Patent ID: 7104579
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An end-effector operable to pick up and support flat objects extending generally alone a plane, the end-effector comprising: (1) a first detector mounted at a first side of the end-effector and comprising: a first detector component for emitting a first light beam at an angle to said plane, the angle being greater than zero but not more than 45°; and a second detector component for receiving the first light beam; (2) a second detector mounted at a second side of the end-effector opposite to the first side and comprising: a first detector component for emitting a second light beam at an angle to said plane, the angle being greater than zero but not more than 45°; and a second detector component for receiving the second light beam; wherein in the first detector, the first light beam's path from the first detector component to the second detector component passes at the first side of the end-effector but not at the second side of the end-effector, to detect the presence or absence of the object at the first side of the end-effector; and in the second detector, the second light beam's path from the first detector component to the second detector component passes at the second side of the end-effector but not at the first side of the end-effector, to detect the presence or absence of the object at the second side of the end-effector.