System Includes A Rotating Or Endless Carrier With A Load Engaging Element Patents (Class 198/469.1)
  • Patent number: 11713147
    Abstract: Article picking and treating apparatus The present invention provides an apparatus for picking and treating articles simultaneously, said picking and treating each being operated at a first and a second conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Jean Marie Duperray, Wim Dekocker
  • Patent number: 11685600
    Abstract: The invention relates to automotive tire storing system (100) providing storage of the tires (200) used in automotive sector and building a storage-controlling automatization. The invention particularly relates to automotive tire storing system (100) providing automatically detecting diameter of the tires (200), placing the tire at an appropriate position according to the detected diameter, firstly taking the tire stored in the first place thereout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventors: Ugur Bozkurt, Mehmet Altu{hacek over (g)}
  • Patent number: 9850072
    Abstract: A cleaning-in-place system for use with an easily cleanable flexible belt. A sprocket is provided with a body having a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth. The opening extends toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the underside of the belt, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Marco Lucchi
  • Patent number: 9580248
    Abstract: A method and system for fulfilling orders includes establishing a queue of orders that are available to be filled, each order in the queue containing at least one unique item type. An order from the order queue is selected and opened as a first order. Another order from the order queue is selected and opened as a second order. Inventory containers each having a unique item type for at least one of the orders are delivered and an operator picks the unique item type from the inventory container. The orders are assembled at order assembly locations that are a particular distance from the operator. The orders are selected and/or the assembly locations assigned in a manner that improves order fulfillment productivity, such as by reducing order fulfillment time, reducing operator travel distance, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Hasman, Fredrick D. Herlacher
  • Patent number: 8991589
    Abstract: Described is a device for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising a support structure (11) and at least one detection sensor (15) connected to the support structure (11) and mobile with respect to the support structure. The device (1) also comprises means (16) for synchronizing the sensor (15) with respect to the container (2), to move it in such a way that the sensor (15) follows the container (2) along at least one part of the feed path (A) from an initial position to a final position. Described is also a method for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising the operating steps of providing a sensor (15) and moving it from an initial position to a final position in a way which is synchronized with the movement of a container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Makro Labelling S.R.L.
    Inventors: Simone Marcantoni, Marco Bellini
  • Patent number: 8985310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting feeder having a series of travelers (2) joined together by a hinge, and guidable and displaceable along a track (4), each comprising a guide unit (8) and a supporting unit (10) joined thereto by a hinge, wherein each guide unit (8) comprises a support roller (16) on each side at matching longitudinal positions for interacting with the track (4), and wherein each support roller (16) is associated with two guide rollers (18), of which a first is disposed at a first longitudinal position at a distance ahead of the support roller (16) and a second is disposed at a second longitudinal position at a distance behind the support roller (16), wherein a coupling hinge (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (12a) aligned perpendicular to a track plane is disposed between the guide unit (8) and the support unit (10) of each traveler (2) and a connecting hinge (26) rotatable in every direction is disposed between adjacent travelers (2), and wherein the connecting hinge (26) and the coupling h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Beumer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heino Heitplatz
  • Publication number: 20150063971
    Abstract: The invention comprises a transfer unit (34) for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) between at least two adjacent modules (12, 14, 30) whilst substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) constituting the group or layer of articles (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Erhard Beer, Martin Osterhammer, Johann Haas, Floriana Hertel
  • Patent number: 8960413
    Abstract: An article conveyer belt assembly used for example, in a coin sorting device for positively pushing an article, such as a coin along a support surface is provided. A toothed belt has teeth for transmission of power by mounting a plurality of pushers on the belt with a connector removably mounted with a connecting body, a first holder and a second holder spaced a distance from each other to hold onto the conveyor belt. One of the first and second holders has a hook member to close a spaced opening at one end. The first and second holders are cantilevered to be mounted on a conveyor belt. At the other end of the connector body a pusher unit has a first shaft part and a second shaft part cantilevered from the connector body, with a hollow roller snap fitted on the first shaft part and the second shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Umeda
  • Publication number: 20150021144
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to conveying systems, for moving work pieces from work station to work station including conveyors which generally move at a constant speed and include load carrying units which can be coupled for movement therewith between work stations and uncoupled from the conveyor so that they will be stationary at the work stations while work is done on a work piece carried by the load carrying units. More particularly, the present invention pertains to improved systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing locomotion and control to a conveyor system including surface-mounted drive system and adjustable, automatic take-up system with floating drive chassis. The present invention also pertains to elevated conveyor systems comprising many of the same components as the surface-mounted conveyor systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: RSI, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur Bernard Rhodes, II, Ricky Dale Markham
  • Patent number: 8919533
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a flat folding box to a succeeding conveyor device with simultaneous erection has a rotarily driven support part which is pivotable about an axis of rotation, and at least one further rotarily driven support part which rotates coaxially to the support part about the axis of rotation. The folding boxes are received in a receiving station by the retaining device and are conveyed on a curved track to a transfer station and therefore transferred to a succeeding conveyor device. Here the support parts perform a rotary movement at a speed that varies during one revolution and with an opposing relative rotation. Each support part supports a plurality of retaining devices arranged equally distributed along the circumference, wherein the retaining devices of the support parts are preferably arranged alternately and consecutively in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Speck
  • Publication number: 20140346012
    Abstract: A conveyor (3) comprising, a first belt (7a) which is configured to move in a closed loop (19); a support element (15) which comprises first surface (16a) which is configured to cooperate with a first surface (17a) of the first belt (7a) to support the first belt (7a) during an outgoing part of the closed loop (19) and a second surface (16b) which is configured to cooperate with a second surface (17b) of the first belt (7a) to support the first belt (7a) during a return part of the closed loop (19), so that the first belt (7a) is prevented from hanging; a second belt (7b) which is configured to move in a closed loop (19), and the support element (15) comprises a third surface (16c) which is configured to cooperate with a first surface (18a) of the second belt (7b) to support the second belt (7b) during an outgoing part of the closed loop (19) and a fourth surface (16d) which cooperates with a second surface (18b) of the second belt (7b) to support the second belt (7b) during a return part of the closed loop (
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jose-Andres Gutierrez, Serge Thiebaud, Oliver Neumann, Jean-Charles Authier
  • Publication number: 20140339052
    Abstract: The invention proceeds from an apparatus for transporting, or for transporting and processing, printed circuit boards, having at least one transporting unit, which is provided for upright conveying purposes and has at least one wraparound conveyor means. It is proposed for the wraparound conveyor means to have at least one transporting bearing surface for supporting the printed circuit boards at least during transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Pematech AG
    Inventor: Alf MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20140326578
    Abstract: A product storage apparatus for collectively storing processed products includes an endless loop member that is circularly moved along a path, plural holders each of which is fixed to the endless loop member with a predetermined pitch and holds the processed products, and a drive unit that circularly moves the endless loop member to circularly move the plurality of holders intermittently by stopping the endless loop member temporarily at every move by a mathematical product of the pitch and a natural number n. According to the product storage apparatus, it is possible to store the processed products with high space efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Kentaro Kaneko, Yuji Araki
  • Publication number: 20140302191
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an injection stretch blow molding device includes an injection molding section that produces N (N is an integer equal to or larger 2) preforms by injection molding, a cooling section that subjects the N preforms transferred from the injection molding section to forced cooling, a heating section that continuously transfers and heats the N cooled preforms, and a blow molding section that subjects the N heated preforms to stretch blow molding in n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) operations, the blow molding section simultaneously stretch blow molding M (M=N/n, M is a natural number) preforms among the N preforms into M containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Masaki YAMAGUCHI, Masatoshi ANDO, Shuichi OGIHARA
  • Publication number: 20140283489
    Abstract: Disclosed are a chain link, a chain conveyor, a filling machine, and a package-flap folding method. The chain conveyor comprises a hinge part and a support part; the support part is fastened with a blade for clamping and pushing a package; the blade divides the support part into a rectangular front support part and a rear support part; multiple chain links can be hinged to form an annular chain, and the distance between the blades of two neighboring chain links in a straight line segment equals to the width of the package; the length of the support surface of the front support part equals to or is slightly smaller than the distance between an flap at the end to the rear side surface of the package; the rear end surface of the rear support part forms the guiding surface for guiding the folding of the flap at the end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Shuanghai Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140197012
    Abstract: A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Multilift, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris K. Miller, Job Maldonado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8776993
    Abstract: An article conveyer belt assembly used for example, in a coin sorting device for positively pushing an article, such as a coin along a support surface is provided. A toothed belt has teeth for transmission of power by mounting a plurality of pushers on the belt with a connector removably mounted with a connecting body, a first holder and a second holder spaced a distance from each other to hold onto the conveyor belt. One of the first and second holders has a hook member to close a spaced opening at one end. The first and second holders are cantilevered to be mounted on a conveyor belt. At the other end of the connector body a pusher unit has a first shaft part and a second shaft part cantilevered from the connector body, with a hollow roller snap fitted on the first shaft part and the second shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Umeda
  • Publication number: 20140131170
    Abstract: An assembly work conveyor device has a work dolly and a movement driver. The work dolly includes a moving dolly including a plurality of moving portions movable on a movement surface and being movable along an elliptical movement path, and a work board mounted on the moving dolly in a state of extending further to an inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions. The movement driver moves the work dolly along the elliptical movement path. An auxiliary support surface is provided on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path along at least a portion thereof. An auxiliary support is provided in the work dolly, the auxiliary support being brought into contact with the auxiliary support surface further on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions and supporting a gravity of the work board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Masashi Ookubo
  • Publication number: 20140083819
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles, in which at least one endless drive train forms a load-bearing strand and a return strand and specifies a conveying direction. A guide device for the at least one endless drive train includes a first deflecting element and at least one second deflecting element, over which the at least one endless drive train circulates. The at least one endless drive train carries along a plurality of supporting members which are arranged and configured such that they interact with supporting structures to which at least one article can be fastened. Furthermore, the at least one endless drive train carries along a plurality of coupling members which are arranged and configured such that they interact with standardized holding components of vehicle bodies. Also, a surface treatment plant having such a conveying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: EISENMANN AG
    Inventor: Joerg Robbin
  • Patent number: 8646592
    Abstract: A feeding control mechanism of packaging machine includes a chassis, a feeding guide, a forwarding device, a conveyor belt, and a feeding controller. The feeding guide is arranged at a front side of the chassis to forward a product into the chassis. The forwarding device includes a feeding channel defined by left and right pulleys for clamping and moving a product onto a conveyor belt. The feeding controller is arranged above the conveyor belt. The product tray carried by the conveyor belt are used to trigger first and second sensor of the chassis to activate the feeding controller for opening/closing stop pegs so as to control each product to be correctly positioned on each product tray of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tzu-Chin Hung
    Inventor: Benison Liao
  • Publication number: 20140021012
    Abstract: A feeding control mechanism of packaging machine includes a chassis, a feeding guide, a forwarding device, a conveyor belt, and a feeding controller. The feeding guide is arranged at a front side of the chassis to forward a product into the chassis. The forwarding device includes a feeding channel defined by left and right pulleys for clamping and moving a product onto a conveyor belt. The feeding controller is arranged above the conveyor belt. The product tray carried by the conveyor belt are used to trigger first and second sensor of the chassis to activate the feeding controller for opening/closing stop pegs so as to control each product to be correctly positioned on each product tray of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: BENISON LIAO
  • Publication number: 20130243558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally shifting an article group or article layer, composed of a plurality of articles, from a first position and/or from a conveying movement into a second rest position while largely maintaining the relative positions of the articles in the article layer or group to each other, said transfer being effected by at least one first pusher bar engaging with the articles located at the back of the article group or article layer, as considered in relation to the conveying or feed direction. A support bar, which is at least temporarily allocated to the articles located at the front of the article group or layer, as considered in relation to the conveying direction, moves ahead at a slight distance from or abuts on the foremost articles of the article group or layer at least immediately before or on reaching the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erhard Beer, Martin Osterhammer
  • Patent number: 8442673
    Abstract: The invention relates method for controlling a machine for treating containers (12) as well as for controlling processing and/or treatment stations located downstream from it, wherein the machine has a plurality of turntables (42) that are each driven by a motor and that serve to orient and/or position the containers (12), in which method the motor drives (44) of the turntables (42) are each monitored separately, so that, if an error occurs with one or more of the turntable drives (44), the affected defective turntable drives (44) are deactivated while the machine and/or the stations located downstream continue to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Martin Langosch, Joerg Triebel
  • Publication number: 20130105279
    Abstract: A rotary indexing machine such as for use in the food preparation industry is configured with reduced velocity index to provide carriers which can be rotated on their mounting base independently at a reduced velocity separate from a main shaft rotation. The carriers may have the ability to rotate in satellite fashion and the rotation may be controlled by a combination of a cam follower fixed to each carrier and a cam plate fixed to the non-rotating machine base. The rotary index machine with reduced velocity index may assist in preventing content spillage while also increasing overall throughput of the overall container processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Hernando RAMIREZ
  • Patent number: 8413793
    Abstract: A container conveying system for transporting baggage items in containers has at least one unloading station and/or a loading station for loading or unloading the container. The baggage item lies on an endless supporting belt which is guided transversely to the transporting direction of the container so as to be drivable about a deflection roller arranged on both sides of the container, wherein, for driving in the region of the loading and/or unloading station, a stationary drive is provided which is in operative connection during the loading and/or unloading operation with a drive element for the supporting belt that is provided on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jörn Brütt
  • Patent number: 8387775
    Abstract: A transfer system for providing faster and increased volume processing of eggs having an overhead positioned egg conveyor. A rotating brush wheel positioned underneath the conveyor receives eggs and includes a first and second pluralities of bristles having, respectively, lesser and greater stiffness. An egg receiving reservoir exhibits a receiving lane positioned underneath and in alignment with the brush wheel for receiving and redirecting the eggs in a lane dedicated fashion to a subsequent egg handling operation. A plurality of spool bars are arranged in parallel extending and spaced apart fashion and defining a number of individual egg conveying lanes and each further include first and second spool bar portions secured in end-to-end fashion to establish an overall dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: FPS Food Processing Systems, B.V.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Mckeown, Carl Gene Cooper, Kyle Dewayne Becker, Wayne William Kelley, Richard Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120228086
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a flat folding box to a succeeding conveyor device with simultaneous erection has a rotarily driven support part which is pivotable about an axis of rotation, and at least one further rotarily driven support part which rotates coaxially to the support part about the axis of rotation. The folding boxes are received in a receiving station by the retaining device and are conveyed on a curved track to a transfer station and therefore transferred to a succeeding conveyor device. Here the support parts perform a rotary movement at a speed that varies during one revolution and with an opposing relative rotation. Each support part supports a plurality of retaining devices arranged equally distributed along the circumference, wherein the retaining devices of the support parts are preferably arranged alternately and consecutively in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Markus Speck
  • Publication number: 20120055757
    Abstract: A conveyor system having at least one variable capacity storage for a bottle treatment machine at least two guides running laterally adjacent and at least one transfer guide are provided for a bottle carrier chain of curve-going coupled bottle carriers, with runs of the bottle carrier chain being transferable from one guide to the adjacent guide via the transfer guide are drivable along the guides. Each of the guides comprises at least one continuous tension member drivable by at least one conveyor drive of the conveyor system, and a respective run of the bottle carrier chain is arranged a certain distance along a tension member, guided there by the tension member and by means of automatically releasable and engageable positive fit and/or magnetically engaging couplings in the area of the transfer guide is driven by the tension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Matthias Wahl, Martin Seger, Johann Huttner
  • Publication number: 20120055758
    Abstract: A conveyor system having at least one variable capacity storage for a bottle treatment machine, at least two guides running laterally adjacent and at least one transfer guide are provided for a bottle carrier chain of curve-going coupled bottle carriers, with runs of the bottle carrier chain being transferable from one guide to the adjacent guide via the transfer guide are drivable along the guides. Each of the guides comprises at least one tension member drivable by at least one conveyor drive of the conveyor system, and a respective run of the automatically guided bottle carrier chain is arranged a certain distance along a tension member, separated there from the tension member by an air gap and is driven and guided by the respective tension member by means of a plurality of magnetic couplings which in the area of the transfer guide are automatically releasable and engageable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Johann Huttner, Martin Seger
  • Publication number: 20120012438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting feeder having a series of travelers (2) joined together by a hinge, and guidable and displaceable along a track (4), each comprising a guide unit (8) and a supporting unit (10) joined thereto by a hinge, wherein each guide unit (8) comprises a support roller (16) on each side at matching longitudinal positions for interacting with the track (4), and wherein each support roller (16) is associated with two guide rollers (18), of which a first is disposed at a first longitudinal position at a distance ahead of the support roller (16) and a second is disposed at a second longitudinal position at a distance behind the support roller (16), wherein a coupling hinge (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (12a) aligned perpendicular to a track plane is disposed between the guide unit (8) and the support unit (10) of each traveler (2) and a connecting hinge (26) rotatable in every direction is disposed between adjacent travelers (2), and wherein the connecting hinge (26) and the coupling h
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Heino Heitplatz
  • Patent number: 8069970
    Abstract: A transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part with a first locking element and a mounting part holder with a second locking element, and where one of the two locking elements is locked with the other locking element by rotation. In addition, a transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part that can be locked with a mounting part holder, and where a ring-shaped operating element is provided for locking the mounting part with the mounting part holder. Also, a transport star having at least one mounting part and a mounting part holder on which the mounting part can be positioned in a position predetermined by positioning devices, whereby the lifting of the mounting part can be prevented by the positioning devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klarl Hermann, Schoberl Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 8061702
    Abstract: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Caunter
  • Patent number: 8047357
    Abstract: A conveying device having a drive motor with motor shaft, a motor housing, and a load-receiving support stand, where to improve the conveying device in terms of simplified assembly and ease of maintenance, the motor housing is configured as part of the load-receiving support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Franz Braun, Roland Laumer
  • Patent number: 8047353
    Abstract: A conveyor comprising an endless accumulation chain and at least two sets of devices for effecting incremental movements of the chain at respective stations. Each set of devices includes a first device for engaging and disengaging respectively the chain, a second device engaged to the first device for moving it from a first position to a second position while it is engaged to the chain for effecting an incremental movement of a portion of the chain and for retracting the first device to the first position while the first device is disengaged from the chain, and a third device for engaging the chain to lock the chain portion in a fixed position while the first device is disengaged from the chain and for disengaging from the chain when the first device is engaged to the chain portion so that the first device may be moved to the second position for incrementally moving the chain portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald L. Plesh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8002106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a distribution star for containers of the type used in systems for manipulating containers (particularly bottles), for example in filling plants. More particularly, the present invention relates to a distribution star of the type used in systems for manipulating containers, comprising a ring structure characterised in that it comprises: an annular fixed element that carries a plurality of grippers; an annular displacing element that carries cam means for the grippers; wherein the said annular displacing element is displaceable along a circumference of the said ring structure to set the said annular displacing element at different positions of the cam means with respect to the said grippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Preti, Massimiliano Barbieri
  • Patent number: 7921885
    Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Brown, Demetrios Stavrakis
  • Publication number: 20110048897
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding objects, such as used beverage containers, to a recording and/or sorting unit with which the objects are supplied on a receiver and forwarded one by one with a predetermined orientation on at least one feeding conveyor. The receiver has at least one receiving table with at least one rotating disk, at least one feeding conveyor that is positioned tangentially relative to the at least one rotating disk, and a peripheral barrier essentially circumscribing at least a portion of the at least one receiving table. A related method involves the objects being provided on the at least one rotating disk and rotated it to thereby be aligned along the peripheral barrier that circumscribes at least a portion of the at least rotating disk. The aligned objects are then forwarded on the at least one feeding conveyor that is tangentially arranged relative to a rotating disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ANKER ANDERSEN A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Juhl Petersen
  • Publication number: 20110042182
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20110036685
    Abstract: A method and device for transferring signatures. The device includes a first gathering chain which conveys the signatures with the aid of pushers and which transfers the signatures in a transfer region to a second gathering chain. The second gathering chain includes at least one conveying chain provided with pushers that are arranged at a pre-defined distance relative to each other. The second gathering chain includes recesses adjacent to each of its pushers such that each pusher of the first gathering chain corresponds to a pusher of the second gathering chain and can be lowered through a respective recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Marcel BUERGE
  • Publication number: 20100300838
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor, for further processing. A puck on the apparatus is capable of manipulating the article during this transfer procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: John A. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20100294621
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in an area of vehicular traffic is disclosed. The area is of the type having a vehicle receiving area whereat a stream of vehicles arrive, randomly spaced-apart from one another in time and further having a point to which vehicles travel from the vehicle receiving area. The apparatus comprises a transport device adapted to transport vehicles, in use, from the receiving area to the point at independently variable rates of speed to permit vehicles to be turned off at the receiving area while maintaining a flow of vehicles, spaced-apart from one another, to the point. The point can be a pinch point, whereat the speed of vehicular travel is constrained. The apparatus can form part of a drive-through restaurant, wherein the drive-through window defines the pinch point in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Dimitrios Kolios
  • Patent number: 7837025
    Abstract: A centring drum for filter assembly machines, the centring drum having external axial seats movable with the centring drum about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and for receiving respective double filters, at least some of which are offset laterally, along the relative seats, with respect to a central transverse reference plane; each seat housing a respective stop member movable with the relative seat about the longitudinal axis of rotation, and located on a respective side of the reference plane to define a centred position of the relative double filter, and a push device for moving the relative double filter axially onto the relative stop member; the stop members defining a first and a second succession of stop members, which are located on opposite sides of the reference plane and are both connected to a position adjusting device movable about the longitudinal axis of rotation and for moving the two successions equally and oppositely along the longitudinal axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: G.D. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Gianluca Bertinelli, Umberto Zanetti, Alessandro Gobbi
  • Publication number: 20100270126
    Abstract: Products are transferred in an automatic manufacturing machine by a unit (1) equipped with multiple transport heads (8), and a drive system (10) comprising at least two transmission assemblies (11a, 11b) by which the heads (8) are set in motion. The transport heads (8) are divided operationally into a first group (12) and a second group (13), in which motion is induced by a respective first transmission assembly (11a) and a respective second transmission assembly (11b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: GDM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Piantoni, Alberto Perego, Aldo Fusarpoli
  • Publication number: 20100263989
    Abstract: A transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part with a first locking element and a mounting part holder with a second locking element, and where one of the two locking elements is locked with the other locking element by rotation. In addition, a transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part that can be locked with a mounting part holder, and where a ring-shaped operating element is provided for locking the mounting part with the mounting part holder. Also, a transport star having at least one mounting part and a mounting part holder on which the mounting part can be positioned in a position predetermined by positioning devices, whereby the lifting of the mounting part can be prevented by the positioning devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Klarl Hermann, Schoberl Wolfgang
  • Publication number: 20100236895
    Abstract: A container conveying system for transporting baggage items in containers has at least one unloading station and/or a loading station for loading or unloading the container. The baggage item lies on an endless supporting belt which is guided transversely to the transporting direction of the container so as to be drivable about a deflection roller arranged on both sides of the container, wherein, for driving in the region of the loading and/or unloading station, a stationary drive is provided which is in operative connection during the loading and/or unloading operation with a drive element for the supporting belt that is provided on the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: JÖRN BRÜTT
  • Publication number: 20100219044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handler for electronic components, in particular IC's, having a plurality of circulating carriages (10) that are guided along their circulating track by means of a stationary, annular guide device (9) consisting of at least one circulating guide rail. Retaining units (12) are provided on the circulating carriages (10), said units retaining the components (43) to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Thiel, Andreas Wiesböck, Alexander Bauer
  • Publication number: 20100215870
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and associated methods for applying a surface treatment to a part and curing the surface treatment without reorienting the part in the process. The systems include a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a system for applying a surface treatment, such as a powder coating application system, and a system for curing the surface treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Marlon E. Holmquist
  • Patent number: 7776654
    Abstract: To provide a method of producing an electronic apparatus that is inexpensive, contributes to high productivity, and can achieve good communication characteristics. A method of producing an electronic apparatus composed of an IC chip (100) having an external electrode formed on each of a set of opposing surfaces of the IC chip; an antenna circuit (201) having a slit formed in it; and a short circuit plate (300) for electrically connecting the IC chip (100) and the antenna circuit (201). In the method, a disc-like conveyor (703) has hands (704) on its outer periphery, and each hand (704) is capable of holding a single IC chip (100). The hands (704) hold IC chips (100) individually, and the IC chips (100) are conveyed by rotation of the disc-like conveyor (703). As a result, a plurality of IC chips (100) whose maximum number is equal to the number of the hands (704) can be simultaneously conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kousuke Tanaka, Hironori Ishizaka, Kouji Tasaki, Masahito Shibutani, Masahisa Shinzawa, Shigehiro Konno, Katsuya Iwata
  • Patent number: 7775340
    Abstract: A transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part with a first locking element and a mounting part holder with a second locking element, and where one of the two locking elements is locked with the other locking element by rotation. In addition, a transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part that can be locked with a mounting part holder, and where a ring-shaped operating element is provided for locking the mounting part with the mounting part holder. Also, a transport star having at least one mounting part and a mounting part holder on which the mounting part can be positioned in a position predetermined by positioning devices, whereby the lifting of the mounting part can be prevented by the positioning devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klarl Hermann, Schoberl Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 7748518
    Abstract: A method and a device for transporting containers, which present a support ring or similar part, where the containers to be transported move through at least one transfer area, in which they are held by gripping elements alternately on different sides of the support ring, and the gripping elements present an identical direction of movement at least in the transfer area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Thomas Höllriegl, Bernhard Düzinger, Erwin Knieling, Heinrich Deyerl