By Separate Endless Or Rotary Pusher Patents (Class 198/370.08)
  • Patent number: 10781054
    Abstract: A diverter system includes a conveyor belt with a horizontal belt surface, a diverter arm comprising a diverter belt with a vertical diverting belt surface, the diverter arm being operated by an actuator assembly, a sensing device for monitoring a speed of the vertical diverting belt surface, and a control unit operably coupled to the sensing device, wherein the control unit adjusts the speed of the vertical diverting belt surface according to a predefined ratio of speed between the horizontal belt surface and the vertical diverting belt surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Logistics LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10343852
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sorting device for elements of the cap or stopper type, used to close a bottle or vial, or of the plastic preform type. The device includes a continuous conveyor arranged to travel in a conveying direction and equipped with successive transverse stop members between which the elements can rest in transverse alignment. The sorting device includes an ejector for ejecting the elements from the conveyor by moving the elements essentially along the length of the transverse stop members, the ejector include at least one push member which can move at least transversely to the conveying direction so as to push the elements towards the exit zone. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GEBO PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Emmanuel Roth
  • Patent number: 9327914
    Abstract: A rotary sweep arm system for use with a food product classifier line conveyor. The sweep arm system sweeps selected food products from the conveyor to a selected food product receiving station such as a conveyor, container, or a trimming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: MILLARD MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: R. Michael Dallan, David J. Steiner, David L. Vance
  • Patent number: 9022202
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8931618
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided, for alternatively producing either small or bulk packs of napkins from a stack of folded napkins produced by one folding machine, through use of a pack dispatching arrangement having an inlet, a small pack transfer station and a bulk pack transfer station, and configured for operation in a small pack mode for dispatching a stream of spaced apart small packs of folded sheets separated from the stack of folded sheets, and received at an inlet of the pack dispatching arrangement, to the small pack transfer station, and alternatively operable in a bulk pack mode for dispatching a stream of spaced apart bulk packs of folded sheets separated from the stack of folded sheets, and received at an inlet of the pack dispatching arrangement, to the bulk pack transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler, Tim Schramm
  • Patent number: 8789683
    Abstract: A crossing between two transport lines is configured for the horizontal transport of planar articles, preferably in the form of an imbricated stream, of which one transport line is led away at a crossing over the other transport line. Controllable means for transferring the transported articles from one of the transport lines to the other are provided, which, in a first setting, freely admit the transport of the articles on one of the transport lines and, in a second setting, divert the transported articles from one of the transport lines to the other. A transfer apparatus may include a flexible diversion line, which describes a space curve and which with a movable free end, in the first setting, maintains a distance to one of the transport lines and, in the second setting, engages with the free end in one of the transport lines to effect a diversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Urs Gadliger
  • Patent number: 8757352
    Abstract: A downstream diverter for processing mail at high speeds, the diverter is positioned on a mail sorter machine, so that the force of the mail as it is sorted is isolated from the solenoid driving the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: National Presort, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Daboub, Federico Ayala
  • Patent number: 8714339
    Abstract: A device and a method for transferring printed products conveyed in a stream of individual products from a feed unit to a removal unit makes it possible to divert the printed products from a feed direction to a removal direction. The feed unit includes a first conveyor and a transfer region, and the removal unit includes a takeover region with a support surface for the printed products. The transfer region is located higher than the takeover region. The removal unit of the device includes at least a second conveyor which forms the support surface. A pressing element is arranged above the support surface which can be lowered toward the support surface or toward a printed product moving in the direction of the support surface. The pressing element can be lifted up from the support surface or a printed product positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Beat Brun, Andreas Hess, Christian Troxler
  • Patent number: 8684167
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pallet sleeve beneath a load comprises a conveyor component including conveyor elements configured to convey the load thereon in a first direction, one or more stations spaced apart along the first direction and a mechanism for changing the relative vertical positions of the conveyor elements and the stations. The apparatus further includes a pallet sleeve dispenser adjacent the conveyor component and configured for storing pallet sleeves in spaced apart sections aligned with a corresponding station. A drive element associated with each of the stations is configured to engage a pallet sleeve to drive the pallet sleeve from the dispenser to the conveyor component in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A retention mechanism is provided to support a stack of pallet sleeves above a lowermost sleeve being driven from the dispenser to the position underneath the load on the conveyor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Systec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Harris, Sean Finley
  • Patent number: 8616361
    Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a diverter assembly for diverting articles on a load bearing surface of a conveyor, the diverter assembly comprising: a base frame; a slider assembly that is movable with respect to the base frame; a deflector pivotally connected to the slider assembly, the deflector pivoting between a passive position, in which the deflector extends generally along the base frame to allow articles on the conveyor to pass freely, and an active position in which the deflector extends away from the base frame to divert articles on the conveyor; and a crank link configured to reciprocate the slider assembly while rotating in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Pteris Global Limited
    Inventors: Veeravaniyan Shankarbabu, Kok Leng Lim
  • Patent number: 8549866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: airinotec GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hummrich
  • Patent number: 8459438
    Abstract: Workpiece conveyance device employs a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage supporting a longitudinal central portion of a workpiece and two auxiliary carriages and positioned below both longitudinal end portions of the workpiece. The workpiece support carriage includes a workpiece high-position supporting means switchable between a rising posture of supporting the workpiece at a high position and a folded posture. The two auxiliary carriages nd include workpiece low-position supporting means and to support front and rear two places in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece at a height higher than the workpiece high-position supporting means in the folded posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Ooe
  • Patent number: 8448776
    Abstract: A product handling system includes a product conveyor capable of transporting a plurality of products. An overhead diverter assembly includes a flighted conveyor situated substantially orthogonal to the product conveyor that includes a flight. A transport containment device is located at least partially below the flighted conveyor. A control system operates the overhead diverter such that the flighted conveyor has a diverting mode and a cassette filling mode. When the flighted conveyor is in the diverting mode, the flight moves in a profiled motion to acquire the product from the product conveyor at a location beneath the overhead diverter and transports the product along the transport containment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Adal Amine Tecleab
  • Patent number: 8418831
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8413787
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Brouwer, Jeffrey R. Giegling
  • Patent number: 8342312
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8312979
    Abstract: Workpiece conveying equipment provided with a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage and an auxiliary carriage adjacent to at least one of the front and the rear in a traveling direction of the workpiece support carriage, a first conveying path where the workpiece support carriage and the auxiliary carriage travel integrally, a second conveying path where only the workpiece support carriage travels perpendicularly and horizontally with respect to the traveling direction of the first conveying path, and a carriage diverging means provided at a branching point from the first conveying path to the second conveying path so as to separate the workpiece support carriage from the auxiliary carriage and to diverge the workpiece support carriage into the second conveying path perpendicularly and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Ooe
  • Patent number: 8312980
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Diversified Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Wilson, Thomas M. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120234647
    Abstract: A product handling system includes a product conveyor capable of transporting a plurality of products. An overhead diverter assembly includes a flighted conveyor situated substantially orthogonal to the product conveyor that includes a flight. A transport containment device is located at least partially below the flighted conveyor. A control system operates the overhead diverter such that the flighted conveyor has a diverting mode and a cassette filling mode. When the flighted conveyor is in the diverting mode, the flight moves in a profiled motion to acquire the product from the product conveyor at a location beneath the overhead diverter and transports the product along the transport containment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Adal Amine Tecleab
  • Patent number: 8220614
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8151969
    Abstract: A transport system for piece goods includes a conveyor for moving the piece goods along a conveying path, an unloading device including a multi-axis manipulator for unloading piece goods from the conveyor, and a clearing tool. The clearing tool is moved relative to the conveyor by the multi-axis manipulator to discharge a piece good from the conveyor, and the movement of the clearing tool includes a directional component transverse to the direction of movement of the conveying path and a directional component in the direction of movement of the conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Albrecht Hoene
  • Publication number: 20120067696
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Aschenbeck
  • Patent number: 8132661
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Vanderlande Industries Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Erwin Hendrikus Petrus Martinus Johannes Van Schaijk, Bram Antonius Carolus Van Rijt
  • Patent number: 8025142
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products (10) to a loading station (12) having a cooling conveyor (14) that selectively drops food product into a distributor (34). The distributor (34) separates product into at least two lanes (48, 50) and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor (46) monitors and counts product in each lane (48, 50) and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter (70, 80) transfers product from a loading conveyor (68) to a buffer conveyor (72). The buffer conveyor (72) transfers product to a main conveyor (76) which transfers product to a loading head (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7992700
    Abstract: A device for transferring elongate food products, comprising: a carrier with a carrying surface for supporting a row of elongate food products, and a displaceable transfer means positioned at least partially above the carrier and provided with at least one contact surface for urging at least one elongate food product from the carrier. Also a method for transferring at least one elongate food product supplied on the carrying surface of a carrier is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Stork Townsend B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Johanus Maria Thoonsen, Wilhelmus Johannes Everardus Maria Van Den Dungen
  • Patent number: 7819233
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Vanderlande Industries Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Erwin Hendrikus Petrus Martinus Johannes Van Schaijk, Bram Antonius Carolus Van Rijt
  • Patent number: 7591363
    Abstract: A system for dividing an object flow can provide slides which are constructed and arranged to displace one or more objects at a time from the object flow toward a different location, preferably another object flow. The slides can be pivotal away from the objects being displaced, thus releasing the objects at the desired location, the slides being reusable as the slides revolve about one or more rollers to and from displacing the objects. Preferably some of the objects are displaced from the object flow at an acute angle with respect to the direction of conveyance, which can provide displacement at a lesser force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: INDAG Gesellschaft fur Industriebedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft, Frank Lechert
  • Publication number: 20090223779
    Abstract: Conveyor diverters are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a conveyor diverter comprises an arm comprising a first end and a second end. The arm has a first surface extending between a location proximate the first end and a location proximate the second end. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. A chain is located within the arm. The chain comprises at least one roller assembly, wherein at least a portion of the roller assembly extends beyond the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen D. Szarkowski, Rodney R. Mishmash, David M. Pruett, Raymond D. Middlemiss, Thomas Harding
  • Patent number: 7581632
    Abstract: A narrow belt conveyor system is provided with a pop-up style diverter comprising a plurality of rows of diverter wheels in which each row raises and lowers independently of any of the other rows. Thus, each row of diverter wheels can be raised before the leading edge of a conveyed article reaches that particular row of diverter wheels and lowered after the trailing edge of the conveyed article has cleared that row. This permits the spacing between the articles to be greatly reduced, greatly increasing the article throughput rate and/or reducing the conveyor speed while achieving the same throughput rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: TGW-Ermanco Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Earl Wallace, Andew Knaut
  • Patent number: 7469780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for a sorting system comprising an activating member (2), a fastening bracket (3), and a discharge arm (4) which at an end part (5) is pivotally connected with the fastening bracket (3) at a side (6) of a conveyor (7), where the discharge arm (4) by means of the activating member (2) is adapted for being swung between a passive position (9) approximately parallel to the side (6) of the conveyor (7) and a number of active angular positions (8) in relation to the conveying direction (A) of the conveyor (7), where the activating member (2) comprises an electrically driven stepping motor or servomotor having a control unit being adapted for determining a pattern of motion and/or speed profile of the discharge arm (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Linco Food Systems A/S
    Inventor: Michael Bang
  • Publication number: 20080251350
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products (10) to a loading station (12) having a cooling conveyor (14) that selectively drops food product into a distributor (34). The distributor (34) separates product into at least two lanes (48, 50) and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor (46) monitors and counts product in each lane (48, 50) and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter (70, 80) transfers product from a loading conveyor (68) to a buffer conveyor (72). The buffer conveyor (72) transfers product to a main conveyor (76) which transfers product to a loading head (84).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: STORK TOWNSEND INC.
    Inventors: David W. Alexander, Vincent L. Basile, Kevin J. Hansen, Colin R. Hart, Joshua W. Higgins, Paul J. Joynt
  • Patent number: 7410045
    Abstract: A plunger assembly (30) is disposed on the access side of a conveyor (20). The conveyor (20) has a conveying surface upon which it transports articles by moving the conveying surface in a direction of flow (F). The plunger assembly (30) is mounted overhead vertically with respect to the conveying surface of the conveyor (20) such that sufficient clearance below the plunger assembly (30) is maintained to provide an access space through which the conveyor (20) and mechanisms and elements thereof can be accessed. Further, the plunger assembly (30) may be mounted both above and at least partially offset horizontally from the conveyor surface of the conveyor (20), such that no operative portion of the plunger assembly (30) breaks the plane (C) of the conveyor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Rafe T. Patterson, John W. Cash, III, Michael F. Flagg, John Hotchkiss, Patrick King
  • Patent number: 7383935
    Abstract: A roller conveyor includes a plurality of idler rollers positioned along and between opposite sidewalls and a transverse drive system operable to rotatably drive at least some of the idler rollers of the roller conveyer. The transverse drive system includes a motorized roller positioned generally transverse to the idler rollers and a plurality of drive members drivably connected between the motorized roller and respective ones of the idler rollers. Actuation of the motorized roller drives each of the drive members, which in turn independently rotatably drive the respective idler rollers. The transverse drive system may be selectively operable to accumulate articles on one or more zones of the roller conveyor. The roller conveyor may include a right angle transfer unit operable to transfer articles in a direction generally normal to the direction of conveyance of the idler rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Tasma, David H. Cotter, Ronald C. Ehlert
  • Patent number: 7331441
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for pushing a number of packaging containers (12) which are supported in cassettes (18) in motion in a first direction in a packaging machine. The apparatus (10) comprises carriers (40) by means of which the packaging containers may be pushed from a first position to a second position in relation to said cassettes (18). According to the invention, the apparatus (10) comprises at least one belt (30, 32) which, in a first portion of the apparatus (10) moves in a second direction and in the second portion of the apparatus (10) moves in a third direction, and, between the first and the second portions, there is disposed a bending roller (24), and the second and third directions each make an angle (?) with the first direction, and finally the carrier (40) is connected to a shaft (38) which is secured to the belt (30, 32) by means of a clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Richard Persson
  • Patent number: 7124876
    Abstract: A paddle diverter assembly according to the present invention includes an arm and an actuator for actuating the arm to move toward a diverting position. The actuator is adapted to permit the arm to move away from the diverting position upon impact with the object to be diverted and then to return to the diverting position to thereby absorb at least some of the impact between the arm and an object being diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen C Wolf
  • Patent number: 7040477
    Abstract: A transport system for transport of containers has a switch with an entry zone, an exit zone with at least two different transport paths for conveying a container, and a switch mechanism for selectively controlling the transport of the container to the transport paths. During their travel, the containers are supported by a support assembly, and aligned and advanced in a controlled manner in the entry zone by an alignment and propulsion mechanism. A propulsion and guide assembly in the exit zone is rendered operative in response to a transport of the container along the transport paths and includes at least two modules which respectively cooperate with the transport paths and are disposed in the exit zone below the plane of the support assembly. The modules are hereby so controlled that only the one of the modules is raised into a plane above the plane of the support assembly, when the container is transported along the associated transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Gräfer, Albrecht Hoene
  • Patent number: 7017730
    Abstract: A bidirectional article pusher for a conveying system, which includes a multiplicity of spaced rollers for moving articles along a longitudinal path. There is a push up stop arranged below the conveyor and movable between adjacent rollers to a position above the rollers to stop forward movement of an article which is on the rollers. There are lateral stations, one on each side of a section of the conveying system, and lateral diverters move articles which are on the rollers and stopped by the push up stop, to a position off of the rollers and out of the longitudinal path and at a right angle to the longitudinal path. A stop activator is controlled based upon information, such as that on a bar code sort label on an article and which has been previously provided to the control device upstream of the push up stop. There are three jam detection/correction devices provided to assure proper operation. One is a proximity sensor to detect the presence of the pusher fingers while in their home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Shane F. Mills, Thomas A. Arnold, Michael E. Caporali, John Rasile, Brian F. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 7004301
    Abstract: A transport system for advancing containers includes a curve section for defining a curved transport path which is defined by a curve radius, and a driving and guiding assembly for advancing and guiding a container along the transport path. The driving and guiding assembly has support elements, which support the underside of the container, and is constructed to bear upon at least one of the sidewalls, at least along portions thereof, in a force-locking or form-fitting manner for propulsion of the container. The container has an underside formed with two longitudinal sidewalls extending mirror-symmetrically and curved outwardly or inwardly at a radius, which corresponds to the curve radius, such that a distance between the sidewalls is at a maximum or minimum in mid-section of the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Gräfer, Albrecht Hoene
  • Patent number: 6974020
    Abstract: The invention provides a diverter assembly for transferring moving articles from one conveying surface to another conveying surface, comprising: a) a frame; b) at least one endless belt suspended between spaced apart pulleys supported on the frame, wherein the endless belt defines an unsupported belt span for contacting articles on the one conveying surface and transferring the contacted article to the another conveying surface; and c) an actuator operably connected to the frame to move the unsupported belt span in a position to contact the article moving on the one conveying surface to transfer the article to the another conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: George W. Peppel
  • Patent number: 6896474
    Abstract: Associated to the first product of each group or slug of products being formed is a first engagement element which follows the movement of advance of said first product, preventing it from falling forwards in the direction of advance. In such conditions, the products are made to advance according to a stacking path that is substantially horizontal, setting them up against the first product, and thus determining the formation of groups or slugs of products and counting the number of products stacked. When the number of products stacked reaches the desired value, the last product in the group is engaged by a second engagement element which exerts an action of thrust in a forward direction on the slug of products thus formed, so causing separation thereof from the first product of a new slug being formed in the stacking structure. The stacking operation is performed on the products, which are set on edge after being tipped starting from a previous substantially horizontal position of advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Cavanna SpA
    Inventor: Dario Guidetti
  • Patent number: 6868957
    Abstract: The thrust bars (11), which are placed behind the product in the transfer phase from a first transport line (L1) to a downstream line (L2), have an adjustable stop (12) resting against the one side of the product in the direction of travel of this product. Articulated joints (10, 10?), connect the ends of the bars to corresponding points of the upper branch or the lower branch of a parallel pair of toothed belt conveyors (T, T?) fed on pulleys with horizontal axles, which are inclined at a right angle to the conveyors (T,T?) which bridge the area between the two transport lines and which with their one branch, work in the direction running from the upstream line to the downstream line at an identical speed to each other such as to be able to effect, with the above-mentioned bars, the transfer of products from one conveyor belt to the other by rear and side thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Cassoli, Luca Baldanza, Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6866138
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for discharging and transferring load carriers to connection conveyors (2), running transversely to a conveying path (1), by means of transporting belts (2a, b and c) which circulate parallel to one another, and transversely to the conveying path, and form a horizontal rest for the load carriers (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jürgen Hug
  • Patent number: 6863171
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blowing or pushing products from a conveying member, to which end a number of spaced-apart members are employed, each being provided with a controllable air valve, or with sliding parts with a controllable driving mechanism which are mounted on an endless conveyor, belt or chain. Further, a control system has been provided in which detection members determine whether a product meets set quality requirements and when and by which member the approved products should be blown or pushed from the conveying member in such a way that the products are successively brought in predetermined arrangements or patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: B.V. Machinefabriek Houdijk
    Inventors: Peter Blok, Henricus Nicolaas Johannes De Jong
  • Publication number: 20040231960
    Abstract: A paddle diverter assembly according to the present invention includes an arm and an actuator for actuating the arm to move toward a diverting position. The actuator is adapted to permit the arm to move away from the diverting position upon impact with the object to be diverted and then to return to the diverting position to thereby absorb at least some of the impact between the arm and an object being diverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen C. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040216984
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for discharging and transferring load carriers to connection conveyors (2), running transversely to a conveying path (1), by means of transporting belts (2a, b and c) which circulate parallel to one another, and transversely to the conveying path, and form a horizontal rest for the load carriers (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jurgen Hug
  • Publication number: 20040173436
    Abstract: A narrow belt conveyor system including a plurality of narrow, continuous, spaced-apart belts adapted to receive an accessory such as a sorter, accumulator, diverter, and/or transfer between the belts. The conveyor system includes a pair of side frame members, each with an elongated track that slidingly receives the accessory so that it can be readily moved to selected locations along the length of the conveyor. A belt tensioning mechanism provides for independent tensioning of the conveyor belts. A belt guide track with a low friction insert supports the loaded belt, while the guide rollers engage the edges of the belts along their return runs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Paragon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Baker
  • Patent number: 6763927
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus is composed of a motor-installed roller (2), cams (3), a rotation axis deflector (4), a drive pulley (5), a driven pulley (6), an endless belt (7), a flat support (8) and a spring (9). The roller (2) and the deflector (4) take their position enclosed with the belt (7), and the shaft (15) of the roller (2) is operatively connected by the deflector (4) to the drive pulley (5). A sleigh-shaped top plate (25) of the support (8) intervenes between the roller (2) and the back surface of belt (7), and when the cylindrical casing (12) of this roller rotates, the cams (3) will also rotate to raise the support (8) and lift the upper transporting path of the belt (7), so that the apparatus is rendered so smaller in size that it can be used as a cross transporter adapted for installation in any desired space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Itoh Electric Company Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040094388
    Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products (2), comprising a conveyor belt (1) and a moving endless guiding element (12) which includes a straight portion (4) extending between two guide wheels (5, 6), which straight portion (4) is capable of guiding products (2) that are present on the conveyor belt in lateral direction towards and over the edge of the conveyor belt, wherein the distance between the two guide wheels is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Albertus Cornelis Hendrikus Van Liempd, Marinus Johannes Henricus Van Den Elzen, Pieter Franciscus Karel Damen
  • Publication number: 20030183483
    Abstract: An apparatus for spacing boards of lumber in transverse parallel contacting relation on an infeed conveyor comprising: (i) a rotatable lifting means adapted to receive said boards from said infeed conveyor, said rotatable lifting means including at least one arcuate camming element adapted to individually lift said boards at uniform intervals to a raised position by slidingly rotating beneath said boards; (ii) an outfeed conveyor for receiving said boards from said rotatable lifting system; and (iii) a rotatable advancing means located above said rotatable lifting means adapted to frictionally engage said boards when said boards are in said raised position and advance said boards onto said outfeed conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: John L. Rennie, Cody A. Wikman
  • Patent number: 6536580
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a distribution device for parcels with a deflection element for distributing the parcels that arrive on a conveyor pathway in approximately the horizontal direction to branched-off conveyor pathways with approximately the same transport plane. According to the invention, three conveyor pathways (T1, T2, T3) branch off from a distribution point. The ends of the deflection element (A) are connected to horizontally displaceable plungers of stationary stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) by means of pivot points (D1, D2) in order to displace the ends from one lateral limit of the central conveyor pathway (T3) to the other lateral limit. One of the two stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) is fixed perpendicularly to the transport direction of the central conveyor pathway (T3), with the other stroking mechanism (H1, H2) being mounted in a pivoted fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Fritzsche