Abstract: A method of shaping and compressing toilet paper rolls using compressor rollers is disclosed. The method is comprised of a workflow that includes fluted rollers, sleeve wrapping and specific packaging procedures. An object of the method is to provide a means to reduce the size of conventional toilet paper rolls in bulk to make shipping more efficient. For example, a box that currently holds twelve rolls now can hold twice as many rolls when utilizing the disclosed method.

Abstract: The wrapping machine includes a feed path of products to be wrapped in a wrapping sheet and, along the feed path, an insertion station of products to be wrapped in a wrapping sheet and folding members of the wrapping sheet. The machine further includes a conveyor device, which receives the products in the insertion station and causes their feed through the folding members. The conveyor device includes a system of endless flexible members formed by toothed belts guided around toothed wheels. Each toothed belt includes a first series of internal teeth, cooperating with toothed guide wheels, and a second series of external teeth, cooperating with connection elements of carriages that carry prongs for feeding the products to be wrapped. The connection elements include toothed profiles complementary to the external teeth of the toothed belts, suitable to provide a shape coupling with the external teeth of the respective toothed belts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roll manufacturing method characterized by comprising: a shaping step of shaping a base material into a web; a transferring step of transferring the shaped web; and a winding step of winding the transferred web into a roll. In addition, the present invention provides a roll manufacturing device characterized by comprising: a shaping unit for shaping a base material into a web; a transferring unit for transferring the shaped web; and a winding unit for winding the transferred web into a roll.

Abstract: Non-contact, gas-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 40 meters/minute and above, e.g., 60 meters/minute. Gas is provided to the bearing's orifices (22) from a plenum which operates at a pressure Pplenum and the bearings have a calculated static pressure Pmidpoint at the midpoints (27) between the bearing's centermost orifice (26) and each of its nearest neighbors (28) in a horizontal direction which satisfies the relationship Pmidpoint/Pplenum?0.05. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at, for example, 60 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 500 microns, thus reducing the chances that the substrate (13) will hit and be damaged by the bearing (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for moving a dolly longitudinally along its base. The apparatus comprises a first motorized drive that transmits a drive from a motorized unit to a first rotating axle mounted on the apparatus. A second motorized drive transmits the drive from the first rotating axle to the dolly, thereby moving the dolly longitudinally along the base. The apparatus is environmentally friendly and may be operated in a wide range of temperatures, including in sub-freezing climates.

Abstract: Non-contact, gas-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 40 meters/minute and above, e.g., 60 meters/minute. Gas is provided to the bearing's orifices (22) from a plenum which operates at a pressure Pplenum and the bearings have a calculated static pressure Pmidpoint at the midpoints (27) between the bearing's centermost orifice (26) and each of its nearest neighbors (28) in a horizontal direction which satisfies the relationship Pmidpoint/Pplenum?0.05. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at, for example, 60 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 500 microns, thus reducing the chances that the substrate (13) will hit and be damaged by the bearing (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for moving a dolly longitudinally along its base. The apparatus comprises a first motorized drive that transmits a drive from a motorized unit to a first rotating axle mounted on the apparatus. A second motorized drive transmits the drive from the first rotating axle to the dolly, thereby moving the dolly longitudinally along the base. The apparatus is environmentally friendly and may be operated in a wide range of temperatures, including in sub-freezing climates.

Abstract: A conveying and stacking apparatus for stacking items or substrates carrying items received from an infeed conveyor is provided. The stacker has a housing and at least one movable platform upon which the item or substrate with one or more items located thereon is placed. An overhead loading belt assembly which includes at least one belt assembly positioned to travel over at least a portion of the infeed conveyor adjacent to the at least one moveable platform and the at least one moveable platform is provided. The at least one belt assembly carries the item or the substrate with the items located thereon to a stacking position on the at least one platform.

Abstract: A transport device for a system for finger jointing pieces of wood, by packets, has a support. Transport means are provided, which are set up for moving the pieces of wood sliding along the support to the system for finger jointing. The transport means have a gripping device for holding the pieces of wood in place by packets, aligned flush at a first end, which is situated upstream, while the pieces are being pulled to a work station by way of the support.

Abstract: Non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 15 meters/minute and above. The operating parameters and physical properties of the bearings satisfy at least one of the following conditions: (a) the average flow rate from the bearing's orifices (22) is in the range of 100-800 milliliters/minute/orifice; (b) the orifices' average horizontal pitch (P) is in the range of 20-55 millimeters; and/or (c) the orifices' average size (e.g., D0) is in the range of 1.0-4.5 millimeters. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at 15 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 100 microns, thus reducing the chances that the bearing (3) will lose control of the substrate (13) or that the substrate (13) will hit the bearing (3).

Abstract: A device and a method for the optical scanning of a machine-readable label applied to an object are proposed. The device has at least one belt conveyor (1) and one receiving tray, which are located sequentially spaced apart. A scanning device (3) is located between the belt conveyor (1) and the receiving tray. An additional conveyor device (4) is provided close to the belt conveyor (1) and the scanning device (3) which has several carriers (7) running perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt conveyor (1). Between two carriers (7) there is a space (12) to accommodate an object. The conveying device (4) covers the scanning device (3) completely and the belt conveyor (1) at least partially. An object is placed on the belt conveyor (1) between two carriers (7) with the side carrying the label and taken across the scanning device (3) by the carriers (7). Then the object is taken to the receiving tray by the carriers (7).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a conveying element arranged for conveying objects, an advancing promoting arrangement for promoting a movement of the objects along the conveying element, the advancing promoting arrangement comprising a bristle arrangement arranged along the conveying element and suitable for interacting with the objects; an apparatus for conveying objects comprises a conveying plane element arranged for supporting the objects and a blowing arrangement arranged for advancing the objects in an advance direction, the conveying plane element being selected from a group comprising a rolling arrangement, a fluid cushion arrangement.

Abstract: A rotatable roller is provided which includes a first end and a second end and a surface adapted to wrap a portion of the media thereupon. A carriage conveys the roller along a path. The roller is moved by first and second drives. The first and second drives can be differentially operated to reorient the roller with respect to a direction along the path. The first drive and the second drive can be operated, differentially or non-differentially, to move the carriage along the path. The reoriented roller can be rotated about its axis while conveying the media to wrap the portion of the media onto the surface. The portion of the media can be sized to wrap over the surface of the reoriented roller without overlapping itself. The first drive and the second drive can be operated non-differentially to convey the reoriented roller along a portion of the path.

Abstract: In the conveying device (1) with pusher elements (2) every one of the pusher elements (2), respectively, comprises at least one roller element (3) and at least one spacer body (4), wherein the at least one spacer body (4) is designed for keeping pusher elements (2), which follow one another in the conveying device, at a distance from one another. In doing so, successive pusher elements (2) in conveying direction extend from a first end to a second end, and the pusher elements (2) in the zone of the first end are movably supported relative to a conveying track (7) by the at least one roller element (3). The pusher elements (2) in the zone of the second end are supported on an adjacent pusher element (2), and successive pusher elements (2) are loadable relative to one another only under compression, but not, however, under tension.

Abstract: Non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 15 meters/minute and above. The operating parameters and physical properties of the bearings satisfy at least one of the following conditions: (a) the average flow rate from the bearing's orifices (22) is in the range of 100-800 milliliters/minute/orifice; (b) the orifices' average horizontal pitch (P) is in the range of 20-55 millimeters; and/or (c) the orifices' average size (e.g., D0) is in the range of 1.0-4.5 millimeters. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at 15 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 100 microns, thus reducing the chances that the bearing (3) will lose control of the substrate (13) or that the substrate (13) will hit the bearing (3).

Abstract: A method for putting a glass plate to a target position includes (a) putting the glass plate at a preliminary position above an air table that discharges air upwardly, by moving a suction member that supports the glass plate through suction; (b) releasing suction of the suction member, while air is discharged upwardly from the air table, thereby floating the glass plate at the preliminary position above the air table; and (c) moving a pressing member in a horizontal direction, while the pressing member is in abutment with a top surface of the glass plate and while air is discharged upwardly from the air table, thereby moving the glass plate in the horizontal direction from the preliminary position above the air table to the target position above the air table by a frictional force generated between the pressing member and the glass plate.

Abstract: A sliding loader is disclosed comprising an undercarriage, one or more air bearings attached to the undercarriage, one or more forced air means provide pressurized air to the air bearings, and one or more lifting means for moving payloads, wherein the lifting means are attached to the undercarriage. An improved air bearing is disclosed comprising an optional top surface, wherein the top surface has an orifice; a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is porous; an inflatable chamber, wherein the inflatable chamber is positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface; an optional bottom framework, wherein the bottom framework is attached to the bottom surface; and one or more optional elastic members, wherein the top ends of the elastic members are attached near the top end of the inflatable chamber and the bottom ends of the elastic members are attached near the bottom end of the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A web conveyor is provided having a frame, a pair of conveyor rails, and at least one sag rail. The pair of conveyor rails is carried by the frame in laterally spaced-apart relation. The pair of conveyor rails is configured to support and convey respective edges of a thermoformable web of plastic material. The at least one sag rail includes a friction-reducing material provided along at least a portion of a top edge of the sag rail. The sag rail is provided between the conveyor rails and extends longitudinally along a web travel path. The sag rail is configured to support a web of material intermediate the conveyor rails. A web support apparatus having one or more of friction-reducing material, local, raised portions, and a temperature regulator is also provided.

Abstract: A web conveyor is provided having a frame, a pair of conveyor rails, and at least one sag rail. The pair of conveyor rails is carried by the frame in laterally spaced-apart relation. The pair of conveyor rails is configured to support and convey respective edges of a thermoformable web of plastic material. The at least one sag rail includes a friction-reducing material provided along at least a portion of a top edge of the sag rail. The sag rail is provided between the conveyor rails and extends longitudinally along a web travel path. The sag rail is configured to support a web of material intermediate the conveyor rails. A web support apparatus having one or more of friction-reducing material, local, raised portions, and a temperature regulator is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting a printing plate in a platemaking system includes: a carriage riding on a track and one or more low friction substantially horizontal planar support surfaces provided as a high wear laminate, positioned above the carriage and the track, for supporting the printing plate on the non-emulsion side without the use of rollers, belts, bearings or air cushioning. The carriage includes one or more engagement mechanisms for engaging a bottom, non-emulsion side of the printing plate, and the track includes an air cylinder. The engagement mechanisms can be, for example, suctions cups which engage the plate by a vacuum, suction cups which engage the plate by pressure and adhesion, other adhesive devices, or a mechanical gripper for gripping the plate. The track or linear actuating system is preferably an air cylinder. Alternatively the linear actuating system could include a belt and pulleys, a chain and gears, or a threaded lead screw.

Abstract: A car type conveyor includes a guide rail 3 extending along one edge of a running path. The running path is fitted with a friction driver including a frictional wheel 32. A runner 2 is guided by and moves along the guide rail 3. The runner 2 has a frictional surface 29 formed on it for compressive contact with the frictional wheel 32. A carriage 1 includes wheels 8 and 9 and moves along the running path. The runner 2 and one of the right and left sides of the carriage 1 are connected together in such a manner that the top of the runner 2 is higher than the position at which the carriage 1 supports a body. The carriage 1 may be foldable toward the runner 2.

Abstract: A pressure pad array is used to float glass sheets from a glass heating furnace to a ring mold in a press bending station. The pressure pads have transversely spaced, longitudinally-extending slotted nozzles angled towards one another to provide a static pressure area for floating the glass sheet. The slotted nozzles are aligned with the direction of glass sheet travel and the space between adjacent pressure pads is covered by a spacer baffle to generate additional static pressure flotation areas. The static pressure areas formed by the slotted nozzles generally produce uniform pressure profiles extending longitudinally and transversely against the sheet's underside to stably float the glass sheets on a heated gas cushion.

Abstract: A feeding system for difficult web and sheet materials, such as bubble wrap. A drive roller having a high friction surface is spaced over a flexible platen having a low friction transport surface. The gap between the platen and the drive roller is adjustable, and the drive roller is driven to advance web and sheet materials between the drive roller and the transport surface. The transport surface has a very low coefficient of static friction, and the surface of the drive roller has a very high coefficient of static friction, with the coefficients of friction differing by at least 0.5.

Abstract: A specimen-conveying conveyor includes a holding roller mechanism including a roller unit having a plurality of holding rollers, which are arranged in a horizontal direction so as to form a valley region in which a test tube is laid down and held, along a conveyance path, a rotation driving mechanism which simultaneously rotates the holding rollers of the roller unit of the holding roller mechanism in a first direction and thus rotates the test tube laid down and held in the valley region in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a slide driving mechanism which slides the test tube laid down and held in the valley region in a direction along an axis of each of the holding rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor device for position-precisely moving objects on a conveyor surface of the conveyor belt includes a plurality of forward feed elements (42) for taking hold of the objects by their rear bottom edge in relation to the forward direction. Tension members (32) which are endless or connected to an endless strand via the forward feed elements are provided for the purpose of moving the forward feed elements, and the tension members for moving the forward feed elements into a specified starting position can be driven by means of a common shaft (30) to be coupled separately with the tension members. When the forward feed elements are in the specified starting position, the tension members can be uncoupled from the common shaft (30) and each coupled with a separate linear drive (48,50) with the stroke of the desired length of displacement of the objects.

Abstract: A gas floating-transporting apparatus transports a material to be treated along a predetermined direction in a thermal space so as to thermally treat the material to be treated. The apparatus includes a gas floating mechanism and a transporting mechanism. The gas floating mechanism includes a gas ejection device which expels the gas toward a portion of the material to be treated on which a floating force is acted so as to float the material to be treated, and a gas supply device which supplies the gas to the gas ejection means. The transporting mechanism includes an abutting member which abuts a trailing end of the floated material to be treated and moves along the predetermined direction, and which pushes the material to be treated by the movement thereof, whereby the floated material to be treated is moved along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A wear shoe for mounting to a flight of a sludge collector. The wear shoe snaps into a surface of the flight at a desired location and is held in place with no additional fasteners or hardware. The wear shoe is able to be utilized with any channel-type flight configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic lug loader to place blocks on each lug on a lug conveyor in a finger jointing machine. The lug loader includes a support structure with a control station and a feed table. A powered loading conveyor overlies the support structure with an infeed end disposed over the control station. The loading conveyor extends downstream to an outfeed end which is disposed over the upstream end of the lug conveyor. A powered adjuster is connected to the loading conveyor and shifts the loading conveyor toward and away from the control station to selectively grip a block.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor system for transporting piece goods along a predetermined path is disclosed. The system comprises a passively transporting element and an actively transporting element. The passively transporting element comprises a series of idle rollers arranged substantially in parallel with each other and form an elongated and substantially continuous and substantially equiplanar path for supporting the goods. An endless conveyor belt is provided for circulating around at least two guide rolls and forms an upper train for motion in a first direction and a lower train for motion in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The passively transporting element and the actively transporting element cooperate to convey the goods along a predetermined path and provides for smooth accumulation of the goods when movement of the goods closest to the delivery end is arrested.

Abstract: A cart conveyor system for the transport of load-carrying carts, as frequently used in airports, supermarkets, etc. up and down inclined pathways. The cart is provided with front and back wheels with different spacing, and the conveyor has separate tracks for the front and back wheels, arranged to support the wheels in a manner that maintains the cart in a generally horizontal orientation as it moves up or down the conveyor path. The cart is engaged adjacent one end by laterally opposed conveyor elements, which advance the cart along the incline. At the other end of the cart, a retaining element extends downward and is engaged by a retaining track to prevent tipping of the cart as it is moved along the conveyor path.

Abstract: A rail comprising a rail member and at least one plug is used to direct the flow of objects along a predetermined path of an assembly line or conveyor belt system or to support the weight of the objects thereon. In its preferred embodiments, a stainless steel member has a generally U-shaped cross-section and a polished outer surface which is of particular advantage for use with PET plastic products. One or more plugs provide structural integrity and prevent rotation of the rail member in a clamp of the rail guide support assembly which is used to grip the rail.

Abstract: The device comprises a transfer unit with a block (44) containing wells (48) in which suckers (50) are located. The wells (48) comprise a border (72) made of a sealing and friction material. The peripheral wall (60) of the sucker (50) is flexible enough to permit axial movement of the lip (62) between an expanded position in which the lip (62) projects above the border (72) of the well (48) and a contracted position in which the lip (62) is coplanar with this border. The internal space of the sucker (50) and the internal space (70) of the well (48) around the sucker are both connected to a vacuum source by respective narrow channels (64,68) whose cross sections are approximately the same as each other. The size of the cross sections of the narrow channels (64,68) is such that there is negligible loss of vacuum inside the sucker (50) when a work piece is placed against the lip (62) but not against the border (72) of the well (48).

Abstract: A boat retrieval mechanism, which move an output boat containing a tested integrated circuit package within an IC package handler of an IC package testing system, is designed for low maintenance and for easy maintenance. The boat retrieval mechanism of the present invention includes a carrier linear guide having a boat carrier mounted thereon for defining a path of travel of the boat carrier between a core testing unit and an IC package sorting unit. The boat carrier carries the output boat containing a tested IC package from the core testing unit to the sorting unit. A boat self-alignment mechanism disposed near the sorting unit holds the output boat substantially in a predetermined position when the output boat is at the sorting unit. In addition, a grounding wire is coupled between the boat carrier and a ground potential for ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection of any tested IC package carried by the boat retrieval mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided an a wear strip assembly for use in a waste water treatment facility comprising an anchor plate secured to the bottom of a tank and a wear strip disposed around the anchor plate having a c-shaped cross section. The wear strip may be slid onto the anchor plate. There is also provided a waste water treatment system employing the wear strip assembly. There is further provided a stop plate for use in the wear strip assembly.

Abstract: A chain return support suitable for use in an en masse grain conveyor has a track with a pair of angle irons extending lengthwise in the interior of a trough and supported by horizontal cross members bridging two side walls of the trough. The angle irons have inwardly facing horizontal edge portions and vertical lower portions. A plastic slide is inserted between the angle irons and is engaged with the angular edge portions by way of grooves extending lengthwise on side surfaces of the plastic slide. Stops on the cross member contact the lower portions of the angle iron for proper positioning of the track. The plastic slide provides a low friction surface for supporting the chain return section.

Abstract: An automated container transferring and loading system having a large number of carriage retracting lanes disposed orthogonally with respect to a row of stage conveyors of a cargo sorting yard, a carriage tow device for retracting a plurality of connected carriages into the carriage retracting lane, at least one group of stopper operation devices for locking and unlocking cargo stoppers on the carriages which are parked in the lane, and a pusher device capable of sliding longitudinally up and down the carriage retracting lanes for unloading containers on the carriage which are released by the cargo stoppers thereof and for loading a container from the stage conveyor onto the carriage.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preventing a sheet drooping during sheet feeding in a first direction in a generally horizontal plane where a sheet is not entirely supported by a conveyor. A rod is mounted below the plane, having at least one collar with a support pin extending radially outwardly from the collar making an engagement angle of about 55-85 with respect to a second plane parallel to the horizontal plane and passing through the rod. The position of the support pin with respect to the rod may be readily adjusted, both the angle with respect to the second plane, and along the rod. Adjustment of the position of the collar with respect to the rod, in both modes, may be provided by a screw threaded fastener extending in a screw threaded bore intersecting the rod, and about 90.degree. circumferentially spaced from the support pin. The support pin may have a truncated cone end with a rounded tip at the end for engaging a sheet.

Abstract: A novel waste water clarifier system for use in long settling basins utilizes a novel high strength-to-low mass ratio chain loop system of non-metallic material in a low friction drive and support system in which roller contact is facilitated at all points of wear. The chain links are formed of multiple layers of fiber reinforced resin tapes laminated together within a desired cross-sectional area and incorporating interior bushings for link interconnections into a chain loop. All rotary and linear wear mechanisms are low friction, rolling contact devices, incorporated in or arranged with the necessary flights and shafts. Both long life and protection against equipment malfunction are enhanced by the low mass, low drag components together with the high safety margins in the chain loops.

Abstract: To move or remove a workpiece from a worktable, as for example a finished workpiece from a work station, an elongate conveyer member, once it has been positioned so that at least a portion thereof is superposed over the finished workpiece, is lowered to contact at least one portion of the finished workpiece. Upon contact, the conveyer member is activated to convey the workpiece away from the work station, and if desired, automatically convey the workpiece to a storage bin or pallet.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for transporting micro-mechanical parts, for example surgical needles, on a liquid surface by holding the parts on the liquid surface on account of the surface tension of the liquid, such that a predetermined path is formed and subjecting the parts to an external force thereby transporting the parts along the predetermined path.

Abstract: An overwidth slitting method slits a metal strip into two lengthwise pieces while trimming the side edges from the strip. The metal strip is placed on parallel spaced apart conveyors adjacent a slitter for conveying the strip to the slitter. The conveyors are raised above a plurality of vacuum cups which are disposed between the conveyors and are spaced along the length of the strip. The raised metal strip is aligned with respect to the slitter and the raised conveyors are lowered to a position where the bottom surface of the aligned strip engages the vacuum cups between the conveyors. A vacuum is applied to the vacuum cups for holding the strip in alignment relative to the slitter and then the metal strip is advanced on the conveyors into the slitter while sequentially releasing the vacuum from each vacuum cup engaged with the bottom surface of the metal strip as it advances. The advancing metal strip is simultaneously slit into two lengthwise pieces while the side edges are trimmed therefrom.

Abstract: A device for transporting individual sheets of a sheet-form recording medium in office machines comprises an endless circulating conveyor belt for transporting the sheets. A pressure device holds sheets positively against the conveyor belt, and has a flat body parallel to and spaced from the conveyor belt; the body has thin, soft elastic pressure elements which press sheets against the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A longitudinal extensible platform comprises a plurality of framed sections hingedly joined together. Each framed section comprises a first set of ground engaging rollers and a second set of load engaging rollers extending transversely of the framed section. A drive is mounted below the surface of the loading dock for driving an endless chain. The extensible platform is drivingly engaged to the endless chain and adapted for longitudinal movement therealong. The extensible platform has a platen at a forward end hingedly engaging the first framed section. The extensible platform is provided with a driven pusher assembly mounted thereon. The pusher assembly extending upwardly for abutting with the load resting on the extensible platform.

Abstract: A metal sheet is supported and transported in relation to a punching and/or shearing station, by supporting the sheet on upwardly projecting flexible bristles, the tips of which define a supporting plane. The bristles have their bases embedded in strips that are removably jammed in grooves defined in a stationary base structure. A conveyor, arranged beside the supporting plane includes a driven, endless belt. The belt has transversally extending bristle bars mounted to it so that, in its carrying run, its upwardly projecting bristles have tips which are effectively coplanar with the stationary supporting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cylindrically configured pellets for surface defects is disclosed. At least one axially extending linear portion of the peripheral surface of the pellet is optically sensed. A set of discrete digital values representative of the optically sensed linear portion of the pellet surface is generated and the set of digital values is compared to a predetermined standard. Groups of digital values representative of adjacent locations on the surface of the pellet having values greater or less than the predetermined standard are identified. The area of adjacent digital values having a value above the standard, and the area of adjacent digital values having a value below the standard are calculated and compared to a predetermined area. The pellet is rejected when the calculated area exceeds a predetermined area.

Abstract: A method and an automatic plate freezer for freezing food products in boxes or trays, or in containers of low mechanical strength and therefore being deformable, or of nonparallelepiped shape.Such boxes or containers are frozen in a plate freezer within which a moisture-free atmosphere is maintained together with dehumidified cold air circulation. Jets of dehumidified cold air are fed under the base of the containers in the container loading/discharge station to form an air cushion between the upper surface of the plate at rest in the station and the base of the containers, which can thus be easily thrust forward directly by other successively loaded containers insofar as the resistance to the movement of the containers along the plate is very low.

Abstract: The device disclosed comprises a support surface for unit loads, on which a load-bearing flow medium cushion, in particular an air cushion, can be constructed. Passages in the support surface communicate through a channel with a pressure source for the flow medium. At least part of the support surface consist of a body permeable to the flow medium and made of a sintered material, and which is inserted in the passages which can be connected through the channel to the pressure source.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for advancing articles in a direction of conveyance, including a conveyor track on which the articles are supported; an endless driven conveyor element and an article carrier device including an article carrier element pivotally supported on the endless driven conveyor element. The article carrier element is adapted to engage and thus convey, or be disengaged from an article on the conveyor track. The article carrier element comprises a pivotal lever and a carrier lug formed on the pivotal lever. The latter has an activated pivotal position in which the carrier lug is adapted to be brought into and maintained in a force-transmitting engagement with one of the articles and a deactivated pivotal position in which the carrier lug is maintained disengaged from the articles. A force-exerting device urges the pivotal lever into the activated position. There is further provided a contact element on the pivotal lever downstream of the carrier lug as viewed in the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a bottom edge supporting conveyor and an inclined planar supporting wall. The supporting wall is formed along its bottom edge with a plurality of air exit slots, which are arranged in a row and receive air from a fan. Additional air exit openings are spaced a substantial distance above the slots and together with the slots produce an air cushion, on which glass plates can slide along the supporting wall without contacting the latter.

Abstract: A conveyor including a chain flight conveyor superimposed over an elastic belt conveyor. The juxtaposition of the two conveyors results in longer wear and less erosive friction when compared to sole chain flight systems.