Abstract: Dispensing and live inventory management system and methods are disclosed. A shelf for items has bins each with an associated sensor. A processor receives a detection signal from the sensor which indicates placement or removal an item(s) from an associated bin. An entry device sends an entered request for placement or removal of items to the processor, and an indicator strip has lights which uniquely identify each one of the bins when lit. The processor has information relating to which bin each subset of lights is associated, and causes activation of a subset of lights associated with a bin of the item(s) in the request and records in memory a type of action, a timestamp and a quantity of the item(s) placed or removed from the bin having the subset of lights lit and indicated in the detection signal subsequently received from the sensor of the associated bin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a goods to operator workstation for presenting a container of articles to an operator for picking. The goods to operator workstation includes a container presenting mechanism having laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from each other to create a first space to receive and present the container to the operator for picking. A lifting unit moves vertically upwards into the first space to receive the picked container, the laterally movable arms move outwardly away from each other to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other, and the lifting unit moves vertically downwards through the at least two laterally movable arms to transfer the picked container onto the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A wire electrical discharge machining system allows a wire electrical discharge machining device and a robot to operate in conjunction with each other with high efficiency. A wire electrical discharge machining system 1 includes wire electrical discharge machining devices 7, 11, and 15, and a robot unit 17 that mounts a workpiece on the wire electrical discharge machining device. The wire electrical discharge machining devices 7, 11, and 15 may each perform either rough machining with supported cores or finishing machining after the cores are removed. Subsequently, core processing may be performed by a corresponding dedicated apparatus. Also, the core processing may be performed by a single common apparatus. The robot unit 17 mounts and collects the workpiece so as to allow these wire electrical discharge machining apparatuses to effectively operate, thereby providing wire electrical discharge machining with improved efficiency for the overall system.

Abstract: A transport attachment (1) for a plate conveyor (100; 200) for conveying material includes a transport plate (50) for conveying the material on a transport surface (10) of the transport plate (50). A connection device (40) has a fastening element (42) for fastening the transport attachment (1) to a driven traction element (150) of the plate conveyor (100; 200). At least one lateral supporting surface (41) is used for laterally supporting the transport attachment (1) in a curve of the plate conveyor (100; 200).

Abstract: A method of at least partially forming a carton includes obtaining a blank comprising at least one fold line, heating an interior surface of the blank along the at least one fold line to form a heated fold line, and folding the blank about the heated fold line.

Abstract: In one example, a media support includes a platen and multiple suctions cups embedded in or an integral part of the platen. Some of the suction cups are arranged in a first part having a first density and some of the suction cups arrange in a second part having a second density less than the first density.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimization of a production of frozen ice cream products, such as extruded edible ice cream products, from a freezing system comprising a freezing apparatus, comprising recording one or more properties of the production, such as one or more measured values related to the freezing system during the production process, and using the one or more recorded properties for controlling one or more operational parameters of the freezing system. The method also involves conveying pre-products to be frozen into the freezing apparatus, cooling the pre-products to form frozen products inside the freezing apparatus, conveying the frozen products out of the freezing apparatus measuring one or more surface temperatures of frozen products leaving the freezing apparatus, and using the one or more measured surface temperatures for controlling one or more operational parameters of the freezing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for transporting freight articles in a ground or rail haul operations comprises a hollow housing including four corner sections, side walls, two center sections defining four openings each disposed between one edge of a center section and an edge of a respective corner section, a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the two center portions are manufactured from see through or clear material. A door is mounted to selectively open and close a respective opening and swinging outwardly and towards a respective corner portion to selectively open the respective opening. Two channels are provided in the bottom portion, each in open communication with opposite sides of the bottom portion. Four feet or wheels are mounted on the bottom portion. Four receptacles are provided in the top portion, each sized and shaped to receive a foot therewithin.

Abstract: A packaging machine is disclosed for packing cartons with beverage cans in two overlaying layers. The packaging machine has a selector flight, a can flight, and a carton flight, all synchronously movable. A single infeed assembly directs first groups of cans into selector bays on the selector flight, sweeps them into adjacent can bays, and directs second groups of cans into the same selector bays, all on the same level. The selector flight and the second groups of cans then ramps up to an elevated level, from where the second groups of cans are swept into the adjacent can bays atop the first groups of cans. The thus staged cans are pushed into open cartons on the carton flight.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly insertable within a conveying system including a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a parallel lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A first diverging sidewall gradually converges parcels toward the center of the conveyor. An inwardly directed offset extends from a first diverging sidewall to a second lateral sidewall for shifting parcels inwardly toward a second lateral sidewall. A raised high friction conveying surface or rail belt extends along an outer edge of the low friction conveyor. At least a portion of the high friction belt is raised above the surface of the adjacent conveying surface in flow communication with the low friction conveying surface. Parcels contacting the high friction belt are prevented from shifting over toward the sidewall and parcels having a center of gravity outside the tipover point fall over the belt onto a recirculation conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects along a conveyor track. The transport device comprises a drive system having at least two stationary stator elements spaced apart from one another, which interact with a rotor element that is arranged on a transport element that is suitable for receiving at least one object and can be moved along the conveyor track. A distance between the stator elements ran a direction parallel to the conveyor track is shorter than the longitudinal extension of the rotor element.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a frame, a conveying path, a curved path, an endless traction element, a plurality of conveying tables and a table guide. The conveying path is formed in the frame so as to circulate by the curved path at which the conveying direction of the conveying path is changed. The endless traction element is disposed along the conveying path in a freely traveling manner and includes a plurality of connecting pins disposed at a predetermined interval. The conveying table has a cylindrical shape and a hole formed through the conveying table at a position eccentric from the center of the conveying table in which the connecting pin is inserted. The conveying tables are rotatably connected to the endless traction element by the connecting pins. The table guide is configured to guide the conveying table traveling on the curved path to move outwardly.

Abstract: A blow moulding machine for blow moulding a container having an integrally formed handle; said container blow moulded from a previously injection moulded preform; said preform comprising a body portion and said integrally formed handle; said machine including a preform loading station at which said preform is oriented by a preform orienting apparatus.

Abstract: A chain driven by two sprockets spaced a short distance apart along their common axial centerline. The chain includes elongated pins that extend beyond the outer surfaces of the chain link plates, on both sides, by a distance about equal to the width of the spaced apart sprockets. The chain is aligned midway between the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth drive on the extended portion of the chain pins. Where a flight is attached to the chain links, the pins are extended still further, to fit into the indentations or holes in the flights. This provides an exposed length of each pin in alignment with the sprocket on each side for driving purposes. The chain has a piece extending between the plates to reduce the likelihood of a pin extending further outside of one side plate or the other. A shoulder on the pin further reduces the likelihood of this happening.

Abstract: A vehicle pulling device, a system for passing a vehicle in two modes, and an inspection system for scanning a vehicle by radiation are disclosed. The vehicle pulling device comprises a movable chassis disposed in a travel passage for a vehicle and being movable in a first direction; and a support beam disposed to the movable chassis and being rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support beam is located substantially in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, such that wheels of the vehicle are interacted with the support beam of the vehicle pulling device so that the vehicle is pulled to pass through the travel passage; and in the second position, the support beam is located substantially parallel to the first direction such that the wheels of the vehicle are not interacted with the support beam of the vehicle pulling device so that the vehicle travels by oneself to pass through the travel passage.

Abstract: A system and method for providing adhesive to a pre-formed blister tray having shoulders and recesses between the shoulders, the system having at least one pallet, each pallet of the at least one pallet having with holes to accommodate recesses within the blister tray and support for the shoulders of the blister tray; a pallet loading station for loading the pallet with the pre-formed blister tray; a printer unit for printing adhesive to the shoulders of the blister tray; a drying station for drying the adhesive; and an unloading station for unloading blister trays with adhesive printed on the shoulders thereof. Further a pallet for use in the system.

Abstract: A method and device for handling packs or similar unit loads in a packaging plant where packs exiting from a packaging machine are distributed and in the process optionally rotated and palletized in a palletizer, wherein distribution, rotation and palletizing are performed essentially continuously and directly consecutively from the packaging machine to the palletizer.

Abstract: A transport- and drying line for individual articles, a grouped plurality of articles and/or a plurality of articles transported in a row and/or side by side, the articles at least partially showing humidity and/or liquid drops on their outer surface. The articles are each standing on a link conveyor in an airflow of drying air. A support plane is at least partially permeable for the drying air flow and flow conducting surfaces are arranged at the lower surface of the support plane for the drainage of the humid drying air carrying the liquid removed from the articles to be dried. A method for transporting and drying of individual articles, a grouped plurality of articles and/or a plurality of articles transported in a row and/or side by side whereby the articles at least partially show humidity and/or liquid drops on their outer surface.

Abstract: A carriage for high magnetic field environments includes a plurality of work-piece separators disposed in an operable relationship with a work-piece processing magnet having a magnetic field strength of at least 1 Tesla for supporting and separating a plurality of work-pieces by a preselected, essentially equal spacing, so that, as a first work-piece is inserted into the magnetic field, a second work-piece is simultaneously withdrawn from the magnetic field, so that an attractive magnetic force imparted on the first work-piece offsets a resistive magnetic force imparted on the second work-piece.

Abstract: A mobile screening device for the screening of soil and other materials has a chassis (1), which is carried by at least one wheel (1.1) or a similar member, and a screen frame (2), which is carried by the chassis (1) and which includes at least one screen (5) that is supplied with material to be screened. The screen frame (2) is pivotable around a primarily vertical turning axis (7) in relation to the chassis (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container.

Abstract: A carrier member configured to convey one or more webs and to receive a discrete absorbent article from a transfer assembly is disclosed. The transfer assembly comprises a transfer member having a transfer surface. The transfer surface is configured to engage the discrete article. The carrier member comprises a body and a resilient member positioned on the body. The resilient member has a Shore A hardness of between about 20 and about 50.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system comprising a circumferentially closed transport section (2) that has a plurality of section parts, wherein the section parts comprise linear section parts (3) and curved section parts (4), wherein at least one of the curved section parts (4) has a U-shaped curve section (40) that defines a 180° deflection, at least one runner (7) that can be moved along the transport section (2) in order to transport objects, and a lock device (5) that is arranged between the U-shaped curve section (40) and adjacent section parts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line furnace includes a continuous conveyor configured to hold wafers at an angle relative to ground. The conveyor may have fixedly integrated wafer retainers configured to hold the wafers in slots. The conveyor may be formed by several segments that are joined together. Each of the segments may include a base and a set of wafer retainers formed thereon. The conveyor may be driven to move the wafers through a chamber of the furnace, where the wafers are thermally processed.

Abstract: A conveyor system pallet is provided, having: a pallet body; and a guiding system operatively attached to the pallet body and designed to abut against at least one side rail of a conveyor system, the guiding system including: a plurality of first directional guides; and a plurality of second directional guides oriented approximately orthogonally to the first directional guides. A further guiding system for a conveyor pallet is provided, having: a plurality of first directional guides having: a plurality of guides designed to abut against a first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of guides designed to abut against a second side rail located above the first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of second directional guides designed to engage an underside of the first side rail.

Abstract: A device and a method provide for the non-destructive simulation or reproduction of driving situations involving collisions and/or near-collisions between a test vehicle and a target object, while testing driver assistance systems or anticipatory vehicle sensor systems of the test vehicle. The target object is moved along a guide rope, for example by a drive rope. If a load exceeds a threshold value during a collision of the test vehicle with the target object, then the target object decouples from the guide rope.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material feeder system and method of use. The present invention relates particularly to a particulate feeder system that includes, among other features, one or more: feeder assemblies for advancing material that incorporate a spool having a channel disposed within its outer circumference for advancing material, the spool having a plurality of circumferentially spaced contours configured so as to not form transverse barriers within the channel; motors configured to connect to the feeder assemblies; and scales for weighing advanced material. The system also includes a computer in communication with the one or more motors and scales, and capable of performing operations to advance a predetermined material weight as well as various related operations. The invention also includes a method using the above.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A work inspector and carrier includes a carrier unit (40, 50, 60) for carrying a workpiece from a carry-in area to a carry-out area, and an inspection unit (70) for performing a predetermined inspection on the workpiece. The carrier unit is formed so as to move the inspection unit (70) together with the workpiece in order to carry the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area while performing the inspection by the inspection unit. When carrying the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area, the inspection unit performs the predetermined inspection on the workpiece while being moved together with the workpiece. Thus, the overall time required for inspection and transportation can be reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a series of article-handling machines, comprising: a common first rotating element rotatable about an axis; characterized in that each article-handling machine comprises a carousel for conveying a plurality of articles along a path and a first connecting element which is angularly integral with carousel and is releasably connected to first rotating element.

Abstract: A system for forming and wrapping a plurality of stacks of sheet like product is provided. The system includes a separator apparatus for converting a stream of spaced apart sets of stacks into a repeating stepped configuration. The system includes a mechanism for merging the stepped configuration of stacks into a single file stream of stacks. The system includes a cutoff apparatus for cutting a plastic sleeve in which the stacks are wrapped. The system includes a turner apparatus for changing the direction of travel of individual units comprising of a stack of product within a length of the sleeve 90 degrees while maintaining the orientation of the units.

Abstract: A transport device and a transport method for a container treatment plant as well as a blow molding machine is provided. The transport device comprises at least one transport star for transporting receptacles to or away from a treatment station of the container treatment plant, wherein the at least one transport star is arranged obliquely to the treatment station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, comprising at least one shaft (12) on which at least one transport element (16) for transporting the notes of value is arranged. The transport element (16) comprises a first segment (32a) and a second segment (32b) separated from the first segment (32a) in an unmounted state. In a mounted state the first segment (32a) and the second segment (32b) are firmly connected to each other and enclose the shaft (12).

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic or gravity-fed fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is delivered into the housing, includes multiple depressions or indentations for receiving and separating fruit, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatuses relating to improved conveying systems, and in particular to providing locomotion preferrably using a surface mounted drive mechanism for driving a drive chain. Generally, the conveying system of the present invention is designed to adapt to most manufacturing needs, for example, from furniture manufacturing and finishing to marine and automotive engines. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a conveying system, comprising: at least one load carrying unit having a tow pin assembly, the tow pin assembly further comprising a tow pin configured to link to and de-link from a conveyor tow chain, and a means for engaging and disengaging the tow pin; a conveyor track configured to house the conveyor tow chain; and a drive assembly configured to receive the tow chain and to provide locomotion to the conveyor tow chain, and further comprising at least one tensioning means for tensioning the conveyor tow chain.

Abstract: A track and carrier system has a plurality of carriers having an upper surface, a bottom surface, and at least one roller coupled to the bottom surface, wherein the upper surface of the plurality of carriers is shaped such that it has a wide end and a narrow end, the narrow end pointed substantially inwardly of the continuous groove and at least one roller is configured to travel within a continuous groove in a platform so that displacement of one carrier in the plurality of carriers displaces at least one additional carrier in the plurality of carriers about the continuous groove.

Abstract: A working unit comprising a container labelling machine and a machine for filling such containers, the working unit comprising a variable-spacing element, which is interposed between the machines in order to convey the containers that exit from the first machine encountered in the production line to the inlet of the second machine, changing the spacing of the containers according to the operational conditions.

Abstract: A mat for the transport of an object on a top surface of the mat is disclosed. The mat comprises elastic material, and reinforcements are provided in the mat that are enclosed at least partially by the elastic material. The reinforcements are aligned parallel or approximately parallel to one another, and the elastic material and the reinforcements interact in such a way that a flexing of the mat at a first arc of curvature in a first plane can take place with less force than at a second arc of curvature in a second plane. A transfer device for at least one object in combination with the mat is also disclosed, whereby the transfer device comprises means for moving a mat and means for guiding the mat out of a transport plane. Methods for transferring an object are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described container-handling machine comprising a carousel rotatable about an axis and supporting a plurality of holding elements adapted to cooperate with respective containers; and a slip-ring comprising a first rotor rotatable integral with carousel about said axis, and a first stator exchanging, in use, at least one between power and control signals with first rotor and fixed with respect to carousel; container-handling machine further comprises an encoder housed within a cavity defined between first stator and first rotor, adapted to detect at least the angular position of carousel with respect to axis, and comprising a second rotor rotatable integrally with first rotor and a second stator connected to first stator.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring objects (2), in particular caps (2), from a moulding carousel (3) on which the caps (2) are moulded, to an evacuating device (6), comprises: a supporting element (11) that is rotatable around a rotation axis (X1) and is suitable for receiving said objects (2) and, arm means (13) that is rotatable around said rotation axis (X1) and comprising seat means (16) that is suitable for receiving said caps (2); the arm means (13) is movable so as to vary the distance of the arm means (13) from said rotation axis (X1), in particular it is movable radially with respect to the rotation axis (X1) to slide the objects (2) on the supporting element (11).

Abstract: A pick and stow system includes a conveyor system having a plurality of interconnected modules forming a continuous conveyor, each module having a first side and a second side and each configured for forming a shelf on both the first side and the second side. The system also includes a conveyor driver coupled with the conveyor and configured for driving the conveyor, thereby presenting one of the plurality of modules at a loading location for loading or removing an item onto or from the shelf of the module. In some embodiments, a first wheel and a second wheel are each configured for coupling with each of the plurality of modules of the conveyor as the conveyor is driven about the first wheel and the second wheel, such that the conveyor has two substantially vertical sections and a curved section at each of the first and second wheels.

Abstract: A device (10) for conveying at least one preform (12) in a preform heating unit (12), the conveying device (10) including a conveyor belt which includes at least: a main traction belt (14a) which engages with rotary elements (16a, 16b); and a secondary support belt (14b) which is movably connected to the main belt (14a) by a connecting element (24), and to which at least one support device (34) of at least one preform (12) is attached by an attachment element (36).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the input of notes of value into a container. The device comprises a supply unit for supplying the notes of value and a stacking unit for stacking the supplied notes of value. Further, the device has a vane wheel (10c) for handling the notes of value. The vane wheel (10c) comprises a rotatably mounted basic body (12c) and at least one vane (14c, 16c) firmly connected to the basic body (12c) at a first end of a connecting area (20c, 22c). A support area (38, 40) of the vane (14c, 16c) contacts the circumferential surface of the basic body (12c) when the vane (14c, 16c) exerts a force on a note of value.

Abstract: In a transport system, a plurality of carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. The carriers hold articles for transportation. Each of the carriers includes an identification target for carrier identification. A plurality of stations are provided, and each of the stations includes a hand configured to load articles to or unload articles from the carriers and a sensor configured to detect the identification target at a predetermined position upstream of the hand along a rotation direction of the belt. The carrier is identified, and an appearance of the carrier is recognized based on a signal from the sensor to operate the hand for a desired carrier. The carrier can be identified using the sensor to detect the position of the carrier.

Abstract: A loading member includes a receiving section that changes a posture thereof from a receiving posture where a loading material is received to a rising posture where the loading material is supported in a raised state; and a positioning section that is projected from a portion of a base end of the receiving section and then positions a lower end position of the loading material when the posture of the receiving section is changed to the rising posture; wherein the positioning section is provided with a loading assisting member assists the positioning of the loading material in a case of the receiving posture, while the front end of the loading assisting member rotates in a direction to approach a receiving surface of the loading material at the receiving section in a case of changing from the receiving posture to the rising posture.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus sequentially receives and holds a plurality of transported items that are transported and sorts and supports the transported items, and includes an endless movement member disposed so as to form a constant revolving movement pathway, and a plurality of support members that are attached to the movement member so as to be arranged along the direction in which the movement member revolves and that are capable of supporting respective transported items. In a support region that is a region of the revolving movement pathway of the movement member in which the transported items are supported by respective support members, the highest position of the support members decreases the closer the support members are to the downstream side of the direction in which the movement member revolves.

Abstract: In a transport device for transporting containers, the transport device includes at least one transport unit movable along a curved track for transporting at least one container in response to a drive unit, the transport unit having a transport component mobile on the track and a receiver device for holding at least one container wherein the receiver device is constructed and arranged to be aligned in response and in relation to at least one movement force imparted upon the receiver device or the container as a result of movement of the transport unit.

Abstract: A food and drink conveying device (1) has: a traveling lane (1a) at least partially having curved paths (10a, 11a); a conveying and driving body (15) provided along the traveling lane (1a); a traveling body (7) that can travel along the traveling lane (1a) with food and drink (9) on top; and connecting means (18, 19) for driving and connecting the conveying and driving body (15) and the traveling body (7). The connecting means is formed of a first connecting means (18) attached to the traveling body (7) and a second connecting means (19) attached to the conveying and driving body (15). Either the first connecting means (18) or the second connecting means (19) moves in the main body to which it is attached so as to follow the other.

Abstract: A piece goods conveyance system has individual containers for transporting luggage on a conveyor belt and an unloading and loading station for loading the containers. The storage space thereof is formed by an endless stable carrier belt spanning each container that is driven guided perpendicular to the transport direction of the container. There is a stationary drive for driving the carrier belt in the region of the loading and/or unloading station. In order to create a low-wear, simple and functional drive for the container that undertakes the transport and sorting of luggage in a luggage conveyance system in a cost-effective and low-maintenance manner, a drive element is configured as flat belts circulating endlessly around deflection wheels parallel to the transport direction, of which at least one deflection wheel is positively connected to the carrier belt and that can be frictionally engaged to a second flat belt of a stationary drive station driven endlessly circulating parallel to the first flat belt.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a food and drink conveying device for allowing a traveling body to travel stably along a traveling lane without guide portions protruding, the guide portions being provided along the traveling lane at the ends in the direction of the width. The food and drink conveying device has a traveling lane 1a, a conveying and driving body (15) provided along the traveling lane (1a), a traveling body (7) that can travel along the traveling lane (1a) with food and drink (9) placed on it, and connecting means (18, 19) for connecting the conveying and driving body (15) to the traveling body (7) so as to drive the traveling body (7), and the traveling body (7) travels along the traveling lane (1a) when the conveying and driving body (15) is driven.