One Of A Plurality Of Main Line Conveyors Selectively Moves To Connect With A Spaced Path Patents (Class 198/369.1)
  • Patent number: 11565885
    Abstract: An oscillating conveyor having a conveying apparatus and a drive device that, upon actuation by a control device, excites an oscillation of the conveying apparatus with respect to a base of the oscillating conveyor to convey objects supported by a conveying surface of the conveying apparatus. The control device includes a communication interface for communication with an external communication device. The control device is designed so as, upon receiving a communication message including address and control information, to use the communication interface to check an addressing condition, the meeting of which is dependent on the address information, and only if the addressing condition is met to alter the actuation of the drive device based on the control information and/or to set an internal control parameter on which at least one chronologically subsequent actuation of the drive device by the control device is dependent to a value that is dependent on the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: AFAG HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Izudin Mesan, Friedrich Durand, Klaus Bott
  • Patent number: 10301123
    Abstract: A transfer device having: a frame; a main conveyer unit having a main conveying passage disposed in a fixed planar area; and a sub conveyer unit having a sub conveying passage disposed in a planar area identical to the planar area of the main conveying passage and conveying an object in a direction crossing a conveying direction of the main conveying passage. A lifting and lowering unit lifts one of the conveying passages to a position above the other conveying passage. A regulating unit is provided for allowing linear upward and downward movement of at least one of the conveyer units. The regulating unit is a plate body or a linear body that bends and/or tilts. A bending direction or a tilting direction is aligned with an upward and downward movement direction of the main conveyer unit or the sub conveyer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Jun Maekawa
  • Patent number: 9975719
    Abstract: A transport module for flat items comprising at least one transport element borne in a transport element carrier having a drive shaft is designed for installation in a station of an item processing system and, after installation, is borne rotatably around an axis of the drive shaft. It is one of multiple transport modules of an identical design. The transport element has, on one side, a lower friction coefficient than on the other side of an equator and is driven by the drive shaft via transmission means of the transport module. The transport element carrier carries the transmission means of the transport module and has a spring assembly allowing it to be shifted in the direction of gravity and contrary to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Muhl
  • Patent number: 9216862
    Abstract: A material handling system including a sorter that uses compressed air and drive from the narrow belts to cause articles or loads to change from one conveyor segment to an adjacent segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: TGW Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Earl Wallace
  • Patent number: 9022201
    Abstract: A conveyor process and system for sorting objects having a plurality of inbound conveyors in a vertically stacked configuration and a plurality of diversion conveyors connected to the inbound conveyors for diverting objects transported on the inbound conveyors to a particular outbound conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hyman, Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar
  • Patent number: 8939076
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including a first track and a second track, the first track being mounted on a first displacement mechanism and the second track being mounted on a second displacement mechanism configured to laterally move the second track relative to the first track, the second displacement mechanism configured to raise the first track relative to the second track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8919531
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus main-body, a tray, a first transporting path including a curved portion and an extending portion connected to the curved portion, a feed roller which feeds a sheet from the tray to the first transporting path, a transporting roller which transports the sheet, a recording portion which records an image on the sheet transported through the extending portion, a first guide member defining an outer wall of the curved portion, a second guide member defining an inner wall of the curved portion, a second transporting path which connects a portion of the extending portion and a portion of the curved portion, a third guide member defining an upper wall of the second transporting path, a fourth guide member defining a lower wall of the second transporting path, and a fifth guide member provided to a rotating front-end side of the fourth guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuta Uchino
  • Patent number: 8851266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a material distribution system and method thereof, comprising first, second and third conveyors, first, second, third and fourth material distribution paths, first and second material distribution rockers, and a movable material-distributing guide plate. Material conveyed on the second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution rocker by switching the movable material-distributing guide plate, material conveyed on the first or second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution path by switching the first material distribution rocker, and material conveyed on the second or third conveyor is delivered to the third or fourth material distribution path by switching the second material distribution rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Liu
  • Publication number: 20140291112
    Abstract: A warehouse conveyor system can include an input conveyor path for conveying a parcel toward an inventory picking area. An input conveyor switch can divert the parcel from the input conveyor path to a predetermined pick zone for fulfillment. An output conveyor path can convey the parcel from the pick zone after fulfillment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hoj Engineering & Sales Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Glen Lyon, Clinton Furst
  • Patent number: 8833541
    Abstract: A package handling device includes a conveyor, a sensor system and a reject system. The conveyor transports a product along a product handling line. The sensor system is proximate to the conveyor system to determine at least one characteristic of the product for comparison to product acceptance criteria. Failure of the product to meet product acceptance criteria generates a reject signal. The reject system directs the product to a reject bin responsive to the reject signal via a movable assembly that moves a portion of the conveyor to create a gap in the product handling line. The reject system includes a retract slide adjustment bracket that has at least one mounting position to which a selected retraction device is attachable to define a size of the gap based on the selected retraction device and the at least one mounting position limiting a movement range of the movable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Aillon, Craig R. Scachitti
  • Patent number: 8757361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having a product conveyor drivable in a conveying direction and a transverse drive by which the product conveyor is movable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The product conveyor is coupled to a compensation mass by means of which forces can be compensated which occur by a transverse movement of the product conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Publication number: 20140168679
    Abstract: A conveyer device, including a body; a first path member forming a part of conveyer path with a curve; and a second path member arranged on an inner side of the curve of the conveyer path and forming a part of the conveyer path, is provided. The first path member is movable between a first position forming the conveyer path in conjunction with the second path member and a second position separated farther from second path member than the first position. The body includes a first supporting part supporting the first path member at a widthwise end of the first path member and the second supporting part supporting the first path member at a widthwise inner-side position along the widthwise direction with respect to the first supporting part. The second supporting part supports the first path member from a side opposite from the conveyer path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotaka AOKI
  • Publication number: 20140116841
    Abstract: A conveying surface is defined by outputs with respective orientations that can be varied while maintaining the input in a constant orientation, and which can be used to more than a single direction. Power may be transmitted from a source of linear power to the conveying surface through rotation about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC
    Inventor: John Joseph Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8701864
    Abstract: A travel guide member which forms travel paths for an article transport vehicle is provided on a ceiling side. The travel guide member defines a plurality of travel paths along which the article transport vehicle travels in the same direction such that the travel paths are spaced apart from each other in a path lateral direction and defines a first diverging path and a second diverging path for connecting with each other a first travel path that is one of a pair of adjacent travel paths among the plurality of the travel paths and a second travel path that is the other of the pair of the adjacent travel paths. The first diverging path and the second diverging path are formed such that both extend in directions that are slanted with respect to the travel path in plan view and such that they intersect each other in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Ogawa, Suguru Shibata, Atsushi Otani, Tomotaka Kinugawa
  • Publication number: 20140090955
    Abstract: A package handling device includes a conveyor, a sensor system and a reject system. The conveyor transports a product along a product handling line. The sensor system is proximate to the conveyor system to determine at least one characteristic of the product for comparison to product acceptance criteria. Failure of the product to meet product acceptance criteria generates a reject signal. The reject system directs the product to a reject bin responsive to the reject signal via a movable assembly that moves a portion of the conveyor to create a gap in the product handling line. The reject system includes a retract slide adjustment bracket that has at least one mounting position to which a selected retraction device is attachable to define a size of the gap based on the selected retraction device and the at least one mounting position limiting a movement range of the movable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Aillon, Craig R. Scachitti
  • Patent number: 8678170
    Abstract: Products (3) advancing in single file are divided into at least two files by a device comprising a main conveyor (10) from which the products (3) of the single file (7) pass onto a first outfeed conveyor (11) and onto a second outfeed conveyor (12) positioned with infeed ends at different heights, one above the other; the device also comprises a linking conveyor (26) between the main conveyor (10) and the outfeed conveyors (11, 12), consisting in a pair of looped belts (27, 28) presenting outer surfaces faced along a portion of predetermined length with a layer (35) of resilient material, thereby creating a channel (34) by which the main conveyor (10) is linked to the outfeed conveyor (11) positioned uppermost, and along which the products (3) are transferred cyclically to this same conveyor (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Carrara, Daniele Civolani
  • Publication number: 20140041989
    Abstract: A material handling system and more particularly to a narrow belts conveyor system including a sorter that allows articles or loads to change from one conveyor segment to an adjacent segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Earl Wallace
  • Patent number: 8555784
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a material application position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including an upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8555783
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a material application position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including an upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20130146419
    Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventor: SPAN TECH LLC
  • Publication number: 20130105275
    Abstract: A junction conveyor is disclosed. The junction conveyor includes a stationary end and a switching end. A stationary assembly is disposed at the stationary end and a switching conveyor assembly disposed at the switching end. The junction conveyor includes a counter conveyor assembly between the stationary and switching conveyor assemblies. The junction conveyor includes a counter movement unit. The counter movement unit causes the counter conveyor assembly to move in an opposite direction as the switching conveyor assembly during switching from a home position to a switch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Pteris Global Ltd.
    Inventor: Pteris Global Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8413577
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including a first track and a second track, the first track being mounted on a first displacement mechanism and the second track being mounted on a second displacement mechanism configured to laterally move the second track relative to the first track, the second displacement mechanism configured to raise the first track relative to the second track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8413578
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular printing system for printing viscous material on electronic substrates. The modular printing system comprises a first stencil printer including a substrate support assembly including a support configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a first system configured to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the first support of the first substrate support assembly, the first system including an upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track, and at least one second stencil printer including a second substrate support assembly including a support configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a system configured to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the support of the second substrate support assembly, the system including a at least one upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8087510
    Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting items that are supplied in a random sequence via a conveyor including a plurality of conveyor sections 4, and including individual sorting means arranged in a row for directing the items to specific receiving positions at least one side of the sorting means. The sorting means are constituted by relatively short individually driven belt conveyor sections which are pivotably suspended on mainly vertical turning shafts (8), and which at a foremost end part (5) project in over a next belt conveyor section (4) in the row. By means of simple technical measures it is possible to counteract the drawbacks of corresponding prior art conveyor systems and to achieve further advantages that are very essential and new.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Univeyor A/S
    Inventor: Torben Christensen
  • Patent number: 8079457
    Abstract: A device for supplying boards to crosscut saws has a feeding device and a transverse transport unit arranged downstream of the feeding device. Several loading planes are arranged downstream of the transverse transport unit and positioned at different levels. The boards are supplied on the loading planes to a crosscut saw, respectively. The transverse transport unit is adjustable relative to the loading planes about an axis that is transverse to a transport direction of the boards on the transverse transport unit. A stop is adjustably arranged in the transport path of the boards on the transverse transport unit, wherein the stop, without sensing the boards, is adjustable exclusively by a control unit of the device. When the transverse transport unit is being adjusted into a new position relative to the loading planes, the stop prevents further transport of the boards to the loading planes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: GreCon Dimter Holzoptimierung Süd GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alois Heinz
  • Patent number: 7950516
    Abstract: Conveying system, wherein a conveying device that is mobile with respect to an accumulation device is designed to convey a group of postal objects received at input from a flow-forming device designed to generate at output the group of postal objects aligned in a reference direction, partially overlapping one another and arranged with their own front edges spaced apart from one another. The accumulation device is provided with a plurality of cells, each of which is designed to contain at least one group of postal objects fed to the accumulation device by the translating-lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Elsag Datamat SpA
    Inventors: Guido De Leo, Cristiano Franzone
  • Patent number: 7761977
    Abstract: A component placement device includes: (a) an elongated transport device by means of which substrates to be provided with components can be moved in a transport direction parallel to the transport device; (b) at least one component feeder that is located along a longitudinal side of the transport device; (c) at least one component pick-and-place unit by means of which in operation a component can be picked-up from the component feeder and placed on a substrate; and (d) a substrate support, which is located along a longitudinal side of the transport opposite to the component feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Assembleon N.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus A. M. Thomassen
  • Patent number: 7717251
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conveying of homogenized products having an n-track conveying section and a single-track conveying section adjoining it, wherein at least n+1 individual conveyors extending parallel to one another in a conveying plane adjoin the end of the n-track conveying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Glas
  • Patent number: 7699158
    Abstract: A conveying device is provided in systems for safety checking items of luggage or cargo, comprising at least one baggage switch with at least two horizontal conveyors, which are parallelly arranged one above the other at a fixed distance and which can be vertically displaced with the aid of an elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Aust, Hans-Joachim Schoepe
  • Publication number: 20100072026
    Abstract: A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SYSTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Achie B. Russell, Christopher Harris, Sean Finley, Donald West
  • Publication number: 20100072025
    Abstract: A system and method of conveying objects. A switching station is operated in coordination with gaps formed in a first product stream carried on an upstream conveyor, to split the first product stream into two or more second product streams carried on downstream conveyors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Chi H. Chung, Stephen R. Smith, Geri G. Walker
  • Patent number: 7503451
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveying apparatus which guides a conveying target object in the conveying direction while preventing it from falling off from rollers and in which intervals between the adjacent rollers can be narrowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hirasawa, Tetsuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 7434675
    Abstract: In a system for equipping component carriers with electrical components, two feed paths for component carriers that are parallel to one another are provided, one being conducted on a straight line over equipping locations of the system and the other being conducted past the equipping locations. Handover devices with which the component carriers can be arbitrarily switched between the two paths are provided between the equipping locations. As a result thereof, a line, parallel or mixed operation of the system is possible, in adaptation to the component carriers to be equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Rohm, Peter Mison
  • Patent number: 7380650
    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 (S) 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: T.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
  • Patent number: 7380790
    Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus for feeding a sequential plurality of sheets having a sheet feed path for guiding sheets in a sheet feeding direction through the apparatus, the apparatus comprising rollers for driving sheets along the sheet feed path, and a trailing edge deflector deflecting means located on the sheet feed path, the trailing edge deflector being arranged to deflect the trailing edge of a leading sheet to ensure overlap by a following sheet on a predetermined side of the leading sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Farmer, Peter J. Watson, Keith G. R. Watts
  • Publication number: 20070272519
    Abstract: A roller conveyor system includes multiple carrier slides, which have runners, carry readable data memories and in particular are provided for transport of motor vehicle bodies. The roller conveyor system also has readers for reading out the data stored in the data memories, and a roller conveyor to convey the carrier slides The roller conveyor comprises roller rails, which are arranged parallel to each other, and multiple rollers which are accommodated in the roller rails, and of which at least some can be driven independently of each other by drives, and of which at least some are provided with flanges. According to the invention, the data memories are accommodated in the runners, and the readers in the roller rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Werner Swoboda
  • Patent number: 7237668
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: T.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
  • Patent number: 7080739
    Abstract: A postal sorting machine (1) comprises sort outlets (7) distributed in one or more horizontal rows that are superposed and parallel. A bin transfer structure (3) is placed along said rows of sort outlets (7), said transfer structure (3) comprising one or more superposed bin conveyors (9) extending parallel to respective rows of sort outlets and one or more superposed gangways (10) that are movable along the rows of sort outlets (7), each extending between a row of sort outlets (7) and a corresponding bin conveyor (9) to enable at least one storage bin (4) to be transferred from a sort outlet (7) to a corresponding bin conveyor (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Forella Guy, Gillet François
  • Patent number: 7077262
    Abstract: In a component mounting work area, two electronic circuit boards are placed in a zigzag manner and components are mounted independently on each board. Two sets of working their drive units, board conveying/holding devices recognition cameras and so forth are also arranged. The board conveying/holding devices for holding boards are moved to positions close to component feed units, and components are mounted in respective mounting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Akira Kabeshita, Osamu Okuda, Naoto Mimura
  • Patent number: 6988612
    Abstract: In a component mounting work area, two electronic circuit boards are placed in a zigzag manner and components are mounted independently on each board. Two sets of working their drive units, board conveying/holding devices recognition cameras and so forth are also arranged. The board conveying/holding devices for holding boards are moved to positions close to component feed units, and components are mounted in respective mounting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kabeshita, Osamu Okuda, Naoto Mimura
  • Publication number: 20040173438
    Abstract: A system is provided for the transportation of products on hangers. The system is designed to have a high throughput. The system includes a series of interconnected rails, a movable train, a pusher dog assembly and a track switch. The track switch may be designed for the induction of products on hangers onto the series of interconnected rails. The pusher dog assembly may be engaged to the movable train, which may be disposed adjacent to the series of interconnected rails. The system may be configured to effectuate the movement of hangers along the series of interconnected rails through the action of the pusher dog assembly. A method for transporting products on hangers is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: SDI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Ursitti
  • Patent number: 6763926
    Abstract: A method for feeding automatically metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a group of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting the profiles and transferring the group of metal profiles or their end to a raised position. The raised metal profiles are arranged on a movable transfer device provided with means for separating the metal profiles, at which the initial portion of a preset number of metal profiles to be fed to the machine at each work cycle is conveyed transversely and counted. The metal profiles are transferred, in the counted number, at receiving elements of the machine, while the excess metal profiles are unloaded inside the collection magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schnell S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aronne Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 6725999
    Abstract: A mobile unloading apparatus for unloading items from a variety of heights is disclosed wherein the apparatus has a frame supporting a ramp for movement between a first position spaced above a conveyor for permitting items to be placed directly on the conveyor and a second, downwardly sloping ramp position for moving items down the ramp to the conveyor. The apparatus includes a first walkway section supported by the frame on a first conveyor side above a supporting surface, a second walkway section supported by the frame on a second conveyor side above the supporting surface and a third walkway section. The third walkway section can be moved from a first, use position bridging the first and second walkway sections to a second, storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sears Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Ruben Luevano
  • Patent number: 6722027
    Abstract: A printed circuit board support including a first member having a planar upper surface for supporting a printed circuit board. At least one second member is movably coupled to a first side of the first member and movable toward and away from the side of the movable member, and a bias source biases the second member in a direction away from the first member. The support is readily compressed to allow placement into or onto a space defined by surfaces of a positioning device, and the support expands upon its release to fill the space. When the support is left in the positioning device during a change over to a different circuit board, the support will automatically adjust to any width-wise adjustment in the space between the surfaces of the positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Peckham, Tony Teitenberg
  • Patent number: 6711459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for storing and handling merchandise that can be managed by a computer and carried in a vehicle. Said system enables totally automated loading and transfer and highly automated unloading. When used in vehicles, said system consists of a conveyor belt loader that rejects inadequate merchandise, superimposed conveyor belts, which can have a belt with several turns, elevator, merchandise pushing device, photoelectric cells, label scanners, and the necessary connections for a computer controlling said devices, in addition to a fixing system consisting of an inflatable elastic band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gines Sanchez Gomez
  • Patent number: 6702121
    Abstract: A rotating sorting device for sorting packaged goods has one or more linear supply conveyors and a plurality of removal locations arranged circularly about a central axle. One or more linear removal conveyors are positioned between the central axle and the removal locations and are arranged substantially radially. The linear removal conveyor rotates continuously about the central axle. The linear supply conveyor is positioned above or below the linear removal conveyor and has an end portion in a conveying direction of the linear supply conveyor. The end portion has an incline extending downwardly or upwardly toward the linear removal conveyor. A distribution control device controls the linear supply conveyor, the linear removal conveyor, and the removal locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: psb GmbH Materialfluss + Logistik
    Inventors: Niels Linge, Robert Klein, Ernst Kölsch, Martin Müller, Michael Dietzel
  • Publication number: 20030201149
    Abstract: A method for feeding automatically metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a group of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting the profiles and transferring the group of metal profiles or their end to a raised position. The raised metal profiles are arranged on a movable transfer device provided with means for separating the metal profiles, at which the initial portion of a preset number of metal profiles to be fed to the machine at each work cycle is conveyed transversely and counted. The metal profiles are transferred, in the counted number, at receiving elements of the machine, while the excess metal profiles are unloaded inside the collection magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: SCHNELL S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aronne Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 6543601
    Abstract: A mobile unloading apparatus for unloading items from a variety of heights is disclosed wherein the apparatus has a frame supporting a ramp for movement between a first position spaced above a conveyor for permitting items to be placed directly on the conveyor and a second, downwardly sloping ramp position for moving items down the ramp to the conveyor. The apparatus includes a first walkway section supported by the frame on a first conveyor side above a supporting surface, a second walkway section supported by the frame on a second conveyor side above the supporting surface and a third walkway section. The third walkway section can be moved from a first, use position bridging the first and second walkway sections to a second, storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sears Roebuck & Company
    Inventor: Ruben Luevano
  • Patent number: 6499929
    Abstract: An elevated inverted cone product storage hopper having an enclosed volume with a central opening at the bottom. A dust-free transfer system removes and delivers stored product from the storage hopper through a hopper unloader. The unloader has a converging frustoconical transition body which continues from the inverted cone toward a bottom discharge port. An elongated delivery auger system coupled to the unloader comprises an elongated horizontal barrel having a delivery screw for rotation about its axis for moving product to a product delivery opening. A flexible enclosed delivery tube is coupled to the delivery opening, with the delivery tube having a compliant exterior shell for accommodating free axial length adjustment thereof. The hopper and the delivery auger are rotatable for positioning the auger barrel and enclosed delivery tube radially relative to the storage hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Columbia Grain Incorporated
    Inventors: George A. Salgado, Charles H. Ramberg
  • Patent number: 6499270
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated and integrated method and apparatus for packaging, loading, storing, and/or retrieving a specified product. A preferred embodiment of a system comprises a packager, a feeder device, a magazine, an unloading device, and a control unit. The packager is adapted to package a predetermined quantity of a product in a package. The feeder device has a loading screw which engages the package and transfers it to a storage screw in the magazine. The magazine preferably comprises multiple horizontal rows of storage screws. Each horizontal row of storage screws may be individually rotated about a central axis of the magazine. The control unit maintains a data base of the location and contents of each package in the magazine. The unloading device is adapted to retrieve a desired package from the magazine. The unloading device then transfers the desired package to a predetermined location such as a tote, bin, or patient specific drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Pyxis Corporation
    Inventors: Günther Peroni, Giuseppina Martelli