Patents Assigned to Zepf Technologies UK Limited
-
Patent number: 9670001Abstract: An automated handling line guide rail assembly is provided for use on an automated handling line that is adjustable to define a path of varying width. The assembly comprises a segmented guide rail, with segments that define a generally arcuate perimeter of the path, the perimeter being positioned at a radius from a central axis. An actuator member is rotatable about the central axis and is arranged to extend at a substantially constant radius from the central axis. Rotation of the actuator member causes substantially radial movement of the segments thereby allowing the segments to define the perimeter at a plurality of different radii. The segments are positioned and have a width such that adjacent segments overlap each other. Their overlapping portions move circumferentially relative to each other when the segments move radially such that the extent of overlap of adjacent segments varies with the radial position of the segments.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ZEPF Technologies UK LimitedInventor: Thomas Doherty
-
Patent number: 8776997Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. Width adjustment is effected by adjusting a rotatable tab to align one of a number of holes with a pin provided on the guide rail. With the pin received in a hole, the guide rail is secured in a desired setting.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Zepf Technologies UK LimitedInventor: Ian Steven Spence
-
Publication number: 20140041993Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. Width adjustment is effected by adjusting a rotatable tab to align one of a number of holes with a pin provided on the guide rail. With the pin received in a hole, the guide rail is secured in a desired setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: ZEPF Technologies UK LimitedInventor: Ian Steven Spence
-
Patent number: 8561783Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable star wheel provided with at least one interchangeable pocket for receiving a container to be conveyed. The star wheel comprises a larger pocket of fixed shape and size, moveable jaws defining a smaller pocket having a fixed shape and size, an actuator disc rotatable about the central axis, and a cam mechanism linking the jaws to the actuator disc to cause radial movement of the jaws. In an extended position, the jaws move the smaller pocket into coincidence with the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the smaller pocket. In the retracted position, the jaws are clear of the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the larger pocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Zepf Technologies UK LimitedInventors: Mark McAllister, Ian Spence
-
Patent number: 8132666Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. The guide rails are adjustable to accommodate containers of differing sizes.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Zepf Technologies UK LimitedInventors: Mark McAlister, Timothy Povey, Ian Spence