Abstract: The inventive technology, in certain of its many embodiments, may present a y-number of physically biased, pressurized positioner assemblies, in a single positioner zone, where each assembly includes, inter alia, a plurality of n number of non-precision springs configured in a bimodal or trimodal configuration, and wherein an average of the absolute values of individual deviations, from a design effective spring rate, of the measured, effective spring rates of said positioner assemblies of said zone is less than an average of the absolute values of individual deviations, from said design effective spring rate, of y-number of non-precision springs manufactured to have said design effective spring rate. Spring configurations may be, e.g.: single/double/triple cylinder; single/double pressure cylinder; unimodal/bimodal/trimodal parallel, series and/or nested; internal/external; and/or symmetric/asymmetric. Certain embodiments may include an anti-buckling disc established between series configured springs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology disclosed herein may improve efficiency of conveyed bottle apparatus by providing bottle jam prevention guides that may be rotatable, whether freely or in response to a motorized force. Such guides may force downward a bottle that undergone excessive swing in a forward and/or rearward direction, and thus has jammed or is in an incipient jam condition. Advantages may include not only increased efficiency of a conveyed bottle process, but also reduction or even elimination of chatter.

Abstract: A guide positioning system for a container transport line includes a guide assembly supporting a pair of guide segments extending opposite each other along the container transport line and an actuation system. The guide segments are located in a home position, and the actuation system is set to correspond with the home position to calibrate the guide positioning system. Furthermore, the actuation system selectively couples and operates the guide assembly so that the guide segments move to a predetermined position away from the home position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable guide for a container conveyor system. The guide includes multiple pairs of pivoting mechanisms located along the conveyor. Each pivoting mechanism includes a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm which can be independently manipulated to locate a guide within a container envelope. The multiple pairs of pivoting mechanisms are operable coupled by a set of drive cables to permit simultaneous adjustment of the pivoting mechanisms.

Abstract: A take-out and cooling method and apparatus conveys molded plastic articles from a molding machine to and through a cooling station and preferably includes a take-out apparatus that has a main support, a conveyor carried by the main support for movement in an endless path, a cam adjacent to the support, a plurality of arms carried by the conveyor for movement with the conveyor along the endless path and including a follower responsive to the contour of the cam to vary the position of the arms relative to the support, and at least one holder carried by each arm. Each holder is adapted to receive and carry at least one molded article to facilitate in conveying the molded articles and is flexible and resilient to permit relative movement of at least a portion of the holder relative to its associated arm.

Abstract: An air conveyor moves light objects from one location to another and may also act as an accumulator for storing objects transported thereon. The conveyor has an elongated primary plenum and one or more elongated body members disposed over and in communication with the primary plenum through openings in the bottom wall of each body member. Each body member has a generally planar top deck disposed thereover. Each body member defines a secondary plenum between the top deck and the bottom wall of the body member. The top deck has a plurality of directional orifices formed therein. Blowers in communication with the primary plenum supply air to the secondary plenum through the primary plenum. The air from the secondary plenum is delivered through the directional orifices in the top deck and creates a current, or cushion, of air on which the objects move.