Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.

Abstract: A hazardous materials shipping system for tracking a plurality of packages containing hazardous materials. The shipping system includes a shipment order system configured to record shipping and hazardous materials information, and to issue a tracking number for the package. A package tracking system tracks a path of the package through various delivery vehicles and other facilities. Information on the hazardous materials can be correlated with the delivery path of the package by a hazardous materials database system using the tracking number. Optionally, the hazardous materials database system can make the delivery path and hazardous materials information available to an emergency response team to facilitate containment and cleanup of hazardous materials along the path. As another advantage, the hazardous materials database system can compare the paths of various packages to determine if cross-contamination has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring unit (5) for monitoring a first control value (Inom) for overshooting or undershooting of a threshold value (Imax) with the first control value (Inom) being used for controlling an apparatus (3). The monitoring unit (5) in this case has determination means (10, 20, 30, 40, 45) for determining the threshold value (Imax) from an instantaneous value (Is) of the first control value (Inom) when the apparatus (3) reaches a predetermined operating state, and monitoring means (50, 60) for monitoring the first control value (Inom) for overshooting or undershooting of the determined threshold value (Imax) after the apparatus (3) has reached the predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A shipment management system includes a shipment management server (1), a database (2), a network (3), and a plurality of client computers (4). The shipment management server includes a basic data receiving module (10) for receiving basic data; a product warehousing module (11) for warehousing products; a shipment sheet generating module (12) for determining clients to which products are shipped, shipping dates, and generating shipment sheets; a shipment sheet processing module (13) for collecting shipment sheets, generating an accumulative shipment sheet for each client, and arranging for packing of products to be shipped; a shipment confirming module (14) for confirming shipment, and transmitting the confirmation of shipment to an external system (5); and a report generating module (15) for generating shipment reports. A related shipment management method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for eliminating instability in intelligent assist devices are disclosed. The intelligent assist device includes an overhead motorized moveable trolley, a support that extends downwardly from the trolley to a payload, and a sensor operatively coupled to the support to sense a characteristic of motion imparted by a human operator to the device. A controller is operatively coupled with the sensor and the trolley to control movements of the trolley. The controller estimates an amount of oscillation in the support that does not correspond to the motion imparted by the human operator and adjusts movements of the trolley based thereon.

Abstract: A method for forming an apparatus for storing and releasing containers (C1-C15) or such substantially box-shaped storing devices, comprising at least rails (28) having thereon a series of trolleys (14) mobile on the rails, on which trolleys the containers can be carried, the rails being supported by a supporting frame (54), which supporting frame is substantially built up from a series of standard modules, while, for a location, it is determined how many containers (7) are to be potentially storable therein, after which a construction for a supporting frame is determined on the basis of the modules, which modules are subsequently packaged and transported to said location, where the construction is built up from at least the modules.

Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination, the printed products including either bound and non-bound printed products.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically determining the location of equipment mounted in a rack is disclosed. The method and system comprises providing a plurality of signal emitting elements within the rack and transmitting positional information from the rack to the equipment via at least one signal emitting element of the plurality of signal emitting elements. The equipment receives the positional information transmitted by the at least one signal emitting element, and is capable of reporting the positional information, such that the location of the equipment can be determined.

Abstract: An automatic star sticker vending machine and a method for updating information thereof, wherein a newest image (photograph) and newest information of a star (an animation character, celebrity, popular person, performer, notable figure or the like) desired by a user are provided in real time and outputted in the form of a sticker directly without being synthesized, or after being synthesized according to the user's tastes. Star images in the star sticker vending machine are updated with newest ones in real time over the Internet such that the user synthesizes a newest image (photograph file) of his/her favourite star, his/her image (photograph) and a desired image and outputs the synthesized result in the form of a sticker or downloads and stores it into a storage medium in the form of a file. Therefore, the user's various desires can be met and the user can be more familiar with the favourite star.

Abstract: The invention is a method for objects delivery at a location comprising the steps of using a mobile computer having a bar code reader, a display, an audio output device, a tactile input device, text to speech software, a voice recognition software, delivery system software, and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein said mobile computer is adapted for communication between a delivery server system and a user and the delivery server system is adapted for communication between the mobile computer and at least one external computer system.

Abstract: A parts placement calculation system comprises parts selection means 18 for selecting parts with the highest parts point value, store selection means 20 for selecting a store with the highest store point value, and placement determination means 22 for determining whether or not parts can be placed in a store based on a predetermined constraint condition for placing the parts. When the placement determination means 22 determines that parts cannot be placed in a store, the store is deleted from a list of placement possible stores, and then the store selection means 20 is activated again. When the placement determination means 22 determines that parts can be placed in a store, a parts area for placing the target parts are determined within the store. Then, after the parts are deleted from the list of parts to be placed, the parts selection means 18 is reactivated.

Abstract: A synchronous controller capable of easily controlling a slave axis in synchronism with a master axis performing a composite motion of a plurality of axes. Motion commands for two axes X, Y constituting the master axis are subject to interpolation/distribution and acceleration/deceleration processing, to determine distribution motion amounts, and the determined amounts of motion of the two axes X, Y constituting the master axis for every interpolation period are combined to determine an amount of motion M of the master axis, from which is determined an amount of motion of the slave axis for every interpolation/distribution period. The determined amounts of motion of the X, Y and slave axes are output to respective servo control means, thus driving the respective axes.

Abstract: Plant parameters and performance of an industrial plant such as a boiling water nuclear reactor plant can be assessed over a global network. Plant parameter and performance data are compiled from a plurality of operating plants, and this data is stored in a categorized historical database. Users are provided access to the historical database over the global network to perform self-assessments and generate comparison graphics showing percentile ranking, trending, etc. Data generated at a particular plant can be downloaded to a server site for more detailed engineering analyses using conventional methods. Reports and commentary on the analyses can be returned to the user via the global network.

Abstract: At a time Tp when a wafer W is transferred into either a load lock chamber LL1 or LL2, periods PSL for the load lock chambers LL1 and LL2 to get ready to permit a transfer of a next wafer W thereinto are calculated based on a timing for exchange of wafers W between the load lock chamber LL1 or LL2 and a loader module LM. When the periods PSL are calculated, a loader arm LA1 or LA2 selects a next wafer W having the shortest period to get ready to be transferable into the load lock chamber LL1 or LL2, from load ports LP1 to LP3. This improves transfer delay in a cluster tool provided with the load lock chambers.

Abstract: A method for providing distributed material management and flow control in an integrated circuit (IC) factory. The IC factory comprises a factory stocker, a plurality of process bays and a factory transport agent for moving wafer cassettes between the bay and the stocker. Each of the bays comprises a bay stocker, a plurality of tools, a mini-stocker and a bay transport agent for moving wafers amongst the bay components. The apparatus uses partitioned stockers to facilitate deadlock avoidance or deadlock resolution. Additionally, various algorithms are used to detect wafer cassette movement situations where deadlocks may result from a wafer cassette movement within a bay and for resolving deadlocks when they occur.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for wafer processing. A wafer processing apparatus includes: a first wafer transporter; a process station coupled to the first wafer transporter, the process station including: a first plurality of wafer processing stacks, each of the plurality of wafer processing stacks including a plurality of wafer processing modules, and a second wafer transporter coupled to the plurality of wafer processing modules, each of the plurality of wafer processing modules adjacent, and accessible by, the second wafer transporter; and a third wafer transporter coupled to the process station, wherein any of the plurality of wafer processing modules in any of the plurality of wafer processing stacks can be accessed by at least two adjacent wafer transporters from among the first, second and third wafer transporter.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tyres of different types simultaneously includes a central processing unit, work stations, and local processing units. The central processing unit causes sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps at the work stations according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres. Each work station includes at least one operating unit. A local processing unit is associated with each work station. The local processing units associated with the work stations identify types of tyres corresponding to supporting members for the tyres. The local processing units associated with the work stations also select, from a predetermined group of operating procedures for each operating unit, a specific procedure for a type of tyre corresponding to a respective supporting member at a respective operating unit. A related method for producing tyres of different types simultaneously is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for optimally designing automobile door seals. The system comprises data storage, data management and model design. The data storage consists of a plurality of storage units, each of which has data necessary for each condition. The data management consists of a plurality of mode selection units for selecting a mode from the data storage according to the characteristics of a door seal to be developed. The model design designs a complete door seal by imposing a variety of conditions on a model selected from the data management and performing various tests.

Abstract: A load handling operation control apparatus for an industrial vehicle, which has a load carrying apparatus provided movably on a vehicle body, is provided. A load carrying apparatus 2 is positioned with a load handling target 41, 42 according to its movement. A load handling control section 47 has a display device 28 and a detection device for detecting the position of the load handling target. A image control section 46 displays positioning information for supporting positioning of the load carrying apparatus 2 with respect to the load handling target 41, 42 on the display device 28 based on a positional detection result detected by the detection device.

Abstract: The system and method herein provide a prealigner that has reduced sensitivity to distorting ambient light influences in the environment of a prealigner integrated in a metrology apparatus. A modulated signal is produced by a photo detector in response to modulated light that is partially shielded by wafer positioned in a gap between light source and detector. The pulsed signal is bandpass filtered and demodulated whereby only the difference between high- and low-levels of the pulsed signal are recognized. Flickering and DC components related to ambient light and other distorting operational influences are removed from the analysis unrecognized. Demodulation is synchronously accomplished together with a switching of the light source's power supply. For stable voltage levels of the power supply, a current source is buffered during off-intervals for a constant load on the current source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a random sample. The method includes randomly selecting a sample of a mailing at a DMU. This sample is then analyzed for conformance with United States Postal Service standards.

Abstract: The following processing is performed when a line gang pickup head can simultaneously pick up a maximum of n (here, 4) components. First, groupings of components of the same type, out of all of the components to be optimized, are set as component tapes and the component tapes are arranged descending order of the number of components to produce a component histogram (406a). Next, a partial histogram (400), which is part of the component histogram (406a), is taken from the component histogram (406a), and is arranged at two-dimensional coordinates where a horizontal axis (the Z-axis) represents an arrangement of component cassettes and a vertical axis represents a number of pickup operations by the line gang pickup head. After this, the component tapes are lined up, by arranging the partial histograms (401a and 401b), so as to produce a diagram (406b) whose width (number of components) in the horizontal axis is n (=4).

Abstract: A system for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing center to passenger carrying vehicles comprises packaging the products in a manufacturing center into carriers. Each carrier carrying a plurality of products. The carriers are delivered in bulk to a distribution center. At the distribution center predetermined numbers of carriers are loaded into respective containers for distribution to the vehicles. In transit in the vehicles the products are distributed to the passengers from the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring unit (5) for monitoring a first control value (Inom) for overshooting or undershooting of a threshold value (Imax), with the first control value (Inom) being used for controlling an apparatus (3). The monitoring unit (5) in this case has determination means (10, 20, 30, 40, 45) for determining the threshold value (Imax) from an instantaneous value (Is) of the first control value (Inom) when the apparatus (3) reaches a predetermined operating state, and monitoring means (50, 60) for monitoring the first control value (Inom) for overshooting or undershooting of the determined threshold value (Imax) after the apparatus (3) has reached the predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A system for determining a position error in a wafer handling device includes a control module, an image acquisition module, and an image analysis module. The control module moves a workpiece having one or more reference marks, and the image acquisition module captures an image of at least one reference mark. The image analysis module, which is coupled to the image acquisition module, compares the captured image to stored target information to determine a position error.

Abstract: A system for handling of items constituting a range of items is provided including at least one central control unit, at least one mobile communication unit designed to generate audio and/or visual location signals on the basis of preferably wireless communication signals generated by or the central control units, and at least one return signal path between the communication unit and the central control unit. The items are located in macro zones with at least one underlying hierarchy of elementary zones and each macro zone includes one visual indication system directly or indirectly controlled by the central control unit on the basis of the current location action.

Abstract: Working machinery for working an elongated work comprises a work stocker configured to store a plurality of works, a work carrying-in machine configured to carry in the works from the work stocker to a working area, a positioning device configured to position the work in the working area, a work clamper provided in the working area and configured to clamp the work in a vertical direction, a plurality of working machines arranged on both sides of the working clamper to work the elongated work from both sides of the work, a plurality of driving devices configured to move the working machines respectively in a longitudinal direction, a controller configured to control the working machines and the driving device, and a work carrying-out machine configured to carry out the work which is completed in working from the working area.

Abstract: Techniques are described for distributed production of license plates, such as license plates for motor vehicles, in a secure manner. License plates may be printed at a local branch office subject to the control of a client computer. A server computer may regulate the operations of the client computers at the branch offices. The production system includes any of several security features to deter forgery and counterfeiting. For example, the security components that make up a finished license plate may be separately secured with unique security elements. The finished license plate may also have a unique security element.

Abstract: A manufacturing operation having a first production area, a second production area, and a plurality of platforms each having independently controllable drive assemblies for moving the platforms through the production and delivery areas. Adjacent platforms are spaced from one another a first distance in the delivery areas and a second distance in the production areas, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance and, preferably, where the second distance creates a “zero” gap between adjacent platform decks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated continuous haulage apparatus and method designed for use in underground environment. Each mobile bridge carrier (10) contains distance measurement (70) and angular position (74) means for determining the mobile bridge carrier's (10) position and the angular position of attached piggyback conveyors (30). Means for determining the ceiling height (76) are utilized to adjust the height of the piggyback conveyors (30). On each mobile bridge carrier (10), input from the various sensors is received by an electronic controller (80) that calculates the position and orientation of the bridge carrier (10) and attached piggyback conveyors (30). The controller then plans an optimal path of movement for the bridge carrier (10) and computes the rate of movement for each independently operated track assembly on the bridge carrier such that the bridge carrier (10) and piggyback conveyors (30) arrive as close as possible to the planned path.

Abstract: A method for preparing a manufacturing plan for a manufacturing factory having multiple equipments and charged with multiple processes. The equipment is assigned to the processes to determine an operation pattern for a day. A load of each process is allotted among the equipment assigned to the process. Total load of each equipment is calculated by summing the allotted load. A capability index of each equipment is determined by dividing capacity of the equipment by the total load of the equipment. The capability index is multiplied by the allotted load to provide a feasible load of the equipment for the process. By summing the feasible load of each equipment, a total feasible load under the operation pattern is calculated for each process. By comparing the total feasible load with the load for each process, the operation pattern is determined whether acceptable or not.

Abstract: A computer processing system for a shipment transaction involving a shipper and a carrier. The system is particularly suited to efficiently automate the payment of a shipment transaction and to efficiently provide access to relevant shipment information. The system includes a shipper processor which receives purchase order information and assists in generating a bill of lading for the transaction. A shipper access terminal interfaces between the shipper processor and a central processor arrangement to control the quantity, quality, and timeliness of information transferred to the central processor arrangement. The central processor arrangement stores selective shipment information and generates reports regarding the transactions. A carrier processor provides proof of delivery to the central processor arrangement. The central processor communicates with one or more financial institutions so that the carrier is paid and shipper billed for the relevant transaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and corresponding method for processing, i.e. testing, sorting and/or destroying, sheet material, in particular bank notes, comprising a processing device (10) having at least one means (13, 14, 41) for generating information on the processing of individual sheets (12) of sheet material, and at least one monitoring device (20) having at least one memory device (21) for storing the information on the processing of individual sheets (12).

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a real-time command detector connected to the data receiver without the memory therebetween to detect control commands. Status data is transmitted to a host device in response to a real-time command from the host device.

Abstract: A hand-held device for alerting a user when scheduled medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals should be ingested. The device includes a processor positioned and a memory unit connected to the processor for storing user input data concerning a schedule for ingesting desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals. A display screen displays a message from the processor related to the schedule and function keys are connected to the processor for inputting the data concerning the schedule. The data includes a signal identifing the desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals to be ingested and a time at which they are to be ingested. The processor monitors a time of day and alerts the user when a scheduled time arrives. A speaker is connected to the processor for generating an audible alarm signal and alerting the user when a scheduled time arrives.

Abstract: A computer processing system for a shipment transaction involving shippers and carriers. The system is particularly suited to efficiently and automatically audit and effect payment of a shipment transaction and to efficiently provide access to relevant shipment information. According to one example embodiment, the system includes a processor arrangement that monitors shipper credit data and processes shipment transaction information in response to control data from a user identified from a database of shippers and carriers. Validated users of the shippers and carriers are assigned varying communication access levels authorizing transactions, such as payment to carriers. In response, the processor arrangement audits shipment transactions, issues reports on the audits, assists in resolving discrepancies and effect payments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-scale carrying system that allows the operation of only a part of the system which has been completely constructed, while concurrently allowing the construction of a part of the system which has not been constructed yet. A carrying system comprises a carrying vehicle system 3 which carries an article to a predetermined location using a carrying vehicle, an article housing system 4 in which the article is temporarily housed for storage, an integrating controller 5 which integrally controls a system set 2 comprising at least one carrying vehicle system 3 and at least one article housing system 4, and an auxiliary controller 14 which can integrally manage at least part of the system set. The integrating controller 5 and the auxiliary controller 14 are connected together through a network. It is thus possible to transfer data on the part of the system set 2 which is integrally managed by the auxiliary controller 14, to the integrating controller 5.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a wiring harness or a substrate for wiring wherein the wiring diagram applied to the substrate is based on the wiring harness information. Entities representing connectors, binding parts, and wiring length information of wirings are input. The wiring arrangement diagram includes lines that correspond to the wirings and do not have a length corresponding to actual length of the wirings. The wiring harness is made using the information including total length of wiring between each of the connectors, harness information generated based on the entities, and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. Alternatively, the wiring harness information is used to draw a wiring diagram for fixing on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing time delays while loading and unloading a cargo ship includes scanning and using an identifier to determine content and destination information for a cargo container, using a trolley crane and spreader to move the container between a ship and an elevator, and loading and unloading containers between a horizontal conveyor and a trailer with an orthogonal coordinates crane. The container is moved up and down on the elevator between the trolley crane and spreader and the horizontal conveyor. The horizontal conveyor moves the container between the elevator and an orthogonal coordinates crane and spreader. The two cranes move the container more efficiently and rapidly, and the system permits some loading and unloading to occur in the absence of the cargo ship or trailer. The elevator and conveyor move the containers more quickly than a trolley crane alone, and can be automated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of printing and preparing mail from a data stream distributed in several pages which are intended to be printed on sheets and enveloped, the number of sheets contained in an envelope being able to vary from one envelope to another, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising a material delivery configuration configured with a first end and a second end, a transfer configuration connected to the first end of the garment delivery rail, a movable material handling arrangement configured to transfer at least one set of material on hangers supported by the arrangement, a computer, a user interface configured to accept, process and provide data to a user, the user interface connected to the computer to transfer and receive data, a clearing arrangement configured to remove material from the material delivery configuration; and an enclosure configured to separate a user from the movable material handling arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting parcels, including the concept of determining at least one component of the gravity center of said parcels. Determination of the gravity center component includes the use of a tilting action in combination with the use of sensors to sense the movement of the parcels as they tilt. Another concept includes the use of sensors to determine whether a parcel is sufficiently rigid to provide a tilting action, or whether the parcel is flexible and thus does not provide a tilting action so much as it provides a flexing action over the pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-scale carrying system that allows the operation of only a part of the system which has been completely constructed, while concurrently allowing the construction of a part of the system which has not been constructed yet. A carrying system comprises a carrying vehicle system 3 which carries an article to a predetermined location using a carrying vehicle, an article housing system 4 in which the article is temporarily housed for storage, an integrating controller 5 which integrally controls a system set 2 comprising at least one carrying vehicle system 3 and at least one article housing system 4, and an auxiliary controller 14 which can integrally manage at least part of the system set. The integrating controller 5 and the auxiliary controller 14 are connected together through a network. It is thus possible to transfer data on the part of the system set 2 which is integrally managed by the auxiliary controller 14, to the integrating controller 5.

Abstract: A transportation system includes lifts for inter-floor carriage, a carrier cart for intra-floor carriage, and a transit stocker for loading/unloading an article to/from the lift. For each of the lifts, operation status, that is, operating or not, is recorded in a database. The operating rate of each lift, carriage queue for each lift, and an inventory of each transit stocker might also be recorded in the database. When carriage of an article is required, a lift optimum for the carriage is selected from among the lifts based on the information recorded on the database.

Abstract: An object taking out apparatus capable of taking out randomly stacked objects with high reliability and low cost. An image of one of workpieces as objects of taking out at a reference position is captured by a video camera. Whole feature information and partial feature information are extracted from the captured image by a model creating section and a partial model creating section, respectively, and stored in a memory with information on partial feature detecting regions. An image of randomly stacked workpieces is captured and analyzed to determine positions/orientations of images of the respective workpieces using the whole feature information. Partial feature detecting regions are set to the images of the respective workpieces using the determined positions/orientations of the respective workpieces and information on partial feature detecting regions stored in the memory.

Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided with a photographing device for photographing subjects and a notifying device for making an advance notice of photographing with the photographing device. In addition, in a control method for the robot apparatus, an advance notice of photographing subjects is made and then photographs of the subjects are taken. As a result, a picture can be prevented from being taken by stealth, regardless of user's intention, and thus the user's privacy can be protected.

Abstract: A build cell is utilized to manufacture computers and load data into the computers according to customer orders. The build cell may include a build station at which components are assembled into a computer and a first network connection that links the computer with an on-site server. The build cell may also include a supplemental network connection that links the computer with an off-site server. Data from the on-site and off-site servers can be transferred to the computer via the first network connection and the supplemental network connection, respectively. Manufacturing facilities and assembly units including the same or similar functionality are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods that utilize automated and integratable workstations for identifying chemicals having useful activity. The present invention is also directed to chemical entities and information (e.g., chemical or biological activities of chemicals) generated or discovered by operation of workstations of the present invention. The present invention includes automated workstations that are programmably controlled to minimize processing times at each workstation and that can be integrated to minimize the processing time of the liquid samples from the start to finish of the process.

Abstract: A method of loading containers in an optimum way on a load-carrying platform of a vehicle calculates moment weight Wi·i which is multiplication of total weight W1 of containers in each row distant forward by i rows from the platform center by i; calculating moment weight W−i·i which is multiplication of total weight W−i of containers in each row distant rearward by i rows from the platform center by i; calculating the bias load ratio in the traveling direction, which is the ratio of the difference |&Sgr;Wi·i−&Sgr;W−1·i| between the total &Sgr;Wi·i of moment weights of rows located forward of the platform center C and the total &Sgr;W−1·i of moment weights of rows located rearward of the platform center C relative to the sum of same (&Sgr;Wi·i+&Sgr;W−i·i); similarly calculating the bias load ratio in the breadth direction; and loading the containers such that the calculated bias load ratio in the trav

Abstract: The invention provides a table angle controlling method capable of effectively preventing an article placed on a table (20), for example, from falling off by tilting the table so that the synthetic vector of horizontal acceleration and gravitational acceleration which act on the table acts on the table perpendicular thereto. The method has the steps of measuring the synthetic vector of horizontal acceleration and gravitational acting on the table (20) or a carriage (11) with the movement of the carriage (11), and tilting the table so that the synthetic vector obtained acts on the table perpendicular thereto. Alternatively the method has the steps of estimating acceleration acting on the table from a speed command value input to drive means for the carriage (11) for moving the carriage, calculating the synthetic vector of the estimated horizontal acceleration and gravitational acceleration, and tilting the table so that the synthetic vector obtained acts on the table perpendicular thereto.