the container, according to a defined motion schema, into an emptying position. In order to provide an effective, automated solution for gently emptying packets and packages or similar piece goods from collection or transport containers, allowing for simultaneous minimizing of the damage occurring at low cycle times, the collection or transport container is tipped out, wherein the motion schema and thus the tipping procedure of the collection or transport container can be accelerated or decelerated as a function of the current emptying procedure and/or considering the speed and/or amount of the tipped-out piece goods.

Abstract: An assembly for enabling the release of produce from a module retained by a plastics sleeve. The apparatus comprises a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet. A gantry supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module. There are means to enable the compression assembly to move between a non working state in which the compression assembly is elevated above a work station and a working state in which the compression assembly is at a work station in which compression arms are capable of retaining a produce module. The compression assembly includes means to enable the arms to apply a radial force to the module sufficient to allow the compression assembly to remove the plastics sleeve and allow the produce to gravitate through a free end of the module as the plastics sleeve is elevated away from the produce.

Abstract: An article supply apparatus includes a container storage rack for storing containers, and an article storage rack for storing articles taken out of the container. The article supply apparatus includes a transfer apparatus for transporting the articles between the container of the container storage rack and the article storage rack. The article supply apparatus includes a transportation apparatus for transporting the container between the transfer apparatus and the container storage rack, and a supply apparatus for taking required articles out of the article storage rack, and supplying the articles to a processing tool and supply the articles from the processing tool to the article storage rack.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting whether or not a lid is fixed to a pod appropriately when performing an operation of closing an opening of the pod by the lid in an FIMS system. Determination is made whether or not a door is present at a predetermined position when the lid is attached to the pod and whether or not the pod is displaced from a position of opening/closing the lid, and determination is made again, after the lid engages with the pod, whether or not the door is present at the predetermined position and whether or not the pod is displaced from the position of opening/closing the lid. When it is confirmed in both the determinations that the door is present at the predetermined position and the pod is not displaced, determination that fixation of the lid is appropriate is made.

Abstract: A dolly system for moving and disposing of garbage includes a frame assembly, and a holder assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a pair of rails. The frame assembly can rest on a surface (for example, on wheels for the frame assembly.) The frame assembly can be declined (for example, tilted back wheels). The holder assembly includes a carriage and a holder coupled to the carriage. The holder can hold a garbage container. When the frame assembly is declined, the rails of the frame assembly may form a ramp for the holder assembly. The carriage of the holder assembly can slide up and down on the rails of the frame assembly. The holder is movable relative to the carriage (for example, by tipping the holder) to empty contents out of the garbage container when the carriage is in a raised position on the ramp.

Abstract: The trash container includes a container body including a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, a right side wall, a left side wall and a top section defining together an interior compartment for collecting and containing trash. It also includes a trash can dumping mechanism positioned on the rear wall of the container body. The trash can dumping mechanism is provided to lift and tip a trash can to transfer trash from inside the trash can into the interior compartment of the container body. The fact that the trash can dumping mechanism is position at the rear greatly simplifies the task of emptying trash cans when the service door of a building is closer to the rear side of the trash container than the front side thereof. This feature can save time and efforts, especially in cold and/or bad weather.

Abstract: A flexible container assembly and methods for making and using such an assembly are disclosed herein. The assembly is configured to hold an amount of material, such as heavy and/or bulky material (e.g., industrial, job or work site waste material). In some embodiments, the assembly includes a support structure and a flexible container structure configured to interface with, so as to be supported at least in part by, the support structure.

Abstract: A pouring assistance device and method for pouring the contents from a container removably secured to the device. The device includes a base, and a support platform pivotally mounted to the base for supporting the container removably placed on the support platform. One or more tilt handles are mounted to the base for tilting the support platform. A restraining guide attached to the support platform secures the container on the support platform when the support platform is tilted.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and a wafer loading/unloading method thereof increase productivity.

Abstract: The automatic bag opening and slitting machine has a spike star wheels assembly comprising either of one or a combination of star wheels or cylindroid drum like object. The star wheels assembly is provided with spikes which convey a bag, impaled on the spikes when in an extended position, and extends beneath rotary cutting disks driven by two independent pneumatic or electric motors, that may make a continuous cut around three sides of the bag, so that after cutting thereof, the bag comprises two halves joined only at the rear or trailing side of the bag.

Abstract: A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use.

Abstract: A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials.

Abstract: A method of forming stacks of wafers. One half of the number of the wafers provided serially in the transfer carrier is transferred out of the transfer carrier in the form of a first wafer stack in a mounted standby position located outside of the transfer carrier, then the other half of the number of wafers serially provided in the transfer carrier is moved out of the transfer carrier in the form of a second wafer stack and the second wafer stack is swiveled so that the wafers of the second wafer stack reach a position swiveled by 180° in relation to the position of the wafers of the first wafer stack in its standby position. The second wafer stack is transferred to the standby position of the first wafer stack, aligned to it and then joined together as form fitting with the first wafer stack.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for swapping pods within a semiconductor processing tool during a substrate processing cycle. A dirty pod carrying a substrate in need of processing is provided within the processing tool, and the substrate is transferred into a processing chamber thereof. At least one clean pod is also provided within the processing tool. Upon substrate processing completion, the processed substrate is transferred from the chamber directly into a clean pod within the processing tool. Wherein a plurality of substrates are processed within the chamber, a plurality of clean pods may be provided within the tool whereby the plurality of substrates are transferred into a single clean pod or split into subsets that are transferred into different clean pods within the processing tool. The clean pod(s) carrying the processed substrate(s) are then transferred to other tool(s) for continued semiconductor fabrication processing.