Abstract: A distribution device automates and meters distribution of feed in a commercial shrimp production facility utilizing a stacked shallow tank configuration. The device includes an elongated support surface positioned over and extending along an elongated tank having an open top. A shuttle moves along the support surface to move along a length of the tank. A hopper to hold feed is coupled to the shuttle. A spreader is in environmental communication with the hopper to distribute feed from the hopper and a meter is operationally coupled between the hopper and the spreader for controlling an amount of the feed delivered to and distributed by the spreader.

Abstract: A drive wheel for driving a feed chain for dry-feeding livestock includes a base wheel having an axial passage for receiving a drive shaft and a gear rim having a toothed external circumferential face, wherein the external circumferential face has a multiplicity of tooth elements. Each tooth element has two tooth tips and one chain clearance disposed between the two tooth tips. At least the gear rim composed of an elastic material.

Abstract: Methods for preparing parcels for final sorting. The methods include dividing a mass flow of parcels into individual streams, separating and singulating the parcels in each stream, delivering each stream at a steady rate to a human operator that faces and culls the parcels, reading identifying indicia on the parcels, delivering the scanned parcels to a presorter in parallel lanes, and selectively discharging parcels from the lane closest to a side of the presorter off the side at multiple discharge points.

Abstract: A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing pellets from plastic material or from material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a continuous casting device (1) from which at least one strand (2) of the material to be pelletized is issued, and a belt conveyor (3) comprising at least one conveying belt (4) on which the strand (2) can be fed to a pelletizer (5), said pelletizer breaking the strand up into pellets (6). The invention is characterized in that the belt conveyor (3) has a switchable direction of conveyance of the conveying belt (4), a direction of feed conveyance towards the pelletizer (5) and a direction of discharge conveyance away from the pelletizer (5). The invention also relates to a method for operating said device.

Abstract: A panel-carrying-out apparatus used for conveying panels ejected from a press machine includes: a semicircular sorting conveyor adapted to be driven switchably in a normal direction or a reverse direction; and a pair of straight conveyors respectively disposed at ends of the sorting conveyor. Each of the panels from the press machine is mounted on the center position of the sorting conveyor in terms of a conveying path. Specifically, an arced conveyor included in the sorting conveyor, on which each of the panels is initially mounted, is adapted to be driven switchably in the normal direction or the reverse direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.

Abstract: A panel-carrying-out apparatus used for conveying panels ejected from a press machine includes: a semicircular sorting conveyor adapted to be driven switchably in a normal direction or a reverse direction; and a pair of straight conveyors respectively disposed at ends of the sorting conveyor. Each of the panels from the press machine is mounted on the center position of the sorting conveyor in terms of a conveying path. Specifically, an arced conveyor included in the sorting conveyor, on which each of the panels is initially mounted, is adapted to be driven switchably in the normal direction or the reverse direction.

Abstract: The invention described herein is transfer assembly for transferring articles from an input conveyor to an output position. The transfer assembly includes a support structure and a conveyor assembly mounted to the support structure. The conveyor assembly has a working conveyor surface with an input end and an output end. The output end is moveable in a substantially lateral direction between a first position and a second position. The first position is such that the working conveyor surface is substantially laterally positioned away from the output position while the second position is such that a portion of the working conveyor surface is positioned above the output position.

Abstract: The invention described herein is transfer assembly for transferring articles from an input conveyor to an output position. The transfer assembly includes a support structure and a conveyor assembly mounted to the support structure. The conveyor assembly has a working conveyor surface with an input end and an output end. The output end is moveable in a substantially lateral direction between a first position and a second position. The first position is such that the working conveyor surface is substantially laterally positioned away from the output position while the second position is such that a portion of the working conveyor surface is positioned above the output position.

Abstract: A product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator for applying a force, including a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor disposed above a transporter for suppressing an upward shift of the products which occurs when the force applicator applies the force to the products, and an elevator for moving the suppressor up and down. The suppressor is lowered during an operation to divert the products so as to contact an upper surface of the products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound induction system for feeding articles to a material handling system. This induction system includes an input station with a reversing buffer belt. Articles placed on this belt will be fed to one of at least two downstream feeding sections. From these feeding sections, the articles will be transported to a material handling system such as a tilt tray sorter. The present invention can avoid the need, as well as its associated additional product damage and higher labor costs, for presorting of articles.

Abstract: A two-direction reject and make-up conveyor system includes a supply conveyor system (30) and a first inspection conveyor (40) and a second inspection conveyor (41). The conveyors (40 and 41) are moveable in both a forward and reverse direction allowing items to be inspected to be rejected in both directions. The supply conveyor system (30) allows for the make-up of any rejected items onto the inspection conveyors (40 and 41).