Abstract: A machine for handling bottles includes first and a second conveyor belts to advance the bottles. The first conveyor belt has a first direction of advancement and the second conveyor belt has a second direction of advancement. The first and second directions of advancement are incident to each other. A deflector device connects the first and second conveyor belts, and includes outer and inner guide bodies to contain the bottles. The inner guide body includes a belt to advance the bottles. Conditioning elements change the configuration of the inner guide body varying its relative position with respect to the outer guide body and the radius of curvature of the advancing belt. The conditioning elements include an element pushing a respective element for tensioning the belt. The pushing element has adjustment elements to vary the thrust applied on the tensioning element and the curvature of the belt.

Abstract: A quick-change vacuum starwheel assembly including at least one of a quick-change height adjustment assembly or a quick-change vacuum starwheel mounting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selecting device to be disposed downstream of a springs forming device of a springs forming machine. The selecting device may include an inlet adapted to receive springs formed in the springs forming device, outlets adapted to eject each of the springs from the selecting device, means for selectively conveying each of the springs entering the selecting device through the inlet towards the outlets, and means to form conduits to connect the inlet to the outlets. The selecting device may include means for generating a depression in at least one of the conduits and means for generating a compressed air flow directly inside the selecting device at one of the conduits.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention for producing water absorbent resin powder is a method for producing water absorbent resin having a surface cross-linked structure, and includes: a polymerization step in which an unsaturated monomer aqueous solution is polymerized; a drying step in which a hydrogel cross-linked polymer obtained in the polymerization step is dried; a surface treatment step in which the hydrogel cross-linked polymer or a dried hydrogel cross-linked polymer is subjected to a surface treatment; and a sorting step, carried out after the drying step, in which a foreign matter included in a water absorbent resin is color-sorted from the water absorbent resin entirely or partially. As a result, it is possible to obtain a water absorbent resin which has high properties and is less likely to be colored. In this way, there is provided the water absorbent resin powder production method in which the color sorting technique is used to remove foreign matters from the water absorbent resin.

Abstract: The invention deals with a measuring apparatus (1) comprising a body (11) with an interior (114) and an opening for accessing the interior (114) from outside the body (11), a rigid plunger (12) having an edge (1212) being identically shaped as an edge of a opening of a target vial, and a force sensor (13). The rigid plunger (12) extends though the opening of the body (11) into the interior (114) of the body (11). The edge (1212) of the rigid plunger (12) is arranged outside the body (11). The force sensor (13) is arranged in the interior (114) of the body (11). The rigid plunger (12) is movable relative to the body (11) and is coupled to the force sensor (13). The apparatus (1) can be used for measuring a force acting on the edge of the opening of the target vial for optimizing the adjustment of a vial closure facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray-sealing machine with a control unit and a matrix monitoring device for detecting a misalignment of a tray in a sealing tool bottom part and/or the presence of foreign matter between the sealing tool bottom part and a sealing tool upper part, and for distinguishing this from product projecting from the tray.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) display and GUI-based system for displaying and controlling vision system operating parameters of a contour sensor comprises an automated region of interest graphic image applied to a discrete region of a selected image in response to a single click by a user at the discrete region of the selected image, the selected image selected from a window on the GUI display containing a plurality of captured images of the object. At least one automated operating parameter is generated automatically in response to the single click by the user at the discrete region of the selected image to determine whether a contour of interest is in the automated ROI graphic image. The GUI also provides a contour graphic image that outlines the contour of interest to demonstrate whether the contour of interest is in (present or at the correct position within) the automated ROI graphic image.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the empty condition of a container cell of a container cleaning machine, preferably a container cleaning machine for cleaning returnable bottles in a beverage filling plant, comprising at least one foreign body ejection device for ejecting a foreign body that is present in a container cell from said container cell, wherein a checking device for checking the integrity of the container cell is provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying at least one physical characteristic of items in a stream of items moving along a path through an inspection zone, and for separating items from the stream of items based upon the at least one physical characteristic. The system includes a movable transversely scanning mirror arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto an array of detectors. The detectors of the array are arranged to sequentially receive electromagnetic energy so that on each transverse scan of the mirror for any given sub-zone within the inspection zone the detectors of the array receive electromagnetic energy reflected from the mirror at different times. The controller is then operable to correlate input signals from the various detectors corresponding to detected levels of electromagnetic energy received at different times from each given sub-zone within the inspection zone.

Abstract: A roll sorter device has a first roll that can be driven rotatably about its roll axis and a second roll that can be driven rotatably about its roll axis opposite the rotation of the first roll. The second roll is arranged spaced from the first roll such that the roll axes of the first and second rolls are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The roll sorter device may include a detection device for detecting seized and/or faulty preforms on the first or second roll and a roll arrangement modification element to modify the arrangement of the first and second rolls to each other when the detection device detects seized preforms. A sorting method for sorting performs and a transport device may employ the aforementioned roll sorter device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for separating/sorting and orienting/aligning tubes and/or vials or other sample containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for facilitating the single stream recycling of toxic substance-containing products. A toxin impermeable container designed to enclose the product containing toxic substances incorporates graphic markings or radiofrequency tags to facilitate automated or manual sorting from single stream recycling processes, identification of the toxic component, identification of the person or entity recycling the toxic to allow verification and documentation of compliance with government regulations or reimbursement of a recycling deposit that may be associated with the particular product.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating cylindrical bodies, such as parisons for hollow bodies, which have at least one protuberance at a first end, has a pair of parallel guide elements between which the cylindrical bodies can be erected in that the cylindrical bodies hang on the guide elements in each case by way of the protuberance. The separation arrangement here has a height guide, wherein a spacing between the height guide and the cylindrical bodies, as seen in the conveying direction, decreases to a predetermined spacing in relation to the guide elements, as a result of which vertically projecting cylindrical bodies, as they are being conveyed in the conveying direction, are forced downwards by the height guide and wherein the height guide can be raised briefly by means of a lifting device in accordance with a triggering signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for efficient sorting of specimen include specimen containers, such as vials, positioned in container carriers, such as pucks. The specimen containers contain a specimen that is to be processed through, for example, one or more tests. The specimen containers contain an identifier for the specimen and the container carriers include an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The identifier of the specimen is associated with the identifier of the container carrier. The container carriers with the specimen containers are then sorted based on the identifier of the container carrier according to the desired processing of the specimen containers.

Abstract: A machine enabling automatic sorting of defective gelatin capsules based on the diameter and the weight of the capsule. The machine enables the automatic selection and rejection of the gelatin capsules having assembly and metering defects. The device consists of a rimmed selection disk rotating on an inclined plane of about 20 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. The disk has one or two rows of suitably sized apertures drilled about its circumference for holding the defective gelatin capsules until the defective gelatin capsules are automatically expelled by a blast nozzle. The properly assembled gelatin capsules pass freely through the sized apertures. While falling, the gelatin capsules individually pass a blast screen which expels the flawed gelatin capsules. Acceptable gelatin capsules are not deflected by the air blast and are discharged from the machine via the outlet chute.

Abstract: A method of safely storing containers containing chemical substances in accordance with a preconceived plan which comprises; examining each container to assure the integrity of each container containing such chemical substances and that said container is suitable for the storage of its contents for a predetermined period of time. If the container is deemed fit to store the contents, then, the exterior of the container is examined for exterior marks which will help to determine what the contents really are. Next a classification scheme for the said chemical substances is developed. This entails the establishment of a colour to be applied to the exterior surface of said container after a determination of the container's contents has been made. A corresponding number to be applied to the external surface of each container. The number of classes must next be determined for the plan (arbitrary).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and viewing an image of an item (95) against a reflective surface (94) with a light source (85), a camera (97) and operational electronics (98) installed on a single, common circuit board (99) located with a plane thereof along an exterior upright wall (102?) of a closed optics compartment (102). The light source faces a window element (103) of the closed optics compartment with a first light guide part (86) and directs light further into the optics compartment by means of a second light guide part (86?) located on the other side of the window element and aligned with the first light guide part (86). An optical unit is located in the optics compartment and comprises a light path extender (89, 90, 91), a light source input region, a lens unit (93), and at least one image detection output region.

Abstract: A cost efficient and reliable method for online sorting of special glass which works independent of the color of glass and the shape of the material. The scrap glass stream to be detected is thereby irradiated by UV absorption or transmission values of the scrap glass stream, more specifically of the material-specific UV absorption edges and “UV-cutoff” frequencies, with reference values obtained before from standardized material laboratory inspections. If special glass is being detected, blowing nozzles disposed downstream of a detector unit divert the special glass toward a predetermined location where it is deposited. There can also be a system which includes a radiation source, a detection unit, an evaluation and control unit and a removal apparatus.

Abstract: The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system , and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: Centrifugal device (1) of the rotating bowl type for supplying preforms (2b), which are horizontally-laid and aligned, from preforms (2a) received in bulk, comprising a rotating transport ring (3) delimited by a lateral guide (12) and a central rotary disc (6) in the same direction as the ring and with an axis (8) inclined relative to that of the ring; a mobile member (15) mounted on the lateral guide occupies, as a result of the actuating means (18), an operational position in which the preforms (2c) are forced to leave the ring; detection means (19) upstream of the mobile member detect an undesirable preform (2c) on the ring and control actuating means for bringing the mobile member into its operational position for the ejection of the undesirable preform.

Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein screens having different mesh sizes are used before and after the postcrosslinking to remove the oversize.

Abstract: A material separation screen includes multiple shafts mounted on a frame. Multi-diameter disc assemblies are mounted on the shafts and are configured to rotate and separate out different types of materials from a material stream. The multi-diameter disc assemblies include spacer discs that separately interlock together around the shafts. Compound discs are separately attached to the shafts next to the spacer discs. The spacer discs are made from a harder material than the compound discs to reduce spacer disc wear and to reduce the amount of material needed for fabricating the multi-diameter disc assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for individually transporting articles of different type, size, weight, material or shape to one delivery location of a plurality of delivery locations that is designated for the respective article. The articles are placed one by one in respective transport containers, and the respective article is caused at a desired respective delivery location to be transferred from its transport container to a collecting or storage bin, disintegrator or further conveyor dedicated to the article, the transport container at the designated delivery location being made to discharge the article under the effect of gravity or with the aid of a separate, controlled actuating means. The respective article is identified prior to it being placed in a transport container. Identification may, for example, be related to the material of which the article is made.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (C) for sorting containers (B) of volumes and materials liable to different, notable in that it consists of a plurality of identification stations and/or of a plurality of packaging stations, and of a plurality of container support modules each consisting of a rod on which a container is fitted via its opening, causing the bottom of the container to come to rest on the top end of the rod, said support modules moving each container between and to the various work stations. The invention also relates to a sorting method corresponding to this device.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of sorting containers (9), fed arranged in bundles (8) according to a matrix which are examined for affiliation with a sort, removed from the bundles (8) and, separated by sort, and put into bundles (8) again.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to means in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In one embodiment, at least one of the medical waste items is a regulated drug that is regulated by, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The regulated drug is inaccessible once disposed in the container. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A receiving, sorting/counting station arrangement for recycling of beverage and food containers, comprises one or more spaced sorting tables for use by sorters, the sorting tables being aligned adjacent and on one side of an elongated customer beverage and food container reception table, the space between the sorting tables providing space for shipping bags for sorted beverage and food containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for automatic recycling apparatuses for containers, e.g. cans and bottles made of glass, plastic, or metal. Said unit comprises a conveying device with a conveyor belt for advancing the containers in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof, and rotating rollers that are provided with a surface area and can be moved from a neutral position into an identifying position in which said rotating rollers disengage the container from the conveying device and make the container rotate. According to the invention, the rollers are embodied as hollow elements and are provided with a breakthrough in the longitudinal direction. At least one conveying device is disposed in the rollers, respectively, while the conveyor belt is arranged in the area of the breakthrough. The rotating rollers and the conveying device are mounted separately, the surface area of the rollers overlapping the conveyor belt of the conveying device when the rotating rollers are rotated.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for separating differing vertically orientated containers 11, 12, particularly for use in manufacturing operations. The apparatus includes at least one pair of parallel guides 10 substantially aligned in a direction of travel of the containers 11, 12. The pair of guides 10 are operatively positioned to receive the containers 11, 12 therebetween. The distance W between the pair of guides 10 is between but not equal to the largest and smallest diameter or width of the containers 11, 12. There is also disclosed a method and apparatus for stacking containers employing the separation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of sorting containers (9), fed arranged in bundles (8) according to a matrix which are examined for affiliation with a sort, removed from the bundles (8) and, separated by sort, and put into bundles (8) again.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting compounds and compound holders into batches for subsequent processing are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sorting containers commonly referred to as bottle unscrambler. The apparatus has a bowl assembly consisting of a base and an upstanding generally cylindrical sidewall, a support disc, and an actuator disc overlying the support disc. A plurality of pie-shaped disc segments are disposed in a circular array between the support disc and actuator disc, operatively connecting the actuator disc and support disc so that relative rotation of the support disc and actuator disc effects radial movement of the pie-shaped disc segments between inner and outer limit positions thereby providing a means for selectively varying the channel to accommodate containers of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: In a sorting and separating method for recycling plastics provided in a mixture of plastics as refuse, said mixture of plastics is sorted and separated according to colours. Fractions of plastics thus obtained, separated according to colours, are sorted and separated according to types of plastic.

Abstract: A device for controlling the conveying direction of empty liquid containers of any cross section, where the conveying direction is either through a portion of the device, or sideways away from the conveying path and the containers are supported in a horizontal position, the device comprising a rotatable drum arranged above the conveying path and with its axis of rotation in the direction of the conveying path, wherein the drum has at least one container chamber forming an opening in the drum, at least one container guide plate, and a container ejection mechanism arranged in connection with the chamber. In operation, the ejector empties the container from the chamber when the chamber opening has moved passed an upper edge of the guide plate and thus with force will thrust a container out of the chamber opening.

Abstract: A recycling machine is provided which compacts containers using a multi-purpose compacting system which includes a roller assembly having a roller configured to draw containers through an adjustable container-receiving throat. The compacting system also includes a base plate assembly with a movable base plate which at least partially defines the throat, the base plate being mounted for movement between a first orientation wherein the base plate is a first predetermined distance from the roller so as to define an open container-receiving throat, and a second orientation wherein the base plate is a second lesser predetermined distance from the roller so as to close the container-receiving throat. The throat typically is closed as the container passes between the roller and the base plate so as to compact the container therebetween.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a feed conveyor for launching the articles across an airspace toward a first destination. A light source shines light energy on the articles in the airspace. A collector collects light energy reflected from the articles. A deflector is provided for deflecting selected articles toward an alternative destination as the articles fly across the airspace. A control system is operably connected to the collector and the deflector for actuating the deflector in response to a sensed parameter, such as an electromagnetic radiation frequency spectrum, of the light energy collected in the collector. Preferably, this system is utilized with a retro-reflector located on an opposite side of the airspace from the light source and the collector. This system also preferably includes the use of a multi-plexer which allows a single analyzer unit to be utilized to analyze light signals from each of a large plurality of collector units of the collector.

Abstract: Each counting grid of a plurality of counting grids has respective counting labels corresponding to a respective type of IC package tray. Each of the respective counting labels are arranged to be over a respective pocket of the respective type of IC package tray corresponding to a counting grid when the counting grid is placed over the respective type of IC package tray. In addition, the respective counting labels of the counting grid are numerically ordered according to an order of filling the pockets of the respective type of IC package tray. A chest includes a bottom opening for holding an IC package tray that is partially filled with IC packages. The chest further includes a plurality of slots disposed through the chest with each slot holding a respective one of the counting grids. The chest also includes a plurality of viewing windows through the top of the chest with each viewing window being aligned over a respective one of the predetermined number of rows of pockets of the IC package tray.

Abstract: In a process for the optical inspection of at least partially transparent containers in an inspection area with an illuminating device and a camera for producing images to be evaluated, the degree of transparency of each container is determined, and a light field is configured for this specific container. The light intensity of the light field and/or the imaging sensitivity is adapted to the determined degree of transparency, and the traveling light field is shifted through the inspection area in synchrony with the container. The system for implementing the process has an LED light screen with a plurality of LEDs, which can be activated individually or in groups, and a device upstream of the inspection area for measuring the individual degree of transparency of each container. These components are connected to a control unit, which produces the traveling light field for each container and shifts it in synchrony with the container.

Abstract: A bottle reject system comprising a conveyor for carrying formed bottles, a first rejector operated at a time selected so that a defective bottle will be removed from the conveyor, a first sensor for confirming that the operation of the first rejector removed a bottle from the conveyor, and a second rejector operable at a time selected so that in the event the defective bottle was not removed from the conveyor when the first rejector operated, the defective bottle would be removed by operation of the second rejector at that time, and a control for operating the second rejector at the selected time, in the event that the first sensor fails to confirm that the operation of the first rejector removed a bottle from the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein assayed specimens can be transferred in any order to a specimen-container housing rack automatically and very efficiently, without any restrictions whatsoever on the order in which the specimen containers are placed in the specimen-container racks and assayed, even if different types of specimen vessel are present.