A shutter disc for use in a cluster tool assembly having a processing chamber and a transfer arm includes an inner disc and an outer disc configured to be disposed on the inner disc. The inner disc includes a plurality of locating features configured to mate with locating pins of a transfer arm of a cluster tool assembly and a plurality of centering features configured to mate with alignment elements of a substrate support disposed in the processing chamber of the cluster tool assembly.

A switch arrangement for the selection of joining elements, which comprises a switch that comprises at least three supply points in which joining elements can be supplied to the switch in a position-oriented manner. Furthermore, an output point is provided where joining elements can be output in a position-oriented manner, the switch comprising a conveying element which has at least three receiving compartments each being adapted to receive a supplied joining element each at the supply point. A conveying element can convey the joining elements from a receiving position to an output position from the supply point to an output point, which is fixed relative to the supply points, and output.

A switch arrangement for the selection of joining elements, which comprises a switch that comprises at least three supply points in which joining elements can be supplied to the switch in a position-oriented manner. Furthermore, an output point is provided where joining elements can be output in a position-oriented manner, the switch comprising a conveying element which has at least three receiving compartments each being adapted to receive a supplied joining element each at the supply point. A conveying element can convey the joining elements from a receiving position to an output position from the supply point to an output point, which is fixed relative to the supply points, and output.

An apparatus for equipping a basket welding machine, the apparatus having an insertion device. The apparatus is characterized in that the insertion device has a plurality of receiving positions for all the longitudinal wires of a basket to be produced using the basket welding machine, the insertion device having a receiving element for receiving the longitudinal wires of a basket, the receiving positions being spaced apart in the radial direction from an axis of rotation of the insertion device, wherein the insertion device is designed to feed at least two longitudinal wires arranged on the insertion device to the basket welding machine simultaneously in one insertion operation, the insertion operation of the longitudinal wires into the basket welding machine being effected by a movement of the insertion device in the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the insertion device. The invention further relates to a basket welding machine.

A transfer apparatus for use in a multiple processing region system is disclosed that includes a carousel that includes a hub having a plurality of transfer arms extending therefrom. Each of the transfer arms include a first end coupled to the hub and a second end, the second end comprising a component supporting region, and a plurality of electrical interface connections distributed about the component supporting region.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for replacing a drive assembly of a turntable load station. A system includes a structural pier, a track formed on a top surface of the structural pier, a turntable, a bogie assembly detachably coupled to an underside of the turntable, the bogie assembly including a wheeled drive assembly, a swap rail mounted to a radial side surface of the structural pier, and a translating cartridge movably mounted to the swap rail in a serviceable orientation. The translating cartridge is configured to move along the radial side surface of the structural pier via the swap rail while in the serviceable orientation to an unloading position underneath the bogie assembly, pivot from the serviceable orientation to an upright functional orientation to couple with the wheeled drive assembly, and decouple the wheeled drive assembly from the bogie assembly.

A bead delivery disk, system and method of delivering flavor beads to a tobacco rod or tow including a bead source, a bead delivery disk in communication with the bead source, including a central disk portion having front and back sides and a first central thickness, an inner annular rim around the central disk portion, the inner annular rim having a second thickness less than said first thickness, a series of pockets spaced around the inner annular rim and multiple vacuum transmission apertures located on one side of the disk, each aperture communicating with at least one of the pockets.

A bead delivery disk, system and method of delivering flavor beads to a tobacco rod or tow including a bead source, a bead delivery disk in communication with the bead source, including a central disk portion having front and back sides and a first central thickness, an inner annular rim around the central disk portion, the inner annular rim having a second thickness less than said first thickness, a series of pockets spaced around the inner annular rim and multiple vacuum transmission apertures located on one side of the disk, each aperture communicating with at least one of the pockets.

Provided a full-automatic wheel hub feeding-blanking system for intelligent production line of automotive wheel hubs, comprising: an intelligent material rack and a robot; the intelligent material rack comprises a bracket assembly, a turntable assembly and a bearing seat assembly; the turntable assembly being rotatable is mounted on the bearing seat assembly; the bracket assembly mounted on the turntable assembly comprises a base provided with at least one group of lifting devices, and each the group comprises three the lifting devices, and each of which an automotive wheel hub supporting plate assembly is provided on, central axis of the three automotive wheel hub supporting plate assemblies forming the angle of 120 degrees; the robot being mounted on one side of the intelligent material rack and comprises a robotic arm, and a manipulator is mounted on the robotic arm, and the manipulator is used for clamping the automotive wheel hub.

A method for distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics includes a step of positioning of a plurality of tubular containers, each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser. Extraction of at least a first support from a first container is performed using an extractor, the step of extraction being performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container and comprising a movement of the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container, said first position and said second position lying substantially in correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser. Collection of the first support from the second position is performed using a collector. Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed.