Abstract: An electromagnetic exciter for use in powering vibratory equipment includes a plurality of deflectable elastomeric springs in a configuration that allows the spring system to achieve a vertical non-linear spring rate increase beneficial in dual mass electromagnetic feeder and conveyor systems.

Abstract: An electromechanical exciter for use in driving a vibratory conveyor includes a non-linear spring system which provides an increase in spring force as the stroke of the electromagnet increases.

Abstract: An electromagnetic feeder comprises a movable core secured to one mass of two masses connected by a resilient member, two fixed cores secured to the other mass so that said fixed cores are positioned on opposite sides of said movable core, two exciting coils wound about said two fixed cores, and a control circuit for alternately applying a phase-controlled current to said exciting coils, the mass to which said movable core is secured being connected to the object to be vibrated.

Abstract: A distribution system including a vibratory conveyor having a number of conveyor modules to distribute bulk food products to packaging machines at user locations. The product is fed using longitudinal vibration of a product carrying tray mounted on leaf springs which resist lateral vibration. At the downstream end only of the conveyor, additional lateral vibration is induced by vibrating the base on which the leaf springs are mounted. First and second electromagnetic drives for the longitudinal and lateral vibrations are controlled by a clock pulse generator to operate in synchronism, either in phase or in anti-phase, and are controlled independently of each other as to operation and amplitude. The arrangement enables optimized distribution of fines in the bulk food product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vibration-generated movement and manipulation, such as transportation, orientation, loading or sorting of materials are provided. At least one electromagnetic coil is disposed to act in a horizontal plane, and another electromagnetic coil may be disposed to act in a vertical plane, imparting two-dimensional vibration to a generally horizontal vibratory surface. Apparatus vibrationally transports parts across a surface while concurrently orienting and sorting them. Reversibility of transport direction is also provided.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus including a vibratory feedbowl, a circuit for providing impulses, and a manually adjustable controller connected to the impulse circuit for providing a controlled conductance path to the impulse circuit to controllably vibrate the feedbowl. An improved controller includes a sensor connected to the vibratory feedbowl for providing a signal proportional to the actual amplitude of the feedbowl. A set point control provides a desired amplitude signal for the feedbowl. An automatic controller connected to the sensor and the set point control provides a control signal proportional to the difference between the desired amplitude and the actual amplitude. An override circuit connecting the automatic controller to the manually adjustable controller provides an override conductance path to the impulse circuit proportional to the control signal to vibrate the feedbowl at approximately the desired amplitude.

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: Control apparatus for a vibratory feeder has two control loops, one for controlling displacement amplitude and one for controlling displacement frequency. The two loops operate independently of each other, and use different feedback signals. The displacement amplitude control loop updates the amplitude of a continuous feeder actuator drive signal at a first predetermined rate, and the displacement frequency control loop updates the frequency of the drive signal at a second predetermined rate substantially slower than the first rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading cylindrical fuel pellets into tubular fuel rods includes pellet segregation means for detecting and segregating an undersized pellet prior to its entry into a fuel rod. The segregation means includes a pair of laterally separated guide rails adapted to support the lateral side edges of the advancing pellets, and such that a pellet of undersized diameter will drop to a level below that of the properly sized pellets. A lateral shoulder is positioned at the downstream end of the guide rails for engaging and holding any dropped pellet so that it cannot advance into the fuel rod. Also, a pellet deflecting plate is positioned at the upstream end of the guide rails, to interrupt the contact between adjacent pellets and thus assure that an undersized pellet is not carried along the guide rails by the adjacent pellets.

Abstract: A three mass, two trough feeder transfers articles on first and second troughs by vibrating the troughs. First and second leaf springs support the troughs on a base with the troughs in line with each other and with one trough overlapping the other. The ratio of the spring constant of the first leaf springs to the first trough mass equals the ratio of the spring constant of the second leaf spring to the second trough mass. An electromagnetic driver between one of the troughs and the base is excited with a signal having a frequency with an angular velocity equal to the square root of the ratio. A plurality of feeders may be positioned radially outwardly about the periphery of a conical head for distributing articles.

Abstract: A three mass vibratory conveyor including a base with an electromagnet, a tray supported on the base and a tuning weight. A first spring connecting the tray to the base, a second spring connecting the base to the tuning weight and a resilient support supporting the base to a support member. The mass of the tuning weight being adjustable to provide a system in which the base and tray are driven by the driver at a predetermined frequency and no relative motion takes place between the base and the tray.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus comprises a flexible vibrating body made of an elastic matter. The body is excited with a resonant frequency so as to produce a progressive wave. A driving vibrator is fixed to one end of the flexible vibrating body, and a receiving vibrator is fixed to the other end thereof. A mechanism is included for urging paper against the flexible vibrating body, so that when the vibrating body is excited, the paper is conveyed.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder in combination with a fuel fired furnace such as a coal fired steam generating boiler is disclosed. The vibratory feeder has a tray with a flat bottom in one embodiment and a step bottom in another and a hopper having vertical sides supported above the bottom so that the fuel in the hopper rests on the tray bottom and the vibration of the tray is transmitted into the stack of fuel thereby agitating it. The discharge end of the tray bottom directs the fuel from the feeder tray to the bladed distributor and water is directed onto the tray bottom to prevent caking of fuel on the discharge end.

Abstract: A drive and drive controller for a vibratory conveyor, wherein the drive comprises a pair of pole pieces offset along a direction of action of the drive, and moveable in the direction of action of the drive when energized by a power signal. Preferably, one of the pole pieces is mounted to a tray portion, and the other to a kinetic balancer portion, of the conveyor. The power signal comprises a series of pulse trains of controllable frequency and duration, whereby the drive unit may be vibrated at a controllable frequency and amplitude so that the vibratory conveyor may be readily tuned to optimal performance. Optionally, the voltage level of the power signal may be reduced by an autotransformer in series with the power signal to independently control the power level.

Abstract: A vibrator conveyor system, for example in the form of a circular or linear conveyor, has a reciprocating plate adapted for carrying a container, and electromagnetic oscillating armature motors for moving said plate along a primary advancement direction or vector; each motor has a stationary stator, an armature secured to the reciprocating plate, and an excitation coil driven by alternating current or pulsating direct current, the coil being disposed on a pole piece the stator, the pile piece having a stator pole surface cooperating with an armature pole surface. The reciprocating plate is elastically supported by spring elements in a manner limiting its vertical and horizontal motion. The elongated spring elements are aligned along at least a portion of the rim of the plate with equal inclination with respect to a plane containing the conveyor advancement vector, and are fastened to the plate.

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

Abstract: Mechanical resonance of the vibratory feeder is maintained by minimizing a phase angle difference between substantially sinusoidal drive voltage and current wave forms. The mass flow rate of material being fed is controlled by controlling the electrical power applied to the vibratory feeder compared with a desired electrical power computed from a desired flow rate. The preferred embodiment includes synthesized drive wave forms which are variable in frequency and amplitude in order to maintain the vibratory feeder in mechanical resonance at the desired flow rate. Resonant operation and accurate material flow are accomplished without use of electromechanical vibration sensors and control is accomplished using the magnitude and phase relationships between the applied voltage and current drive wave forms.

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: A device for moving workpieces, particularly in surface treatment plants, including a receptacle supported below an electromagnetic oscillating motor by an arbor for containing the workpieces, whereby oscillatory motions are imparted to the receptacle upon energization of the motor.

Abstract: An electrical drive circuit arrangement to control the energization of a reactive load with a high voltage including a control stage, an electrically isolating control signal transformer and an output stage including power control semiconductor devices and having an energization input for a high voltage electrical supply and an output for the connection of a reactive load, the high voltage being prevented from reaching the control stage via the input of the output stage by the isolating transformer, the control stage including a noise-resistant guard responsive to circuit condition signals to permit or prevent generation of the control signal, the transformer restricting the signal to the output stage to a permitted control signal and the output stage generating a protection signal on a current surge in a connected reactive load, the protection signal being a potential low enough for direct application to the control stage without the need for isolating transfer to protect against the high voltage reaching th

Abstract: A dynamically balanced vibratory feeder system having a material handling component and a counterweighting component, the two components being drivingly interconnected and driven in opposed relative directions in a balanced fashion. The material handling component includes an elongated platform formed to accommodate a material conveying trough. The counterweighting component includes a rigid plate and a balancing counterweight secured to the plate and located between the elongated platform and the plate. The material handling and counterweighting components are periodically driven in opposed relative directions by an electromagnet driver which includes a driving portion and a driven portion. The driving portion is essentially isolated from the reciprocal movement of the material handling and counterweighting components, while the driven portion is connected to drive the material handling and counterweighting components.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder employs a three mass system instead of the conventional two mass system to reduce the amount of power to operate the feeder. A base assembly having an armature formed thereon is positioned adjacent an electromagnet. The electromagnet is mounted to the base assembly by a leaf spring system, and a trough assembly is connected to the base assembly by a plurality of leaf springs. The electromagnet forms one mass of the three mass system; the armature and base assembly form a second mass; and the trough assembly forms a third mass. The phase of vibration of the armature relative to the vibration of the electromagnet can be regulated by adjusting the mass of the trough assembly and/or by adjusting the spring rate of the trough springs. The correct choice of mass and of spring rate causes the armature and the electromagnet to vibrate in phase with each other and reduces the mean length of air gap required between the armature and the electromagnet.

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 material dispensing apparatus including drive structure for driving a feeder bowl is disclosed. A control circuit for controlling the drive includes a Hall effect amplitude sensing transducer for monitoring the magnitude of bowl vibrations and a braking circuit for controlling the damping of vibratory motion after the requisite amount of material has been fed from the feeder bowl. The braking circuit selectively reverses the current flow through a drive coil which comprises a portion of the drive circuitry of the apparatus. This current reversal disrupts the rhythm of forced oscillations which feed material from the bowl and causes bowl motion to be damped. A mechanical brake coupled to the bowl complements the braking action of braking circuit and locks the bowl in place to prevent accidental dispensing of parts.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus including drive structure for driving a feeder bowl is disclosed. A control circuit for controlling the drive includes a Hall effect amplitude sensing transducer for monitoring the magnitude of bowl vibrations and a braking circuit for controlling the damping of vibratory motion after the requisite amount of material has been fed from the feeder bowl. The braking circuit selectively reverses the current flow through a drive coil which comprises a portion of the drive circuitry of the apparatus. This current reversal disrupts the rhythm of forced oscillations which feed material from the bowl and causes bowl motion to be damped.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling a vibratory bowl feeder which is effective to maintain, for varying feeder loads, a constant preselected amplitude of bowl feeder vibration at a vibratory frequency which coincides with the changing mechanical resonant frequency of the feeder system. The control unit includes a sensor which detects the amplitude and frequency of feeder bowl vibration, a frequency control loop and an amplitude control loop. The frequency control loop is responsive to the detected frequency of vibration and provides an oscillating signal which coincides with the resonant frequency of the system. The amplitude control loop is responsive to the detected amplitude of vibration and includes a variable gain amplifier which amplifies the oscillating signal to provide a feeder driving signal which causes the feeder to vibrate at the system resonant frequency at a preselected amplitude.

Abstract: A dynamically balanced vibratory conveyor system for conveying or feeding particulate material. The system comprises a horizontal trough, a counterweighting frame positioned adjacent to and generally coextensive with the trough, and a plurality of spaced, resilient elements interconnecting the trough and the frame. A driving device is connected between the trough and the frame to drive both the trough and the frame in reciprocating movement in opposed relative directions. The entire system is supported by a pair of trunnions or similar means which is connected to the resilient elements at a vibrationally neutral position so that practically no vibration is transmitted to the structure which supports the system.

Abstract: In a system for dispensing weighed or counted articles, articles are fed from a supply hopper by a vibratory conveyor to maintain a controlled level of articles in a bowl-shaped feeder hopper. In a weigher embodiment, articles are initially discharged from the feeder hopper through two discharge openings into an accumulator bucket. A weighing unit monitors the weight of articles in the bucket and signals a door to close one of the discharge openings as the weight of articles in the bucket begins to approach a predetermined weight. The weighing unit subsequently signals the feeder hopper drive to slow its feeding action as the weight of articles in the bucket more closely approaches the predetermined weight. The feeder hopper discharge openings are arranged near each other at locations where the door-controlled opening will provide a rapid, bulk feed of articles, while the other opening will provide a single-file trickle feed.

Abstract: A vibratory cleaning apparatus applies ultrasonic energy to component parts or workpieces directly resting on a vibrator surface. The surface forms part of a conveying arrangement that moves the parts as they are cleaned. Conveyance of the parts during their vibratory cleaning provides control of the time of cleaning. In various embodiments, the conveying arrangement can be an inclined plate or surface which is the vibration imparting member, an endless conveyor through which vibrations are conducted, or a wiper driven across a vibratory plate to move the workpieces thereon. The cleaning apparatus is suitable for large scale cleaning of production line parts or individual work bench application. In preferred embodiments, a further conveying arrangement automatically delivers the parts from the bath in which the ultrasonic transducer is located.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibrator that is resonant at a frequency below one third of the frequency of an alternating current power source is driven by a linear electromagnetic motor, the airgap of which varies with the vibration of the vibrator, in which motor current flow from the power source is established during the first half cycle of the power line voltage that occurs after the airgap is a maximum, is maintained independently of the power source during at least a major portion of the next half cycle, and is reduced to zero during the next following half cycle of power source voltage. Preferably two electromagnetic motors are employed, one for each direction of relative motion between the vibrator parts.