Abstract: Shaker assemblies for dewatering are disclosed. The shaker assemblies may include a clamping system for securing a vibratory screen of the shaker assembly.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an ejector head configured to eject a material, a platen having a first surface configured to receive material ejected by the ejector head and support an object formed with the ejected material, a vibrator configured to vibrate, and a controller operatively connected to the vibrator. The controller is configured to operate the vibrator to vibrate and loosen material adhering to the first surface of the platen to enable the object to be removed from the platen.

Abstract: A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.

Abstract: An excited frame vibratory conveyor is described and which includes a base frame; a motor mount made integral and with the base frame; a pair of vibratory motors mounted on the motor mount; and an electrical circuit for energizing the pair of vibratory motors in a fashion which reduces movement of the base frame in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An excited frame vibratory conveyor is described and which includes a base frame; a motor mount made integral and with the base frame; a pair of vibratory motors mounted on the motor mount; and an electrical circuit for energizing the pair of vibratory motors in a fashion which reduces movement of the base frame in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus has a continuous loop conveyor belt mounted on a frame. The conveyor belt has a first edge, a second edge, and a belt surface between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge is positioned relatively higher than the second edge such that the belt surface is at an angle with respect to a horizontal ground reference plane, and such that the belt surface slopes downwardly from the first edge toward the second edge. In addition, a sidewall is connected to the frame. The sidewall is positioned adjacent the second edge, and the sidewall is perpendicular to the belt surface and runs parallel to the second edge. Therefore, the sidewall prevents items from falling off the belt surface at the second edge. Further, a plurality of rectangular fins are connected to the belt surface. The fins are perpendicular to the sidewall and perpendicular to the belt surface. A vibrator is connected to the frame and transmits vibrations to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.

Abstract: A spring for a vibratory conveyor is described and which includes an elongated substantially planar main body which is mounted on a vibratory conveyor for moving a source of product, and which has a longitudinal axis, and a predetermined spring constant, and wherein the elongated main body can repeatedly flex and twist about the longitudinal axis without substantially degrading the spring constant of the elongated main body.

Abstract: A balanced vibrating conveyor apparatus is provided by using a torsion bar spring and rocker arm for conveyor trough and balancing weight. The design provides synchronized 180° out of phase vibrations of trough and balancing weight as well as balance at variations in stroke lengths. With a torsion bar spring at the rocker arm node point, dynamic forces are minimized in the conveyor frame, as well as the building support structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.

Abstract: A vibrating feeder provided with a feeder ball 14a having a circular bottom wall and a conveyance path formed along the periphery of the bottom wall 141a; a feeder body 16a supporting the feeder ball 14a so as to apply torsional vibration and conveying substance supplied on the bottom wall 141a along the conveyance path; and a main body supporting member for supporting the feeder body; the conveyance path comprising an ascending rail and descending rail disposed in the downstream of the ascending rail in the conveyance direction; the main body 18a supporting member supporting the feeder body 16a on a horizontal floor so that a torsion axis C, which becomes the center of the torsional vibration, is inclined relative to the vertical direction; the ascending rail and descending rail conveying the conveyed objects upwardly or downwardly relative to the horizontal direction while the feeder body being supported by the horizontal floor via the main body supporting member.

Abstract: An apparatus has a continuous loop conveyor belt mounted on a frame. The conveyor belt has a first edge, a second edge, and a belt surface between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge is positioned relatively higher than the second edge such that the belt surface is at an angle with respect to a horizontal ground reference plane, and such that the belt surface slopes downwardly from the first edge toward the second edge. In addition, a sidewall is connected to the frame. The sidewall is positioned adjacent the second edge, and the sidewall is perpendicular to the belt surface and runs parallel to the second edge. Therefore, the sidewall prevents items from falling off the belt surface at the second edge. Further, a plurality of rectangular fins are connected to the belt surface. The fins are perpendicular to the sidewall and perpendicular to the belt surface. A vibrator is connected to the frame and transmits vibrations to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor (10) includes a tray (12) laterally moveable in a forward direction at a first speed and in a backward direction at a second speed greater than the first speed, thereby moving goods along the tray. A plurality of legs (18, 20) support the tray during lateral movement, and a motor (30) powers a drive pulley (30). A driven pulley (36) is powered by the drive pulley, and a flexible member (34) interconnects the driven pulley and the drive pulley. At least the driven pulley has an eccentric pulley axis, thereby imparting lateral movement to the tray. A tension mechanism (38, 40) is provided to take up slack in the flexible member.

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 vibratory conveying apparatus has a simple structure and can align and sort parts to a desired posture. The vibratory conveying apparatus comprising a conveying chute having a first conveying surface that is connected to a driving source by a leaf spring that is reciprocatingly vibrated by the driving source. The vibratory conveying apparatus also comprises a linear return chute having a second conveying surface to return sorted parts dropped from the conveying chute during alignment or another sorting process performed on the conveying chute. A deflectable motion transmitter transmits vibration from the first conveying surface of the conveying chute to the second conveying surface of the return chute.

Abstract: A vibrating feeder provided with a feeder ball 14a having a circular bottom wall and a conveyance path formed along the periphery of the bottom wall 141a; a feeder body 16a supporting the feeder ball 14a so as to apply torsional vibration and conveying substance supplied on the bottom wall 141a along the conveyance path; and a main body supporting member for supporting the feeder body; the conveyance path comprising an ascending rail and descending rail disposed in the downstream of the ascending rail in the conveyance direction; the main body 18a supporting member supporting the feeder body 16a on a horizontal floor so that a torsion axis C, which becomes the center of the torsional vibration, is inclined relative to the vertical direction; the ascending rail and descending rail conveying the conveyed objects upwardly or downwardly relative to the horizontal direction while the feeder body being supported by the horizontal floor via the main body supporting member.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder for delivery of material in different directions comprising a set of vibrators that are vibrationally isolated from each other to enable activation of one of the vibrators to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a first direction and activation of another vibrator to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a second direction while at the same time the vibrators are vibrationally isolated from each other through a set of isolators.

Abstract: A parts conveyor apparatus that conveys parts using the vibrations includes an electromagnetic motor that generates the vibrations; a rotary panel which is mounted on an output shaft of the electromagnetic motor and rotates eccentrically by the rotation of the output shaft; and a spring member which vibrates by the rotation of the rotary panel.

Abstract: A vibratory conveying apparatus has a simple structure and can align and sort parts to a desired posture. The vibratory conveying apparatus comprising a conveying chute having a first conveying surface that is connected to a driving source by a leaf spring that is reciprocatingly vibrated by the driving source. The vibratory conveying apparatus also comprises a linear return chute having a second conveying surface to return sorted parts dropped from the conveying chute during alignment or another sorting process performed on the conveying chute. A deflectable motion transmitter transmits vibration from the first conveying surface of the conveying chute to the second conveying surface of the return chute.

Abstract: An article carrying apparatus is capable of carrying an article efficiently and correctly. The article carrying apparatus for carrying an article, includes: a housing; an input shaft rotatably supported by the housing; an output section supported by the housing in such a manner that the output section can oscillate and reciprocate; an article carry section that oscillates and reciprocates integrally with the output section; a first cam mechanism that moves in conjunction with the input shaft and oscillates the output section, wherein the first cam mechanism includes a first cam having a cam face that maintains a contact state with the output section during reciprocation of the output section, and a contact position at which the output section and the cam face contact one another moves in the same direction as a reciprocating direction in which the output section reciprocates; and a second cam mechanism that moves in conjunction with the input shaft and reciprocates the output section.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is provided which comprises a machine frame, a twoarmed lever mounted on the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, a reaction base mounted on one arm of the lever, and a conveyor element for conveying a product from one end to the other. Leaf springs are connected between the conveyor element and the reaction base and arranged to vibrate so as to cause the conveyor element to convey product. A sensor is disposed between the said one arm and the machine frame for sensing the weight of product on the conveyor element. The lever and conveyor element are so arranged that a line connecting the axis of pivotal movement of the lever and the center of mass of the conveyor element runs perpendicular to the length of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A discharge device for worked material is provided. The worked material produced by the press working is received on a chute arranged just below a lower die. The chute is driven to make a reciprocating motion within a substantially horizontal plane in response to a die stroke. At a moment of stopping of the forward movement of the chute, an inertia force acting on the worked material from the chute is greater than a static frictional force. Or otherwise, a force taking effect upon starting of a backward movement of the chute is greater than the static frictional force. Consequently, the worked material is due to be discharged from the chute.

Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles includes a vibratory bowl for receiving the supply of needles. The bowl has a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track. A discharge device has first and second needle receiving pockets, and positions the first and the second needle receiving pockets below the needle discharge point. A controller selectively vibrates the vibratory bowl and selectively positions the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets. A discharger discharges the singulated needles in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.

Abstract: A flat stroke bi-directional conveyor for conveying object, granular and powder material. The unit utilizes the skewed sine wave trough stroke principle using primary eccentric counterweights wheels driven by a motor running at the secondary speed and equipped with the secondary eccentric counterweight wheels. The forces not in line with the trough stroke are absorbed with an isolation spring mounted between the drive assembly and the base.

Abstract: A bearing system which is for suspending the swing frame of a conveyor grate in a swinging manner on a support structure. Two elastic spring rods are arranged next to each other in a common plane of swinging. The spring rods have a first end clamped in a fixed manner on clamping points of a first structural component. The second ends of the spring rods are clamped in a fixed manner to connection points on a rigid coupling system. The rigid coupling system is connected with the second structural component. The spring rods are inclined toward each other in the swinging plane. The coupling system is connected with the second structural component so that it can be tilted in the swinging plane via a flexible connection. Because of the inclination of the spring rods, when they are jointly deflected, one of the spring rods always describes a downward arc and the other an upward arc.

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 a transport tray also operatively supported by the housing. A drive system includes a seal-less pneumatic engine which acts to drive the transport tray in repeated, rectilinear fashion to advance materials supported on the transport tray in the direction of the length of the tray.

Abstract: An exciter mass assembly for vibratory processing equipment includes an exciter frame and at least one resilient member connecting the exciter frame to the vibratory processing equipment. A motor is supported by the exciter frame so that the exciter frame and motor define a frame center of gravity. The motor includes a rotating shaft defining a shaft center of gravity. The prime mover is positioned with respect to the exciter frame such that the shaft center of gravity is substantially coincident with the exciter mass center of gravity, thereby to minimize movement of the exciter mass assembly in unintended directions.

Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles including a vibratory bowl assembly for receiving said bulk supply of needles. The bowl assembly having a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track; a discharge device having first and second needle receiving pockets, the device positioning the first and the second needle receiving pockets below said needle discharge point; a controller for selectively vibrating the vibratory bowl and selectively positioning the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets; a discharger for discharging the singulated needles in the first and second needle pockets in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.

Abstract: In order to provide the capability of distributing a material that is conveyed, a vibratory distribution conveyor includes a deck having a distribution edge. The distribution edge extends between an inlet end and an end remote therefrom and the deck is subjected to vibratory motion to cause material to be conveyed from the inlet end toward the end remote therefrom. With this arrangement, the declination of the deck is controlled about a longitudinal axis to control the distribution characteristics of the conveyor.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeding system having a vacuum hold down system for operatively attaching feeding bowls and tracks to vibratory base drives. The hold down system comprises an upper plate and a lower plate in confronting relation to each other. The upper plate is adapted along its upper surface for attachment to a feeder bowl, and the lower plate is adapted along its lower surface for attachment to a vibratory base drive. A vacuum port is located between the upper and lower plates through which a vacuum is applied. The periphery of the plates is sealed when a vacuum is applied to the upper and lower plates by a vacuum source, resulting in a coupling of the feeder bowl to the base drive and the transmission of the vibrations from the base drive to the feeder bowl. To facilitate alignment of the feeder bowl to the base drive, dowel pins and guide blocks are positioned along the outer edge of the lower plate to limit rotational movement and prevent damage to gaskets located between the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a trough on top of a base of a vibratory feeder adapted to vibrate in a specified direction includes a pair of mutually engageable couplers, one attached to the bottom surface of the trough and the other attached to the top surface of the base. Either one of them is protruding and the other is indented such that the former can be tightly inserted into the latter. The protrusion and the indentation of these couplers are so oriented with respect to the direction of vibrations of the base that the total force on the coupler attached to the base obtained by vectorially summing the force of vibration acceleration and the load of the trough will always have a component in the direction in which the protrusion and indentation of the couplers are oriented so as to keep these couplers engaged together.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeder includes a feeder bowl having a plurality of lugs affixed between the bottom wall and the cylindrical outside wall of the feeder bowl. Corresponding to each lug is a fastener that engages the lug through a corresponding opening in a top member, thereby securing the feeder bowl to the top member of the parts feeder. The top member is, in turn, supported by a plurality of drive springs connected between the top member and a base member. The drive springs attach to spring mounting pads incorporated within the top member that are radially outboard of the attached feeder bowl, A plurality of electromagnetic devices are mounted on the base member in cooperating relation with a corresponding plurality of ferrous striker plates attached to the top member for causing the rotation of the top member relative to the base member.

Abstract: A screen assembly according to the invention screens material by size and includes first and second sets of transversely spaced apart, longitudinally extending first and second members respectively. The members are parallel to each other, and some members of the second set are located between some members of the first set. At least one of the sets is mounted to vibrate along a longitudinal axis to feed material therealong. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending third members are located between adjacent first and second members so as to define a plurality of screen openings between the first, second and third members. Third members are mountable so as to be out-of-phase with vibrations of at least one of the first or second sets of longitudinally extending members. The screen assembly can be installed in a vibrating conveyor, such that the first members vibrate with a pan of the conveyor, so as to feed material along the first members.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing and distributing comminuted tobacco to a plurality of consuming machines (particularly for distributing cut tobacco to cigarette rod making machines) has a circular tray which receives batches of comminuted tobacco at regular or irregular intervals and is caused to perform movements resulting in conversion of stored tobacco particles into a fluidized bed. Upwardly extending suction pipes draw tobacco particles from the fluidized bed for delivery to the respective consuming machines. The mechanism for moving the tray comprises at least three identical eccentrics which are rotatable in vertical planes and are installed at the underside of the marginal portion of the bottom wall of the tray substantially in line with the inlets of the suction pipes. The eccentrics have identical throws and are mounted in spherical bearings which are secured to the bottom wall by hinges for pivotal movement about horizontal axes extending tangentially of the tray.

Abstract: A multiple-channel vibrating table for feeding loose parts, including a table which is constituted by a plurality of feeder troughs which are arranged mutually side by side, define the channels for conveying loose parts and are vibrated in order to cause the advancement of the parts along the troughs themselves. The vibrating table further comprises at least one return trough arranged to the side of one of the feeder troughs in order to receive the parts which exit laterally from the feeder trough. The return trough can be activated with a vibrating motion which exerts, on the parts present in the return trough, an advancement action in the direction opposite to the advancement action exerted on the parts in the feeder trough.

Abstract: A vibrating separator comprises a tray which is mounted on a platform by front helical spring members and an elastic cantileverlike member has a front end fixed to the bottom of the tray and a rear end fixed to a rear rigid support mounted on the platform. An electric vibrator is mounted on the platform and connected to the bottom side of the front portion of the tray. Upon vibrating the tray, small entangled pieces are moved at a faster speed at the front part of the tray than at the rear part thereof, thereby separating the pieces and fowarding them to the front delivery end of the tray.