Abstract: An elevator unit for transferring a tray includes a tray guide block on which a tray is seated, a wrapping connector driving member configured to elevate and lower the tray guide block, a fixed fastener connected to the tray guide block, and a corrective fastener connected to the wrapping connector driving member and configured to rotatably coupled to the fixed fastening member.

Abstract: An apparatus having an automatically adjustable pot seedling feed rate and a method therefor are provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a pot seedling scooper, a conveyance unit, a detection sensor, a controller, a seedling sorting unit, side panels, and brackets. The conveyance unit comprises a servomotor, a transmission shaft, a conveyor belt, a tension shaft, and a bearing. The seedling sorting unit comprises a seedling sorting rod, a reset spring, a guide post and a support seat.

Abstract: Apparatus to transfer bottles in a container, said apparatus comprising at least a transfer device to transfer the bottles in a first direction and a pick-up and delivery member configured to transfer the bottles from the transfer device to the container. The transfer device and the pick-up and delivery member are disposed consecutive with respect to each other and are of the metering screw type. The pick-up and delivery member is associated to movement means provided to translate the pick-up and delivery member and bring it from a first pick-up condition to a second delivery condition, and vice versa, in a second direction, transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing stacks of large square bales. Bales are received from the baler via a bale accumulator and formed into a stack, a plurality of bales high. The resulting bale stacks may be dropped in the field for pickup later.

Abstract: A workpiece transport assembly, a material handling assembly and a method of operating a cart within a material handling environment. An automated guided cart includes two independently-operable workpiece-securing devices to selectively permit retention of a workpiece or a workpiece-holding pallet while disposed on a mounting surface of the cart. The second workpiece-securing device is mounted to the cart in such a way as to be cooperative with the mounting surface to selectively permit workpiece or pallet retention regardless of whether the first workpiece-securing device is securing the workpiece to the cart. The second workpiece-securing device may be actuated either manually by operational personnel or automatically by controller or in response to movement by a cooperating conveyor.

Abstract: A device and to a method for stacking plate-like products into a straight, cylindrical stack having an upper and a lower side and at least two side surfaces arranged at a distance from each other. In order to create a desired pretension in the stack already during stacking, which can even be maintained when individual products are added, the plate-like products are lifted against gravity from the bottom to the top into a stack nest, the products are held in the stack nest by applying a force on the side surfaces thereof to prevent dropping in the direction of gravity. While the force application is maintained, further products are added to the stack in the stack nest from the bottom side.

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 device for loading, storing and providing objects having standardized dimensions includes a storage unit with a carrier plate and four stackers. Each stacker includes a bottom surface disposed on top of the carrier plate. The stackers are configured to store objects stacked perpendicular to the carrier plate. The stackers are disposed symmetrically centered around a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the carrier plate and offset with respect to each other by an angle of 90°. A substructure is disposed underneath the carrier plate. An unloading device is configured to unload a selected object from a first of the stackers that is disposed in a transfer position. The storage unit is rotatable around the rotation axis so as to enable movement of each of the stackers into the transfer position.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: A stackable carrier assembly, carrier stacking system, and method of storing carrier assemblies is disclosed. The carrier assembly includes a base member presenting a load surface and opposite facing transfer surface. A plurality of carrier trolleys extend transversely from the load surface to engage conveyor tracks. A plurality of track sections are coupled to the load surface for receiving the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. The track sections are vertically aligned with the carrier trolleys. In a power and free or friction drive conveyor system, a lift device and telescoping arm can lift and stack the carrier assemblies so that track sections of one carrier assembly receive the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. In an overhead conveyor system, one carrier assembly can hang from the track sections of another carrier assembly.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for stacking boxes in a strawberry picking cart. The system includes spring-loaded hooks, where the spring-loaded hook is configured to support a stack of full strawberry boxes, and a platform, where the platform is configured to support a bottom strawberry box. The system also includes a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift the platform such that the bottom strawberry box is positioned below the stack of full strawberry boxes. The lifting mechanism is also configured to remove the spring-loaded hook from the stack of full strawberry boxes. The lifting mechanism is further configured to raise the bottom strawberry box until the spring-loaded hook supports the bottom strawberry box.

Abstract: In the present invention, through the provision of a tray placing rack for storing trays in multi steps, the trays accommodating electronic parts after inspection are received in the racks and through the provision of a tray stacking rack above the tray placing rack, an empty tray emptied by having been inspected of the electronic parts before inspection at an inspection stage is stacked on the tray stacking rack. When a certain tray is filled with electronic parts after inspection and is discharged, an empty ray is taken out from the tray stacking rack and the empty tray is fed to the rack position of the discharged tray to permit re-use of empty trays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tray handler for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The tray handler includes a plurality of spaced clamp assemblies defining a stack area along a conveyor, a lift plate, and first and second actuators. The lift plate is operably disposed within the stack area. The first actuator is operably associated with the clamp assemblies, which are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the lift plate, which is vertically moveable within the stack area upon actuation of the second actuator. A controller is in communication with the first and second actuators and controls actuation thereof. A method of handling ophthalmic prescription trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stacker for a handler is provided. After a device positioned in a test tray is tested at a test site and is classified, each test tray is unloaded according to the classification. The multi-stacker for a handler includes a stacker frame installed longitudinally on a handler frame and coupled to a side plate, a tray stacking portion for stacking a test tray loaded with a classified device in the stacker frame, and a guide for determining a position of a test tray placed on the tray plate and installed at four edges of the tray plates so as to prevent the tray plate from deviating from a predetermined position. As the tray is moved up and down along an inside of the guide, the test tray holding a classified device may be unloaded.

Abstract: Process and plant for handling and stacking a plurality of thermoformed containers or lids, including the steps of: obtaining during a thermoforming phase mouldings of lids and containers, having at least three stacking protrusions or spacers, all having the same space arrangement in all the thermoformed products of the same moulding, at least one of the stacking protrusions or spacers of a same thermoformed object being set out in a non specular symmetric way with respect to at least a center line of the respective container or lid and at a distance from the same center line of the respective container or lid different from that of the others, arranging one or a moulding of said containers or lids in at least one support template to keep them in order according to the spatial arrangement that they had during the thermoforming phase, turning through a predetermined angle every other object or moulding of objects either containers or lids before or during their transfer to a stacking station, and stacking

Abstract: A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing, an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks, a servo motor with a cam arm. The servo motor rotates to pivot the cam arm, which cams against the elevator pin to lift the elevator pin.

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 module IC handler used for testing module Ics is disclosed in which the handler enables loading and unloading operations for module ICs, without further elevating pallet over an installation plate, and provides sequential transferring operations for the pallet on which test or customer tray is placed. To this end, after all module Ics 1 are loaded from the test tray 6 exposed to the loading or unloading position 19 or 26 by the loading and unloading elevator units 18a, 18b, or the test-finished module Ics are filled in the customer tray 17, the pallet 5 is moved to a rotation position 30 by a transfer 31, and then can be circulated to an upper side of the loading or unloading elevation plate 36 by the downer 32.

Abstract: A self-pivoted catcher for the up-stacking of die-cut thermoformed components comprises a low mass loop of material having opposed ends thereofjournaled in a guide pin which is affixed in a narrow web of a catcher plate between apertures therein. The catcher is adapted to move upwardly with movement of the die-cut component as the individual component is separated from a previously die-cut larger sheet of components by the pusher as the pusher is advanced through the catcher plate. The loop is also adapted to engage the underside of a lip of the die-cut component thereby retaining the die-cut component on an upper side edge of the catcher.

Abstract: A Tray input-output module, comprising a power unit, a clamp unit and a support unit, is capable of automatically retrieving a tray from a transport device and automatically delivering a tray to a transport device for facilitating automation in chip sorter operation, reducing manual work and raising productivity.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking first and second loaded pallets includes a pallet stacker that defines a stationary stacking location. A first loaded pallet is conveyed to the stationary stacking location. In preferred form, plural sensors check the first loaded pallet for preferred load height and preferred load integrity. A pallet carriage vertically adjustable at the stationary stacking location then engages the first loaded pallet and moves it to a temporary holding position. A second loaded pallet is conveyed into vertical registration with the first loaded pallet. The plural sensors also check the second loaded pallet for preferred load height and preferred load integrity. The first loaded pallet is then vertically adjusted into stable stacked relation with the second loaded pallet, and the pallet carriage disengages the first loaded pallet. The first and second loaded pallets, in stable stacked relation to each other, thereafter are discharged from the stationary stacking location.

Abstract: A lifting method and device. A first lifting device lifts a multi-layer stack of articles from a lower position upwardly to a raised position at which the uppermost layer is at a desired level for removal of articles. The first lifting device continues to move the stack upwardly in increments for subsequent removal of articles in subsequent layers at the desired level. A second lifting device engages the bottom of the stack at locations different from the areas engaged by the first lifting device for continuing upward movement of the stack for positioning the remaining layers at the desired level for the removal of articles therefrom. The first lifting device is then movable downwardly to receive a new stack and the second lifting means is foldable to a retracted position and movable to a position below the new stack.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for introducing elongate, in particular cylindrical, articles, namely packs (10), into a carton (15). The packs (10) arrive individually, and at a spacing from one another, on a feed conveyor (18) and are pushed off from the latter transversely, by a pack pusher (26), into a collecting station (19). Layers (17) comprising a plurality of packs (10) located one beside the other are formed in said collecting station. The layers (17) are then raised one after the other and introduced into a grouping subassembly in order to form groups (16) comprising a plurality of layers. In each case one group, in turn, is pushed into a carton (15) which is open on at least one side.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

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 shuttle assembly for handling trays of IC packages. The shuttle assembly is configured to accept cooperatively-configured trays in a vertically-extending tray stack volume in only a single rotational orientation. Trays are selectively released from or accepted by the tray stack volume by operation of selectively extendable and retractable tray support elements driven by actuators, which may comprise air cylinders. A lift mechanism for raising and lowering a tray in alignment with the tray stack volume may be included. A method of operation of the shuttle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stacking column for storing articles comprises a plurality of ratchet elements each having a carrying arm and a control arm. The plurality of ratchet elements are arranged successively in one plane such that the carrying arms of each ratchet element are arranged in one vertically extending plane and the control arm of each ratchet element is arranged in a laterally offset manner relative to the carrying arm of the same ratchet element between any two successive ratchet elements. The control arms of the ratchet elements are also arranged in a laterally alternating manner relative to the one vertically extending plane.

Abstract: An output card hopper for use in connection with an identification card printer as a hopper that receives the cards and permits the cards to be supported on movable lift rails. The rails can be moved up and down, and the hopper has a pair of pawls that extend into the hopper from the sides and which are retracted as the card is lifted up by the lift rails, and then permitted to move back inwardly so that as the card support is lowered, the card that had been carried up by the rails is supported on the pawls in a stack above the pawls. The hopper includes one adjustable side wall to permit adjusting the width of the hopper. The card lift rails are raised and lowered by operating a cam, with a spring return on the card lift rails to urge the lift rails toward a home or lowered position.

Abstract: A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing, an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks, a servo motor with a cam arm. The servo motor rotates to pivot the cam arm, which cams against the elevator pin to lift the elevator pin.