Abstract: A case orienting system comprising a frame having a reference datum a traverse transport pivotally coupled to the frame about a traverse pivot axis, the traverse transport including a substantially continuous movable platform configured to support and transport at least one case in a case traverse direction along a traverse axis. The substantially continuous movable platform pivots about the traverse pivot axis to orient the case traverse direction to another traverse direction and a bias support disposed adjacent to and opposing the traverse transport and being movably coupled to the frame to move relative to the frame in opposition to the traverse transport, the bias support being configured to engage and seat against a seating surface of the at least one case to support the at least one case in a first orientation relative to the reference datum.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods to produce cannabis oil nanoemulsions. Cannabis oil nanoemulsions may be used for the production of beverages, pharmaceuticals, drugs, and spray-dried powders. Methods to produce a cannabis oil nanoemulsion are described, the methods includes a two-step process to emulsifying water and cannabis oil with a first emulsification system to produce a microemulsion; and introducing the microemulsion to a second emulsification system to produce the nanoemulsion. A variety of emulsification systems may be used including agitators, a rotor/stator, a sawtooth blade, colloid mill, piston pump, microfluidizer processor, and ultrasonic homogenizers. Water treatment prior to emulsification is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for positioning a substrate in a processing chamber using capacitive sensors. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate. The apparatus includes first and second capacitive sensors disposed in an inner volume. The first capacitive sensor is positioned to detect a location of an edge of the substrate at a first angular location. The second capacitive sensor is positioned to detect a vertical position of the substrate.

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprises a semiconductor light-emitting stacked layer having a first connecting surface, wherein the semiconductor light-emitting stacked layer comprises a first alignment pattern on the first connecting surface, and a substrate under the semiconductor light-emitting stacked layer, wherein the substrate has a second connecting surface being operable for connecting with the first connecting surface, wherein the substrate comprises a second alignment pattern on the second connecting surface, and the second alignment pattern is corresponding to the first alignment pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically and sequentially loading objects onto a feed system, each having a respective axis of rotation and respective first and second indices of rotation about the respective axes. The loading of each object onto the feed system causes an orientation in a predetermined relative position. The method consists in particular in selectively operating a relative rotation of the object and of the handling device about their axis of rotation to achieve the orientation.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: A load positioning apparatus includes a movable table that is urged and held at a forward limit position by a movable-table urging element, a load-supporting roller that allows the load to laterally move on a horizontal surface, and a load-positioning roller that is supported on the movable table and adjoins the side face of the load supported in the fixed position on the load supporting roller. The urging element allows the table to recede together with the load-positioning roller when a load is vertically lowered at a position where the load-positioning roller is pushed outwardly with respect to the fixed position. The urging element has an urging force sufficient to return the movable table to the forward limit position so as to push back the load to the fixed position via the load positioning roller.

Abstract: A container inverting device is capable of inverting containers that have a neck oriented in a first direction at the entrance of the device and then in a second direction at the exit of the device. The inverting device includes at least one clamp (45) for holding the neck of a container. The clamp (45) is mounted on a belt (49) by a fixing bracket (47), and in order to invert the container, the belt passes around at least one pulley (33) and moves the clamp from one side of the pulley (33) to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inverting heavy objects, the apparatus including: a retaining assembly, including two opposing retaining members each having rotational pins extending from the ends thereof, the rotational pins all reside together in a cross plane extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the retaining assembly, and the retaining members are spaced apart a consistent distance, a base member, including two open double bearing components positioned at opposite ends of the base member, each open double bearing component including two side-by-side troughs, and a securing member, operable to lock the retaining assembly into a secure position with respect to the base member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has a substrate transport apparatus for transporting substrates, a sensor, and a control system. The processing apparatus is adapted to effect relative movement between the substrate and the sensor. The processing apparatus is further adapted to determine a position of the substrate by sensing the substrate with the sensor.

Abstract: A compact multiple diameter wafer testing device with a footprint of about 33 by 34 inches features on-chuck wafer calibration and integrated cassette-chuck transfer. It includes a five axes wafer handling system, a quick exchange chuck and a fixed through beam sensor fixed. Two of the five axes are provided by an X-Y stage, a third axis is provided by a rotary stage on top of the X-Y stage, a fourth axis belongs to a rotating effector and a fifth axis is provided by motion controlled pin lifters all combined with the X-Y stage. The quick exchange chuck may be easily changed for different wafer diameters and also calibrated by the through beam sensor. The through beam sensor provides on-chuck position calibration of the chucked wafers in conjunction with the X-Y stage and rotary stage. The compact wafer testing device handles wafers between six and twelve inches diameter.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically and sequentially loading objects onto a feed system, each having a respective axis of rotation and respective first and second indices of rotation about the respective axes. The loading of each object onto the feed system causes an orientation in a predetermined relative position. The method consists in particular in selectively operating a relative rotation of the object and of the handling device about their axis of rotation to achieve the orientation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: A plate cassette loader for a platesetter comprises a cassette holder for receiving a cassette, containing a stack of plates. A cassette inverter then rotates this cassette to a feed position in which the plates can be fed into the imaging engine of the platesetter. In this way, the somewhat unwieldy process of loading plates into the imaging engine is handled by the cassette inverter, in combination with the fact that the stack of plates, contained in the cassette, can be loaded in one step, rather than requiring the feeding of individual plates by a dedicated operator.

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

Abstract: A method of processing a wafer includes placing a wafer atop a wafer chuck, wherein the chuck has a base and an upper body in which the upper body is coupled to the base by a flexible coupling that allows the upper body to tilt relative to the base. The wafer is engaged to a hollow sleeve and forms a floor creating an enclosed vessel to retain a processing fluid. Once the vessel is filled, the wafer is then processed utilizing the processing fluid. Further, the wafer tilts allowing for a compliant engagement of the wafer and the sleeve to prevent or reduce leakage of the processing fluid.

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: 1-Loader/unloader of printed circuits that includes a chassis (1) that carries a storage tray (2), a conveyor belt (4) and a mechanism for transferring the printed circuits (3) from the storage tray to the conveyor belt and vice versa. The transfer mechanism consists of a handling device comprising an arm (6) equipped with suction pads (5) for securing the printed circuits, which is moveable angularly between a receiving position, coinciding with the storage tray, and a final position, coinciding with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A material handling method and apparatus for flipping a workpiece. The method involves raising a retracted arm out of the worksurface to pivot the workpiece up and away from an edge of the worksurface. The workpiece is then slid in the direction of the edge before being guided thought the remainder of its 180 degree rotation. The guiding step further slides the workpiece toward the edge so that the workpiece is flipped at least partially in place. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an arm and catcher plate both having an idle position below the worksurface. Pneumatic drives under microprocessor control pivot, slide and flip the workpiece, at least partially in place. An optical sensor array monitors a peripheral area around the worksurface which may be smaller than the workpiece. The drives may be halted upon the array sensing movement of the workpiece beyond a certain distance from the worksurface periphery.

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

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

Abstract: A compliant wafer chuck for supporting a substrate in which an upper body of the chuck is allowed to tilt relative to the base.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing and detecting cross-slotted objects includes a cradle mounted to a frame, the cradle being sized and shaped to hold a tray of objects in slots. As the cradle rotates on the frame, a displacing assembly is deployed at the rear of the tray with projections that contact cross-slotted objects and urge the cross-slotted objects to move at least partially out of the tray. Suitably positioned sensors detect the displaced cross-slotted objects for notification to a controller. A method for detecting cross-slotted objects includes first displacing the cross-slotted objects, and second, detecting the displaced cross-slotted objects.

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

Abstract: A cassette chamber according to the present invention comprises a housing defining a space stored with a cassette for holding a plurality of objects of treatment, a lift base having a rotatable shaft and located in the housing for up-and-down motion, an auxiliary base fixed to the shaft and inclined at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction of the shaft, a cassette support having a bottom support portion set on the lift base and bearing the bottom face of the cassette and a back support portion rotatably supported by the auxiliary base and bearing the back face of the cassette, a rotation mechanism for rotating the shaft as the lift base ascends or descends, thereby rotating the auxiliary base and the cassette support between a first position inside the housing and a second position outside the housing, and a support section for keeping the back support portion of the cassette support parallel to the shaft by engaging the back support portion being rotated to the second position by the rotation m

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting from an operating position, inverting, and returning to the operating position a workpiece. The mechanism includes two drive devices, a linear drive which provides a continuous lifting force to a vertically movable member, and rotary drive which is energized to lift, invert, and lower a workpiece. The vertically movable member carries a rotational support member, which includes a rotatable shaft from which is supported the workpiece. The vertically movable member is raised, rotated and lowered by the rotary drive through a pair of levers, a first one of which is connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft and the second one of which is connected to be rotated by the rotary drive. Rotation of the second lever is imparted to the first lever through a cam and cam follower arrangement, the cam being provided on one of the levers and the cam follower on the other lever.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a large oceanic type shipping container while applying fluid foam insulation to the container. The apparatus utilizes a stationary frame which supports a housing, the housing having an open ended foaming chamber in which a mandrel is cantileverly mounted. Heated platens are mounted to the mandrel and housing. At least some of the platens are movably mounted and capable of engaging the container when the container is within the chamber. The container is moveable into and out of the housing chamber by use of a carriage movably supported on a guide base. The housing is swingably mounted so that it may be pivoted relative to the frame and relative to a horizontal plane, allowing increased foaming efficiency of the container's cavities. After foaming, a void detection system having thermal sensors with scanning capability allows detection of inadequately insulated voids within the cavities of the container.

Abstract: A manipulating device for handling, in particular for orientating, workpieces, tools or the like, includes a workpiece head provided with a device for supporting at least one workpiece, a tool or the like, having at least one characteristic axis and drive device for rotating the workpiece head about a pre-established axis of rotation. The workpiece is supported so that the characteristic axis has a pre-established orientation, in other words a pre-established colatitude and longitude relative to a three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame which is defined by three mutually perpendicular axes, while the workpiece head can rotate about an axis of rotation which is inclined with respect to all three axes of the three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame and has a colatitude and a longitude other than those of the characteristic axis of the workpiece or of the tool.

Abstract: An improved log debarking apparatus characterized by a pair of shafts with cleated wheels for supporting and rotating a log under a rosser type debarking tool. The improved log debarking apparatus further has a plurality of log lifters movably supported about a common axis, and each having a profiled upper edge engageable transversally with a lower surface of a log on the cleated wheels. There is also provided a first lifter actuating means for alternately turning the log lifters from a retracted position below a radial projection of the cleated wheels, to a raised position above the cleated wheels, and into a log ejecting position wherein each profiled upper edge is inclined for rolling the log along and away from the cleated wheels. There is further provided a second lifter actuating means for moving the plurality of log lifters longitudinally relative to the shafts.

Abstract: A hand cart is adapted to lift an upright water bottle from a support surface of a first height, carry the bottle to a water dispenser of a second height, invert the bottle, and lower a mouth of the bottle into a receiving opening of the dispenser. A scissors/jackscrew mechanism pivotally connected between a pivot arm structure and an upright structure raises and lowers an outer portion of the pivot arm structure. A bottle holding mechanism pivotally connected to the outer portion of the pivot arm structure inverts the bottle. The bottle holding mechanism includes first and second bottle engaging pads pivotally connected to spaced first and second outer portions of the pivot arm structure, respectively, and engaging opposite sides of the bottle between circumferential ridges thereof. Velcro straps secure the bottle to the pads.

Abstract: A hay bale turntable for angularly rotating a rectangular jumbo size hay bale 90.degree. about its longitudnal axis while lowering the bale as it is received from a baler chamber to the surface of the earth is formed by a rigid bale support frame connected with the rearward end of a hay baler frame below the exit end of the hay baler bale chamber. A bale lowering arm frame is pivotally connected with the support frame for vertical pivoting movement toward and away from the surface of the earth. The arm frame supports a bale receiving platform having a bearing centrally interposed between the platform and the arm frame for angular rotation of the platform as the arm frame lowers it toward the surface of the earth by a fluid pressure cylinder connected with the support frame and arm frame. The cylinder is actuated for pivoting the arm frame by a fluid pressure pilot valve on the platform triggered by an overlying bale.

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

Abstract: Bottles are decorated while advanced by intermittent motion to each of a plurality of decorating stations where a squeegee presses a decorating screen into line contact with a surface of the bottle which has a speed the same as the speed of which the decorating screen is advanced along the printing station. The bottles are decorated at a higher through put rate by initiating linear movement of the screen before the bottle arrives at the decorating station and continuing linear movement of the screen after the bottle moves from the decorating station. The degree of overlap allows the printing cycle to consume a major part of a machine cycle while the bottle indexing cycle consumes a minor part of the machine cycle. The bottles are received in a vertical orientation and intermittently re-orientated horizontally for entrance to the decorating machine.

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

Abstract: A sheet block inverter is described in which successive blocks of sheets received along an infeed plane are successively inverted prior to being received on a discharge conveyor. A sheet block receiving magazine receives a sheet block along the infeed plane. A magazine pivot driver then pivots the sheet block through an angle about a second axis of less than 180.degree., leaving the block nearly inverted and upwardly inclined. The magazine is mounted to a magazine inverter yoke, which in turn is pivotably mounted to a discharge conveyor. The inverter yoke and magazine are then pivoted by an inverter yoke pivot driver about a first axis to a discharge station where the discharge conveyor receives the block. The discharge conveyor is mounted for elevational adjustment about an axis that is coaxial with the first axis.

Abstract: A device for uprighting containers from a position with their axis horizontal to a position with their axis vertical comprises a circular plate (3) fixed to the end of a shaft (5) of horizontal axis by a support structure (4) arranged to undergo stepwise rotations of 180.degree. in synchronism with a container feed line (1); two parallel shafts (14, 15) symmetrically arranged about a diameter of the plate (3) and each carrying, at that end facing away from the plate, a receptacle (18) for seizing the containers, said shafts being connected mechanically such as to undergo equal rotations in the same direction, and carrying the receptacles (18) thereon with their axes mutually perpendicular; and a fixed positive-acting cam (25) within which there engages the end of a rocker arm (23) pivoted on the plate (3), its opposite end rotating one of the shafts (14 or 15) by a mechanism comprising a connecting rod-crank unit (21, 22).

Abstract: A bottle loader and method for loading bottles onto shelves on a rack. The bottle loader has a carrier car rotatably supported on a frame. The bottles are placed in a vertical position and urged onto the carrier car. The bottles are then rotated on the carrier car from the vertical position to a horizontal position while horizontally aligning the bottles with the shelf on the rack. Once the bottles are aligned, they are urged off of the carrier car and onto the rack.

Abstract: A prealigner for semiconductive wafers is described. The prealigner includes mechanism for holding the wafer in a non-slip manner and motive means for adjusting the position of its engagement with the wafer as necessary to make the geometric center of the wafer precisely coincident with a chosen position.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling palletized piles of sheet-shaped materials including a first carriage having a fork tower with upper and lower forks which are actuated to grip the pile. The fork tower swings about a horizontal axis and rotates about a vertical axis. A second carriage has a pallet-supporting surface which rotates about a vertical axis. The first and second carriages are movable along rails so that a pile is aerated and positioned for delivery to a production machine.

Abstract: Handling apparatus for metal slabs comprising a slab turner and a transfer cart. The slab turner receives the metal slab and transfers it to a bunk on the cart which tilts the slab so that one surface of the slab is upward. The cart moves the slab through a scarfing station which scarfs the upwardly-directed surface of the slab. The cart moves back to the slab turner and the slab turner cooperates with the transfer cart to receive the slab from the transfer cart and return the slab to the transfer cart bunk with the opposite surface upward, whereupon the transfer cart again moves the slab into the scarfing station for scarfing the opposite surface. In the scarfing station, the transfer cart supports the slab in a tilted position by toe portions underlying one edge of the slab, and enables rotation of the slab to a generally horizontal position which exposes the edge which supports the slab in the tilted position, so that the edge may be scarfed while the slab is generally horizontal.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and holding an individual in a prescription posture followed by a determination of the surface contour of the posterior trunk. The positioning utilizes an array of adjustable pads arranged in rows. The shape sensing is accomplished by tracing a transverse cross-section of the posterior half of the trunk, at serial increments along the vertical axis of the trunk. The tracing is based on angular orientation, linear displacement and vertical elevation of a sensor mounted on a radial arm.

Abstract: A load rotator assembly rotates and positions loads which are transferred between vehicles which move along aisles. The load rotator assembly includes a carriage which sequentially receives loads from one of the vehicles. A carriage drive assembly rotates the carriage about a vertical axis while maintaining the load on the carriage offset to one side of a vertical plane through the ends of loads at storage locations to eliminate any possibility of interference between the load and a stacker crane which transfers the load to one of the storage locations. The carriage drive assembly is operable to move the carriage toward the vertical plane. By positioning a load on the carriage with its end in the vertical plane, the stacker crane can pick up the load from the carriage and move the load to a storage location. The carriage drive assembly includes a double geneva drive mechanism having upper and lower geneva plates.

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

Abstract: A prealigner for semiconductor wafers is described, together with a method for prealigning. The prealigner includes mechanism for holding the wafer in a non-slip manner and motive means for adjusting the position of its engagement with the wafer as necessary to make the geometric center of the wafer precisely coincident with a chose position. The alignment method results in eliminating parts of original equations during the calculations of the location of the geometric center and flats or other distinguishing features on the edge of the wafer are located by utilizing a particular equation for a plurality of overlapping sections of the edge.

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