Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system of lifting, lowering and rotating a display may include a housing, a rotator, and a hoist. The rotator may be configured to selectively rotate the housing such that a display functionally coupled to the housing is rotated. The rotator may include an anchor and a rotating portion. The anchor may be configured to be attached to an elevated surface. The rotating portion may be configured to be functionally coupled to the housing, and configured to rotate relative to the anchor. The hoist may include a member and a hoist motor. The hoist motor may be configured to selectively rotate the member such that a cable functionally coupled to the member is wound about the member when the member is rotated in a first direction, and the cable is unwound from the member when the member is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A shuttle system includes a shuttle which has no onboard power to drive the shuttle nor to drive a conveyor carried by said shuttle. The shuttle is moved by a first drive element which is driven by a remotely located mechanical power source. The conveyor is connected to a second drive element and is selectively actuated driving said second drive element such that there is a speed difference between the second drive element and the first drive element.

Abstract: A system for controlling crop transfer from a self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine into the loading container of a hauling vehicle includes a transfer device assigned to the harvesting machine from which the crop emerges in the form of a crop discharge flow and a detection device which detects the position of the loading container relative to the harvesting machine and transmits it to a control unit. The control unit actuates at least one actuator assigned to the transfer device in such a way that the crop discharge flow lands within the loading container in order to fill it with crop. The control unit generates a control signal (S) for the hauling vehicle that specifies a position of the hauling vehicle relative to the harvesting machine that is suitable for transfer into the loading container.

Abstract: Method and device for the heat treatment of substrates, wherein the substrates are positioned in the vicinity of a heated, essentially flat furnace body extending over the surface of the substrate. In order to provide a reproducible treatment when treating a number of substrates successively, the temperature of the furnace body is measured so close to the surface adjacent to the substrate that the withdrawal of heat from the furnace body by the substrate can be detected. The introduction of each substrate takes place at a point in time when the temperature measured in this way is, within certain limits, equal to a desired initial treatment temperature Ttrig.

Abstract: A grain loading and spreading device has a tapered housing with a grain flow restrictor valve assembly that will cause a uniform discharge of grain around the perimeter of a lower discharge opening. The valve assembly has upper and lower cam elements on a downwardly extending motor drive shaft. The lower cam element is fixed to the shaft, and the upper cam element is not fixed to the shaft. The cam elements are releasably engaged with each other. A horizontal plate with vertical baffles on the upper surface is secured to the upper cam element. When grain flow restricts the rotation of the plate and baffles, the upper cam element will be moved upwardly with respect to the lower cam element, to enlarge the width of the grain passageway between the perimeters of the plate and the side wall of the tapered housing.

Abstract: A bin for library articles and an automatic unloading system therefor includes a bin housing having a chamber defined by an uppermost housing plane and by opposing walls. A floor within the chamber has a top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of cable apertures. A plurality of cables suspend the floor within the chamber, and are fixed at one end to the walls. The cables pass through the cable apertures in the floor, and are secured to a reversible cable driver which is, in turn, secured to the bottom surface of the floor. Clockwise rotational motive force of the driver causes the floor member to climb upward on the cables to the uppermost housing plane, while counter-clockwise rotational motive force causes the floor to descend downward from the housing plane.

Abstract: An integrated circuit sorter automatically prevents the binning of a tested integrated circuit into a wrong container, such as a wrong tube, depending on the results of testing the integrated circuit. The automated integrated circuit sorter includes a respective switch for indicating that each output carries one of good or bad integrated circuits. A container identifier at each output identifies the type of container placed at the output. The container is determined to be for carrying good integrated circuits or bad integrated circuits. If the type of container placed at the output does not correspond to the type of integrated circuits at the output, then an integrated circuit stopper automatically blocks the admission of those integrated circuits into that container. The container identifier includes a light emitter and an optical sensor. A data processor determines whether a correct container or a wrong container is at the output.

Abstract: Apparatus for segregating and feeding fruit onto a conveyor comprising a conveyor device for moving fruit from a bulk supply, a diverter gate movable from a position to one side of the conveyor device to a fruit intercept position, a holding bin having a funnel-shaped bottom surface positioned for receiving fruit diverted from the conveyor device, the bottom surface of the bin extending downward toward a second conveyor having a plurality of fruit receptacles, a sensor positioned for detecting the approximate quantity of fruit within the bin, and a device responsive to the sensor for operating the diverter gate to intercept fruit from the first conveyor when the bin is near to empty.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for selectively bulk filling or blend filling and concurrently discharging particulate material, such as reticulated tobacco and the like, into an open topped silo, bin, or hopper. The material handling apparatus includes a first shuttle car located over the open top of the silo for movement back and forth over the silo, a first belt conveyor on the first shuttle car in alignment with the direction of movement of the first shuttle car, a second shuttle car located over the top of the silo and above the first shuttle car for movement back and forth over the silo along a path parallel to the movement of the first shuttle car, and a second belt conveyor on the second shuttle in alignment with the direction of movement of the second shuttle car.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the feeding of particles includes a hopper having a central axis, walls of the hopper being concentric with the hopper axis above an outlet of the hopper; a sensor for sensing a desired flow of particles from the hopper; a shaft rotatably mounted on the hopper axis; a paddle connected to the shaft and extending from approximately 0.125 inch to approximately 0.250 inch from at least a lower portion of an inside surface wall of the hopper, the shaft being rotated at approximately 1 radian per second in response to a drive signal; the drive signal being momentarily activated in the presence of an external activate signal when the flow of particles falls below the desired rate, the drive signal being active for a period of time sufficient to cause the paddle to move through an angle of about 90.degree. about the hopper axis. The paddle is mechanically agitated during feeding of the particles, the paddle vibrating only during activation of the external signal, with a displacement of from 0.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet stacker, for use in combination with a copying machine, a printer or the like, capable of ensuring satisfactory sheet stacking regardless whether the sheet is folded or not. The apparatus controls the stacking operation in different modes in accordance with whether the sheets to be stacked are folded or not.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and simultaneously weighing and integrating various nutritional supplements for subsequent blending with livestock feed grain. The apparatus includes a housing formed with a plurality of upper inlet openings and a lower outlet opening. A plurality of augers convey nutritional supplements from a storage area into the inlet openings. A plurality of weigh hoppers are pivotally mounted below the inlet openings on load cells. Weight indicators are electrically connected to the load cells and augers, and are interfaced with a computer, for controlling and coordinating the deposit of supplements from the augers, load cell weighing, and the pivotal dumping movement of the weigh hoppers. A funnel containing a plurality of deflectors is mounted within the housing below the weigh hoppers, and communicates at its lower end with a motor-driven flighted drum rotatably mounted within the housing, which in turn communicates with the outlet opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for loading particulate materials, in particular calcined coke, into a transport vehicle are disclosed, wherein the loading operation under steady state conditions is carried out in a "plugged chute" mode, so that a major portion of the loading chute is maintained in a filled condition with the particulate material being loaded. In this manner, the product drop height is maintained at an acceptably low level so as to reduce the velocity of the particulate material throughout the loading process below a damaging rate and thereby prevent significant degradation of the material. In a preferred embodiment, the major portion of the loading chute comprises a telescoping chute arrangement and level control means located above the major portion of the loading chute is employed to maintain the chute in the plugged or full condition by regulation of the discharge valve when the telescoping chute arrangement is fully extended.

Abstract: An automatic rate matching system is provided such that the delivery of bulk material is matched with the quantity of bulk material required by a process. An optical probe is used which determines the depth of material delivered into a hopper, prior to its retrieval for use in the process. The probe and associated electronic components output a signal to a CPU which then varies the speed of a belt conveyor based upon the depth of material. As the material depth decreases, belt speed is increased. Conversely, as material depth increases, belt speed is decreased. Therefore, the delivery rate of bulk material is matched to the quantity required in a process by varying the speed of the conveyor belt, based upon the depth of material in the hopper.

Abstract: A horizontal storage silo or bin for particulate matter such as, for example, peanuts and cereal, includes a moving apron or floor and a dam for gently receiving product, controlling product deposit into the silo and supporting the rear face of the product pile during discharge to insure a uniform discharge rate throughout the discharge cycle. Full bin storage capacity is utilized. First-in, first-out processing is attained. Various alternative apparatus and methods are disclosed and various product infeed points and bin orientation are accommodated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk storage silo defined by a frame and having a flexible fabric liner, internal load distribution control, vibratory discharge and helicopter-type content spreaders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: An improved catalyst handling process and system is provided to safely, effectively, and automatically transport catalyst by remote control to and from resid hydrotreating units. The process and equipment feature computerized monorail equipment for efficiently transporting special fresh catalyst containers and spent catalyst containers. Various electronic equipment is provided to electronically detect the type of catalyst stored in the catalyst containers. Lift elevators, four-prong liftfork trucks, remote control tilting mechanisms, catalyst transfer lines, deoiler units, bridge cranes, and other transport vehicles, as described, can also be used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for charging a shaft furnace is presented which ensures the vertical and symmetrical fall of charging material from a hopper onto a distribution spout. The discharge valve of the hopper and the valve of a chamber feeding material to the hopper are regulated in such a way as to form a barrage in the base of the hopper. To control the formation of this barrage, and ensure that it will be maintained throughout a charging phase, the hopper and the chamber are weighed separately, signals being produced for the control of dosing valves. In a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for performing this process, the hopper is rotated in order to reduce segregation of the charge material particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. In one disclosed form, the apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates separately and sequentially into a weigh hopper for sequential, cumulative weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hopper are deposited into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weigh hopper is isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of the additive weights are obtained. A computerized control system controls the operation and sequencing of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ice product storage detector which instantaneously detects when the ice products have filled the reservoir to its full capacity or when the amount of ice product in storage has decreased. The ice product storage detector includes a proximity switch provided on a barrier plate of a non-magnetizable material, the barrier plate being provided on the lower part of a base portion of the main body of the auger type ice making device, an ice storage detector plate rotatably mounted about a shaft in the ice product reservoir in positional registration with the proximity switch and which is formed of a low heat capacity and low thermo-conductive material, a pair of inclined plate sections provided on an ice product receiving portion of the ice product storage detector plate, and an auxiliary detector plate formed of a magnetizable material and provided on the ice product storage detector plate so as to be normally parallel to the detective surface of the proximity switch.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading and unloading X-ray film cassettes is provided with a channel bounded by bottom, top and lateral walls. At one of its ends, the channel has an inlet opening for the cassettes, while it is provided with an abutment wall at its other end. A plurality of transporting rollers is accommodated in respective slots of the bottom wall, each of the transporting rollers slightly projecting above the bottom wall to engage and entrain the respective cassette resting thereon. A switching roller is situated in a recess of the bottom wall between the inlet opening and the first of the transporting rollers. The switching roller is supported on springs so that, when the cassette rests thereon, it is depressed into the recess, so that the respective spring activates an associated light barrier that issues a control signal. The control signal is used for energizing the drive for the transporting rollers, if de-energized, and for de-energizing the drive, if energized.

Abstract: A container body for highway trailers, ships or aircraft, for loading and transporting goods provides a conveyor belt on the floor of the body with a vertical partition that is movable with the conveyor as the goods are loaded into, or removed from the body. The belt can be moved forwardly or backwardly by a transmission shaft and a separate portable, self-contained power source which can remain at a loading dock, thereby making it unnecessary to use the container vehicle's transport power source. An electrical control mechanism can be suitably connected to the container body at a loading dock to control operation of the conveyor belt because the portable power source, which may be an internal combustion engine provided with an electrically controlled reversing gearbox, also includes a battery and suitable connections to the container body to energize the control mechanism.

Abstract: An improved grain or particulate distributor includes a radially extending conveyor mounted for sweeping about the center of a bin for evenly and homogeneously distributing material therein. Discharge or sweeper bars are adjustably angularly mounted across selected areas of the conveyor for discharging grain from one trailing side of the conveyor into the bin, while an inclined surface with adjustable vanes facilitates the smooth transition of the discharged grain from the belt to the silo. Grain agitation is minimized to impede separation of fine from coarse particles. Means are provided for also distributing a portion of grain to the periphery of the silo. A chute for feeding the conveyor has a grain controlling gate responsive to the amount of grain in the chute available for feeding, and the conveyor belt has two speeds which are selected responsive to the volume of grain in the chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing bulk, particulate material in a controlled choked flow in which the particulate material is fed through a vertical hopper having a closure which has its opening controlled by the weight of material in the hopper.

Abstract: Two cigarette making machines are interconnected to a single cigarette packing machine via a transfer system which uses individual conveyors to convey the cigarettes from each making machine to a single chute leading to the packing machine. The flow of cigarettes into the chute from the two conveyors is controlled by a series of switches which are activated in response to the amount of stored cigarettes in the storage of the transfer system as well as a photocell arranged above the mouth of the chute. These switches actuate a control to slow down or speed up the packer in response to the amount of stored cigarettes while the photocell controls the operation of the conveyors of the transfer system in response to the absence or presence of cigarettes at the position of the photocell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.