Abstract: A sealing block for a cigarette group (12) is provided on the inside with an internal collar (42). The latter is composed of an internal front wall (45), an internal base wall (48), and internal side flaps (46). The internal base wall (48) is configured in a reinforcing manner by folding flaps disposed on top of one another, specifically by the base tab and the base flap.

Abstract: A fill device for use with a water reservoir tank in an earth reduction system, the fill device comprising a ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pipe having a first end connected to the top surface of the ring and a second end for connection to a water supply, a skirt affixed to the bottom surface of the center ring, an opening surrounded by a plate and defining a tortuous path and positioned below the first end of the pipe and the skirt, and a check valve support with a check valve mounted below the opening and the plate.

Abstract: Provided is an automated transfer unit of box-shaped elements corresponding with at least one storage surface, including clamping bars positioned alongside and distanced from each other so as to contain a plurality of box-shaped elements aligned with each other, and control and guide means configured to move the clamping bars to engage and translate the aligned box-shaped elements as a unit. Further provided is a procedure for placing box-shaped elements arranged in rows on a storage surface; translating as a unit onto a work surface at least a portion of a row including a plurality of box-shaped elements; selecting and separating on the work surface at least one box-shaped element and sending it for delivery; and repositioning any residual box-shaped elements.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and automated method for fulfilling orders includes a donor-handling system having at least two donor buffers and a recipient-handling system having at least one recipient buffer. An item-handling system includes a vision system and an item manipulator. The vision system has a field of view encompassing the at least two donor receptacle buffers. A control causes the vision system to scan items in a donor receptacle at one of the donor buffers to obtain a pick list of location data of items in the scanned donor receptacle. The control causes the manipulator to pick an item from a donor receptacle at the other of the donor buffers under guidance of the vision system and place the picked item to a recipient receptacle at the at least one recipient buffer using the location data of items in that donor receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system, comprising a conveyor belt, which has a carrying-side cover plate (3) and a running-side cover plate (4), and comprising drums, supporting rollers, and supporting frames, wherein the conveyor system forms a material-conveying upper run having a feed point for the conveying material and a mostly material-free lower run. For a further sufficient flame-inhibiting effect that does not negatively affect the further physical properties of the conveyor belt and that does not pose a health hazard to persons, animals, or the environment, the carrying-side (carrying side) cover plate (3) and/or the running-side (running side) cover plate (4) contains at least one flameproofing agent, wherein the flameproofing agent is free of bromium and bromium compounds.

Abstract: The present invention allows the friction of the belt with the slide table to be abated as well as restrains dusts from occurring. The conveyor belt 10 for carrying a transported article mounted on the surface thereof comprises: a belt main body 1; and a lower surface layer 3 to cover the lower surface of the belt main body 1, in which the lower surface layer 3 is provided with a projective surface 4b in which a plurality of projections 4 whose peak portions 4a are formed into a curved surface shape.

Abstract: A drive or tracking apparatus for a non-metal endless conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced apart traction cleats molded from a polymer material and each extending outward from a surface of the endless conveyor belt. The cleats correspond to cup depressions formed in rollers for a conveying apparatus to provide positive drive and anti-slip features for the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

Abstract: Drive systems for extendible conveyors are disclosed. An example conveyor includes a major conveyor section mountable to the support surface, an intermediate conveyor section, and a distal conveyor section. A motor is located on the distal conveyor section. A linear actuator is to couple the distal frame to the intermediate frame. The linear actuator to be driven by the motor to move the distal frame in translation relative to the intermediate frame. In response to the motor moving the distal frame in translation relative to the intermediate frame, the intermediate conveyor section and the distal conveyor section are to move at least sometimes simultaneously in the forward direction as the conveyor moves from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a food processing machine includes a base member, a nose member, a belt member, and a driving member. The nose member is pivotally connected with the base member. The belt member is moveably disposed around the base member and the nose member. The driving device is configured to pivotally move the nose member relative to the base member. As the nose member pivotally moves relative to the base member the nose member applies variable levels of tension on the belt member.

Abstract: The present application discloses vertical spiral conveyors for transporting loose material without the use of vibration or oscillation and methods of transporting materials without the use of vibration or oscillation. In certain embodiments, the vertical spiral conveyor (600) comprises a vertical spiral fabrication (690) having a spiral conveyor tray (680) connected to a vertical member (612) that is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (670), a drive arm (660) extending from the vertical spiral fabrication (690), and a drive system for rotating the vertical spiral fabrication (690) about the axis of rotation (670). The drive system comprises a power source (610) and a transmission (620) coupled to the drive arm (660). The drive system generates alternating forward and backward strokes on the drive arm (660) that rotate the vertical spiral fabrication (690) clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis of rotation to cause loose material to be conveyed around the spiral conveyor tray (680).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method comprising the operation of transferring containers to an endless conveyor element moving forward continuously, conveying suspended containers and describing a closed trajectory imposed by a series of rotary diverting elements using to that end a container transferring device assembled on one of the diverting elements of the endless conveyor element, and rotating in a synchronized manner therewith. A device for putting the method into practice comprises a rotary body driving a plurality of clamps guided by mechanisms which can further slow down the displacement of the clamps without changing the rotating speed of the rotary body.

Abstract: A bin sweep auger unplugging system for unplugging a central unloading sump in a storage bin. The bin sweep auger unplugging system generally includes an auger having a driven shaft with auger flighting, a drive unit having a drive shaft, and a clutch connected between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The clutch selectively transfers the rotation of the drive shaft to the driven shaft of the auger. The drive shaft includes a clump breakup component that breaks up the clump of granular material above the unloading sump when the drive shaft is rotated. The clutch is disengaged when breaking up a clump of granular material to prevent the rotation of the auger.

Abstract: A method inspects a conveyor (10) having opposing sides (34, 35) and a length. The conveyor includes an endless belt (16) and a plurality of roller structures (24) disposed in spaced relation along at least a portion of the length of the conveyor and under a top flight (17) of the belt for supporting the belt while material is being conveyed on the belt. Each roller structure includes at least one roller (12, 12?) constructed and arranged to rotate about an axis as the belt is conveyed with the material. The method orients an unmanned vehicle (22), having sensor structure (28) thereon, at one side of the conveyor, and causes the vehicle to travel along the portion of the length of the conveyor while the sensor structure obtains data regarding a state of at least a portion of the belt and of rollers of the plurality of roller structures while the conveyor is operating.

Abstract: An article supply device includes a storage unit in which a plurality of articles are stored, a supply path, a partition/passing-through member that forms a predetermined gap between a surface of the supply path and the partition/passing-through member, a driving unit that allows the supply path and the partition/passing-through member to relatively move each other, and a gas injection unit that injects gas to the articles on the supply path in at least one of the upstream and the downstream of the partition/passing-through member.

Abstract: A device for distributing and grouping containers in a container treatment assembly, including an infeed conveyor which is configured to convey a plurality of containers in a single-lane infeed flow; an outfeed conveyor which is configured to convey the containers away in multiple lanes; and a transfer conveyor associated with the infeed and the outfeed conveyor and having a plurality of circulating guide elements for the containers; where the transfer conveyor is adapted to separate the containers in a standing position by way of the circulating guide elements from the single-lane infeed flow to the multi-lane outfeed flow by selective guiding, in particular, by pushing them forward and/or decelerating them.

Abstract: An air system for supplying product to the product tank of an agricultural implement has an air supply and at least one elongated conduit for delivering air entrained product to the tank. There is at least one outlet in the tank formed as a hollow elbow having a generally downwardly directed outlet, a generally upwardly directed outlet and a transverse inlet coupled to the conduit. The elbow includes an upper generally cylindrical region comprising a cyclone chamber for swirling the incoming air entrained product directing at least a portion of the air flow upwardly toward the upwardly directed outlet while allowing the product to fall in a generally helical pattern through a generally frusto-conical region, whereby material migrates downwardly and air upwardly releasing the material to fall in a gentle spiral and air to exit from the upper region of the tank.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided to aid in the loading and/or unloading of delivery vehicles. Some embodiments provide a product load system, comprising: multiple pallet lift systems configured to enable pallets to be moved in and out of a delivery vehicle, wherein the multiple pallet lift systems comprise a series of pallet lift magnets; a magnetic levitation track comprising a series of track magnets, wherein track is configured to be positioned adjacent a floor of the first delivery vehicle; and a control circuit configured to control an activation of one of the series of pallet lift magnets and the series of track magnets such that magnetic forces established inducing a lifting force on the series of pallet lift magnets, and reduces a force applied by the first pallet on the floor of the delivery vehicle and allows reduced friction movement of the first pallet.

Abstract: A case manipulator receives cases from an infeed conveyer and manipulates individual cases or groups of cases and transfers the manipulated cases to a row accumulator platform in a desired and pre-determined orientation and positioned on the accumulator platform to a desired and pre-determined location. The manipulation of individual cases, or groups of cases, is continued in a sequential operation until a complete row is formed on the accumulator platform according to a pre-determined build menu. The case manipulator includes a swing plate pivotal on a first axis and a paddle arm that is attached to the swing plate and pivotal on a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. The invention allows the palletizer to have the next case in a row transferred from the infeed conveyer to the row-build staging area while the case manipulator is operating on an already-delivered case.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving rigid slabs comprising a first carriage provided with pick-up means suitable for moving a slab. The first carriage is arranged on a supporting assembly so as to be movable in a transverse direction above a working area via first drive means or driver. The pick-up means are designed to move in a vertical direction towards or away from the working area. The apparatus is characterized in that it includes a second carriage including a support surface for slabs. The second carriage is arranged on the supporting assembly so as to be movable in a transverse direction above the working area via second drive means or driver. The first carriage is designed to move in the transverse direction independently of the second carriage. The first carriage is designed to position slabs on the second carriage and pick up slabs from the second carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for orienting elements, in particular filter elements (F), for fitting injection-molded parts, in particular pipette tips (P), comprising an accommodating container (1a) for accommodating the filter elements (F) as bulk material, a sieve plate (1), which forms the bottom of the accommodating container and which has bores (11) for accommodating individual filter elements (F), a buffer plate (2), which is arranged under the sieve plate (1) and which has bores (2.1) corresponding to the bores of the buffer plate (2) and which is arranged below the buffer plate in such way that the transfer plate can moved in relation to the buffer plate (2).

Abstract: A cargo handling system includes a gantry and a robot arm. The gantry is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The robot arm hangs from the gantry. The robot arm is configured to move along the gantry at least when the gantry is in the extended position. The robot arm is configured to handle one or more cargo items. A conveyor is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The conveyor is configured to transport the cargo items to and/or from the robot arm.

Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus includes a first casing in which a transport path is formed; a transport unit which transports a sheet along the transport path; a second casing which is provided to be movable with respect to the first casing; a sheet support unit which is rotatably provided in the first casing at a position on a side to which the second casing is moved, the sheet support unit being changeable between a first state, a second state, and a third state and supporting the sheet at least in the third state; and an urging unit which urges the sheet support unit toward the first state within a range from the first state to the second state and which urges the sheet support unit toward the third state within a range from the second state to the third state.

Abstract: A sheet feeding cartridge attached to or detached from a cartridge storing part formed between a pair of side face covers which constitute a part of an exterior cover of an apparatus main body. The sheet feeding cartridge includes a cartridge base on which a sheet is stacked, a cartridge cover attached so as to be slidable in a width direction perpendicular to the attachment direction, a first positioning part configured to position the cartridge base to the cartridge storing part and a second positioning part configured to position the cartridge cover with respect to the side face covers in the width direction perpendicular to the attachment direction.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: a first roller; a separation member; a shutter; a pressing portion; and a cam portion. The separation member contacts the first roller at a contact position. An axis of the shutter is positioned downstream of the separation member in a conveying direction. The shutter is movable between first and second positions. The shutter in the first position has a portion positioned upstream of the contact position in the conveying direction. The pressing portion is positioned upstream of the separation member and the shutter in the first position in the conveying direction. The pressing portion is movable between third and fourth positions. The pressing portion in the third position faces the first roller. The pressing portion in the fourth position is separated from the first roller farther than in the third position. The cam portion is positioned upstream of the pressing portion in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion forming an image on an envelope having a flap, and a guide portion composing a sheet conveyance path through which the envelope is conveyed and having a plurality of ribs projecting from a base plane thereof to the sheet conveyance path. Each of the plurality of ribs is disposed aslant such that a downstream end thereof in a sheet conveying direction is located at a widthwise side end more than an upstream end thereof and includes an inclined surface inclined with respect to a base plane on a side surface upstream in the sheet conveying direction of the ribs. The inclined surface is formed such that 0°<?a?45° holds, where ?a denotes an inclination angle of the inclined surface with respect to the base plane in the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device, which is included in an image reading device and an image forming apparatus, includes a passage forming body and a sound absorber. The passage forming body is configured to define a sheet conveying passage through which a sheet passes. The sound absorber includes a hollow portion and a communication portion configured to communication the hollow portion and the sheet conveying passage. A position of the communication portion of the sound absorber is changeable in the sheet conveying passage. The sheet conveying device included in the image reading device includes an original document conveying device configured to convey an original document having an image on a surface. The sheet conveying device included in the image forming apparatus includes a recording medium conveying device configured to convey the recording medium accommodated in a recording medium container to the image forming device.

Abstract: After a detection flag and a detection member are integrally rotated as a result of the detection flag being pushed by a sheet, the detection flag is rotated relative to the detection member, with the detection member being in contact with an abutting portion.

Abstract: The document conveying apparatus includes a separation roller, a conveying roller, a driving force generation module configured to be capable of generating a first driving force with a rotation in a first direction, and capable of generating a second driving force with a rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a driving force transmission module, a determination module for determining whether a document has passed the separation roller, and a control module for switching a driving force from the first driving force to the second driving force in accordance with a determination result. The driving force transmission module performs separation operation by transmitting the first driving force to the separation roller, and conveys the documents by transmitting the second driving force to the conveying roller and cuts off transmission of the second driving force to the separation roller, in accordance with the switching.

Abstract: A film intermittent carrying device: includes a film delivering mechanism, a delivering and accumulating mechanism, accumulating the film and discharging the film, a winding and accumulating mechanism accumulating the film while discharging in an amount corresponding to an amount of the film discharged, and a film winding mechanism taking-up the film constantly. The delivering and accumulating mechanism includes first and second fixed rollers, an upstream-side movable roller moving to pass through a middle position between the first and second fixed rollers, and an upstream-side friction preventive unit configured to reduce a friction between the film and the upstream-side movable roller.

Abstract: A medium stacking apparatus comprises a stacking roller for stacking a medium in a stacking space, a supporting part for supporting a lower portion of the medium transferred by the stacking roller, a plurality of stacking guides for supporting the medium disposed on the supporting part in a standing state, a plurality of moving devices for moving the plurality of stacking guides, and a control part controlling the plurality of moving devices. The control part controls the plurality of moving devices to move a second stacking guide toward a first stacking guide to allow the stacked medium to stands up in a state where the medium is supported by the first stacking guide of the plurality of stacking guides.

Abstract: A tape cutting device includes a tape cutting unit adapted to ride along a tape roll. The tape cutting unit includes a device panel. A pair of spaced-apart tape roll guides extend from the device panel. A tape cutting blade having a tape cutting edge extends between the tape roll guides. A pair of tape bending tabs extends from the tape roll guides, respectively, toward each other and in spaced-apart relationship to the tape cutting edge of the tape cutting blade. A retaining mechanism is carried by the tape cutting unit. The retaining mechanism is adapted to secure the tape cutting unit on the tape roll.

Abstract: A method for providing a nonlinear line of weakness on a web material includes: providing a counter component comprising a nonlinear shape, where the nonlinear shape has a shape width, W; providing a blade in operative relationship with the counter component and comprising a plurality of teeth; rotating at least one of the blade and the counter component into interacting relationship with the other of the blade and the counter component; feeding a web between the counter component and the blade such that while in interacting relationship the blade cooperates with the counter component to perforate the web, wherein the web is moving in a machine direction; and reciprocally shifting one of the counter component and the blade for a distance, D, in a shifting direction, wherein D is at least the translational distance that one tooth travels to cover the shape width, W.

Abstract: A paper sheet handling apparatus that recognizes by using a recognition unit and counts paper sheets being transported via a transport path includes a dust tray that is arranged inside a housing of the paper sheet handling apparatus for collecting dust generated inside the housing and that can be pulled out of the paper sheet handling apparatus from a front surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for receiving an elastomer strand, in particular a sealing strand, that is to be conveyed to a processing location, and for feeding the elastomer strand at the processing location to a device for separating pieces from the elastomer strand and processing them, has a roll that receives the elastomer strand in the form of a coil, a conveying container that receives the roll with the coil and systems for rotating the roll within the conveying container in order to unwind the elastomer strand from the roll and feed it to the processing system. The conveying space required for the device after the elastomer strand has been unwound from the roll can be reduced.

Abstract: A welding wire coil packaging system including a process stand having an upright, the upright defining a hub receiver, the upright including a yolk supported on upright and spaced axially inward therefrom, and a cartridge including a shaft having a hub at one axial extremity, the hub being received in the hub receiver and at least partially supported on the yolk, a mandrel mounted on the shaft between a pair of end forms and adapted to receive a welding wire thereon in a coil winding process.

Abstract: A film dispenser includes a holding member, the holding member including a first end and a second end joined to the first end. The holding member defines a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The second end defines a brake portion, a connecting portion extending radially inward from the brake portion, and a slot defined in the brake portion. The slot includes a first portion extending in a circumferential direction across a width of the brake portion and second and third portions extending across a length of the brake portion. The slot further includes a fourth portion angled with respect to the second portion and a fifth portion angled with respect to the third portion, each of the fourth and fifth portions extending in a circumferential direction, the fourth and fifth portions of the slot intersecting the second and third portions, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a holding apparatus for holding a card. The holding apparatus comprises at least two proximity sensors, a control unit and a motor. Each of the at least two proximity sensors are configured to determine orientation of the card when the card is present in the holding apparatus. The control unit is configured to determine status of each of the at least two proximity sensors in order to determine a position of the holding apparatus. The status of the at least two proximity sensors is at least one of open and close. The control unit is further configured to transmit a control signal to the motor based on the determined status. The motor rotates the card upon receiving the control signal, thereby orienting the card with respect to a viewer of the card.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of circuit units each includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a switching element portion including first and second switching elements electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a capacitor portion including a capacitor electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode and stacked with the switching element portion. In two of the adjacent circuit units, the switching element portion of one circuit unit and the capacitor portion of the other circuit unit are adjacent to each other, the capacitor portion of the one and the switching element portion of the other are adjacent to each other, the first electrode of the one and the first electrode of the other are adjacent to each other, and the second electrode of the one and the second electrode of the other are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position and load measurement system for an elevator which system is going to be installed in an elevator car to obtain car position data and car load data, which position and load measurement system comprises at least one sensor mounted in the elevator car. The position and load measurement system comprises: a passenger sensor scanning the car interior and/or the car door area; a load signal processing unit connected to the passenger sensor for generating car load data, an acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer, a position signal processing unit connected to the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer for generating car position data, and a data link for transmitting the output signals of the load signal processing unit and the position signal processing unit to an elevator control unit. The invention provides improved car load and car position data, particularly in connection with an overlay modernization of an existing elevator system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lift system with at least one lift car able to ride in a lift shaft, while a travelling cable is provided, having a first end at the lift car side and a second end at the shaft side, wherein the weight force of the travelling cable is at least partially channelled into a traction means or balancing means engaging with the lift car.

Abstract: An elevator arrangement includes a plurality of elevators in a building, which plurality includes a plurality of zoned elevators moving in an elevator hoistway, which have different ranges of movement of the elevator car in the building to each other, and which zoned elevators each have a top limit and a bottom limit of the range of movement of the elevator car, to above the top limit and to below the bottom limit of which range of movement travel of the elevator car of the zoned elevator in question is prevented. The vertical location, in relation to the building, of the top limit and/or bottom limit of the range of movement of the elevator car of each aforementioned zoned elevator can be changed.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway; an elevator car to travel in the hoistway, the elevator car having permanent magnets mounted thereto; a stator mounted in the hoistway, the stator coacting with the permanent magnets to control motion of the elevator car in the hoistway, the stator including: a plurality of modular coil modules, each coil module including stacked coil assemblies, each coil assembly including stacked coil units, each coil unit corresponding to one phase of the stator.

Abstract: A truss section (2, 3, 4), which is configured to support at least one tread element in a passenger area (30) of a passenger conveyor (15) of the type conveying passengers by moving the at least one tread element in a longitudinal direction along the passenger area (30) between a first landing and a second landing, comprises at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b) extending basically parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction; and at least one lateral connector (6) connecting the at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b). Each of the at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b) includes at least one load-bearing portion (51, 52, 53) having the configuration of a single wall profile.

Abstract: A hook block suspended by a wire rope and provided with: sheave shaft parts for rotatably supporting hook sheaves; a connecting shaft inserted into shaft holes that penetrate the sheave shaft parts in the axial direction; brackets which support the sheave shaft parts by fitting the same in engaging holes in first piece parts, which are provided with second piece parts substantially orthogonal to the first piece parts, and in which insertion holes are formed, the insertion holes enabling the insertion of the upper side of a hook in a mutually facing arrangement; a bracket-fixing member supported by the second piece parts above the second piece parts; and a hook support member rotatably arranged above the bracket-fixing member and fixed to the outer periphery of the upper side of the hook.

Abstract: A cargo hook assembly employing a connector strap and a frame attached to a lower kicker, a clamp, an upper kicker, and a shaft assembly. A transverse flange of the connector strap engages a ledge of the lower kicker and propels the lower kicker towards the frame. A clip of the lower kicker rotates the clamp towards a closed position. A tongue of the clamp engages the shaft assembly at a tongue groove. A remote electrical module, a remote mechanical module, and a local mechanical release rotate the shaft assembly to engage or disengage the shaft assembly from the upper kicker and tongue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to roll lifting assemblies, systems, and methods for lifting, handling, and/or maneuvering rolled material. According to some embodiments, a roll lifting system may be configured to move a single roll and/or to concurrently move two or more rolls. For example, a roll lifting system may comprise a translocation apparatus and/or a lift assembly.

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the load in a material handling system is disclosed. The load weight detection system measures torque at four operating conditions both at constant speed and during acceleration. The level of torque generated by the motor under each of these operating conditions is stored in the motor drive. The motor drive also receives a signal corresponding to the speed of the hoist motor. Based on the measured torque, as well as the expected torque at no load and at rated load for the measured speed, the motor drive then determines the load present on the hoist. In some systems, two or more hoists are required to operate in tandem to lift a load. Each motor drive determines the weight of the load supported by its respective hoist motor and determines a total weight of the load based on the weights determined by each motor drive.