By Moving A Load Directing Means Along The Length Of The Section Patents (Class 198/364)
  • Patent number: 11878828
    Abstract: There is described an outfeed device for a packaging assembly configured to form and seal a plurality of packages containing a pourable product; the outfeed device comprises an input station, at which it receives, in use, the packages, and an output station, at which the packages exit, in use, from the outfeed device; the outfeed device comprises at least one selectively operable cart element cyclically movable along an endless path, comprising a receiving portion defining a receiving seat for picking one single package at a time at input station, housing at least part of the package, and being configured to bring the package from the input station to the output station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Mattioli, Massimiliano Barbi, Dino Neri, Massimo Fratti, Richard John Pedretti
  • Patent number: 11559899
    Abstract: A method for picking objects is specified, in which at least one object is removed from a source loading aid and placed into a target loading aid using a robot. After the operation of removing the object, a first sensor system of the robot is used to check whether at least one object is held by the robot. A number and/or a type of the at least one removed object is ascertained using the second sensor system. The operation of placing the at least one object into the target loading aid is aborted or modified if no object is held by the robot or the number and/or the type of the at least one removed object does not contribute to completing the picking order, which defines a desired number and/or desired type of objects in the target loading aid. Furthermore, a device and a computer program product for performing the presented method is specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TGW Logistics Group GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Beinhofer, Harald Johannes Schroepf
  • Patent number: 10875725
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveying storage device for containers, said device comprising: a first conveyor/second conveyor which is drivable in a first direction/second direction; a transfer device for transferring containers from a first conveying surface to a second conveying surface; an additional element; and a separating element. Between the transfer device and the separating element is a passage region along a transition region between the first and second conveying surface. The transfer device is movable into an emptying position during an emptying process. The additional element is movable during the emptying process relative to the transfer device, is introducible into the passage region or is located in the passage region, and can move containers to the second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Frank Winzinger, Konrad Senn, Arthur Binder, Johann Huettner
  • Patent number: 10729074
    Abstract: A crop cart loading system for loading a crop. The crop cart loading system generally includes a hopper having a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to an upper edge thereof. The sidewall defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an interior space for accommodating a crop. A conveyor is mounted to the hopper and configured to receive a crop at one of the first and second ends, and to longitudinally translate the crop above the floor toward the other of the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Safe-T-Pull, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob L. Kringstad
  • Patent number: 10150627
    Abstract: A material handling system includes a belted conveyor that longitudinally transports low profile articles. An actuating mechanism selectively positions a counter rotating cylindrical roller brush diagonal across the conveyor surface to divert the low profile articles to a lateral destination off a side of the belted conveyor and can position the cylindrical roller brush away the belted conveyor to allow the low profile articles to transport to a longitudinal destination at a terminal end of the belted conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventors: Justin J. Zimmer, David E. Franklin, Jacob D. Wieneke, William M. Saurber, III
  • Patent number: 9624042
    Abstract: In a device for supplying elongated, at least approximately hollow cylindrical, product units, preferably tubes, cartridges or cans, to packaging units, the device comprises means to distribute a continuous stream of product units to two packaging units that operate in parallel. In a method for supplying elongated, at least approximately hollow cylindrical, product units, preferably tubes, cartridges or cans to packaging units, a continuous stream of product units is distributed, by means of a distribution device, to two packaging units that operate in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Texa AG
    Inventor: Gottlieb Benz
  • Patent number: 9452895
    Abstract: A method of accumulating products traveling in a conveyor system according to system conditions including: receiving products from an infeed conveyor onto a first conveyor in an accumulator; transferring by a carriage products from the first conveyor to a second conveyor in the accumulator; moving products from the second conveyor to an outfeed conveyor; detecting a density of products moving on the second conveyor; and moving the carriage with along the first and second conveyors if the detected density is above a certain density value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: SEN-PACK INC., SENTRY EQUIPMENT & ERECTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Woodson, Gary D. Hunt, David N. Cooley, William M. Connor, John P. Choufani, Mark T. Brogan, Brian S. Childress, Keith A. Knowles, Gert B. Gast
  • Patent number: 9045291
    Abstract: A device and a corresponding method for discharging products, particularly product containers such as bottles from a transport path by means of one or more discharge segments, wherein the or each discharge segment comprises a carriage and a discharger, and the discharger can effect discharge of the product by a deflection. The or each discharge segment includes a second carriage, each of the two carriages mounted on a guide, and the discharger and the carriages are mechanically connected to one another such that the relative distance of the carriages from one another determines the deflection of the discharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Senn Konrad, Mareike Josefowitz
  • Patent number: 8950569
    Abstract: A direct engagement drive system [108] for a tripper conveyor system is disclosed. The drive system [108] comprises lead [140?] and follow [140?] cogwheels, each driven by a programmable logic controller [108q] and variable frequency drive-controlled electric motor [108a]. The torque applied to each of the lead [140?] and follow [140?] cogwheels varies as a function of loading experienced by the cogwheels [140] and as a function of the location of the cogwheels [140] relative to a gap [159] or other discontinuity in a cog rail [150] provided on a conveyor [110]. A process for moving a tripper [100] along a conveyor [110] is also disclosed. Other mobile conveying device such as mobile hoppers, maintenance vehicles, stacking machines, conveying devices, or cranes may employ the drive systems [108] shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Jason Leslie Hanks, Andrew Thad Marvin, Bruce Eddward Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20140041988
    Abstract: A guider for conveying a sheet-shaped object comprises two side plates; two wheel components arranged in parallel between the two side plates, a top channel plate being disposed on a top portion of the wheel components; and a lifting channel plate disposed between the two wheel components and the top channel plate, the lifting channel plate forming a horizontal channel with the top channel plate, and respectively forming lateral channels with the two wheel components. The lifting channel plate is disposed on the two side plates in a height-adjustable manner. The guider further comprises: a first driving device for driving the lifting channel plate to move up and down; a reversing member hinged between the two lateral channels and used for switch between the two lateral channels; and a second driving device for driving the reversing member to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guangjun Yin, Dong Tan, En Wu
  • Patent number: 8448778
    Abstract: A device for dividing a flow of lumpy material into two sub-flows comprises a dividing mechanism which comprises a dividing edge for splitting the material flow into two sub-flows, an apparatus for directing the material to the dividing mechanism and an apparatus for diverting the two sub-flows away from the dividing mechanism. The dividing edge can be moved back and forth in its longitudinal direction following its own track. Embodiments of the device can permit the wear on the dividing edge to be more evenly distributed and the service life of the device may thereby be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Palle Erik Grydgaard, Richard Eimert, Stig Jensen
  • Patent number: 8387775
    Abstract: A transfer system for providing faster and increased volume processing of eggs having an overhead positioned egg conveyor. A rotating brush wheel positioned underneath the conveyor receives eggs and includes a first and second pluralities of bristles having, respectively, lesser and greater stiffness. An egg receiving reservoir exhibits a receiving lane positioned underneath and in alignment with the brush wheel for receiving and redirecting the eggs in a lane dedicated fashion to a subsequent egg handling operation. A plurality of spool bars are arranged in parallel extending and spaced apart fashion and defining a number of individual egg conveying lanes and each further include first and second spool bar portions secured in end-to-end fashion to establish an overall dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: FPS Food Processing Systems, B.V.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Mckeown, Carl Gene Cooper, Kyle Dewayne Becker, Wayne William Kelley, Richard Schneider
  • Patent number: 8261687
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a catalyst-spreading device comprising: a mesh boat which stores catalyst to be spread on a substrate and includes a bottom having a mesh net, a transportation unit which transports the mesh boat or the substrate, and a vibration unit which vibrates the mesh boat to spread the catalyst on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sung-Soo Kim, Ho-Soo Hwang
  • Publication number: 20110094853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for forming product groups from a flow of a plurality of identical piece goods fed by means of conveying devices, having an infeed track (16) and dividing elements engaging in the product flow in a synchronized manner transverse to the transport plane on at least one pair of driven, endlessly circulating flexible drive elements (7, 11, 12), wherein at least one crossbar (8) is disposed on each of said pairs of flexible drive elements, dividing elements (9) being held thereon, wherein at least three pairs of flexible drive elements (7, 11, 12) are provided within a device, wherein each of said pairs can be operated with a unique velocity profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Kamps, Hans-Gerd Ripkens, Thomas Rütten, Tuchwat Schagidow
  • Patent number: 7926642
    Abstract: A device for the buffering of objects, with two parallel conveyors which can be driven in opposite directions, and with a transfer installation which can be moved by means of at least one linear guide along the conveyors, for the transfer of objects between the conveyors, where at least one linear guide is arranged with separation above a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Johann Hüttner, Martin Seger, Bernd Fleischmann, Emil Dirmeier
  • Patent number: 7845487
    Abstract: A tripper car adapted to transfer particulate material such as coal while maintaining a reduced level of dust proximate the area in which said tripper car moves. The tripper car continuously receives coal from a moving conveyor belt and transfers the coal from a first to a second location. At the second location, the tripper car discharges the coal to a silo that stores the coal for subsequent use by boilers. The tripper car sprays liquid, such as water, to reduce the accumulation of coal dust within a structure in which the tripper car operates as well as to wash the inner walls, ceiling and other proximate surfaces to reduce accumulation of coal dust. The spray pattern is oriented to reduce the spraying of liquid on the coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: John S. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7621738
    Abstract: A preform conveyor system (10), of the type including a number of transport elements (18) which each have at least one grasping device (26) for carrying a preform, movable between an upper release position and a lower grasping position, characterized in that each grasping device (26) is linked in terms of upward and downward axial movement to an associated bracket (46), and in that the bracket (46) includes a stud (74) designed to interact slidingly with a fixed ramp (78), when the grasping device (26) is in an intermediate axial position between its upper release position and its lower grasping position, so as to cause the grasping device (26) to slide axially into its upper release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Christophe Doudement
  • Publication number: 20040112711
    Abstract: The device for sorting items, such as rolls, is provided downstream of a first number (N) of feeding channels (Ca) of items (R), which feeding channels (Ca) are provided with dispensing members (8) for a controlled release of the items (R). The device (100) includes: a number of mobile tracks (5) equal to the first number (N), arranged downstream of the N feeding channels (Ca) and operatively associated in pairs, so as to define operating gaps (H1) between successive pairs. The first mobile tracks (5) are movable in reciprocal synchronism, transversally (W) to the feeding channels (Ca). A second number (M) of second mobile tracks (6) are arranged downstream of the feeding channels (Ca) and are disposed each one between successive pairs of the first tracks (5) at the operating gaps (H1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
  • Publication number: 20040099507
    Abstract: An assembly for conveying packets of cigarettes has a first and a second conveyor, which extend side by side along a given portion and are operated at a first and second speed respectively; and a transfer device, which has a deflecting member for transferring the packets of cigarettes from the first to the second conveyor along the given portion, and which is movable along the given portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6736591
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Libla Industries
    Inventor: Christopher B. Buck
  • Patent number: 6732779
    Abstract: A building unit for constructing a multi-layered, finite length structure, and a method of building such a structure is disclosed. Rolls of stock material are stored in cartridge stations adjacent to a build table. Mounted on the build table and capable of traveling the length of the build table is a build shuttle. The stock material is moved onto the build shuttle and as the shuttle travels the length of the table, the material is dispensed and laid onto the table. The shear assembly on the build shuttle cuts the material to a specified length. In this manner, a plurality of layers are laid onto the table until a structure containing a desired number of layers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Wellman, Kent Alan Stubbendieck, Mario Antonio Rago
  • Patent number: 6705451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for distributing articles using a mobile device equipped with one or two ejectors, capable of removing the required number of distributed articles from a conveyor sequentially, into collection containers in designated collection zones located on one or both sides of the conveyor. These zones may be defined according to the size of collection bins or packing boxes used, allowing the distribution of articles in a wide range of sizes. This method allows the building of a very flexible and very economical distributing conveyor systems, due to the fact that only one mobile device is used instead of a number of fixed diverting stations mounted on one or both sides of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Artur Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20030102200
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming batches in predetermined count or length of laminar articles standing on edge for transfer from multiple supply lines/chutes to a common delivery line is disclosed. The common delivery line is located operatively below the supply lines/chutes. The axis of movement of the common delivery line is perpendicular to the axes of movement of the supply lines/chutes. The apparatus includes a horizontal platform on which the laminar articles, such as biscuits are led from the supply lines/chutes, pusher bars operating simultaneously for each of the arrays of laminar articles emanating from the supply lines/chutes on to the platform. The batch of articles displaced from the arrays are pushed towards striker plates adjacent to hatches in the platform. The batch of laminar articles strike the striker plate, align themselves and rebound from the striker plate without deformation and drop through the hatches in the platform to pockets in the common delivery line below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Chauhan Vijay
  • Publication number: 20030085103
    Abstract: Apparatus for diverting a stream of articles from one conveyor to another parallel conveyor moving in an opposite direction in a conveyor bed. A diverter element is attached to a carrier that is driven along a path parallel to the two conveyors by a differential drive mechanism coupled to the drive mechanisms of the two conveyors. The differential drive mechanism responds to the difference in the speeds of the two conveyor drive mechanisms to drive the carrier and position the diverter element along the parallel conveyors. The diverter element extends at least partway across the widths of the two conveyors to guide articles on one conveyor to the other. In a preferred version, the carrier is an endless conveyor belt to which the diverter element is attached, and the differential drive mechanism includes a shaft arranged coaxially with drive or idler sprocket shafts of the conveyor belts at each end of the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Paul L. Horton, David W. Bogle, John C. Hawkins, Joseph M. Depaso
  • Publication number: 20020125101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for distributing articles using a mobile device equipped with one or two ejectors, capable of removing the required number of distributed articles from a conveyor sequentially, into collection containers in designated collection zones located on one or both sides of the conveyor. These zones may be defined according to the size of collection bins or packing boxes used, allowing the distribution of articles in a wide range of sizes. This method allows the building of a very flexible and very economical distributing conveyor systems, due to the fact that only one mobile device is used instead of a number of fixed diverting stations mounted on one or both sides of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Artur Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20020125102
    Abstract: A system which utilizes a scraper blade, set at an angle to longitudinal centerline of a conveyor belt, to remove metal objects therefrom, the belt, under normal operating conditions, being supported in a trough-like configuration. Attached to the backside of the blade is a pair of high density plastic press-down feet. They protrude downwardly a short distance below the lower edge of the scraper blade; and each press-down foot, immediately prior to belt flattening, is disposed above a part of the trough-shaped belt which situated just inside one of its outer edges. Making contact with the belt slightly ahead of the scraper blade, the press-down feet flatten the belt, protecting it as the blade is being lowered. Any contact between the belt and the blade occurs along its lower edge which is covered by a high density rubber guard beneath which the belt can slip. Similarly, beneath the belt are mounted flat, elongated strips made of a high density plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: William A. Wilson, A. Joseph Tulkoff
  • Patent number: 6446781
    Abstract: The receptacle transfer installation comprises an upstream transport starwheel adapted to support the receptacles via their collars, a first downstream transport starwheel, a second downstream transport starwheel. An upstream guide extends as far as the first downstream transport starwheel, and a fixed downstream guide having a first branch extending around a portion of the first downstream transport starwheel and a second branch extending around a portion of the upstream transport starwheel between the two downstream transport starwheels. A deflector member is mounted to move between a first position in which the deflector member extends the first branch of the downstream guide and a second position in which the deflector member connects the upstream guide to the second branch of the downstream guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Damien De Villele
  • Patent number: 6390281
    Abstract: A method and device for feeding an electronic component are provided by which extensive shutdown of the electronic component mounting device due to lack of components is prevented, thereby enhancing the operation rate. The device has a feeder section designating unit (32) for designating a desired one of feeder sections (22), and a feeder section controller (31) for forcibly moving the feeder section which is currently feeding electronic components to a retracted position when the other feeder section has been designated by the feeder section designating unit (32) and for moving the designated feeder section which has been in a standby state to a predetermined component feeding position, by which a long-time pause of the electronic component mounting device caused by exhaustion of components is prevented and the operation rate is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nagai, Ryoji Inutsuka, Koichi Yabuki, Kunio Oe, Hideo Sakon
  • Patent number: 6182812
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor driven in a first direction and a second conveyor driven in a second opposite direction. The conveyors extend in a side-by-side and parallel relationship with a space defined therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed within the space between the conveyors and defines a bridge that extends across the space and is generally flush with the upper surfaces of the conveyors. The transport member is drivingly engaged by the conveyors so as to move linearly between the conveyors depending on a speed differential of the conveyors. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed transversely to the conveyors to contact and transfer the articles from the first conveyor over the bridge member and onto the second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hartness International
    Inventors: William R. Hartness, III, Thomas P. Hartness, David N. Cooley
  • Patent number: 6170630
    Abstract: A system monitored operations test area utilizes a central feed spur to deliver assembled products to parallel rows of test stations on each of its sides. A pivotal, sliding lift gate is mounted to each side of the central spur and is movable between vertical and horizontal positions. The gate can be moved along the length of the spur as needed. When the lift gate is in place, the operator can slide a unit into a desired test slot across the horizontally disposed gate which spans the distance between the spur and the selected test station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Virginia J. Goss, James N. Smith, Robert A. McCord, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6098780
    Abstract: A tripper/hopper car rides on a conveyor via four wheel tires running on T-section rails, with respective hold down wheels riding adjacent the underside of the rails and respective caster side wheels riding adjacent the vertical edges of the T-rails. Each wheel tire is driven by a motor drive unit employing a shaft-mount gearbox with a motor brake that utilizes the reduction of the drive gearbox to increase the effective braking torque developed. A pair of caliper-type brakes is further provided for redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Terra Nova Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Kelly, George M. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6059092
    Abstract: A robotic system for handling a plurality of items includes a conveyor that moves the items along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor. A robot base is supported on a rail directly above the conveyor. The robot is moveable along the rail so that it moves along the axis of the conveyor. The robot includes a three-axis arm that is supported for movement relative to the robot base. The robot arm has equal, symmetric access to either side of the conveyor. The robot base does not rotate relative to the conveyor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Jerue, Steven R. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6039170
    Abstract: An enclosed movable tripper belt conveyor includes an elongated trunking having an endless conveyor belt carried by troughing idlers along an upper path leading from a tail pulley to a head pulley. The belt returns from the head pulley to the tail pulley in sliding contact with a floor of the trunking. A movable tripper unit includes a tripper that discharges the material being conveyed to a valve that is configured and arranged to selectively discharge the material to one side or the other of the movable tripper unit. A cover is received over the trunking and the movable tripper unit so as to form with the trunking an enclosure containing the belt, the tail pulley, the head pulley, all of the troughing idlers and the movable tripper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Philip G. Clark
  • Patent number: 6026947
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transferring an irregular stream of objects from a first conveyor to a second conveyor in such a way that the objects form a regular stream of objects on the second conveyor. The first conveyor operates at a higher conveying speed than the second conveyor and for some distance in parallel with the second conveyor. A deflection device for movable deflection of objects between the two conveyors is provided synchronized with the movement of the second conveyor. The objects being conveyed upon the first conveyor are deflected from this conveyor over to the second conveyor at various points along the above mentioned distance, depending upon how closely the objects are transported on the first conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Swedefish Machinery AB
    Inventor: Agne Claes Persson
  • Patent number: 5839565
    Abstract: An improved belt tripper system for discharging particulate material from the upper run of an endless conveyor belt includes a belt tripper having a frame which is supported upon a pair of parallel guide rails and which is adapted to be guided along the guide rails in the event that the guide rails have a curved section along the length thereof. The frame may be segmented or wheeled, and the endless conveyor belt, which may be a track-following belt, is comprised substantially of elastomeric material and is adapted to flex laterally to accommodate the movement of the belt through a curve. In addition, guide rollers may be disposed at selected locations along the upper belt run to aid the maneuvering of the upper belt run through a curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Robert M. McFall
  • Patent number: 5464088
    Abstract: The delivery system of the invention is able to deliver articles transversely from a conveyor with a minimum spacing between articles and a greatly simplified centering mechanism. The system consists of a first conveyor for moving a plurality of closely spaced articles. A second conveyor is located adjacent to the first conveyor for receiving articles delivered transversely from the first conveyor. A kicker is provided that has an optical sensor at the leading edge thereof for sensing the article to be conveyed. Operation of the system begins with the kicker in its start position where the optical sensor is aligned with the center of the second conveyor. When the sensor detects the leading edge of the article, it is moved parallel to and at the same speed as the first conveyor, but in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Valmet-Appleton, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory K. Koerber
  • Patent number: 5415392
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the release point of the timing of a gripper release in a sheet delivery of a sheet-processing machine, such as a printing machine, is disclosed. A gripper system is driven along a given travel path. The gripper system has gripper fingers for clamping a paper sheet, entraining the paper sheet along the given travel path and releasing the paper sheet at a predetermined position. A landing body with a cam surface is disposed at a stationary support structure and it is operatively associated with a member for releasing the paper sheet which travels with the grippers. The landing body is shiftable on a displacement track for the purpose of adjusting the timing of the paper release. The displacement track has a shape which is adapted to a geometric course of the given travel path of the gripper system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Maul
  • Patent number: 5246524
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system having a plurality of processing devices forming a base processing line for processing in sequence a workpiece having a semiconductor wafer is provided with an auxiliary loader connected to one of the processing devices for supplying the workpiece forming a processing line different from the base processing line, and an auxiliary unloader connected to the one processing device for receiving the workpiece processed by the one processing device at times when the one processing device is not supplied the workpiece by the processing device upstream of the one processing device in the base processing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeji Kuroda, Toshiyuki Sekido, Kazuhiro Noda, Matsuro Kinbara
  • Patent number: 5209626
    Abstract: A control system for a storage system wherein containers may be extracted from and inserted on the carousel while the carousel remains in continuous motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Computer Aided Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lichti, Sr., Clay Bernard, II, Daniel C. Perry, Stanley H. Lukken
  • Patent number: 5168977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing articles from holders mounted on a conveyor travelling at varying speeds, the varying ballistic trajectory of the released articles being automatically compensated for, depending on the speed of the conveyor, by shifting the discharge locations of the article holders. One or more adjacent ones of the releasing members for each delivery station, arranged side by side in the direction of travel of the conveyor, are fixed against movement in the direction of movement of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Henk van Essen, Telle van der Schoot
  • Patent number: 5148907
    Abstract: A cut section conveying device is provided for a cutting machine which includes: a conveyor frame positioned at the front side of the cutting machine; a carriage supported on the conveyor frame in a freely reciprocating manner in the longitudinal direction, approaching and withdrawing relative to the cutting position of the cutting machine; a movable vise body supported on the carriage in a manner allowing free movement in the lateral direction; a first clamp jaw and a second clamp jaw provided on the movable vise body for clamping the cut section; a reciprocating action device for moving the movable vise body in a reciprocating manner in the lateral direction relative to the carriage; and a lifting device for lifting up the clamp jaws so that the lower ends of the clamp jaws are raised to a position higher than a height of the cut section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Toru Tokiwa
  • Patent number: 5048665
    Abstract: A diverter mechanism, for use with a conveying system having a conveying surface along which articles are carried in a longitudinal direction, has an endless member that is at an oblique angle to the longitudinal direction, and has a plurality of diverter members mounted thereon. Articles to be diverted which are passing along the conveying surface are sensed, and a pivotable section of one diverter member is rotated about an axis substantially parallel to the endless member from a position where the entire diverter member lies beneath the conveying surface to a position where the pivotable section is above the conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Dexion (Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Derek Vickers
  • Patent number: 4911281
    Abstract: A workpiece subdivided into a plurality of pieces ordered in closely juxtaposed rows is deposited on a stripping tray at an upstream end of a longitudinal path with the rows extending generally perpendicular to the direction and then an upstream edge of the tray carrying the subdivided workpiece is positioned above an upper surface of one of a plurality of distributing units spaced longitudinally along the path and a stripping bar vertically closely juxtaposed with the tray and extending transversely across the tray immediately downstream of the subdivided workpiece is shifted into engagement with the leading edge of the subdivided workpiece on the tray to slide the trailing row of pieces off the tray onto the surface positioned thereunder. The tray is then displaced downstream and stopped with its trailing edge above each of the other distributing units thereon and the deposition step is repeated to deposit on each of the units a respective row of the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Erwin Jenkner
  • Patent number: 4890969
    Abstract: A flexible manufacturing apparatus having several parallel, spaced-apart processing machines several shelf-like magazines disposed at the rear of the processing machines and extending transverse thereto, and transport mechanisms for conveying tools from the magazines to the processing machines. Two magazine rows are provided, each composed of magazine sections having superimposed, horizontal bottoms, including a lower shelf bottom and an upper shelf bottom, for holding tools. Transport mechanisms are provided in the form of a first upper transport mechanism, which, above the height of a person, is disposed on an upper transport rail, and a second lower transport mechanism, which, below the upper transport mechanism and at approximately half of the height thereof, is disposed on a lower transport rail. At least one mechanism is provided for conveying tools in a vertical plane from the lower shelf bottoms to the upper shelf bottoms, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Scharmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Karl-Josef Esser
  • Patent number: 4889223
    Abstract: A device for distributing and transferring articles including a plurality of branch conveyers arranged parallel to one another and disposed near the terminating end of a main conveyer which continuously transfers articles of a predetermined shape. The branch conveyers are located beneath the main conveyer at right angles to the main conveyer with the truck lines being spaced and closely adjoined to one another. An article receiving inlet faces the traversing direction of the main conveyer and is disposed before the terminating end of the traversing truck of the main conveyer and a distribution unit equipped with a traversing direction change-over member guides the articles in a direction at right angles to the traversing direction and a chute in combination with the traversing direction change-over member feeds the articles onto the traversing surface of a desired branch conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: AB Tetra Pak
    Inventor: Anders Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4832172
    Abstract: An improved storage and discharge apparatus (10) for receiving items to be stored and selectively discharging same. The storage and discharge apparatus (10) comprises a depositary (14) for receiving items to be stored, the depository (14) defining a forward end portion (22) defining a discharge opening (26). The depository (14) further defines a bottom portion comprising a discharge conveyor (16) for supporting the items stored and for selectively discharging the items through the discharge opening (26). The apparatus also comprises a traveling loading mechanism (12) disposed above the depository (14) for depositing items to be stored into the depository (14). The loading mechanism (12) is longitudinally movable along substantially the length of the depository (14) and is selectively driven by a suitable drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Smalley Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dale J. Roberto
  • Patent number: 4776465
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring eggs continuously conveyed in spaced-apart, aligned relationship by a conveyor to a receiving station at which eggs are packaged according to their individual physical characteristics. A frame on which solenoid-actuated plungers are mounted is disposed adjacent the conveyor at the receiving station for releasing eggs having the same physical characteristics from the conveyor in a predetermined sequence at the receiving station. The frame is movable with respect to the receiving station according to the speed of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Diamond Automations, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. McEvoy, George N. Bliss, Leslie P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4763770
    Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a first endless belt conveyor; a vibrating conveyor at an angle to the endless belt conveyor including a vibrating mechanism positioned beneath the belt conveyor to vibrate the belt conveyor along with the vibrating conveyor and to fluidize product on the belt conveyor; a diverter blade in contact with the belt conveyor adapted to vibrate with the belt conveyor, the blade being positioned and angled to divert fluidized product from the belt conveyor to the vibrating conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Proctor & Schwartz, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Zagorzycki, Benicio I. Dussan V.
  • Patent number: 4754864
    Abstract: A bin infeed system for a surge or blending bin or the like including an endless belt trained about a pair of rolls at opposite ends of the bin, a track assembly providing a pair of transversely spaced tracks longitudinally spanning the bin laterally flanking and below the belt movable longitudinally over the upper surface of the upper flight of the conveyor belt and a movable plow assembly including a plow carriage having a carriage frame and wheels rolling on the tracks, and a V-shaped blade member rigidly fixed to the carriage frame and having its apex aligned substantially with the center line of the belt. A pair of wing-like diverter members extend below and from the opposite sides of the carriage providing downwardly and outwardly inclined plate portions of substantially L-shaped cross-section opening toward one end of the bin with the bottom plate portion having a rearwardly inclined front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Cardwell Machine Company
    Inventor: Wiley E. Cross, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE40484
    Abstract: A tripper/hopper car rides on a conveyor via four wheel tires running on T-section rails, with respective hold down wheels riding adjacent the underside of the rails and respective caster side wheels riding adjacent the vertical edges of the T-rails. Each wheel tire is driven by a motor drive unit employing a shaft-mount gearbox with a motor brake that utilizes the reduction of the drive gearbox to increase the effective braking torque developed. A pair of caliper-type brakes is further provided for redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Terra Nova Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Kelly, George M. Bernard