Abstract: An apparatus for self-cleaning of a component in a machine, which includes at least one air nozzle disposed in air discharge communication with a surface of the component to be cleaned, such as a sensor surface or a gripper surface. The air nozzle is in air flow communication with air exhaust from an air cylinder of the component or a second component of the machine. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for self-cleaning the component in a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of operation of the conveyor system including a conveyor configured to convey a plurality of products and a camera positioned in association with a segment of the conveyor. A light bar is positioned in association with the segment of the conveyor, the light bar having a plurality of tracking lights. A tracking controller is connected between the camera and the light bar and is configured to illuminate one or more tracking lights in the plurality of tracking lights to demonstrate a position of an improperly placed product of the plurality of products. Additional cameras and light bars may be connected with respect to additional segments of the conveyor to enable real time identification of improperly placed product throughout the conveyor.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for adjusting lanes in a conveyor system including a conveyor having opposing outer side walls and a plurality of uprights along the side walls and two or more lane dividers positioned between the side walls. One or more rails are positioned between opposite uprights and a scissor mechanism is positioned along the rails and connected with respect to the lane dividers, the scissor mechanism configured to independently adjust lane width and offset.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing flow of a plurality of products along a conveyor includes a conveyor drive connected with the respect to the conveyor, the conveyor drive configured to modulate the speed of the conveyor. A camera positioned relative to the products on the conveyor. A processing unit is connected with respect to the camera and the conveyor drive, the processing unit defining a zone along the conveyor having a virtual longitudinal and lateral boundary within a section of the conveyor, the processing unit further determining relative product position metrics of the products within the zone and communicating with the conveyor drive to modulate the speed of the conveyor thereby optimizing a relative position of the products within the zone. In addition, the subject system may be used for inspection of conveyed products.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to unitize a plurality of containers. A supply of container carriers are provided in a stack and grouped into sticks of multiple adjacent container carriers. A magazine accommodates the stack of container carrier sticks and a carrier feed draws a single container carrier stick from the magazine. A transport section comprising two or more container carrier sticks aligned in a queue provides single container carrier sticks to an applicating drum configured to apply to a corresponding group of containers.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing flow of a plurality of products along a conveyor includes a conveyor drive connected with the respect to the conveyor, the conveyor drive configured to modulate the speed of the conveyor. A camera positioned relative to the products on the conveyor. A processing unit is connected with respect to the camera and the conveyor drive, the processing unit defining a zone along the conveyor having a virtual longitudinal and lateral boundary within a section of the conveyor, the processing unit further determining relative product position metrics of the products within the zone and communicating with the conveyor drive to modulate the speed of the conveyor thereby optimizing a relative position of the products within the zone. In addition, the subject system may be used for inspection of conveyed products.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a case on a conveyor system. A chain vertically hangs over a conveyor belt. A hook is positioned on an end of the chain. A piston retracts and releases the chain. The hook interacts with and moves front flaps on cases traveling on the conveyor system.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing flow of a plurality of products along a conveyor includes a conveyor drive connected with the respect to the conveyor, the conveyor drive configured to modulate the speed of the conveyor. A camera positioned relative to the products on the conveyor. A processing unit is connected with respect to the camera and the conveyor drive, the processing unit defining a zone along the conveyor having a virtual longitudinal and lateral boundary within a section of the conveyor, the processing unit further determining relative product position metrics of the products within the zone and communicating with the conveyor drive to modulate the speed of the conveyor thereby optimizing a relative position of the products within the zone. In addition, the subject system may be used for inspection of conveyed products.

Abstract: A drop packing apparatus for accepting one or more articles into a case, the drop packaging apparatus including a case pad for accommodating the case and a progressive rate linkage connected with respect to the case pad. A shock absorber is connected with respect to the progressive rate linkage. A conveyor 90 or similar device is connected with respect to the drop packing apparatus to provide a stream of articles to the case.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a case on a conveyor system. A chain vertically hangs over a conveyor belt. A hook is positioned on an end of the chain. A piston retracts and releases the chain. The hook interacts with and moves front flaps on cases traveling on the conveyor system.

Abstract: An apparatus for self-cleaning of a component in a machine, which includes at least one air nozzle disposed in air discharge communication with a surface of the component to be cleaned, such as a sensor surface or a gripper surface. The air nozzle is in air flow communication with air exhaust from an air cylinder of the component or a second component of the machine. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for self-cleaning the component in a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for self cleaning of a photo eye sensor in a machine includes at least one air nozzle disposed in air discharge communication with a surface to be cleaned of the photo eye sensor. The air nozzle is in air flow communication with air exhaust from an air cylinder of a component of the machine. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for self cleaning a photo eye sensor in a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for self cleaning of a photo eye sensor in a machine includes at least one air nozzle disposed in air discharge communication with a surface to be cleaned of the photo eye sensor. The air nozzle is in air flow communication with air exhaust from an air cylinder of a component of the machine. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for self cleaning a photo eye sensor in a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drop packing apparatus for accepting one or more articles into a case, the drop packaging apparatus including a case pad for accommodating the case and a progressive rate linkage connected with respect to the case pad. A shock absorber is connected with respect to the progressive rate linkage. A conveyor or similar device is connected with respect to the drop packing apparatus to provide a stream of articles to the case.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles that includes an input conveyor belt conveying a stream of articles in a direction of travel and at an input speed and an output conveyor belt operating at an output speed and disposed parallel with the input conveyor belt in the same direction of travel. A diverter element extending along the input conveyor belt and is moveable between the direction of travel and an opposite direction wherein the diverter element operates in one of two modes of operation depending upon the input speed and the output speed.

Abstract: A device for accumulating articles within a system may include a frame, a mass-flow infeed conveyor supported by the frame for receiving articles from the system, and a mass-flow outfeed conveyor supported by the frame for receiving articles from the infeed conveyor and returning the articles to the system. A single-filing device is supported by the frame and includes a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors. The endless loop conveyors each have an upstream end located laterally from and between upstream and downstream ends of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles that includes an input conveyor belt conveying a stream of articles in a direction of travel and at an input speed and an output conveyor belt operating at an output speed and disposed parallel with the input conveyor belt in the same direction of travel. A diverter element extending along the input conveyor belt and is moveable between the direction of travel and an opposite direction wherein the diverter element operates in one of two modes of operation depending upon the input speed and the output speed.

Abstract: A device for accumulating articles within a system may include a frame, a mass-flow infeed conveyor supported by the frame for receiving articles from the system, and a mass-flow outfeed conveyor supported by the frame for receiving articles from the infeed conveyor and returning the articles to the system. A single-filing device is supported by the frame and includes a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors. The endless loop conveyors each have an upstream end located laterally from and between upstream and downstream ends of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.