Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to test user interfaces of systems. Some embodiments provide a puck support apparatus comprising: a base; a first support and a second support both supported by the base and extending away from the base in generally a first direction; wherein the first support comprises a first channel formed at an angle relative to the first direction; and wherein the second support comprises a second channel formed at the angle relative to the first direction and mirroring the first channel; and wherein the first support at the first channel is separated from the second support by at least a robotic effector threshold distance.

Abstract: A method of transporting blood samples without using a capsule, in a tube system with an internal diameter that is greater than the external diameter of the applied blood samples and lesser than the lengths of the applied blood samples, the method including at least the following steps: •A: a blood sample (8) with an external diameter in the range Ø12 mm to Ø18 mm and with a length in the range from 80 mm to 110 mm is introduced in a tube system (1) that includes a dispatch station (3) and a receiver station (4), •A1: the physical dimensions of the blood sample (8) is checked and it is ensured that the blood sample (8) fits the tube system, •B: the blood sample (8) is dispatched from the dispatch station (3) by means of dispatching air.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes a housing; an empties-introduction opening by way of which empties are introducible; a conveying mechanism disposed in the housing and by which empties that have been introduced can be conveyed away. The mechanism has an empties-receptacle portion facing the opening and by which the empties from the opening reach the mechanism. The portion is disposed to be adjacent to the opening and spaced apart therefrom such that a gap is present between the opening and the portion. The device further includes an optical detection device disposed in the housing adjacent to the opening, so as to be able to optically detect in an at least substantially encircling manner introduced empties; and a web extending in a region between a lower portion of the opening and the portion, to be able to serve as a bearing for the empties at least partially bridges the gap.

Abstract: A portable adjustable conveyor for use with a power tool for cutting a work piece. The portable adjustable conveyor has a one piece frame formed from a base plate integrally connected to first and second guide plates. Each guide plate has first, second and third groups of vertically aligned alignment holes oriented on a diagonal configuration to each other and spaced centrally in each guide plate. A removable roller engages between pairs of vertically aligned alignment holes in a first, second or third group of offset holes. The portable conveyer enables the power tool to process a work piece and reposition the work piece in less than 90 seconds repeatedly using different pairs of longitudinally aligned alignment holes with the removable roller as well as reduce static in the work place and increase lumens to the workpieces, all simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding electronic components for insertion onto circuit boards, the apparatus comprising: a vibratory bowl configured for receiving electronic components and for lining up the electronic components onto a moveable conveyor, the vibratory bowl is configured for vibrating and guiding each of the electronic components towards an opening in the vibratory bowl where each of the electronic components is transferred to the conveyor; a component processing unit configured for checking operation of each of the electronic components lined up along the conveyor and for removing any defective electronic component failing the operation check; and a component feeder configured for transferring each of the electronic components that are non-defective to a machine for handling insertion of the electronic components onto circuit boards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding joining elements to a joining tool is presented. The joining tool may be movable by a programmable handling unit, and a magazine for receiving at least one joining element may be mounted on the joining tool. The magazine may be moved to a filling station that has a tubular section with an outlet opening. An inlet opening of the magazine may be oriented in relation to the outlet opening. At least one joining element may be conveyed to the tubular section so that it passes through the tubular section, the outlet opening, the inlet opening, and into the magazine. During the orienting, the magazine may be oriented in relation to the outlet opening such that the magazine is spaced apart from the filling station during the conveying of the at least one joining element.

Abstract: A chute assembly (10) to deliver product to a former (11) of a packaging assembly. The chute assembly (10) includes a chute (14) that converges downwardly. Located adjacent the chute (14) is a metal detector (21) having a transmitting and receiving coils (22) of different diameters. The receiving coils (22) being adapted to provide a signal when metal is detected.

Abstract: A device for supplying small parts has a large-diameter disc that is driven and rotates on a horizontal axis thereof, a hopper disposed close to the large-diameter disc at at least a lower half side of one of side surfaces of the large-diameter disc, wherein the hopper is configured to accommodate therein the small parts in bulk, a first magnet embedded in the one side surface of the large-diameter disc so as to be exposed at the one side surface of the large-diameter disc, wherein the first magnet attracts, at an outer circumferential side edge portion of the one side surface of the large-diameter disc, one of the small parts accommodated in an accommodation space of the hopper, and a small-diameter disc disposed close to the large-diameter disc at an upper side of the large-diameter disc.

Abstract: A nozzle system that includes an improved air nozzle is provided. In one embodiment, the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet. An air source is connected with the nozzle through a conduit and generates an air flow using a high flow centrifugal blower. The nozzle is connected with and part of an air-driven orientation device.

Abstract: A method for disassembling a low-pressure process apparatus. The method provide a transmission device and a low-pressure process apparatus; and moves the housing to a transmission device in a first horizontal direction via the first roller set.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing packages of eggs on a conveyor is disclosed which comprises an egg orienter configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor so as to adjust a position of one or more of the eggs in each of the packages so that each of the eggs in a given package assumes a particular orientation within that package. In some embodiments, the egg orienter may be located between an egg loading section and a package closing section of an egg packer. In addition, in some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a laser source and one or more optical steering elements configured and arranged to direct laser energy from the laser source so as to laser mark information on a surface of one or more of the eggs while the eggs are in a package disposed on the conveyor and in said particular orientation.

Abstract: A system for repositioning row bars includes a base support including a top surface, and a support arm positioned on the top surface and configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, a tray assembly coupled to the support arm, the tray assembly including a first tray including a plurality of first channels, each configured to retain one of the row bars in an initial position, a transfer substrate including a plurality of transfer channels, each configured to receive one of the row bars from the first tray as the support arm moves from the first position to the second position, and a second tray including a plurality of second channels, each configured to retain the one of the row bars in a final position, where the row bars in the final position are rotated by a preselected number of degrees from the initial position.

Abstract: A method and device for the removal of balls from a supply is disclosed. The device has a horizontal plate having one or a plurality of circular orifices of identical size in the form of transcurrent orifices running vertically from the upper side to the lower side. The plate on its upper side exhibits a depression around each orifice, in conjunction with which the base of the depression are curved, the periphery of the depression exhibits an elliptical, oval or spindle-shaped form at the level of the surface of the plate, the mid-point of the orifice in each case lies on the mid-point of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the periphery of the depression, and the base of the depression is inclined towards the mid-point of the orifice along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention structurally includes an adjustable guide rail system for laterally adjustably guiding and axially rotatably manipulating containers, such as cans, passed axially between the guide rail systems and with structure to simply and easily facilitate adjustment of the system to adjust to various series of different size cans to guide multiple series of different size cans there through by rotating a cylinder through which the cans passed to present a different passage for each respective series of different size cans.

Abstract: A supply tube has a conveying channel of a substantially rectangular cross-section formed therein for successively supplying tablets, pills, capsules, dragées and similar products from a reservoir under the effect of gravity to a receptacle. The conveying channel has several successively arranged sections adjoining one another, wherein successive sections are inclined alternately in different directions with respect to a longitudinal plane of the supply tube thereby enclosing an angle of less than 45° with the longitudinal plane, and wherein the cross-section of the successive sections is distorted by an angle of up to about 90° around the longitudinal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for guiding the movement of a flanged vial (10) during an automated process to prevent the flange (50) from disrupting the movement of the vial (10) during the process. The apparatus (100) includes a receptacle (120) with a narrowing peripheral wall (130) adapted to receive the vial (10) during a vertical drop and direct the movement of the vial (10) toward a slide (160). A weighted flap (170) contacts the vial (10) as the vial (10) moves along the slide (160), slowing the descent of the vial (10), holding the vial (10) against the slide (160), and pivoting to accommodate the flange (50). A platform (190) catches the vial (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating articles (28) includes inputting a plurality of individual articles to deliver the articles from an article supply source (26) onto an inclined slide (42) having a guide surface. In particular aspects, the articles are regulated with a guide member (44), and directed to a first conveyor (50).

Abstract: Provided is a game device using game tokens with a newly added element not found in conventional game devices. In the present token game device, the token game processing system and the video game processing system are linked. That is, the processing of the video game in the satellite unit (2) is commenced in accordance with whether or not a token hit the target (3). The processing contents of the video game are altered in accordance with the player's operation of the lever (23). Then, tokens are paid out to the player in accordance with the processing results of such video game. Therefore, the player is able to enjoy various operations, and provided is a game in which the player will not lose interest.

Abstract: Aspects for package orientation checking in a laser marking machine are provided. In a system aspect, the system includes a handler, the handler including a unit loader. A laser mark chamber receives units from the handler for laser marking. A package orientation checking mechanism is positioned between the unit loader and the laser mark chamber for detecting an orientation of each unit passing to the laser mark chamber based on a chamfer side of each unit.

Abstract: A chip component feeding apparatus translates chip components accommodated in bulk along a passage in alignment and feeds the foremost chip component to a predetermined take-out position. A curved passage having at its passage center a predetermined radius of curvature is disposed between the bore of a fixed pipe (vertical passage) and linear passages (transverse passage) used for the transport of components. An opening for the discharge of chip components is provided in the vicinity of the transverse passage of the curved passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and delivering fins manufactured in a fin mill for use in manufacture and assembly of heat exchangers used for controlling temperature conditions. The apparatus includes first and second conveyors, the first conveyor receiving and transporting fins emanating from a fin mill, and the second conveyer delivering the fins to an apparatus for manufacturing and assembling a heat exchanger. A tier of chutes reorient the direction of the fins with respect to the direction of the conveyor travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading test pins into a test fixture of the type having a plurality of holes containing test pins. A shaker table supports the fixture to be loaded together with a pin cassette containing a plurality of pins with their bottom ends resting on the fixture. A funnel or chute is located below the shaker table to catch spare pins and direct the pins into a collection container or drawer which has one or more angled internal baffle walls for orienting the pins in the same direction.

Abstract: Manufactured products, for example those produced by a die press, may be cleaned, separated, randomized and stacked with the apparatus of the present invention. A first conveyor system removes contaminants from the products. A second conveyor system separates and randomizes the products, for example, by allowing the products to cascade down an inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor is segmented to capture a portion of the products as they are pulled downward by gravitational forces. The products are aligned on a shaker table with any of several operator stations. In one embodiment the products pass through a funneling array, a slot and into a stacking tube from which operators may remove stacks of the product in preparation for shipping.

Abstract: A pass thru port, for use in an automated cartridge library, is capable of transferring a cartridge from one module of the automated cartridge library to another module of the automated cartridge library without the use of motors or other powered devices. A rotating mechanism, operating under the force of gravity, engages the cartridge after the cartridge is released by the robot arm of the first module. The rotating mechanism turns the cartridge so it faces in the appropriate direction to be received by the second module. A pivoting tray in the second module engages the cartridge as the cartridge slides from the rotating mechanism to the second module. The pivoting tray positions the cartridge in the second module so that it may be retrieved by a robot arm in the second module. Multiple cartridges can be loaded into the pass thru port and removed one at a time from the second module with the next module automatically moving into position in the second module when the first cartridge is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for automatically removing inverted container ends (24) from a longitudinally moving stick (20) of nestable container ends (22) is provided. Inverted ends (24) are ejected from the stick (20) through an outlet as a path direction of the stick (20) changes. The change in path direction can be due to a protrusion (36) extending into the path or a curve (14) in a stick guide assembly (34). The apparatus (10) reduces the likelihood of that inverted ends (24) will enter processing machinery and reduces processing line down time.

Abstract: The device is constituted essentially by a channel-shaped guide which is intended to be arranged in an inclined position and has a break in its base wall to enable the expulsion of the products which are travelling flat against that wall. In correspondence with the break, the guide has an S-shaped curve and is bent downwardly to facilitate the expulsion.

Abstract: A component-orienting apparatus provided with a plurality of parallel orienting passages for aligning a plurality of components such as rectangular-parallelopipedic electronic component chips in the same orientation as each other. Each of the orienting passages comprises a receiving portion provided with a first space defined by an upwardly-taperingly-opening first inner peripheral surface and an aligning passage having a cylindrical second inner peripheral surface defining a second space that communicates with the lower end of the first space. The aligning passage is selected to have sectional geometry which rejects the longitudinal dimension of each component but crosswisely and perpendicularly orients the component in prescribed directions respectively. The first inner peripheral surface is continuous with the second inner peripheral surface through a rounded face.

Abstract: A high speed gravity feed can conveyor comprises two facing C-shaped guides formed of hard chrome plated sheet metal. The guides are held in opposed spaced relationship by open U-shaped collars distributed along the conveyor. The collars distributed along the conveyor. The collars are formed with openings positioned downward having sufficient width to pass a can turned from a rolling orientation in the conveyor. The edges of the C-shaped guides are turned in a direction to support a rolling can and are covered with ultra-high molecular weight plastic to minimize rolling friction and protect the metal surface. The facing guide surfaces with chrome plating reduce sliding friction when a can end contacts a guide and reduce the potential for nicking the surface.

Abstract: A device for the removal of bobbins from an automatic rotor spinning machine having a conveyor belt placed on the automatic spinning machine for collecting and delivering completed bobbins comprises a transfer device with a frame, a receiving conveyor belt swiveling on the frame in a vertical direction for receiving bobbins from the automatic spinning machine, a roller conveyor section extending the receiving conveyor belt and which can be swiveled between a position inclined in the direction of feed and a horizontal position, a receiving chute placed parallel to the roller conveyor section, a pusher for transfer of bobbins from the roller conveyor section to the receiving chute, a lifting device for vertically moving the receiving chute between a position adjacent to the roller conveyor section and a number of additional positions, and a tilting device for tilting the receiving chute around its longitudinal axis between a horizontal receiving position and a position essentially at a 90.degree.

Abstract: A vibration damping nest is adapted for receiving axial lead components deposited upon a conveyor assembly by an automatic grasping and positioning device such as robotic pincers. The conveyor assembly, such as a walking beam, is provided with a plurality of grooves along the length thereof which are aligned perpendicular to the length and direction of displacement of the walking beam and are adapted to receive an elongated, linear electronic component deposited thereon. The vibration damping nest includes a pair of pivoting plates positioned on respective sides of the walking beam immediately adjacent thereto. An upper edge of each of the plates includes a generally V-shaped recessed portion for receiving a respective axial lead of a component. Suspended from each pivoting plate is a biasing weight for urging the plate in a generally vertical orientation wherein the V-shaped upper edge portions of the plates define a component drop position across the walking beam assembly.

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: A guide bar reciprocally movable at an inclined angle accepts a fastener in an upper leg of the guide bar when in a retracted position, moves that fastener past a stationary member and drops it onto a lower leg of the guide bar when in the extended position. A movable pin contacts the lower end of the fastener and acts as a reference when that pin is in the extended position. The guide bar when it is retracted is at a distance less than the length of the fastener from the reference point. If the fastener, which has a shallow recess on one end and a deep recess on the other end, has the shallow recessed end down that end will drop down when the pin is retracted. If the deep recessed end is down the fastener will rotate around the pin and drop the shallow recessed end down.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for the alignment of bottles, which apparatus has no moving parts, and includes an assembly of trough and slide surface. The trough is substantially parallel to the major axis of the bottles. The bottles descend the assembly under the influence of gravity. Bottles which are aligned proceed as directed by the trough whereas non-aligned bottles are diverted away from the trough.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting articles having a coding feature comprising an inclined article-receiving track into which extends a trip aligned with the path of the coding feature in one orientation of a leading end of the article and arranged to cause pivotal movement of the article in one direction thereby to invert the article to change the orientation of the leading end article. The track may have first and second parts one above the other and inclined in mutually opposite directions with an exit end of the first track part being spaced from the entry end of the second track part by a gateway, the trip comprising a rotating wheel in the gateway.

Abstract: Dry offset printing apparatus for high speed printing on cylindrical objects fed either horizontally or vertically to the printer, which comprises a three-roller system including a single roll ink-metering system, plate cylinder and blanket or print roll. The ink roll is provided with a relatively soft, smooth elastomeric surface as is also the offset print roll blanket. A doctor blade is configured and oriented with respect to the ink roll to meter a uniformly even, thin film of ink onto the roll. Means are provided for evenly distributing the ink film on the ink roll in both horizontal and vertical embodiments of the printer. Means are also provided to prevent excessive ink buildup on print roll when skips occur at the printing station. Rotary transfer means are provided for positively feeding the cylindrical objects to the printer at high speeds in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: Means for orienting containers of the type having a concave face, such as glass liquor flasks, while they are being conveyed, so that their concave faces are all toward a selected direction. As they are being conveyed the containers are biased against a specially contoured surface on a fixed shoe along which they slide. A container whose concave face is already facing the shoe slides along the contoured shoe surface without being turned or reoriented; but a misoriented container, whose concave face is reversed to the shoe, is turned by the special shape of the shoe surface to a crosswise position on the conveyor. The containers turned crosswise (but only those containers) are then further rotated to the desired orientation, the reverse of their original orientation, by conveying them past a brake which engages endwise surfaces of the crosswise containers and which slows or arrests that portion of such containers as the movement of the conveyor turns them toward the desired orientation.

Abstract: A cassette correlator for positioning between a tape cassette storage magazine and a cassette tape loading machine, the cassette correlator being designed to assure that empty tape cassettes emerging from the magazine will be oriented for proper reception by the tape loading machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application apparatus for separating articles or workpieces such as axially leaded electronic components, from a group of jumbled similar articles, arranging the articles in order in a reservoir in the form of a vertical guideway in which all are similarly oriented and discharging the articles from the reservoir one at a time in a controlled manner so as to obtain a count either of a predetermined number or of a total in a given lot.

Abstract: For use in a food processor comprising a power unit having a drive shaft, a removable receptacle including a container and a lid having a feed chute communicable to the interior of the receptacle when mounted on the container, and a rotary treating element rotatable within the receptacle together with the drive shaft, a tilt preventing element for preventing a food material inserted into the feed chute from being tilted sideways which comprises an elastic retainer member including a plurality of long elastic tines and a corresponding number of short elastic tines. The long and short tines are curved so that, when the elastic retainer member is removably mounted on the open end of the feed chute opposite to the container, they extend downwardly in the feed chute and diverge outwardly from the surrounding wall defining the feed chute.

Abstract: A bale wagon employing a stack side evener comprising, in its most simple form, a plurality of fixed, spaced apart parallel fins which passively direct a moving bale toward a predetermined position. Generally, the type of bale wagon given consideration in the instant application includes a bale-receiving area onto which bales are deposited, a bale:accumulating area upon which tiers of bales are assembled, and a load rack upon which multiple tiers of bales are deposited to accomplish the formation of a stack. The wagon further includes some mechanism for moving bales from the bale-receiving area to the bale-accumulating area. The stack side evener comprises a multiplicity of fixed fins which engage the bottom of the bale during the transfer step described, and guide it toward a stop member which serves to commonly orient one side of the tier being formed.