Abstract: A parts feeder which incorporates a position-controlled conveyor, a unique flex crowder system and destacker for promoting the singulation of parts on the conveyor, and a vision enabled reject mechanism to select and reject non-compliant parts. In this regard, parts to be sorted are lifted onto a conveyor and run past a series of adjustable crowder sections, including a flex crowder section, past a destacker element and into a singulation zone whereupon multiple camera images of both edges and features in conjunction with conveyor speed, conveyor position and laser triggering synchronize the parts to be rejected. The parts feeder incorporates adjustable settings thereby obviating the need to switch out components for the purpose of accommodating parts of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by one or more conveyors, each container having an interior portion defined therein for receiving a product and an opening in fluid communication with the interior portion. The guide rail system includes a cover assembly including one or more cover elements, and one or more structural elements to which the cover element is secured. The structural element locates the cover element in a preselected location relative to the openings of the containers, for at least partially impeding ingress of foreign matter to the interior portions of the containers.

Abstract: A lane adjustment system for guiding containers moved by one or more conveyors in a preselected direction in one or more lanes, each lane having a lane width transverse to the preselected direction. The lane adjustment system includes a number of lane guide elements, to at least partially define the lanes respectively, and one or more lane guide adjustor modules, each secured to a selected one of the lane guide elements for moving the selected one of the lane guide elements a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction at least partially transverse to the preselected direction, to change the lane width by the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by one or more conveyors, each container having an interior portion defined therein for receiving a product and an opening in fluid communication with the interior portion. The guide rail system includes a cover assembly including one or more cover elements, and one or more structural elements to which the cover element is secured. The structural element locates the cover element in a preselected location relative to the openings of the containers, for at least partially impeding ingress of foreign matter to the interior portions of the containers.

Abstract: A bone implant surgery system is used for simulating a dental surgical procedure having a display that shows placing a simulated bone implant at a simulated implant site on a living body by using a simulated surgical tool holding the simulated bone implant. At least one hand-held haptic device is used to control the surgical tool and at least one controller is specifically configured to cause movement of the surgical tool on the display based on motions of the haptic device and to cause haptic feedback to a user holding the haptic device depending on the position of the surgical tool on the display. A user may then review and evaluate the results of the surgical simulation.

Abstract: A bone implant surgery system is used for simulating a dental surgical procedure having a display that shows placing a simulated bone implant at a simulated implant site on a living body by using a simulated surgical tool holding the simulated bone implant. At least one hand-held haptic device is used to control the surgical tool and at least one controller is specifically configured to cause movement of the surgical tool on the display based on motions of the haptic device and to cause haptic feedback to a user holding the haptic device depending on the position of the surgical tool on the display. A user may then review and evaluate the results of the surgical simulation.

Abstract: Foundry equipment (1) has a plurality of moulding tables (2) arranged radially on a carousel (3). A central work station (5) is provided for a machine operator (6) having access to control means (17, 10-12) to rotate the carousel (3), and hence the tables (2), in a selective manner beneath a discharge head (13) of a resin and sand mixing machine (14).

Abstract: A process for the extraction of food values from oats is disclosed. Acid-soluble protein may be obtained by de-oiling comminuted groats, treating the de-oiled groats with an aqueous solution of pH 9.5-11.5, acidifying the alkaline solution after separation of insoluble material to a pH of 1.8-3.2, preferably 2.2-2.8, and separating acid-soluble protein from the acidified solution after separation of insoluble material. Each step in the process is controlled so as to minimize denaturing of acid-soluble protein. Techniques for separation of acid-soluble protein from the acidified solution are disclosed. The separation of other protein products, bran, flour and gum is also disclosed. The use of protein products as emulsifying agents is disclosed.

Abstract: A wheelchair provided with pivotable ramps to enable curb-climbing which is provided with means to enable it to mount curbs. The wheelchair comprises three or more wheels and at least one pivotally mounted arm on which a ramp member is itself pivotally mounted. The or each arm may be pivoted to a position in which the ramp it supports is placed in a predetermined orientation in the path of a respective wheel or the chair so that the said respective wheel may run up the ramp to mount a curb.