Abstract: An electrode stacking device includes a stacking unit that is disposed between a positive electrode conveying unit conveying a separator-equipped positive electrode and a negative electrode conveying unit conveying a negative electrode, and includes a plurality of stages of stacking sections on which the separator-equipped positive electrode and the negative electrode are stacked, a conveying control unit that controls a drive section to hold a plurality of the separator-equipped positive electrodes at height positions corresponding to the plurality of stages of stacking section and controls a drive section to hold a plurality of the negative electrodes at height positions corresponding to the plurality of stages of stacking sections, a push-out unit that simultaneously pushes out the plurality of separator-equipped positive electrodes toward the plurality of stages of stacking sections, and a push-out unit that simultaneously pushes out the plurality of negative electrodes toward the plurality of stages of s

Abstract: A transport apparatus is for conveying a shoe sole, and includes a rail unit divided into process and bridge regions, a delivery device and a transfer device. The delivery device is movable in the process and the bridge regions, and includes a conveyor belt for carrying the shoe sole and to move the shoe sole on the rail unit. The transfer device is located adjacent to the bridge region, and includes a transfer roller assembly and a transfer belt, which surrounds the transfer roller assembly and is drivable by the same for carrying the shoe sole. When the delivery device is in the bridge region, the conveyor belt is adjacent to the transfer belt, and is operable to convey the shoe sole onto the transfer belt.

Abstract: A belt conveyor having a platform that is movable from a retracted position recessed into a conveyor belt's top surface and an extended position above the top surface. The platform translates across the width of the belt in a slot to carry articles across the width of the belt. Guides in the conveyor below the belt have cam surfaces that raise and lower the carrier and translate it across the belt. The carrier may include a cam-actuated lever to flip articles on the belt or off a side of the belt.

Abstract: A conveying device with a conveying chain, which includes a plurality of chain links, and a plurality of conveyed object containers, which are attached on the conveying chain, for receiving a conveyed object. The conveyed object containers are fastened to the conveying chain via holding elements connected to the conveying chain, wherein the conveyed object containers are held in each case by the holding element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging facility and a method for operating a packaging facility, comprising a multi-lane packaging machine, a multi-lane separation system, a first transfer device, a second transfer device and a group packaging unit, wherein the first transfer device is adapted to transfer a plurality of packages of each lane consecutively from the packaging machine onto a first conveyor belt of the separation system, wherein the distance of two consecutive packages is changed in order to individually inspect the packages in an inspection module and the separation system comprises at least two conveyor belts.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a product-stream-transfer apparatus (10a) for transferring at least a first product sub-stream (12a) and a further product sub-stream (14a) into a main product stream (16a) or for separating a main product stream into at least a first product sub-stream and a further product sub-stream along a product-stream-transfer route (18a), having a first side route (20a) with a multiplicity of transporting elements (22a) for transporting products (24a) of the first product sub-stream (12a), having at least a further side route (26a) with a multiplicity of transporting elements (22a) for transporting products (24a) of the further product sub-stream (14a), and having a main route (28a), which is adjacent to the product-stream-transfer route (18a) and is intended for transporting the products (24a) of the main product stream (16a).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to combine mail streams in a binding line are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing a mailing list including a plurality of addresses. The example methods also includes associating a primary book with a first set of the addresses and associating a secondary book with a second set of the addresses. In addition, the example method includes creating multiple primary books on a production line and depositing multiple secondary books in the production line.

Abstract: A conveyor comprising a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt and method provides a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is in the form of one or more switched reluctance motors.

Abstract: The invention is generally applicable to labeling apparatus, and relates to a device (10) for rotating Container plates in a labeling apparatus; such device (10) being engaged by at least two wheels (1) with a cam (5) for guiding and rotating it, so that the plate connected therewith is also rotated; each wheel (1) consisting of at least one rigid element (2) and at least one elastic disk (3) coupled thereto, having a greater outside diameter, so that the cam (5) is first contacted by said elastic disk (3). As the load between the elastic disk (3) and the cam (5) is increased, and such disk (3) is elastically deformed, the cam (5) is contacted by the rigid element (2).

Abstract: A method is provided for automated converting of a web of a thin patterned catalyst-coated membrane to separate membrane sheets for fuel cell assembly. The membrane typically has a thickness of about one thousandth of an inch. Automated web converting involves transporting, with use of a movable vacuum, an end portion of the membrane web from a first location to a second location. With use of respective first and second vacuums at the first and second locations, and after removal of the movable vacuum, the end portion of the membrane web is releasably secured at the first and second locations. The membrane web is cut within a gap defined between a single catalyst pattern of the membrane web end portion and an adjacent catalyst pattern to produce a membrane sheet. The membrane sheet is precisely positioned to a desired orientation to facilitate subsequent processing of the membrane sheet.

Abstract: A system supplies a boxing machine with articles picked up from an article feeding line, situated upstream of said machine, and aimed at being introduced into corresponding boxes carried by a respective box conveying line of the same machine. In the supplying system, two sets of compartments are arranged along a close-loop path extending between the article feeding line and the box conveying line, and the sets of compartments are mutually distanced according to dynamically variable values and driven by two operating groups, associated respectively to the sets of compartments to cause independent forward movement of each set of compartments along the path, according to dynamically variable parameters.

Abstract: A conveyor 1 for holding glass plates 2 in position during grinding and drilling operations comprising one or more than one belt 3, 3? 3? having a rotating surface and a suction generator 6 for generating a vacuum on the surface.

Abstract: A station for connecting a blistering machine with a boxing machine includes an endless conveyor defining an inlet section, where articles are received from a blistering machine, and an outlet section cooperating with the boxing machine. A series of bars are connected at the ends with a couple of endless chains for supporting and guiding crosswise a number of carriages. The carriages have pins projecting within a first and second track to move the carriages crosswise from a first configuration, near the inlet section, in which a first series of carriages are longitudinally offset with respect to a second series of carriages, to a second configuration, near the outlet section, in which the carriages are all longitudinally aligned.

Abstract: For splitting-up a supply stream (2) of piece goods into a plurality of conveying away streams, the supplied objects (3) are guided onto a plurality of conveying away paths (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) in a predetermined splitting-up sequence. The device includes a supply device for serially supplying objects (3) to a split-up point (1) and for positioning the objects (3) for being taken over by holding device (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) in the split-up point (1). The device also has a plurality of conveying away systems, each one of which defines one of the conveying away paths. Of the conveying away systems advantageously each one has a closed-loop rail track (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) and holding devices (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) movable along the rail track independently of one another and with variable distances between one another. The rail tracks (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) of the conveying away systems converge toward the split-up point (1), run through the split-up point (1) parallel to one another, and diverge after the split-up point (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a feed mechanism for feeding containers. The feed mechanism includes an infeed starwheel and a main turret starwheel, wherein the pitch line of the infeed starwheel and the pitch line of the main turret starwheel are non-interfacing. The present invention also provides a feed mechanism for feeding containers which includes an infeed starwheel, a main turret starwheel and a feed chute with at least one hump for dissipating the head pressure of the incoming can stack. The present invention also provides a method of feeding cans to a unit operation in a can making process. The method includes the steps of providing a feed chute adapted for gravity feeding the unit operation, the feed chute having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the feed chute has at least one hump proximal to the bottom end and disposing a plurality of cans in the feed chute, thereby forming a stack of cans in the feed chute.

Abstract: An infeed slug loader provides for the formation of stacks or slugs of individual articles, and transfers the completed slugs to a wrapping machine. The present slug loader may be used to assemble stacks or slugs of various relatively small and flat articles, but is particularly well suited for handling food articles such as cookies, crackers, and the like. The slug loader accepts articles delivered sequentially on a delivery conveyor, and stacks them on a slope by using a turnover wheel which inserts each unit of the stack from the bottom. The use of a slope for slug assembly, obviates the need for a leading retainer for the slug at this point. The turnover wheel is mechanically linked to the infeed conveyor, with a trailing finger or pin picking up the bottom of the slug when a predetermined number of units have been stacked to form the slug. The slug is then pushed up the slope to a horizontal run, where a retractable lead finger or pin extends to hold the front end of the slug.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus which carries out a method for taking and piling articles supplied in a plurality of rows for transferring the obtained piles of articles to a packaging line. The articles are moved along at least two working lines arranged side by side and parallel to each other. The articles are piled in piling stations which are staggered apart by a predetermined step. The obtained piles of articles are transferred, also staggered by a predetermined step, to a packaging line where a first conveyer moves the piles from the piling member, to other conveying devices which move the piles to a packaging line in which the piles are arranged in a single row.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring substantially round, fragile articles, such as for instance eggs, from a first conveyor to a second conveyor or vice versa, characterized in that the transfer takes place by means of a swivel lever according to a flowing path of movement, wherein in the starting point or end point respectively of the path of movement, the velocity and direction of movement of the article to be transferred correspond to the velocity and direction of movement of the first conveyor and wherein the velocity and direction of movement of the article in a transfer track correspond to those of the second conveyor.

Abstract: A flow directing conveyor mechanism includes a lower conveyor defining an article supporting surface for transporting articles for movement along a path of travel extending between inlet and discharge ends of the lower conveyor; and an upper conveyor having pushing mechanisms for displacing articles, while supported by the surface, transversely of the path of travel, as an incident to movement of the articles between the inlet and discharge ends.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a production line for rows or layers of products, especially food products and more specifically, confectionery products such as chocolate wafers, bars, or the like, comprising a recycling device for the timed reintroduction of the temporarily stored products into the empty spaces between the products on said conveyor belts.The recycling device (13) comprises a first endless conveyor belt, called the recycling belt (18), mounted on a pivoting support, and a second endless conveyor belt, called the switching belt (19), also mounted on a pivoting support, said switching belt (19) being positioned either in the extension of the recycling belt (18) or inserted between two conveyor belts (10) on the line, and the recycling belt (18) being positioned either in the extension of the switching belt (19) or in the extension of the conveyor belt of the storage device (14).

Abstract: A machine for automatically positioning, aligning, and continuously feeding containers, for example, bottles or other hollow articles made from synthetic material, which may be of very different sizes and shapes. The machine includes a main hopper for receiving a plurality of randomly positioned containers. The bottom of the main hopper has a peripheral portion spaced from its side wall to provide a space through which containers can pass. A container holder support is supported below the hopper and includes a peripheral portion for movement in a path adjacent to the peripheral portion of the hopper's bottom. Container holders having recesses for receiving the containers and discharge openings, are mounted on the container holder support for movement therewith. A container support shelf supports the containers in a lying position in the recesses during movement of the container holder, until a discharge section of the support shelf is reached.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles from a plurality of dispenser machines to a packaging machine including at least two delivery belts, a delivery device assigned to a furnishing device with furnishing places. Drivers that transfer the furnished articles to receiving cups of a conveyor apparatus of a packaging machine. For transferring the articles furnished to two furnishing places to the conveyor apparatus at a single transfer point, some of the drivers are disposed fixedly relative to the conveyor, and the others are disposed displaceably, transversely to the conveyor direction on the delivery device. The drivers are connected to bars, which extend transversely to a pair of conveyor chains. Stationary guide rails transmit the additional transverse motion to the displaceable drivers.

Abstract: An endless ammunition conveyor includes a set of laterally moveable carriers and a set of laterally fixed carriers arranged in alternating relation with the moveable carriers. Incident with conveyor movement, the moveable carriers are cammed between laterally offset positions relative to the fixed carriers for respective round exchanges with a pair of ammunition storage bays and interleaved, longitudinally aligned positions with the fixed carriers for round exchanges with a gun-feeding transfer unit. Concurrently, the pitch between adjacent fixed and moveable carriers is changed between a maximum pitch at the gun end of the conveyor and a minimum pitch at the bay end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for the collection of eggs includes a number of egg conveyor belts lying above one another, an egg discharge belt and a device disposed between the egg conveyor belts and the egg discharge belt for transferring eggs from the egg conveyor belts to the egg discharge belt. The transfer device includes an essentially vertically arranged endless egg conveyor which at the top and bottom thereof is guided over reversing mechanisms. The egg conveyor has a first part which can move up past the ends of egg conveyor belts, and a second part which can move down past the egg discharge belt.The egg conveyor is provided with egg accommodation elements disposed abutting one after the other in the lengthwise direction of the egg conveyor, the egg accommodation elements being essentially U-shaped, when viewed in the transverse direction of the egg conveyor, and open towards the outside, and extending over the width of the egg conveyor.

Abstract: A packaging system, in which a plurality of production machines supplying one high-capacity packaging machine has a plurality of readying devices and transfer apparatuses for the articles that are to be packaged. In order to transfer the readied articles gently and at the correct times to product buckets of the conveyor apparatus of the packaging machine, the individual transfer apparatuses are each driven by one highly dynamic electric motor in such a way that a dog of the transfer apparatus approaches a readied article slowly, then accelerates the article and then transfers the article at a synchronized speed to a bucket. The individual electric motors are controlled by a central guidance system having a process computer. The guidance system can be arbitrarily programmed such that the transfer apparatuses are not rigidly aligned with a certain succession of buckets of the conveyor apparatus, but instead can fill each successive bucket, depending on the operation of the production machines.

Abstract: A turn around device that is designed for changing two side-by-side parallel rows of filter tipped cigarettes, which are formed by a succession of parallel pairs of co-axial cigarettes (S1, S2) with their filters in facing relation, into only one row of parallel cigarettes (S1, S2') with their filters being oriented in the same direction, comprises two fluted, conical, suction, turn around drums (5, 6), of which one takes the cigarettes (S2) forming one of the two cigarette rows, and lays them in a turned around position, i.e., rotated by 180.degree. about a transverse axis thereof, between the cigarettes (S1) of the other cigarette row.

Abstract: A sorting switch comprising a plurality of pallet support members mounted for movement around a course including an upper article sorting portion comprising spaced, parallel article conveying paths. Pallets are slidably supported on the pallet support members and have switch engaging members depending therefrom. Switching mechanisms are provided for selectively allowing each pallet to remain aligned with the article conveying path normal thereto or for diverting the pallet into alignment with the opposite article conveying path. The pallets are alternately arranged with each pallet that is normally aligned with one of the article sorting paths being followed by a pallet that is normally aligned with the other article sorting path, and vice versa.

Abstract: Ammunition sorting system including a plurality of storage hoppers each adapted to releasably store a different type of ammunition, and a conveyor system including in sequence a plurality of rungs, each rung having two alternative dispositions, one wherein the rung provides a pocket in the conveyor adapted to receive therein a round of ammunition from a hopper, the other wherein said rung precludes entry of a round into such pocket, and cams and followers for controlling the disposition of each rung as it passes each of the storage hoppers.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternately stacking finite numbers of n positive battery plates and n+1 negative battery plates wherein a negative battery plate is provided at both the top and bottom ends of the stack. The apparatus includes a moving conveyor belt on which the positive plates are deposited having a spacing interval greater than the length of two negative plates. A negative plate is dropped onto the conveyor belt in the space between the positive plates and, in order to provide a negative plate at both the top and bottom ends of a resulting stack, two negative plates are dropped into the space between the positive plates whenever the required number of positive plates for a stack have been deposited on the conveyor belt. The negative and positive plates are then sequentially removed from the conveyor belt and dropped on top of each other thus producing a stack of alternating negative and positive plates, with a negative plate at both the bottom and top of the stack.

Abstract: Article conveying apparatus having a suitably wide conveying surface for receiving articles from a plurality of delivery conveyors, and wherein the articles are directed on the conveying surface by laterally movable pushers carried by the conveying surface to a single discharge conveyor, the pushers being guided along paths which are initially spaced apart adjacent the plurality of delivery conveyors so as to be at the outside of the articles delivered from any of the delivery conveyors and which move laterally on the conveying surface to engage the articles and progressively direct them into alignment with the single discharge conveyor, and guide means cooperating with the pushers for moving the pushers between the initially spaced apart relation and the positions aligned with the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described for the formation of a single row of regularly spaced discrete modules of thin products such as biscuits stacked face to face, from several rows of continuously moving products. As each row of products enters the apparatus, a module of products having a predetermined length is separated from the leading end of the row and is transferred into a pair of carrier fingers which supports the module of products. A module is formed at the end of each row in a timed sequence and the modules of products are then moved through a set of delivery channels by the carrier fingers into a common outlet channel.

Abstract: A conveyor system for advancing groups of edgewise positioned flat articles includes a first conveyor having an outlet end; a second conveyor disposed at the outlet end of the first conveyor and being oriented transversely thereto; and a transfer apparatus including a transfer pusher for sequentially moving the article groups from the outlet end of the first conveyor onto the second conveyor; and an article group accelerator engaging and accelerating the article groups on the second conveyor along the conveying direction thereof prior to engagement and conveyance of the respective article groups by carriers of the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collecting and transferring confectionery products onto a receiving conveyor feeding a wrapping machine, in which above a feeding conveyor belt carrying the dies provided with the products there is arranged a transfer conveyor equipped with prehensile elements for removing the products from the dies, this conveyor cooperating with a further transfer conveyor also fitted with prehensile elements for taking up the confectionery products from the first transfer conveyor and depositing them as required on the receiving conveyor.

Abstract: Stacking apparatus for generally flat objects, particularly useful for the stacking of magazines by zip code. According to the invention, a continuous input stream of the objects is alternately diverted in preselected numbers pursuant to a shift signal to first and second hoppers or bins wherein the objects are deposited in stacks, the stacks when completed being alternately ejected from the hoppers onto common conveyor means whereon they are merged into a single output series of stacks.In one form of the invention an input feeder receives the output flow of magazines from a labeler; a vertically shiftable separator alternately directs sequences of the generally flat objects to upper and lower feed conveyors which in turn alternately feed the sequences of objects to side-by-side hoppers. "Live" rollers moving at right angles to the feed conveyors underlie and extend as stack output conveyor means from the hoppers.

Abstract: Discloses a machine for feeding groups of bottles in case formation in one-by-one fashion onto an outlet conveyor. The machine involves the use of a spacing conveyor interposed between the feed conveyor and the outlet conveyor and channel means disposed over the end of the feed conveyor so as to orient the groups of bottles in side-by-side rows as they were taken from the case. Spacing guides are positioned on the spacing conveyor at an angle so that a row of bottles in side-by-side relation are retained on the spacing conveyor while the foremost row is angled so that the bottles reach the outlet conveyor at different times and can then be carried away one at a time. The spacing guides are angled so that the last bottle in one row is fed onto the outlet conveyor before the first bottle of the next row is fed onto the outlet conveyor. A series of gates are supplied at the end of all but the last channel so that the gates separate the bottles as they are fed onto the outlet conveyor.