Abstract: An indexer for magazine shelves of a magazine and wafer-shaped objects contained therein has the object of ensuring accurate access in any desired and predeterminable magazine plane, also for magazines which are provided with an opening on only one removing and charging side, by means of an all-purpose indexing, wherein it is possible to differentiate between various standardized magazine and wafer formats. The magazine shelves and the wafer-shaped objects are detected by an optoelectronic sensor arrangement, at least a portion of which is designed as a distance measuring system. The indexer is applicable in the manufacture of integrated circuits, in particular, for handling wafer-shaped objects in the form of semiconductors and masks.

Abstract: A device for indexing magazine compartments of a magazine and wafer-shaped objects contained therein to ensure precise access of the removing and charging device in any given predetermined plane of the magazine regardless of dimensional tolerances. An optoelectronic sensor having a transmitter and receiver emits a bundle of measurement rays to detect the position of the wafer-shaped objects as well as the position of the magazine compartments relative to a reference plane whose location is rigidly defined by design with respect to a first handling plane for removing and charging. The magazine is adjustable vertically in a measurable manner for removal and charging by a magazine seat via a magazine lift. The device is applicable in the manufacture of integrated circuits, in particular for handling wafer-shaped objects.

Abstract: The machine comprises an oscillating chute (2) and a conveyor (3) feeding containers (25) to a height-adjustable conveyor belt (12) consisting of a number of parallel belts (13). Photosensors (27) detect incorrectly placed containers which are allowed to continue to a chute (38) and are returned by a conveyor belt (39) to the oscillating chute (2). A displaceable stop (18) halts correctly placed containers are lifted into a stack holder (31) and retained by grippers (35) that may be rotated by a rotating cylinder (34), thereby releasing the container stack after the pile holder has been tilted against a stacking table (36).

Abstract: A stream of neighboring stacks of superimposed cigarette packs wherein the stacks can consist of or contain defective packs is advanced intermittently along a horizontal path. Stacks which contain or consist of defective packs are removed by the pockets of an indexible turret which is located in a vertical plane extending at right angles to the path of the stream. The defective pack or packs of a removed stack are expelled from the respective pocket in a first angular position of the pocket in which the latter is remote from the path for the stream, and the partially or completely emptied pocket is then indexed to a second position to receive one or more satisfactory packs which were expelled from previously removed stacks of defective and satisfactory packs before the thus filled pocket is returned into the path for the stream to fill a gap which has developed as a result of removal of a stack.