Abstract: A drive control device activates at least one of a plurality of operation regions and restricts operations by a robot such that the robot operates within the activated operation region. With a plurality of operation regions such as an operation region 1 and an operation region 2 being activated, when the drive control device predicts that the robot will be included in a range of any of the operation region 1 and the operation region 2, the drive control device does not cut off supply of electric power to a servo amplifier, whereas when the drive control device predicts that the robot will be included in a range of neither of the operation region 1 and the operation region 2, the drive control device cuts off supply of electric power to the servo amplifier.

Abstract: To provide an instruction device and a sorting system capable of contributing to increase in working efficiency. An instruction device of a sorting system includes an illumination means device that illuminates light and an angle adjusting mechanism that moves the illumination means device. In addition, the instruction device includes a control means part that controls the illumination means device and the angle adjusting mechanism. The illumination means device formed of a spotlight draws a light path to a container as a next illumination position based on control by the control means part.

Abstract: A belt conveyor is provided with a circulatable endless conveyor belt for conveying workpieces in a conveying direction. The belt conveyor is also provided with a conveyor body, which has belt receiving end portions that are in sliding contact with the conveyor belt. The belt receiving end portions have recess portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A belt conveyor is provided with a circulatable endless conveyor belt for conveying workpieces in a conveying direction. The belt conveyor is also provided with a conveyor body, which has belt receiving end portions that are in sliding contact with the conveyor belt. The belt receiving end portions have recess portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A conveyor controlling device which can reduce production costs and can be easily attached. The presence or absence of a load in the conveyor portion in the local zone and a plurality of selected downstream zones is detected. The controlling device stops the drive of the local corresponding zone when a signal indicates the presence of loads in the local zone and in all of the downstream zones. The conveyor controlling device drives the local corresponding zone when the downstream presence signal indicates that at least one downstream zone is vacant. This controlling device provides a simple method for controlling an accumulating conveyor.

Abstract: A picking apparatus which is capable of automatic retrieval of a selected number and kinds of cylindrical objects from stocks of such objects includes a plurality of storage sections arranged side-by-side, each storage section containing a different kind or type of cylindrical object. A discharge means is provided at a lower part of each storage section in order to discharge cylindrical objects one at a time from the storage section. A conveyor extends along the course of the storage sections and conveys discharged objects to a single location. A control unit is provided to control the discharge means of the respective storage sections so that the necessary number and kinds of cylindrical objects are retrieved therefrom.

Abstract: An object picking system includes a plurality of object storage and discharge devices. Each object storage and discharge device includes an object storage section housing a stack of objects and an object discharge mechanism for discharging the bottommost object of the stack of objects. Each object discharge device is inclined so that part of the weight of the objects rests on the sides of the object storage sections. Each object storage section accommodates a support between a top and bottom of the object storage section to support an upper stack of objects in the object storage section. The support reduces the load on the bottommost object when the stack of objects in the object storage section is large. An auxiliary panel along one side of the object storage section has an adjustable position so that different size objects can be securely held in the object storage section. A horizontal plate is a predetermined height above a bottom surface of the object storage section.

Abstract: An assortment of objects is dispensed from a plurality of object holders onto a conveyor for loading into a container at an end of the conveyor. The objects are dispensed onto discrete sections of the conveyor with like objects occupying like sections. Since like objects are grouped together on the conveyor, damage due to any impact between objects is reduced because, when objects impact objects of the same class, less damage occurs than when disparate objects impact each other. Discrete sections with heavier objects are located upstream of discrete sections with lighter objects. When the lighter and heavier objects are discharged from the conveyor into the container, the lighter objects are loaded on top of the heavier objects, thereby reducing any damage which occurs through impact. Gaps on the conveyor between different groups of objects reduces the likelihood of impacts on the conveyor.

Abstract: An object discharge mechanism for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along the object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.

Abstract: An object discharge mechanism of an object picking device for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along an object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.

Abstract: A transferring and sorting apparatus wherein an endless sorting belt is provided in a transfer body moving along a transfer passage, which sorting belt is capable of transferring articles in the direction crossing the direction of movement of the transfer body. This sorting belt is placed over a driving pulley, which is connected via a transmission device to a friction wheel provided below the transfer body. A friction member adapted to be moved toward and away from the friction wheel is provided in predetermined positions on the transfer passage. When the friction member is moved to engage the friction wheel, the turning movement of the friction wheel rolled with the friction member is transmitted to the driving pulley to drive the sorting belt toward one side portion of the transfer passage.

Abstract: A pallet loading apparatus wherein an article is held by a holding device that can move freely vertically and horizontally at the article line-up position. The article is then moved and lowered onto articles on a pallet at the pallet loading position. The holding device is provided at the lower sections on its both sides with a plurality of scooping fork members, each of which has a supporting section that is supported on a shaft in such a manner that it can be opened and closed and is horizontal when it is closed. The supporting sections of the scooping fork members are provided at one or more positions of each section with joint sections and the end section of the joint sections is formed so as to bend only upwards.

Abstract: Apparatus wherein a conveyer supporting goods to be loaded is moved toward the loading place, and thereafter the conveyer is so driven that the goods on the conveyer are forwardly fed, while at the same time the conveyer is moved backwardly or retracted to thereby transfer the goods successively onto the loading place in the arrayed state as they are on the conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for loading goods on a pallet.Said apparatus comprises a frame, a packed commodity dropping opening formed in said frame, a number of carriage rollers mounted for movement on said packed commodity dropping opening between the front and rear edges of said opening to close and open the opening, a fixed stopper disposed forwardly of said packed commodity dropping opening, a movable stopper disposed rearwardly of said packed commodity dropping opening, an elevational platform elevationally mounted beneath said packed commodity dropping opening and adapted to move upwardly and downwardly while supporting a pallet thereon, and a presser mounted above said packed commodity dropping opening and supported for vertical movement by a cylinder to press against bags holding commodities therein and supported by said carriage rollers.

Abstract: An object loading device includes an object conveyor for conveying objects to a hopper at one end of the object conveyor. A container conveyor conveys containers to a position underneath the hopper. Objects are discharged from the end of the object conveyor onto closed shutters in the hopper. A bottom plate elevator lifts the bottom plate of a container under the hopper to an upper position. The shutters slide open and the objects gently drop onto the elevated bottom plate of the container. The shutters are then closed and bottom plate elevator lowers the bottom plate to the bottom end of the container. The container conveyor then moves the container with the objects away from the position underneath the hopper. A further embodiment includes padded buffer rollers between which objects pass on their way to the container.