Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has a set of vertical leaf springs connecting the conveyor trough to a vibratory frame, and a set of horizontal leaf springs connecting the vibratory frame to a stationary frame. The leaf springs amplify the motion initiated by a reversible motor, and the net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the leaf springs.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor employing an amplitude compensator to substantially impede the conveyor bed from moving beyond a given range of vibration amplitude is described. The amplitude compensator coacts with the conveyor bed as the vibrational amplitude of the bed increases in response to an increase in the mass of conveyed product, or to an increase in the vibrational force produced by the vibratory drive to impede or substantially eliminate premature wear or mechanical failure of leaf springs which support the bed.

Abstract: A conveyor tray is yieldably mounted on a table base and during table operation conveys articles therealong by vibratory motion. A base supports an electric motor for driving a power output shaft journalled on the base. Eccentrics mounted on the power output shaft impart orbital motion to bearing housings each mounted on a flexible connector plate. The upper ends of the connector plates are coupled to the table tray and impart arcuate motion to the tray. The connector plates are of fiberglass reinforced material with each plate supporting a bearing housing with an eccentric. Plates in place on each connector plate are detachably mounted to vary vibratory tray travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sorting apparatuses and sorting methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a sorting apparatus includes an intake section configured to receive plural articles to be sorted; an exhaust section located downstream of the intake section; and an air manifold adjacent the intake section and positioned to emit an air stream in a generally downstream direction and wherein the articles move in a given direction of movement, and the emitted air stream sorts at least some articles from remaining articles and directs the at least some articles in the downstream direction from the intake section to the exhaust section.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor 10, 80, 90, 100 includes a tray 12 which is driven in a forward direction at a slow speed and a backward direction at a higher speed to slide goods with respect to the tray and thereby move goods along the tray. The drive motor 26, 27 powers the tray in the forward and backward directions through a drive shaft 40 and a tray crank 66, 106 interconnecting the drive shaft and the tray. Controller 84 is provided for varying the rotational speed of the motor shaft, thereby avoiding mechanical knock in the drive system. In another embodiment, a pair of counterweights 52, 62 are provided on opposing sides of the drive shaft 40, with respective counterweight cranks 46, 56 initiating forward movement of each counterweight at a preselected offset angular position with respect to forward movement of the tray.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor assembly including a material transporting trough driven by oscillating motion which imparts a force causing materials located in the trough to be advanced. The conveyor includes a continuous, unitary saddle plate attached about the trough perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trough. Actuators are coupled to the saddle plate which imparts the oscillating force to the trough.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus comprises weighing receptacles (5), a distributing device (1) for distributing products to be supplied, a feeding device (2) for feeding the products from the distributing device (1) to a respective one of the weighing receptacles (5), a driving device (3) for oscillating the feeding device (2) and a coupling device (4) for detachably coupling the feeding device (2) to the driving device (3) with a first coupling piece (12) and a second coupling piece (8), a slide (23) which is displaceably connected to the first coupling piece (12), one of the coupling pieces (8, 12) being connected with the feeding device (2) and the other coupling piece (12, 8) being connected to the driving device (3), a tension member (33) connected to the slide (23) for displacing the slide (23) along a displacement direction from a first position into a second position in which the slide (23) can be locked against displacement into the first position, a support bolt (19) having a shaft (20) and a head

Abstract: An orientation parts feeder for successively feeding parts wherein each part has an irregular cross section. The feeder includes a rotating drum supported for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. The drum has on its inner cylindrical surface a plurality of circumferentially spaced wing plates, a transfer chute having a longitudinal parts guide channel, and a first and a second incorrectly-oriented-parts discriminating and removing mechanism disposed in succession on a downstream end portion of the parts guide channel. The first incorrectly-oriented-parts discriminating and removing mechanism has a response time which is shorter than that of the second incorrectly-oriented-parts discriminating and removing mechanism. The feeder is able to remove parts having undesirable postures with sufficient reliability and stability to ensure a high speed conveyance of the parts.

Abstract: A balanced vibration generator (1) for resonance-amplified operation of a machine or equipment (20) comprises at least one set of counter-oscillating masses (4, 16, 20) suspended in a spring system (3) in which the resonance springs are helical springs which also support the masses. The generator comprises a built-in, balanced drive system (6, 7, 8). The generator is suspended in securing elements (10, 11) which comprise special, adjustable securing elements (9) which are in engagement with the resonance springs (3) and arranged in such a manner that the resonance springs, when turned around their longitudinal axes (14), can change spring lengths.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor 10, 80, 90, 100 includes a tray 12 which is driven in a forward direction at a slow speed and a backward direction at a higher speed to slide goods with respect to the tray and thereby move goods along the tray. The drive motor 26, 27 powers the tray in the forward and backward directions through a drive shaft 40 and a tray crank 66, 106 interconnecting the drive shaft and the tray. Controller 84 is provided for varying the rotational speed of the motor shaft, thereby avoiding mechanical knock in the drive system. In another embodiment, a pair of counterweights 52, 62 are provided on opposing sides of the drive shaft 40, with respective counterweight cranks 46, 56 initiating forward movement of each counterweight at a preselected offset angular position with respect to forward movement of the tray.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus for use with associated vibratory conveyance equipment includes a pair of counter-rotating shafts respectively carrying counter-rotating eccentrically mounted weights for generating vibratory forces attendant to counter-rotation of the shafts. Economical manufacture of the apparatus is promoted by providing a toothed belt drive for effecting counter-shaft rotation, with externally-mounted bearing assemblies provided to facilitate periodic bearing maintenance. A housing of the apparatus is configured as a fabricated composite beam assembly to promote economical manufacture, and mounting and integration of the vibratory apparatus with associated vibratory feed equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for retrofitting traditional derrick motor vibrators. In particular, an off-center shaft rotates, shaking a bed in an oscillatory manner. An apparatus of the present invention may be advantageously used to retrofit known shale shakers, achieving significant savings in the cost of repair.

Abstract: A vibratory drive system for a vibratory conveyor apparatus is operable to selectively vary the displacement of the drive system between zero and a maximum displacement while the drive system is operating imparting a vibratory conveying force to the conveyor apparatus. A vibratory conveyor apparatus having a vibratory drive system operable to vary the displacement of the drive system and, therefore, the displacement imparted to the vibratory apparatus between zero and a maximum displacement, while the drive system is operating imparting a conveying force to the conveyor apparatus.

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: The multiple-channel vibrating feeding table includes a table provided with a plurality of mutually adjacent troughs which define the channels for conveying loose parts, motor element for vibrating the table, and elements for connecting each of the troughs to the motor elements, the connecting elements being individually actuatable in order to vibrate only selected trough or troughs.

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 linear vibratory feeder having a base, an overlying track support plate and a counterweight with an internal structure between the base and support plate and a pair of outer side plates secured to each of a plurality of separate, longitudinally spaced parts of the internal structure. A first pair of vertical, relatively flexible, flat leaf springs extend between the base and internal structure and a second pair of generally upright but slightly inclined, flat leaf springs extend between the internal structure and support plate. The first and second pairs of leaf springs are mounted in overlapping relationship to provide a low profile feeder and a short moment arm between the centers of gravity of the upper support plate assembly and counterweight.

Abstract: The multiple-channel vibrating feeding table includes a table provided with a plurality of mutually adjacent troughs which define the channels for conveying loose parts, motor element for vibrating the table, and elements for connecting each of the troughs to the motor elements, the connecting elements being individually actuatable in order to vibrate only selected trough or troughs.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus and methods employ a continuously vibrating element and a plurality of longitudinally aligned, overlapping, inclined conveyor pans, each of which has its own independently operable discharge gate. Material may be moved by the conveyor from a source to one or more material discharge destinations by selectively coupling and uncoupling predetermined conveyor pans to the continuously vibrating element. When not coupled to the continuously vibrating element, the conveyor pans are at rest in motionless isolation from the pans that are vibrating.

Abstract: An inertial-type conveyor system for the moving of articles from one position to another, the system having minimal detrimental vibrations. During a forward stroke of a tray of the system, the tray moves at a first acceleration whereby the frictional contact between the articles and the tray moves the articles in the same direction as the tray. Then during a return stroke, of an equal distance, the tray moves at a second acceleration generally greater than the first acceleration such that the articles continue to move by inertia on the tray while the tray is moving backward. In the preferred embodiment, the system is provided with a counterweight system having a counterweight element that moves in an opposite direction to the direction of motion of the tray to offset the reaction force produced by the moving tray.

Abstract: A method of operating a magnetically driven vibrating conveyor under different conveying loads with a constant excitation frequency. The natural frequency of the conveyor is set without a conveying load so that with a load the natural frequency of the conveyor approaches the operating frequency of the conveyor with increasing attenuation and, with a maximum load of material to be conveyed, the natural frequency of the conveyor is approximately equal to the excitation frequency of the dual mass vibratory system. Additionally, the vibration amplitude of the dual masses of the magnetic drive is regulated to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the material-carrying member is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the material-carrying member. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the material-carrying member to the other.

Abstract: In a vibratory parts feeder, an output power of an inverter supplying AC voltage to each vibration generator (electric power supplied to the vibration generator) or input power to the inverter is controlled so as to reach the maximum during the feeding operation so that the operational frequency is automatically adjusted to the resonant frequency. That is, upon increase or decrease of the operational frequency at predetermined intervals, the value of power supplied to each vibration generator or the inverter input power is obtained. The obtained value is compared with the last obtained value whose data is stored in a storage.

Abstract: An inertial-type conveyor system for the moving of articles from one position to another, the system having minimal detrimental vibrations. During a forward stroke of a tray of the system, the tray moves at an acceleration less than that required to overcome the frictional contact between the articles and the tray. Then during a return stroke, of an equal distance, the tray moves at an acceleration sufficiently greater such that the articles continue to move by inertia while the tray is moving backward. In the preferred embodiment, the system is provided with a counterweight mechanism having a counterweight that moves in an opposite direction to the direction of motion of the tray to offset the reaction force produced by the moving tray. Elimination of undesirable vibrations is achieved through the use of the counterweight and by having the tray and counterweight to be substantially the same mass and have substantially the same center of gravity.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an article having opposed ends at least one of which is flat and an irregular surfaced body portion between the ends so that the article can stably rest on the flat end including feeding one or more of such articles to a substantially horizontal support surface in random orientation and imparting a simultaneous back-and-forth and side-to-side motion on the surface with the resulting forces on each article created by such motion causing each article to seek a stable position bringing each article to rest on the flat end of the article.

Abstract: A pick and place machine having an electronic component feed device is described. The feed device feeds electronic components to various pick up locations with such high positional accuracy that alignment jaws on the pick up head are not necessary. Elevated tracks run parallel to a printed circuit board conveyor belt. These elevated tracks support an arm which in turn supports the electronic component pick up head. The feed device is positioned under the elevated tracks so that an operator can replenish the supply of electronic components in the feed device without reaching over the tract.

Abstract: Mass balance for a screen oscillating drive is provided mounting the eccentric or crankshaft assembly on extensions of the links supporting the working frame. The axis of the suspended mass m.sub.2 is spaced by a distance a.sub.2 from the pivot of the links to the base frame such that the product m.sub.2.a.sub.2, is substantially equal to the product m.sub.1.a.sub.1 where a.sub.1 is the distance between the pivot of the link to the base frame and the pivot of the links to the working frame and m.sub.1 is the mass of the working frame. The axis of the suspended mass m.sub.2 intersects the centerline of the links in the median position thereof at a normal to this centerline connecting the latter axis and the center of mass of the working frame as seen in side view.

Abstract: The invention is a single component development system including a housing with a sump containing a supply of toner, an ultrasonic transducer having one end extending into the source of the toner and the other end disposed adjacent a photoreceptor, and a current source electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer to charge the toner and move the toner from the sump to the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A parts feeding apparatus of the piezoelectric drive type consists of a base, a plurality of bimorph cell assemblies each including a leaf spring the lower end of which is fixed to the base and two piezoelectric elements each fixed on respective sides of each leaf spring to vibrate each leaf spring when AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements, and a conveyor connected with the lower end of each connecting member. Furthermore, the upper end of each bimorph cell assembly is connected with the lower end of each connecting member so that the vibration of each bimorph cell assembly is transmitted to the conveyor to feed articles placed on it. Each connecting member has lower bending stiffness than each leaf spring by forming one or more semicircular cut-out portions in it or selecting its thickness or its material so that an external force acting on each piezoelectric element in vibration is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and discharging pressed products or similar items from a press. The apparatus has a discharging trough which can be mounted on a portion of the body of the press, and a reciprocating member for causing a reciprocatory motion of the discharging trough. The reciprocating member is driven by a driving mechanism so as to make such an action that a difference exists between the forward moving speed and the backward moving speed, thereby allowing the discharge of the pressed products or similar items along the discharging trough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the separation and classification of tobacco into two fractions, e.g., into heavies and lights. A stream of fluid is employed to produce a stratified bed of the tobacco, preferably in cooperation with vibration of the tobacco, in which the tobacco is supported by the fluid and is stratified as a function of particle size, density and weight. The stream entrains the tobacco particles located at the top of the stratified bed and removes them to a suitable receptacle, where they are received and collected.

Abstract: Linear vibratory motion is imparted to two mutually opposite plates, which are connected to each other. As a result, conveying impulses are applied to solid particles. To permit chemical or physical processes to be carried out with fluids flowing in cocurrent or countercurrent streams and to effect a transfer of material or heat at a high rate during the vibratory conveyance or to disintegrate or compact the solid particles, conveying pulses are imparted to the particles by both plates and the solids occupy in a state of rest only part of the free space between the two plates.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the conveyor is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the conveyor. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the trough to the other.

Abstract: Method and equipment for compacting of concrete mix when concrete products are being cast by means of a continuous method. The concrete mix is carried from the feeder device (4) forwards by means of an endless transfer unit. The compression required for the compacting of the concrete mix is produced by means of a roll (1) pressed against the transfer face (2). The compression is directed at the concrete mix by the intermediate of rigid plates (2) of a caterpillar band constituting the transfer unit, which plates are pressed against the concrete mix by means of two or more support rolls (1).

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the rate of discharge of material from the feed pan of a material feeder includes an eccentric drive mechanism operatively connected to the pan to reciprocate it, and a linkage connected to the pan-reciprocating mechanism to vary the effective throw of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Shredded tobacco is supplied from a storage reservoir to one or more cigarette making machines by way of discrete pneumatic conveying pipes. The reservoir receives fresh tobacco at regular or irregular intervals so that the quantity of tobacco in its interior is constant. The contents of the reservoir are maintained in suspension so that at least the major part of the supply of tobacco shreds forms a fluidized bed which is located directly below the intakes of the conveying pipes. When a machine requires a batch of tobacco shreds, the respective pipe is connected to a suction generating device so that it draws air from the region between the underside of the fluidized bed and the upper side of the bottom wall of the reservoir whereby the ascending current of air entrains tobacco particles directly from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor composed of a plurality of parallel vibratory conveying troughs for transporting fragile articles, the troughs being driven by a conveyor drive composed of a rotatable drive shaft and at least one group of at least four drive elements each connected to undergo oscillatory movement in response to rotation of the drive shaft. Each trough is connected to a respective drive element to undergo vibratory movement in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The drive elements of the group are arranged in two equal subgroups bearing a mirror image configuration to one another relative to a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and the drive elements of each subgroup are connected to the drive shaft in such a manner that their respective oscillatory movements are uniformly offset in phase from one another.

Abstract: An elongate eccentric shaft formed from a cylindrical billet has cylindrical bearing sections at its opposite ends, a cylindrical center section, and cylindrical coupling sections outboard of and eccentric to the center section. The cylindrical sections are of uniform diameter, the bearing and center sections have coincident longitudinal axes, and the longitudinal axes of the coupling sections are coincident with one another and offset from the axes of the other sections. Adjacent each coupling section is an elliptical section having a major axis the length of which is no greater than the diameter of the cylindrical sections and a minor axis the length of which is less than that of the major axis by an amount corresponding to one-half the offset of the aforementioned longitudinal axes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the conveyor is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the conveyor. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the trough to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for expediting the carding of jewelry items comprising piercing posts and clutches, such as pierced earrings and the like, particularly where a plurality of pairs of earrings are mounted on a single card. The clutches are vibrated into apertures in a plate member in proper orientation to receive the posts, with the alignment of said apertures registering with openings in the card, whereby when the card is properly positioned on the plate and the posts inserted through the card openings, the posts will frictionally engage the clutches.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor has a continuous trough that extends over one or more linear drive units. Each drive unit has an elongated base that extends longitudinally of the conveyor. The base is resiliently mounted to a fixed support. A trough support is disposed parallel to the base. A driver is arranged to move the trough support longitudinally of the conveyor and relative to the base. A plurality of leaf springs extend in an at rest position generally perpendicular to the direction of linear drive, longitudinally of the conveyor. These leaf springs interconnect the base and the trough support at longitudinally spaced locations. The base and the trough support are disposed laterally of each other in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the leaf springs are mounted for pivotal movement about axes extending laterally of the conveyor between the base and the trough support. Such movement adjusts the transverse angle of inclination between one side of the leaf spring and a vertical line.

Abstract: A shaker conveyor is operated by a drive mechanism using rotary motion converted to reciprocating motion by an eccentric, which provides for a shaker conveyor driven by a compact drive system.

Abstract: Vibrating surface apparatus comprising a base member, vibratory motion producing member, a first spring coupling the vibratory motion producing member to the base member; a first surface adapted to be vibrated; a second spring coupling said surface to the vibratory motion producing member; and a third spring coupling the surface to the base member.

Abstract: An excited frame, vibratory conveying apparatus is described for efficiently conveying particulate material. The apparatus has an elongated conveying member mounted by beam springs on an excited frame means. The excited frame means has a balanced vibratory drive means for vibrating the excited frame along a line of force that passes through the center of mass of the apparatus and preferably through the center of masses of conveying member and the excited frame means. The ratio of the weight of the conveying member to the weight of the excited frame means should be between 1.5 and 3.5 and preferably between 2.5 and 3.5. Such an arrangement provides for minimum transmission of vibration both horizontal and vertical into the stationary supporting structure and further minimizes rocking motion.

Abstract: A vertical helical conveyor for conveying radioactive materials submerged in water to a discharge point above the surface of the water. The conveyor is partially immersed in the water and consists of a helical fin fixed between an inner vertical shaft and an outer vertical tube. Helical vibratory motion is applied to the inner shaft to convey the waste material upwardly through the water to a discharge port above the surface of the water. A ferrule extends the lower end of the tube beyond the lower end of the shaft to define a space below the lower end of the helical fin. A compressed air pipe is located inside the shaft and extends from a point above the surface of the water to a point just below the closed end of the shaft into the space defined by the ferrule. Supplied to the upper end of the air pipe is compressed air of just sufficient pressure to form and maintain in the space an air cushion in the form of a bubble.

Abstract: In an apparatus in which cylindrical articles violently collide with one another as they roll down on the inclined skid rails, from the inlet to the outlet thereof, a control rail covered thick with a soft and elastic foamed substance is located. The control rail is positioned side by side in parallel to the skid rails, and frequently reciprocated vertically to brake the articles as they move downwards over the skid rails so that the maximum rolling speed is sufficiently reduced for restricting the noise of collision below an allowable level.

Abstract: In a warehouse setup, individual items of goods are moved onto and off of storage shelves on a rack by a vibrating action. A movable carriage supporting a vibrator is positionable at the ends of a storage shelf so that the vibrator can be placed in engagement with a particular shelf. The shelves are movably supported relative to the rack whereby the vibrating action is directed to the shelf but not to the rack.

Abstract: A shaker conveyor is disclosed which includes a conveyor trough supported for reciprocating movement and having drive means including a pull rod adapted to effect reciprocating movement of the conveyor in a manner to advance discrete particles therealong. The conveyor trough has a resiliently mounted discharge end adapted to withstand forces which might otherwise tend to damage the trough and pull rod, and the pull rod is adapted to undergo axial foreshortening when subjected to predetermined axial loading so as to prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with a shaker conveyor to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of a conveyor trough is disclosed, the drive mechanism including a flywheel mounted for driving rotation about its center axis and connected to a slide block longitudinally movable along a lever arm mounted for pivotal movement in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the flywheel. The slide block is connected to the flywheel eccentric to its axis of rotation and the lever arm is connected to the conveyor trough so that constant speed rotation of the flywheel effects reciprocating movement of the conveyor trough in a manner to advance particulate material along the trough.