Abstract: A chain tensioning sprocket is moveable with a predetermined force into a U-shaped path of a chain to apply continuous tensioning force to the chain. The change in length of the chain is measured by detecting the movement of the chain tensioning sprocket into the U-shaped path of the chain, and measurement of movement of the chain tensioning sprocket indicates a change in the length of the whole chain, which, in turn, indicates the wear on the parts of the chain and the expected operative life of the chain.

Abstract: Provide an oven and optional cooking accessories having a high emissivity thermal protective layer on a substrate surface which comprises a metal or ceramic. The layer comprises from about 5% to 30% of an inorganic adhesive, from about 45% to 92% of at least one filler, and from about 1% to 25% of one or more emissivity agents; or from about 5% to 35% of colloidal silica, colloidal alumina, or combinations thereof, from about 23% to 79% of at least one filler, and from about 1% to 25% of one or more emissivity agents.

Abstract: A chain tensioning sprocket is moveable with a predetermined force into a U-shaped path of a chain to apply continuous tensioning force to the chain. The change in length of the chain is measured by detecting the movement of the chain tensioning sprocket into the U-shaped path of the chain, and measurement of movement of the chain tensioning sprocket indicates a change in the length of the whole chain, which, in turn, indicates the wear on the parts of the chain and the expected operative life of the chain.

Abstract: End of arm tool (10) is used to load goods A and B in two layers in a packing container (8), with a packing insert positioned between the layers. The tool (10) also grasps a packing insert in the form of a flat sheet, bends the ends of the packing sheet downwardly to form an inverted U shape, and then inserts the packing insert in a straddling relationship about the lower layer of goods A, to protect the lower layer of goods from the weight applied by the upper layer of goods B.

Abstract: A bellows 10 is configured for connection to an end effector of a robot and includes a valve 28 supported in the interior space of the bellows. A flow of low pressure air is induced from inside the bellows into a vacuum plenum 24 for retrieving a work product by the open end 16 of the bellows. High pressure air is moved through a conduit 50 into the valve to terminate the flow of low pressure air and terminate the suction applied by the bellows to the work product.

Abstract: A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.

Abstract: Stacker 10 engages its end of arm tool 35 against a pan 40 and lifts the pan through an arc so that the pan revolves about its support framework 12 to a delivery position. The pair of lift arms 22 and 23 revolves about the pivot shaft 30 as the pivot shaft moves vertically so that the pans may be moved from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, and vice versa. The end of arm tool is maintained in its upright attitude throughout the movement by a timing belt 50 so that the pan is also deposited in the same attitude as when it was received.

Abstract: Cable manager 30 is positioned between the distal end of a robot arm 16 and the robot end effector 18. Elongated cable carrier 44 positioned in a circular cable track 34 extends in an arc about the axis of connection 17 between the robot arm and the end effector. One end 56 of the cable carrier moves with the robot arm and the other end 54 moves with the end effector. The cable carrier forms a U-shape 60 between its ends so that the movements of the ends of the cable carrier result in the U-shape accommodating the change in distance between the ends of the utility line and the cable carrier. Utility lines 62 are gathered in one or more cables that extend through the cable carrier to provide the end effector with the controls necessary for its operation.

Abstract: A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.

Abstract: A bellows 10 is configured for connection to an end effector of a robot and includes a valve 28 supported in the interior space of the bellows. A flow of low pressure air is induced from inside the bellows into a vacuum plenum 24 for retrieving a work product by the open end 16 of the bellows. High pressure air is moved through a conduit 50 into the valve to terminate the flow of low pressure air and terminate the suction applied by the bellows to the work product.

Abstract: An air retriever, such as a bellows (24) is used in an end effector (18) for lifting work products (22) in prearranged configurations, and delivery to a container (20) in a predetermined pattern. An air flow control valve (50) is positioned in each bellows (24) for individually controlling the flow of air through each bellows so that the bellows in a pick zone may draw air for picking up work products while air flow is not applied to the other bellows out of the pick zone.

Abstract: Cable manager 30 is positioned between the distal end of a robot arm 16 and the robot end effector 18. Elongated cable carrier 44 positioned in a circular cable track 34 extends in an arc about the axis of connection 17 between the robot arm and the end effector. One end 56 of the cable carrier moves with the robot arm and the other end 54 moves with the end effector. The cable carrier forms a U-shape 60 between its ends so that the movements of the ends of the cable carrier result in the U-shape accommodating the change in distance between the ends of the utility line and the cable carrier. Utility lines 62 are gathered in one or more cables that extend through the cable carrier to provide the end effector with the controls necessary for its operation.

Abstract: The dough portioner 10 includes a manifold 36 defining a chamber 38 for receiving bakers dough or other viscous flowable material from a feed pump 14. A plurality of delivery channels 44 in communication with said chamber pass the viscous material to a dough cutter 66. A meter wheel 52 is positioned between the manifold and the cutter for receiving a stream of the material from each of the delivery channels and discharging the streams of material independently of others of said meter wheels.

Abstract: An endless conveyor chain assembly (10) includes two piece enclosed curved track sections (15) having curved sections (15) for the passage therethrough of a series of conveyor chain links (12). Outer race (18) of the curved track sections (15) include an impervious horizontal bottom wall (22) that is U-shaped in cross section for retaining any lubricants or other liquids or debris. Inner race (20) with a wear strip (44) attached thereto is removable from the outer race (18) without having to cut the curved conveyor track sections (15) from the track and without having to remove the conveyor chain from the track when performing maintenance to the conveyor chain assembly.

Abstract: Dough pump 12 includes an auger 22 that moves oncoming dough from the upwardly facing entry opening 19 of the cylindrical housing 24 and expels the dough laterally from a side delivery conduit 26. A developer 14 includes a laterally facing entry conduit 40 aligned with the side delivery conduit 26 of the dough pump. Developer paddle 48 gently moves the dough along the developer housing 44 to a downwardly facing delivery conduit 46. The dough pump motor 30 and the developer motor 50 are located on opposite ends of their respective housings. The dough pump auger 22 pushes the dough away from the motor and its transmission and toward the side delivery conduit 26. Likewise, the developer paddle 48 moves the dough in the opposite direction away from the motor and its transmission so that the seals at the inlet end portions of the dough pump and developer are less likely to be over-pressurized and are less likely to leak.