Abstract: An apparatus moves a plurality of transport media along a path of travel. The plurality of transport media define at least two groups of transport media, where each group of transport media has substantially identical transverse dimensions with respect to one another within one group of transport media, while having substantially different transverse dimensions with respect to another group of transport media. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving at least one of the rollers in rotation. At least one transport media is supported on the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the roller by the motor. Each transport media has at least one elongate support member continuously engageable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the transport media moves along the path of travel.

Abstract: A placing apparatus having first and second rear end holding members is provided between a loading apparatus that loads items in an upright position and a conveyance apparatus downstream. These rear end holding members move making a box motion when seen from the side. As a result, while the first rear end holding member holds the rearmost end of a group of items, the second rear end holding member stands by to receive a new item. The invention provides a conveyance apparatus and a boxing apparatus comprising the same that have widespread applicabiilty. The conveyance apparatus and boxing apparatus while achieving high-speed processing, are able to convey items of varying thickness and grouped in varying numbers in a stable manner and maintained in a prescribed position.

Abstract: An adjustable over and under line feed system having a first end, a second end, a plurality of adjustable first support legs, a plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a plurality of adjustable support cross members connected substantially perpendicular to a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable first support legs and a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a conveyor assembly positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of adjustable support cross members.

Abstract: A system and method is described for transporting articles, in particular for transporting container holding baggage pieces. At least two endless conveyor belts are sequentially arranged to define an upstream conveyor belt and a downstream conveyor belt for transport of articles in a transport direction from the upstream conveyor belt to the downstream conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are driven by drive-motors, in particular asynchronous motors, with the rotation speed of each drive motor being regulated depending on the weight of the articles located on the conveyor belt associated with the particular drive motor. The drive motors can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and/or voltage of the supplied electric power.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers, which is especially suitable for use in a plant for the production of paints, varnishes and the like, includes a longitudinally extending bearing structure for containers. The structure in turn includes a first, fixed, portion defining one or more fixed bearing surfaces, and a second, movable, portion defining one or more movable bearing surfaces. Handling devices are coupled operatively to the movable portion in order, in use, to bring about coordinated movements of lifting/lowering and longitudinal advance/return of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A positioning system utilizes a shot pin to fix the position of a grooved pallet at stations in a production line. The pallet travels along the production line under the influence of advancing feed pins. When the pallet arrives at a station, the head of the shot pin is positively urged toward the groove in the pallet until the head locks the pallet in the desired position. Simultaneously, the feed pin disengages from the pallet. When work is completed at the manufacturing station, the head of the shot pin moves away from and releases the pallet. Simultaneously, the feed pin engages the pallet. The feed pins and the shot pin operate in tandem, by moving in-phase along parallel lines in the same direction to accomplish their individual functions. The feed pins and the shot pin can operate relatively quickly without applying unnecessary torque to the conveyor or the pallet.

Abstract: A work holder is provided for a through hole examination apparatus that reduces the generation of scrubbed-off metal powder caused by abrasion during the movements, and has a high operability. Also, it is an object to provide a work holder for a through hole examination apparatus that can readily adjust the holder to be parallel at low costs. A work holder 18 is provided for a through hole examination apparatus, which retains a workpiece having through holes provided therein and transfers the same between a work replacement operation region and a through hole examination region. A roller movement device 50 is mounted on the holder main body to enable a rolling movement thereof, and the roller movement device is made to be height-adjustable such that the parallel degree of the holder is adjustable.

Abstract: A rotatable frame mounted on a base with trunnions. The frame can support a workpiece on more than one surface and can have workpiece engaging devices such as clamps, locating pins or nesting fixtures on both sides. The engaging devices can be different on different sides of the frame. The frame can be rotated by an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. The frame can be expandable to accommodate frames of different sizes. The workstation can have a plurality of trunnion mounted fixtures positioned next to each other and a robot moveable between the fixtures. The frames can be replaced with a lifting device moving along an overhead rail. The frame includes an aperture positioned along the rotational axis of the frame for communicating power from an external power source to workpiece engaging devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of cell conveyers being supplied with a variety of pallets and products through an input section thereof, on which the products are firstly assembled; a main conveyer whereto the firstly assembled products are conveyed from said cell conveyers in a state that the firstly assembled products are loaded on the pallet, on which the products are finally assembled; and a return conveyer for returning the pallets to the input section of the cell conveyers after assembly process of the product is completed on the main conveyer. The pallets are supplied into the input section of the cell conveyers and then returned to the input section of the cell conveyers through the main conveyer and the return conveyer. The variety of products are firstly assembled on the cell conveyers respectively and then conveyed to the main conveyer to be finally assembled. The variety of products are output through an output section of the main conveyer.

Abstract: A conveyance system which performs conveying action operating carrier vehicles, including a loop track, carrier vehicles which run on the track, a station where each carrier vehicle performs loading and unloading of a cargo, and a standby station for storing the carrier vehicles in a standby state. The number of the carrier vehicles to be used is determined from a conveyance command number, and can be automatically determined in correspondence with the load in the conveyance system. Accordingly, even if the load is not uniform but significantly varied, the conveying action can be conducted readily and efficiently.

Abstract: According to the invention, a device (2), which comprises a multitude of assembly carriages (4) and a drive device (12) and which serves to convey these assembly carriages (4), is provided in a process chain used in a production process. Each assembly carriage (4) comprises a drawbar (10) via which the assembly carriages (4) are joined to one another. The assembly carriages (4) are guided on a guide rail (6). At one sole location of the process chain, a drive device (12), alone, drives one of the assembly carriages (4) that are joined to one another by the drawbars (10).

Abstract: In a production line small parts or conductor ends are transported by workpiece carriers from work station to work station in a production direction. First and second groups of work stations. First and second transfer devices move the workpiece carriers from work station to work station in the groups. An interchange device is connected between the two transfer devices, the first transfer device handing over the workpiece carriers to the interchange device and the interchange device feeding the workpiece carriers to the second transfer device. The interchange device serves as an adapter for different workpiece carrier spacings (pitch dimensions) of the first and second groups. The workpiece carriers are maintained in positive positions upon the transfer devices and the interchange device, each of which is independently driven to allow synchronism to be accomplished when a carrier is transferred to or from the interchange device.

Abstract: A urine cup carry-in apparatus according to the present invention includes a casing set close to a urine cup carrying line, a carry-in mechanism set inside the casing and including a urine cup holder which holds a urine cup, the urine cup holder being movably provided such that the urine cup is allowed to be automatically carried into the urine cup carrying line, and an information message display device and a voice guide device arranged adjacent to each other to present an operation command to an operator, the command including instruction for at least setting a urine cup containing urine into the urine cup holder, and means for starting a carry-in operation of the urine cup holder which holds the urine cup.

Abstract: A conveying device (10) for transporting transported goods includes at least one profile rail (12), at least one transported goods support (14) that is supported by the at least one profile rail and is moveable along the profile rail, and a drivable conveyor means (16) extending along at least one profile rail (12), whereby the at least one transported goods support (14) has at least one engagement unit (20), which is in locked-in engagement with the conveyor means (16) or can be brought into locked-in engagement with the conveyor means. The engagement unit (20) has an engagement element (24) revolving about a bearing unit (22), and in addition, a coupling assembly that effects the revolving movement of the engagement element (24) is provided.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting a carrier with a plurality of works placed thereon includes a loader for loading the carrier into a processing unit for performing a predetermined process for the works and a transporter for receiving the carrier loaded by the loader and intermittently transporting the carrier such that the plurality of works are sequentially positioned at a process position of the processing unit one by one. In addition, an unloading mechanism receives the carrier from the transporter after all of the plurality of works are subjected to the predetermined process at the process position, and unloads the carrier outside the processing unit, wherein the work is processed in the state it is placed on the carrier.

Abstract: An automatic tray handling system for use with an article or mail sortation system, such as a flats mail sortation system, is operable to automatically remove filled or partially filled trays from individual sorter units and to replenish the sorter units with empty trays. The empty trays and/or filled trays are moved along at least one conveying surface adjacent to the sorter units. The automatic tray handling system includes a plurality of tray moving devices, which are operable to move the empty trays from the conveying surface to the sorter units, whereby the trays are at least partially filled by the sorter units. The tray moving devices are then further operable to move the at least partially filled trays from the sorter units to a conveying surface, whereby the filled trays may be conveyed to downstream operations, such as an automatic labeling station. Preferably, the empty trays are movable in a continuous loop about the mail sortation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a device and to a device for conveying loose objects from a supply station to a delivery station, wherein a conveyor is used by means of which trays containing objects can be moved. The conveyor includes at least one carrier for receiving said trays, which carrier can be moved in an intended direction of movement with the aid of driving means and which can be selectively pivoted about a pivot axis at at least one desired location. The object is either removed from the tray by pivoting the carrier about the respective pivot axis, whereby the object slides off the tray in a first direction, or the tray and the object are jointly removed from the carrier by moving the tray and the object in a second direction transversely to said first direction.

Abstract: The conveying apparatus comprises a conveying path, a return path, an endless circulating driver and pallet supporting and driving means. The conveying path includes a horizontal inlet path, a horizontal outlet path, and an inclined path connected to at least one of the inner ends of the inlet and outlet path. The circulating driver circulates between the conveying path and return path. The supporting and driving mechanism are mounted at intervals on the circulating driver. The pallet supporting and driving mechanism include a front pallet support for supporting a front portion of the pallet, a rear pallet support for supporting a rear portion of the pallet, and a driving engager for automatically engaging with the pallet near the front pallet support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportation system (10) for transporting objects (WSx), in particular workpieces, including a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel transportation paths (12, 14, 16) and a device (18) for shifting the objects (WSx) between at least two adjacent transportation paths (12, 14, 16). In order to reduce both the space required for the transportation path and the time consumption for displacing the workpieces between the transportation paths, it is proposed that the transportation paths (12, 14, 16) are disposed one above the other in different planes, and that the workpieces (WSx) on being shifted are moved on a path (30) that defines a plane extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transportation paths (12, 14, 16).

Abstract: Device for moving products from a loading station to an unloading station. Carriers on which containers for the products are arranged move along a guide in the direction of transport. The drive is implemented with the aid of a toothed belt and each carrier is provided with a locking pawl that is hingeably fixed thereto and that can come into engagement with the toothed belt. The locking pawl is furthermore provided with a tab on which an operating element, such as a cylinder, firmly fixed to the transport device is able to engage. A second set of teeth constructed as a toothed belt is present and this is arranged in a stationary position. The carrier is provided with a wheel running in this toothed belt. This wheel is provided with a non-return clutch.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is disclosed. The conveying apparatus includes a conveyor with a number of levels and a number of pallets located on the conveyor. An elevator is provided at each end of the conveyor to move between the levels. Each elevator includes a number of transfer means for moving a predetermined number of pallets from at least two levels to at least two other levels. The transfer means cooperatively advance the pallets from a starting position to an end position and return the pallets to the start position along the conveyor. A method of moving objects on a multi-level conveyor is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) repeatedly moving a predetermined number of objects from at least two levels to at least two other levels, where each object moves from a starting position to an end position; and (b) returning each object from the end position to the starting position along the conveyor.

Abstract: A modular chassis for use in a manufacturing process line wherein manufacturing process steps are performed by manufacturing devices on workpieces carried by pallets. The chassis top plate is machined attaching one or more different types of manufacturing devices to the chassis, such as a robot or automatic parts feeder. A non-synchronous incoming pallet conveyor is aligned horizontally to receive a set of incoming pallets. A pallet transfer and index module is attached and aligned to accept the set of incoming pallets from the incoming pallet conveyor. The transfer and index module includes an indexing mechanism to accurately position each of the retrieved incoming pallets in one of a plurality of workstations so that at the end of the transfer cycle the process steps can be performed on each of the workpieces.

Abstract: A transport system includes at least one product carrier which is adapted to be moved along a slide way by way of a linear motor drive unit comprising a primary part and a secondary part. In order to improve the transport system in such a way that basically any number of product carriers can be moved along the slide way independently of one another and can be used in a versatile manner for transporting a great variety of products or workpieces, the product carrier is provided with a substantially flat base plate for transporting objects, the base plate having associated therewith the primary part, and the slide way having associated therewith the secondary part.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles to a plurality of receiving means is disclosed, in which cross-over means are arranged for shifting articles from a first conveyor, along which at least two induction stations and at least two discharge stations are arranged alternately, and to a second conveyor so as to short-cut the conveying path of articles that have been loaded onto the first conveyor at a first induction station and having the second discharge station as destination. Thereby, the conveying capacity of the first conveyor occupied by said articles is released as the articles do not pass the intermediate induction stations at which articles may be loaded onto the de occupied parts of the first conveyor and the sorting capacity of the conveyor system is increased. In particular, the system comprises two parallel conveyors and cross-over means for shifting articles between the two conveyors arranged so that the two conveyors function as short-cuts for each other.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes a front wheel alignment and turning system for rotating at least one of the front wheels 180 degrees to place both front wheels in a common aligned position so as to prevent unnecessary operation of the jam detector along the conveyor belt. The inclined conveyor further includes a cart travel correction device for maintaining proper engagement between a portion of the cart and one of the drive lugs on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier and conveyor system that permits the carrier to be driven by at least two different types of conveyors or drive assemblies, including a power and free conveyor. The system includes a plurality of carriers, first and second areas, a power and free conveyor assembly, and a friction drive assembly. The power and free conveyor drivably engages the first and second carriers when the carriers are in the first area and is out of driving engagement with the carriers in the second area. The friction drive assembly is engageable with each carrier when the carriers are in the second area and out of driving engagement with each carrier when the carriers are in the first area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor assembly and carrier for use with a conveyor wherein the carrier includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first pair of load wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a first pair of stabilizer wheels positioned laterally outward of the first pair of load wheels and rotatably coupled to the frame. The conveyor includes the carrier, a drive, and a stabilizer track having first and second channels spaced from one another. The first pair of stabilizer wheels are disposable for movement within the channels.

Abstract: A processing station in motor vehicle assembly lines has two receiving frames (20), for a motor vehicle part (33), which are mounted on associated columns (2, 3) at mutually spaced locations in a synchronously height-adjustable manner and are synchronously revolvable about mutually aligned horizontal axes of rotation. Each receiving frame (20) is mounted on two said columns (2, 3) arranged on both sides of the axis of rotation and that the mutual distance between the columns (2, 3) is greater than the width of the motor vehicle part (33) or of a transport element (29) for the motor vehicle part (33).

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes at least two pairs of two confrontingly opposed, columnar arrays. Each of the pairs of columnar arrays defines a plurality of vertically spaced tray-receiving recesses, and an access region between the columns, in which an indexing/insertion/extraction mechanism is positioned for pulling bins or trays housed in the recesses. The mechanism has a platform vertically displaceable in the access regions between the pairs of arrays; a shuttle table rollably mounted upon the platform for horizontal displacement thereupon between the pairs of arrays; and an extractor assembly supported by the shuttle table for causing horizontal insertion/extraction of bins onto the shuttle table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for returning processed work pieces (7) from the output side to the loading side of a processing unit, which mechanism has a transfer mechanism (1) to transfer the work pieces (7) at the output side of the processing unit, a return mechanism (2) for transporting work pieces (7) delivered by the transfer mechanism (1) back to the loading side of the processing unit or to a further processing unit, and a lifting mechanism to lift the work pieces (7) to a return position located above the output position, whereby the lifting mechanism is located between the transfer mechanism (1) and the return mechanism (2) and has a lifting platform (3), with the lifting mechanism having a crank drive (4), by means of which the lifting platform (3) can be raised and lowered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of cell conveyers being supplied with a variety of pallets and products through an input section thereof, on which the products are firstly assembled; a main conveyer whereto the firstly assembled products are conveyed from said cell conveyers in a state that the firstly assembled products are loaded on the pallet, on which the products are finally assembled; and a return conveyer for returning the pallets to the input section of the cell conveyers after assembly process of the product is completed on the main conveyer. The pallets are supplied into the input section of the cell conveyers and then returned to the input section of the cell conveyers through the main conveyer and the return conveyer. The variety of products are firstly assembled on the cell conveyers respectively and then conveyed to the main conveyer to be finally assembled. The variety of products are output through an output section of the main conveyer.

Abstract: A placing apparatus having first and second rear end holding members is provided between a loading apparatus that loads items in an upright position and a conveyance apparatus downstream. These rear end holding members move making a box motion when seen from the side. As a result, while the first rear end holding member holds the rearmost end of a group of items, the second rear end holding member stands by to receive a new item. The invention provides a conveyance apparatus and a boxing apparatus comprising the same that have widespread applicability. The conveyance apparatus and boxing apparatus, while achieving high-speed processing, are able to convey items of varying thickness and grouped in varying numbers in a stable manner and maintained in a prescribed position.

Abstract: An installation comprises part-carrying pallets (10) of general rectangular shape which are displaced in elementary modules (46) under the frictional action of at least one drive run (50), displacement of the pallets being effected by way of rollers (32) provided on the pallet and rolling on the respective bottoms of the modules. The pallet (10) comprises a body (12) below which are mounted idler wheels (26) disposed horizontally to provide for guiding and/or driving of the pallet, each module (46) comprises at least one guide rail (62) defining a circulation path of selected shape and made of an elastically deformable material, in such a way that during the displacement of the pallet on a module the guide rail (62) exercises an elastic return force against at least one idler wheel (26) of the pallet in such a way as to urge at least one drive portion (18) of the pallet into elastic contact against the drive run of the module.

Abstract: In order to prevent deformations, cracks and breakages of thin-walled ceramic honeycomb shaped bodies upon conveying them, a system for conveying such ceramic shaped bodies and cradles used for the system are provided.

Abstract: An automatic tray-handling system for use with a mail sorter (26) having a plurality of tray supporters, comprises a transporter (50) having a conveying surface (56) and an insertion/extraction assembly (58); and respective feed (44a, 44b) and discharge conveyors (46a, 46b) adapted to feed empty trays (38) to the transporter conveying surface (56) and receiving at least partially full trays (38) from the transporter conveying surface. The insertion/extraction assembly (58) is adapted to insert empty trays (38) to tray support areas and remove at least partially full trays (38) from tray support areas. The conveying surface operational is adapted to receive empty trays (38) from the feed conveyor (44a, 44b) and at least partially full trays (38) from the insertion/extraction assembly (58). Moreover from the conveying surface empty trays are dischargeable to the insertion/extraction assembly (58) and to the discharge conveyor (46a, 46b).

Abstract: An automatic tray handling system for use with an article or mail sortation system, such as a flats mail sortation system, is operable to automatically remove filled or partially filled trays from individual sorter units and to replenish the sorter units with empty trays. The empty trays and/or filled trays are moved along at least one conveying surface adjacent to the sorter units. The automatic tray handling system includes a plurality of tray moving devices, which are operable to move the empty trays from the conveying surface to the sorter units, whereby the trays are at least partially filled by the sorter units. The tray moving devices are then further operable to move the at least partially filled trays from the sorter units to a conveying surface, whereby the filled trays may be conveyed to downstream operations, such as an automatic labeling station. Preferably, the empty trays are movable in a continuous loop about the mail sortation system.

Abstract: A carriage conveying apparatus is provided to efficiently circulate push carriages (110) even in a limited space. The apparatus includes forward and return paths (PH1, PH2) for push carriages (110). The return path (PH2) is provided immediately below the forward path (PH1). The push carriages (110) are made transferable from one to the other of the paths (PH1, PH2) by a pair of elevated conveyors (120, 140). In addition, the return path (PH2) is inclined so that the push carriages (110) return from an upstream side of the return path (PH2) to a downstream side thereof by the action of gravity.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for transporting a vehicle skid (14). The system includes a frame structure (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (26) and a plurality of support rollers (30) carried by the frame section. The support rollers are journaled for rotation about axes (32) transverse to the longitudinal axis and have a peripheral support surface (34) for supporting the vehicle skid. The system further includes drive means (36, 38, 42) for displacing the vehicle skid (14) along the frame structure (24) . To permit rapid acceleration and braking of the vehicle skid, the drive means includes at least one continuous drive belt (36) having a toothed inner surface for engagement with a drive gear (38) and a toothed outer surface for engagement with a projection (40) on the vehicle skid.

Abstract: In a conveying system with rail-like guide means (2) and conveying means (1) movable along the guide means (2) independently of one another, a displaceable rail element (5.1-5.4) is provided for a changeover from serial to parallel conveyance. The displaceable rail element (5.1-5.4) connects in a first position with an essentially stationary rail element (3). In this first position it is filled with conveying means (1) being supplied in series along the stationary rail element (3). The conveying means (1) are then blocked on the displaceable rail element (5.1-5.4) and the displaceable rail element (5.1-5.4) is displaced in essence transverse to its length, thereby conveying the conveying means in parallel. For a changeover from parallel to serial conveyance, the displaceable rail element (5.1-5.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for transporting goods, such as luggage at airports, wherein the goods are placed into containers which are moved along conveyor tracks by a driving device. The containers are either moved together with the frames over a conveyor track or without the frames over a conveyor track, whereby the conveyor track driving device can directly engage and drive the container when the frame is not present.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus of the present invention holds and conveys a group of items, and includes conveyors and driving devices. The conveyors include first and second conveyance belts, items-group holders, and detaching/attaching devices. The first and second conveyance belts operate around a circulating path. The detaching/attaching devices support the items-group holders, which include a plurality of partition members that partitions and holds the group of items. The plurality of partition members is connected to one another. The detaching/attaching devices render the items-group holders detachable from and attachable to the first and second conveyor belts. In this manner, replacement of the plurality of partition members can be performed easily and quickly.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles. The transport system includes a conveyor system which includes a transport carrier for carrying one or more articles between workstations and a drive rail and a support rail for supporting the transport carrier. The drive rail includes a drive system for propelling the transport carrier between workstations. At least one shoe carried by the transport carrier rides on the support rail for movably supporting the transport carrier on the support rail. The transport system may also includes a protective container including a housing having an interior compartment for supporting one or more articles. The bottom surface of the housing is configured to engage the drive system such that actuation of the drive system propels the housing along the drive and support rails. At least one shoe carried by the housing is configured to ride on the support rail of the conveyor system to movably support the housing on the support rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveying apparatus for conveying in a predetermined direction loads supported on pallets in a drying furnace or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing pallet cars on-the-fly in a traveling grate machine which includes spaced-apart drive sprockets positioned at one end of intermediate curved end portions for engaging and driving the supporting rollers of the pallet cars and for causing movement of the pallet cars along the top and bottom strands of the machine. The apparatus for changing pallet cars includes first hinged sections of outer guide rails located at the drive sprockets adjacent to the bottom strand of guide rails. The first sections of hinged guide rails are moved from a locked position to an open position whereby in the open position a selected pallet car requiring replacement is removed from the drive sprocket means and outer guide rails as the drive sprocket continues to turn. Second hinged sections of outer guide rails arc provided at the top of the drive sprocket adjacent to the upper strand of guide rails.

Abstract: A continuous treatment apparatus is provided that resists thermal shock and treatment gases and correctly transfers treated objects. An urging mechanism 9 that urges a treated object w is adapted to transfer a treated object w by reciprocating rack member 91 using a pinion 92 in separating compartments 6 between treatment chambers 1, 2, 3, and 4. This arrangement eliminates the need to install rack members 91 and pinion 92 in a severe atomsphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for loading, vacuumizing, and sealing bagged articles. The invention includes placing a bagged article onto a subplaten, and advancing the loaded subplaten through a synchronizing assembly which allows synchronized placement of the loaded subplaten onto the platen of a vacuum/seal apparatus. The invention provides improved automation of the entire loading/vacuumizing/sealing process for a wide variety of bagged articles, especially food articles such as meat, poultry, cheese, and the like.

Abstract: A track and carriage system is provided for moving a work piece along a flexible track (10). The system includes a track (10) having at least one track segment (12), the track segment (12) including a rack assembly (16) formed by a plurality of spaced rack members (18) mounted on the track segment (12). A carriage assembly (40) is configured to move along the track (10). The carriage assembly (40) includes a first carriage (42) and a second carriage (44) which may be removably mounted on the track (10). A link assembly (48) extends between the two carriages (42, 44) to connect the two carriages as they Cove along the track (10).

Abstract: A system for transporting articles. The transport system includes a conveyor system which includes a transport device for carrying articles between workstations and a drive rail and a support rail for supporting the transport device. The drive rail includes a drive system for propelling the transport device between workstations. At least one shoe carried by the transport device rides on the support rail for movably supporting the transport device on the support rail. The transport system also includes a protective container including a housing having an interior compartment for supporting a plurality of articles. The bottom surface of the housing is configured to engage the drive system such that actuation of the drive system propels the housing along the drive and support rails. At least one shoe carried by the housing is configured to ride on the support rail of the conveyor system to movably support the housing on the support rail.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes sensors that prevent operation of the conveyor assembly if a person is present at either the unloading end or loading end of the conveyor assembly. At least one cart arrester is positioned along the length of the inclined conveyor to prevent uncontrolled descent of a shopping cart along the length of the inclined conveyor.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a transport apparatus that can cope with a change in the pitch or number of works to be placed on a carrier without altering the transport apparatus. To achieve this object, a transport apparatus for transporting a carrier with a plurality of works placed thereon includes a loading unit for loading the carrier into a processing unit for performing a predetermined process for the works (N), a transport unit for receiving the carrier loaded by the loading unit and intermittently transporting the carrier such that the plurality of works are sequentially positioned at a process position of the processing unit one by one, and an unloading unit for receiving the carrier from the transport unit after all of the plurality of works are subjected to the predetermined process at the process position, and unloading the carrier outside the processing unit.