A vacuum-type holder (10) for retaining fragile articles such as semiconductor wafers (16) during a manufacturing operation, such as an electrolytic treatment includes a vacuum-operated support (36) at each of the seats (23) which exerts a supporting force against the underside (32) of the wafer (16) which is opposite to and proportional to a vacuum generated holding force which urges the wafer against the seat. The supporting force, consequently, minimizes bending stresses to which the wafer (16) could otherwise be subjected.

A motor includes a hollow yoke having an open end. A coupling member is coupled to the yoke so as to cover the open end of the yoke. A stator is accommodated in the yoke and has a receptacle. A rotor is received in the receptacle of the stator. A first bearing is arranged in the coupling member or the stator to rotatably support a first end of the rotor. A second bearing is formed integrally with the yoke to rotatably support a second end of the rotor.

A vacuum cup safety device selectively maintains pressure within a vacuum cup for an extended period of time until release of the vacuum is desired. The device includes a housing having first and second apertures extending through a first portion of the housing and in communication with a third aperture extending through a second portion of the housing. First and second seals are positionable within first and second apertures, and extend radially inwardly within the first and second apertures a predetermined distance for defining first and second check valve seats. First and second check valves composed of a hard, polished material are provided within the first and second apertures. Each of the first and second check valves is insertable within the respective aperture of the housing and is reciprocally movable therein between a first position seated with respect to the corresponding check valve seat and a second position longitudinally spaced from the corresponding check valve seat. First and second biasing springs are disposed within the respective first and second apertures for biasing the first and second check valves toward the first position. A lubricating film can coat the first and second check valves for reducing friction with respect to the housing and improving sealing characteristics as the first and second check valves move between the first and second positions.

An apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into a hollow outer tube is disclosed for forming a tampon applicator. The apparatus includes a first member configured to mate with the outer tube and a second member configured to mate with the inner tube. A vacuum is intermittently supplied to the first and second members to hold the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment. The apparatus also includes a push rod which is designed to contact and move the inner tube off of the second member and into the outer tube. The movement of the push rod is activated by a control mechanism which can reciprocally move the push rod a predetermined distance at a set time to permit the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube. The control mechanism also enables the push rod to be separated the inner tube after the two tubes are assembled. The method includes the sequential steps involved in using a vacuum to position the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment and then using the push rod to insert the inner tube into the outer tube.

An apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into a hollow outer tube is disclosed for forming a tampon applicator. The apparatus includes a first member configured to mate with the outer tube and a second member configured to mate with the inner tube. A vacuum is intermittently supplied to the first and second members to hold the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment. The apparatus also includes a push rod which is designed to contact and move the inner tube off of the second member and into the outer tube. The movement of the push rod is activated by a control mechanism which can reciprocally move the push rod a predetermined distance at a set time to permit the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube. The control mechanism also enables the push rod to be separated from the inner tube after the two tubes are assembled. The method includes the sequential steps involved in using a vacuum to position the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment and then using the push rod to insert the inner tube into the outer tube.