Abstract: A conveyor includes a frame and a bracket assembly attached to the frame, the bracket assembly including a series of mounting brackets having a slot for receiving a member. The slot releasably secures the member to the bracket. The member may be a side rail, a table or a support rail. The conveyor may include a belt, an actuator for driving the belt, and rollers for guiding the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving objects, such as pallets, between an upper horizontal conveyor and a lower horizontal conveyor. A lift raises the pallet from a lower conveyor, and a clamp disposed above the lift with inwardly and outwardly pivotable arms, having inwardly facing fingers at the ends of the arms, clamps the pallet and raises it up to be substantially coincident with the upper conveyor's pallet-supporting surface. A pusher displaces the pallet from the fingers to the upper conveyor. The apparatus can also be operated in reverse to lower pallets from an upper conveyor to a lower conveyor if a fastener, such as electromagnets, is mounted to the end of the pusher.

Abstract: A convertible track system for providing additional support to a conveyor belt. The system includes convertible track sections which may be added/removed from the conveyor belt apparatus without disassembly of the existing track supporting structure.

Abstract: A plurality of conveying apparatuses ace arranged from the inside of the first building to the inside of the second building along a conveying direction. A plurality of connection mechanisms connect each pair of adjacent conveying apparatuses such that the conveying apparatuses are arranged in a meandering manner in a case where relative positions between the first building and the second building are changed.

Abstract: A plurality of modules of sufficiently light weight (<80 lbs) are assembled end-to-end to construct an assembly machine for performing desired operations on a series of workpieces. A supporting spine underlies the interconnected modules and supports them and associated equipment in the desired array. The modular construction permits the assembly machine to be reconfigured as needed should operational alterations require it, including, but not limited to, the cannibalization of the machine with the modules being usable in constructing a machine having entirely different characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor arrangement for a stamping die employed within a stamping press. The conveyor arrangement has a fixed conveyor with a protruding end, wherein the fixed conveyor is mounted on the die for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the die. The conveyor arrangement also has a moveable conveyor with a supported first end and a cantilevered second end, wherein the moveable conveyor is arranged for positioning the second end under the fixed conveyor's protruding end for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the fixed conveyor.

Abstract: A plate material vertical processing line that is capable of subjecting large-sized and thinned glass plates to scribing, venting, etc without degrading their quality, comprises a plurality of processing devices each having a modular structure; wherein each of the processing devices includes a platform; a belt conveyor that is mounted on the platform and is configured to convey a glass plate placed in a substantially upright position while supporting a lower end of the glass plate; and a fluid guide that is mounted on the platform and is configured to apply a fluid pressure to a surface of the glass plate to support the glass plate in the substantially upright position and in a non-contact state; and wherein the processing devices include a combination of at least two processing devices selected from a scribing device, a venting device, a chamfering device, a cleaning agent washing device, a water washing device, a high-pressure water spray device, and a glass plate turn device.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a conveyor tensioning system comprising a main frame with at least one main frame roller pivotally mounted thereto for engagement with a conveyor belt. A moveable frame is engaged with the main frame at an engagement interface such that the position of the moveable frame with respect to the main frame may be adjusted in at least one dimension. The moveable frame also includes at least one moveable frame roller pivotally mounted thereto for engagement with a conveyor belt. The position of the moveable frame with respect to the main frame may be actuated by hydraulic cylinders or other mechanical systems. As the distance between the main frame and moveable frame increases, the tension on the belt also increases.

Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a track mounted device, and a support device. The track mounted device comprises a first track. The support device comprises a second track and a locking device. The second track is engaged with the first track in a manner such that the support device limits relative movement between the track mounted device and the belt while the support device also allows the track mounted device to slide relative to the support device along a path defined by the first and second tracks. The locking device comprises a movable portion that is movably attached to the second track and that can selectively bias the first track in a direction other than along the path in a manner creating sufficient friction between the first and second tracks that renders the first and second tracks immovable relative to each.

Abstract: An idle station transport mechanism for a press, including a first plurality of magnetizable transport rails; a second plurality of magnetizable transport rails axially displaceable with respect to the first plurality of transport rails; and a plurality of transfer bars magnetizable to engage the material. The first and second pluralities of rails form a transport path along which material to be manipulated by the press is arranged to be transported and the transfer bars are displaceable to move the material axially along the transport path. In some aspects, the second plurality of transport rails is automatically displaceable while in the press, the plurality of transfer bars is arranged to magnetically engage a bottom side of the material, or the first and second pluralities of transport rails and the plurality of transfer bars are electro-magnetic. Also, a method of transporting material to a press.

Abstract: A storage platform is incorporated into the main conveyor. The machine is movable, and incorporates space for the storage of main conveyor structure. The machine also includes a mechanism for raising the top of the endless belt, and for permitting the lower or return portion of the endless belt to pass through the mobile machine.

Abstract: An extendable support apparatus (200) for supporting an endless conveyor belt comprises an extendable frame (201), and a rest (220) for supporting the conveyor belt relative to the frame (201). The apparatus (200) is able to be extended and retracted by respectively extending and retracting the frame (201) while the conveyor belt circulates relative to the apparatus (200) and while the conveyor belt is supported by the rest (220).

Abstract: A conveyor line for products such as bottles, cans or similar containers with at least one guide railing that is adjustable across the direction of conveyance and is operable by at least one actuator drive, whereby stops which can optionally be moved into several preset positions in the adjustment path of the guide railing or the at least one actuator drive which define various railing positions and thereby delineate the adjustment path.

Abstract: A belt conveyor includes at least one belt module defined by at least one drive pulley and at least one other pulley that is generally an idler pulley positioned between opposite sidewalls of the conveyor, and having a continuous belt routed around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The drive pulley is operable to drive the continuous belt around the pulleys to move articles along the zone assembly. The belt conveyor may incorporate features that allow for improved maintenance methods and reduced down time during service intervals. These features may include a removable belt module, at least one pulley mounted on at least one pivot arm, or a combination thereof. The belt may have a low modulus characteristic and may be initially stretched when the belt is reeved or routed around the pulleys and the pivot arms are moved into their operating position.

Abstract: A modular assembly comprises a fixing seat formed with a slot for receiving a positioning member of a moving seat, and a plurality of fastening elements for pressing the positioning member against an inner wall of the slot so that the moving seat is positioned in the fixing seat.

Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading of a new belt around drive rollers in a belt module assembly. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rolls after the belt is in place over the rollers. The guide when not in use is positioned in housings internal to the rollers, or in housings adjacent to the rollers. The guides are enabled to be removed or pulled out from these housings when ready for use in installing a belt in a belt module.

Abstract: An aggregate processing apparatus (90) comprising a conveyor (10) having its base (11) coupled to the apparatus, the coupling (40) allowing the conveyor t pivot about a first axis that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conveyor, and to pivot substantially at the base towards and away from said apparatus. The conveyor is actuatable between a deployed state (FIG. 4) in which it projects from said apparatus, and a folded state (FIG. 5) in which it is disposed substantially against said apparatus.

Abstract: A conveying assembly is provided for conveying container closures, such as can ends or lids, to and from a rotary liner. The rotary liner includes a base, a chuck assembly and a turret assembly. The turret assembly includes a number of fluid dispensing apparatus to dispense a sealant for lining the can ends. The chuck assembly includes chuck members for manipulating the can ends to facilitate the application of the sealant. The conveying assembly includes a plurality of downstackers for feeding the can ends into the rotary liner, a plurality of star wheels, and a number of unloading guides. Each star wheel transfers can ends from a corresponding one of the downstackers to the chuck assembly. The unloading guides cooperate with the chuck assembly to discharge the can ends from the rotary liner. An associated method of lining can ends is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided. The conveyor assembly comprises a frame having structural support elements that facilitate easy cleaning of the device and avoid the collection of water, bacteria, debris and the like. The frame of the conveyor assembly may further comprise one or more means for retaining wear strips on the frame that provide for the secure retention of the wear strip, yet allow easy removal and cleaning of the associated components. A sanitary removable hinge is also disclosed and may be used in connection with a conveyor assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for moving cargo. In one embodiment, such an apparatus may have a plurality of torque tubes. Each of the torque tubes may comprise a member in the shape of a continuous, closed loop defining a hole extending along the member. Rollers may be attached between torque tubes to move cargo disposed on the rollers. The apparatus may be used in the cargo hold of an aircraft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conveyor frame assembly that includes a pair of spaced side rails joined by one or more cross supports. Each of the side rails includes a dedicated wire channel and self-contained air flow cavity that enhances the functionality of the conveyor frame assembly. The air flow cavity and the wire channel are formed as part of the side rails separate from typical attachment slots that receive T-shaped connectors. The cross supports utilized with the conveyor frame assembly are attached to the side rails by upper and lower connectors that are each accessible from the top of the conveyor frame assembly. Specifically, the cross support includes a center web and laterally offset attachment webs that allow for easy and convenient construction and field modification of the conveyor frame assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-table system (V) for container handling machines, comprising at least in-feed and out-feed starwheels (A, Z), arranged such as to be driven on support housings (1), defining a starwheel configuration (K) in the pre-table system (V), within which the support housing (1) is fixed to a floor-standing support structure (S) whereby the support structure (S) has a tube and/or profile section frame (6) of sections (7) directly or indirectly detachably connected to each other at points (N) by means of the support housing and floor support feet (8), within which the support housings are arranged in a free-standing manner such that free areas (15) are formed around the support housings and at least some sections (7) may be combined together and with support housings such that the starwheel configurations (K) may be optionally altered.

Abstract: A transfer tail assembly for use with a conveyor assembly that creates a reduced radius transition from the upper run to the lower run of a continuous conveyor belt used with the conveyor assembly. The transfer tail assembly includes a stationary nose bar over which the continuous conveyor belt passes at the end of the conveyor assembly. The nose bar is supported at the end of the conveyor assembly by a series of support brackets mounted to a cross support. Each of the support brackets is formed from a wear resistant material and contacts the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt passes around the transfer tail assembly. The nose bar, support brackets and cross support are mounted within the tail assembly without the use of any external connectors and thus require no tooling to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: Modular transfer band assemblies and systems are provided. The modular transfer band assemblies may include a frame, pulleys supported by the frame, and a belt provided around the pulleys. The belt is configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having rollers for conveying the article. The removable belt module is configured to be engaged and disengaged from the main conveyor line without the use of tools as a single, self-contained unit. Modular transfer band assembly systems may include the modular transfer band assembly and a support structure, wherein the modular transfer band assembly is removably attached to the support structure.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus and method for conveying materials in which the conveyor belt has chord members located along each belt side. The chord members are adapted to fit within a slotted track assembly whereby the chord members slide relative to the track assemblies when the conveyor is actuated.

Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.

Abstract: An out-feed roller support stand having a sturdy, stable base that folds for compact storage. A support mast that telescopes into and is adjustable within the base supports a work support head that includes an adjustable cross bar on which a row of pivoting caster wheels are mounted. An alternative embodiment includes a ramp for guiding sagging ends of work-pieces up onto the caster wheels. Both the height and angle between the adjustable cross bar and floor are adjustable after the position of the support mast has been adjusted in order to position the support head in roughly the correct location.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing station is provided. The modular manufacturing station has plurality of beams forming a skeleton and an article transportation system. The article transportation system is configured to transport one or more articles through the manufacturing station at a speed selected from a plurality of speeds and at a height selected from a plurality of heights. The modular manufacturing station also has at least one utility connection for receiving external utilities and at least one piece of manufacturing equipment. The modular manufacturing station further has a controller configured to regulate the speed and height at which articles are transported through the modular manufacturing station and regulate the operation of the manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: In a pneumatic conveyor comprising multiple, assembled conveyor sections, a conveyor section provides a curved conveyor path with a plenum through which pressurized air is delivered. The conveyor section includes a top plate including a series of apertures extending therethrough for delivering pressurized air from the plenum to an upper surface of the top plate. The apertures are arranged and configured to direct the pressurized air to move an article along the top plate in a conveying direction. A bottom plate is located beneath the top plate. A first stack of vertically aligned, individual strips are clamped together between the top plate and the bottom plate to define a first sidewall of the plenum. A second stack of vertically aligned, individual strips are clamped together between the top plate and the bottom plate to define a second sidewall of the plenum.

Abstract: A guard for a conveyor used for conveying objects where the objects may have elements which extend outside the object itself, and which thereby may become stuck in the conveyor structure per se is provided between extremities of the free ends of conveying elements to prevent entanglement.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

Abstract: A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system includes a first strut section and a second strut section configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround beams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes a first beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strut section includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises a perimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround a respective beam of the first strut section. Each channel beam further configured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section.

Abstract: An adjustable conveyor bed that is adjustable in length to span a gap between two devices of a conveyor system includes a primary section and a secondary section that is extendable and retractable relative to the primary section. The primary section has opposite primary sidewalls and a plurality of primary rollers mounted thereto. The primary rollers include a primary motorized roller and a plurality of primary idler rollers interconnected with one another via a plurality of drive members. The secondary section has opposite secondary sidewalls, with the secondary section sidewalls being nestedly received within the primary sidewalls and being adjustably mounted to the primary sidewalls and extendable and retractable relative to the primary sidewalls to adjust a length of the adjustable conveyor bed. The secondary section is configured to support at least one secondary roller when extended a sufficient amount from the primary section.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the replacement of a damaged conveyor belt. Opening the pivotable support associated with the conveyor's leg allows the damaged conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor without dismantling numerous sections of the belt holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a curved glass sheet includes a disk roll conveyor and a roll conveyor set positioned downstream of the disk roll conveyor. The roll conveyor set has a plurality of roll conveyor units. In this apparatus, first and second adjusting devices are operable to provide the curved glass sheet with (a) a first conveyance route in which the disk roll conveyor and the roll conveyor set are in a horizontal position to provide a smooth horizontal conveyance surface or (b) a second conveyance route in which the disk roll conveyor is in a downward position and in which at least one roll conveyor unit at a downstream side of the roll conveyor set is in an upward position to provide a continuous concave conveyance surface.

Abstract: A conveyor support apparatus comprising adjustable stanchions with slots or holes; bars, each bar comprising a wear surface and an impact cushion; a frame; brackets; cross members; and lock bolts. The bars can be parallel to or perpendicular to the direction of conveyor belt travel.

Abstract: A roller-guided track apparatus is provided. The roller-guided track apparatus includes a support member and a track roller arrangement. The track roller arrangement includes an axle and a roller, with the axle having first and second axial ends thereof. The first axial end of the axle is attached to the support member in such a manner that the second axial end of the axle forms a distal end of the axle projecting away from the support member. The roller defines an inner side of the roller and an outer side of the roller and has an aperture formed therethrough configured for receiving the axle. The axle passes through the aperture of the roller such that the roller is rotatable about the axle, the inner side of the roller faces the support member, and the distal end of the axle extends beyond the outer side of the roller. The distal end of the axle is orbitally deformed to form a head for retaining the roller upon the axle.

Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor having a high strength take-up section that maintains proper belt alignment with the use of just two take-up screws, while still allowing for the take up section housing to be made of lighter weight, less expensive materials. The take-up section of the present invention can be installed at a head section or tail section of an enclosed belt conveyor. The take-up section of the present invention generally includes two support arms slidably mounted in guides that maintain the support arms in a straight orientation and two take-up screws that adjust the support arms within the guides while maintaining proper alignment of the take-up section without the necessity of separate leveling screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a conveyed product on a conveyor. The apparatus includes a filing channel that includes the ability to adjust the location of at least one end of the filing channel. In one embodiment, the filing apparatus includes a plurality of cards successively arranged wherein the cards are supported by a support member. The cards define the filing channel and the shape of the channel is maintained despite repositioning at least one end of the filing channel.

Abstract: A conveying system is provided wherein a conveying member rotates about a plurality of rollers, wherein one roller is pivotally displaceable with respect to another roller. Preferably, the displaceable roller can be urged toward or away from the conveying member to adjust the tension of the conveying member.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly directed to a conveyor used for conveying objects where the objects may have elements which extend outside the object itself, and which thereby may become stuck in the conveyor structure per se.

Abstract: A system (1, 6) for the distribution of components which are disposed in strips (8), using conveyor belts (12) in order to transfer components (8) to a point at which they can be grabbed by the head of a pick-and-place machine. The system is equipped with one universal-base-forming portion (6) which preferably includes an integrated common motor (4) and an interface mechanism including a gearing system (3) which can drive the belts (12) of one or more independent, detachable distributor modules (1). The belts (12) are adapted to the width of the components and are releasably, but solidly connected to the universal base (6) in accordance with the production requirements of the device in terms of surface mounting.

Abstract: An idler roller assembly comprises a base frame which includes first and second spaced-apart mounting brackets, a support frame which includes a support tube that comprises a first end which is positioned adjacent the first mounting bracket and a second end which is positioned adjacent the second mounting bracket, and a locking shaft assembly which includes a stationary sleeve which is secured to the first mounting bracket and a rotating sleeve which is rotatably supported by the stationary sleeve and is secured to the first end of the support tube. The stationary sleeve comprises a first contact surface and the rotating sleeve comprises a second contact surface, and the locking shaft assembly further includes a lock spool which comprises a first lock surface which conforms to the first contact surface and a second lock surface which conforms to the second contact surface.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a bent curve element and a blank for manufacturing a bent curved metal element for an endless chain conveying track are disclosed. The bent curve element has a support flange intended to constitute a guide rail for a first side of chain elements forming part of the chain conveying track, and a web from which the first flange extends. The web is intended to provide torsional rigidity to the bend element. A bend element is used to make bend unit which in turn is used to make a conveying track.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: A conveyor, primarily but not exclusively for use in the food industry, in which a conveyor belt (19) is supported on a belt platform (11) for movement relative thereto, and the belt platform (11) is formed as a unitary component from a single sheet metal blank. Preferably the conveyor includes a support leg structure (12, 13) and that supporting leg structure is also formed as a unitary component from a single metal blank. Most preferably the belt platform and the supporting leg structure are formed as a unitary component from a single metal blank.

Abstract: A roller shaft mount or support secures a shaft end of a conveyor roller at and between opposite sidewalls of a conveyor. The shaft support includes a mounting portion mountable to a sidewall of the conveyor and a clamping portion. The clamping portion is movably attached to the mounting portion and movable relative thereto. The shaft support receives a roller shaft at least partially therethrough. The clamping portion is movable relative to the mounting portion so as to clamp the roller shaft within the shaft support in response to movement of the clamping portion relative to the mounting portion. The clamping portion may move along a ramped surface toward and into engagement with the shaft of the roller in response to adjustment of a fastener to clamp the roller shaft within the shaft support.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system also comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

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