Abstract: Device (1) for calibrating and straightening hollow components, preferably welded pipes (2), the device (1) being substantially composed of a frame (5) having two side stands (6, 7), a lower cross member (8) and an upper cross member (9), a ram (10) being provided, said ram (10) being movable toward the lower cross member (8) and back by means of a pressure-operable cylinder assembly (12) supported on the upper cross member (9), and a calibrating and straightening tool (11a) being provided between the lower cross member (8) and the ram (10), wherein the calibrating and straightening tool (11a) is changeably disposed on the lower cross member (8) and on the ram (10) and can be replaced with a bending tool (11b) for bending the lateral ends (3) of sheets (4) to produce pipes (2).

Abstract: A conveyor includes first and second support shafts and at least one belt supported between the first and second support shafts that has an upper load-carrying portion and a lower return portion. A first gear is connected to the first support shaft, a second gear is connected to the second support shaft and a drive chain or belt is supported by the first and second gears and has an upper run and a lower run. The upper run includes a tension control device for maintaining a tension on the upper run and the lower run includes an arrangement for displacing a portion of the lower run in order to rotate the first gear in a first direction and the second gear in a second direction opposite the first direction to increase a tension of the upper load carrying portion of the at least one belt. Also an associated method.

Abstract: A proppant conveyor system has: a tower; a bucket elevator; a telescopic conveyor boom mounted to the tower above a ground surface; the telescopic conveyor boom being connected to convey proppant from an outlet of the bucket elevator to a discharge point defined by the telescopic conveyor boom; and the telescopic conveyor boom being mounted to swing in lateral directions relative to an axis of the tower to reposition the discharge point. A method includes: conveying proppant up a bucket elevator, along a telescopic conveyor boom mounted on a tower above a ground surface, and into an inlet of a first storage bin at a well site; repositioning the telescoping conveyor boom over an inlet of a second storage bin at the well site by swinging the telescopic conveyor boom in a lateral direction relative to an axis of the tower; and conveying proppant up the bucket elevator, along the telescopic conveyor boom, and into an inlet of the second storage bin.

Abstract: In a milling machine for working ground surfaces, comprising a milling device mounted at a machine frame transverse to the direction of travel, comprising at least one first conveying device arranged at the machine frame which accepts the milled-off material from the milling device, at least one second conveying device pivotable, relative to the machine frame and/or the first conveying device, about a horizontal pivoting axis in a predetermined inclination angle range, and laterally about a pivoting axis extending in vertical direction, wherein the first conveying device transfers the milled-off material to the second conveying device, a transfer element with a first transfer opening essentially coaxial to the vertical pivoting axis and open towards the bottom is arranged at the first conveying device, a reception element with a reception opening open towards the top is arranged at the second conveying device, it is provided a lid element covering at least the major part of the reception opening arranged at t

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure a system for capturing proppant dust particles when positioned at a fracking operation site including a proppant delivery assembly to receive one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system dispenses the proppant from the one or more containers and delivers the proppant to other fracking operation equipment. Moreover, the system includes a dust collection assembly positioned proximate and associated with the proppant delivery assembly to capture dust particles released by movement and settling of the proppant when being dispensed and delivered by the proppant delivery assembly. The dust collection assembly is positioned to direct an air flow in a flow path overlying the dust particles to capture the dust particles and move the dust particles away from the proppant thereby reducing risk of dust exposure to fracking operation site personnel.

Abstract: A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt that receives proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system also includes a conveyor auxiliary unit connected to an end of the conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt from the conveyor assembly. The system further includes a proppant chute to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper.

Abstract: A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor system having a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt receiving proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein distributed along the conveyor system and carrying the proppant away from the conveyors. The system also includes a conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt. The system further includes a proppant chute positioned at an end of the conveyor assembly, the proppant chute having an opening to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper such that the proppant exits the proppant chute into the blending hopper via gravity feed.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for introducing organic matter into a biogas digester that is under internal gas pressure. A biogas plant may be provided with such a screw conveyor, and methods for feeding organic solids to such a biogas plant may be performed. A plug section of the screw conveyor has an expansion region in which the passage cross-section between the conveying screw and the screw pipe widens in the conveying direction and a constriction region located downstream from the expansion region, in which the passage cross-section between the conveying screw and the screw pipe is reduced in the conveying direction.

Abstract: This device feeds and sorts tablets or small parts from a common hopper to a product count sensor head. Two parallel feed rolls and two transport rollers rotate together on an adjustable incline. The feed rolls are positioned above the transport rolls. The rotation direction of each feed and transport roller can vary along with its speed. As the feed rollers rotate the feeding threads will push out the product from the hopper and drop the product onto the transport rollers which will sort them along the length of the transport rollers. As the roller angle increases so does the product feed rate.

Abstract: Tablet flow for the conveying away of tablets pressed in a tablet press, with a main flow channel, which has at least one branching into at least one first flow channel and at least one second flow channel separated from the first flow channel by at least one separating wall, wherein a separator is provided at the branching, which can be actuated such that tablets are directed out of the main flow channel alternatively into the first flow channel or into the second flow channel, characterized in that the separator has a guide channel for the tablets and in that a guide gear drive is provided, with which the guide channel is moveable between a first position connecting the main flow channel with the first flow channel and a second position connecting the main flow channel with the second flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scattering poured goods, comprising a distributor chute (1) having a feed area (12) and having an ejection area, wherein the distributor chute (1) can be rotated about a center axis, which runs vertically in the installed position in the gravity direction of the poured goods and is mounted inclined at an angle with respect to this center axis, wherein the distributor chute (1) has a first guiding longitudinal face, which forms the front face in the rotation direction, and a second longitudinal face, which trails with respect to the rotation direction, and wherein at least the second longitudinal face forms the ejection face of the distributor chute (1). The ejection face forms an ejection edge (7), which is curved in an S-shape.

Abstract: A device for receiving and transporting objects in a direction substantially different from the vertical is disclosed. The device includes a conveyor belt arranged in a transport direction and a row of flexible elements attached alongside and above the conveyor belt. Each row of flexible elements is inclined downwards, so as to present less mechanical resistance to a force oriented downwards than upwards. The device also includes a transport belt coupled to the conveyor belt wherein each row of flexible elements is fixed to the transport belt.

Abstract: A downloader conveyor is described and claimed. The downloader conveyor comprises an endless belt to which a plurality of cups is pivotally attached. The cups are adapted to receive apples or like relatively delicate objects. As the cups containing the apples descend into the bin, the cups rotate so as to permit the apples or other objects to roll out of or exit from the cups and to retard the cup acceleration. Each apple engages a skirt, which breaks the fall of the exiting apple. A distal end of the skirt can be arranged to scrape over the bin floor or scrape over the top of apples or other objects already placed in the bin, so as to again break the fall of the apple so that the apple is placed in the bin without substantial freefall.

Abstract: A conveyor system can includes a feed conveyor, a declined conveyor, and an inclined conveyor. A declined stationary surface is suspended above the declined conveyor and positioned to exert a counter-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist forward rotation of the articles down the declined conveyor. An inclined stationary support surface is suspended above the inclined conveyor and positioned to exert a forward-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist counter-rotation of the articles that results in movement of the articles down the inclined conveyor. The vertical height of the stationary surfaces can be adjusted. A related method is also described.

Abstract: This device feeds and sorts tablets or small parts from a common hopper to a product count sensor head. Two parallel feed and transport rollers rotate together on an adjustable incline. The rotation direction of each feed and transport roller can vary along with its speed. As the feed and transport rollers rotate the feeding threads will push out the product from the hopper and sort them along the length of the rollers. As the roller angle increases so does the product feed rate. As the product flows out from the hopper, the product will start to separate in a common row. This is also due in part to the feed and transport roller angle and the product's roll ability. The product exits the bottom end of the feed and transport rollers in a straight line, is spaced, and directed downwards through a guide to a product count sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loading and unloading apparatus comprising in mutual cooperation a conveyor device (3) adjacent a roller table (2), where said conveyor device and roller table are pivotably mounted on a carrying structure (5), which structure, in use is vertically extendable and retractable.

Abstract: A conveyor system can includes a feed conveyor, a declined conveyor, and an inclined conveyor. A declined stationary surface is suspended above the declined conveyor and positioned to exert a counter-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist forward rotation of the articles down the declined conveyor. An inclined stationary support surface is suspended above the inclined conveyor and positioned to exert a forward-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist counter-rotation of the articles that results in movement of the articles down the inclined conveyor. The vertical height of the stationary surfaces can be adjusted. A related method is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting material in a controlled manner comprising a diverter plate attached to a mounting assembly. The diverter plate is shaped for receiving falling material and facilitating the flow of the material onto a conveyance means or into storage. The mounting assembly comprises a carrier spring assembly that permits the diverter plate to pivot about a shaft and thereby move from a default position to an unload position. The mounting assembly further comprises two adjustable locking mounts that hold the shaft in place and also allow the shaft to be adjustably rotated and thereafter fixed in place. A method for diverting material in a controlled manner comprises the steps of installing the apparatus at a transfer point and activating a first conveyance means that feeds material to the chute. A second conveyance means that receives the material after diversion by the apparatus can optionally be activated.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system also comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for continuously conveying heat pipes includes a feeder, a conveying unit and at least one processing station. The feeder includes a processing stage, which includes a feeding end and an exiting end opposite to the feeding end. A feeding direction is defined from the feeding end and toward the exiting end and the processing station is arranged along the feeding direction. The conveying unit is arranged on the processing stage.

Abstract: The invention recites a gate that is selectively operable to pass a stream of printed products to one of a first path and a second path. The waste gate includes a frame and a first roller member supported by the frame for rotation about a first axis. The first axis is fixed with respect to the frame. A second roller member is supported by the frame for rotation about a second axis. The second roller is movable with respect to the first roller between a first position and a second position. A conveyor belt is supported by the first roller and the second roller such that when the second roller is in the first position, the stream of printed products pass along the first path and when the second roller is in the second position, the stream of printed products pass along the second path.

Abstract: A material handling lift gate for allowing ingress and egress from a conveyor system. The material handling lift gate provides a mechanism for clearing packages from the lift gate prior to the opening thereof, as well as preventing packages from entering the lift gate when the lift gate is in an open position. The material handling lift gate includes a plurality of adjustable, telescoping vertical legs and opposing horizontal side rails hingedly mounted to an upper end of a pair of the plurality of adjustable, telescoping vertical legs or proximate thereto. The opposing horizontal side rails are positionable between a first closed position and a second open position. In further embodiments, the material handling lift gate includes a lift gate clear controller for controlling package movement into and out of the material handling lift gate.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for reduced impact loading of impact sensitive materials, such as agricultural seed material, into a bin from above. The loading apparatus includes a door selectively movable between a lower position and an upper position. A guide mounts the door at the bin and provides a predetermined path between the lower and upper positions for the door. A drive is used to selectively vary the position of the door along the path in response to accumulation of material loaded from above. The door is first moved to the lower position for initial loading. A material dispenser having a discharge end is extended through an access opening in the bin at the door for initial loading of material therein. As material accumulates in the bin during loading, the discharge end is selectively raised in the access opening to maintain it within a predetermined distance range above such material.

Abstract: The apparatus is employed for moving baggage from a scale to a conveyor system. A support member with upper rollers is supported on the scale. Also provided is a bridge base and a bridge having one end pivotally coupled to the forward end of the bridge base. Both the bridge base and bridge have upper rollers. The bridge may be moved to an upward extending position when not in use and to a lower position extending to and supported by the conveyor system such that bags may be placed on the support member, weighed, and then moved by way of the rollers of the support member, the bridge base and the bridge to the conveyor system. In one embodiment, a biasing means is provided for urging the bridge to its upward extending position. A releasable latch is provided for securing the bridge in its lower position. When the latch is released, the biasing means moves the bridge to its upward extending position.

Abstract: A microelectronic component handling system and an apparatus for manipulating microelectronic components in manufacturing assembly processes. In one embodiment, a microelectronic component handling system may have a base or a support member, a track or platform attached to the base to rotate about a rotational axis, and a linear drive assembly to rotate the track about the rotational axis. The track may have a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the track, a top surface facing away from the base, and a bottom surface facing toward the base. Additionally, the linear drive assembly may have an actuator and a rod driven by the actuator along a displacement axis spaced apart from the rotational axis. In operation, the actuator moves the rod along the displacement axis to rotate the track about the rotational axis to a raised position at an inclination sufficient to slide a microelectronic component down the track.

Abstract: A tower-like transfer device includes a cylindrical tower post having an upper post portion and a lower post portion constituted by connecting post constituent members of one kind or two kinds or more, a lift installed liftably to the tower post, an upper post lift for lifting the upper post portion, an integration device for integrating the post constituent member between the upper post portion disconnected from the lower post portion and the lower post portion and holding the upper post portion disconnected from the lower post portion in removing the post constituent member at an upper end of the lower post portion and a transfer lift installed liftably to the tower post.

Abstract: A parts distribution apparatus having a funnel hopper to receive parts dropped from above and a flexible distribution chute to deliver parts through a discharge opening into a storage hopper, where said distribution chute is rotated to vary the discharge location, with the distribution chute being pulled across the top surface of the pile of parts deposited within the storage hopper so that the discharge opening remains on the top surface regardless of the height of the top surface within the storage hopper.

Abstract: A removable conveyor disposed between the scale platform of an airline check-in and the main conveyor system for transporting luggage to be loaded on an airplane. The portable conveyor is constructed of lightweight materials, such as aluminum, and is easily manipulated by the check-in counter attendant. In one embodiment the removable conveyor is pivotally attached to a side rail of the main conveyor so that it may be easily moved by the attendant between the horizontal working position and the vertical storage position. A locking mechanism is provided to secure the movable conveyor in the storage position.

Abstract: Article loading apparatus and method for loading articles such as fiberboard containers onto a loading carrier base such as pallet, with which it is possible to reduce required labor and to enhance working efficiency. An article loading conveyer which makes a conveying path on which an article is conveyed swingable and extendable is provided. An article transfer carrier having an article sliding surface is connected to a distal end of the loading conveyor. The article sliding surface is kept at a substantially constant posture with respect to a horizontal plane by the provision of a posture control device, regardless of the incline of the loading conveyor.

Abstract: A dual-piston pump or similar material handling device includes a hopper assembly for storing material that is to be delivered to the device, and a transfer assembly between the hopper assembly and the frame of the device. The hopper assembly is supported for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between a use position and a cleaning position, and the transfer assembly is supported for axial movement along a vertical axis and for pivotal movement about the axis so that it too may be moved to a cleaning position exposing the material handling device for cleaning.

Abstract: A letter sorting system includes a row of juxtaposed stack compartments; a material intake device arranged along and spaced from the compartments; a carriage arranged for travel along the compartments; and a transfer bridge mounted on the carriage to be displaced thereby along the compartments. The transfer bridge includes an exterior frame pivotally attached to the carriage for pivotal motions into first and second positions; an interior frame pivotally attached to the exterior frame for pivotal motions into first and second positions; and a slide having a first part attached to the interior frame and a second part attached to the exterior frame. Dependent upon simultaneous positions of the exterior and interior frames, the transfer bridge may assume first, second and third operating positions.

Abstract: A controllable discharge spout assembly is used on the discharge end of an auger or other conveyor. The discharge spout assembly has an auxiliary, downwardly tapered spout that is mounted for universal movement below the conventional discharge of the conveyor. This control mechanism extends from the spout to an operator's station near the inlet end of the auger so that an operator standing on the ground may control the direction of flow of material from the conveyor.

Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.

Abstract: A particulate product conveying apparatus includes a first endless belt, a portion of which moves in a generally horizontal direction, and second and third endless belts disposed at horizontally spaced-apart locations on either side of the first belt where it moves horizontally, in a generally facing relationship to extend in parallel with the first belt. The positioning of the first, second and third belt forms a moving trough or channel, having a moving bottom wall and moving side walls, to receive particulate product in the trough or channel and to carry it towards a destination. A motor or motors drive the first, second and third belts in the same direction and at substantially the same speed towards the destination to thereby efficiently deliver particulate product from a source to a destination.

Abstract: A process for continuously forming a product having elongated members at least about one foot long which are oriented, compressed and bonded is provided, the process comprising depositing elongated members on a moving carrier with an orientation that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of said carrier, said members being deposited on said carrier over a length of carrier that is at least as long as about one and one-half times the length of the elongated members and is at least as long as about 30 times the final thickness of the compressed, composite product.

Abstract: A completed green tire is automatically released from a tire assembly drum and transported by automated holders to a discharge station, where an unloading track is positioned beneath the green tire. The holders include grips at the ends of reciprocable arms, arranged so the grips engage the periphery of the green tire at diametrically opposite points, which are on a line rotated somewhat from vertical with the bottom of such line away from the unloading track. Thus as the grips release the green tire, it rolls by gravity on its circular periphery onto the track mechanism, and passes to a discharge conveying system which can take the complete green tires to a vulcanizing and molding operation.

Abstract: A device for singularizing bulk material includes an elongated trough having a longitudinal axis and a discharge end. The trough has an arcuate cross section and is inclined so as to slope downwards towards its discharge end. The upper end of the trough is connected to a motor which is capable of rotating the trough back-and-forth on its longitudinal axis. In operation, the trough is rotated back-and-forth and the bulk material is introduced into the trough at the upper end thereof. Due to the inclination and back-and-forth movement of the trough, the particles of the bulk material travel towards the discharge end of the trough along zigzag paths thereby allowing the trough to be shortened. The back-and-forth movement of the trough also causes the particles to bump into one another and push each other aside during the course of travel so that effective singularization is achieved.

Abstract: The feeding system comprises one or more material storage devices and a discharge device associated with each storage device. Each discharge device comprises a conveyor channel tilted upwardly and away from its inlet arranged to be connected with the outlet of the storage device. A chute is adapted to be loosenably suspended, rapidly and simply, on the lower longitudinal side of the conveyor channel in a working position, a sampling position or in an emptying position, as required. In its working position the chute is positioned parallel to the conveyor channel, while the upper outlet of the conveyor channel opens into the chute at the upper end of the latter. In its sampling position the chute is tilted downward and away from the upper end of the conveyor channel at a right angle to the latter. In its emptying position the chute is tilted downward and away from the lower end, i.e. from the start of the conveyor channel and at a right angle to the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting articles that includes a receiving chute which is mounted for movement between a generally horizontal receiving position and an inclined discharge position. A curved inverting chute has an inlet end disposed to receive articles from the receiving chute when the receiving chute is in the discharge position and has an outlet end from which the inverted articles are discharged to a discharge site. A releasable stop member is associated with the receiving chute and prevents the articles from sliding from the receiving chute as the chute is tilted to the downward inclined discharge position. The stop member is automatically released as the receiving chute approaches its discharge position, so that the articles can then slide from the receiving chute to the inlet end of the inverting chute.

Abstract: A device for transferring small discrete objects such as pharmaceutical stoppers andn caps including a frame movably positionable at a predetermined location for delivery of the objects and an angularly displaced conveyor on the frame having a discharge chute at the predetermined location for discharge in objects thereto. The conveyor includes a conveyor chain apparatus defining a path from a transfer point to the discharge chute. The chain has bucket flight apparatus for conveying the objects along the path. A delivery chute is also on the frame for transferring the objects to the transfer point. The delivery chute includes a first tray inclined with the horizontal and having an open lower terminal end adjacent the transfer point positioned to feed the objects to the conveyor chain. The delivery chute further includes a second tray located within the first tray at the same or greater angle with the horizontal and positioned to receive the objects.

Abstract: A hopper assembly for crushed material such as ore and limestone is provided, comprising a downwardly narrowing hopper having an outlet located at its lower end defined by facing lateral arcuate edges and a discharge chute, the discharge chute including at one end an arcuate portion conforming to the lateral arcuate edges and at another end a straight portion which guides the material discharged from the hopper, the chute including at each lateral edge thereof a deflector plate extending upwardly from the discharge chute positioned at the junction between the straight and arcuate portions, the deflector plates including an upper arcuate edge portion which lies in the same vertical plane as the facing lateral arcuate edges of the hopper and is adjacent thereto, the plate serving to prevent material discharge from the hopper from jamming between the facing lateral arcuate edges of the hopper and the discharge chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for controllably discharging articles that are being continuously transported by a primary conveying structure. A discharge assembly is provided having a chute with an inlet and an outlet. Articles are diverted away from the primary conveying structure and delivered to the chute inlet. The discharge chute is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and structure is provided for reciprocatively moving the chute outlet back and forth over an infeed portion of a secondary conveying structure to evenly distribute material in a serpentine path along the length of the infeed portion of the secondary conveying structure. In a preferred form, the secondary conveying structure has an associated trough for containing a cooling fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for controllably discharging articles that are being continuously transported by a primary conveying structure. A discharge assembly is provided having a chute with an inlet and an outlet. Articles are diverted away from the primary conveying structure and delivered to the chute inlet. The discharge chute is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and a tandem-type cylinder is provided for reciprocatively moving the chute outlet back and forth over an infeed portion of a secondary conveying structure to distribute material back and forth across the width of the infeed portion of the secondary conveying structure as said secondary conveying structure moves the material continuously away from the chute outlet. The cylinder has separately extensible sections. One of the cylinder sections is extended and retracted by a control to reciprocatively move the chute about its rotational axis with a predetermined range.

Abstract: An improved storage and discharge apparatus (10) for receiving items to be stored and selectively discharging same. The storage and discharge apparatus (10) comprises a depositary (14) for receiving items to be stored, the depository (14) defining a forward end portion (22) defining a discharge opening (26). The depository (14) further defines a bottom portion comprising a discharge conveyor (16) for supporting the items stored and for selectively discharging the items through the discharge opening (26). The apparatus also comprises a traveling loading mechanism (12) disposed above the depository (14) for depositing items to be stored into the depository (14). The loading mechanism (12) is longitudinally movable along substantially the length of the depository (14) and is selectively driven by a suitable drive.

Abstract: A belt and pulley conveyor device for flat objects comprises a substantially linear input conveyor and a substantially linear output conveyor orthogonal to the input conveyor. The input of the output conveyor is substantially contiguous with the output of the input conveyor. A chute is adapted to link the input and output conveyors. It has an object input/output and is adapted to pivot between an idle position in which it extends the output of the input conveyor and a transfer position in which it extends the input of the output conveyor. A control device is adapted to move the chute between the idle and transfer positions.

Abstract: A machine for delivering a viscous or paste-like foodstuff includes a hopper for receiving the foodstuff, the lower part of which is formed to include a funnel-shaped tapered portion, and a feed sleeve rotatably connected to the lower side of the hopper and having its lower end communicating with the exterior of a machine frame on which the hopper and feed sleeve are rotatably supported. A helical delivery blade is fixedly secured to the frame by a stationary shaft and includes a first blade portion fitted in the feed sleeve and a second blade portion of larger diameter fitted in the lower part of the tapered portion of the hopper, the first and second blade portions being continuous. A first drive mechanism rotates the feed sleeve and a second drive mechanism rotates the hopper in the same direction as the feed sleeve but at a lower speed, thereby producing a speed differential between the hopper and feed sleeve.

Abstract: A mobile transfer station includes a support structure; a conveyor movably mounted on the support structure; and a feeder device located on one side of the conveyor, the feeder device including a box compartment for receiving bulk materials to be treated by the mobile transfer station and which is pivotally mounted on the support structure to be tilted relative to the conveyor to deposit bulk materials thereon, and metering humps mounted on the support structure and fitting within recesses in the box compartment, the metering humps having upper surfaces which are inclined downwardly toward the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for receiving an integrated circuit (10) presented at a pick-up station (22), transferring the integrated circuit (10) laterally to a spaced output chute (84, 90), and depositing the integrated circuit (10) into said chute (84, 90). The device includes a shuttle (24) mounted for pivotal and lateral movement on a shaft (40). The shuttle (24) is driven by an angled arm (62) mounted pivotally beneath the shuttle (24). The arm (62) is pivoted about an axis by means of a motor (56) and a linking shaft (52). A housing (76) carried by the arm (62) at an end thereof opposite the end by which it is pivoted encases and holds therein a spherical bearing (78) which is free to swivel within the housing (76) for rotation about three mutually perpendicular axes. The bearing (78) has an aperture (80) formed therethrough. The aperture (80) accommodates a rod (72) carried by the shuttle (24) at its underside.

Abstract: An articulated boom mechanism is utilized for transporting material between a first position and a selectable second position. The boom mechanism is comprised of two boom members. One boom member has its one end mounted by a universal-type connection to a support base and its other end connected to an articulation member. The other boom member has its one end connected to the articulation member. Bulk solid material entering the one end of one of the boom members is transported on a conveyor belt through that boom member and then on a second conveyor belt through the other of the boom members, and then empties from the other end of the other of the boom members. Bulk solid material is thereby transported by the boom mechanism through a path defined by the selective positioning of the one boom member relative to the support base, and also by the relative orientation between the two boom members.

Abstract: An IC element supplied to a testing station is guided by a rail and a guide member to move by its own weight. At least one of the rail and guide member has built therein plate-shaped ceramic heater or plate-shaped silicone rubber heater. The guide member urges the IC element against the rail to heat the IC element. An auxiliary stopper is provided opposite but aslant to the IC element sliding surface of the rail. The IC element moving on the rail is yieldingly urged by the auxiliary stopper against the sliding surface of the rail, braked and engages an engaging piece at the lower end of the auxiliary stopper. The IC element is disengaged from the engaging piece to slightly move and stopped by a main stopper, where the IC element is tested. A plurality of such testing passages are provided, and IC elements simultaneously tested in the testing passage are fed to discharge rails respectively corresponding thereto.