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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-table system (V) for container handling machines, comprising at least in-feed and out-feed starwheels (A, Z), arranged such as to be driven on support housings (1), defining a starwheel configuration (K) in the pre-table system (V), within which the support housing (1) is fixed to a floor-standing support structure (S) whereby the support structure (S) has a tube and/or profile section frame (6) of sections (7) directly or indirectly detachably connected to each other at points (N) by means of the support housing and floor support feet (8), within which the support housings are arranged in a free-standing manner such that free areas (15) are formed around the support housings and at least some sections (7) may be combined together and with support housings such that the starwheel configurations (K) may be optionally altered.

Abstract: A rack and conveyor shuttle system for placing and retrieving articles of various sizes including a rack system having a shelving framework of at least two tubes spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the tubes is sufficient to support the article in a single stack and a motorized, conveyor shuttle system having at least two finger-like conveyors spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the finger-like conveyors is sufficient to move in between the two tubes so as to engage the article wherein the conveyor shuttle system is adapted to interlace in between the rack system for both placing and retrieving the article.

Abstract: The device for transporting containers comprises a cogged belt which extends along a ring-wound trajectory and is wound on at least a pair of cogged wheels which are rotatable on vertical axes, and a plurality of regularly distanced support means borne on the external surface of the cogged belt, which receive respective containers. The cogged belt bears a plurality of skates constrained to the internal surface thereof which engage with guide means that are solidly restrained to a fixed structure of the device, in order to constitute a lateral constraint which prevents transversal movements and deformation of the cogged belt.

Abstract: An upstream side wheel includes grippers B which do not perform opening and closing operations for themselves, and a downstream side wheel includes grippers A each having an opening and closing mechanism, and in a delivery position in which both the wheels are adjacent to each other, a plastic bottle 1 is delivered from the gripper B to the gripper A. Here, if the upstream side wheel or the downstream side wheel abnormally stops, the grippers A are switched from a use state to a retreat state. Thereby, interference between plastic bottles gripped by the upstream side grippers and the grippers of the downstream side wheel is avoided. Even if one of the wheels abnormally stops, the other wheel can be continuously operated without increasing the equipment in size.

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.

Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier system for the loose support on a friction conveyor comprises a displacement element. The displacement element has a friction surface adjacent to drive elements, such as drive rollers of the friction conveyor for displacing the workpiece carrier system. The displacement element is connected with a carrier element for receiving a workpiece. Support elements are connected with the carrier element for absorbing part of the workpiece weight.

Abstract: A tray component supply apparatus comprises a main body side replenishment tray holding section 50 provided at an upper part over a tray stocker 40 of an apparatus main body 30 and a tray discharge section 60 provided at a lower part under the tray stocker 40 of the apparatus main body 30. The tray stocker 40 is provided with a tray stocker side replenishment tray holding section 80 on a top plate 44 thereof and empty tray holding members 85 on a bottom plate 43 thereof.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a product to a conveyor and/or carton includes a wheel and a plurality of carriers arranged in rows. A distance between each carrier in the plurality of carriers is adjustable as the product is transferred around a circumference of the wheel. Optionally, a height of each product relative to an adjacent product is likewise adjustable.

Abstract: A method and unit for heat-shrinking overwrappings of heat-shrink plastic material of a succession of products; an orderly succession of products is conveyed by conveying means; each product is subjected to a first heat-shrink operation along the conveying means and by means of a first heat-shrink device; and each product is subjected to a second heat-shrink operation along the conveying means and by means of a second heat-shrink device separate and at a distance from the first heat-shrink device.

Abstract: A living animals conveying device for sorting animals with respect to a characteristic such as color, size, gender, or weight. In the case of chicks, an embodiment of the invention includes a section for conveying chicks with chicks positioned in buckets with their wings spread out, and an automatic chicks sexing system. A first endless bucket conveyor comprising pre-positioning buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, is oriented with respect to a second endless bucket conveyor, comprising sorting buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, the first conveyor and the second conveyor being arranged in such a way that each pre-positioned living animal in a pre-positioning bucket falls from the pre-positioning bucket into a sorting bucket arranged below the pre-positioning bucket.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail element for conveying suspended objects, such as bottles or preforms. The inventive element comprises two guide rails (11, 12) which are separated by a pre-defined distance and which form lateral support surfaces for the objects being conveyed along a conveyor passageway (13), such as preform sub-neck guides. The invention is characterised in that it defines a helically-curved conveyor section and consists of a frame (10) on which the guide rails (11, 12) are helically arranged, whereby at least one guide rail (11, 12) comprises a flat band that can be removed from the frame (10).

Abstract: An image acquisition module in a transmission device for a scanner is installed in a base of the scanner, a rotating wheel and a first roller are pivotally connected onto two inner sides of the base, and a driving roller is installed below the first roller. A conveyor is respectively put around the rotating wheel, the first roller and the driving roller, and a second roller is pivotally connected onto a place between the rotating and the driving roller and used for withstanding the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the driving roller to allow the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the second roller to be parallel to the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the first roller, and the conveyor is driven by the driving roller to drive the image acquisition module to move.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated curing and cooling of golf ball cores. A plate die is used to separate hot golf ball cores from a post-mold matrix. The hot golf ball cores are held in an insulated unit to maintain the elevated temperature of the golf ball cores to achieve additional curing or cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where ambient, turbulent air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooled golf ball cores are delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing. A cueing hopper is also provided between the insulated unit and the cooling section to serve as a buffer or accumulator in the system.

Abstract: A device is described for conveying sticks in an apparatus for inserting sticks into ice cream bodies, said device comprising guide means in which the sticks are supplied in the form of an elongate stack of sticks, and from which guide means the sticks are destacked singly, said device further comprising a conveying belt, said destacked sticks being deposited in a pocket on said conveying belt moving past the exit aperture of the guide means, said conveying belt comprising a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket has a longitudinal surface for housing a part of one stick, and each pocket furthermore has at least two guide pins projecting upwards on each side of said longitudinal surface. Hereby the sticks are handled without problems, even at high rates of destacking and conveying, and even if the sticks are skewed or in other manner deviate from a standard stick having dimensions and shape in common with at least the majority of the sticks in a given stack.

Abstract: A drilling machine for drilling variable-thickness on-edge supported wood, plastics material, aluminum panels, comprises a bottom intermittent conveyor for abutting against a bottom edge of a panel and horizontally conveying a panel to be processed to a tool bearing a rotary turret, top horizontal axis vertically movable abutment and guide rollers for abutting against the top edge of the panel and rear vertical axis rollers. for abutting against and guiding the rear surface of the panel.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: Guided devices are connected to the front and rear ends of the main body of a moving body. Each guided device is connected in a relatively rotatable fashion about a lateral axle to the lower part of a vertical shaft. A lateral roller supporting body is connected to the vertical shaft, and guide rollers supported and guided by guide bodies disposed in prescribed positions in a fixed path are provided on the right and left-hand ends of the roller support body. During movement, the roller supporting body connected to the vertical shaft too rotates integrally, and the axis of a lateral axle supporting the pair of right and left-hand guide rollers can be orientated orthogonal to the fixed path, whereby the guide rollers are able to rotate smoothly without causing slipping or frictional resistance. Thereby, the supporting unit can always be supported and guided smoothly in curved path sections.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving articles, such as microtiter plates and the like, includes an endless belt with dividing ribs spaced to accommodate and position the plates to be moved. The belt is driven by a reversible servo motor. The system comprises removable workstations associated with the belt.

Abstract: A produce harvesting apparatus of the invention includes a conveyor system having conveyor belt driven over rollers by a drive element. The belt includes cushioned produce holders suitable for maintaining produce products in a desired orientation on the belt during operation. The apparatus includes a coring station suitable for coring harvested lettuce. The apparatus includes a loading station wherein the cored lettuce is loaded onto the cushioned produce holders and carried to an application station where shelf life extending materials are applied to the cut portions of the lettuce. The processed lettuce then proceeds to an unloading station where it is removed from the conveyor belt. Other inventive aspects include the conveyor belt having cushioned produce holders and the coring station as well as methods of implementing the disclosed devices.

Abstract: A system for lineally transporting logs, lugs therefor, and an associated method are provided. The system includes first and second tracks that are machined and connected to a frame to provide continuous track surfaces. The first track, which is formed of portions that are keyed to the frame, defines a nonlinear cross section. Lugs having support surfaces that correspond to the track surfaces are configured to be driven longitudinally along the tracks, and the non-linear contour of the first track prevents the lugs from moving transversely. The track portions are machined to define track surfaces, and the first track portions are keyed to the frame so that the first track portions are substantially collinear and the first track surface is uniform and continuous in the longitudinal direction of the track, thereby reducing transverse motion of the log during transport.

Abstract: A rotating sorting device for sorting packaged goods has one or more linear supply conveyors and a plurality of removal locations arranged circularly about a central axle. One or more linear removal conveyors are positioned between the central axle and the removal locations and are arranged substantially radially. The linear removal conveyor rotates continuously about the central axle. The linear supply conveyor is positioned above or below the linear removal conveyor and has an end portion in a conveying direction of the linear supply conveyor. The end portion has an incline extending downwardly or upwardly toward the linear removal conveyor. A distribution control device controls the linear supply conveyor, the linear removal conveyor, and the removal locations.

Abstract: In a method for transferring a product in a packaging machine, the product is engaged from behind by a pushing element which is mounted on and driven by a first circulating continuous conveyor and moved from a transfer station along a sliding surface for transfer to an ongoing conveyor device. While being moved, the product is guided between the pushing element and a forward limiting element which is mounted on a second circulating continuous conveyor. To ensure a precise, rapid transfer, the forward limiting element is returned to the transfer station after the product has been moved by the carrying run of its second continuous conveyor and is used as the pushing element for the next product to be moved. The pushing element is guided back to the transfer station in the opposite direction to that in which the product is conveyed by means of its first continuous conveyor and is used as the limiting element for the next product to be moved.

Abstract: A non-horizontal conveyor for feeding objects has a conveyor belt, a first pulley at a first end forming a loading area of the conveyor, and a second pulley at a second end forming a feeding area of the conveyor. The conveyor also has a conveyor cover having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part extends from the second pulley towards the first pulley, thereby covering a substantial part of the conveyor and preventing the objects from falling out of the conveyor during transport. The lower part is resiliently attached to the upper part adjacently to the first pulley, thereby preventing a plurality of objects from aggregating in the loading area at the first pulley. Furthermore, the conveyor cover has two symmetrical members rotationally attached to its lower part.

Abstract: Method and device to regulate the spacing and speed of objects being conveyed randomly.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing personalized coupons comprises a set of work stations with at least a feed station (110) for supplying blank coupons (C), a personalization station (120) for personalizing blank coupons (C), and a cutting-out station (130) for cutting out personalized coupons (C). A system for transporting coupons (C) between the various work stations (110, 120, 170) comprises at least one chain (1) driven in indexed manner by motor-driven sprocket wheels (2), and a set of clamps (5) mounted at a constant pitch on links of the chain (1) and co-operating with opening/closing means (37) placed in fixed positions, so that each clamp takes hold of an individual blank coupon (C), transports said coupon (C) between the various work stations, and releases the coupon (C) in a station (180) for collecting the finished or semi-finished product.

Abstract: A conveyor for and method of transporting workpieces along a path having a straight portion and a curved portion are provided. Workpieces during certain operations must be maintained a minimum distance apart during transportion. The workpieces, on the curved portion of the conveyor path, are moved outside the conveyor path to enable them to travel greater distances and maintain a minimum spacing without the necessity of spacing them an extra distance apart on the straight portions of the conveyor path. This enables a larger number of workpieces to be handled on a given conveyor or enables a shorter conveyor to be employed for a given number of workpieces.

Abstract: In a method for transferring a product in a packaging machine, the product is engaged from behind by a pushing element which is mounted on and driven by a first circulating continuous conveyor and moved from a transfer station along a sliding surface for transfer to an ongoing conveyor device. While being moved, the product is guided between the pushing element and a forward limiting element which is mounted on a second circulating continuous conveyor. To ensure a precise, rapid transfer, the forward limiting element is returned to the transfer station after the product has been moved by the carrying run of its second continuous conveyor and is used as the pushing element for the next product to be moved. The pushing element is guided back to the transfer station in the opposite direction to that in which the product is conveyed by means of its first continuous conveyor and is used as the limiting element for the next product to be moved.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor or transport system is disclosed where at least one carriage is supported on a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed overhead locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving a portion of the plurality of rollers in rotation along at least one segment of the path of travel. Each carriage has at least one elongate support member operably engagable with the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the rollers. The elongate support member is continuously engagable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the corresponding carriage is moved along the path of travel. Each carriage or carrier hangs downwardly below the rotational axis of the overhead rollers.

Abstract: A multi-row type internal quality inspection device is arranged to adjust spacing intervals between the columns of receiving trays arranged in rows on a conveyer to the column spacing intervals of a supply conveyor at the start part on the entrance side of a transport path; to have the spacing intervals between the receiving trays become wider at an inspection area provided at an intermediate part of the transport path to allow light projecting means and light receiving means to be arranged there in the lateral direction with respect to inspection objects on the receiving trays for adequate inspection of internal quality of the objects through transmission light obtained through them; and, at the end point on the exit side of the transport path, to have the spacing intervals narrowed and adjusted to the column spacing internals of a conveyor of a next process of sorting on the exit side of the transport path.

Abstract: An endless chain running through a tubular conveyor sleeve, for conveying articles from an inlet to an outlet, the endless chain being tensioned between two sprocket wheels. The endless chain comprises chain links, some of them having transportation discs attached thereto. The transportation discs comprise at least two portions attached together around and against the corresponding chain links.

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 bag conveying apparatus including a sprocket continuously rotated on a horizontal plane, a fixed guide member having a guide section of a semicircular shape, and an endless chain mounted between the sprocket and the guide section of the guide member. The endless chain is comprised of a plurality of links connected by connecting shafts. Guide rollers rotatable about their own vertical axes are disposed on and under each connecting shaft, and an inside guide roller rotatable about its own horizontal axis is disposed on the inner side of each link. The guide section of the guide member has roller guide sections that contact the guide rollers of the endless chain, and the guide section also has a guide groove in which the inside guide rollers of the endless chain are fitted. Grippers that grip both edges of a bag are installed on each link.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying pieces or units of mail, or similar articles, comprises a fixed side and a movable side. The fixed side comprises a first conveyor belt which has a first inner run section partially defining an article flow path and which is routed around a plurality of pulleys which have their axes fixed with respect to the article flow path. The movable side comprises a second conveyor belt which has a second inner run section cooperating with the first inner run section of the first conveyor belt so as to cooperate therewith in defining the article flow path and which is routed around a plurality of pulleys or wheels which are movable with respect to the article flow path so as to accommodate the conveyance of different articles, having different thickness dimensions, along the article flow path.

Abstract: A pocket conveyor wherein a flexible toothed belt is fitted with conveying pockets equally spaced along the belt, and wherein each pocket is connected to the belt by a first and at least one second connecting member, both hinged to the belt; the first connecting member is connected rigidly to the pocket; and the second connecting member has at least one degree of freedom with respect to the pocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable conveyor for use with an apparatus handling contamination-sensitive discrete items. The conveyor has at least one cavity, each cavity capable to carry at least one discrete item. The conveyor is adapted to be mounted on the contamination-sensitive apparatus that, in operation, is capable to impart movement to the conveyor for displacing the conveyor, and its cavities, along a predetermined path. The present invention also relates to a method for transporting discrete items in a machine performing production runs with different types of contamination-sensitive discrete items. The method involves installing a conveyor as described above on the machine and using it to perform a first production run with a first type of discrete items. The conveyor is then disposed of and a new conveyor installed on the machine, used to perform a second production run with a second type of discrete items, different from the first type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping to a transfer conveyor. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of receiving areas positioned around the circumference of the cylinder for receiving a plurality of objects in expanded arrangement from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position. The apparatus also includes first and second compression members, one positioned on each end of said cylinder adjacent the receiving areas and covering a circumferential-portion of a side of said cylinder. The compression members include inclined portion which force the end objects toward the longitudinal center of the cylinder. In addition, a transfer conveyor running longitudinally through the cylinder for capturing a compressed grouping at the transfer position.

Abstract: A conveyor, such as a baggage reclaim or air-side collection carousel, having a moving surface with overlapping flat plates. The plates are horizontal in some portions of the conveyor, and are tilted in at least one other portion of the conveyor, with transition portions in-between. Articles on the conveyor are thus urged towards one side of the moving surface for easier removal of articles from the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting successive at least partially wrapped blocks of cigarettes or the like, e.g., in a packing machine, employs a mobile block supplying member which advances successive blocks of a series of blocks on top of an opening in a bottom wall at a level below a turntable indexible about a vertical axis and carrying several open-bottom receptacles which are movable radially of the axis. An empty receptacle is located above the opening of the bottom wall in response to completion of each indexing step. At such time, a pusher is moved upwardly through the opening of the bottom wall to raise a block into the registering receptacle.

Abstract: A product supply unit which has a pair of plate members disposed opposite to each other and connected together by a number of supports that are in between the two plate members and disposed around the circumference of the plate members. Each support has a product holding nozzle used to move a product from a supply point, to a work point, to a stock point.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling banknotes having a banknote magazine (10) which is arranged to permit banknotes (39) to be fed into as well as out from the magazine one by one, and a memory device (44) for storing continuously updated information about the contents of the magazine (10). The banknote magazine has a controllably rotatable drum (10), containing a plurality of separate magazine compartments (11), formed by sector-like pockets, each of which extends in a generally radial direction into the drum (10) from an opening (27) located at the periphery of the drum. Through rotation of the drum (10), a selectable magazine compartment (11) can be placed with its opening (27) in front of an infeed and/or outfeed station (17, 19, 21) in order to permit an infeed of a banknote into or an outfeed of a banknote from said compartment (11) by an infeed and outfeed device (28), located within the magazine compartment (11) and serving also to hold a banknote fed into the magazine compartment (11) within the latter.