Abstract: An automated packing system, which may include a transfer station is described. In an example implementation, system may include an item-consolidation area that receives items, a carton receiving area that receives a carton, and a structure that holds the item-consolidation area vertically higher than the carton-receiving area. The system may also include a passage between the item-consolidation area and the carton-receiving area. The passage that may allow the items to pass from the item-consolidation area and the carton in the carton-receiving area. The system may include an actuation mechanism that controls movement of the items between the item-consolidation area and the carton-receiving area.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.

Abstract: A two-axis modular belt comprising two orthogonal belt loops intersecting at a union on a carryway. The belt is constructed of rectangular belt modules arranged in rows and columns. The modules are interconnected by hinge elements that allow columns of an advancing belt loop to translate relative to the rows of the other stationary belt loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter sorts items for each stop group into separate lanes. Each lane can then be sorted into output bins in delivery sequence order.

Abstract: A removal apparatus for removing pellets from a die plate of a rotary press comprises a housing and a first channel positioned on the housing and configured to receive pellets removed from the die plate. A guide element is arranged on the housing and positioned over the die plate. The guide element is configured to guide pellets produced in the rotary press from the die plate into the first channel. The guide element and the first channel are moveably mounted on the housing. A plurality of mechanical positioning elements are configured to be alternatively inserted into the housing and cooperate with the guide element and the first channel to movably position the guide element and the first channel relative to the housing. Each of the mechanical positioning elements defines a different position of one of the guide element and the first channel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

Abstract: A method of supplying pouches intended for containing liquid, viscous, or granular products to a carousel includes the steps of: positioning pouches along a first zone that is part of a first feeding component for feeding the pouches to the carousel; moving the pouches in the first zone as far as the carousel; and picking up the pouches from the first zone via the carousel; The method further includes positioning pouches along a second zone that is part of a second feeding component for feeding the pouches to the carousel. The step of positioning pouches along the second zone occurs in part simultaneously with picking up the pouches from the first zone; moving the pouches located in the second zone as far as the carousel queuing the pouches behind the pouches located in the first zone; and picking up the pouches from the second zone via the carousel.

Abstract: A method of reducing contamination in a silicon product includes: moving silicon pieces along a conveyance system, wherein the conveyance system comprises a liner having a polished surface finish with a surface roughness of less than or equal to 12 microinches; and moving the silicon pieces across the conveyance system, wherein the silicon pieces contain a reduced number of impurities as compared to silicon pieces in contact with a liner having an unpolished surface. A crushing tool includes: crushing tool elements configured to crush silicon into fragments, wherein the crushing tool elements comprise a surface comprising a polished surface finish with a surface roughness of less than or equal to 12 microinches. A conveyance system includes: a first conveyor discharged onto a second conveyor; wherein the first conveyor comprises a first liner and wherein the second conveyor comprises a second liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a checkout-system arrangement (10, 100), having an item-acquisition device (12) for acquiring selected items which comprises a scanner (18, 20, 22) for acquiring the items and a first conveyor belt (28) for conveying the items placed on the first conveyor belt (28). Furthermore, a packing device (16) is provided which comprises at least two item-receiving units (32 to 42), which are separate from one another, for receiving the scanned items and for making the items available. Between the first conveyor belt (28) and the packing device (16), a conveying device (14, 114) is provided which comprises a second conveyor belt (30, 130) by means of which, after conveying (28) by means of the first conveyor belt, the scanned items are conveyable to the item-receiving units (32 to 42) of the packing device (16).

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying hanging objects has a first rail profile with an upper track and a another track arranged below the upper track, a conveyor chain movable in the first track, holding adapters for holding objects to be conveyed, wherein the holding adapters can be coupled and decoupled from the conveyor chain during movement of the conveyor chain, the first rail profile having a sorting section with a separation unit and a switch following in conveying direction, the second track in the region of the sorting section being configured as downward slope in conveying direction, in which the distance between the upper track and the other track increases so that the holding adapters and the conveyor chain are decoupled from each other, wherein the separation unit and the switch are arranged in a region of the sorting section at which the holding adapters are decoupled from the conveyor chain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.

Abstract: Provided is a package automation apparatus including: a detection unit configured to detect package information of a package conveyed to a tray; a chute operation unit configured to operate a package loading chute so that the package is loaded on at least one of a plurality of sorting spaces formed at a pallet adjacent to the tray; and a control unit configured to transfer an operation control signal of the package loading chute to the chute operation unit so that the package is loaded on any one of the plurality of sorting spaces, based on the package information, in order to easily sort the package automatically.

Abstract: Provided is a package automation apparatus including: a detection unit configured to detect package information of a package conveyed to a tray; a chute operation unit configured to operate a package loading chute so that the package is loaded on at least one of a plurality of sorting spaces formed at a pallet adjacent to the tray; and a control unit configured to transfer an operation control signal of the package loading chute to the chute operation unit so that the package is loaded on any one of the plurality of sorting spaces, based on the package information, in order to easily sort the package automatically.

Abstract: The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system for transporting drill cuttings from an offshore drilling platform. In a representative embodiment, a bulk material storage and conveying system for a waterborne vessel comprises a first conveyor system including one or more upper conveyors extending lengthwise of the vessel. The system also comprises a plurality of containers located below the first conveyor system arranged in one or more rows, and a second conveyor system including one or more lower conveyors located below the one or more containers. The first conveyor system is configured to selectively dispense bulk material into the one or more containers, and the plurality of containers are configured to selectively dispense bulk material onto different locations along the length of the one or more lower conveyors. The system can further include an offloading conveyor assembly configured to convey drill cuttings from the lower conveyors to trucks on land.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: The invention related to a method comprising a device (1) having at least two separating surfaces (2, 2?) for separating planar and three-dimensional solids, which can be light, medium, and heavy, wherein said device can be installed and integrated, using simple means, into existing system for separating different material streams, such as garbage and waste. The bulk goods (3) to be separated and fed first to the first separating surface (2) and then to the second separating surface (2?) in succession, whereby a high degree of separation between light and heavy bulk goods (3) is achieved.

Abstract: A rejector device for use within a system for sorting discrete objects, the divert device comprising at least one divert device arranged to change the trajectory of an object; and drive means arranged to drive the divert device between at least three discrete positions such that in use, at least one of said discrete objects passes along one of three paths.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a dispersion unit, a plurality of weighing hoppers, and a combination unit. The dispersion unit circumferentially disperses articles that drop from above. The weighing hoppers are arranged generally circumferentially below the dispersion unit. The combination unit combines weight results obtained from each of the weighing hoppers. In addition, a state of a drop position of the articles in the dispersion unit changes during operation.

Abstract: An automated order mixing system includes a mixing sub-system having a plurality of angled vertically stacked product guides feeding a mixing conveyor whereon a client's order of product cases is processed, the vertical stacking enabling the creation of a number of product feed paths within a relatively small floor space.

Abstract: A device for controlling a mass of cigarettes, and having a conveyor system for feeding the cigarettes in bulk along a path from a cigarette manufacturing machine to a cigarette packing machine; and an operating unit for both determining and at least partly compensating differences between the cigarette production and packing rates; the operating unit having an arm with a number of articulated segments.

Abstract: An in-line gate is provided for a conveyor for particulate lading. The gate comprises a gate plate which is movable between a raised position in which the gate plate engages a seal extending at least along the sides of the conveyor exit and a lowered position in which the plate is beneath the conveyor's trough floor. In the lowered position, the gate plate is moved parallel to the direction of the conveyor between a closed position in which the plate blocks the opening and an open position in which the gate plate is positioned beneath the conveyor trough.

Abstract: A sortation assembly includes a plurality of chutes which are movable along a continuous loop and along and over a plurality of sort stations. The chutes are operable to deposit articles, such as mail or flats mail or the like, to appropriate bins or trays positioned at the sort stations. The sort stations are configured to support a tray thereon for filling of the tray by the chutes. At least some of the chutes include an electronic tray fill level sensor, which is operable to detect the level of articles deposited within the tray at which the chute is positioned, while being spaced from the tray and the articles. Also, at least some of the sort stations may include an electronic tray present sensor, which is operable to detect the presence of a tray at the respective sort station while being spaced from the tray at the sort station.

Abstract: A modular gravity-advance roller conveyor for conveying articles down an inclined path. The conveyor comprises an easy-to-configure modular conveyor mat supported in a conveyor frame with an inclined base. The conveyor mat is constructed of a series of rows of roller-top modules with rollers that extend above the top surface of the mat. Connecting elements along the ends of each row are connected to the connecting elements of adjacent rows to form the mat. The rollers on a roller-top module rotate about an axis of rotation. Modules with rollers that rotate about a given axis of rotation can be combined with modules with rollers that rotate about a different axis of rotation in a variety of patterns to meet common or special conveying requirements.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly having a conveying member made substantially of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material. The conveying member can be provided with a support structure for supporting the conveying member. At least one biasing member and at least one securing member can be used to secure the conveying member to the support structure. The biasing member and the securing member, along with the support structure, form an arrangement which can allow the conveying device to accommodate the growths and deformities of the conveying member.

Abstract: In the handling of cigarettes in the region of a cigarette-packaging machine or the like, the first filling operation of containers, conveying sections and cigarette magazine (12) is problematic because the cigarettes (21) are conveyed largely under their own weight during operation of the installation. In order to avoid impairment of the cigarettes as the installation is filled therewith, the containers, conveying sections and the cigarette magazine are assigned supporting and guide elements which are moved downwards or horizontally within the (empty) spaces in accordance with the filling operation, with the result that the cigarettes pass into the corresponding space with support and guidance.

Abstract: A slide gate is disclosed for use with an elongated conveyor including a conveyor housing having a bottom section including downwardly and inwardly extending side portions and a flat bottom wall having a discharge opening formed therein. A flat slide gate is selectively slidably movable on the housing between a closed position wherein the slide gate closes the discharge opening and an open position wherein the slide gate is retracted for the discharge opening.

Abstract: A belt conveyor with a surface layer transferred onto its article-carrying or other surface to impart certain effective properties to the surface. The belt conveyor comprises a conveyor belt driven by a belt drive along a belt-conveying path. A transfer element transfers a coating material to a belt surface along a section of the belt-conveying path. Metallic bearing surfaces in contact with the belt surface act as transfer elements from which an oxidizable metal is rubbed by the relative motion of the belt to form a high-friction metallic oxide layer on the belt surface. Another transfer element is realized by an applicator with a reservoir for storing a coating material. The applicator is positioned close to the belt surface to dispense a layer of coating material with properties that mask the inherent surface properties of the belt. In yet another version, the conveyed articles themselves serve as transfer elements.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a support element (4), that defines a running surface (5), and an endless dragging belt (9,10). The belt (9,10) has seats (3) made, with inwards decreasing section, along one longitudinal edge located over a corresponding section of the surface (5). Containers (1) to be moved rest on the surface (5) and are kept in engagement with the belt (9,10) and in the seats by a lateral striker (7). The belt can be made of synthetic material with cogs (11), or of metallic material with smooth surfaces. The lateral striker (7) is a bar parallel to the straight active run (8) of the belt (9,10), and is moved in relation to the containers (1) size. The support and running surface (5) has indentations in one or more points (4), where there are plates (13) for moving the containers clear of the belt so as to allow additional operations on the containers.

Abstract: A tubular slow speed drag or aero mechanical conveyor assembly (1) for transporting particulate material, includes a tubular valve (11) positioned in line with conveyor tubes (1) of the assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The valve (11) has at least one elongate aperture (21) through which particulate material can leave the assembly (1) and means (24,25) are provided for sequentially rotating the tubular valve (11) between positions in which the at least one aperture (21) is in the open or closed position of the valve (11). In one arrangement the rotation imparting means comprises an air cylinder (23) operable to impart linear movement to a gear rack (24) which meshes with and imparts rotational movement to an annular gear wheel (25) carried by the tubular valve (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a slide gate for use with an en-masse drag conveyor. The slide gate includes a frame adapted to be connected to the conveyor at a location adjacent to a discharge opening of the conveyor. The slide gate also includes a slide panel moveable between a closed position in which the panel is adapted to close the discharge opening, and an open position in which the panel is adapted to be retracted from the discharge opening. The slide gate further includes a moveable support structure adapted for supporting a chain of the conveyor. When the slide panel is moved to the open position, the support structure moves to a first position in which the support structure is adapted for supporting the chain as it traverses the discharge opening. When the panel is moved to the closed position, the support structure moves to a second position in which the support structure is located below the slide panel.

Abstract: A biscuit inverter mechanism comprising a pair of elongate, parallel, downwardly angled support members. The spaced parallel support members provide support for a biscuit when running thereover to enable that biscuit to be guided with a constant orientation through the mechanism. The support members also provide support for one side only of a biscuit when running thereover whereby the biscuit rotates under gravity to an inverted orientation before leaving the mechanism.

Abstract: A hopper receives upper and lower articles delivered simultaneously from a mobile transport device having superimposed transport platforms. Disposed within the hopper are independently movable diverters for diverting the articles to proper outlets of the hopper. The diverters comprise rotatable plates able to divert both of the upper and lower articles to either a first outlet or a second outlet, or to divert one of the articles to the first outlet, and the other article to the second outlet.

Abstract: The sorting apparatus includes a plurality of conveyable-article carriers (FT) which circulate on at least one conveying device (FE) and are intended for receiving, for transporting and for discharging, in a controllable manner, the conveyable articles to sorting containers (SB),the conveyable-article carriers (FT) circulating, via at least one vertical deflection of the conveying device (FE), in at least two planes (E1, E2), andthe sorting containers (SB) being provided in at least two levels (ET1, ET2) assigned to the planes (E1, E2) of the conveying device (FE). The guidance of the conveying device (FE) in at least two planes (E1, E2), and the provision of sorting containers (SB) in at least two levels (ET1, ET2) assigned to said planes (E1, E2) makes it possible, with the same surface area on which to set up the sorting apparatus, for the number of sorting containers (SB) available for sorting purposes to be doubled or multiplied.

Abstract: A vibratory distributor 10 is described in preferred form having an elongated vibratory bed 16 for conveying bulk articles in a flowing stream past a plurality of metering gate stations 12 to selectively distribute the articles at the stations. A metering gate assembly 40 at each station includes a stationary upper metering plate 44 and a lower movable metering plate 46. Each of the plates 44, 46 have matching elongated metering apertures formed therein at evenly spaced center-to-center intervals across the width of the flowing stream. Each of the elongated apertures 62, 64 is oriented at a diagonal angle to the direction of flow with a segment of each aperture laterally overlapping an adjacent aperture. The apertures 62, 64 have parallelogram shapes. A screw gate drive 78 is connected to the lower metering plate 46 to move the plate 46 to adjust the relative alignment of the apertures to regulate the metering of the articles at each of the stations 12.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and storing articles and subsequently unstacking the articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor to convey a plurality of articles, and a plurality of secondary conveyors are disposed normal to a side edge of the first conveyor. To store the articles, each article is stopped on the conveyor and is pushed laterally from the main conveyor into bearing engagement against a movable stop member on a secondary conveyor. Additional articles are pushed onto the secondary conveyor into engagement with the preceding article to form a composite stack. The composite stack can be lifted from the secondary conveyor by a lifting mechanism to a storage site, and subsequently, when it is desired to release the stack from storage, the stack is lowered back onto the secondary conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and storing articles and subsequently unstacking the articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor to convey a plurality of articles, and a plurality of secondary conveyors are disposed normal to a side edge of the first conveyor. To store the articles, each article is stopped on the conveyor and is pushed laterally from the main conveyor into bearing engagement against a movable stop member on a secondary conveyor. Additional articles are pushed onto the secondary conveyor into engagement with the preceding article to form a composite stack. The composite stack can be lifted from the secondary conveyor by a lifting mechanism to a storage site, and subsequently, when it is desired to release the stack from storage, the stack is lowered back onto the secondary conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the distribution of logs into the supply shafts of a plurality of successive grinders from a conveyor line consisting of several belt, chain or other conveyors placed in succession and carrying the logs transversely thereon. The logs are passed from one conveyor to the next and distributed into supply shafts through gaps between the conveyors, which are automatically started for moving the logs on the conveyor line so as to fill the supply shafts. The equipment previously known and used for this purpose has several disadvantages, e.g. the need for sorting of the logs, unnecessary operation of the conveyors, overfilling of the line, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for dividing a supply of pieces of wood into portions has an aperture for receiving the wood pieces, pivotable grippers for retaining the wood pieces from falling through the aperture, a support which is movable downwardly relative to the aperture to allow a plurality of the wood pieces to descend therewith, the plurality of wood pieces constituting one of the portions, and hydraulic pistons and cylinders for operating the grippers after the downward movement of the support, to retain subsequent wood pieces from falling through the aperture, whereby the remainder of the wood pieces can be temporarily retained from descending with the support.

Abstract: A device for precisely releasing individual electrical components, especially electronic integrated circuits (IC's) to sort, position and/or store the components on a slanted work table, without relative friction between connector pins, soldering terminals and stop strips, and to avoid exerting lateral pressure causing the pins or the like to become deformed, a positioning section is designed as a supporting cap with a leading edge, behind which a component to be released is loaded from the rear. The supporting cap tilts relative to a supporting surface by means of a fitting that permits lateral movement of the component, and upon tilting of the cap releases of the component where desired.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for selectively sorting objects which comprises a fixed conveyor table having guide rails thereon and an endless conveyor member movable over the table. The conveyor member is formed of a plurality of connected plates which each have a slot therein and which each include a slidably mounted pushing element. The pushing element includes a throttle planet wheel comprising at least two spaced rollers engageable with the rail to move the slider transversely across the respective plate. Objects are thus discharged from the conveyor at selected stations spaced along the conveyor travel path. Each station is provided with a multi-positioned hopper which can supply the discharge object into one of a plurality of containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drag chain conveyor with bulk material discharge openings that can be closed in a gas-tight fashion, with a slide plate, along with a slide box that is closed to the outside, and an actuation mechanism for opening and closing the slide plate, preferably via sidewardly arranged guides, and with a seal between the slide plate and the discharge opening.

Abstract: A conveyor-distributor apparatus for handling flat rectangular items, has a horizontal conveyor channel; a support face defining the conveyor channel floor on which the lower edges of the substantially upright oriented items are guided; and a plurality of consecutive deflector switches arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor channel. A guiding device is connected to each deflector switch for changing the orientation of the deflected items from the position they assumed in the conveyor channel to a flat-lying, stacking position. Each guiding device is constituted by a slide that comprises a curved deflecting surface having a first surface portion which adjoins the associated deflector switch and which is in alignment with the plane of the items as they emerge from the deflector switch subsequent to their deflection thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection of articles at the discharge ends of article sorting machines, particularly a plurality of sorting machines that are arranged one above the other in elevation, and where it is desired to collect articles discharged by the multiple sorting machines at common collection points without causing damage to the articles.