Abstract: An evacuation system may comprise an evacuation slide and a lane divider. A portion of the lane divider may be detachably coupled to a sliding surface of the evacuation slide. A detachable restraint may be disposed between the lane divider and the evacuation slide. The detachable restrain may comprise a first portion coupled to the lane divider and a second portion coupled to the sliding surface. The first portion of the detachable restraint may detachably couple to the second portion of the detachable restraint.

Abstract: In one aspect the present subject matter is directed to a gas-electric propulsion system for an aircraft. The system may include a turbofan jet engine, an electric powered boundary layer ingestion fan that is coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft aft of the turbofan jet engine, and an electric generator that is electronically coupled to the turbofan jet engine and to the boundary layer ingestion fan. The electric generator converts rotational energy from the turbofan jet engine to electrical energy and provides at least a portion of the electrical energy to the boundary layer ingestion fan. In another aspect of the present subject matter, a method for propelling an aircraft via the gas-electric propulsion system is disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method includes feeding pressurized air into an air separation module containing a carbon membrane, the air feed exhibiting a normal pressure of no more than 55 psig. The method includes producing nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed. An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction system includes a source for pressurized air, an air separation module configured to receive air feed from the pressurized air source, and a carbon membrane. The carbon membrane is configured to permeate oxygen from the air feed through the carbon membrane at a temperature of at least 120° C. (248° F.) and to produce nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel vent pipe with a pipe body containing a duct which extends along a duct axis between an open end and a closed end. A burst disc closes the closed end of the duct. One or more devices are provided in the duct, the device(s) being positioned or shaped to enable the burst disc to be visually inspected by looking along the duct through its open end, and to modify a sectional profile of the duct transverse to the duct axis so that the sectional profile of the duct changes between different stations along the duct axis. The one or more device(s) inhibit the formation of standing acoustic waves in the duct.

Abstract: An example aircraft electrical system includes a generator coupled with a gas turbine engine and a controller operable to distribute power of the generator. The controller includes a first control module positioned at a first location remote from the generator and a second control module positioned at a second location proximate the generator. The first control module is configured to verify at least one output of the generator, detect a fault condition of the generator, and control operation of at least one power bus in communication with the first control module. The second control module is configured to regulate the at least one output of the generator, where the at least one output includes a voltage. An example method of operating an electrical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aircraft display systems for deployment onboard rotorcraft or other aircraft are provided, as are methods carried-out by an aircraft display system. In an embodiment, the aircraft display system includes a controller operably coupled to at least one cockpit display device. The controller is configured to generate a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) graphics on the cockpit display device. The controller selectively switches PFD operation between a heading-centered display mode and at least a first non-heading-centered display mode. The HSI graphics are produced to include one or more movable HSI symbols identifying a current aircraft heading when the PFD operates in the first non-heading-centered display mode. In certain embodiments, the controller may also selectively generate visual alerts on the PFD by altering the appearance of the HSI graphics when an angle between the current track and the current heading of the aircraft exceeds an angular threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a selected configuration for a structure during a manufacturing process for forming a product using the structure. Metrology data for a support system is received. The support system holds the structure during the manufacturing process. A determination is made as to whether a current configuration of the structure is within selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure based on the metrology data. The support system is reconfigured to move the structure into the selected configuration in response to a determination that the current configuration of the structure is not within the selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed relating to multilayer 3D textile composite materials containing self-healing resins for use as protective structures on stationary objects, and moving objects including, without limitation, vehicles including spacecraft and aircraft.

Abstract: A device for holding and aligning a component includes a first and a second housing part and a tilting device. The first housing part is arranged on a first end for stationary arrangement on a carrier and the second housing part is arranged on a second end for connection to the useful component. The first end and the second end are on opposite sides of the device in relation to a longitudinal axis. The tilting device mechanically connects the first and the second housing parts to one another and enables a defined alignment and holding of the relative position of the second housing part in relation to the first housing part. The actuator of the tilting device is a number of wires made of a shape-memory alloy. A length of each of the number of wires is individually adjustable by a respective determination of the resistance, which can be processed as a control variable in a control loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a stack of pads, wherein each of the pads is rotationally askew with respect to its immediate neighbors in the stack. A cutting wheel is provided with cutting forms. The cutting forms are rotated by an offset angle, relative each adjacent cutting form. The cutting wheel is run over material to cut pads. Each of the pads sequentially cut is rotationally offset by the same offset angle as are the cutting forms. As the pads are cut, the pads are sequentially placed into a vertical stack. Each of the pads in the vertical stack is offset from immediately adjacent pads by the offset angle. The pads are formed into shapes that are mostly circular but have recessed areas that create salient points on the pads. The offset angles of each of the pads enables these salient points to be readily grasped.

Abstract: A container of the present invention may include a base, a lip extending around the periphery of the base, a perforation defined by the lip, and a lid adhered to the lip, wherein the lid includes a first undercut, wherein the first undercut overlaps the perforation. The perforation and undercut allow for a portion of the lid to remain on the lip after the lid has been opened. The portion remaining on the lid may include an outwardly facing adhesive surface, configured to adhere to the lid to reseal the lid to the base once the lid is closed after the initial opening. As such, the lid is permanently adhered to a first portion of the lip and resealably adhered to a second portion of the lip. The first portion may be an outer lip portion and the second portion may be an inner lip portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods and apparatuses for sterilizing, sanitizing, and/or otherwise removing contaminants from, filling, and/or capping containers, such as bottles. In some aspects, the containers are reusable bottles containing or designed to hold drinking water. In some embodiments, the container is received from a customer and/or is provided to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods include returning the same container to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods provide sanitary, convenient, and/or environmentally-friendly alternatives to available methods for removing cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing, filling, and capping of containers holding drinking liquids.

Abstract: Methods of making a wear and oxidation resistant medical implant are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are container apparatuses that have variable volume capacity, which are useful, for example, as pack-off containers in operations involving manufactured articles. The container apparatuses can have vertically translatable bottom members to adjust volume capacity, and the bottom members can also be rotatable to facilitate the presentation of manufactured articles for removal. The vertically translatable bottom members can be suspended flexible sheet materials, portions of which can be raised or lowered to re-contour the shape of and adjust the volume capacity of the container apparatuses.

Abstract: System including a stamping device configured to apply stamps to first and second products having target surfaces. The stamping device applies the stamps when the target surfaces are moved into a stamp-application region. The system also includes a first transporter device having a receiving side. The first transporter device is configured to hold the first products such that the target surfaces of the first products are exposed along the receiving side. The system also includes a second transporter device having a receiving side. The second transporter device is configured to hold the second products such that the target surfaces of the second products are exposed along the receiving side of the second transporter device. The first and second transporter devices are configured to hold the respective first and second products such that the target surfaces of the first and second products face in a generally common direction.

Abstract: An automated labeling method and apparatus includes a label web-severing mechanism and a label-applying assembly, the web-severing mechanism configured to synchronously sever a plurality of labels from a self-wound label web, and the label-applying assembly configured to synchronously apply the plurality of severed labels to a corresponding plurality of articles to be labeled.

Abstract: A labelling group for applying at least one label onto a respective article at an application station is disclosed. The labelling group comprises a transfer element, which is adapted to transfer the label along a trajectory which comprises a transfer station, and can be arranged in an operative position, in which the transfer station coincides, in use, with the application station; and a diverting device, which can be selectively arranged in: a first configuration, which allows the transfer element to convey the label along at least part of the trajectory and to release the label at the transfer station; or in a second configuration, which prevents the transfer element either from receiving the label or from releasing the label to the transfer station. The transfer element is movable in at least one rest position, in which the trajectory is spaced from the application station.

Abstract: A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate defining a circular segment and forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal, but the upper laminate does not extend the full width of the sealing member in order to define the gripping tab.

Abstract: A pallet, including a plurality of spaced apart stringers defining a pallet width and a plurality of slats extending lengthwise across the stringers corresponding to the pallet width, and at least two of the slats have a length that is less than the pallet width and define undersized slats. A slat splice connector bridging between adjacent ones of the undersized slats so that the undersized slats are spliced together to provide a spliced slat having a length corresponding to the pallet width, the slat splice connector having an elevated surface between and supported by a pair of spaced apart legs, with the undersized slats of the spliced slat supported by and attached to the legs of the slat splice connector.

Abstract: A combination food storage and serving device includes a plurality of plates. Each plate comprises a bottom that is substantially flat. A wall is coupled to and extends upwardly from a circumference of the bottom. A rim is coupled to an upper perimeter of the wall and extends outwardly from the wall. A plurality of couplers and a plurality of fasteners are coupled to the rim. The fasteners are complementary to the couplers. A first plate is upside downwardly positionable over a second plate, such that respective couplers positioned on the rim of the first plate are positioned to couple with respective fasteners positioned on the rim of the second plate. The second plate is coupled to the first plate, such that food items place on the second plate are contained within an internal space defined by the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a frame structure supporting stand with swing joint elements and a bottle with necks for pouring out the contents and tubes for overflow of the contents. The bottle is attached to a frame consisting of vertical rods mounted between two support platforms within which the bottle is placed. The bottle is attached to the frame through the support platforms. The frame is positioned on the holder axes with the possibility of rotation about the holder due to the swing joint. Additional external elements are provided on the support platforms, and they allow opening/closing of the bottle neck. The holder has a mounting stand. The swing joints of the holder and the frame are configured to fix the frame with the bottle in the desired position relative to the axis of the holder.

Abstract: A method of making a container (2, 30) having a separable inner lining (6) and outer shell (4) comprises the steps of: forming an outer shell; pre-forming a flexible lining, at least a part of the lining conforming to a complete internal shape of the shell; inserting the preformed lining into the shell so that a first part of the lining is within the shell and a second part of the lining protrudes from the opening of the shell; adhering the first part to an internal surface (8) of the shell; conforming the second part to an external surface of the shell; and attaching to the lining around said rim a sealing layer covering the opening, and the adhesion between the lining and the internal surface of the shell being such that the lining is peelable from the shell while remaining intact.

Abstract: A collapsible cooler has provisions for erection and retention in a common receptacle such as a five gallon bucket, a tall kitchen garbage can and a large garbage can. Three layers of sheet material form an insulated cylindrical liner with a diameter and height corresponding to the dimensions of the common receptacle, with downwardly depending overhanging panels that extend over the upstanding walls and fold down and are secured together to hold the liner in the common receptacle. The downwardly depending overhanging panels have provisions for engaging structural elements of the common receptacle to secure the liner to and within the common receptacle. Accessory retention pockets are secured to the downwardly depending overhanging flaps and are accessible even when a lid is applied to the top of the collapsible cooler. The downwardly depending flaps have provisions for displaying indicia, logos and emblems.

Abstract: A collapsible container is provided with a one-way valve. The valve comprises a cupola shaped slitted membrane forming a closure head to allow dispensing a liquid contained in the container by opening the membrane under liquid pressure. When pressure is reduced the membrane will close and prevent the entrance of air into the container. To avoid a deformation of the membrane in counter dispensing direction a supporting column is arranged within the valve ending in a distance from the lower side of the membrane. This column will prevent an opening of the membrane closure head towards the container storage room when air pressure in direction into the container is too high to be borne by the membrane closure head alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pail body having a pail end defining a pail opening, a lid closing the pail opening, and a clamping ring clamping the lid onto the pail end, wherein the clamping ring comprises a lever connected to the ends of a split clamping ring, which lever in a closed position clamps the split clamping ring onto the pail end, and in an open position widens the ring, and spring means connecting the lever to at least one of the ring ends, to the clamping ring, and a method for applying the clamping ring to a pail body.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is for containers loaded by gas pressure, in particular the gas side (13) of hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators (1). The safety apparatus has a connection device (19) that can be attached to the pressure chamber of the container to form a passage (25) between the gas side (13) of the container and the outside. A structure (27) normally blocks the passage (25) and under the influence of temperature can be transferred into a state that allows a flow path through the passage (25) to be cleared.

Abstract: A sealable drinking container for preserving the freshness, taste, nutrients and natural appearance of a smoothie/fruit and vegetable juice/green drinks, where a container body and an upper cap assembly have a sealable coupling mechanism forming the sealable drinking container and an air extracting device for extracting air from the sealable space, and where the air-extracting mechanism may be incorporated within an air-extracting chamber associated with the upper cap assembly and used with various types of containers.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a bottle cork with a built-in removal mechanism. The bottle cork may include a cork body having a hollow sleeve positioned therein, the hollow sleeve housing a mini-corkscrew, the mini-corkscrew having a corkscrew end extending toward a bottom surface of the cork body and an end opposite the corkscrew end; a gas cartridge configured to be punctured by the end of the mini-corkscrew opposite the corkscrew end; and a knob top attached to the gas cartridge, such that when the knob top is rotated, the gas cartridge is pierced by the end of the mini-corkscrew opposite the corkscrew end while the corkscrew end is drawn into and through the bottom surface of the cork body. The pressure exerted by the pierced gas cartridge may force the bottle cork out of a bottle, thus negating the need for an external cork removal tool.

Abstract: A tray system includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. In one embodiment, each stacking unit forms a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle, and an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked above the first bottle. The lower receptacle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of a second bottle into the lower receptacle. The tray system may also include a second tray and a pallet.

Abstract: A hang tag includes a main body and a retaining portion. The main body includes a ridge that extends in a direction from a top of the main body to a bottom of the main body. The ridge divides the main body into a first region at a first side of the ridge and a second region at a second side of the ridge. The retaining portion includes (a) prongs configured to, when the portion of the object is inserted in the retaining portion, engage with side grooves in opposite sides of the object to prevent the object from rotating, and (b) ribs configured to support the prongs when the prongs are forced towards the ribs.

Abstract: A package configured to contain and provide for sterile presentation of a product. The package includes a housing portion, a handling portion integrally formed with the housing portion, and a separation feature. The housing portion defines an interior product storage cavity and extends from a first end to a second end. The handling portion includes a cuff at the second end of the housing portion and a gripping portion extending from the cuff. The gripping portion is configured to extend inside the cuff and toward the storage cavity. The separation feature is disposed between the cuff and the housing portion, and the separation feature is configured to separate the housing portion and the handling portion.

Abstract: In a packing bag to store a stored article Z with tight seal by a welded sheet material 1, a separation-prepared line portion 5, separable by predetermined tensile force by human hands, is provided, and, the separation-prepared line portion 5 is composed of half-cut laser-worked grooves 7 disposed parallel with a small interval and concaved on an inner face 1a and an outer face 1b.

Abstract: A flexible thermoformed stand-up dispensing package for a flowable material is mass produced using dies that provide a container portion, optionally with a dispensing tube, the package having in use a base wall of relatively large area for stably supporting the opened package on a horizontal surface without loss of the flowable contents in either an up-right configuration with a relatively narrower upper region or a low profile package. which optionally includes a dispensing tube.

Abstract: A plastic beer keg includes an outer container and a liner having a neck portion and a body portion. A removable lid is secured over an opening of the container to enclose the liner. A locking ring secures the neck portion to the lid. The neck optionally includes a neck ring which interlocks with the opening through the lid to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The locking ring optionally includes ratcheting teeth engaging ratchet teeth on the lid to prevent inadvertent loosening of the locking ring. The liner may be suspended from the lid by the neck when empty.

Abstract: Provided is a tip indicator that enables reduced manufacturing costs with a simple configuration, can be made lighter in weight, and is capable of detecting tipping over of a packaging box and the like. This tip indicator is fixed to a packaging box and is equipped with a main body that has a passage section and a moving object. The passage section has a first holding part and a second holding part. The moving object is held by the first holding part when the main body is in an initial position, and the moving object moves through the passage section and is held by the second holding part when the main body has returned to the initial position after having been turned by 90 degrees in a first direction and then by 90 degrees in a second direction, that is, a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fuel tank in a vehicle. The fuel tank includes a protective outer shell, an inner shell and a crush sleeve. The protective outer shell defines an outer tank. The inner shell defines an inner tank which holds fuel. The inner shell is housed in the outer shell and is isolated from the outer shell by a space. The crush sleeve is provided in the space between the outer shell and the inner shell. The crush sleeve supports the inner shell and maintains the inner shell in position relative to the outer shell. Wherein during an impact to the vehicle, the force of the impact causes the outer shell and the crush sleeve to deform and the inner shell to move relative to the outer shell.

Abstract: A thermally insulated shipping container comprises an inner structure including an inner base, a front inner wall, a rear inner wall opposed to the front inner wall, a pair of opposed side inner walls each extending between the front and rear inner walls and an inner lid; an outer structure including an outer base, a front outer wall, a rear outer wall opposed to the front inner wall, two side outer walls each extending between the front and rear outer walls and an outer lid; and a cavity extending at least between the inner and outer walls, the cavity being arranged to receive a plurality of cool packs; wherein the container, when empty, is arranged to be transported disassembled in a flat packed state prior to being assembled for use.

Abstract: A spray cap (20; 300; 400; 600) for a spray can (22) has a body comprising: a sidewall (140) having a lower portion for mounting to a body of the spray can; and a button (36). The button has: an upper surface (164) for user engagement; a downwardly projecting sleeve (38) for receiving an outlet stem (240) of the can; and a forwardly-open compartment (42). An insert (34; 302) is within the compartment. A nozzle member (32) is mounted across the compartment to contain the insert within the compartment.

Abstract: A bottle change apparatus includes a change mechanism that changes a bottle, and the bottle includes a bottle cap. The bottle cap includes: a treatment solution straw part that forms a treatment solution flow passage for supplying a treatment solution in the bottle to an outside of the bottle and extends to an inside of the bottle; and a treatment solution connecting part that is provided at an end portion outside the bottle of the treatment solution straw part. The change mechanism includes: a connection mechanism part including a treatment solution pipe which is connected to the treatment solution connecting part of the bottle and through which the treatment solution supplied from the bottle flows; and a bottle mounting part that transfers the bottle to a connection position where the treatment solution connecting part and the treatment solution pipe are connected together.

Abstract: A package for eggs having a bottom part, a cover part and upwardly extending retainment projections cooperating with apertures in the cover part. A pillow post may be formed between neighboring egg receiving compartments of the package. The retainment projections and corresponding apertures may be constructed so as to not be aligned after a molding process but then aligned after a subsequent drying process. The retainment projections may cooperate with apertures in the cover part including engaging a tongue located at the bottom of the apertures.

Abstract: A shipping strap assembly protects the isolator mechanism of a vibratory screening machine against exceeding its elastic limits. The isolator mechanism is pivotally connected between shafts on the machine frame and the machine basket. The protective assembly includes a distally narrowing boss on at least one of the shafts. A rigid strap has two apertures, one contoured to receive and ride on the boss and the other contoured to receive the other shaft, spaced to maintain the distance between the shaft axes within an elastic limit of the isolator mechanism. The narrowing boss provides leeway for easy manual alignment of the mechanism shafts with the strap apertures, and the narrowing boss and contour of the other aperture facilitate restoration toward its normal load length, of an elastically distorted mechanism.

Abstract: A liquid holding container having an ink pack constituted by a sheet member, capable of housing ink inside, a flow path member extending through the sheet member, between the outside and inside of the ink pack, and having a flow path capable of delivering ink from the inside to the outside of the ink pack, and a filter provided in the flow path member inside the ink pack. The flow path member and the sheet member are joined, and the flow path extends further to the inside of the ink pack than the end part which is the junction part at the position of the sheet member joined with the flow path member. At the flow path member, the filter is provided at a site further to the inside of the ink pack than the junction part.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, is described, comprising a containing body (3) having a first portion (5), the containing body (3) defining an internal volume adapted to contain a substance to be infused, the first portion (5) being composed of: a first perimeter edge (13); a first central portion (17) onto which at least one external pressing force is applied; a first crown portion (19) collapsible towards inside the containing body (3) under the action of the pressing force exerted at least on the first central portion (17) and/or on the first crown portion (19), the first crown portion (19) being interposed between the first perimeter edge (13) and the first central portion (17), the first crown portion (19) being connected on its perimeter to the first perimeter edge (13) by interposing a first bending line (21) and being connected to the first central portion (17) by interposing a second bending line (23).

Abstract: An automated rack unloading apparatus for automatically unloading a container from a rack shelf is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame and a carriage assembly operably engaged with the frame. The carriage assembly travels vertically to align with a rack shelf on which a container to be unloaded from the rack shelf is located. The carriage assembly has a first end and a second end. A spoon is pivotally connected to the first end of the carriage assembly at a pivot point. A retractable support mechanism supports the second end of the carriage assembly. The retractable support mechanism is operable to lower a leading edge of the spoon with reference to the pivot point to thereby downwardly incline the spoon for insertion under the container. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array is configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.

Abstract: A gravity-fed housing for use in a gasification system is disclosed. The gravity-fed housing has a receiving end panel that forms a receive opening in a first plane. The receive opening is configured to receive a first plurality of heat carriers via gravity. The gravity-fed housing includes a siding connected to the receiving end panel. The siding forms a chamber and a discharge opening in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane. The discharge opening is offset with respect to the receive opening such that a line perpendicular to the receiving end panel that extends through a center point of the receive opening does not intersect a center point of the second opening. The siding includes a first panel that comprises a guiding surface that intersects the line and is angled toward the discharge opening.

Abstract: A vented bucket for use in an endless conveyor system, such as the conveyor belt of a grain elevator or feed elevator, includes two oppositely disposed side panels joined by a rear panel, a bottom panel, and a front panel. At least one vent tube extends along or within one of the rear panel, side panels or front panel in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a synchronization unit having a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt disposed adjacent to the first conveyor belt, an inlet end and an outlet end. The system further comprises a joint shuttle disposed between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, each of the first and second conveyor belts having a variable length while the distance between the inlet end and the outlet end is fixed. A discharge conveyor belt is disposed upstream the inlet end and is operating at a first velocity (VD). At a time T1, the velocity of the first conveyor belt (V1T1) is equal to the velocity of the discharge conveyor belt (VD) and, at a time T2, the velocity of the first conveyor belt (V1T2) is equal to the velocity of the second conveyor belt (Vm), without relative movement between the conveyor belts and objects conveyed thereon.