By Loading Or Unloading Section At Selected One Of A Plurality Of Pre-established Locations Along The Length Thereof Patents (Class 198/370.01)
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Patent number: 11468398Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide computer-implemented systems and methods for time-based split shipping partially delayed orders. The system may include a network interface connecting two separate devices, one or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to display, via a first user interface for a first display, a representation of one or more cells in a sorting apparatus. Additionally, the system may send an indication to a second user interface for the second display instructing which of the one or more cells in the sorting apparatus to add items from an order to, determine that the order is occupying the one or more cells in the sorting apparatus for a predetermined amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: COUPANG CORP.Inventors: Lianxi Bai, Sang Ho Yim, Woong Kim, Yoo Suk Kim, Hyunggeun Ji, Erik Rehn
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Patent number: 11174057Abstract: A method for packaging and processing products in a continuously operating production line, including filling individual packaging containers with products in a filling station; dispensing the filled containers to an individualizing device in multiple tracks by a dispensing station, the individualizing device transferring the packaging containers onto a single track of a conveyor; transporting the containers by the conveyor one after another to at least one additional processing station, and operating the individualizing device in one of the following three operating modes: a) a normal mode in which the packaging containers are transferred from the dispensing station onto the single track of the conveyor, b) an on-stock mode in which the packaging containers are transferred from the dispensing station to a temporary store, and c) a low-load mode in which the packaging containers are transferred from the temporary store onto the single track of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH BreidenbachInventor: Michael Dunkel
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Patent number: 11167936Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to a conveyance system and method for conveying a plurality of object carriers. The conveyance system comprises at least one first conveyor lane section, and at least, two second conveyor lane sections. The conveyance system further comprises a rotatable diverting element for diverting an object carrier of the plurality of object carriers between the at least one first conveyor lane section and one of the at least two second conveyor lane sections of the conveyance system.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Michael Eberhardt, Manuel Sickert, Luciano Brueggemann
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Patent number: 11117750Abstract: A transport device for transporting containers having a first transport section configured to convey containers in and a second transport section configured to convey containers out. The transport device includes a transfer device having a rotary cylinder, a clamping belt and a compensation device. The clamping belt can be adjusted in the area of the transfer device. The rotary cylinder and/or the clamping belt are configured to be drivable. The rotary cylinder and the clamping belt are configured to hold the containers between the rotary cylinder and the clamping belt and to transfer them from the first transport section to the second transport section. The rotary cylinder has one or more container support rings and at least one belt support element, wherein the belt support element is arranged such that the clamping belt abuts against it when there are no containers on the transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Heuft Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Bernhard Heuft, Olga Kasdorf
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Patent number: 11111084Abstract: A dispensing system (e.g., in a warehouse or other item-fulfillment environment) can include a tray holder sized for releasably receiving a tray. A rotational actuator may operate to pivot the tray holder between a first position aligned for receipt in the tray holder of a tray in a recumbent orientation and a second position in which the tray is arranged in an upended orientation. When the tray is in the upended orientation, an opening system may engage a door on an end of the tray to move the door from a closed state in which items contained in the tray are prevented from falling out of the tray and to an open state in which the items are allowed to fall out of the tray.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Scott Kalm, Kevin Senh Ly
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Patent number: 10947041Abstract: A transport system includes first and second intrabay overhead tracks, first and second interbay overhead tracks, first and second storages, first and second delivery ports, first and second cranes including first and second runners that run along the first and second intrabay overhead tracks, respectively, first and second masts, and first and second transferors, and an overhead transport vehicle including a runner that runs along the first and second intrabay overhead tracks, a holder, a lifting driver, and a lateral extender.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventor: Yoichi Motoori
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Patent number: 10669100Abstract: A lifting and conveying device includes a lifting body, a revolving conveyor element, and a linear drive. The revolving conveyor element is deflected on the lifting body to a conveyor path on which an item can be conveyed. The lifting body is engageable or engaged by the linear drive of the device for a lifting of the conveyor path.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Buttau, Markus Kiebel, Peter Ludwig
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Patent number: 10669099Abstract: A roller system has a frame, a plurality of rollers (supported by the frame) forming a roller plane, and an external rotor motor (“motor”) spaced from the roller plane. As an external rotor motor, the motor has a stator and an external rotor radially outward of the stator to substantially circumscribe the stator. To kinetically couple the motor with the rollers, the system also has a transmission coupling coupled with the external rotor and at least one of the rollers. The transmission coupling and external rotor are configured so that rotation of the external rotor causes the at least one roller to rotate in response to a torque received through the transmission coupling.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Inventors: Kamran Ramezani, Jason Ocain, Tony Hill, Dean Panas
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Patent number: 10624520Abstract: The present invention relates to a pan cleaner system. The pan cleaner system comprises a main frame adapted to house a supply system, an inverting system and a cleaning system. The supply system, the inverting system and the cleaning system are configured to form a synchronized continuous functional line beginning by the supply system receiving a pan to be cleaned and ending by the cleaning system releasing a clean pan. The supply system comprises a first conveyor adapted to guide the pans towards the inverting and the cleaning systems. In one embodiment, the inverting system comprises a second conveyor adapted to magnetically hold the pans during the transport and the cleaning process. The pan cleaner system further comprises a releasing system adapted to release the pans from the magnetic conveyor once the cleaning process has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: AMF Automation Technologies Company of CanadaInventors: Marc-Olivier Thibault, David Frechette, Michael Fortier, Bobby Martin, Charles Perreault
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Patent number: 10583985Abstract: An article storage facility includes a first rail extending along a rail extending direction, a first storage rack configured to store a plurality of articles, a first transport device configured to move along the first rail and to transfer an article to and from the first storage rack, a second rail extending along the rail extending direction; and a second storage rack configured to store a plurality of articles, and a second transport device configured to move along the second rail and to transfer an article to and from the second storage rack. The first rail and the second rail are spaced apart by a set distance from each other along the rail extending direction. A third rail extends along the rail extending direction between the first rail and the second rail, and has a length less than the set distance. The third rail includes a fixed base and a movable rail portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinsuke Kawamura
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Patent number: 10172261Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a unit structure for use in forming a modular data center. The unit structure may have an elongated frame structure forming a rectangular-like subsystem, and may be adapted to be supported above a floor surface. At least one conduit may be integrated into the elongated frame structure for supplying a fluid to an area defined by the elongated frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Vertiv CorporationInventors: Eric Wilcox, John Hoeffner, Stjepan Sinkovic, Denis Rancic, Zeljko Gjuranic
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Patent number: 10155503Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a wash package selection zone where a vehicle operator is presented with a plurality of different vehicle wash packages. Each of the vehicle wash packages has an associated unique color identifier. The system includes a controller configured to receive a selection from the vehicle operator of one of the plurality of different vehicle wash packages. The system includes a vehicle treatment zone, including at least one illumination element associated therewith. The at least one illumination element is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to emit light from the at least one illumination element in a color that corresponds to the color identifier of the vehicle package selected by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10023205Abstract: First travel rail pair provided along a first path has a first discontinuous section. And second travel rail pair provided along a second path has a second discontinuous section. First guide members allow movement of guided members along a travel direction and restrict vertical movement of one or more of the guided member when the article transport vehicle travels through a crossing portion along the first path. Second guide members allow movement of the guided members along the travel direction and restrict vertical movement of one or more of the guided members when the article transport vehicle travels through a crossing portion along the second path.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomotaka Kinugawa, Daisuke Ogawa
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Patent number: 10017323Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for picking-an-putting product are disclosed. Within a logistics and product fulfillment environment, such as in a warehouse or distribution center environment, for example, a picking zone is established having picking bays arranged in framed rows with each picking bay having pick module associated therewith. Multiple cartons are indexed into a carton train and an operator is directed to pick-by-light and put-by-voice. More particularly, the operator is directed to a pick by the light display informing the operator which products to pick. Within each pick, a voice indication directs the operator to one or more puts by directing the operator to select a number of product and corresponding carton from the picking bay associated with the pick.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Wynright CorporationInventor: Kevin H. Ambrose
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Patent number: 9862359Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a wash package selection zone where a vehicle operator is presented with a plurality of different vehicle wash packages. Each of the vehicle wash packages has an associated unique color identifier. The system includes a controller configured to receive a selection from the vehicle operator of one of the plurality of different vehicle wash packages. The system includes a vehicle treatment zone, including at least one illumination element associated therewith. The at least one illumination element is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to emit light from the at least one illumination element in a color that corresponds to the color identifier of the vehicle package selected by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 9611107Abstract: Present embodiments include a linear drive transport system. The system includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include one of electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. Further, present embodiments include a plurality of movers configured to move along the fixed tracks and configured to transition between each of the plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, wherein the movers comprise the other of the electromagnetic coils or the permanent magnets.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Glen C. Wernersbach, Keith G. Jacobs, Dean L. Higgins, James A. Craver, Peter T. Boyle
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Patent number: 9327916Abstract: A conveyor having an article-diverting device with left-handed and right-handed spirals rotated in the same direction to transport articles in a first direction or in opposite directions to transport articles in a different second direction. The left-handed spirals are arranged alternately and parallel to the right-handed spirals. Rotating all the spirals at the same speed in the same direction in one version of the conveyor passes articles straight across the spirals perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the spirals. Rotating the left-handed spirals opposite to the right-handed spirals diverts the articles atop the spirals parallel to their axes of rotation. In other versions, one set of spirals is constantly rotated and the other set is actuated by geared engagement into and out of rotation in the opposite direction or by raising and lowering into and out of position in contact with articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventor: Timothy J. DeRoche
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Patent number: 9305417Abstract: An automatic supplying device of door hinges includes: a door hinge supplying device having the door hinges loaded in upward and downward directions and supplying the door hinges; and a transferring device provided on a rear surface of the door hinge supplying device and automatically transferring the door hinges. The door hinge is automatically supplied when it is mounted, which makes it possible to improve work efficiency. In addition, a cylinder driving scheme is used, which makes it possible to decrease generation of noise at the time of supplying the door hinge, and a configuration for loading and moving the door hinge is simplified, such that a work space may be secured, and improving work convenience.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jun Hee Lee
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Publication number: 20150060233Abstract: An assembly for sorting optoelectronic devices (14) is specified, said assembly comprising: a plurality of inner bins (1) arranged alongside a inner circle having a first diameter, a plurality of outer bins (2) arranged alongside an outer circle having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a conveyor (3), wherein the conveyor (3) is configured to transport a plurality of optoelectronic devices (14), the inner circle, the outer circle and the conveyor (3) are arranged concentric with respect to each other and share a common axis (4), the conveyor (3) is arranged between the inner circle and the outer circle, the conveyor (3) is pivot-mounted with respect to the axis (4), and the conveyor (3) is rotatable with respect to the inner bins (1) and the outer bins (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBHInventors: Aylwin Ng, Bernard Raj Thomas
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Publication number: 20140353117Abstract: A container conveying carriage includes a supporting section which supports a container, a container transfer device which transfers the container, and an item supply device which supplies an item stored in the container. The carriage can travel along a traveling path. Also, the container transfer device transfers the container between the supporting section and a container transfer point outside the carriage. Moreover, the item supply device takes out the item from the container and supplies the item to an item supply point outside the carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukihiro Gotou
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Patent number: 8857598Abstract: There is provided a paper sheet conveying device of the present invention has: at least three or more conveying paths that are for conveying paper sheets and at each of which at least a partial segment is formed in an arc shape; and at least one or more switching portions for switching the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, wherein the plural conveying paths are disposed such that two connection positions of each of the arc-shaped segments are connected to the connection position of the arc-shaped segment of a respectively different one of the conveying paths such that outer sides of arcs face one another, and the switching portion switches the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, at a place of connection of the plural conveying paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuta Iizuka, Jumpei Nagao
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Patent number: 8833545Abstract: A method and device for handling packs or similar unit loads in a packaging plant where packs exiting from a packaging machine are distributed and in the process optionally rotated and palletized in a palletizer, wherein distribution, rotation and palletizing are performed essentially continuously and directly consecutively from the packaging machine to the palletizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Kurt Perl
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Publication number: 20140142746Abstract: The discharge accuracy of unit sortation is improved by making real time adjustments to the discharge timing of the carrier based on the determined actual position of each article on respective carriers. The adjustments are applied at the time the discharge command is given.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLCInventors: Mark Kenneth Vegh, Jeffrey A. Rosenwald
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Patent number: 8727096Abstract: A shoe sorter switch for a conveyor includes a main body member positioned relative to the conveyor away from contact with any passing shoe of the conveyor. A plurality of subcomponents are mounted to the main body member and positioned to contact and direct passing shoes of the conveyor. The main body member and each of the plurality of subcomponents together define a plurality of precision fit couplings that each comprise a precision protrusion that is fit into a corresponding precision aperture. Related methods for assembling and installing the switch, including replacing damaged switch subcomponents without the need for any calibration to adjust the position of the replacement subcomponent relative to the main body member and to the conveyor are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Cinetic Sorting Corp.Inventor: Steven Vann Schroader
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Patent number: 8701863Abstract: Diverter disc for a conveyer system, comprising a circular outer periphery and an grip opening formed in the periphery of the diverter disc, where the grip opening is adapted to hold and divert a puck comprising a circular slide ring at the contact region and that the grip opening is shaped in a non circular shape such that a plurality of discrete contact points are formed in the grip opening. The advantage of the diverter disc is that it will be able to hold the slide ring of a puck in a more secure way due to the reduced contact surface compared with a conventional diverter disc.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: FlexLink Components ABInventors: Göran Abbestam, Klas Ålander
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Patent number: 8662288Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a product comprises a first conveyor adjacent to a second conveyor via a junction, the conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The first conveyor describes at least a spiral path near the junction wherein a central axis extends at least substantially in vertical direction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The moving assembly comprises a push-out guide which makes a stroke for each product that passes, or comprises a guide configured such that products are guided automatically along the guide only upon the movement of the conveying surface of the first conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Specialty Conveyor B.V.Inventor: Wouter Balk
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Publication number: 20130313070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventor: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8590691Abstract: A logistics system for a sheet-processing machine, in particular a printing press, permits pallets and sheet stacks on transport boards to be displaced along transport paths. Storage spaces are provided for the intermediate storage of sheet stacks and a corner transfer device is provided for the transverse displacement of pallets and sheet stacks. The corner transfer device has two height-adjustable conveying devices disposed at right angles with respect to one another. The transport boards cover the transport path at ground level and the corner transfer device is configured in such a way that all of the transport boards are conveyed at a common height level, for example the height level of the machine hall floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Andreas Müller
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Patent number: 8561790Abstract: A conveyor system includes a transport member having a conveying surface that is configured to transport articles in a transport direction, an endless strip and a drive for propelling the endless strip. A power tap off is provided between the strip and the transport member. The power tap off has an input that is driven by the strip and an output that drives the transport member. The power tap off provides a positive transfer of power from the strip to the transport member.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Dematic Corp.Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, Ryan D. Tasma, Clinton R. Lupton, Floyd W. Butler
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Publication number: 20130272826Abstract: The present report is about the patent of an innovative system utilized in the transportation, load and unload of grains or seeds for silos of storage, dryers and industrial units, being able to be installed directly in vertical silos and or adapted in the conventional principles of transportation as a group or independently, consisting of limits of change of direction and composed by driving and motor gears and points of load and unload respectively, generally established in the extremities of the assembly, hopper of load formed by an upper opening and double system of unload composed by floodgates arranged in the periphery of both intervals of the pipes and provided in transit or channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: DIONISIO BERTOLINI, JOSE BERTOLINI
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Patent number: 8556245Abstract: A work inspector and carrier includes a carrier unit (40, 50, 60) for carrying a workpiece from a carry-in area to a carry-out area, and an inspection unit (70) for performing a predetermined inspection on the workpiece. The carrier unit is formed so as to move the inspection unit (70) together with the workpiece in order to carry the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area while performing the inspection by the inspection unit. When carrying the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area, the inspection unit performs the predetermined inspection on the workpiece while being moved together with the workpiece. Thus, the overall time required for inspection and transportation can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Hisayuki Sueoka, Souta Ohga, Yoshiaki Araki
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Patent number: 8549866Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: airinotec GmbHInventor: Stefan Hummrich
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Publication number: 20130256095Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises a spiral first conveyor having a vertically extending central axis. The first conveyor comprises a number of conveying elements extending substantially parallel to each other. Each conveying element comprises at least one supply end for receiving the product and at least one discharge end for discharging the product. The discharge ends of the individual conveying elements are positioned at different vertical levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Wouter Balk
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Publication number: 20130240325Abstract: Method and system for arranging cigarette packs according to the position of the filters of the cigarettes contained in the packs, each pack being provided on its outside with a detectable indicator (5), the position of the indicator on the pack (1) in relation to the filters of the cigarettes contained in the packs being predefined, in which the packs are successively delivered in the form of a first stream (7) of the packs travelling on a conveyor (6) to a detection station (8) for detecting the indicators (5) where the position of the indicator on each particular pack is detected, the packs being subsequently arranged depending on the position of the indicator (5) detected thereon by the driving means (12) controlled basing on the information concerning the position of the indicators received from the detection station (8). The arranging consists in dividing the first stream (7) of the packs into at least two separate streams of the travelling packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. zo.o.Inventors: Marek Sieredzinski, Robert Chmielewski
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Publication number: 20130220769Abstract: An apparatus for conveying of plastics material pre-forms, with a plurality of holding devices which engage in apertures of the plastics material pre-forms and hold them, wherein these holding devices are movable along a pre-set conveying path, with a movement mechanism which has the effect that, in addition to the movement along the conveying path, the holding devices are also movable in a direction at a right angle to this conveying path. The apparatus has at least one detection device which is suitable for detecting a defective state of a plastics material pre-form held by a holding device, and at least one first removal apparatus which is arranged downstream along the conveying path of the at least one detection device and which—in reaction to a signal of the detection device—permits individual removal of a defective pre-form from the holding device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: KRONES AG
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Patent number: 8499920Abstract: In a conveyor device including a branch path, the number of articles sorted to the branch path is counted accurately. The conveyor device conveys a plurality of articles and includes a main conveyor, a first branch path, a first detector, a second detector, a detection information processing section, and a charging conveyor. The first branch path branches from the main conveyor at a first branch point. The first detector and the second detector are arranged upstream and downstream, respectively, of the branch point along a conveyance direction and are arranged to detect articles on the main conveyor. The detection information processing section is configured to calculate the number of articles sorted to the first branch path based on a difference between the number of articles detected by the first detector and the number of articles detected by the second detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiko Ogawa
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Publication number: 20130186731Abstract: Mail processing systems, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes assigning first and second delivery points to a single output at the same time. The method includes sorting a first mail piece sorted to the first delivery point and a second mail piece sorted to the second delivery point. The method includes placing both first and second output containers, associated with the first and second delivery points, into a position proximate to the output. The method includes moving the first output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the first delivery point from the output and to moving the second output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the second delivery point from the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Luiz Carlos Harres
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Patent number: 8479912Abstract: 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 conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. A transfer conveyor, such as a transpositor conveyor, may be provided for transferring articles from one of the first conveyors to one of the second 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Publication number: 20130140137Abstract: An automatic store and a method for storing plates of electronic circuits comprising a feed belt that feeds the plates of electronic circuits along a first plane (F); collection boxes positioned along at least one side of the feed belt and in which the plates of electronic circuits fed by the feed belt are grouped together according to quality classes; and one or more clearing stations disposed in cooperation with the feed belt in order to position the plates of electronic circuits in the respective collection boxes. The store comprises at least two rows of collection boxes disposed along at least one side of the feed belt, and a movement unit associated with the collection boxes to discharge the filled collection boxes and to position new collection boxes to be filled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: Andrea BACCINI
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Patent number: 8413787Abstract: A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: David J. Brouwer, Jeffrey R. Giegling
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Patent number: 8376118Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Patent number: 8328004Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises at least one first conveyor, which is adjacent to at least one second conveyor via a junction. The conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The orientation of the normal of the part of the first conveying surface adjacent to junction is substantially different from that of the normal of the part of the second conveying surface adjacent to the junction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor The first conveyor describes an arcuate path at least near the junction.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Specialty Conveyor B.V.Inventor: Wouter Balk
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Publication number: 20120305364Abstract: An inter-travel-paths transport device transports articles between a first article transfer location and a second article transfer location. It extends in a space upwardly of the article processing devices and connects the first and second article transfer locations. A first transport device transfers an article to or from an article transferring point by vertically moving its holding portion and of transferring an article to or from the first article transfer location by slidingly moving the holding portion at a position which overlaps with the first travel path portion. A second movement slide transport device vertically transfers an article to or from an article transferring point in the same manner with respect to the second travel path portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichi MORIMOTO, Takeshi CHUMA
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Publication number: 20120228084Abstract: A rolling chip conveyor contains a body including a lower segment, a tilted segment, and an upper segment, two ends of the tilted segment connecting with the lower segment and the upper segment respectively, the upper segment including a first outlet to eliminate rough chips outside, a second outlet to eliminate fine chips, and a driving device, the second outlet being fixed on the body and facing downward, the first outlet being disposed on one side of the upper segment; a tracking belt arranged in the body to correspond to the lower segment, the tilted segment, and the upper segment, engaging with and being actuated by the driving device, the tracking belt including al least one hole; a scraper disposed proximate to the second outlet and contacting with the tracking belt; a first filter corresponding to the first outlet and beings fixed around an inner side of the tracking belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Yi-Hao Chung
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Publication number: 20120118700Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for recovering empty containers, in particular plastic bottles and metal cans, in which the empty containers are guided by a conveying means from a collecting chamber (bulk input) past detectors belonging to a detection unit, and discharging means for removing the empty containers from the conveying means are arranged downstream of the detection unit, in the conveying direction. The aim of the invention is to provide such an apparatus with an increased throughput. This aim is solved according to the invention in that the conveying means is configured as an inclined conveyor (3) which removes the empty containers (10) in a parallel manner on carriers (8, 28) from the collecting space (11) and feeds them to the detectors (15, 32, 33) in a uniformly spaced arrangement. The apparatus also has discharging means (16, 17) which extend transversely in at least two rows, on different levels, over the entire width of the inclined conveyor (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Bert Handschick
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Patent number: 8167111Abstract: A sortation conveyor includes a method of calibrating the control system to provide a calibration value indicative of the spacial correlation between the sort induct sensor and the first shoe sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters LLCInventor: Troy E. Asman
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Publication number: 20120067695Abstract: In a transport system, a plurality of carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. The carriers hold articles for transportation. Each of the carriers includes an identification target for carrier identification. A plurality of stations are provided, and each of the stations includes a hand configured to load articles to or unload articles from the carriers and a sensor configured to detect the identification target at a predetermined position upstream of the hand along a rotation direction of the belt. The carrier is identified, and an appearance of the carrier is recognized based on a signal from the sensor to operate the hand for a desired carrier. The carrier can be identified using the sensor to detect the position of the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventor: Tomoya Kimata
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Publication number: 20120067696Abstract: A method of diverting shingles including moving a plurality of shingles along a first path on a moving belt, and urging every other one of the plurality of moving shingles into a second path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLCInventor: David P. Aschenbeck
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Patent number: 8113334Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Publication number: 20110259713Abstract: A spur section for connecting a primary conveyor to a secondary conveyor is provided. The spur section includes a frame configured for attachment to a selected segment of a primary conveyor, a driving element and a driven element associated with the frame, and a driver that powers the driving element. A sensor is arranged on the selected segment of the primary conveyor that detects a conveyed article and selectively generates a divert signal or a merge signal. A controller receives the divert signal or merge signal from the sensor and controls the driving element in accordance with the divert signal or merge signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: CARTER CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Duane Lee Glass, Bryan Todd Humbertson