Abstract: Embodiments of a pusher device may include a frame, guide rails coupled to the frame, a carriage slideable along the guide rails, and a linear positioner coupled to the carriage and frame and operable to move the carriage along the guide rails. Two or more lugs may be mounted to the carriage and rotatable between a resting position, in which the forward ends of the lugs can contact the transverse supports of a tram above the carriage, and a lowered position in which the lugs can pass below the transverse supports. In the resting position, the longitudinal axis of each lug may be inclined from rear to front, such that the lugs contact the tram with the front end (as opposed to a longitudinal side) of the lugs. The lugs be generally triangular, trapezoidal, or concave polygonal in profile. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive mechanism for use in powering vibratory equipment is provided. As one example, a drive mechanism may include a plurality of deflectable elastomeric springs in a configuration that allows the auxiliary springs to achieve a vertical, non-linear spring rate increase that may be beneficial in dual mass electromagnetic feeder and conveyor systems.

Abstract: A vibrating feeder control apparatus used for driving a vibrating feeder main body (1) includes a base (11), a movable body (12) elastically supported by the base, an electromagnet (14) provided on the base, and a magnetic core (15) provided on the movable body to oppose the electromagnet. The PWM signal generation unit (33) generates a PWM signal based on a set drive frequency (f) and applies a pseudo AC voltage corresponding to the PWM signal to the electromagnet. The current detection unit (34) detects a current flowing in the electromagnet by a pseudo AC voltage. The current change rate generation unit (35, 36) generates a current change rates (R?1, R?2) at a predetermined reference phase angle (?1, ?2) within one cycle of the pseudo AC voltage. The frequency correction unit (37) corrects the drive frequency based on a current change rate at a reference phase angle.

Abstract: A pallet conveying apparatus includes a first and a second guide rails separated in a vertical direction, an endless first circulation belt provided along the first and second guide rails, a first pallet feeding part configured to convey the pallet by rotating the first circulation belt engaged with the pallet, and a first pallet moving part provided at one end sides of the first and second guide rails, wherein the pallet is engaged with an upper side of the first circulation belt when moving along the first guide rail provided on a vertically upper side while being engaged with a lower side of the first circulation belt when moving along the second guide rail provided on a vertical lower side.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a screw-type extruder with material strips made of rubber mixtures or plastics mixtures, which strips are arranged in a folded zig-zag shape and can be supplied by means of at least one conveyor belt to a supply region of a supply element that is funnel-shaped, at least in portions, and an extruder. A motor-driven conveyor device for the material strip is arranged within the supply region, which device comprises a pressure surface that can abut the surface of the material strip and can be moved in a reversing manner. Said pressure surface only abuts the surface of the material strip in the conveying direction and, in the direction opposite the conveying direction, it adopts a return position in which it is spaced from the surface of the material strip.

Abstract: A loading car for picking up, transporting onward and discharging bulk material has a car frame supported on on-track undercarriages and a distributing conveyor belt extending in a longitudinal direction of the car, for transporting the bulk material to discharge devices. The distributing conveyor belt is constructed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the car for selectively charging the discharge devices. A first discharge device is constructed as a chute disposed above a track. A second as well as a third discharge device are constructed in each case as a conveyor belt pivotable about a vertical axis and each has a receiving end positioned in the region of the axes.

Abstract: A transfer system for piece objects includes a pushing device and a main conveyor with a conveying region. The pushing device includes first and second pushing members. The transfer system includes a supply zone, which is behind the conveying region in a pushing direction. In an initial position of the pushing device, the first pushing member is between the conveying region and the supply zone and the second pushing member is behind the supply zone in the pushing direction. In an end position of the pushing device, the first pushing member is in front of the conveying region in the pushing direction and the second pushing member is between the conveying region and the supply zone. The first pushing member, between the initial position and the end position, is at a fixed spacing to, and in front, of the second pushing member in the pushing direction.

Abstract: A system for loading fry bulk materials into a tank trailer includes a blower assembly mounted on a tank truck that is in pneumatic communication with the interior of a tank of the tank trailer through at least one conduit. The blower assembly includes a blower and a blower filter in pneumatic communication with the blower through a suction line. The blower assembly further includes a vacuum gauge for monitoring the vacuum pressure of the airflow between the blower filter and the blower and an optional check valve for passing the airflow from the ambient atmosphere in the event that the vacuum pressure of the airflow exceeds a predetermined maximum vacuum pressure for safe operation of the blower. The predetermined maximum vacuum pressure may be no more than about five inches of mercury vacuum pressure (5 in-Hg; 2.46 psi). An operating vacuum pressure of the blower may be between about seventeen inches of mercury (17 in-Hg; 8.35 psi) and about five inches of mercury (5 in-Hg; 2.46 psi).

Abstract: A separator placer assembly is used with a lumber stacker, which creates a stack of lumber, includes a frame, a separator transfer assembly, and a plurality of transfer arm assemblies. The separator transfer assembly includes a continuous loop chain, preferably a plurality of continuous loop chains, with upper and lower reaches mounted to the frame. Separators are transferred to lugs on the chain at a first position along the lower reach. The plurality of transfer arm assemblies, each with first and second arms, is mounted to the frame beneath the lower reach at a transfer position downstream of the first position. A separator supported by the lugs is removed from the lugs by the arms and released onto the stack of lumber.

Abstract: To close gaps between workpieces stacked by a robot 2. A movable member 12 is provided to base members 11a, 11b so as to be movable in a stacking direction of the workpieces stacked by the robot. Adjustment members 13a, 13b are stretching in a direction of a stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the movable member 12 so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other. Adjustment members 14a, 14b are stretching in the direction of the stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the adjustment member 13a so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other. Adjustment members 15a, 15b are stretching in the direction of the stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the adjustment member 13b so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other.

Abstract: A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet includes a support unit, an open-close member rotatably supported between open and closed positions, a slide member supported in a slidably movable manner and including a rotation shaft portion, and a regulation member supported by the slide member. The open-close member supports the sheet in the open position with the support unit. The regulation member regulates a position of the sheet supported by the support unit or the sheet supported by the support unit and the open-close member. The support unit includes a guide portion that movably guides the rotation shaft portion. If the open-close member is rotated from the open position toward the closed position in a state in which the open-close member is in contact with the slide member, the slide member rotates by following movement of the open-close member with respect to the guide member.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a first tray having a first holding portion for holding sheets, a second tray disposed above the first tray and including a second holding portion for holding sheets, a sheet feeder that selectively feeds a sheet from one of the first tray and the second tray in a sheet feed direction, a recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit. The second holding portion of the second tray moves above the first holding portion of the first tray. The second tray further includes a discharged sheet receiving portion for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge roller. The second tray including the discharged sheet receiving portion pivots relative to the first tray.

Abstract: A medium transportation device includes a transportation driving roller that transports a medium; a roller unit including a separation roller as a driven roller that is rotated by rotation of the transportation driving roller and a shaft which penetrates a rotation center of the separation roller; a holder that detachably holds the roller unit; and a lock mechanism that switches between an unlocked state in which the roller unit is unlocked from the holder and a locked state in which the roller unit is locked to the holder.

Abstract: Provided is a tape printing apparatus, etc. that makes it possible to discern, by attachment, whether a tape cartridge matches with the specification of the apparatus or not.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, an intermediate processing tray where sheets conveyed through a first conveyance path are stacked as a sheet bundle, a sensor disposed at a second conveyance path to detect a conveyed sheet bundle, and a stacking tray in which sheets discharged through a discharging path diverging from the first conveyance path are stacked. In response to a sensor detected paper jam, a control unit determines the intermediate processing tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets, and determines the stacking tray as the discharging destination for a sheet among the remaining sheets. After the paper jam is cleared, the control unit causes execution of bookbinding and cutting for a sheet bundle including the remaining sheets stacked in the intermediate processing tray.

Abstract: A hose guide for a hose reel deck box is provided. More specifically, the hose guide is a one piece, or unitary body, component. The unitary body hose guide is structured to snap-fit to one or two travel bars that are part of the unitary body of the hose reel deck box housing assembly. The hose guide preferably includes two semi-enclosed passages that are structured to be slidably coupled to the travel bars.

Abstract: A hose winding device includes a rotating wheel rotatably mounted to a frame. A hose is wound around the rotating wheel. The rotating wheel is rotated when the hose is pulled outward. An axle of the frame is received in a rotating shaft and a connecting shaft. An arm is fixed between the connecting shaft and a handle. A connecting rod is configured to securely couple the rotating shaft and the connecting shaft with the axle. An elastic element biases the connecting shaft to engage with the rotating shaft, permitting joint rotation of the connecting shaft and the rotating shaft in a first direction. The connecting shaft moves along a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft when the connecting shaft and the rotating shaft are subjected to a torque in a second direction reverse to the first direction, and the connecting shaft disengages from the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Elevator control system including an elevator car, an elevator controller, and an occupancy detection system configured to detect an occupancy level within the elevator car, the occupancy detection system comprising at least one camera. The elevator controller and the occupancy detection system are configured control the elevator car to prevent additional passengers from entering the elevator car when the occupancy detection system detects an occupancy level above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a stairlift (10). The speed of rotation of the carriage (12), whilst traversing bends in the rail (11), is monitored and the speed of the carriage drive motor (13) then controlled in reaction to the speed of rotation. A 3-axis gyroscope (31) is preferably used to monitor the speeds of rotation of the carriage (12) and the outputs from this gyroscope (31) may be processed to provide different degrees of speed control.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring and diagnosing the ride quality of an elevator system, including (a) operating the mobile device to acquire ride quality data, (b) operating the mobile device to transmit ride quality data to an external computing device, (c) operating the external computing device to compare the acquired ride quality data to pre-determined system data to create performance data, (d) operating the external computing device to perform a ride quality diagnostics based at least in part on the performance data, and (e) operating the external computing device to transmit the ride quality diagnostics to the mobile device.

Abstract: A movable car mounted governor assembly for an elevator car is provided. The assembly includes a chassis releasably mounted to an upright of an elevator car and a governor operationally mounted to the chassis. The chassis is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative the upright, wherein in the first position the chassis is fixedly secured to the upright and in the second position the chassis is not fixedly secured to the upright.

Abstract: An elevator emergency safety device includes: a damper that includes a first sliding surface, and that is pressed against a guide rail to generate a braking force; a movable member that includes a second sliding surface that contacts the first sliding surface; and an elastic body that applies to the first sliding surface a pressing force that presses the damper against the guide rail, wherein: the damper is configured so as to be movable in a vertical direction relative to the movable member by the first and second sliding surfaces sliding; and the elastic body is configured such that the pressing force F1 increases, reaches a maximum value, and then decreases, as a position of a contacting portion between the first and second sliding surfaces moves upward.

Abstract: A hoisting device rope has a width larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material, the composite material including non-metallic reinforcing fibers, which include carbon fiber or glass fiber, in a polymer matrix. An elevator includes a drive sheave, an elevator car and a rope system for moving the elevator car by means of the drive sheave. The rope system includes at least one rope that has a width that is larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material. The composite material includes reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an elevator system (10), includes providing a plurality of elevator cars (14) to travel in a hoistway (11), and selectively introducing and removing at least one of the plurality of elevator cars (14) to and from the hoistway (11) via a loading station (50).

Abstract: Conveyors and people movers, such as escalators and moving walkways, for instance, may include a support member belt comprised of a plurality of support members guided on rails. The support members may be, for example, steps of an escalator or pallets of a moving walkway. Each support member may be secured to a pair of drag rollers that travels along the rails. Further, each support member may include a roller spindle that is held rotationally conjointly in or on a body of the support member. Between the roller spindle and the body of the support member, there may be a plug-in connection by way of which the roller spindle is maintained against an undercut under bias of a latching device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a safety barrier proximate to a hazardous region such as open support truss work of an escalator, comprising an extendable barrier member such as a chainmail panel, slidable on at least one support element securable to a support framework proximate to the hazardous region; wherein the extendable barrier member is movable between a closed and an open position allowing access to the hazardous region to allow for maintenance, and a closed position in which the barrier member provides a barrier over an opening of the support framework.

Abstract: Provided is an automated receptor system of a sling-receiving element for gripping a connection device of a sling of a blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, which automated receptor system includes a receptor for connecting the connection device to the sling-receiving element and a drive system for pivoting the receptor for coupling the connection device to the sling-receiving element and for decoupling the connection device from the sling-receiving element. Further a sling-receiving element and a blade gripping device are described. Furthermore, provided is a method for gripping a connection device of a sling of a blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting cylindrical structures using an overhead crane. The device comprises a lift cap with a lift tab that is the single-point of connection to the crane. The lift cap has a plurality of slots around its perimeter. A plurality of spreader straps are connected to the lift cap at the slots with shackles that permit the straps to slide a limited distance in the slots. The spreader straps hang down from the lift cap and connect it to a lift ring that hangs below the lift cap. The lift ring is comprised of a series of connected spreader bars and is about the same diameter as the grain bin. Slings attached to the spreader bars hang below the lift ring. The loose end of each sling is removably attached to the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an actuator control device with which desired drive control characteristics can be obtained by means of a simple operation.

Abstract: There is provided an optical measurement device, a load handling apparatus, a method for protecting an optical measurement device and a method for updating a load handling apparatus, where the optical measurement device comprises a permeable surface for communicating light to and from the optical measurement device. A hydrophilic coating is arranged on the permeable surface.

Abstract: A back-up load retention system includes a retention line which is connected to a load, a counterweight unit which is connected to the retention line, and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder which is connected to the counterweight unit. The counterweight unit maintains a tension force in the retention line. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder brakes and/or stops the load in a case of a failure in a main lifting system.

Abstract: A workstation having a cantilevered crane system that includes one or more cantilevered header assemblies, with each cantilevered header assembly including an upright column and a horizontally oriented header, with the header extending from the column with a free end distal from the column. The headers support a pair of runway rails, with at least one bridge rail movably mounted to the runway rails and supporting a moveable hoist. The cantilevered crane system defines a workstation area bounded by the columns and headers, with the workstation area including an open side adjacent the free ends of the headers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane tower comprising a crane tower base, which has a crane tower or a crane tower element fixed thereto and from which the crane tower extends upwards, and a tension element for bracing the crane tower 1 on the crane tower base. The tension element has one of its two ends connected to the crane tower base and its respective other end connected to the crane tower or to a coupling element that is connected to the crane tower. The crane tower is characterized in that the tension element extends outside of the crane tower. It is thus possible to reduce the dimensions of the crane tower without causing any change of bending resistance or to increase the bending resistance on the basis of the same dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double jib slewing pedestal crane comprising a main jib and a secondary jib, and a secondary jib positioning device to support and position the secondary jib with respect to the main jib and actuate the pivotal movement of the secondary jib. The secondary jib positioning device comprises a secondary jib positioning cable; a spoke structure fixed to the secondary jib and extending radially outward; a tension chain connected at one end to the secondary jib positioning cable and at the other end to the secondary jib and/or to the spoke structure, wherein the spoke structure is adapted to support the tension chain.

Abstract: A crane having at least one jib system, a sensor unit for detecting a deformation of the jib system transversely to a load plane, and to an activatable adjustment unit for influencing the deformation of the jib system transversely to the load plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a counterweight includes: an attachment (20) fixed to a frame (7) of a machine; a supporting member (40) that includes a supporting face (40a) for placing a counterweight (10) thereon when the counterweight is mounted on the machine; and a link mechanism (30) that moves the counterweight (10). The link mechanism (30) includes an arm (43) and a rotating cylinder (35) that rotates the arm (34). One end (34a) of the arm (34) is pivotally supported by the attachment (20) while the other end (34b) of the arm (34) is pivotally supported in the upper inner portion of a recess (12) of the counterweight (10). One end (35a) of the rotating cylinder (35) is pivotally supported by the attachment (20) while the other end (35b) of the rotating cylinder (35) is pivotally supported in the upper inner portion of the recess (12) of the counterweight (10).

Abstract: A winch is described that includes a drum, a motor and transmission, and a tensioner. The motor and transmission apply torque to the drum, thereby enabling the drum to draw in and let out a line. The tensioner is positioned adjacent to the drum, such that when the line passes between the tensioner and drum, the line is in frictional contact with the tensioner and drum. The tensioner rotates with a linear speed exceeding a linear speed of the drum as the line is let out from the drum, and rotates freely as the line is drawn onto the drum. Methods for making and using the winch are also described.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a modular frame comprising a first frame member and a second frame member, which in combination support a load-bearing beam having a lifting device secured thereto above a lifting surface. The first frame member, the second frame member, and the lifting device are each removably secured to the beam such that the apparatus may be disassembled into constituent components for transport or storage. Each frame member may be configured to disassemble into constituent components comprising a base and two or more support rails. The apparatus may further comprise a counterbalance. The counterbalance may serve to balance load distribution when the apparatus in use and act as a storage receptacle for the first and second frame members, the beam, and the lifting device when the apparatus is disassembled.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a storage area includes a floor supported by a scissor mechanism, an actuator for raising the floor from a neutral position to an elevated position, a plurality of members attached to the floor, guide members within which the plurality of members move, and a detent movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the detent protrudes into the guide member and contacts one of the at least two members sufficient to resist movement of the at least two members and a retracted position wherein the at least two members freely move within the guide members. The floor is movable between a non-extended position and a fully extended position when the scissor mechanism and the floor are in the neutral position, the elevated position, or any position between the neutral and elevated positions, and may be removed from the assembly.

Abstract: A telescoping platform system for providing workers and/or equipment up a cell tower includes a telescoping pole adapted to selectively extend vertically via an extension mechanism; a platform disposed to a top of the telescoping pole and adapted to support one or more workers and/or equipment for the cell tower; and a plurality of support connections to attach the telescoping pole while it is selectively extended to the cell tower to provide horizontal support to the telescoping pole and the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to capping apparatus and methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.

Abstract: A jar opening assembly includes a handle that may be manipulated. The handle unit is selectively rotated in a gripping direction and a releasing direction. A gripping unit is movably coupled to the handle unit. The gripping unit grips a lid of a jar when the handle unit is rotated in the gripping direction. Thus, the lid may be removed from the jar. The gripping unit releases the lid of the jar when the handle unit is rotated in the releasing direction. Thus, the gripping unit may be removed from the jar.

Abstract: A beverage syrup pump system is disclosed including a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, a pump motor, and a pumping mechanism driven by the motor within the pumping chamber. The pumping mechanism receives a syrup fluid at a first pressure and discharges the fluid at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure. A pressure transducer adjacent a sensor port and in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure generates an electrical signal based upon the second pressure. A programmable micro controller receives the electrical signal from the pressure transducer and is capable of starting and stopping the pump motor. The micro controller will immediately stop the pump motor if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level. The micro controller will also stop the pump motor if the second pressure falls and remains below a predetermined minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: A liquid container refill management system including a machine learning algorithm and method of training the same, the system and method making use of noninvasive tank-in-tank measuring techniques. The system can comprise of a container fill level indicator. The container fill level indicator can be capable of detecting a vibration response signal on the outer surface of a container, wherein the system is capable of transmitting the response signal to a remote data processor for processing using a trained machine learning algorithm. The trained machine learning algorithm can be trained by the process of selecting model inputs and outputs to define an internal structure of the machine learning algorithm, applying a collection of input and output data samples to train the machine learning algorithm, and verifying the accuracy of the machine learning algorithm by applying input data samples and comparing received output values with expected output values.

Abstract: Container of a bag-in-container type, wherein a neck region of the container is provided with at least one opening extending substantially radially there through, into a space between the outer container and an inner container adjacent thereto, wherein the neck region is provided with coupling elements, preferably at opposite sides of the at least one opening, seen in circumferential direction, for coupling of a connecting device to the container for introducing a pressure fluid through the at least one opening into a space between the inner and outer container.

Abstract: A volume of fluid may be received at the air chamber from a fluid source and dispensed to a nozzle. The fluid source may be in fluid communication with the air chamber. The flow may be reversed to draw the fluid to the air chamber and purge air within the air chamber or the fluid to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention solves some of the problems of the prior art by providing a method, system and apparatus for readily refilling the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with liquid from a dispenser. The method, system and apparatus of the present invention prevents liquid from being dispensed until the dispenser is securely and sealably engaged to the smoking-substitute device, provides independent liquid and gas pathways between the dispenser and reservoir, and substantially alleviates the problems of spillage and/or leakage when dispensing liquid from the dispenser into the reservoir of the smoking-substitute device.

Abstract: A method of delivering a selected fuel product having a selected octane level to an operator from a fuel dispenser including a blend manifold, a fuel nozzle, and a fuel hose extending therebetween, including the steps of determining a first volume of a first fuel that is retained in the fuel hose upon completion of a first fueling event, determining a first octane level of the first volume of the first fuel, determining a second volume of a second fuel having a second octane level, and delivering the first fuel volume and the second fuel volume to the operator during a second fueling event, wherein a total volume of fuel equaling the first volume of the first fuel and the second volume of the second fuel has a total octane level that falls within a predetermined limit of the selected octane level of the selected fuel product.