Abstract: Systems and methods for smoke detection are provided. Aspects include operating a first device to transmit a first alphanumeric code to a second device by transmitting a modulated optical signal to the second device, wherein the modulated optical signal represents the first alphanumeric code, wherein the first device comprises an optical signal source configured to transmit a modulated optical signal through a medium, and wherein the second device is configured to receive the modulated optical signal through the medium. Analyzing the modulated optical signal received at the second device to convert the modulated optical signal to a second alphanumeric code and comparing the first alphanumeric code to the second alphanumeric code to determine a presence of one or more conditions between the first device and second device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet conveying device includes a tray and a correcting member. On the tray, a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets are overlapped is stacked in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle. The correcting member moves relative to the tray in the thickness direction. The correcting member abuts against an upper layer portion of an outer peripheral portion of the sheet bundle on the tray, and presses the upper layer portion from an outside after abutting. The correcting member corrects a position of the upper layer portion in a lateral direction intersecting the thickness direction toward an inside from the outside of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet dispensing system, including a movable frame being configured to movably hold, at least in part, a pallet stack between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the pallet stack relative to a pallet transporter in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the pallet stack as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: The invention comprises a container stacking operation integrated into a conveyor system for transporting products such as totes or containers. In a preferred embodiment a vertical stacking operation is located proximal to a product delivery station so that the use and storage of containers or totes can be efficiently integrated into a product conveying system.

Abstract: Pressware stacking systems and methods for using same. The system can include a conveyor for moving pressware in a first direction; a stop ramp at least partially disposed on the conveyor; and a lifter in communication with the stop ramp. The lifter is adapted to move at least a portion of the stop ramp to an inclined position above the conveyor.

Abstract: Stacking apparatuses and/or equipment for stacking objects with foldably-attached parts (e.g., containers with flaps), methods of stacking objects with foldably-attached parts, and methods of manufacturing stacking apparatuses and/or equipment for stacking objects with foldably-attached parts. The stacking apparatuses have at least two flap guide assemblies with one or more arms and one or more flap guides, one or more cams, each cam having a cam track and a cam follower, and a lift assembly having a lifting mechanism to move the next object to be stacked into a stack of substantially identical objects. The present stacking apparatuses stack objects in a manner that avoids jams or obstructions due to irregular folding and/or obstruction of the stacking process by the foldably-attached parts.

Abstract: A pressware stacking assembly and method for using the same are provided. The stacking assembly may include a stacking surface for supporting a plurality of pressware products and at least one shaped wheel at least partially disposed through the stacking surface. The shaped wheel may include a body having at least three sides disposed about a perimeter thereof and at least one transition section disposed between adjoining sides, wherein each transition section is adapted to lift at least a portion of the pressware products off the stacking surface.

Abstract: A dryer rack for use with an apparatus for drying an object inside a drum is disclosed, wherein the dryer rack includes a platform for having an upper surface for supporting the object. The platform may include at least one grip for loading and unloading the dryer rack into an interior space of the drum. The at least one grip is flush with the upper surface of the platform. The at least one grip is formed in a forward portion of the platform, to be near an access point of the drum.

Abstract: A stacking device for assembling a slack of uniformly sized articles 1, has a receiving station for successively receiving said articles 1, and a lifting means to raise said articles from the receiving station to a stacking station The stacking station includes catching means 3 to catch and retain the articles in the stacking station, the catching means comprising at least two catchers 3 located on opposite sides of the station to engage opposite side edges of the article. The article 1 when being raised contacts the catchers 3 to displace the catchers to a closed position to enable the article to override the catchers 3 to move to a position above the catchers 3, the catchers 3 having biassing means to bias the catchers 3 back to an open position to engage and support the article 1 in the stacking station when the lifting means is withdrawn. The catchers 3 have a uniform cross-section and are pivotally mounted in a frame member 5 having a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: A pressware stacking assembly and method for using the same are provided. The stacking assembly may include a stacking surface for supporting a plurality of pressware products and at least one shaped wheel at least partially disposed through the stacking surface. The shaped wheel may include a body having at least three sides disposed about a perimeter thereof and at least one transition section disposed between adjoining sides, wherein each transition section is adapted to lift at least a portion of the pressware products off the stacking surface.

Abstract: A pylon handling system includes stackable pylons with a top defining a horizontal engagement hole with a rigid rim, and a pylon handling apparatus. The pylons are configured to be stacked with a lower pylon nested inside an adjacent upper pylon such that a separation space is present between the rigid rims of the upper and lower pylons. The pylon handling apparatus is configured such that an operator holding the handle can insert the pylon engagement mechanism through the engagement hole in a first pylon to engage the first pylon on the pylon handling apparatus, and then insert the pylon engagement mechanism through the engagement hole in a second pylon to engage the second pylon on the pylon handling apparatus under the first pylon. The operator can manipulate the trigger to release the second pylon from the pylon engagement mechanism while retaining the first pylon on the pylon handling apparatus.

Abstract: A device for stacking articles which are molded and stamped in a multi-impression molding and stamping tool includes a transfer device having a single gripper plate made of lightweight construction for accepting all articles ejected from one work cycle of the molding and stamping tool. A stacking station having two stacking baskets arranged on respective arms is arranged so that the baskets are pivotable about a first axis for moving a first basket of the two baskets to a transfer position and a second basket of the two baskets to an ejection position, the transfer device transferring the articles to the transfer position of the stacking station. An ejector unit and conveyor belt are arranged proximate the ejection position, each of the first and second baskets being pivotable about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, at the ejection position to a pivoted position.

Abstract: A thermoformed article stack guiding apparatus is provided with a frame, a guide ramp and an array of juxtaposed article guide channels. The guide ramp receives and guides individual stacks of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press from multiple rows and multiple levels. A first set of article guide channels is inter-nested with a second set of article guide channels in an alternating array. Each of the first set and the second set is spread out laterally in a direction from an entrance end of the guide ramp to an exit end of the guide ramp to accept respective stacks of inter-nested articles from an upper row and a lower row of a trim press and transfer the stacks into a common exit row. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The device serves for stacking hollow objects generally tapered and intended for accumulation in stacks where they are arranged, each one partially inserted in the next. The stacking device operates at the exit of a rotating machine (20) operating at high speed, and having a rotating head (21) for the single objects, and comprise an extractor means (30) located in an exit station (B) of the rotating machine (20) intended to remove the objects from the rotating head (21) one at a time.

Abstract: The present invention is a stacker unit having an inlet area with sensors to detect ingress of a hamper or similar nestable container whereby a plurality of parallel lifting elements complimentary of the container, may grasp the container and lift it to perform a stacking operation when combined with a plurality of stacked containers. The inlet area has a plurality of walls providing structure and mounting for sensors and controls for selecting containers having an open end forming an entrance, within said entrance a plurality of guides, lifting elements and adaptors are actuated upon detection of an incoming container operable in lifting said container for stacking by utilization of a chain drive and motor having adjustable plates coupled to said lifting elements.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to easily set the medicine trays even in a stacked state. A medicine tray storage member 100 capable of storing the medicine tray 7 in a stacked condition includes: a tray support member 101 for supporting the medicine trays 7; a tray transport member 102 having a transport mechanism for transporting the medicine tray 7, the tray transport member constituting a part of the tray transport line 3; and a control portion for allowing the tray support member 101 to move down to put the medicine trays 7 of stacked state on the tray transport member 102, allowing the tray support member 101 to support and move up the next medicine tray 7 positioned above the lowermost one, and allowing the tray transport member 102 to supply the medicine tray 7 situated at the lowermost position to the tray transport line 3.

Abstract: The invention teaches the nesting and spacing of electrowon metal units via an electrowon metal sheet having thereon a spacing feature. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body; an article support for storing an article, the article support being configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; an operating device provided on the mobile body for shifting the article support between the article storage position and article transfer position; an operated element supported to be movable in a direction of access between a proximate position adjacent the mobile body standing still in an article transfer location and a remote position away from the mobile body standing still in the article transfer location, the operated element being operable, in the proximate position, to place the article support in the article storage position, and in the remote position, to place the article support in the article transfer position; and a guide device for guiding the operating device in a fore and aft direction to a proper operative position relative to the operated element when the

Abstract: An article stacking apparatus is provided having a barrel, a frame, a motor, and a drive mechanism. The frame is configured to support the barrel for rotation in a recumbent position. The drive mechanism couples together the frame and the motor to rotate the barrel to agitate cups within the barrel for stacking into accumulated configurations. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A storage device for storing trays, the device including a first movable member and a second movable member positioned opposite the first movable member. The first and second movable members are adapted to selectively vertically move and support at least one tray therebetween. A conveyor moves a tray to transfer position, and a transfer mechanism elevates the tray to a storage position between the two movable members. A stack of nested trays may be stored.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving traffic cones from roadway surfaces comprises a framework which is adapted to be attached to a roadwork vehicle so as to be movable therewith along a roadway surface. A knock-down bar upon the framework knocks down a normally upstanding traffic cone, and a substantially horizontally oriented, substantially conically configured spearing mechanism mounted upon the framework is inserted into the hollow interior of the traffic cone. The spearing mechanism and traffic cone are pivoted to a vertical orientation, and subsequently elevated so as to place the traffic cones onto a platform in a nested stacked array.

Abstract: In a biaxial stretch blow molding apparatus (10) for wide-mouthed containers, preforms (6) that are in an inverted state are conveyed on a single plane by preform carriers (40) that go around a carrier circuit (30) in the form of a loop, are heated via a heating station (60), and are then transferred via a transfer station (80) to stretch blow molding mold assemblies (72) that go around a circular looped path (71). The molded wide-mouthed containers (1) are taken out of the stretch blow molding mold assemblies (72) along a conveying path on a same plane and collected by a collection station (90). Wide-mouthed containers can be formed continuously and at high speed, which is less wasteful and more economical than the case where wide-mouthed containers that are formed from films.

Abstract: A stackable refuse collection container including a body having a bottom and an open top, the body constructed to be nestingly stacked with at least one similar body through the open top. A cover is formed to engage the body and close the top. An engagement mechanism is coupled to the body and the cover, the engagement mechanisms moveable between an engaged position securing the cover onto the body to allow compaction of refuse therein, and a disengaged position permitting removal of the cover from the open top. A loading door is formed in an end of the body for receiving refuse from a compactor mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for stacking a predetermined number of nestable objects is disclosed, including several alternative embodiments. The system is preferably designed for use with a plurality of nestable objects each having a measurable thickness. A cavity is configured for containing the nestable objects in an orientated position. The objects may be taken directly from a manufacturing process or otherwise loaded to the system at a receiving end. An ejector mechanism operates at the receiving end of the cavity to tamp, by relatively short strokes, successive objects into the cavity until a predetermined number of objects is achieved. At the point of tamping the last object into the cavity, the ejector executes a longer stroke to advance the now vertically oriented and stacked objects toward a discharge end of the cavity. A flange is functionally positioned proximate the discharge end of the cavity to create a span within the cavity having a length.

Abstract: A base plate and load beam for an HG assembly are formed in series, stacked, and transferred by a transfer system in the form of the stacked-layer series to undergo the necessary assembly processes such as layer joining, slider attachment, and electrical connections between the terminals thereon. When uncompleted HG assemblies are transferred for each of the manufacturing processes, the uncompleted HG assembly is mounted on the assembly jig such as a tray or a block for transference. For this reason, assembling jigs, the number of which is at least equal to the number of the uncompleted HG assemblies remaining at the respective assembly processes would be needed. Accordingly, the efficiency of work space is reduced, and a rise in manufacturing cost is brought about by the need for the assembling jigs.

Abstract: A palletizing system for stacking materials is provided. The system utilizes support members to minimize leaning of stacked materials. These support members are inserted through openings defined by one or more slip sheets. In particular, these openings are spaced about the perimeter of the slip sheet so that support members may be inserted therethrough. Thus, indentation or deformation of the outer edges of the materials is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking horizontally conveyed individual flats into vertically extending stacks including a stacking housing with an upper station for receiving the flats singly and releasing them downwardly into an intermediate station wherein multiple flats are accumulated and the accumulated grouping is then released downwardly to form an overall vertically extending stack of twenty flats or more for exit conveying. A control system is further disclosed including control plates, link arms and retaining/releasing arms for controlling downward movement of the flats within the stacking housing.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A substantially flat and relatively thin vehicle chassis enables compact storage of multiple vehicle chassis. This compact storage is achieved by high density vertical stacking of the vehicle chassis, which improves packaging and shipping efficiency, reduces plant floor usage for storage during or before testing, assembly or shipping processes, and may reduce overall manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and/or vehicle costs.

Abstract: A method of shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover includes a sheet of material formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The method includes providing a portable platform having a plurality of stacking shells disposed therefrom. Each stacking shell is configured to be received in the object opening of one of the preformed flower pot covers. A stack of preformed flower pot covers is formed on each of the stacking shells such that the preformed flower pot covers of the stack are nested within one another and supported on the stacking shell and secured to the portable platform. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers is then transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: The invention considerably reduces the danger of deformation for containers made from a thermoplastic material during the transfer to a stacking magazine or into a locally fixed catch plate. This deformation danger results from the fact that the formed stack must be displaced within a short time by the stack distance, either through the transferred containers themselves or by components of a catch plate that is moved forward with each cycle. This is achieved through displacing the stacks in the stacking magazines or the locally fixed catch plate with a displacement device. The displacement device can be combined with the stack removal device or can be a separate displacement device. According to a modification of the invention, the method is intended to improve the cooling of the stacked containers.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of “nesting” within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of nesting a pair of elongate articles, each having a complementary nesting surface, comprising the steps of: providing an article receiving surface; delivering a first elongate article to a first ready position on the article receiving surface; the first article having a first near end portion and a first far end portion; delivering a second elongate article to the article receiving surface; the second article having a second near end portion and a second far end portion; arranging the second article so that the second near end portion lies in a second ready position adjacent the first near end portion; engaging the near end portion of one of the articles independently of the far end portion thereof; transferring the engaged near end portion relative to the other of the near end portions to initiate nesting thereof; and manipulating at least one of the articles downstream of the first and second near end portions, to allow the nesting of the articles to continue beyond the first

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for receiving mass-produced individual or stacked articles or products, especially plastic cups, which after having been produced in a moulding and/or punching machine are ejected from same. The device comprises a catching device for catching the ejected products and a stacking device which receives the products from the catching device and after stacking holds them ready for further transport. The catching and stacking devices can be moved away from and towards each other. The stacking device is used during the movement towards the catching device for seizing the product(s) held in the catching device and during the movement away from the catching device for withdrawing the product(s) from the catching device.

Abstract: An improved process of stacking parts comprising thermoplastic plastic in an intermediate-storage cage, and the further transport of the stacks to subsequent devices. A pivotable stacking cage effects the transfer of the stacks onto a transverse conveyor belt, or directly to finishing devices, with the parts selectively standing up or lying down, so the apparatus is suited for both flat and tall parts. The method can be used with high cycle numbers, and allows for the mounting of devices that reliably prevent the parts from drifting apart in the intermediate-storage cage, which is particularly advantageous for flat parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking curved, triangular snack food chips, e.g., tortilla chips, for packaging in a sleeve-type container. The chips are fed into a first, U-shaped vibratory chute, which automatically causes the apex corners of the chips to extend beyond the opposing base edges of adjacent chips and which automatically orients the chips such that lines about which they are curved are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped chute. The chips are then fed into a W-shaped chute, with the chips facing in opposite directions falling automatically into opposite troughs of the W-shaped chute. The chips are then automatically reoriented by 120° such that their upturned apex corners point in the direction of travel, and the chips are stacked automatically as they slide up along one another in a shingled manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking curved, triangular snack food chips, e.g., tortilla chips, for packaging in a sleeve-type container. The chips are fed into a first, U-shaped vibratory chute, which automatically causes the apex corners of the chips to extend beyond the opposing base edges of adjacent chips and which automatically orients the chips such that lines about which they are curved are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped chute. The chips are then fed into a W-shaped chute, with the chips facing in opposite directions falling automatically into opposite troughs of the W-shaped chute. The chips are then automatically reoriented by 120° such that their upturned apex corners point in the direction of travel, and the chips are stacked automatically as they slide up along one another in a shingled manner.

Abstract: The invention considerably reduces the danger of deformation for containers made from a thermoplastic material during the transfer to a stacking magazine or into a locally fixed catch plate. This deformation danger results from the fact that the formed stack must be displaced within a short time by the stack distance, either through the transferred containers themselves or by components of a catch plate that is moved forward with each cycle. This is achieved through displacing the stacks in the stacking magazines or the locally fixed catch plate with a displacement device. The displacement device can be combined with the stack removal device or can be a separate displacement device. According to a modification of the invention, the method is intended to improve the cooling of the stacked containers.

Abstract: The transfer of stacks comprising molded plastic containers from stacking magazines into downstream devices in terms of susceptibility to disturbances, with the molding apparatus having a large number of cycles is improved. The method requires simple format parts, and permit a rapid format change when the apparatus is converted to a different container format. This is achieved be stack cages comprising stacking-magazine rows that can be displaced perpendicular to the stacking direction and removed from the other stacking-magazine rows. They are guided to a removal station, unloaded and placed onto the stacking-magazine rows remaining on the other side in the stacking station.

Abstract: A device for insertion of products into a packaging container in a packaging machine comprises an insertion plunger which is guided along a certain path parallel to the product and a cover element which can be pre-positioned above the product by a first displacement control and which can be lowered onto the products via a second displacement control. The insertion plunger and the cover element can exercise an insertion motion to insert the products into the container. In order to guarantee a precise seating of the cover element and to facilitate a simple reconfiguration to differing product formats, the second displacement control comprises a substantially vertical control surface as well as an element engaging the control surface for horizontal displacement thereby, wherein the horizontal adjustment displacement of the element can be transformed by a transformation device into the vertical lowering motion of the cover element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking curved, triangular snack food chips, e.g., tortilla chips, for packaging in a sleeve-type container. The chips are fed into a first, U-shaped vibratory chute, which automatically causes the apex corners of the chips to extend beyond the opposing base edges of adjacent chips and which automatically orients the chips such that lines about which they are curved are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped chute. The chips are then fed into a W-shaped chute, with the chips facing in opposite directions falling automatically into opposite troughs of the W-shaped chute. The chips are then automatically reoriented by 120° such that their upturned apex corners point in the direction of travel, and the chips are stacked automatically as they slide up along one another in a shingled manner.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for a thermoforming machine with a guide bar for a slider of a pivot arm which can be swung between positions along the pivot arm to pick up containers or covers and to deliver stacks of the containers in horizontal orientation to a receiving plate or conveyor. In another position of the guide bar, the pivot arm delivers the stacks of articles to the receiving table or conveyor in upright columns.