Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robotic product unscrambler apparatus which is capable of operating with ultra high efficiency and with minimum environmental impact. Efficiency and energy saving are achieved thanks to the possibility of processing products regardless of their preliminary orientation, so to remit sorting of the products to a subsequent unscrambling device of the product unscrambler. This results in the substantial absence of non-processed products due to preliminary orientation reasons, and accordingly very little—if at all—energy input to recirculate non processed products.

Abstract: A glass sheet processing system for processing a glass sheet includes a conveyor for conveying the glass sheet in a direction of conveyance, and a positioning apparatus for adjusting position of the glass sheet on the conveyor. The positioning apparatus includes a movable carriage having first and second carriage bodies. The first carriage body is translatable in the direction of conveyance, and the second carriage body is supported by the first carriage body such that the second carriage body is movable in a direction generally transverse to the direction of conveyance. The positioning apparatus further includes a first drive assembly for moving the first carriage body in the direction of conveyance, a second drive assembly for moving the second carriage body with respect to the first carriage body, and a positioner member connected to the second carriage body for contacting the glass sheet to adjust position of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.

Abstract: Machines and methods suitable for performing cutting operations on products to yield a reduced-size product, for example, slicing and strip-cutting elongate food products. Such a method includes simultaneously delivering products to annular-shaped cavities of a rotating impeller. The products are simultaneously delivered with a feed unit that has a feed chute extension that protrudes into an interior of the impeller. The feed chute extension defines feed chutes that are aligned with the annular-shaped cavities of the impeller and direct the products to circumferential series of pockets within the annular-shaped cavities. The products are held within the pockets by centrifugal force as the products are carried past a slicing knife to form a first longitudinal cut through each of the products during a rotation of the impeller and to produce therefrom a substantially longitudinally sliced product.

Abstract: A conveying system and method for rotating conveyed product. The system can have a conveyor on which is conveyed a rolled product in a machine direction. The system can have conveyor having a first portion on which is conveyed a rolled product having an axis oriented in the machine direction, and the rolled product being partially wrapped in an open ended tube of polymer film. The system has a second portion on which the rolled product is rotated in a horizontal plane such that its axis is oriented in a cross machine direction, and a third portion on which the rolled product is conveyed while oriented in the cross machine direction to a sealing operation that seals the open ends of the tube of polymer film.

Abstract: The invention is related to a smart pill dispenser which is used in a household, on a desktop, by keeping the different types of and different dosed medication inside the container, which provides information to the user in order for the user to take his/her medication in time and in correct doses and which can inform the user interactively communicate with smart devices and such as cell phones, and smart watches.

Abstract: A conveying system and method for rotating conveyed product. The system can have a conveyor on which is conveyed a rolled product in a machine direction. The system can have conveyor having a first portion on which is conveyed a rolled product having an axis oriented in the machine direction, and the rolled product being partially wrapped in an open ended tube of polymer film. The system has a second portion on which the rolled product is rotated in a horizontal plane such that its axis is oriented in a cross machine direction, and a third portion on which the rolled product is conveyed while oriented in the cross machine direction to a sealing operation that seals the open ends of the tube of polymer film.

Abstract: A machine (1) for separating elements (100) comprising multiple tracks (2), each of which defines a feed track (2a), wherein the track (2) includes an outlet opening (20) through which the elements (100) exit; multiple vibration devices (3), each of which is individually connected to only one track (2) and suited for transmitting mechanical vibrations to the connected track (2) to generate feed of the elements (100) along the feed track (2a); a detection mechanism (4) for detecting the elements (100) which leave the track (2) through the outlet opening (20); a control mechanism (5) for controlling the separation machine (1) which control mechanism is functionally connected to the detection mechanism (4) and the vibration devices (3) and suited for commanding stop of one of the vibration devices (3), if the detection mechanism (4) detects passage of an element (100) through the outlet opening (20) of the connected track (2).

Abstract: Electrochemically aligned and compacted molecules, nanoparticles and microparticles with ampholytic nature, such as collagen, elastin, keratin and charged nanoparticle materials, methods of making and using the materials and associated production-related devices. In one embodiment, a device for producing continuous electrochemically aligned strands, threads or fibers is disclosed. In a further embodiment, fabrication of compositionally and geometrically complex anatomical forms by 3D-electrochemical compaction of biomolecules is disclosed. In yet another embodiment, methods for fabricating patterned lattice structures, in particular having controlled pore size and morphology, and the lattice structures themselves are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method and the device serve for aligning a belt strip, which has a middle part and triangular end pieces. The belt strip is wound onto a tire building drum in such a way that the triangular end regions extend next to one another, at least in certain regions. At least one of the triangular regions is changed in its alignment, at least in certain regions.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a case turner which selectively reorients selected articles or cases from an orientation to a desired orientation. The case turner includes a primary conveying path and a secondary conveying path which intersects with the primary conveying path. The conveying system may include a plurality of right angle transfer conveyors and an alternative conveying path for reject cases. A right angle transfer conveyor may be configured and controlled to reorient articles to a desired orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a system for transferring a plurality of non-oriented items. The system includes a feeding area, a conveyor and a rail. The feeding area can accept the plurality of non-oriented items. The conveyor has a first end, a second end, a conveyor length disposed between the first end and the second end, a conveyor first side, a conveyor second side, a conveyor width disposed between the conveyor first side and the conveyor second side, and a conveyor ledge along the second side. The rail is disposed above the conveyor and from the conveyor ledge at a distance equal to one of the item height, the item width and the item length. A first portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will convey along the conveyor path. A second portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will fall off the conveyor ledge.

Abstract: System for feeding and processing bottles (1) to be conveyed to a device (30) for entry into a filling machine (40) operating at an assigned speed (Vp), the system comprising: a realignment centrifuge (100) fed randomly with the bottles (1) and having a tangential outlet (113); movement devices (12, 13, 14), able to convey the bottles (1) leaving the realignment centrifuge (100) and vary the speed of advancing movement thereof; at least one device (21) for handling the bottles; the realignment centrifuge is operated at an operating speed (Vc) greater than the speed (Vp) of the filling machine, and movement devices (12, 14) comprise at least a first device (12); a third device (14); said handling device (21) has means (5) for gripping the bottles.

Abstract: A singulator for use with fruit handling equipment including spaced fruit supports driven at a particular speed, the singulator causing the fruit to assume single file for transfer to the fruit supports, the singulator including a first pair of belts arranged in a V formation travelling at different speeds, wherein the first pair of belts merges into a second pair of belts arranged in a V formation and both travelling at about the speed of the fruit supports, and wherein the second pair of belts is adapted to be operated so as to transfer the fruits substantially at the same speed as the fruit supports, whereby fruit are transferred to the fruit supports in single file whilst moving at the same speed as the fruit supports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to efficiently and accurately count, group and discharge individual products from a production line. The apparatus and methods are suitable for a variety of products, including products with irregular shapes, and/or products that travel down production lines at irregular intervals. In one embodiment the apparatus can have a delivery conveyor having a product sensor; a grouping conveyor adjacent to the delivery conveyor having a plurality of containment areas to receive a plurality of products; and a controller communicatively connected to the delivery conveyor, the grouping conveyor, and the product sensor, the controller configured to count product traveling on the delivery conveyor during a grouping sequence and to discharge a product group from the grouping conveyor during a discharge sequence at a predetermined product count. The grouping conveyor can be at substantially right angles to the delivery conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aligned bunch of items of media. The apparatus includes a driven drum element arranged to rotate about a drum axis of rotation and at least one driven endless belt member, each arranged along a respective belt pathway. The belt pathway comprises a pathway portion in which the belt member extends in a co-operating relationship with more than sixty percent of the circumference of an outer surface of the drum element. The drum element and at least one belt member co-operate to receive and align items of media therebetween.

Abstract: A device for stopping and/or aligning transport goods on a conveying device, in particular a roller conveyor, device has a main part and a stopping device that can be moved out of the main part into a conveying path of the conveying device in order to stop and/or align the transport goods that are transported along the conveying path. The stopping device comprises at least two separate stops that can be moved between a working position, which projects into the conveying plane, and a rest position, which is retracted with respect to the conveying plane, by means of a common actuator device.

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of devices for arranging containers enabling the correct positioning of containers or bottles made of plastic on the bottling feeding line. The device (1) for arranging plastic containers (100) with one or more devices for blowing down the containers (101) overlapped on the erecting elements, includes a cylindrical hopper (17) inwardly provided with a conical or flat base, conveying elements (19) and erecting-aligning elements, and includes one or more blowing elements (2), for example blowers, adapted to inwardly blow, adjacent to the upper edge of the hopper (17) aligning elements, an air flow for hitting possible containers (101) overlying other containers located on the erecting elements themselves.

Abstract: A system for aligning items, such as bottles, includes a rotating plate and a diverter arm that extends outward over a top surface of the plate towards the plate edge. A rotating channel may surround the plate. In operation, bottles are dropped onto the plate and rotated by the plate against the arm. The distance between the top surface of the arm and the plate surface is such that the arm generally diverts the bottles outward and guides them into free gaps within the channel. The distance is also configured such that as bottles back-up, waiting for free channel gaps, the arm allows any buckling bottles to pass over and back onto the plate, rather than into the channel. The distance may also be configured such that the arm acts like a scoop. As bottles back-up behind the arm, the arm presses under the bottles along the arm and passes them over, relieving the pressure.

Abstract: A drive roller for a crop conveying belt has a cylindrical roller body having an outer surface surrounding an axis of rotation of the roller for engaging an inner drive surface of a canvas wrapped therearound. The roller has a plurality of raised spaced elements such as ribs formed of a hard wear resistant material such as carbide clad onto the outer surface metal of the roller body. The ribs extend along a part only of the body at the two ends in an axial direction and angularly spaced around the outer surface. The ribs have a height less than 6 mm and a width less than 6 mm arranged such that the ribs do not engage into any recesses in the drive surface of the belt.

Abstract: A method for conveying crop has a crop conveyor belt driven by a drive roller with a cylindrical roller body having an outer surface surrounding an axis of rotation of the roller for engaging an inner drive surface of a canvas wrapped therearound. The roller has a plurality of raised spaced elements such as ribs formed of a hard wear resistant material such as carbide clad onto the outer surface metal of the roller body. The ribs extend along a part only of the body at the two ends in an axial direction and angularly spaced around the outer surface. The ribs have a height less than 6 mm and a width less than 6 mm arranged such that the ribs do not engage into any recesses in the drive surface of the.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning dough pieces on a conveying surface of a conveyor. The device is arranged for performing the following steps: providing at least one dough piece to a supply device arrange above the conveying surface; supplying the dough piece onto the conveying surface which is moving in a conveyance direction, and wherein the dough piece is supplied up-stream of a roller arranged at a distance above said conveying surface; blocking the conveyance of the dough piece by the roller, wherein said roller is driven to rotate in a rotation direction such that a peripheral velocity at a side of said roller facing said conveying surface is substantially opposite to said conveyance direction; temporarily reversing said rotation direction of the roller in order to pass the dough piece underneath said roller; and conveying the dough piece on said conveying surface.

Abstract: An asymmetric article-carrying puck is driven by a linear star conveyor through an angular rotation orienting section to orient the pucks and articles therein irrespective of random initial orientation. In one embodiment, an upper puck plate carries the article while a separated lower puck plate defines a rotational orienting circular gear rack with a rotation-stopping bridge, separating ends of the rack and inclined from a base of one end tooth in the rack to a crest of another end tooth in the rack. The lower puck plate can be a combination of two circular plates with the circular gear rack interposed therebetween and within the periphery of the circular plates. Pucks can be accumulated in mutual engaged positions and separated by the linear star into preselected pitch while transported and turned. Integral pucks can be used. The structural details and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aligned bunch of items of media. The apparatus includes a driven drum element arranged to rotate about a drum axis of rotation and at least one driven endless belt member, each arranged along a respective belt pathway. The belt pathway comprises a pathway portion in which the belt member extends in a co-operating relationship with more than sixty percent of the circumference of an outer surface of the drum element. The drum element and at least one belt member co-operate to receive and align items of media therebetween.

Abstract: Station for feeding bottles (1) to devices (20) for handling said bottles comprising: a realignment centrifuge (100) fed randomly with the bottles (1) and having a tangential outlet (113); movement devices (12, 13, 14) extending in the same longitudinal direction (X-X) of advancing movement, in which: the bottles (1) leaving the realignment centrifuge (100) lie horizontally in the longitudinal direction (X-X) of advancing movement and the realignment centrifuge is operated at an operating speed (Vc) greater than the speed (Vp) of the filling machine, and said movement devices (12, 13) comprise at least a first device (12) operated at a first speed (V12) less than the speed (Vc) of the realignment centrifuge (100); a third device (14) operated at a speed (V14) greater than the speed (V12) of the first movement device (V12), depending on and synchronized with the speed (Vp) of the filling machine (40).

Abstract: A bottle cap orienting apparatus including a cap transfer assembly having a pair of opposing transfer belts each having curved first and second ends and upright facing straight sides opposingly spaced apart to define a gap sized to be equal to or greater than a height of the caps being transferred and reoriented for subsequent feeding into a bottle capping apparatus. A cap feed chute is positioned centrally between the first ends for conveying unoriented bottle caps in edge upright orientation into the gap. Each of the transfer belts have suction holes positioned along each of the transfer belts. A vacuum source within each belt draws air inwardly into the suction holes which holds caps against the belt. The belts move in unison to carry the bottle caps to the second ends where a cap stripper detaches each cap from the transfer belts.

Abstract: There is described a machine for handling and unscrambling empty containers (C) provided with a bottom and with an opening, comprising: a carousel (21) rotating about an axis of rotation (A-A) and provided with a plurality of peripheral pockets (25) each provided with a respective channel (27) for descent of the containers (C) through gravity towards a handling or pick-up area below, a device (9) for feeding containers (C), randomly oriented, towards the carousel; and an exit conveyor (11) arranged at a lower height with respect to the pockets and onto which the containers, unscrambled in an unscrambling step so as to be arranged with the respective openings oriented upwards, are unloaded. The machine also comprises a detecting system (71) to detect the orientation of the containers (C) before the unscrambling step.

Abstract: A method of aligning handles in rows for a rotating blow-molding machine for handled-bottles includes steps of: providing at least one handle conveying device to provide a plurality of unaligned handles, and providing a plurality of pairs of row aligning modules and bottle blowing modules to form a plurality of common modules. The row aligning modules receive the handles from the handle conveying device and arrange the handles in rows and send the aligned handles to the corresponding bottle blowing modules. Thus the row aligning modules are rotated synchronously with the corresponding bottle blowing modules without the problem of handle transport synchronization during high speed, and sufficient time is provided to align all the handles in rows.

Abstract: In a device (10) for transporting containers (20), a first and a second lateral transport guide (14, 16) for guiding the containers (20) on both sides are associated with a belt-shaped container support (12) that can be moved in a transport direction (x). At least one of the transport guides (14, 16) can be moved in the transport direction (x) at the same speed as the container support (12), and the transport guides (14, 16) have clamping elements (8) for fixing the containers (20) between the first and the second transport guides (14, 16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfills predefined criteria as regards for example the total weight range and optionally the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects. A selective transferal of the objects from means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of one or more handling means of the robot type in as a batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria. The batches are produced on said batching means that are moved around said one or more handling means of the robot type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for sorting vials and small containers. The apparatus comprises at least one auger with a plurality of top recesses and a plurality of side recesses. Vials are placed into the apparatus and fall into the top recesses. As vials fall into the top recesses, the vials are transported through the apparatus by the rotation of the auger. If a vial does not fall into a top recess, it is diverted to a top recess, or to an agitation conveyor that transports the vial to a diverter to be diverted back to an auger. Vials within the top recesses are ejected into vertical alignment so that the vials are sorted and oriented properly for packaging.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a booklet handling apparatus includes a take in unit to take in a booklet in a closed state, a conveying unit to convey the booklet taken in by the take in unit to a predetermined position in a first direction, a page turning unit to turn, about a stitch of the booklet, a back cover of the booklet conveyed to the predetermined position by the conveying unit, a push up unit to push up a front cover of the booklet pivoting about the stitch thereof by rotating a push up cam arranged in contact with the front cover of the booklet, a support unit to support the front cover pushed up by the push up unit, and a folding unit to fold the front cover by conveying the booklet in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the predetermined position using the conveying unit while the support unit supports the front cover.

Abstract: A test strip analysis apparatus comprising a housing, an insertion station for receiving a test strip to be inspected, an optical measuring unit for measuring the test strip, a transport device for transporting the test strip from said insertion station to the optical measuring unit within the reaction period required for the test strip, and an analyzing unit for evaluating the measurement of the strip, wherein the transport device comprises first and second transport sections which are interconnected through a connecting region and can be driven independently of one another, with the first transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a higher first transport speed from the insertion station to the connecting region, and the second transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a slower second transport speed from the connecting region to the optical measuring unit.

Abstract: Method of orienting preforms, wherein in a first step the preforms (5) are processed to form at least one flow of preforms aligned in a substantially horizontal flow channel, the preforms exiting said channel being tipped in a second step so as to form at least one flow in which the preforms (5) are substantially vertical. Device for the implementation of said method.

Abstract: Method and system for transferring items (2) from an inlet flow or a bulk of items at a first area to a second area, from which the items are transferred in an orderly flow of items, whereby a plurality of gripping means (18) are used for transferring said items and whereby said method comprises the steps of moving at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18) towards at least part of said first area or vice versa, engaging one of said items by said at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18), moving said engaged item away from said first area, or vice versa, placing said engaged item at a selected position, and whereby said item is moved away from said second area in an orderly flow with at least one further item handled by another of said plurality of gripping means.

Abstract: The device comprises: a chute, on which tubes arranged in a line and with a random orientation of closed and open heads thereof, fall by gravity towards a rotor activated by a motor with stepped 90° displacements. A head tube enters one of two housings realised in the rotor, one housing being perpendicular to the other housing and destined in turn to be aligned with the line of tubes. An endrun stop halts the head tube while the sensor organs ascertain whether a frontally-situated head of the head tube is open or closed. The motor activates the rotor in a direction or in another, according to a datum supplied by the sensor organs, such that the open head of the tube is always in a predetermined position. During rotation cam means act in cooperation with containing and guide means to raise the head tube into a predetermined collection position where it is picked up by handling organs. The raising enables a following tube to insert in the other housing, which has in the meantime become aligned with the chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for longitudinally arranging elongated items may include a plurality of parallel rotatable members having at least two radially enlarged portions and a channel portion disposed between adjacent radially enlarged portions. The rotatable members are disposed transverse to the desired longitudinal arrangement. The apparatus may also include a drive mechanism coupled to at least one of the rotatable members. Longitudinally arranging items, such as bakery products having an elongated shape, may be accomplished by receiving a plurality of items that are randomly oriented, introducing the plurality of items into at least one longitudinal channel formed by a plurality of channels portions on parallel rotating members, conveying the items along the at least one channel, narrowing a width of the at least one channel while conveying the items, aligning the items within the at least one channel, and outputting at least one row of longitudinally aligned items.

Abstract: An orientating apparatus and associated method includes an agitator, one or more channels adjacent the agitator, and a lower component delivery portion. The agitator is powered by a drive assembly, which induces a motions in relation to the channels. The channels are designed such that a component for orienting can only pass through the channels in a preferred orientation, and the agitator provides opportunities for the components to achieve proper orientation to enter the channels. This allows the components to pass through the channels to the staging portion in an orientated manner. This orientating apparatus, intended for the automatic positioning of wicks, will work on manufacturing lines with any number of apparatus or parts, as long as it is generally adjacent the utilization point.

Abstract: The invention falls within the field of machines for orienting and aligning vessels or bottles made of plastics randomly inserted into a load vessel and in particular to a type of orienting and aligning machine that provides a plurality of elevators (6) that are vertically sliding along the internal wall of a rotating cylinder (1) containing randomly-placed bottles. More precisely, it refers to a device for automatically adjusting the size of the plurality of elevators placed inside the rotating cylinder depending on bottle size or format. The device provides a plurality of reduction elements (9), at least one for each elevator (6), each reduction element being inserted into the elevator without projecting and can go out of the elevator. Control means are provided for making the reduction elements go out simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for aligning rolls in a feed system. The rolls are spaced at regular intervals so as to enable incorrectly positioned rolls to be turned to the correct feed position, when necessary, while they are moving forward in a feed direction. The correct position of each roll is identified by detecting the longitudinal hole through the center of the roll.

Abstract: A disc screen apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed recyclable materials of various sizes and shapes, including newspaper, clean mixed paper, magazines, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, cans, and the like. The apparatus has an inclined fixed first disc screen section and an inclined articulating second disc screen section whose angle of inclination can be independently adjusted via a hydraulic cylinder or other angular adjustment mechanism in order to improve the separation of newspaper and/or clean mixed paper without impairing the ability of the fixed disc screen section to separate mixed containers. The first and second disc screen sections are supported by first and second frames that carry the parallel driven shafts and discs that form the disc screen sections. The frames have complementary mating surfaces that limit the range of articulation of the second disc screen section.

Abstract: An apparatus for longitudinally orienting pre-glued elongated wood strands for forming OSB panels includes a spreading head with disc rolls that each have discs arranged parallel to one another on a rotatable shaft arranged over a forming belt. The discs of a given disc roll intermesh overlappingly in the interspaces between the discs of the adjacent disc rolls, to form vertical orienting passages between the intermeshing discs. The shaft or the individual discs of at least one of the disc rolls is/are slidably adjustable in the axial direction of the shaft, to adjust the axial width of the orienting passages. In a method of operating the apparatus, the width of the orienting passages is adjusted depending on the dimensions, the dimensional variation or tolerance, and/or the throughput quantity of the supplied strand material. Thereby, the throughput quantity and the longitudinal orienting of the strands can be optimized, depending on the particular strand material.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position one or more of the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: An improved orienting disk is provided for better wood strand alignment in wood strand orienter machinery. The disk has a plurality of fin-like teeth projecting upwardly from the periphery of a generally circular plate. In a preferred embodiment each of the teeth has a straight leading edge facing the direction of rotation of the disk, and a curve trailing edge. Most preferably, the disk has six such teeth, each separated from another by 60° about the periphery of the disk.

Abstract: A system for improving wood strand orientation in a wood strand orienter having a plurality of orienter disks. The system includes a plurality of axially-spaced, parallel pre-orienting shafts positioned in a second plane above and substantially parallel to the orienter disks, each one of the pre-orienting shafts having a plurality of wheels mounted thereon. Each of the wheels has a hub and a plurality of outwardly-extending finger members. When the pre-orienting shafts are positioned over the disks, each one of the finger members passes, in turn, through a portion of the volume defined between the two adjacent orienter disks the wheel sits between. This permits bridged wood strands to be turned and straightened, reducing the “% overs”, the percentage of strands bridging the orienter disks and carried across the top of the orienter without falling through the orienter.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a means for untangling springs (60) contained in a supply bin (12), characterized in that it comprises untangling means (14) with a rail (30) for receiving springs, provided with an open groove (36), means (32) for dynamically calibrating the springs, means for supplying said rail with springs and evacuation means (18).