Abstract: A device for reducing rotation of an article during singulation of a stack of articles is disclosed. The device may include a torsion element, a rotatable member configured to rotate about an elongated axis of the torsion element between a first position and a second position, and a revolving member coupled to the rotatable member. An outer surface of the revolving member contacts a drive belt in the first position and an article in the second position. The torsion element exerts torque on the rotatable member when it moves from the first position towards the second position. The torque causes the outer surface of the revolving member to apply a frictional force to the article, thereby minimizing rotation of the article. Systems and methods of singulating articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for unloading articles from a container of items for use in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a belt, a moveable lower paddle, and a moveable upper paddle, wherein the lower paddle is configured to partially extend through a belt of the automatic stack feeder. The movement of the belt, the lower paddle, and the upper paddle are coordinated such that there is no need to interrupt the operation of the automatic stack feeder to unload the container.

Abstract: A device for reducing rotation of an article during singulation of a stack of articles is disclosed. The device may include a torsion element, a rotatable member configured to rotate about an elongated axis of the torsion element between a first position and a second position, and a revolving member coupled to the rotatable member. An outer surface of the revolving member contacts a drive belt in the first position and an article in the second position. The torsion element exerts torque on the rotatable member when it moves from the first position towards the second position. The torque causes the outer surface of the revolving member to apply a frictional force to the article, thereby minimizing rotation of the article. Systems and methods of singulating articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for singulating articles in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a pressure sensor on a perforated drive belt assembly configured to sense the pressure exerted by a stack of articles. The sensed pressure may be used to control various portions of the automatic stack feeder, such as a belt or a paddle.

Abstract: An article manipulator system which is suitable for fixed and translative mounting at work sites including on scaffold assemblies, providing for alignment compensation for scaffold non-alignment, providing for limited movement about two vertical axes, providing movement along a trolley track in a generally horizontal direction, and a gripper for grasping heavy work objects such as masonry construction units. A control handle provides for signals for raising and lowering a lift cable and signals for locking and unlocking brakes on said pivot arms and upon said trolley track.

Abstract: A rotary set on a shaft fluid power coupling which may be used on a package wrapping machine is disclosed. The coupling is shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings.The coupling has a first member having a central bore through which a rotary main shaft passes, and is characterized by a face which lies in a plane perpendicular to the shaft which has a cylindrical annular groove therein. A passage within said first member permits fluid to flow to said annular groove. The coupling has a second member which rotates with respect to said first member, and has a face which lies in a plane perpendicular to the main shaft axis of rotation. The second member also has a cylindrical annular extension which extends into said first member cylindrical annular groove. Fluid is passed from the annular space formed between said annular groove and said annular extension to a second member second face which has a fluid passage way connecting means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying thin film plastic web materials to a wrapper machine as shown and described. This apparatus includes feed stripper which assures the separation of the web material from the apparatus. The feed stripper includes a clamp feed and either a belt roller for stripping or a stripper bar for stripping the film off. An anti-static bar is used to eliminate static electricity on the web material.

Abstract: A divisible lamp assembly which contains a replaceable light source or bulb and a sealed optical system and which provides a lighting function suitable for, but not limited to, motor vehicle lighting.

Abstract: A package wrapping machine has a frame supporting a power driven rotary horizontal shaft with a turret plate member on the end of the shaft supporting two spaced tine banks; a stack of package components is clamped between the tine banks by pneumatic cylinders on the turret plate moving one tine bank toward the other. The end of a plastic film web W extending from a roll on the frame is clamped to the package components when they are rotated a predetermined number of rotations to effect the wrapping of the package components; a hot film cut-off means severs the web of plastic film from the wrapped package following the wrapping of the package and a pusher plate between the tine banks is extended by a cylinder to kick the completed package from between the tine banks, control means actuates the clamping means, rotary member, said film cut-off means and pusher plate in timed sequence.

Abstract: A package wrapping machine which has a frame supporting a power driven rotary horizontal shaft with a turret plate member on the end of the shaft supporting spaced clamp banks, a positioning blade is placed between the said clamp banks for positioning the package components prior to clamping, a stack of package components is clamped between the clamp banks by fluid power cylinders on the turret plate moving one clamp bank toward the other. The end of an elastoplastic wrapping or web extending from a clamp roll on the frame is moved under one clamp bank by insertion of the packages to be wrapped into position.