Abstract: A vibratory conveyor includes a feed tray, an electromagnetic linear actuator and a movable drive train interconnecting the feed tray and the electromagnetic linear actuator such that the electromagnetic linear actuator will move the feed tray during energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A sensor assembly is positioned to detect movement of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A controller connected to receive an output of the sensor assembly and connected to control energization of electromagnetic linear actuator, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator based upon the output of the sensor assembly. A vibratory conveyor in which the movable drive train includes at least one parallel spring element therealong is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor includes a feed tray, an electromagnetic linear actuator and a movable drive train interconnecting the feed tray and the electromagnetic linear actuator such that the electromagnetic linear actuator will move the feed tray during energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A sensor assembly is positioned to detect movement of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A controller connected to receive an output of the sensor assembly and connected to control energization of electromagnetic linear actuator, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator based upon the output of the sensor assembly. A vibratory conveyor in which the movable drive train includes at least one parallel spring element therealong is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filling system includes a conveyor for moving containers to be filled along a conveyance path and a drop chute with an outlet above the conveyance path. A drive for the drop chute includes a primary drive frame movable along a first axis and a secondary drive frame mounted on the primary drive frame for movement therewith, the secondary drive frame movable relative to the primary drive frame along a second axis, wherein the second axis is transverse to the first axis. A filling machine with a rotating disc assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with items includes an item conveyor, and a bulk feeder for feeding items onto the item conveyor. The bulk feeder includes a hopper and a feed assembly, where the feed assembly includes an item collecting compartment for collecting items from the hopper. A pusher is movable through the collecting compartment to push items in the collecting compartment onto the item conveyor.

Abstract: A sensor system for evaluating an item as it moves includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors disposed about an item movement path. A controller is configured for selectively operating the sensor assembly to set up a first active detection pattern through the item movement path by sequentially and rapidly checking an occlusion status of each of a first plurality of emitter to detector light paths that make up the first active detection pattern, such that only one emitter to detector light path of the first plurality of emitter to detector light paths is checked for occlusion at a given instance.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling a receptacle with a plurality of items includes a first item drop path having an outlet end, a second item drop path having an outlet end, the second item drop path distinct from the first item drop path and a gating system for selectively accumulating and releasing items. The gating system includes: a single gate mechanism configured for selectively and independently controlling both (i) whether items can exit the outlet end of the first item drop path and (ii) whether items can exit the outlet end of the second item drop path.

Abstract: A filling system includes a conveyor for moving containers to be filled along a conveyance path and a drop chute with an outlet above the conveyance path. A drive for the drop chute includes a primary drive frame movable along a first axis and a secondary drive frame mounted on the primary drive frame for movement therewith, the secondary drive frame movable relative to the primary drive frame along a second axis, wherein the second axis is transverse to the first axis. A filling machine with a rotating disc assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with items includes an item conveyor, and a bulk feeder for feeding items onto the item conveyor. The bulk feeder includes a hopper and a feed assembly, where the feed assembly includes an item collecting compartment for collecting items from the hopper. A pusher is movable through the collecting compartment to push items in the collecting compartment onto the item conveyor.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor includes a feed tray, an electromagnetic linear actuator and a movable drive train interconnecting the feed tray and the electromagnetic linear actuator such that the electromagnetic linear actuator will move the feed tray during energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A sensor assembly is positioned to detect movement of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A controller connected to receive an output of the sensor assembly and connected to control energization of electromagnetic linear actuator, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator based upon the output of the sensor assembly. A vibratory conveyor in which the movable drive train includes at least one parallel spring element therealong is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor system for evaluating an item as it moves includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors disposed about an item movement path. A controller is configured for selectively operating the sensor assembly to set up a first active detection pattern through the item movement path by sequentially and rapidly checking an occlusion status of each of a first plurality of emitter to detector light paths that make up the first active detection pattern, such that only one emitter to detector light path of the first plurality of emitter to detector light paths is checked for occlusion at a given instance.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling a receptacle with a plurality of items includes a first item drop path having an outlet end, a second item drop path having an outlet end, the second item drop path distinct from the first item drop path and a gating system for selectively accumulating and releasing items. The gating system includes: a single gate mechanism configured for selectively and independently controlling both (i) whether items can exit the outlet end of the first item drop path and (ii) whether items can exit the outlet end of the second item drop path.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Abstract: A system for moving a receptacle. The system includes: a coupling wall; an internal carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall, the internal carriage being movable along the coupling wall along a predetermined path; an external carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall and substantially in register with the internal carriage with the coupling wall extending between the internal and external carriages, the external carriage being movable along the coupling wall, the external carriage including a receptacle attachment for securing the receptacle thereto; and a carriage actuator operatively coupled to the internal carriage for moving the internal carriage along the predetermined path. The internal and external carriages are magnetically coupled to each other across the coupling wall so that when the internal carriage is moved along the predetermined path, the external carriage follows the internal carriage and remains substantially in register therewith.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Abstract: A system for moving a receptacle. The system includes: a coupling wall; an internal carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall, the internal carriage being movable along the coupling wall along a predetermined path; an external carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall and substantially in register with the internal carriage with the coupling wall extending between the internal and external carriages, the external carriage being movable along the coupling wall, the external carriage including a receptacle attachment for securing the receptacle thereto; and a carriage actuator operatively coupled to the internal carriage for moving the internal carriage along the predetermined path. The internal and external carriages are magnetically coupled to each other across the coupling wall so that when the internal carriage is moved along the predetermined path, the external carriage follows the internal carriage and remains substantially in register therewith.

Abstract: A cap sorter comprising: first and second belts traveling along a closed loop belt path substantially adjacent and parallel to each other, the belt path defining a non-vertical cap receiving section, a sorting section extending substantially upwardly therefrom, a discharging section provided above the sorting section and a return section extending from the discharging section and returning to the cap receiving section; a cap providing element provided above the cap receiving section for discharging the caps on the cap receiving section; and first and second belt actuators for moving respectively the first and second belts along the belt path. The first and second belts are each provided with a plurality of cleats mounted outside of the first and second belts, each of the cleats extending across both the first and second belts, the cleats being alternately secured to the first and second belts.