Abstract: A pallet positioning station for positioning a pallet on a roller conveyor to be impacted by a pallet impact station includes a frame adjacent the roller conveyor, and a pallet lift assembly carried by the frame and positioned below the roller conveyor. The pallet lift assembly includes a lift grate moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A pallet push arm assembly is carried by the frame and includes a pallet push arm movable between a retracted position and a pallet positioning position. A controller is configured to move the pallet push arm and the lift grate to the retracted positions to receive the pallet for positioning, and move the lift grate to the extended position when the pallet is to be positioned for impact by the pallet impact station, with the pallet being lifted off of the roller conveyor by the lift grate.

Abstract: A rotary bag transfer device used in a bag filling and packaging apparatus and provided with a plurality of pairs of grippers installed around an intermittently rotating table. The bag transfer device includes an arm support mechanism (21), which supports the base portion of an arm (15) of each one of the pair of grippers (13), and a drive force transmission mechanism (22), which actuates the arm support mechanism. A link (51) that is part of the drive force transmission mechanism is linked at its one end to an adjusting ring (49), a link (46) is linked at its one end to the arm support mechanism, and these links are linked together at their other ends. When the adjusting ring rotates, a center plane (M) between the grippers is displaced (for amount Da) to offset from a reference plane (N) that passes through the center (O) of the table.

Abstract: A handling apparatus having a belt conveyor (2) for conveying a work (10), a robot (4) for performing a predetermined operation for the work (10), a visual sensor (3) for photographing the work (10) being conveyed to produce work data indicating each work (10) in the photographed image, and a robot controller (5) for gathering the work data for each image thereby to produce a tracking data, and for storing the tracking data in a database, thereby to control the robot (4) with the database so that a predetermined operation is performed on the work (10) transferred to the position of the robot (4). The robot controller (5) performs a predetermined calculation on the work data read out from the database, detects the overlapped work data, and cancels the control of the actions of the robot (4) based on the overlapped work data. The robot controller (5) rearranges the sequences, in which the robot (4) performs the operation on each work (10).

Abstract: A disk transportation device includes a pair of rotation arms that are rotatable respectively about a fulcrum shaft extending in the same direction as the axial direction of a center shaft of a disk-shaped recording medium in both sides thereof that pinch the transportation passage of the disk-shaped recording medium transported between a disk changer and a disk drive device; and four transportation rollers of which two at a time are rotatably supported on the pair of rotation arms respectively, wherein the four transportation rollers contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium respectively and the pair of rotation arms are rotated in opposite directions to each other in a state where one of the transportation rollers at a time is supported at the pair of the rotation arms respectively contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium.

Abstract: A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting products, for example pieces of luggage, including a removing mechanism moving the product to be sorted off the supporting surface at a desired sorting location, wherein the removing mechanism includes a pusher element and a moving mechanism moving the pusher element laterally at a sorting location so as to have the pusher element push the product to be sorted off the supporting surface. The removing mechanism further includes two guides each sorting unit for guiding two respective guide members of the pusher element during the lateral movement of the pusher element.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting products, for example pieces of luggage, including a removing mechanism moving the product to be sorted off the supporting surface at a desired sorting location, wherein the removing mechanism includes a pusher element and a moving mechanism moving the pusher element laterally at a sorting location so as to have the pusher element push the product to be sorted off the supporting surface. The removing mechanism further includes two guides each sorting unit for guiding two respective guide members of the pusher element during the lateral movement of the pusher element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carriage assembly having a housing, having a cam disc and having a carriage which is guided in a linearly movable fashion, with the cam disc and carriage being operatively connected to one another. In order to specify a carriage assembly which is of the smallest possible construction, the invention proposes that a cam disc is arranged orthogonally with respect to a rear side of the housing.

Abstract: An alignment device to align a plate for electronic circuits comprises transport members able to transport the plate along a transport axis, at least from an entrance position to an alignment position defining an alignment plane. The device also comprises mobile members provided with: first movement members able to move the mobile members in a first direction directed along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the alignment plane so as to associate the mobile members with the plate; second movement members able to rotate the plate, associated with the mobile members, around the first axis; and at least third movement members able to move the plate, associated with the mobile members, in a second direction, directed along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis and substantially co-planar with the transport axis.

Abstract: A method for the electrophoretic application of a polymeric coating to an object having an elongate portion on a continuous belt, comprising the steps of positioning the object to engage a retaining member, the retaining member engaging the continuous belt such that a retaining portion on the retaining member releasably retains the elongate portion of the object to the belt; conveying the continuous belt with a drive mechanism; and coating the object on the continuous belt.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mechanisms and methods for effecting rotational and translational motion in three dimensions of objects carried by, or coupled to, actuators that move along a pathway. Vehicles or other conveyances (collectively, “vehicles”) that utilize mechanisms and methods can increase the performance of and decrease the cost of transportation, shipping, manufacturing, materials handling and other systems. In one aspect, the illustrated embodiment provides such a vehicle or other conveyance having two (or more) actuators adapted for movement along a pathway. The actuators are propelled or otherwise capable of motion, relative to each other so that the distance between can be increased or decreased. When desired, that distance can also be maintained the same, e.g., regardless of whether the actuators are moving.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring glass articles, wherein a powered articulated arm is hinged to a fixed support to rotate about a fixed hinge axis, and moves a pusher between an engage position engaging the articles on a supporting surface, and a release position to release the articles onto a linear conveyor; the pusher, in the release position, projects from the articulated arm, in the travelling direction of the articles on the conveyor, beyond a plane containing the fixed hinge axis and perpendicular to the travelling direction of the articles on the conveyor, so that the centre of gravity of the group of articles transferred is located downstream, in the travelling direction of the articles on the conveyor, from the plane containing the fixed hinge axis.

Abstract: Roller assemblies for transporting and laterally shifting pipe section, or joints, on oil and gas exploration and production laybarges, drilling/production vessels and platforms, and pipe spooling yards are disclosed. The roller assemblies comprise rollers that are capable of being tilted to facilitate lateral shifting of the pipe sections or joints. The roller assemblies comprise a frame, a tilting assembly, a roller frame pivotally connected to the tilting assembly and the frame, and a roller rotatably connected to the roller frame by an axle. The tilting assembly lifts one end of the roller frame to tilt the roller.

Abstract: An arrangement for extracting extraction products in caving in which the extraction product is extracted downwards through an extraction funnel into an extraction path and from this is transferred onto an extraction conveyor arranged in a conveyor path, in which arrangement the extraction path extends transversely between the conveyor path and an auxiliary path parallel to this, a loading ramp is arranged in the extraction path which forms a ramp surface orientated transversely to the conveying direction of the extraction conveyor and inclined towards it. The extraction path is provided with a rail guidance attached to the bottom and extending in the area between the auxiliary path and the conveying path, on which the loading ramp is guided and along which it can be moved by a displacement drive (20) in the direction of the conveyor path and in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A workpiece presentment system and associated method for workpiece presentment with a pick and place device is provided. The system includes a pair of parallel stationary rails, and first and second shuttle rails respectively disposed adjacent first and second ends of the stationary rails. Each shuttle rail is independently moveable laterally to a longitudinal alignment with a selected one of the pair of stationary rails. A control circuit is configured to circulate only two pallets simultaneously in the same rectangular path of travel to load trays to the pallets on one of the stationary rails while presenting the trays to the pick and place device on the other stationary rail.

Abstract: A system and method for stacking and storing a plurality of trays includes a stacker system and a buffer system. The stacker system includes a component, e.g., a platform, which moves a tray between a raised position and a lowered position. The buffer system includes a plurality of opposing projections for capturing the tray when the component is in the raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improved hanging transportation of an article having an uneven weight distribution that permits the article to hang in a balanced manner. The apparatus is attached to an overhead trolley and includes attachment plates rotatably secured to the overhead trolley and a plurality of chain assemblies. Each of the attachment plates define several chain mounting holes, with each of the chain mounting holes being formed at a predefined, individual radial spacing from a center mounting hole. By attaching the chain assembly to selected ones of the plurality of chain mounting holes, an effective chain length can be varied. The chain assemblies support the article, and adjusting the effective chain lengths permit the article to hang in a balanced manner.

Abstract: An article sorter is made up of a web defined by a plurality of interconnected, laterally elongated, slats. An upper portion of the web defines a longitudinally extending conveying surface. Each of the slats has a generally planar upper surface forming a portion of the conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travel laterally of the conveying surface to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A drive assembly is provided. The drive includes at least one sprocket and a motor. The motor is adapted to rotate the sprocket(s). The sprocket(s) engage the slats to propel the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to deliver packets (1) comprising a pouring spout (2) to a rotating star-shaped element (3). A guiding rail (4), which co-operates with a pouring spout (2) and which is used to receive the bag in a displaceable manner, is provided with a removal end (8). The aim of the invention is to produce a device wherein delivery is simplified and high clock frequencies are ensured. As a result, an upper slider (7) engages with the bags (1) at the pouring spout (2) in the region of the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4), and a drive unit (9) displaces the upper slider (7) between a removal position (10) on the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4) and a delivery position (11) of the orbit of the receiving elements (12) of the star-shaped element (3).

Abstract: The invention provides novel mechanisms and methods for effecting rotational and translational motion in three dimensions of objects carried by, or coupled to, actuators that move along a pathway. Vehicles or other conveyances (collectively, “vehicles”) that utilize mechanisms and methods can increase the performance of and decrease the cost of transportation, shipping, manufacturing, materials handling and other systems. In one aspect, the illustrated embodiment provides such a vehicle or other conveyance having two (or more) actuators adapted for movement along a pathway. The actuators are propelled or otherwise capable of motion, relative to each other so that the distance between can be increased or decreased. When desired, that distance can also be maintained the same, e.g., regardless of whether the actuators are moving.

Abstract: A transportation facility in which an object transported while being suspended from a hanger such as a trolley conveyor is transferred on to a carriage of a carriage-type transportation device for a certain section of a route. At the start point, there is an object receiving means at the under side of a traveling route of a traveling body. An object support device is lifted relative to the hanger of the traveling body and the object receiving means is caused to receive the object (W) from the hanger. At the end of the transportation, an object return means is provided for lowering the object support device relative to the hanger to transfer the object to the hanger. In the transportation route, the traveling body is switched to a state in which drive is released and a hanger engagement means is engaged with the hanger so that the traveling body can be pulled and moved by the carriage.

Abstract: A free flow conveyance system includes a plurality of linear conveyance apparatuses each having a plurality of unit conveyors linearly arranged, and a pivot conveyance apparatus having a unit conveyor which is arranged between the linear conveyance apparatuses being so arranged as to form a predetermined angle, wherein product sensors are arranged at the conveying-in side as well as at the conveying-out side of the respective unit conveyors of the linear conveyance apparatuses and the pivot conveyance apparatus, when a product is conveyed to a unit conveyor of the upstream side along the conveyance direction and product sensors of the unit conveyor become of the sensing-product state, in case respective product sensors of a unit conveyor of the downstream side along the conveyance direction are of the not-sensing-product state, these unit conveyors are driven respectively to convey the product, and when the product is consequently conveyed to the unit conveyor of the downstream side along the conveyance direc

Abstract: A method and machine for transferring packets, whereby, as a continuous line of packets is fed in a first direction, the first packet in the line is transferred in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the line and the first packet continue travelling in the first direction; the first packet is subsequently conveyed in the second direction along an output path.

Abstract: A production line (1) is constituted of a sliding path (10) as a moving path provided along nine working step positions from a first step position (P1) to a ninth step position (P9), nine skids (20) as support-receipt plates slidably mounted on the sliding path (10) every predetermined interval so as to correspond to the step positions (P1) to (P9), and driving mechanisms (30), that is, (31A), (30B) and (30C) as moving and driving mechanisms for moving and driving the skids (20).

Abstract: A polymer is plasticized in a plasticizing unit and is thereafter fed into a transfer device which is moved into alignment with a clamping press which is remotely located from the plasticizing unit. The polymer from the transfer device is deposited on a carrier which moves into the forming device. An impress preforming device allows the carrier with the deposited polymer to be shaped in the mold or forming device. Alternatively, the transfer device can be connected with a chamber which is capable of coating continuous or chopped fibers which are deposited on a carrier in a continuous or chopped manner. The carrier with the fiber and polymer composite layer are shaped in the forming device.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving items may move synchronously with a number of diversion segments for a section and the diversion segments can be individually extended and retracted across the direction of transport, in order to push an item (10) off the conveyor (12). The diversion segments (22) are guided individually in extendable and retractable manner side by side in a carriage (18) in the direction of transport and the carriage (18) can be moved to and fro in the direction of transport. The carriage (18) is generally controlled such that it runs for a section roughly synchronously with the conveyor (12), the length of the section along which the carriage (18) plus the minimum interval between the items. A rail (26) that can be moved across the direction of transport can be provided, with which the diversion segments (22) can optionally be individually coupled.

Abstract: An article-diverting conveyor belt and modules for constructing such a belt. The conveyor belt includes a series of modules interconnected end to end to other like modules. At least some of the modules include a module body with a positioning belt arranged to move transversely on the module body. A cam follower, attached to the positioning belt, extends below the bottom side of the module. A transport element, also attached to the positioning belt, extends above the top side of the module. The transport element may be a separate piece attached to the positioning belt or an integral outer surface of the positioning belt. The cam follower is guided along a track in the bottom side of the module by a network of guides in a supporting conveyor frame beneath the conveyor belt along the carryway. Because the transport element is attached to the positioning belt on the top side of the module, movement of the cam follower causes the transport element to move by means of the positioning belt.

Abstract: An automatic handling device for flexible flat products, in particular catamenials, comprises: conveying means (2) on the infeed side for the serial guidance of the supplied products (1) in a main infeed direction (3), conveying means (4) on the outfeed side for the intermediate stacker units (5), the compartments (9) of which are charged with products (1), to be led off in a main outfeed direction (7) which is substantially perpendicular to the main infeed direction (3), and a feed head (8) for the products (1) between the conveying means (2, 4) on the infeed side and on the outfeed side, which oscillates about a pivoting axis (18) in the plane spanned by the main infeed direction (3) and outfeed direction (7) such that, during the oscillating motion in the main outfeed direction (7), the end (16) of the feed head (8) that is turned towards the respective intermediate stacker unit (5) is synchronous with the respective 4 compartment (9) of the intermediate stacker unit (5) for a product (1) to be transferred

Abstract: A polymer is plasticized in a plasticizing unit and is thereafter fed into a transfer device which is moved into alignment with a clamping press which is remotely located from the plasticizing unit. The polymer from the transfer device is deposited directly into a mold attached to the clamping press or is deposited on a carrier which moves into the mold. An impress preforming device allows the carrier deposited polymer to be shaped prior to entering the mold. Alternatively, the transfer device can be connected with a chamber which is capable of coating continuous or chopped fibers which are deposited on a carrier in a continuous or chopped manner. The carrier moves the fiber composite into the mold.

Abstract: A method and unit for transferring articles between a first seat in a given position, and a second seat traveling along a first path, whereby at least one pickup member for picking up the articles is fed along a second path extending between the first seat and the first path; the articles are transferred between the second seat and the pickup member at a point of tangency between the first path and the second path; and the articles are transferred between the first seat and the pickup member as the pickup member travels along a substantially straight portion of the second path, parallel to an input/output direction of the articles with respect to the first seat.

Abstract: A device for handling objects or articles capable of receiving at its input a substantially continuous flow of single or multiple articles to be assorted into groups intended to be discharged from the output side in a phased or intermittent manner. The device includes a conveyor for transferring the articles that is provided with appropriate reception seatings for the said articles. The transfer conveyor has an associated expulsion unit capable of acting simultaneously on a group of the said articles contained in the appropriate seatings of the said transfer conveyor maintained in a condition of standstill or substantial standstill. The device also includes an input conveyor that receives a flow of the articles at its upstream end and distributes them into the reception seatings of the said transfer conveyor.