Abstract: A steel rail solar radiation shield comprises a coating applied to the steel rail configured to one of block, reflect and frequency shift solar radiation from being transferred to the steel rail via particulates suspended in the coating. The applied coating is configured to be self-cleaning via at least one of additional water, carbon dioxide, heat and an additional superficial sol coating configured to shed contaminates from the applied solar radiation shield coating. A solar radiation shield retains a ballast to block and reflect the solar radiation from the steel rail and have self-cleaning properties. Heat applied to an aqueous calcium to species forms a reformed solid surface. A superficial sol coating of titanium dioxide via a photo-catalysis yields ions which chemically remove common surface debris. Furthermore, a precipitated crystalline calcium sulfate hydrate bonds to the rail and produces a reformed and cleaned surface to shield the rails from solar radiation.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.

Abstract: A dual-mode vehicle system for surface transportation comprising a cab, first and second independently-driven hubs coupled to the cab, and an inclined plane extending from a first surface to a second surface. The first and second independently-driven hubs each have first and second portions wherein the first portion of the second independently-driven hub propels the cab along a third surface at least until the second portion of the first independently-driven hub cooperates with the inclined plane to propel the cab up to said second surface. A dual-mode vehicle for surface transportation and a method of manufacturing the dual-mode vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor for unfilled beverage and food containers includes an elongated generally rectangular cross section duct including a removable cover for providing access to the duct plenum chamber for cleaning purposes. The containers are supported by opposed adjustable rail members mounted on a bottom wall of the duct and including spaced apart low pressure air discharge nozzles oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the conveyor to eject low pressure air on opposite sides of the containers to propel the containers linearly along the conveyor in a balanced manner. The nozzles cooperate with spaced apart openings formed in the bottom wall of the duct to receive low pressure air for ejection from the nozzles.

Abstract: Article transport conveyors, particularly for the food and beverage processing industry are characterized by interconnected conveyor frame sections having two rectangular cross section tube or angle member longitudinal beams spaced apart from each other and connected by plural transverse channel-shaped beam members. The transverse beams are mounted above the longitudinal beam members and support longitudinal parallel guide and support rails for one or more endless conveyor flights. The transverse beams also support upstanding brackets for parallel longitudinal guide rails for guiding articles being conveyed by the conveyor flights and spaced apart depending brackets for supporting return runs of the conveyor flights on return run support rollers.

Abstract: A modular pallet is made up of plural injection molded plastic pallet members, each of which has a plurality of posts spaced apart from each other and depending from a deck portion of the pallet member. The pallet members may be rectangular, square or of irregular shape but operable to provide either a square or rectangular shaped pallet when arranged in predetermined patterns in opposing deck sections of the pallet. The pallet members have cooperating projections and recesses formed in respective ones of the posts and the pallet members of one deck section overlie and interlock with at least two pallet members of the other deck section. Releasable fasteners comprising deflectable tines may be projected through openings in the cooperating projections and recesses of each pallet member to secure the pallet members of the opposing deck sections to each other to form the assembled modular pallet.

Abstract: Modular frame assemblies are made up of longitudinal beam members which may be angle or channel-shaped members having slots which intersect the flanges and legs or flanges and web portions of the longitudinal beam members. Transverse beam members extend between the longitudinal beam members and have flange portions which extend into the slots. The transverse beam members may be secured to the longitudinal beam members by conventional mechanical bolt assemblies, for example. In one embodiment, the slots in the longitudinal beam members have inwardly tapering surfaces which effect elastic deflection of the flanges of the transverse beam members to precisely locate the longitudinal beam members relative to each other and to the transverse beam members.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of vents which direct the flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. Guide plates extend along both sides of the predetermined path for supporting the articles in a generally upright position as the articles are moved along the path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of deflectors mounted therewith, which extend from the respective first and second air ducts into the predetermined path. The deflectors direct air flow upwardly and inwardly, thereby enhancing the pneumatic force urging the articles downstream.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts are positionable on respective opposite sides of the path. The first air duct has a first plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof and the second air duct has a second plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof. The first and second plurality of vents cooperate to direct a flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the predetermined path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. In one embodiment, selected ones of the first and second plurality of vents are inclined at respective predetermined angles of inclination for exerting a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A tray for storing articles, such as cylindrical beverage containers, in a substantially upright position includes a bottom member and four wall members interconnected to provide an enclosure for receiving the articles. Each of the wall members has a support member protruding into the enclosure from the corresponding wall member. Each support member has a support surface which is inclined upwardly from the corresponding wall member into the enclosure. A portion of the outer surface of the bottom member adjacent to each of the wall members is also inclined upwardly and is adapted to contact the corresponding support surfaces of another tray when two or more trays are nested. A plurality of external rib members are disposed on respective outer surfaces of the wall members for contacting respective inner surfaces of the wall members of another tray when two or more trays are nested.

Abstract: Individual beverage containers 16 are transported by conveyor track 14A to conveyor track 14B, along which they are advanced by parallel chains 34 and 36 carrying flight bars 44. Trays 26 to receive containers 16 are advanced by an inclined conveyor track 24B having projections 30 to engage the trays. A plurality of support members 130 are disposed at the downstream end of track 14B to introduce the containers into the trays. Special trays are used having a plurality of structural members on their inner wall surfaces to define recessed regions between the structural members into which the curved surfaces of the containers fit so that they are held upright.

Abstract: A system for packing containers into trays for transport and/or storage. First and second conveyor tracks are provided for transporting the containers and the trays, respectively, along substantially the same transport axis. The second track is disposed beneath the first track and is inclined upwardly so that the first and second tracks converge at a predetermined location adjacent to the downstream end of the first track. The inclined portion of the second track includes a flexible spring member, which cooperates with a guide member positioned on an undersurface of the first track to position each tray as it moves along the inclined portion of the second track so that the leading end of each tray clears the downstream end of the first track. Positioned downstream of the first and second tracks is a support member for journally supporting at least a portion of each tray as the containers are being packed into that particular tray.

Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting a plurality of cylindrically-shaped articles, such as beverage containers, in a stable, upright position is provided. The tray is comprised of a bottom member and four walls extending upwardly therefrom and interconnected to form an enclosure for receiving the articles. A plurality of rib members are disposed on respective inner surfaces of the walls of the tray. Selected ones are arranged in cooperating pairs to define respective recessed regions therebetween. Each of the cooperating pairs of rib members contacts a corresponding one of the articles at respective positions on the curved surfaces thereof so that a predetermined portion of each article is received within the corresponding recessed region and at least a portion of the curved surface of the article is in contact with the corresponding wall within the recessed region, thereby retaining the articles in a substantially upright position within the tray.

Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting a plurality of cylindrically-shaped articles, such as beverage containers, in a stable, upright position is provided. The tray is comprised of a bottom member and four walls extending upwardly therefrom and interconnected to form an enclosure for receiving the articles. Each of the four walls has cooperating pairs of structural members extending inwardly therefrom to define respective recessed regions therebetween. Each of the cooperating pairs of structural members contacts a corresponding one of the articles at respective positions on the curved surfaces thereof so that a predetermined portion of each article is received within the corresponding recessed region and a portion of the curved surface of the article is in contact with the corresponding wall within the recessed region.

Abstract: A system for packing containers, such as beverage containers, into corresponding transport trays is comprised of a first conveyor track on which the containers are transported and a second conveyor track on which the trays are transported. A portion of the second conveyor track is inclined with respect to the first conveyor track so that the first and the second tracks converge at a predetermined location. A plurality of relatively flat, elongated support members are mounted at the downstream end of the first track adjacent to the predetermined location for journally supporting a discrete group of containers while the containers are being packed into the corresponding tray.

Abstract: An automated system and method for transporting and sorting various types of articles, such as parcels and sacks of mail. The system is comprised of a primary conveyor track and a plurality of secondary conveyor tracks which intersect the primary conveyor track at selected locations therealong. Each secondary track has associated therewith a diverter mechanism for diverting selected articles from the primary track to a corresponding secondary track, depending upon the final destinations of the articles. The diverter mechanism includes a diverter arm, which pivots across the primary track to divert selected articles to the corresponding secondary track. The deflecting surface of the diverter arm includes a motor-driven belt, the bottom edge of which is positioned within 1/4 inch of the surface of the track so that articles of irregular shape, such as sacks of mail, do not become trapped between the bottom edge of the diverter arm and the track.

Abstract: A system and method for packing containers, such as beverage containers, into a transport tray is comprised of a first conveyor track on which the containers are transported and a second conveyor track on which the trays are transported. A portion of the second conveyor track is inclined with respect to the first conveyor track so that the first and second tracks converge at a predetermined location. A packing ramp is pivotally mounted at the downstream end of the first track adjacent to the predetermined location at which the two tracks converge. The packing ramp is moved upwardly to an inclined position when the ramp is in contact with either the leading or the trailing edge of a tray. The containers are packed into the tray in sequence from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the tray while the tray is on the inclined portion of the second track. A plurality of sensors, such as photoeyes, is used in conjunction with a computer to control the operation of the system.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting letter mail and other flat articles, comprising a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a bottom member and a rim member extending outwardly from the side walls and end walls along the perimeter of the container, which are integrally formed as a unit. The side walls, end walls and bottom member define an enclosure for receiving articles. A removable cover member is provided for being positioned substantially in registration with the bottom member to cover the enclosure and protect the contents of the container. The container is preferably comprised of a lightweight material and manufactured using a thermoforming process. Rib members are disposed at pre-determined positions on the side walls, end walls, bottom member and cover member to provide structural integrity for the container.