The invention relates to an apparatus for the single-track or multi-track conveying of objects along a conveying path extending in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying path for at least one track comprises at least one conveying device that takes over objects at the input side from a functional unit connected upstream and that transfers objects at the output side to a functional unit connected downstream; and wherein the conveying device as a whole and/or in an output-side end region is adjustable transversely to the conveying direction by means of an adjustment device such that the transverse position of objects to be transferred is changed within the respective track.

The invention relates to an apparatus for the single-track or multi-track conveying of objects along a conveying path extending in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying path for at least one track comprises at least one conveying device that takes over objects at the input side from a functional unit connected upstream and that transfers objects at the output side to a functional unit connected downstream; and wherein the conveying device as a whole and/or in an output-side end region is adjustable transversely to the conveying direction by means of an adjustment device such that the transverse position of objects to be transferred is changed within the respective track.

A method and apparatus for loading substrates in an inspection station is disclosed herein. In one embodiment a loading module is disclosed that includes a loading station for two or more substrate cassettes, a first lane comprising a first conveyor that is substantially aligned with one of the two or more substrate cassettes and a conveyor system, a second lane comprising a second conveyor that is substantially aligned with another of the two or more substrate cassettes and positioned in a spaced-apart relation relative to the first lane, and a lateral transfer module positioned between the first lane and the second lane that is adapted to move substrates from the second lane to the first lane.

A method and a device for stringing together objects in transport systems, preferably in coating systems, for adjusting the distance between two objects, preferably substrates or substrate holders, being arranged one behind the other, wherein the front object moves at a process speed v.sub.p in the transport system and the rear object is at an undefined distance from the front object. The method comprises the following steps: (a) accelerating the rear substrate to an initial speed v.sub.x>v.sub.p; (b) detecting an increase in the driving torque when the rear substrate moves against the front substrate; (c) delaying the rear substrate by a predetermined value in order to establish a predetermined distance a.sub.p from the front substrate; and (d) adjusting the speed of the rear substrate to the process speed v.sub.p.

Disclosed is an apparatus for aligning a pouch-type secondary battery, which aligns two opposite sides of an electrode assembly of a pouch-type secondary battery including the electrode assembly and a terrace formed around the electrode assembly with a process proceeding route, the apparatus including an alignment table configured to support the supplied pouch-type secondary battery, and an alignment assembly configured to align the pouch-type secondary battery by pushing two opposite surfaces of the electrode assembly of the pouch-type secondary battery, which is supported by the alignment table, from above and below the terrace so that the two opposite surfaces of the electrode assembly of the pouch-type secondary battery are aligned with the process proceeding route.

Disclosed is an apparatus for aligning a pouch-type secondary battery, which aligns two opposite sides of an electrode assembly of a pouch-type secondary battery including the electrode assembly and a terrace formed around the electrode assembly with a process proceeding route, the apparatus including an alignment table configured to support the supplied pouch-type secondary battery, and an alignment assembly configured to align the pouch-type secondary battery by pushing two opposite surfaces of the electrode assembly of the pouch-type secondary battery, which is supported by the alignment table, from above and below the terrace so that the two opposite surfaces of the electrode assembly of the pouch-type secondary battery are aligned with the process proceeding route.

An automated vial feed system for an automated prescription filling system. The system has a plurality of sensors located above a vial distribution table for controlling the pace of vial delivery to the table. The sensors determine the load of vials on the table and a control system uses the information as feedback to the vial delivery system.

Described herein is an apparatus, for processing semiconductor components, includes support surfaces and flexible couplings. The support surfaces are parallel to a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. Moreover, the support surfaces are translationally movable relative to each other in the second direction to increase a pitch between adjacent support surfaces from a first pitch to a second pitch. Each of the flexible couplings is between and fixed to respective adjacent ones of the support surfaces. The flexible couplings flex as the support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the second direction.

A modular conveying assembly includes active roller control for reducing backline pressure without product to product contact when accumulating products. Methods are discussed for manipulating objects by a bump-through indexing operation, a slug-control indexing operation, a catch-and-release indexing operation, box or case turning operations, and zero-pressure accumulation operations.

A slat conveyor has a plurality of slat bodies supported between a pair of left and right driving endless turning bodies by concentric horizontal support shafts and has a pair of front and rear guide rollers supported to a guide rail laid on each of upper and lower horizontal path sections. A U-turn guiding mechanism at both ends includes the guide rollers, a slat body posture controlling rotating body, and a drive mechanism for the rotating body. The rotating body has the same turning radius as that of the horizontal support shaft on a U-turn path section, and includes an engaging portion for positioning and turning the guide rollers. The drive mechanism drives the rotating body such that the engaging portion is turned in the same direction and at the same speed as the turning speed of the horizontal support shaft on the U-turn path section.