Abstract: A cargo restraint system includes a cargo conveyor system, which has a plurality of rollers and a cargo restraint. The cargo restraint includes an inner pawl rotatably attached to the cargo conveyor system and an outer pawl rotatably attached to the cargo conveyor system. A lever is rotatably attached to the cargo loading system. A mechanical linkage connects the lever to the outer pawl and to the inner pawl, the outer pawl and the inner pawl being controlled by movement of the lever through the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: According to a method for transferring a cargo from a cargo receiving portion of a vehicle onto a cargo take-up station, the vehicle is controlled by a vehicle control unit such that the vector of the velocity of the vehicle is modified immediately before, or upon its arrival at the cargo take-up station and the vehicle is oriented by the vehicle control unit and/or by at least one guide system positioned in the region of the cargo take-up station before the arrival of the vehicle at the cargo take-up station, such that the trajectory of the cargo that is moving away from the cargo receiving portion as a result of the modification in the velocity vector, ends at a receiving region of the cargo take-up station.

Abstract: A barrel rolling safety device and a method relating to using the barrel safety rolling device are disclosed herein. The barrel safety rolling device includes a base plate having a plurality of apertures, a stopping arm having at least a first end, a second end, and a stopping arm aperture, and a pin having at least a removal ring. Each of the apertures may be configured to receive the pin, and one or more bushings allow the stopping arm to rotate between various positions based on which aperture of the apertures receives the pin. In various embodiments, the stopping arm may allow a barrel to traverse a dunnage in a first direction, but prevent the barrel from traversing the dunnage in a second direction. In various embodiments, the stopping arm may prevent the barrel from traversing the rack in both the first direction and second direction.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method for spreading a mass of electrically conductive articles, such as aluminum cans, being transferred from an infeed conveyor to a wider discharge conveyor. A transfer device between the infeed and discharge conveyors uses linear induction to propel and spread electrically conductive articles across a continuous transfer surface with or without the aid of backpressure or mechanical spreading means.

Abstract: Device for controlling a flow of cardboard tubular cores (1) adapted to produce logs of paper material and intended to be stored in a collection point (2) placed downstream of the same device, including more conveyors (5; 7) each of which is adapted for carrying the said tubular cores (1) up to the entry point (6D) of a respective guide channel (6) having an entry point (6D) and an exit point (6F), interception devices (8) adapted for intercepting the tubular cores (1), the interception devices being arranged and acting on each of the channels (6) to adjust the flow of the tubular cores through the respective exit points (6F), and programmable device (UE) adapted for activating and deactivating the interception device (8). The interception devices (8) are adapted to selectively form two nips (N1, N2) inside the guide channel (6), the nips (N1, N2) being selectively formed at a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided including a rail having a starting block at a first end and a stopper at a second end. A coaster assembly is configured to travel along the rail. The coaster assembly includes an upper bearing that engages a top of the rail and a side bearing that engages a side of the rail. A parts delivery device is attached to the coaster assembly.

Abstract: Device to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, comprising a loading chute (2) delimiting a travel pathway (4) for the pellets, the loading chute comprising an upper end (8) intended to receive pellets and a lower end (12) intended to lie close to a sintering boat, said loading chute (2) comprising gates (18, 20, 22) forming an obstacle in the pathway of the pellets so as to fractionate said pathway, said gates (18, 20, 22) able to be actuated alternately, and the lower end (12) of the loading chute being movable so that it can be drawn close to and away from a bottom part of the sintering boat. A further subject-matter of the present invention is a method to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, using a device according to the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: A conveying system having a plurality of rotating rollers forming a horizontal drive path for moving articles and at least one pop-up stop for stopping movement of articles in such path. A pair of levers are mounted for rotation about a pivot to move one lever arm of each of the pair of levers above and below the horizontal path and thus move one of the rollers above the path in a position to stop articles on the conveyor. There is a pair of rollers mounted for rotation in the horizontal path on one lever arm of each of pair of levers. A pneumatic actuator is connected to at least one of the levers for moving the pair of levers about the pivot thereby to move one of the rollers to a position above the horizontal path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: A mechanism for accurately transferring a predetermined number of IC (Integrated Circuit) packages from a first IC (integrated Circuit) storage tube to a second IC (Integrated Circuit) storage tube. A first tube platform holds the first IC package storage tube at an inclination, and a second tube platform holds the second IC package storage tube at an inclination. Additionally, an IC (Integrated Circuit) package transfer wheel is disposed between the first tube platform and the second tube platform. The IC package transfer wheel has a plurality of spokes radiating outward from a center of the IC package transfer wheel. An IC package from the first IC package storage tube encounters a stopping spoke of the plurality of spokes of the IC package transfer wheel when the first IC package storage tube is placed on the first tube platform, and the stopping spoke prevents the IC package from entering the second IC package storage tube.

Abstract: A gravity flow rail conveyor and picking system comprises a plurality of conveyor rail lanes having module or pallet support surfaces that rise at a suitable gravity flow angle from a selectively erected abutment chock. When erected, the chock abutment prevents gravity flow of modules along the support surface below the chock. When retracted, at least one module is allowed to flow by gravity onto a level support surface suitable for interfacing with an automatic picking machine. As the picking module flows onto a respective level surface, the chock rotates to an erect position for preventing additional modules from passing the abutment point.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of gravity fed, magnetic container closures along a path includes an electromagnet proximal to the path. The electromagnet captures at least one container closure flowing along the path in a magnetic field when the electromagnet is energized. The captured container closure blocks the container closure path, and stops the flow of container closures. Circuitry which incorporates a rectifier energizes the electromagnet when the flow of container closures is not desired. When the flow of container closures is desired, the rectifier reverses the current to the electromagnet and the circuitry deenergizes the electromagnet to positively release the captured container closure.

Abstract: A tunnel stand bearing arrangement includes a plurality of shelf channels. Each shelf channel is provided with a circulating conveyor, on which the goods to be stored are received in a frictional manner. Each shelf channel is provided with a stationary slide member located in its end region where the goods are unloaded. The slide member has an active length corresponding to 0.8 to 1.2 times the mean brakeless run-out distance of the conveyor set in motion by the removal of goods. The conveyor is designed such that the non-positive frictional coupling between the conveyor and the goods stored thereon is released in front of the active portion of the slide member.

Abstract: A container unloading device which includes a two-tiered rail system that has been adapted to include an upper set of feed rails that cycle carts carrying containers from the back of the system to the front of the system for unloading. At the system's front end, the feed rails have sections of increased angularity which support the cart and container at an angle which increases accessibility to the container's contents. The system also includes a set of transfer ramps which allow the cart to move from rolling engagement with the feed rails to rolling engagement with the lower set of return rails where the cart and unloaded container then move to the back of the system into a position for reloading. The device may further include a speed reducer which retards the cart's acceleration down the sections of increased angularity.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies the structure of a run-in trough system for a cooling bed by constructing a device for stopping steel bars supplied to the run-in trough with a lower brake shoe of a trough type provided in a way as to move in a vertical direction together with the open trough. An upper brake shoe is provided swingably in a vertical direction on a fixed shaft provided on the main body of the run-in trough body, and a driving device is provided for the upper brake shoe.

Abstract: In the field of transport paths used typically in postage meters, it is sometimes desired to prevent withdrawal of items in the opposite direction to forward travel along the transport path. The disclosure relates to a one way gate (10) for such a transport path including a transport surface (11). The gate includes a rotatable roller (17) disposed opposite the surface such that an item traveling forwardly along the transport path engages and rotates the roller (17); and a device preventing rotation of the roller (17) in a direction corresponding to withdrawal of an item (22) in a reverse direction along the transport path.

Abstract: A fixture for handling an article comprises a body which defines a track having a length which extends between upstream and downstream ends. The track is configured for confining the article to sliding movement along the length of the track. The track is open to an outside of the body along at least a portion of its length so as to provide access for performing an operation of the article. The body has a first finger mechanism disposed relatively upstream along the track for permitting the article to pass along the track in a downstream direction and for preventing the article to pass the first finger mechanism in an upstream direction. A second finger mechanism is disposed downstream from the first finger mechanism for preventing inadvertent downstream movement of the article.

Abstract: A container unloading device which includes a two-tiered rail system that has been adapted to include an upper set of feed rails that cycle carts carrying containers from the back of the system to the front of the system for unloading. At the system's front end, the feed rails have sections of increased angularity which support the cart and container at an angle which increases accessibility to the container's contents. The system also includes a set of transfer ramps which allow the cart to move from rolling engagement with the feed rails to rolling engagement with the lower set of return rails where the cart and unloaded container then move to the back of the system into a position for reloading. The device may further include a speed reducer which retards the cart's acceleration down the sections of increased angularity.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute for a material handling system. The chute includes a generally elongated rectangularly shaped support backing. A sheet of low friction, wear resistant polymeric material is bonded to the upper surface of the support backing. In the preferred embodiment, the polymeric material is high density, textured polyethylene between about 15 and 50 mils in thickness. A second sheet of polymeric material is bonded to the lower surface of the support backing to prevent warping of the backing. A support frame is attached to the support backing for positioning one end of the chute adjacent to the discharge portion of the material handling system and the other end of the chute adjacent to a receiving station. Finally, a pair of dividers attached to the opposite sides of the support backing for confining the goods being discharged by the material handling system.

Abstract: A pallet transport device having a securing element positioned between two longitudinal rails in projections of a non-driven pallet transport device. A shaped body is seated on an axle. When docking with a driven pallet transport device, each projection is pushed into a docking receptacle so that a lower, shaped activation surface contacts and pushes the shaped body into a specified position. The shaped body thus pivots about an axis and the pallet can be displaced as desired. When the pallet transport device is undocked, the shaped body pivots upwards and the securing surface locks the pallet in a locking direction. Thus, the pallet transport device can be locked or unlocked without external help and has a high degree of operational dependability.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading friable nuclear fuel pellets into a sintering boat from a pellet press which ejects newly made pellets. An inclined pellet chute (preferably a tube) receives the ejected pellets and discharges them against a first resilient brush which reflects the pellets downwardly to a second resilient brush. The brush tips are spaced apart such that a pellet moving downward along the second brush contacts the flexible brush tip of the first brush before dropping off the second brush (preferably with near-zero velocity) into the sintering boat.

Abstract: A vacuum deadplate is provided which has a surface with a low coefficient of friction and spaced longitudinal slots through which a vacuum can be drawn. The vacuum deadplate can be used in conjunction with a vacuum transfer device or a palletizing device and the position of the vacuum plenum slot under the longitudinal slots can be varied to provide optimum results.

Abstract: A selector mechanism for controlling transfer of articles from a plurality of upstream feed lines to at least one downstream feed line (104) comprises a plurality of transfer passages (114) each provided with a gate (106) and at least one stop (108). The gates (106) are operable to block the leading article in the respective transfer passages while the stops (108) are operable to arrest movement of a trailing article and hence the articles that follow it. Operation of the gates (106) and stops (108) is co-ordinated so that the stops are operative when the gates are operated to unblock the leading article. In this way, the number of articles freed for onward movement each time the gates are operated to unblock the path of conveyance can be controlled.

Abstract: A successive component delivery chute comprises a slanted slide with a stepped section and a pair of stoppers provided along said section which are adapted to come into and out of the way of components to be delivered in a predetermined sequence to deliver a series of components one after another. A smooth delivery is effect with this arrangement.

Abstract: A switch track mechanism for selectively directing electronic components from a single trackway to one of a plurality of discharge or accumulator stations comprising a first fixed track sections adjacent the trackway, a second fixed track section adjacent to and downstream of the first fixed track section, movable first and second track members operatively associated with the first and second fixed track sections and each operable between first and second limit positions. The second movable track member has a plurality of track sectors disposed in an array, a plurality of accumulator stations downstream of the second track member corresponding in number to the number of track sectors, a cartridge for electronic components is mounted at each accumulator station. The movable track sections have actuatable between limit positions whereby electronic components may be directed from the single trackway to a select one of the accumulator stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cylindrical articles such as kegs from a pallet on which the articles lie on their sides in a plurality of rows, has a pusher member which moves behind each row of articles in turn and pushes the row from the pallet to an adjacent discharge conveyor. The pusher member is suspended from a carriage that is movable horizontally in a sub-frame. The sub-frame is pivoted so that the pusher member can be raised to enable it to clear the remaining rows of articles on the pallet when it is moved back to its initial position after pushing one row of articles from the pallet. A pallet conveyor extending beneath and at right angles to the discharge conveyor moves the pallet after each row of articles has been removed so as to position the next row of articles for engagement by the pusher member.

Abstract: A one-piece unitary guide member for guiding an article-engaging member of a metering device is disclosed. The guide member is fabricated from a rigid non-metallic material to form a through-hole having a rectangular transverse cross section just slightly larger than that of the article-engaging member which it guides. Apertures are formed in the guide member to provide for its attachment to a base plate by means of screws. The apertures are in a rectangular pattern which is offset lengthwise of the guide member so that two apertures are closely adjacent one edge. The guide member has a generally rectangular shape and is formed with wall structures which are of generally uniform thickness.

Abstract: A gate is provided for temporarily stopping a flow of objects moving along a conveyor. The gate is operated by a pneumatic actuator which overcomes the force of a spring to close the gate. The spring which holds the gate open is preferably a helical torsion spring which exerts relatively even force against the arm over the entire travel of the arm. Spring tension is adjustable to minimize the force exerted by the spring. The diaphragm of the pneumatic actuator is made to withstand pressures of up to 120 p.s.i.

Abstract: A device that brings a vertically falling integrated circuit to a rapid, bounce-free stop at a test site includes a set of relatively lightweight blades arrayed next to the fall path with their faces in a mutually spaced relationship. At its upper end, each blade is pivotally and loosely mounted on an energy absorbing elastomeric sleeve. At its lower end, each blade carries a stop member that projects into the fall path when the blade is in a first ("test") position. The stop members are generally aligned with one another horizontally across the fall path to define a stop surface that precisely locates an integrated circuit at the test site. The device includes an arrangement for repeatedly drawing the lower ends of the blades in unison to a second ("release") position where the stop members are clear of the fall path.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading cylindrical articles, such as kegs, onto a pallet so that the articles lie on their sides in a plurality of rows, has an assembly station at which rows of the articles are assembled at a level higher than the surface of a pallet at an adjacent loading station. A ramp extends from the assembly station to a pallet at the unloading station. A pusher mechanism pushes each row of articles at the assembly station onto the ramp so that the articles roll down the ramp under their own weight onto the pallet. A transfer member engages each row of articles on the ramp and controls the movement of the articles down the ramp. The transfer member is suspended from a carriage that is movable above the ramp. The carriage is movable vertically to enable it to engage each row, in turn, of articles pushed onto the ramp.

Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and dispensing apparatus for containers and the like wherein the containers are loaded at the top of a tower and selectively dispensed from the bottom. The tower has a frame that defines first and second tower sections, each supporting a number of vertically spaced shelf trays which in turn support the containers which are stacked on the trays when loaded. The shelf trays of each tower section face inwardly toward and are staggered relative to each other. Each tray is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and is operated so that when a container is dispensed from a bottom shelf tray, each higher tray beginning at the bottom and progressing upward one at a time, pivots to transfer its carton to the upwardly tilted next lower empty shelf tray. This process is repeated until each container has been transferred to the next lower shelf tray.

Abstract: The speed of a pallet as it descends down a pair of inclined rails in a flow rack is controlled by a series of speed-control wheels mounted on axles fastened to frame members located underneath the pallet. A tapered roller bearing is interposed between each axle and wheel to mount the wheel for combined rotary motion and axial motion. Brake pads are mounted on the frame member for engaging a braking surface on the wheel as it moves axially in response to the pallet load. The brake pads apply friction to the wheel for slowing the speed of the pallet. A bar is provided adjacent the lower end of each rail for engaging the speed control wheels on the pallets to increase the axial pressure thereon and to increase friction for arresting the pallets and separating the same.

Abstract: A conveying system for pneumatically conveying fragile, light weight workpieces by timed pulses of compressed air. Each pulse of air is used to propel a workpiece along a path that leads into a downwardly sloping chute and to decelerate the workpiece after it travels a selected distance down the chute so that all the initial momentum given the workpiece by the pulse of air is removed such that the workpiece will continue down the chute only under the influence of gravity. By decelerating or retarding the propelled workpiece it is prevented from impacting against queued workpieces, that proceeded it down the chute, with a high velocity that can cause breaking, chipping or jamming of the workpieces.

Abstract: Capacitor blanks (10) are gravity advanced down an inclined chute (22) into engagement with a flipper vane (36) whereat one (18) of a pair of oppositely disposed test probes (18) and (19) is advanced to engage and push the capacitor blank into engagement with the other probe. If the capacitor blank is not engaged by the test probes so that a predetermined minimum capacitance reading is attained by a test set (29), the test probe (18) is withdrawn and a signal generated to control the operation of the flipper vane (36) which functions to thrust the capacitor back up the chute. Upon proper positioning of the capacitor and completion of a test, the flipper vane is again operated in such a fashion that the tested capacitor passes to a sorting device (61, 64, and 65) which directs the capacitor blank into either an accept recepticle (62) or reject recepticle (63).

Abstract: An end stop for restraining the motion of a pallet in a cargo loading system, such as might be employed in an aircraft. A pair of similar left and right-hand pieces are removably mounted in a track or mounting channel having alternate lip and cutout portions. Each of these members has a main body portion having an elongated tension lug extending normally along the bottom edge thereof and a plurality of shear lugs directly above the tension lugs and extending substantially parallel thereto, such lugs being spaced from each other along the longitudinal extent of the main body. Each body portion further includes an overhanging restraining arm extending along the top edge of the body in a direction substantially normal to that in which the shear and tension lugs extend, a stop plate extending downwardly from the inner edge of the restraining arm in a direction normal thereto and a sloped shoulder which extends outwardly from the bottom edge of the stop plate towards the bottom edge of the body portion.

Abstract: A rack for supporting drilling tubulars such as drill pipe, collars and the like includes a base and a rail. The rail is coupled to the base by means of two columns, each of which is provided with threads such that the tilt angle of the rail with respect to the base can be adjusted to provide gravity feeding of drilling tubulars to either end of the rail. The rail is provided with two pivotably connected stop plates which move in opposition. The stop plates are controlled by means of an air cylinder to allow only one drilling tubular at a time from those stored on the rack to roll off the end of the rail. Furthermore, both stop plates can be retracted below the level of the rail so as not to interfere with the movement of tubulars onto the rack. The combination of the tiltable rail and the two stop plates provides a rack which can be used to control movement of drilling tubulars on to and off of the rack with a minimum of manpower requirements.

Abstract: A steel pipe transporting apparatus and a method for controlling the same wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of said rails slantingly arranged from a feed-in end to a feed-out end so as to enable transportation of the steel pipe by causing the steel pipe to roll down on the skid rails from the feed-in end to the feed-out end. A plurality of electromagnets are arranged along the skid rails from the feed-in end to the feed-out end and each of the electromagnets include an inner pole with an exciting coil wound thereon and a pair of outer poles. The pair of outer poles have an upper end connected with a skid rail and a lower end connected with a common base, the inner poles having a lower end connected to the common base and an upper end arranged so as to face the steel pipe when transported on the skid rails so that the upper end portions of the inner poles are magnetically separated from each other.

Abstract: A chute for gravity feeding a plurality of like electrical components (1) to a pick-up station of a robotic controlled automatic assembly system comprises guide rails (2,3) down which components slide with their pins (13) extending between the rails. The rails are shaped to provide a downwardly inclined straight track (5) leading into a horizontal track (6) comprising the pick-up station from which the components are taken by the robot. The transition from the inclined track (approximately 30 degrees to the horizontal) to the straight track, although smooth, is quite abrupt and ensures that the next component is successfully fed from the inclined to the horizontal section of the chute each time its predecessor is removed from the pick-up station. Since the length of the horizontal track is such that only one component can be accommodated at a time, accurate positioning of the component in the pick-up station for access by the robot is guaranteed.

Abstract: A continuously movable conveyor supports a plurality of articles for movement along a path leading to and beyond a zone at which selected articles are transferred from and returned to the conveyor. At the transfer zone is stop apparatus movable from a position clear of the path of movement of the articles on the conveyor to a position in which it projects into such path of movement so as to engage and stop an oncoming article as the conveyor continues to move. The stop apparatus includes a stop member supported by a parallelogram linkage which is rockable by an extensible and retractable hydraulic ram to effect movements of the stop member into and out of the path of conveyor borne articles. The coupling of the ram to the stop member includes a lost motion connection enabling displacement of the stop member upon engagement of the latter by an article on the conveyor and the ram is yieldably retractable in response to such engagement so as to absorb and cushion the shock of such engagement.

Abstract: A retarder device for applying gradually increasing braking force to a moving object such as a pallet rolling on a gravitationally actuated conveyor system. The device produces a three-stage application of braking force to the moving object as the object moves along its predetermined path and rolls over a brake wheel that actuates a gear train. The gear train comprises a plurality of intermeshed gears that progressively increases the angular velocity of the rotating gears as the first gear in the train is rotated. A fly wheel carrying at least one pivotally mounted fly weight, and preferably a plurality of weights equally spaced around the wheel, is fixedly secured to the terminal gear of the train. The inertia of the various members of the gear train, the fly wheel, and the fly weights applies the first stage braking force to the moving object.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing newspapers from a container in a newspaper live storage buffer having an indexing unit for moving the containers individually from the buffer's conveying device to an unloading position. In the unloading position a pneumatically controlled paddle is raised to engage the newspapers within the container and at approximately the same time a gate forming the bottom of the container is unlatched to permit it to swing to an open position. The paddle is then lowered and is effective in guiding the newspapers into an arcuated channel from which they are delivered for further processing downstream of the buffer.

Abstract: Rapidly descending articles are decelerated in a segmented walled mechanism which alternately decreases in cross-sectional area to decelerate and restrain an article and subsequently increases in cross-sectional area to permit the article to fall safely to a reception device, such as a conveyor, below. The decrease in cross-sectional area is synchronized with the delivery of the article from an associated fabrication device. The mechanism also includes a synchronously oscillating receiving tube which alternately tracks one moving discharge site on the fabrication device and then returns to engage and track an adjacent discharge site. Orientation of the article is maintained as it passes through the cross-sectional area and onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioning system for precisely and rapidly positioning objects of the type likely to impose impact loadings on the system. The system is particularly adaptable for use in sawmill setworks for precisely positioning logs preparatory to sawing thereof. High impact loads are compensated for by special rapid-acting shock-absorbing hydraulic relief circuitry responsive to differences between impact overpressure and system pressure.

Abstract: A retractible stop mechanism is disclosed, for a conveyor system or the like, in which a stop member is moved up and down between a retracted position and a position in which it blocks an article, and a pivoted tension link is connected between the supporting structure and the stop member to provide the reaction force against the force exerted by the blocked article on the stop member, thereby removing frictional resistance to retraction of the stop member. Also, the location of the pivot of the tension link is such that a force component is developed which assists the retracting force acting on the stop member.

Abstract: An escapement having a pair of retractable stops spaced apart lengthwise of a downwardly inclined track along which workpieces are conveyed. The upstream stop is supported for pivotal movement lengthwise of the track so that its leading end is adapted to engage in the cleavage space between a pair of abutting workpieces when the stop is extended regardless of whether the cleavage space is located in exactly the same position for each pair of successive workpieces.

Abstract: A chute for feeding electronic components having axial wire leads into a machine for cutting and forming said leads includes spaced apart parallel plates defining therebetween a chamber for the bodies of the electronic components and has an elongated slot in each plate for receiving and guiding the axial wire leads thereof. The width of the slots and the distance between the plates are adjustable to accommodate components having varying body lengths and varying wire diameters. Wire retainers are also included to stop each component at the bottom of the chute and guide it into a position to be received and retained by the cutting and forming machine.

Abstract: Nails, screws and the like, referred to as fasteners, are automatically supplied into the magazine of a driver for the fasteners from a supply chute. A slide pusher may extend out of the free end of the magazine and cooperates with a gate at the discharge end of the supply chute, whereby the gate is opened when the free end of the magazine is inserted into the discharge end of the supply chute. In this position the magazine slide pusher is located in a recess to permit the fasteners to freely pass by the slide pusher into the magazine guide channel. When the magazine is full it is withdrawn from the supply chute, whereby a spring closes the gate and the slide pusher is moved back into the magazine guide channel to push the fasteners toward the magazine discharge end under the force of a spring in the magazine.