Abstract: A vibratory system for a vibration feeder includes pulse means for generating electrical digital pulse signals. A controller controllably converts the electrical digital pulse signals either into an incrementally increasing or decreasing DC voltage level. At least one vibration block is coupled to the controller for being increased or decreased in its amplitude of vibration in response to the respective incrementally increasing or decreasing DC voltage level generated by the controller. A remotely located additional controller, such as a programmable logic controller, may be coupled to the controller for transmitting electrical digital pulse signals to control the amplitude of vibration.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting and feeding axially elongated articles includes a feeder bowl with an article ramp surface terminating at the upper edge of the bowl and an annular article feeder ring, supported for rotation around an upper portion of the feeder bowl, has an upwardly facing article supporting surface contiguous with a terminal portion of the ramp surface to receive articles therefrom. A stationary ring is arranged within a recess in the article supporting surface of the article feeder ring and includes an upwardly facing article supporting surface substantially continuous and planar with the supporting surface of the feeder ring. A radial groove within the article supporting surface of the stationary ring accepts a guide conveyor which directs the articles tangentially away from the article feeder ring.