Abstract: Methods and apparatus for shutting down a conveyor when an article moves past a discharge point are provided. A shutdown device includes a contact member disposed in a spaced relationship with a discharge end of a conveyor comprising a conveyor belt, wherein the contact member extends substantially across a width of the conveyor belt, wherein the contact member is positionable between a first position and a second position, a force regulator coupled to the contact member configured to set a minimum threshold force for moving the contact member from the first position to the second position, and a switch operably connected to the contact member, wherein the contact member causes the switch to toggle the conveyor between an operating mode when the contact member is in the first position and a shutdown mode when the contact member is in the second position.

Abstract: A conveyor sensor arrangement is disclosed. The conveyor sensor arrangement includes a conveyor configured to move a product from a first conveyor end to a second conveyor end in a conveying direction. A plurality of fingers are pivotally arranged on a support that is positioned above the conveyor and that is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction. Each finger of the plurality of fingers includes a first finger end and a second finger end, and the first finger end extends toward a surface of the conveyor. A single sensor is arranged above the conveyor. Contact between a leading edge of a product moving along the conveyor and at least one of the first finger ends causes a corresponding one of the second finger ends to trigger the sensor.

Abstract: A device includes a carrier to carry and transport rectangular objects in a transport direction; a meter to measure a dimension of the object and/or measure a spacing between successive objects; and a controller to rotate at least one object and/or adjust said spacing. The meter can measure an outer dimension of a side surface of the object. The controller can align the side surface in line with the transport direction. A method includes: providing at least one object; measuring a dimension of the object and/or measuring a spacing between successive objects; and rotating at least one object around an upright axis line and/or adjusting a spacing between successive objects. Measuring the dimension includes measuring an outer dimension of a side surface of the object. Rotating the at least one object around the upright axis line includes aligning the side surface in line with a transport direction of said object.

Abstract: Integrated software systems and methods that can control the design, emulation, testing and production activities of a conveyor based system. In embodiments, the control system implements an object-oriented like environment into a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) system and uses its software to define and control the operation of the PLC dynamically from a computer. In other embodiments, a hot backup method allows the conveyor system to continue to function on failure of one or more PLCs.

Abstract: A conveyor belt scraper blade includes a scraper layer supported by a support unit. The support unit has a base and at least two support fingers projecting side-by-side from the base. The fingers are arranged to flex to and from contact with a conveyor belt so as to optimise the lifetime of the scraper and minimise damage to the belt.

Abstract: A bead feeder serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageway connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads. A plurality of openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways each of which has an outer exit end. A metering plate is connected to rotate about the same vertical axis as the bead supply wheel, and metering plate has a plurality of equally spaced apart openings directly below the outer ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost beads in the passageways.

Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting rotation-free transport of containers along an arcuate path includes a belt that presses against containers carried by a transport star along that path.

Abstract: An improved particulate handling system is provided. The system includes a plurality of particulate storage areas and a plurality of types of particulate. Each type of particulate can be housed in a separate particulate storage area. Separate particulate conveyors are in operable communication with each of the particulate storage areas. Separate drive systems can be in operable control of the each of the particulate conveyors. The particulate conveyors convey particulate into an air flow path. The separate drive systems can be operated independently and/or at varied speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving objects (11), in particular food products, comprising a plurality of individually movable transport movers (12) for transporting the objects, a track system for the transport movers, in which the transport movers can be moved along at least one specified track (10), and a control apparatus for controlling the motions of the transport movers in the track system, wherein the track comprises a stator (14) and an associated guide (16) for the transport movers, and wherein the track can be converted from an operating configuration into a maintenance configuration at least in some segments, in which maintenance configuration at least one component of the track can be moved out of the working position thereof corresponding to a transport operation in relation to the stator.

Abstract: A transport system for the transport of containers in a container treatment facility includes a transport track with at least one long stator of a linear motor and multiple transport elements for transporting one or multiple containers. The transport elements are arranged movably on the transport track and formed to be guided along the transport track through magnetic interaction with the at least one long stator. The front and back sides of the transport elements are formed to driven into one another at least in pairs and to have a minimal attainable transport spacing that is smaller than the longitudinal extension of the transport elements.

Abstract: A method for supplying plate elements to a machine for processing the plate elements, from an initial pile of elements, the method includes: pushing a first batch of plate elements, from the top of the pile, downstream until the first batch comes at a storage capable of storing the first pushed batch, and simultaneously, displacing the storage downstream over a distance corresponding to the length of the first batch to separate the first batch from the pile; and thereafter transferring the elements of the first batch one after the other to the machine.

Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for relocating pallets and receptacles. A shipping motor vehicle has a weight sensor within a cargo area that measures a weight of a pallet or a receptacle. A location sensor located within the cargo area identifies available storage locations within the cargo area, and a computing device equipped with a processor computes a destination location within the cargo area for the pallet or receptacle based, at least in part, on the weight of the pallet or receptacle measured by the weight sensor. An internal conveyor system located within the shipping motor vehicle receives the pallet or receptacle from an external conveyor system and automatically relocates the pallet or receptacle to the destination location within the cargo area.

Abstract: The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with a hook and auxiliary securing/locking mechanism that combine to secure the RIG bar of a trailer to a loading dock. A motor rotates the hook between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the hook secures and holds the RIG bar to the dock. When the hook is extended, the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism is also extended to and held at a set position by a biasing mechanism. When the hook is blocked by an obstruction, forward movement of the trailer causes the RIG bar and the obstruction to slide into engagement with the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism, which accepts the RIG bar and obstruction and moves to a locked position to secure the RIG bar. The retraction of the hook by the motor overpowers the biasing mechanism and causes the retraction of the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided with a sheet feeding apparatus. A biasing unit generates a biasing force of biasing a storage unit in an insertion direction. A repulsive unit generates a repulsive force of biasing the storage unit in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. A fixing unit fixes the storage unit in a fixing position. The biasing unit starts generating the biasing force in a repulsion start position where the repulsive unit starts generating the repulsive force, or on an upstream side of the repulsion start position, in the insertion direction, and stops generating the biasing force before the storage unit reaches the fixing position. A biasing Zone in which the biasing unit generates the biasing force and a repulsive zone in which the repulsive unit generates the repulsive force partially overlap each other.

Abstract: A media alignment calibration system determines a slope relating a trailing edge skew value to its paired leading edge skew value and an intercept representing native skew based on a linear regression of a predetermined number of a set of paired leading and trailing edge skew values for a media type stored in a buffer. Based on the slope and intercept, a media model for the media type is updated based on the linear regression to adjust a differential velocity of a pair of aligned media feed rollers in a media feed mechanism to correct both a future native skew and future paired leading and trailing edge skew values in the buffer to within a desired operational window.

Abstract: A media handling assembly contains a transport path for driving a document sheet downstream in a process direction. A first side edge extends lengthwise along the process direction. A registration guide edge extends lengthwise along the process direction and is situated opposite the first side edge. The media handling assembly includes at least one nozzle that is arranged proximate the first side edge. The at least one nozzle selectively discharges an airstream transverse the process direction towards the registration guide edge. The airstream drives the sheet against the registration edge guide for side registering and deskewing of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for joining the ply of a reel of paper in depletion with the initial flap of a new reel, as well as an apparatus adapted for carrying out such a method. Thanks to the method according to the present invention, and to the apparatus suitable for carrying it out, the joining of the reels takes place without using gluing means, like for example the double-sided tape used in known methods, avoiding the relative drawbacks, the adhesion between the plies of the reels to be joined taking place by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for transporting and positioning of balancing weights connected together to form a chain of balancing weights is disclosed. A drive means comprises at least a transport wheel and/or a transport belt. The drive means has at least one cam to interface with a gap between two adjacent balancing weights of the chain of balancing weights. Furthermore a cutter may be provided for cutting of balancing weights from the chain.

Abstract: An insert sheet loading device (10) comprising a movable carriage (12; 12?) for inserting insert sheets into a receiving area (2) of a blank-receiving station (500). The movable carriage (12; 12?) has a plurality of longitudinal bars (27a, 27b). At least one longitudinal bar (27a) has a suction channel (35) leading out, via at least one suction opening (30), onto the surface of the longitudinal bar (27a) for receiving an insert sheet, the suction channel (35) is connected to a vacuum source (31) for holding, by suction, the insert sheet transported by the movable carriage (12; 12?). Also a blank-receiving station, a sheet-shaped element processing machine, and a method for transporting an insert sheet in a receiving area of a blank-receiving station are disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body including an image former that forms an image on a recording material; a covering part that is provided in the apparatus body and leaves an inside of the apparatus body open by being opened in an opening direction with respect to the apparatus body; a reversing unit that is housed by the apparatus body and discharges part of the recording material on which the image is formed by the image former externally of the apparatus body, and reverses a transport direction of the recording material; and a guiding unit that is provided adjacent to a downstream side of the covering part in the opening direction, guides the recording material discharged through the apparatus body by the reversing unit, and when the covering part is opened with respect to the apparatus body, the guiding unit moves relatively with respect to the covering part in an opposite direction of the opening direction.

Abstract: A partially separated fiber bundle includes separation-processed sections, each divided into a plurality of bundles of at least three bundles, and not-separation-processed sections, that are alternately formed along the lengthwise direction of a fiber bundle that comprises a plurality of single fibers. The partially separated fiber bundle is characterized in that, at any width-direction cross-section taken along the lengthwise direction thereof, a rate of single fibers contained in a region at which adjacent divided fiber bundles are joined by a not-separation-processed part is 67% or less relative to the total single fibers in the width-direction cross-section.

Abstract: A method for implementing a correct winding of a wire on a spool. The method is characterized in that it comprises a step for calculating the angular speed of a motor displacing a wire dispensing device according to the wire winding pitch and according to the pulling error, detected in relation to a given pre-set set-point and to a tolerance value, in order to determine the presence of a possible “valley error”, or of a possible “peak error”. Furthermore, if during the spool winding a “valley error” or a “peak error” is detected, the control device decides whether to slow down or to increase the speed of the wire dispensing device with the aim of filling the valley or of skipping the peak.

Abstract: Pulling eyes are provided with integrated wiring systems suitable for installing conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage outside portions of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the outside portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions defining apertures for receiving a strength member for installing the conductors or cables. These apertures place the interior cavities in communication with the exteriors of the pulling eyes.

Abstract: A two piece winding core assembly is provided having a first core portion and a second core portion. The two core portions having the same construction and are positionable to combine together to form a completed cylindrical and hollow core. The two core portions having a series of locking pins and a corresponding series of receiving openings formed on opposing end faces. A series of axially elongated projections and a corresponding series of axially elongated channels are also formed on the opposing end faces of the core portions. An internal plurality of web members is formed in a structural crossing pattern on the inside surface of the core portion, with the web members providing structural rigidity to the core portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a TV cable organization device and, particularly, to a TV-integrated cable organization device capable of neatly organizing messy cables by winding, around a cable winding part provided on the back panel of a TV, cables of the TV and peripheral devices connected to the TV such that the cables are organized.

Abstract: A method includes recording a primary destination dispatch request from a primary passenger at a first floor position via a destination dispatch controller 115, identifying a terminal floor, providing a terminal floor call signal to the elevator control system via an overlay controller 110, moving an assigned elevator car in a travel direction of the terminal floor, recording at least one secondary destination dispatch request from a secondary passenger at a respective at least one secondary floor position via the destination dispatch controller, approximating a position of the assigned elevator car, determining a target floor position via the destination dispatch controller, entering a target floor call corresponding to the target floor position at a calculated time to stop the assigned elevator car at the target floor position, cancelling all pending calls via the elevator control system 102, and entering at least one recorded destination dispatch request to the elevator control system.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus including a car, a brake device configured to brake running of the car, and an unintended car movement protection device. For the unintended car movement protection device, an allowable zone being a zone for allowing movement of the car under a door-open state is set. When the car moves out of the allowable zone under the door-open state, the unintended car movement protection device stops the car by the brake device. Further, the unintended car movement protection device is capable of changing a range of the allowable zone in accordance with a braking capability of the brake device.

Abstract: A safety brake actuation mechanism for a hoisted structure includes a housing operatively coupled to the hoisted structure. Also included is a first brake member coupled to the housing, the first brake member moveable between a braking position and a non-braking position. Further included is a retaining assembly moveable between a first position and a second position and engageable with the first brake member, the retaining assembly retaining the first brake member in the non-braking position in the first position and permitting the first brake member to move to the braking position in the second position. Yet further included is an electric actuator operatively coupled to the retaining assembly and biasing the retaining assembly to the first position in a powered state of the electric actuator, the retaining assembly movable to the second position in a non-powered state of the electric actuator.

Abstract: A sill gap monitoring system includes a sensor assembly configured to sense a sill gap between an elevator sill and at least one of a bottom surface of an elevator door and a bottom surface of a gib. The sill gap monitoring system generates an alert when the sill gap is greater than a sill gap limit.

Abstract: An offshore system includes a vessel having a deck; a cantilever which is mounted on the deck and which is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cantilever relative to the deck between a retracted position and an extended position, and which is rotatable relative to the deck about a substantially vertical swivel axis; and actuators to move the cantilever in longitudinal direction and to rotate the cantilever about the swivel axis. The swivel axis is provided by a single sliding and swivel assembly arranged at one end of the cantilever, including a fixed part mounted to the deck and a sliding part mounted to the cantilever. The sliding part is arranged to slide in longitudinal direction of the cantilever relative to the fixed part when the cantilever moves in the longitudinal direction. The fixed part and/or the combination of fixed part and sliding part are configured to form the swivel axis allowing the cantilever to rotate relative to the deck.

Abstract: A rope guide of a rope drum in a crane surrounds the rope drum and keeps the hoisting rope in a spiral rope groove of the rope drum when the hoisting rope is wound into the rope groove or unwound from it. The rope guide includes a body that is made up of several parts and surrounds the rope drum; a rope guide element at a winding/unwinding point of the hoisting rope; a hoisting rope retainer for pressing the hoisting rope into the rope groove; and several guide members distributed on the circumference of the rope guide and arranged to move on a surface of the rope drum or the hoisting rope to guide the hoisting rope being wound onto the rope drum or unwound from it. The body is a chain-like entity including chain links interconnected to form a ring-like entity extending around the entire rope drum, to which entity the rope guide element, hoisting rope retainer and control members are installable.

Abstract: There is provided herein a load-lifting device for personal or mechanical use, a method of operating the load-lifting device and a fishing pole having the load-lifting device.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack includes a body, a lifting arm, and a bladder. Inflating the bladder applies downward pressure on a proximal end of the lifting arm and raises a distal end of the lifting arm. Subsequently deflating the bladder has the opposite effect. A mounting block at the distal end of the lifting arm allows the pneumatic jack to be used to raise and lower an object such as an automobile through inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A lifting system and method of use thereof for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one or more lifting devices. Each lifting device includes a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier, a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller that is configured for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, and a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier. The central controller includes a transmitter/receiver for communication with the individual lifting devices and a processor for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices. The central controller and/or at least one of the lifting devices includes a user input. The central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting devices.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide apparatuses and methods useful to providing control over movement of motorized transport units. In some embodiments, an apparatus providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a shopping facility comprises: a central computer system comprising: a transceiver; a control circuit; a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from one or more of the communications received from the motorized transport unit, route condition information comprising information corresponding to an intended route of travel; obtain additional route condition information detected by one or more detectors external to the motorized transport unit; detect an object affecting the intended route of travel; identify an action to be taken by the motorized transport unit with respect to the detected object; and communicate one or more instructions.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle with a rack sensor arranged on the one or more base legs is provided. The rack sensor is configured to detect a racking feature of a racking structure to provide an indication to an operator that the material handling vehicle is correctly positioned to transport a load to and from the racking structure.

Abstract: Provided is a forklift capable of recognizing an approximate weight of an object to be conveyed supported by a fork without adding special parts. A control unit includes a storage unit which stores load/time information indicating a relationship between a delay time required for an angle of rear wheels to reach an angle corresponding to an angle of the steering wheel and a weight of the object to be conveyed supported by the fork at that time, a delay time detection unit which detects the delay time required for a steering angle of the rear wheels to reach the angle corresponding to the angle of the steering wheel, and a weight identifying unit which identifies the weight of the object to be conveyed supported by the fork on the basis of the delay time detected by the delay time detection unit and the load/time information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method and means by which capping chucks can be torque adjusted without removing the capping chuck from production or taking the adjustment assembly apart for setting the torque on the equipment.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is disclosed herein. The beverage dispenser may include a housing configured to house at least one beverage container therein. The beverage container may include an identification tag associated therewith. At least one identification tag reader may be disposed within the housing. The identification tag reader may be configured to detect the identification tag associated with the beverage container. The beverage dispenser also may include a user interface disposed about an exterior of the housing. The user interface may include at least one beverage identification area that corresponds to the beverage container. At least one controller may be in communication with the at least one identification tag reader and the user interface. The controller may be configured to update the beverage identification area based at least in part on the identification of the beverage container by the identification tag reader.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and apparatus for release-assisted microcontact printing of MEMS. Specifically, the principles disclosed herein enable patterning diaphragms and conductive membranes on a substrate having articulations of desired shapes and sizes. Such diaphragms deflect under applied pressure or force (e.g., electrostatic, electromagnetic, acoustic, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.) generating a responsive signal. Alternatively, the diaphragm can be made to deflect in response to an external bias to measure the external bias/phenomenon. The disclosed principles enable transferring diaphragms and/or thin membranes without rupturing.

Abstract: A MEMS IR sensor, with a cavity in a substrate underlapping an overlying layer and a temperature sensing component disposed in the overlying layer over the cavity, may be formed by forming an IR-absorbing sealing layer on the overlying layer so as to cover access holes to the cavity. The sealing layer is may include a photosensitive material, and the sealing layer may be patterned using a photolithographic process to form an IR-absorbing seal. Alternately, the sealing layer may be patterned using a mask and etch process to form the IR-absorbing seal.

Abstract: A MEMS assembly includes a package, wherein the package includes a substrate and a cover element, wherein a through opening is provided in the cover element, a MEMS component within the package on the cover element, an integrated circuit arrangement within the package on the substrate, and a support component within the package on the substrate, wherein the support component on the substrate is electrically coupled, by first electrical connection lines, to the MEMS component on the cover element and is electrically coupled, by second electrical connection lines, to the circuit arrangement on the substrate in order to produce an electrical connection between the MEMS component and the integrated circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a micro-electromechanical sensor, a source follower and an amplifier. The source follower includes a first output module including a first transistor and a second transistor. The micro-electromechanical sensor is configured to generate an input signal. A first terminal of the first transistor is configured to receive a first reference voltage. A second terminal and a control of the first transistor are electrically connected to the first output terminal and to a first current source respectively. A first terminal and a second terminal of the second transistor are electrically connected to the second terminal and the control terminal of the first transistor respectively. A control terminal of the second transistor is configured to receive the input signal. A first input terminal and a second input terminal of the amplifier are electrically connected to a first output terminal configured to receive a common-mode voltage respectively.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device having a first substrate of semiconductor material and a second substrate of semiconductor material having a bonding recess delimited by projecting portions, monolithic therewith. The bonding recess forms a closed cavity with the first substrate. A bonding structure is arranged within the closed cavity and is bonded to the first and second substrates. A microelectromechanical structure is formed in a substrate chosen between the first and second substrates. The device is manufactured by forming the bonding recess in a first wafer; depositing a bonding mass in the bonding recess, the bonding mass having a greater depth than the bonding recess; and bonding the two wafers.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to formation of carbon micromechanical systems (CMEMS), wherein the CMEMS comprise multiple layers of carbon structures and are formed using a plurality of photoresist precursors that are processed to form carbon. The various embodiments can be utilized in producing a plurality of CMEMS with full production level fabrication, e.g., 6 inch wafers can be processed. A pyrolyzed layer of carbon is lithographically defined after pyrolysis, wherein the post-pyrolysis etch process can produce carbon structures having repeatable and accurate device geometries, with straight sidewalls. A sacrificial layer can be applied to facilitate separation of a first carbon layer from a second carbon layer, wherein, upon pyrolysis to form the second carbon layer and lithography thereof, the sacrificial layer is removed to form a CMEMS comprising a first carbon layer (e.g., comprising bottom contacts) located beneath a second carbon layer (e.g., a mechanical layer).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectromechanical system device. Submerging a microelectromechanical system device in water. The microelectromechanical system devices include a sacrificial layer deposited on the surface of a substrate between the portion of a structural layer to be freed for movement and a base. Anodically etching the sacrificial layer from the microelectromechanical device to free the portion of the structural layer for movement. A system comprising a solution of water, a microelectromechanical system device including a sacrificial layer of chromium deposited on the surface of a substrate between a portion of a structural layer and a base. The microelectromechanical system device is submerged in the solution of water. An electrode is submerged in the water. The electrode provides a negative bias. A voltage source provides a positive bias to the sacrificial layer of chromium, anodically etching the sacrificial layer of chromium and freeing the portion of the structural layer.

Abstract: A method for making a metal-hydride slurry includes adding metal to a liquid carrier to create a metal slurry and hydriding the metal in the metal slurry to create a metal-hydride slurry. In some embodiments, a metal hydride is added to the liquid carrier of the metal slurry prior to hydriding the metal. The metal can be magnesium and the metal hydride can be magnesium hydride.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for producing ammonium perchlorate.