Abstract: A wear panel for mining and materials handling applications is provided. The wear panel includes a housing matrix (1) with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3) opposite the top surface (2) and at least one cavity (4) with cavity walls (5). The cavity (4) extends through the top surface (2) and the bottom surface (3). The wear panel also includes at least one wear-resistant member (6) with a preformed shape. The at least one wear-resistant member (6) has a top surface (7) and a bottom surface (8) opposite the top surface (7). The wear-resistant members (6) are disposed in the cavity (4) and are locked into place by their preformed shape and the cavity walls (5).

Abstract: A cleated belt tube conveyor for conveying granular material, such as seed and grain commodities. The conveyor comprising a cleat row profile that is optimized for maximizing transfer capacity and minimizing wear. The cleat row profile may incorporate one or more of the following aspects: taller central cleat member and a slanted or clipped peripheral cleat. A cleated belt conveyor guide element, comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs that extend from an inner surface of the belt is also disclosed. A cogged roller, having a plurality of channel segments divided by drive bars, complements the guide element, increasing the power transfer and tracking ability over a cleated belt lacking a guide element. Also a baffle assembly can be disposed within the conveyor tube to limit material back flow. The baffle assembly can be configured with a belt passage aperture that corresponds to the cleat row profile.

Abstract: A conveyor device for the suspended conveyance of conveyable goods using negative pressure, comprising a continuous conveyor belt guided along a negative-pressure chamber with a rearward side facing towards the negative-pressure chamber. A contact side of the conveyor belt is provided with suction openings formed between the rearward side and the contact side of the conveyor belt. A recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt and limited by longitudinal edges of the conveyor belt is formed on the contact side such that a suction duct sealed by the longitudinal edges and arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt with respect to the contact side of the conveyable goods is formed between the contact side of the conveyor belt and the contact side of the conveyable goods.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing slack in a chain conveyor driven between a first sprocket and a second sprocket, the first sprocket and the second sprocket rotating in a first direction. The method includes: locking the second sprocket to prevent rotation of the second sprocket in a second direction opposite the first direction; operating the first sprocket in the second direction to position a slack portion between the first sprocket and the second sprocket; and removing at least one chain link from the slack portion.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of systems for fluid transportation using inductive heating are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a first transportation pipe having a first diameter and a second transportation pipe having a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. An augur that causes a fluid flow is within the first transportation pipe. A control circuit is electrically coupled to the first inductive element and the second inductive element, and to a power supply to inductively heat the first transportation pipe and the second transportation pipe.

Abstract: A self-checkout system comprises a register belt station; an itemization station downstream from the register belt station; and a bagging station downstream from the itemization station. The register belt station, an itemization station, and bagging station are each modular and removably coupled to each other.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a table 10 that has an axis of rotation 14 and supports a disc-shaped object 40, a first driving unit that rotates the table 10 around the axis of rotation 14, a light source 50 that produces illumination light with which an end portion 45 of the disc-shaped object 40 is illuminated, an objective lens 60 that collects the illumination light reflected from the end portion 45, a second driving unit that moves the objective lens 60 along an optical axis 64, an imaging unit 70 that captures an image of the end portion 45 by detecting the reflected light collected by the objective lens 60, and an autofocus optical system 80 that determines a position of the objective lens 60 where the image of the end portion 45 is brought into focus in the imaging unit 70.

Abstract: A glass item shaped in a moulding machine and arranged on a supporting plate is moved along a discharge conveyor by means of a transfer assembly having at least one grasping member made in one single piece, and presenting one vertical attachment plate on one handling arm and at least one first plate-shaped body extending in an overhanging manner from the vertical plate and having a recess housing, at least partially, in use, an intermediate portion of the item; the recess being delimited by a supporting inner surface complementary to an outer surface of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A dry bulk pneumatic metering system includes a flow line configured for the passage of pneumatically-conveyed bulk material, a bulk material sensor arranged relative to the flow line, the bulk material sensor configured to send a first signal related to a quantity of the bulk material passing in the flow line and within a range of the bulk material sensor, a speed sensor arranged with respect to at least one area of the system, the speed sensor configured to send a second signal related to the speed of gas flow at the at least one area of the system, and a controller arranged to receive the first and second signals and configured to calculate a bulk material flow rate of the bulk material using the first and second signals.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor for conveying granular material is provided. The vacuum conveyor can include a frame, a housing supported by the frame, a fan assembly provided in the housing, the fan section operative to create a vacuum in the housing and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can include an input shaft, a toothed input gear operably connected to the input shaft, a toothed output gear operably connected to the fan section and a cogged belt provided around the toothed input gear and the toothed output gear to transfer rotational motion of the toothed input gear to the toothed output gear.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor for conveying granular material and an intake nozzle for the vacuum conveyor is provided. The vacuum conveyor can have a vacuum section operative to create a vacuum in the housing, an intake to allow granular material to the housing, a variable length hose section and an intake nozzle. The intake nozzle can include an intake end, an output end and a body extending between the ends with a plurality of apertures passing through the body. A sleeve for the intake nozzle can be sized to fit around the body positionable in different positions relative to the body to cover and uncover the various apertures.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes at least one bracket and at least one vibrator. The at least one bracket is configured to be mounted to a pallet adjacent to a stack of panels disposed on the pallet. The at least one vibrator is attached to the at least one bracket and configured to induce vibration on the stack of panels to disrupt an adhesive bond between adjacent panels in the stack of panels.

Abstract: An auger transfer conveyor apparatus for granular material has a conveyor body defined by side walls, a front wall, and a floor comprising a substantially horizontally oriented front floor section and an upward and rearward sloping rear floor section. A plurality of substantially parallel auger assemblies are provided, each with a substantially horizontal auger section extending along the front floor section, an inclined auger section extending along the sloping rear floor section to a transfer discharge at a top edge of the rear floor section, and a flexible joint connecting the horizontal auger section to the inclined auger section. The auger assemblies are open such that during operation granular material moves from the front wall toward the transfer discharge above and between the auger assemblies, and an auger drive is operative to rotate the auger assemblies.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus includes a separation unit configured to separate and convey a sheet, a detection unit configured to detect a floating of the sheet passing through the separation unit, and a control unit configured to stop separate conveyance by the separation unit if the detection unit detects the sheet for not less than a predetermined time and/or a predetermined count.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring a stack (101) of flat elements to a processing device includes a delivery ramp (103) with a receiving surface (104) for receiving the stack (101), a first comb structure (121) having at least one first supporting platform (123) on which at least an edge portion (115) of the stack (101) is supportable, wherein the first comb structure (121) is mounted to the delivery ramp (103), and a second comb structure (122) having at least two second supporting platforms (124) on which at least the edge portion (115) of the stack (101) is supportable, wherein the second comb structure (122) is configured for supplying the stack (101) to the processing device. The first supporting platform (123) and the second supporting platforms (124) are arranged along a first direction (109), one after another, in an interleaved manner such that the edge portion (115) is supportable on the first supporting platform (123) and the second supporting platforms (124).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus to support a sheet and configured to stably detect a presence of the sheet with a simple arrangement, and an image forming apparatus including such apparatus. A sheet discharging apparatus includes an apparatus body, a discharge member provided in the apparatus body and configured to discharge a sheet, a movable tray movable with respect to the apparatus body and including a sheet supporting surface configured to support the sheet discharged by the discharge member, a movable member supported by the movable tray and configured to move by being pressed by the sheet supported on the sheet supporting surface, and a detecting portion provided in the apparatus body and configured to detect a presence of the sheet supported on the sheet supporting surface in response to a position of the movable member.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus, includes: a first roller; an opening-closing member that is movable between an open position and a close position; a second roller; an urging member; a restraint member switching between a restraint state in which a rotation shaft of the second roller is restrained and a release state in which the rotation shaft is released from the restraint, by being moved, wherein, during the movement of the opening-closing member from the open position to the close position, the restraint member keeps the rotation shaft in the restraint state; and a releasing member that is moved by driving force from the drive source when the opening-closing member is in the close position and the rotation shaft is in the restraint state, the releasing member switching the rotation shaft to the release state by moving the restraint member as being engaged with the restraint member.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a banknote storing/feeding unit which is capable of effectively utilizing winding spaces of a drum and a reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored. The banknote storing/feeding unit includes the drum which winds and rewinds a banknote together with a tape, and the reel which winds and rewinds the tape on and from the drum. A guide body swinging according to winding and rewinding of the tape and the banknote on and from the drum is provided between the drum and the reel. The guide body has a guide passage that guides the tape and the banknote to be wound and rewound on the drum. The guide body swings centering on a supporting point located within a region parallel to a virtual line connecting a rotational center of the drum and a rotational center of the reel.

Abstract: Provided is a control unit of a conveying apparatus, the conveying apparatus including: a conveying unit that conveys recording paper along a conveying path; and an imaging unit that images the recording paper and an object not conveyed by the conveying unit, wherein the control unit acquires actual conveyance information of the recording paper from image information of the recording paper imaged by the imaging unit and image information of the object imaged by the imaging unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a sheet cassette; an image former; a fixer; a discharge tray; a conveyor configured to convey a sheet along a conveyance passage; a return conveyor configured to convey the sheet from a branch position between the fixer and the discharge tray to a merge position between the sheet cassette and the image former along a return passage which is branched from the conveyance passage at the branch position, passes below the sheet cassette, and merges with the conveyance passage at the merge position; a switchback roller disposed between the branch position and the discharge tray in the conveyance passage and configured to convey the sheet to the discharge tray when it rotates forwardly and to the return passage when it rotates backwardly; and an intermediate conveyance roller disposed in the return passage at a height level intermediate between the fixer and the sheet cassette.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance device includes a registration roller pair including a first roller and a second roller, configured to form a nip by the first roller and the second roller, and configured to correct a skew of a sheet conveyed thereto by allowing the sheet to abut the nip. The first roller includes an outer peripheral surface with a groove portion, the groove portion being formed in a region in which a corner portion of a sheet abuts the outer peripheral surface, and causing a part of the outer peripheral surface to be concave and another part of the outer peripheral surface to be convex in an axial direction.

Abstract: Process for the production of paper rolls, including a step of producing logs (L) of paper material by winding a predetermined amount of paper web (W) about a tubular core (C) oriented transversely with respect to a direction (PP) of entering of the paper web (W) in a rewinder (R) in which the winding is executed, and a step of transverse cutting of the logs (L) to obtain rolls (R) of predetermined length. The cores (C) are produced by a tube-forming machine (T) whose position is intercepted by the direction (PP) of the paper (W) entering the rewinder®.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet tray including: first, second and third trays. The second tray moves between a first position and a second position in which an overlapping area is smaller than that obtained in the first position. The third tray includes a third support surface and a fourth support surface. The third support surface includes a protrusion which protrudes upward to be positioned above the first support surface in a state that the third tray is in the first pivoting position. The third tray overlaps with the first support surface in a state that the second tray is in the first position and that at least a part, of the third tray, except for the protrusion is positioned below the first support surface, and the third tray does not overlap with the first support surface in a state that the second tray is in the second position.

Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention is that of ensuring simple handling in the case of a device for unrolling and cutting off a strip (2) on a strip roll (3), said device having a main body (4), wherein the main body (4) has: a top side (5), having a tear-off blade (9), a gap (12), a storage plate (13) for storing the strip (2), and a roller (22); two lateral guiding surfaces (6, 7); and an underside (8). This problem is solved in that the storage plate (13) can be lateral pivoted or the roller (22) arranged after the gap (12) as viewed against the unrolling direction (11) can be inserted and locked in order to store the strip (2), wherein the storage plate (13) or the roller (22) forms the gap (12) in the end position thereof together with a rear edge (14) of the top side (5).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a device for manufacturing a partial split-fiber fiber bundle and a partial split-fiber fiber bundle obtained are characterized by piercing a fiber splitting means provided with a plurality of protruding parts into a fiber bundle formed from a plurality of single fibers while making the fiber bundle travel along the longitudinal direction thereof and creating a split-fiber processed part, forming entangled parts where single fibers are interlaced at contact parts with the protruding parts in at least one split-fiber processed part, thereafter pulling the fiber splitting means out of the fiber bundle, and after passing through an entanglement accumulation part including the entangled parts, once again piercing the fiber splitting means into the fiber bundle.

Abstract: Pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and a rearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to spooling and unspooling linear material. Such apparatus and methods can assist the user in deploying and/or retracting linear material.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for operating an elevator system which comprises a shaft system and at least three cars, which is designed for separately moving the cars in at least a first direction of travel and in a second direction of travel. The at least three cars are moved separately in sequential operation each time and for each car a stop point at which the car can stop if necessary is continuously predicted at least for one direction of travel. The distance of the predicted stop points of neighboring cars from each other is thereby continuously determined. The elevator system is transferred to a safety mode if a negative distance of the stop points is determined.

Abstract: Typically a technician is physically present to investigate a malfunction of an elevator system. Devices, systems and methods are provided for actively monitoring one or more lift devices, such as elevators and escalators. A computing system for electrically controlling an elevator controller, includes: a field board electrically connected to an elevator controller, and the field board communicates with a computing platform device, which in turn is connected to a server over the Internet. The field board includes relay switches that are electrically connected to the elevator controller. The server sends poking commands that triggers a relay switch to open or close, which causes the elevator controller to generate a call signal to move the elevator to an upper or a lower floor. If the elevator does not move according to a poking command, then a malfunction is reported.

Abstract: A method of operating an elevator system for a learn run sequence including the steps of moving, using a linear propulsion system, an elevator car through a lane of an elevator shaft at a selected velocity; detecting, using a sensor system, the location of the elevator car when it moves through the lane; controlling, using a control system, the elevator car, the control system being in operable communication with the elevator car, the linear propulsion system, and the sensor system; and determining, using the control system, a location of each of the car state sensors relative to each other within the lane in response to at least one of a travel time of the elevator car, a velocity of the elevator car, a position of the elevator car, and a height of the elevator car.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method of initiating elevator service by entering an elevator call with a call input device operating a program including a plurality of graphical objects displayed on a graphic user interface, in communication with an elevator system. The method includes the steps: selecting a current floor graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects; and selecting a destination floor graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects.

Abstract: An elevator notice system for an elevator system includes at least one hoistway defined by a structure having a plurality of areas with each area having at least one gate and at least one car in each of the at least one hoistway. At least one of the at least one gate is associated with a respective hoistway. The elevator notice system includes a controller and a programmable display. The controller is configured to control the display and track the current location and scheduled destination of each of the at least one car in each of the at least one hoistway. The programmable display includes a car identification portion displaying a car identification type associated with a specific car of the at least one car, and is configured to display at least a next area destination associated with the specific car.

Abstract: A sensor system for a passenger conveyance system includes a multiple of 3D sensors mounted to a movable structure within a vertical shaft and/or a horizontal shaft and a processing module in communication with the multiple of 3D sensors, the processing module operable to identify an obstruction within the horizontal or vertical shaft.

Abstract: A method for operating a safety system having a control unit, a bus, a plurality of bus nodes connected to the control unit via the bus, and a plurality of participants connected to the control unit via the bus nodes, wherein at least one participant is designated as a temporary participant. The method includes the step of logging the temporary participant out of the safety system by giving notice of a disconnection of the temporary participant from the safety system by a manipulation and disconnecting the temporary participant from the safety system. The safety system can be used with an elevator system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An elevator brake monitoring system includes a car (12); a machine (18) configured to actuate movement of the car; and a brake (32) configured to decelerate the car; wherein the system is configured to operate the machine to move the car at a pre-determined speed, engage the brake, measure a braking parameter and compare the measured braking parameter to a reference braking parameter.

Abstract: An elevator having a car with a car roof includes a barrier on the roof for anti-fall safety purposes. The barrier has a toeboard, and at least some of the cables for the cabin electrical system are routed within the toeboard.

Abstract: A method of operating a multi-car elevator system for a fire service sequence including the steps of: controlling, using a control system, a plurality of components of the multi-car elevator system, the controlling includes operating at least one of a first elevator car and a second elevator in at least one elevator lane; confirming the first elevator car is free of occupants; moving the first elevator car to a parking area; and confirming the second elevator car is free of occupants.

Abstract: A damper unit for an elevator, for the purpose of reducing vertical vibration of a stopping elevator car, has at least one roller that, in an active position, is in contact with a guide rail for the elevator car and can be rotated about an axis of rotation. For damping rotary movements during vertical vibration of the stopping elevator car, the roller is connected to a rotation damper.

Abstract: An elevator system 20 is provided including a hoistway 33 that does not include a ventilation opening 50 configured to fluidly couple to the hoistway to an air source disposed outside of the hoistway. An elevator car 24 is movable within the hoistway between a plurality of landings 27. A plurality of landing doors 26 is arranged at each of the plurality of landings. The landing doors are movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of landing doors is configured to allow a defined amount of fluid flow there through when in a closed position.

Abstract: A transportation system for a building includes a horizontal travel lane, a vertical travel lane, and a transportation cab configured for travel along the horizontal travel lane and vertical travel lane, a cab floor of the transportation cab orientable such that the cab floor is non perpendicular to a gravitational force acting on the transportation cab. A method of operating a transportation system for a building includes locating a transportation cab at a travel lane positioned at a building, accelerating the transportation cab in a non-vertical direction along the travel lane and orienting a cab floor of the transportation cab to be non-perpendicular to a gravitational force acting on the transportation cab during non-vertical acceleration of the transportation cab.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to protecting an elevator. A plurality of knobs may be provided, each respective knob comprising a respective base having a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, a suspension portion, and a face that are coupled to each other. Each knob may also comprise a respective stem coupled to the face of the respective base. The knobs may be hung from an upper edge of a wall panel or suspended ceiling grid in an elevator. A cover may be provided, the cover having a plurality of openings in the cover disposed along the upper edge of the cover. The cover may be hung from the knobs with each knob having the distal end portion of the respective stem extending through a respective one of the openings in the cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an elevator system having a hoistway, an elevator car to travel in the hoistway, a first motor portion mounted to one of the elevator car and the hoistway, the first motor portion having at least one coil, a second motor portion mounted to the other of the elevator car and the hoistway, the second motor portion having at least one permanent magnet, and a gap between the first motor portion and the second motor portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a propulsion system for an elevator having a first motor portion mounted to one of an object to be moved and a stationary structure and a second motor portion mounted to the other of the object to be moved and the stationary structure, the first motor portion having at least one coil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance safety apparatus for an elevator system and a method for operating the same, and belongs to the technical field of elevators. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention comprises a safety switch, a door lock device, a linkage control assembly and a linkage locking assembly. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention is very simple to operate and is capable of ensuring the safety of the staff entering a hoistway for performing maintenance operations.

Abstract: A protective device for a transportation system, wherein the protective device is disposed at each platform landing in a shaft and configured to direct falling objects away from moving components of the transportation system within the shaft.

Abstract: An elevator installation and method to passively and reliably generate electrical energy while the elevator installation is in operation utilizes piezoelectric layers. The elevator installation includes an elevator car, a tension member for supporting and moving the elevator car, and a pulley engaging with the tension member wherein the pulley has a piezoelectric layer positioned such that any force imparted to the pulley during engagement with the tension member compresses the piezoelectric layer. As the tension member is driven to move the elevator car up and down along an elevator hoistway it also engages with the rotating pulley. Force imparted to the pulley during this engagement with the tension member compresses the piezoelectric layer which consequently generates electrical energy.

Abstract: A detection device, a conveyor and an associated method are provided. The detection device includes: an attaching member for fixating the detection device to the conveyor; an axle coupled to the attaching member; a roller rotatably disposed around the axle and abutting against a pedal of the conveyor and being actuated by the pedal in response to a movement of the pedal along a first direction; and a sensor for detecting an operating state of the conveyor by detecting the operating state of the roller.

Abstract: A carrying device for large panels, such as drywall, plywood and the like. The carrying device includes a rigid one-piece panel receiving bracket with a dual flexible strap and adjustable handle extending therefrom. The panel is received on a platform portion of the bracket which has multiple impact surfaces for positioning, engaging and releasing the bracket from the panel so positioned thereon and a panel positioning strap handle attachment extending therefrom.

Abstract: Image data is generated from a load stack in the operating area of a load handling apparatus. The image data includes a sight apparatus having several lines that are set in relation to each other such that the lines correspond to at least two sides of the lowest load in the load stack and at least two sides of a load set on top of the lowest load in the load stack.

Abstract: A cargo container crane includes a body, having a bottom and top, the body including at least one drive wheel and a turning wheel at the bottom, and a horizontal cantilever at the top, the cantilever and the top of the body including a turning device, a drive motor that drives the at least one drive wheel, a lift motor, a lifting rope, a lifting rope drive device, wherein the lifting rope runs through the turning device, with one end of the lifting rope connected to a hook and the other end of the lifting rope connected to the lifting rope drive device, and a control handle, having a first button that causes forward and backward movement of the cargo container crane, and a second button that causes raising and lowering of the hook.