Abstract: The object is to provide an article transporting device in which dust generation can be prevented and in which it is hard for the operator at the operator's transfer location to be injured. The device comprises a reciprocating movable body configured to move in a forward and backward directions on a travel path extending between an operator's transfer location P and a non-operator's transfer location Q, a cover body 22 which partially covers an area above the reciprocating movable body which travels over an entire length of the travel path, an article support 20 connected to the reciprocating movable body by a connecting portion which extends upwardly from the reciprocating movable body and vertically through the slit 24 provided to the cover body, the article support being configured to move above the cover body along a direction of the travel path. The slit is formed such that the connecting portion remains out of contact with the cover body, when the reciprocating movable body moves along the travel path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for aligning food products in a plurality of rows for feeding a subsequent processing operation in a production process. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belt conveyors adjacent to each other, a dispensing plate operable to delay movement of the plurality of food products and cluster the food products together. The food products are then periodically distributed onto the second continuous belt conveyor, improving dispersion of the food products thereon. Guide fingers that extend and retract over the second continuous belt conveyor contact and displace the food products into rows within channels formed by longitudinal members extending over at least a portion of the second continuous belt conveyor. The rows of food products are then conveyed to the next processing operation.

Abstract: Scrap metal pieces are conveyed from a mechanical press by a shaker conveyor having horizontal and parallel spaced elongated trays supported for reciprocating linear movement above a compact drive unit attached to and supported by the press. The drive unit includes an electric motor having a shaft connected to rotate an elliptical input gear on an eccentric axis and in continuous mesh with an elliptical output gear eccentrically connected to an output shaft. A rocker arm and link assembly is eccentrically connected to the output shaft and oscillates in response to rotation of the output shaft. The assembly is pivotally connected to a support carriage for the trays for reciprocating the trays with rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration at one end of the linear stroke of the carriage and trays. The elliptical input and output gears are identical in size and have the same odd number of teeth.

Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a medication supporting apparatus and method. In the medication supporting apparatus, a storage section stores a strip of dosage bags that are continuously connected. A carrier section carries the dosage bag strip in the storage section. A sensor section generates a detection signal detecting a position of the dosage bag strip on the carrier section. A circuit section determines the position of the dosage bag strip according to the detection signal of the sensor section, and controls the carrier section. The dosage bag strip packed in continuous dosage bags is recognized in a unit of one dosage bag, is adjusted to a start position thereof, and is dispensed by a size of one dosage bag, so that the dosage bag strip can be accurately dispensed.

Abstract: A supply unit including a funnel-shaped container for receiving a quantity of unsorted, or randomly oriented, nuts and bolts, a conveyor that is driven, in a reciprocating manner, along an inwardly tapering interior wall of the container. The upper carrying surface of the conveyor dips into the unsorted nuts and bolts on its downward stroke and picks up some of the nuts and bolts. On its upward stroke, or travel, the conveyor cooperates with the adjacent wall to properly orient the majority of the nuts and bolts. Some of the improperly oriented nuts and bolts may fall off the conveyor during its upward travel. Blasts of air, or mechanical deflectors, cause other improperly oriented nuts and bolts to fall back into the container. A step is formed near the top of the container, and the upward travel of the conveyor term mates above the step. The properly oriented nuts and bolts are transferred away from the container by a transport assembly located in proximity to the step.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

Abstract: A device for generating a floating state of an object by sound waves includes a rigid support structure having a top surface for absorbing forces generated by the gravitation or acceleration of the levitating object and perpendicularly acting on the top surface. A thin oscillatory element is arranged in parallel to the top surface. Further provided is a vibration generator for making the thin oscillatory element vibrating and levitating above the top surface so that the object is levitating above the thin oscillatory element without contacting it.

Abstract: A modular multi-mode conveyor system comprising: at least one linear drive track section configured such that moving elements are independently controlled and moved along the track section; and at least one mechanical drive track section having the same configuration as the linear drive track section but wherein the linear drive is replaced with a scroll cam drive system and moving elements are controlled and moved along the track section by the scroll cam drive system. The scroll cam conveyor system comprising: a scroll cam including: a cylindrical cam; a plurality of cam grooves formed on the cylindrical cam; a drive system for rotating the scroll cam; and a moving element comprising: a plurality of cam followers, wherein the plurality of cam grooves are configured to contact with respective ones of the plurality of cam followers to move the moving element.

Abstract: A heavy duty slide for use in a manufacturing environment. The heavy duty slide includes a base and a rail support secured to the base. The heavy duty slide also has an inverted rail arranged on a bottom surface of the rail support. A removable bearing system is arranged on the inverted rail and a carriage plate is secured to the removable bearing system.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (96, 98) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower slat members (62) to raise and lower the upper slat members (60). One end of the upper slat members (60) is connected to a fixed structure (18?) by a pivoting link (110) which pivots to permit up and down movement of the slat member (62) while preventing lengthwise movement of the slat member (62).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transportation of goods in a loading space. The system comprises a conveyor (1) for goods which is drivable to and for in the loading space.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting the strip seal on the side of a pass-through positioning stage. The strip seal can effectively provide support to a cover of the stage and be magnetically coupled to the cover and base for an enhanced seal and added support. Accordingly, the tendency for the stage to sag and vibrate during operation is mitigated. Moreover, a side-mounted strip seal is exposed to a reduced amount of debris that accumulates on the top of a stag, and thus is less susceptible to contaminants entering the interior of the stage. As such, and in connection with a variety of other means for reducing contamination, the stage can operate for longer periods of time without wear and/or maintenance, etc.

Abstract: A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes at least one carriage track, a linear rail carriage carried by the at least one carriage track, a yoke assembly carried by the linear rail carriage, a linear actuator assembly engaging the linear rail carriage and adapted to move the linear rail carriage along the at least one carriage track and a pair of mandrel cradles pivotally carried by the yoke assembly. Activation of the linear actuator assembly facilitates movement of the linear rail carriage along the at least one carriage track and pivoting of the pair of mandrel cradles with respect to the yoke assembly.

Abstract: A manufacturing chain includes a building defining a manufacturing area and having a planar floor. A plurality of modular manufacturing stations are positioned in series within the manufacturing area and above the planar floor. An article transportation system includes a plurality of carrier tracks defining a transportation path, having at least one vertical discontinuity, through the plurality of modular manufacturing stations. A first vertical lift device moves a first carrier track, adjacent the vertical discontinuity, in a vertical direction relative to the transportation path.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a mounting assembly for moving a material to be conveyed. The mounting assembly is movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. At least one resiliently deformable spring member is provided for storing energy therein responsive to a motion of the mounting assembly in the second direction. Energy stored in the spring member is usable to urge the mounting assembly and the associated material in the first direction.

Abstract: A glass substrate carrier has a base, a tray assembly, a transmission device and a non-contact brake assembly. The base is movable. The tray assembly has a tray slidably mounted on the base and holding a glass substrate. The transmission device is mounted between the base and the tray assembly and is capable of driving the tray to extend out or retract back to the base. The non-contact brake assembly has a first brake element mounted on the base and a second brake element mounted on the tray assembly and un-contacting the first brake element. The first and second brake elements attract each other with an attractive force to brake a movement of the tray of the tray assembly. The first and second brake elements do not rub against each other and no dust is generated to damage circuit on the glass substrate.

Abstract: A transportation device capable of smoothly transporting even an object having a sticky surface or the like and a weighing device including the same are provided. A transportation device (10) is for transporting an object placed on a trough (11) in a predetermined direction by reciprocating the trough (11) by a parallel link mechanism (20), and a control unit (30) controls the rotation driving of a rotatable motor (14) such that the trough (11) moves forward with respect to the transportation direction at a higher velocity than backward.

Abstract: A panel carrying device, including a panel holding device 5 holding a panel 1; a second link mechanism connected to the panel holding device; a first link mechanism pivotally fitted to the second link mechanism; a slide mechanism 20 which moves the first link mechanism in a panel carrying direction; and a swing mechanism 22 which swings the second link mechanism.

Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided comprising a housing, a rectangular elongate shaft operably coupled to the housing, and a scraper assembly. The shaft has a hardened bearing surface in sliding engagement with a hardened bearing surface of the housing, thus providing a hard-on-hard bearing between the shaft and housing, wherein the shaft is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing. The scraper assembly comprises first and second resilient members positioned within a recess of the housing, wherein one or more scraper blades are disposed between the first and second resilient members. A retaining member coupled to the housing generally compresses the first and second resilient members within the recess, therein biasing a scraping edge of the one or more scraper blades against the shaft bearing surface, wherein the retaining member, one or more scraper blades, and the first resilient member are operable to clear debris from elongate shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a product within a diffuser during a continuous lixiviation process. The apparatus comprises at least one screen deck for the continuous lixiviation process and at least one longitudinal transport zone, the longitudinal transport zone extending between an inlet and outlet of the diffuser. The transport zone may include a plurality of transport zones. A drive means is arranged to move the longitudinal transport zone at a first speed towards the outlet end of the diffuser and to retract the longitudinal transport zone at a second speed which is substantially faster than the first speed towards the inlet end of the diffuser, so that the transport zone drive the product towards the outlet of the diffuser.

Abstract: Opposite end sections (20, 26) of a piston/cylinder drive unit (14) are clamped to longitudinally spaced apart transverse mounting beams (10, 12), by a fixed clamp parts connected to the mounting beams (10, 12) and removable clamp parts that are connected by bolts to the fixed clamp parts. The piston rod end sections (20, 26) include longitudinal passageways having outer end openings that project outwardly from the clamps. Manifolds are secured to the mounting beams (10, 12) outwardly of the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). A detachable coupling connects ports in the manifold with the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). The piston cylinder drive unit (14) can be detached from the frame by first detaching the fluid couplings and then detaching the clamps which clamp the piston rod end sections (20, 26) to the mounting beams (10, 12).

Abstract: A conveyor assembly including a first conveyor frame configured to move along a path relative to a mounting frame and including a conveyor belt. The conveyor assembly further includes a second conveyor frame, connected to the first conveyor frame via a pivot, and configured to automatically rotate to change an angle between the first conveyor frame and the second conveyor frame in response to movement of the first conveyor frame relative to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A shaker conveyor assembly including a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes an electric motor that produces a rotary output. A cam assembly is operatively connected in driven relationship to the rotary output of the electric motor so as to rotate therewith. A cam follower assembly is operatively connected to the transport tray and is responsive to the rotation of the cam assembly to produce repeated, reciprocating, linear motion and to transmit this motion to the transport tray so as to convey items therealong.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant, the apparatus including a treatment receptacle having a treatment Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant which includes a treatment receptacle having a treatment chamber therein and a base upon which material within the treatment chamber is disposed. The receptacle is arranged so that when in use there is a space below the base. The apparatus further includes a harvester operable to extract material from the treatment chamber through the base and a collecting assembly including a flexible belt operatively connected to a rotatable drum so that it can be wound onto or drawn from the rotatable member. The belt is arranged so that it can adopt a collecting position when at least partially unwound from the rotatable member wherein it is positioned below the treatment chamber and harvester so that harvested material can be collected upon it and is operable so that when wound onto the rotatable member material thereon can be transferred to a discharge zone.

Abstract: An elongated plastic slide bearing (10) comprises a top (30), sidewalls (32, 34) depending from the top (30), and connecting to walls (36, 44, 48 and 38, 46, 50) that form laterally inwardly extending recesses (40, 42). Lock ribs (62, 64) extend upwardly and inwardly from the inner walls (44, 46) of the recesses (40, 42) to upper edges (66, 68). The upper edges (66, 68) are spaced below the bearing top (30). The bearing (10) is adapted to be set down onto a support beam (14) that includes laterally outwardly projecting lock flanges (22, 24) at its top. The lock ribs (62, 64) contact the lock flanges (22, 24). When the bearing (10) is pushed downwardly, the lock ribs (62, 64) bend outwardly and allow the lock ribs (62, 64) to move into a position below the lock flanges (22, 24). When that happens, the lock ribs (62, 64) assume substantially unstressed positions in which their upper edges (66, 68) are below the lock flanges (22, 24).

Abstract: A guide apparatus has a standard end plate split into a pair of split parts that can be positioned with respect to each other with high accuracy and firmly secured to each axial end of a moving block body without fear of displacement during use. The guide apparatus has a moving block relatively movably attached to a track rail. The moving block body has in a section perpendicular to the axial direction a geometry that allows the moving block body to be assembled to the track rail at an intermediate part of the track rail. The end plate consists essentially of a pair of split parts that are splittable to right and left in the width direction of the end plate. One split part has a positioning pin projecting from a parting surface thereof. A positioning hole fittable with the positioning pin is provided in a parting surface of the other split part. The positioning pin is fitted into the positioning hole to form an end plate assembly.

Abstract: Arrangement for moving a heavy load wherein the arrangement includes at least one actuating unit. The at least one actuating unit utilizes a support for supporting the heavy load. A plurality of jacks are coupled to the support. A first movable element is adapted to slide within a channel of the support. The first movable element is movable in reciprocating manner. A second movable element is adapted to slide within the channel of the support. The second movable element slidably engages the first movable element and is movable in reciprocating manner. An actuating system is used for controlling sliding movements of the first and second movable elements. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Fixed conveyor slats (12) in the nature of beams extend over a window in support framework (53, 100, 102, 116, 118) for the movable and fixed slats (10, 12) in a reciprocating slat conveyor. The fixed slats (12) support the movable slats (20), including in the region of the window. The movable slats (10) are in the nature of box beams, providing them with strength and stiffness in the region of the window. At the rear end of the conveyor, the movable slats (10) move onto support brackets (120) which prevent the rear end portions of the slats (10) from being damaged when they are in a position overhanging a rear wall (84) and material is dropped from above down onto the rear end portions of the slats (10).

Abstract: The linear motion drive system is capable of optionally changing a position of a linear rail with respect to a pedestal. The linear motion drive system comprises: a pedestal section; a linear rail arranged in parallel with respect to the pedestal section; a rail holder attached to the pedestal section, the rail holder holding the linear rail on the pedestal section; and a moving body linearly reciprocally moving along the linear rail. The rail holder is slidably attached to and fixed to the pedestal section by an attaching mechanism so as to optionally change a position of the rail holder with respect to the pedestal section.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (92, 94) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower portions (62) to raise and lower the upper portions (60).

Abstract: A transfer line for transporting workpieces from a first workstation to an adjacent second workstation comprises a frame with a depositing place for at least one workpiece. It further comprises a transporting beam, each end area of which having respective work supports. The transporting beam is supported for height adjustment between two positions of lifting such that the work supports are located above or below the depositing place. The transporting beam is further designed for longitudinal displacement between positions of transfer for the work supports to coincide horizontally with the depositing place.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder (50) is positioned between the top (24) of a lower slat (22) and the top (36) of an upper slat (20). An air supply/exhaust conduit (52) extends upwardly from a transverse manifold (76) to the inflatable bladders (50). Flanges (32, 34) on the lower slat (22) contact flanges (42, 44) on the upper slat (20) to stop upward movement of the upper slat (20).

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated, beltless conveyor assembly includes a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes a seal-less pneumatic engine having at least one pair of opposed, pneumatic drive bellow assemblies. One of the drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in one direction at a first predetermined speed to advance materials supported on the transport tray in the direction of the length of the tray. The other of the pair of drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a second, predetermined speed that is different from the first predetermined speed such that the transport tray moves relative to the material supported thereon.

Abstract: A linear guide unit has an elongated guide housing having a longitudinal axis and having walls bordering a guide cavity, with two side walls form a longitudinal opening of the guide cavity, a slider that is movably guided in the direction of the longitudinal axis on at least one guide track provided in the guide cavity and connectable with a unit to be moved by the linear guide unit through the longitudinal opening, a drive device for moving the slider in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a profiled channel attachable to the guide housing for housing functional elements, with the positive connection is additionally secured by frictional engagement or by snapping into place, wherein the profiled channel has at least one lateral mounting projection and is in holding contact via this mounting projection with the exposed end of a side wall or a part joined therewith.

Abstract: The load supporting and moving surface of the conveyor is made up of longitudinal members called slats. The slats are edge to edge with small gaps between the edges. The slats are supported on bearing parts and bearing strips which are supported on longitudinal beams which are evenly spaced and extending lengthwise of the cargo space of the conveyance in which the conveyor is installed. The longitudinal beams are supported by and fastened to the cross beams of the conveyance. The longitudinal beams, bearing strips, bearing parts and slats of the conveyor are all installable from directly above the cross beams. The slats are held in place vertically by interlocking with the bearing parts. There is a juncture formed at every contact between a longitudinal beam and a cross beam. Bearing parts are installed a 10% to 50% of the junctures. The conveyor also comprises means to reciprocate the slats a stroke length. The longitudinal length of each bearing part is between 0.5 and 0.95 of the stroke length.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated, beltless conveyor assembly includes a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes a seal-less pneumatic engine having at least one pair of opposed, pneumatic drive bellow assemblies. One of the drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in one direction at a first predetermined speed to advance materials supported on the transport tray in the direction of the length of the tray. The other of the pair of drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a second, predetermined speed that is different from the first predetermined speed such that the transport tray moves relative to the material supported thereon.

Abstract: A plurality of hold-down bearings (12) are locked into position on longitudinal guide beams (12, 12?). Anti-splash bearings (10) are positioned on the guide beams (12, 12?) longitudinally between the hold-down bearings (12). The anti-splash bearings have bottom flaps (46, 48) which contact bottom flanges (36, 38) on the floor slats (20) and block the upward flow of water into the region below the conveyor slats (20). The hold-down bearings (20) also block to a considerable extent the upward movement of water into the underneath regions of the conveyor slats (20).

Abstract: A conveyor assembly having a conveying member made substantially of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material. The conveying member can be provided with a support structure for supporting the conveying member. At least one biasing member and at least one securing member can be used to secure the conveying member to the support structure. The biasing member and the securing member, along with the support structure, form an arrangement which can allow the conveying device to accommodate the growths and deformities of the conveying member.

Abstract: A driving mechanism causes particulate material to advance on a reciprocating tray. The driving mechanism is connected to a first bar and causes it to reciprocate. The tray rests on the first bar and it too reciprocates. The first bar is spaced apart from a second bar but is attached to it by a spacer. The second bar is mounted in bearings for rotation. The tray may be mounted on oscillating supports attached to a base which underlies the tray. Each of the supports have joints which interconnect the supports with the tray and the base. A resilient insert is mounted within each joint and opposes the forward movement of the tray and assists the tray to return to its starting position.

Abstract: A pultruded slat for a reciprocating slat conveyor system comprises a slat body including a top portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first and second side portions depending downwardly from opposite lengthwise sides of the top portion; wherein the first side portion and second side portion each include projections extending toward an opposing side portion, wherein the top portion of the slat body comprises a plurality of closed cells, and wherein a bottom of the top portion, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the projections comprise an open cell.

Abstract: Guide for slats of a reciprocally moving floor of a transport or loading surface, stationary or mobile, such as a loading floor of a trailer, the slats being supported on locations that are spaced apart in slat direction, on rectangular tubular longitudinal profiles that may or may not be continuous, guides being arranged between the longitudinal profiles and the slats, which guides substantially have an inverted U-shape with an upper body situated on top of the longitudinal profile and two legs on either side of the longitudinal profile extending downward from the upper body, at least one of which legs being provided with a flange at the lower end for engagement of the lower surface of the longitudinal profile, the guide being designed for keeping the longitudinal profile between the legs and between the flange and the upper body, the one portion of the portions of the legs situated opposite each other on either side being shortened into a short protrusion engaging over the upper corner of the longitudinal p

Abstract: A linear motion guide unit is disclosed in which a lower seal can be fastened easily, securely to a slider that travels relatively along a track rail. The slider is provided on a bottom surface thereof with a lug terminating in a hook that juts widthwise and extends lengthwise of the slider. The lower seal is made therein with a first hole allowing the lug to fit in there, and a second hole made connected to the first hole in longitudinal direction of the lower seal and made on at least any one lengthwise edge thereof with a tooth that will come into hooked engagement with the hook on the lug. The lug jutting out of the slider to fasten the lower seal is made at a flat bottom area near the track rail, which is over a space left open underneath the end cap.

Abstract: With a sealing structure for the sliding unit disclosed here, a sealing member of foam rubber is disposed in a way closing a clearance left open between widthwise opposing covering shells installed on a track rail. A covering shell is composed of a covering side secured to a side wall of a track rail, and seal supporters integral with the covering side. A slider is provided with a projection extending through between inside fronts of the sealing members, which come into abutment against one another. Upon the back-and-forward linear movement of the slider relatively to the track rail, the projection moves in a way deforming the sealing members in expansion/collapse fashion, with keeping the close sliding engagement with the confronting fronts of the sealing members so that the sealing members keep constantly closing the clearance left open between the covering shells.

Abstract: A pultruded slat for a reciprocating slat conveyor system comprises a slat body including a top portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first and second side portions depending downwardly from opposite lengthwise sides of the top portion; wherein the first side portion and second side portion each include projections extending toward an opposing side portion, wherein the top portion of the slat body comprises a plurality of closed cells, and wherein a bottom of the top portion, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the projections comprise an open cell.

Abstract: A conveyor between a log debarker and a flaker has three flat bottom plates which extend the length of the conveyor line, and two vertical side plates. Each of the five plates is driven to oscillate by a hydraulic piston. All five plates together move forward approximately 30 inches at a constant velocity, after the completion of the forward motion, each plate is retracted separately at approximately three times the velocity of the forward motion, to advance logs retained within a trough defined between the side plates in a stepwise forward motion.

Abstract: A cup transfer device of a vending machine can prevent the cup transfer device, peripheral objects or the device motor from being damaged, even when an abnormal case is encountered, thereby preventing the cup holder from rotating actively. The cup transfer device comprises a cup holder; means for driving the cup holder; and means for selectively controlling power transmitted from the driving means to the cup holder. The driving means comprises a motor and a rotary shaft driven by the motor. The driving control means includes a first clutch disk connected with the rotary shaft for moving in an axial direction; a second clutch disk secured to the cup holder; and a resilient member for urging the first clutch disk toward the second clutch disk.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated, beltless conveyor assembly includes a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes a seal-less pneumatic engine having at least one pair of opposed, pneumatic drive bellow assemblies. One of the drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in one direction at a first predetermined speed to advance materials supported on the transport tray in the direction of the length of the tray. The other of the pair of drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a second, predetermined speed that is different from the first predetermined speed such that the transport tray moves relative to the material supported thereon.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated, beltless conveyor assembly includes a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes a seal-less pneumatic engine having at least one pair of opposed, pneumatic drive bellow assemblies. One of the drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in one direction at a first predetermined speed to advance materials supported on the transport tray in the direction of the length of the tray. The other of the pair of drive bellow assemblies acts to drive the transport tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a second, predetermined speed that is different from the first predetermined speed such that the transport tray moves relative to the material supported thereon.