Abstract: A stick distributing unit and corresponding method for laying spacer sticks over a board layer is provided. The unit includes a frame defining a stick-receiving area for receiving sticks and a hold-and-release mechanism configured to dispense each stick one-by-one. The hold-and-release mechanism includes a lower holding member selectively operable to hold and release a bottommost stick, and an upper holding member selectively operable to hold and release a penultimate stick. The unit also includes a controller configured to operate the lower and upper holding members to release the bottommost stick from the stick-receiving area and knock on the penultimate stick. The unit further has a stick-laying mechanism configured to receive and lay the released bottommost stick over the board layer.

Abstract: A modular repair kit for repairing damaged pallet rack frames and a method of installation thereof which incudes modular elements that can be customized by mechanical process such as cutting, drilling and connecting, for example, by bolts, that avoids major modifications, such as welding, at the installation site. The modular repair kit utilizes a standard replacement post assembly that can be cut to fit into nearly any size gap that is created when the damaged portion of the pallet rack frame is removed. The remaining elements of the repair kit can then be customized to accommodate any size of the standard replacement post assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus (1) for use in the manufacture of tobacco industry products. The apparatus (1) comprises a rolling unit (9) comprising: •a rotatable drum (14) having a plurality of flutes (18) formed in a curved outer surface (17) of the drum (14) to receive axially-aligned components (5,6) of a tobacco industry product; •a roll hand (15) having a contact surface (34) facing and spaced from the outer surface (17) of the drum (14) to define a space, between the contact surface (34) and the outer surface (17), within which space components of a tobacco industry product are rollable upon rotation of the drum (14); and •a kicker bar (16) disposed adjacent to the roll hand (15) and having a contact edge (36) facing and spaced from the outer surface (17) of the drum (17).

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys a plurality of packages and a sorting unit that is configured to sort the plurality of packages on the basis of a delivery destination, a size, and a weight such that the plurality of packages are sorted as first packages and second packages, and the sorting unit is configured to sort the packages lighter and smaller than the second packages as the first packages.

Abstract: An additive feeder assembly includes a supply reservoir having an outlet and an outlet tube having a first end in fluid communication with the outlet and a second end located vertically higher than the supply reservoir. An air stream transports a first granular material discharged from the supply reservoir and into the first end of the outlet tube to the second end of the outlet tube. A granular material distributor is in fluid communication with the second end of the outlet tube. The granular material distributor has a top end configured for attachment to a feed supply for a second granular material, a central portion located vertically below the top end and configured to mix the first granular material and the second granular material, and a bottom end configured for vertically discharging the mixed first granular material and second granular material.

Abstract: An additive feeder assembly includes a supply reservoir having an outlet and an outlet tube having a first end in fluid communication with the outlet and a second end located vertically higher than the supply reservoir. An air stream transports a first granular material discharged from the supply reservoir and into the first end of the outlet tube to the second end of the outlet tube. A granular material distributor is in fluid communication with the second end of the outlet tube. The granular material distributor has a top end configured for attachment to a feed supply for a second granular material, a central portion located vertically below the top end and configured to mix the first granular material and the second granular material, and a bottom end configured for vertically discharging the mixed first granular material and second granular material.

Abstract: A modular repair kit for repairing damaged pallet rack frames and a method of installation thereof which incudes modular elements that can be customized by mechanical process such as cutting, drilling and connecting, for example, by bolts, that avoids major modifications, such as welding, at the installation site. The modular repair kit utilizes a standard replacement post assembly that can be cut to fit into nearly any size gap that is created when the damaged portion of the pallet rack frame is removed. The remaining elements of the repair kit can then be customized to accommodate any size of the standard replacement post assembly.

Abstract: Equipment for sorting parcels in a logistics center, the equipment comprising an automated sorting conveyor mounted at a height over a platform and with sorting outlets equipped with sorting chutes in the form of ramps sloping downwards from respective sorting outlets of the conveyor to the platform below the conveyor, and shuttle trolleys mounted on wheels and for automatically moving non-standard parcels that cannot be machine-sorted on the sorting conveyor, the shuttle trolleys travelling along travel aisles passing under the ramps so as to optimize the footprint of the equipment.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for using containers of bulk material along with a bucket conveyor system, instead of a pneumatic transfer process, to move the bulk material from a transportation unit to a storage/delivery system are provided. A transportation unit may deliver one or more containers full of bulk material toward a fill hopper of the bucket conveyor system. The containers may be positioned proximate the fill hopper to release the bulk material directly into the fill hopper. The bucket conveyor may deliver the bulk material from the fill hopper into the storage/delivery system. Since the containers are maneuverable into a position to output bulk material directly into the fill hopper and without pneumatic transfer, the bucket conveyor system may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.

Abstract: A substrate conveyance mechanism that includes conveyance units and a working area length change part to easily change the types of substrates to allow substrates of different lengths to be selected to mount electronic components onto the substrate. The conveyance units include a working area for substrates having different length that are conveyed from a stand-by area, an area length of the working area that is variable in accordance with the length of the substrate, and a stand-by unit corresponding to a stand-by area for the substrate to be carried in to the working area. The working area length change part changes an interval between a commonly used first pulley and one of a plurality of second pulleys selectively used in accordance with the area length of the working area by changing a belt winding path of a conveyance belt wound on the pulleys in the working unit.

Abstract: A slip conveyor (10) including a plurality of conveyor trays (11) that convey product (34) in the downstream direction (12). Each tray (11) is of a tubular construction and has at least one aperture (20) through which product is delivered upon angular movement of the tray (11) about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adjustable conveyor gate for receiving goods from a conveyor and for selectively being adjusted to direct the received goods to one of at least two receiving structures, the adjustable conveyor gate having a rotatable trough extender with an opening therein with a proximal drop wall and a distal drop wall angularly and axially spaced from the proximal drop wall. Positioning the proximal drop wall at an elevated position, with the distal drop wall at a lowered position, causes goods moving through the adjustable conveyor gate to drop from the distal drop wall to a first receiving structure there beneath. Positioning the distal drop wall at an elevated position, with the proximal drop wall at a lowered position, causes goods moving through the adjustable conveyor gate to drop from the proximal drop wall to a second receiving structure there beneath.

Abstract: A chip discharge device of a machine tool includes a coolant tank storing coolant which is supplied to and dropped from a machining point, and a chip conveyor discharging chips which are generated at and dropped from the machining point, to an outside of the machine tool. A bottom wall of the coolant tank is inclined in a chip discharge side by mounting the coolant tank to the bed.

Abstract: A conveyor run for moving goods to two or more destinations can be used to move a first fraction of the goods to a first destination and a second fraction of the goods to another destination. A drive motor coupled to a conveyor portion is reversible to enable the conveyor run to move goods in either direction along the conveyor run. An adjustable gate includes a rotatable sleeve with an opening that is positionable relative to conveyor portions between which the adjustable gate is connected. The rotatable sleeve rotates relative to the adjacent conveyor portions to position the opening to set the fraction of the goods that pass from an upstream conveyor portion to the downstream conveyor portion and to set the fraction of the goods that drop from the conveyor run through the opening.

Abstract: A roller system for sorting a produce or fruit, with a conveyor having an upper run and a lower run, a roller truck with two spindles and a roller wheel between. The roller truck is attached to side-by-side conveyors each with a string of the roller trucks operating in parallel and a roller drive belt contacting the roller wheel of the roller truck on the upper run, to spin the roller wheel and the roller pair. The side-by-side roller pairs of spindles have a spindle gap between each pair and a pocket is formed between each of roller pairs for receiving the produce, such as cherries, nuts or blueberries. As the roller drive belt rotates the roller wheel, the produce is rolled and repositioned in the pocket, exposing and presenting all surfaces of the produce to an optical scanner.

Abstract: To provide a chip disposal device of a machine tool which surely separates and collects a cutting fluid adhering to a chip lump, thereby capable of reducing an amount of the cutting fluid discharged to the outside of the machine. The chip disposal device includes a liquid separating part 65 which separates and collects a cutting fluid adhering to chips, the liquid separating part 65 has a mounting part 66 which is provided continuously from an inclined discharge surface 20a and is inclined so as to get lower as it goes more apart outward from the inclined discharge surface 20a, and to which a first chip lump a1 conveyed by a first scraping plate 36a is transferred. Then, the first chip lump a1 on the mounting part 66 stays on the mounting part 66 until dropping by being pushed by a second chip lump a2 conveyed by a second scraping plate 36b following the first scraping plate 36a.

Abstract: A chute turning restriction mechanism includes: a rotary shaft on which a chute is disposed and which is provided to be capable of rotating relative to a vehicle body of a mixer truck; a bracket that is provided on the vehicle body and includes an insertion hole into which the rotary shaft is inserted and a cutaway portion formed by cutting away a part of the insertion hole; an inner diameter adjustment shaft provided across the cutaway portion to be capable of adjusting an inner diameter of the insertion hole, and configured to restrict rotation of the rotary shaft by reducing the inner diameter of the insertion hole; a rotary body that is provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft and includes an engagement groove; and a lock lever that is provided to be capable of rotating about the inner diameter adjustment shaft, and that restricts the rotation of the rotary shaft by engaging with the engagement groove.

Abstract: A dual position chute for parcel handling. In one embodiment, the device comprises a conveying track, an unloading station and a transition zone dual-position chute that is adapted to divert a package from an adjacent conveying track and between at least two substantially vertical discharge positions. In some examples, the chute includes an inlet, a positionable diverter door and at least one spatially-separated stationary diverter door that is downstream from the positionable diverter door. The system and chute provides for discharge of small parcels from an adjacent packing sorting conveyor.

Abstract: A sorter device and sorting apparatus for use in a conveyor line, and a conveyor line including such a sorter device and sorting apparatus. A sorting apparatus may be used in a conveyor line with an inspection device, and may include an infeed device and an outfeed device to move the products to and from a sorter device with a sorting element that can be swiveled downward. The sorter device may be equipped with at least one guide element that is arranged at a vertical distance from the sorting element and acts from above to guide the transport direction of a product that is moved on the sorting element. The guide element may be connected to the sorting element and may be designed to swivel therewith. An optional take-along device may also be present.

Abstract: A recirculation bin, a drill tailings handling apparatus, and a method of handling drill tailings is disclosed. The recirculation bin has a moveable plate member, which advantageously may be positioned, when excess tailings are being delivered to the recirculation bin, to deflect such excess tailings into a second containment bin, for subsequent re-delivery to the recirculation bin when capacity to process such drill tailings is then available. The handling apparatus contemplates a second container, which is disposed immediately adjacent the recirculation bin, to receive deflected tailings, and is open at one end thereof to permit entry of a front-end loader therein, and thereby permit excess tailings deflected into the second container to be scooped up and delivered to the recirculation bin, when the moveable plate member is positioned to then allow the recirculation bin to accept such delivery, at a time when processing capability for such drill tailings is available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.

Abstract: A device to transfer printed products out of the transport channel of a gathering and collating machine in which the printed products are transported in a clocked flow comprises an arrangement for transferring the printed products in a downward direction out of the transport channel. The printed products are preferably removed through an opening in a bottom part of the transport channel, wherein the opening is provided with a flap that can be pivoted downward and away from a product guide wall of the transport channel for the transfer out of a printed product.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.

Abstract: A belt loader assembly includes a belt loader and an extension assembly. The belt loader includes a conveyor belt and a frame. The extension assembly includes an extension portion, a connection portion, and a bumper portion. The extension portion includes a plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The connection portion is engaged with the first end portion of the plate and with the frame of the belt loader. The bumper portion is engaged with the second end portion of the plate. An extension assembly includes a plate having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The extension assembly further includes a bumper portion engaged to the plate at the second portion. The bumper portion includes a bumper. A connection portion is engaged with the first end portion and adapted for engagement with a belt loader.

Abstract: An off-loading conveyor of produce having utility in the discrimination and separation of watermelons includes a support structure defining a conveying path, an endless flexible element mounted on the support structure to extend and to move along the conveying path and support elements mounted to pivot from the conveying path and to move with the endless flexible element along the conveying path. The support elements are mounted to mounts which are attached to the endless flexible element. These elements are pivotally mounted to the mount and extend transversely across the conveying path of the conveyor from pivots in alternation from opposite sides of the conveying path. The support elements include elongate bodies which are pivoted adjacent one end and employ a rotatably mounted wheel adjacent the other end. The wheels define a conveying channel and are able to be lifted by cams upwardly to off load produce from either side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A gate assembly for use with a conveying surface which has an aperture formed therein is disclosed, and which includes a moveable gate plate which is operable to selectively occlude the aperture; and first and second chutes which are borne by the moveable gate plate and which move therewith, and which are individually operable to receive and carry away an article which passes through the aperture of the conveying surface.

Abstract: A hopper loading system for a pallet making apparatus includes a first conveying system for conveying a layer of stringers from a stacked array in adjacent substantially horizontal relation along a first direction, and a second conveying system for conveying stringers in adjacent substantially horizontal relation to one of a plurality of hoppers along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system. The conveyor system includes: a conveying track; at least one unloading station; and a transition zone funnel upstream of the unloading station to receive the package from the conveying track, the transition zone funnel including a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the transition zone funnel between at least a first and a second position. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a secondary downstream chute located downstream from the transition zone funnel for conveying the discharged package to its final destination.

Abstract: A bottom discharge slide gate apparatus for a conveyor. The slide gate apparatus may be selectively opened or closed, and may be pivoted downward away from the conveyor trough for cleaning thereof. The apparatus may be part of a vibratory conveyor system or retrofitted on an existing conveyor trough.

Abstract: A sort bin for unloading sorted lumber pieces on a conveyor comprises a compartment having first and second spaced-apart walls for containing the lumber pieces in a pile, an entry located at an upper portion of the compartment for introducing lumber pieces, and an exit located at a bottom portion, the conveyor being below the exit and spaced apart therefrom. A support for supporting the pile of lumber pieces is movable along a course extending between an upper position adjacent to the entry and a lower position below the exit of the compartment, and has side members for preventing a spill of lumber pieces on the conveyor when the support is in its lower position. One of the side members is pivotable between a standard position and an unloading position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting unit having tipable troughs that are selectively tipable by a combination of levers and cams running within predefined tracks. The tipping action can be selectively controlled so as to accommodate items within the troughs of varying weights, coefficient of frictions and the like.

Abstract: A sorting and conveying system has a longitudinally extending conveyor having at least one tilt tray, but preferably a plurality, on the conveyor for diverting selected articles from the conveyor. There is at least one hanger for holding a plurality of bags. A chute extends between the tilt tray and the hanger. A flexible sheet diverter has an entrance near the top adjacent the chute and an exit near the bottom adjacent the bags, so that articles diverted from the conveyor will be delivered to the exit. Cylinders are provided for moving the sheet diverter so that the exit is positioned to deliver a selected article into a selected bag on the hanger. There are a plurality of tilt trays along the conveyor and a plurality of hangers so that a selected article on the conveyor may be delivered from a selected tilt tray to a selected bag. Mounts are provided for mounting the flexible sheet diverter for shaped movement, and there are air cylinders for moving the flexible sheet diverter.

Abstract: A diverter for a conveying system which includes a belt conveyor moving along a longitudinal conveying path for transporting flat articles, including a longitudinal conveying path which includes a series of moving belts for moving flat articles therealong. There is a bin for collecting diverted flat articles. A hinged diverter gate is provided above or just forward of the bin for providing a diverting surface of moving belts which, in a first position, allows flat articles to move therealong, and, in a second position, allows the flat articles to move into the bin into which the flat articles are diverted. The bin is located beneath the conveying path and the articles are moved into the bin by the moving belts when the diverter is in its second position. The gate is hinged at a point which is different than the axis of the drive rollers so that the movement of the belts assists the upward movement of the gate when a flat article is to be diverted into the bin below.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: A discharge chute having at least one discharge station for receiving items from a single feed source. The chutes can have a receiving trough or upper flipper door for initially receiving the items. The items are then fed to a pivotable flipper door which discharges the items to a selected delivery lane. At least one delivery lane is accessible by the flipper door. Each delivery lane will have a discharge station from which the operator can remove and package the selected items.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (10) for separating a jumbled collection of articles, such as clothing or garment hangers (23), into a plurality of separate and discrete hangers. The apparatus includes conveyor means (12, 26, 32) adapted to transport a plurality of hangers (23) in succession along a process path; separation means, such as barrier gate members (20, 21), adapted to permit the hangers to proceed along the process path one at a time, sensing means (19, 38) adapted to detect when a hanger is entangled or interconnected with one or more other hangers; and removal means (30) adapted to remove any such entangled or interconnected hangers from the process path. The invention also provides a method for separating the hangers (23).

Abstract: A sorting and conveying system has a longitudinally extending conveyor having at least one tilt tray, but preferably a plurality, on the conveyor for diverting selected articles from the conveyor. There is at least one hanger for holding a plurality of bags. A chute extends between the tilt tray and the hanger. A movable bowl diverter has an entrance opening near the top adjacent the chute and an exit opening near the bottom, so that articles diverted from the conveyor will be delivered to the exit opening. Means are provided for moving the bowl diverter so that the exit opening is positioned to deliver a selected article into a selected bag on said hanger. There are a plurality of tilt trays along the conveyor and a plurality of hangers so that a selected article on the conveyor may be delivered from a selected tilt tray to a selected bag. Means are provided for mounting the bowl diverter for rotational movement, and there is a drive for rotating the bowl diverter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking curved, triangular snack food chips, e.g., tortilla chips, for packaging in a sleeve-type container. The chips are fed into a first, U-shaped vibratory chute, which automatically causes the apex corners of the chips to extend beyond the opposing base edges of adjacent chips and which automatically orients the chips such that lines about which they are curved are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped chute. The chips are then fed into a W-shaped chute, with the chips facing in opposite directions falling automatically into opposite troughs of the W-shaped chute. The chips are then automatically reoriented by 120° such that their upturned apex corners point in the direction of travel, and the chips are stacked automatically as they slide up along one another in a shingled manner.

Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. Chutes may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.

Abstract: A discharge gate mechanism or structure for proportioning a volume of goods between two flow streams. The gate discharge structure includes a one-piece tube 22 having a gate discharge opening 92 therein. A feed trough 20 is connected to tube 22 for reciprocal simultaneous movement with tube 22 for moving the goods along trough 20 and tube 22. A motor 86 is effective to rotate tube 22 and opening 92 therein relative to feed trough 20 to position discharge opening 92 at a desired location for controlling the discharge of goods between two flow streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking curved, triangular snack food chips, e.g., tortilla chips, for packaging in a sleeve-type container. The chips are fed into a first, U-shaped vibratory chute, which automatically causes the apex corners of the chips to extend beyond the opposing base edges of adjacent chips and which automatically orients the chips such that lines about which they are curved are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped chute. The chips are then fed into a W-shaped chute, with the chips facing in opposite directions falling automatically into opposite troughs of the W-shaped chute. The chips are then automatically reoriented by 120° such that their upturned apex corners point in the direction of travel, and the chips are stacked automatically as they slide up along one another in a shingled manner.

Abstract: A conveying device for a paper web roll in a web-fed printing press includes a conveyor car that rides on a support track recessed into the floor. A pair of alignment rails are situated adjacent to the support track. These alignment rails, or at least one of them is moveable between a rest position flush with the floor, and a roll alignment position in which it is inclined, at an acute angle with respect to the floor. In the roll alignment position, both of the alignment rails are inclined with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A tubular slow speed drag or aero mechanical conveyor assembly (1) for transporting particulate material, includes a tubular valve (11) positioned in line with conveyor tubes (1) of the assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The valve (11) has at least one elongate aperture (21) through which particulate material can leave the assembly (1) and means (24,25) are provided for sequentially rotating the tubular valve (11) between positions in which the at least one aperture (21) is in the open or closed position of the valve (11). In one arrangement the rotation imparting means comprises an air cylinder (23) operable to impart linear movement to a gear rack (24) which meshes with and imparts rotational movement to an annular gear wheel (25) carried by the tubular valve (11).

Abstract: A machine tool/parts sorter assembly includes a machine tool having a frame and a workstation at which multiple parts are cut from a workpiece as it is moved in a horizontal plane relative to the workstation. A sorter is coupled with the machine tool frame for separately guiding different parts to different discharge areas adjacent the machine tool. The sorter includes a guide member adjacent the workstation for receiving the parts from the workstation, a pair of spaced, downwardly inclined guide chutes for discharging parts to separate discharge areas, and an actuator for selectively moving the guide member to discharge parts thereon into the guide chutes.

Abstract: A grading unit divides a supply of objects into constituent portions and directs the divided portions to various predefined locations. At least one passageway is defined, being sufficiently inclined so that the supply of objects flows through the unit solely under the force of gravity. Diverting gates disposed along the passageway selectively divert objects from the passageway toward and through an associated secondary opening located adjacent the passageway. A dividing chute associated with each secondary opening is provided to direct the diverted objects to one of a plurality of different predefined locations.

Abstract: Device for intermittently transporting objects, in particular coated wafer sheets or filled wafer blocks. At least one stop (5) that can be lowered below a transport plane is mounted downstream of a device (2) that pushes the objects (1) forward in the transport plane. The stop (5) has a bearing surface which is associated to the front face of the objects (1) and can be moved back and forth between an upper position in which it projects upwards with its bearing surface above the transport plane and a lower position in which it is lowered below the transport plane. At least one scraper (12, 13) associated to the bearing surface is arranged along the path of displacement of the bearing surface. The stop (5) consists of a moulded body (7) that be moved up and down and of a bearing surface that can be moved in relation to the moulded body (7) between a work position associated to the front face of the objects (1) and a rest position removed therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-cell discharge chute for a material handling system including a plurality of tilt trays. The chute includes at least three cells arranged generally perpendicular to the travel of the material handling system and aligned with respect to one another and a plurality of guide pans associated with each of the cells. A diverter door located between the material handling system and the inlets of each of the plurality of guide pans. The diverter door is movable between each of the inlets by a multi-position actuator whereby the multi-cell discharge chute is operable to selectively discharge articles from the material handling system into each of the cells.

Abstract: A litter screening and separating machine including a storage compartment, a loader at one end of the storage compartment for picking up encrusted litter material from the floor of a chicken house, a conveyor including a pair of chains for moving the encrusted litter from the loader to the storage compartment. A baffle plate adjacent to and beneath the conveyor chain prevents contamination of the conveyor chain. Vibrator rollers adjacent the pair of chains for engagement with tabs on spaced links of each chain for vibrating the loading flights. Trap doors beneath the upper run of the conveyor may be opened to permit some of the material collected to fall back to the floor of the poultry house. One can regulate the amount of material thus recycled by independently opening and closing the trap doors.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method operative to selectively discharge articles, such as parcels, from a tilted, gated conveyor to a desired output destination is disclosed. A powered roller is mounted along the top of the gates so that when a gate is lowered to discharge a parcel, the parcel engages the powered roller and is drawn off the conveyor. The gate can be raised before the parcel has completely left the conveyor. The conveyor can be constructed having a width narrower than the parcels.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of products from the upper terminal section of a first vertical conveyor belt to an initial section of a horizontal channel of reception and advancement along a feed line of the products themselves, which channel comprises at least one pushing element located at the terminal section of the conveyor belt and having continuous motion along a closed trajectory.