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 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: An eddy current braking system for a wheel of a vehicle, the vehicle including a chassis and the wheel being rotatably mounted to the chassis, the wheel including a wheel rim made of an electrically-conductive material and extending annularly around a wheel cavity, the system comprising: a magnetic field generating member secured to the chassis and disposed annularly within the wheel cavity and proximal to the wheel rim, the magnetizable member being operable for generating a magnetic field towards the wheel rim to generate eddy current within the wheel rim upon rotation of the wheel; and a magnetic field controller operatively connected to the magnetic field generating member for selectively controlling an intensity of the magnetic field applied by the magnetic field generating member on the wheel rim.

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 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: An eddy current braking system for a wheel of a vehicle, the vehicle including a chassis and the wheel being rotatably mounted to the chassis, the wheel including a wheel rim made of an electrically-conductive material and extending annularly around a wheel cavity, the system comprising: a magnetic field generating member secured to the chassis and disposed annularly within the wheel cavity and proximal to the wheel rim, the magnetizable member being operable for generating a magnetic field towards the wheel rim to generate eddy current within the wheel rim upon rotation of the wheel; and a magnetic field controller operatively connected to the magnetic field generating member for selectively controlling an intensity of the magnetic field applied by the magnetic field generating member on the wheel rim.