Abstract: Spiral chute (1), adapted to convey an object from an inlet (I) to an outlet (O) downwards along a sliding area (S) in a sliding manner, wherein the sliding area (S) defines a spiral conveying direction (D); the spiral chute (1) comprises a plurality of steps (6), which are arranged along the spiral conveying direction (D), each of the steps having a sliding face (62) for vertically supporting the sliding objects; wherein the spiral chute is adapted so that an inclination angle (i) of the sliding face (62) relative to the horizontal plane can selectively be adapted.

Abstract: A storage silo for storing granular material has a container supported by a base, the container having a roof and at least one side wall for defining a storage space beneath the roof. The storage silo includes: (a) a feed port for receiving the granular material at a feed-port height lower than the roof; (b) an auger for moving the granular material toward the roof within the storage space, the auger receiving the granular material via the feed port; and (c) first and second auger motors for cooperatively driving the auger, the first and second auger motors being disposed at opposing ends of the auger. A processor determines power levels for the first and second auger motors to minimize torsional strain on the auger. Granular material can be discharged from a first storage silo into a second storage silo positioned for cascading with the first storage silo.

Abstract: A system for assembling and installing a modular spiral chute includes a base support assembly having a plurality of rear rollers and a slot, where the slot is orientated in the base support assembly to receive a vertically positioned stanchion of the modular spiral chute. The system also includes a removable roller clamp having a front roller and configured to be inserted into the slot to form an aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion so that when the roller clamp is inserted into the slot the stanchion is rotatably secured vertically within the base support assembly between the plurality of rear rollers and the front roller. In addition, the system includes a caster mounted plate positioned on top of the base support assembly and configured to increase stability of the stanchion when secured within the base support assembly.

Abstract: Within a sortation center, robotic drives may coordinate to sort packages. In some instances, first robotic drives on a third floor may deposit packages into first chutes that transfer the packages to a second floor. Awaiting second robotic drives on the second floor may receive the packages and may deposit the packages into second chutes that transfer the packages to a first floor. At the first floor, the packages may arrive into a container associated with shipping the packages. Depositing the packages in the first chutes may align the packages with a respective container on the first floor in a first direction and depositing the packages in the second chutes may align the packages with their respective container on the second floor in a second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a parcel sorting system, it includes a main frame and a sorting tower; the main frame includes a vertically arranged spiral slide and a supporting plate horizontally arranged outside the spiral slide, and the lower end of the spiral slide is provided with a collection bag main outlet. The supporting plate is provided with a collection bag falling port facing the spiral slide; the sorting tower includes a receiving transfer device, a plurality of bagging output devices disposed below the receiving transfer device, and a tower housing disposed below the bagging output device; A plurality of sorting towers are arranged on the supporting plate around the spiral slides, and the collection bag discharge ports of each sorting tower are respectively connected to the falling ports of the collection bags of the supporting plates. The invention which greatly improves sorting efficiency compared to single-pass sorting of existing sorting systems.

Abstract: An improved modular chute comprising a stanchion comprising a plurality of rib connection points; a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the stanchion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; and a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections.

Abstract: An improved modular chute comprising a stanchion comprising a plurality of rib connection points; a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the stanchion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; and a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections.

Abstract: A system for holding one or more bags. The system includes a cart, a first chute disposed on the cart, and a second chute also disposed on the cart. The first chute includes a first edging along each side of the first chute. The second chute includes a second edging along each side of the second chute. The second chute is intertwined with the first chute. The system may further include a third chute and a fourth chute disposed on the cart. The third chute may include a third edging along each side of the third chute, and the fourth chute may include a fourth edging along each side of the fourth chute. The top and bottom of the first chute and the top and bottom of the second chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart, while the top and bottom of the third chute and the top and bottom of the fourth chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart.

Abstract: The invention relates to a staircase element comprising a tubular mast erectable to a vertical position onto the floor or a corresponding surface of a stair hall, and fillable with concrete; stair step elements fastened at their first end stepwise to the mast and branching off radially from the mast; at least one tubular stringer fastened to the second end of the stair step elements, fillable with concrete and connectable with fastening members to at least one wall of the stair hall, for supporting the stair step elements at their second end and for anchoring the staircase element to a building. The invention also relates to a method for building a staircase.

Abstract: A helical chute system for conveying articles from an upper elevation to a lower elevation within a building includes a chute wound about a vertical axis and being secured at both an inner edge and outer edge by one or more support rods where a portion of the chute is comprised of a plurality of angular chute segments secured together in a stepped relationship to one another where each chute segment has a first surface sloping downwardly to a second surface below the first surface. An inner skirt is attached to the inner surface of the chute for preventing articles from falling from the surface of the chute and an outer skirt is attached to the outer surface of the chute for preventing articles from falling from the surface of the chute. One or more of plastic panels are positioned along the outer surface of the angular chute segments abutting the outer skirt.

Abstract: A maze-type coin bank includes a housing having a wall, an inlet opening and an exit door. A lock is mounted to one of the wall and the exit door for selectively opening the exit door. A three-dimensional track construction is held in the housing and includes a plurality of sections extending along different axes which accommodate an associated coin for movement along the track construction. The track construction includes a coin entrance portion communicating with the inlet opening and a maze solution portion. Solving the maze involves placing a coin in the maze solution portion of the track construction in order to facilitate the opening of the exit door.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Improvements in a fire escape having a structure of a Helix/Spiral Cylinder shape. It's a building within a building. It provides a quick and safe evacuation for all fire victims, including the A.D.A., the injured and the elderly. Its spiral design can accommodate a large number of floor levels. It eliminates the hazards acquainted with stairs and elevators. It has the capability of removing some of the smoke from the high-rise fire by way of a metal Ducting System. It draws the smoke into the center smoke shaft. The spiral is a two-way traffic pathway, which offers Fire Department personnel and their equipment a method of upward transportation to any floor-level they need for fighting this fire incident. My design can be retrofitted to any existing building.

Abstract: A ball guide having a body for receiving and guiding balls of a specified size along a specified path that is defined by the body. At least one vibration generator is provided which is connected to the body in a vibration-transmitting manner.

Abstract: A modular chute, down which to slide articles, that is made of: a a frame made of a rib, a bracket, a backbone member connected to either the rib or the bracket or to both the rib and the bracket, and a guide member connected to either the rib or the bracket or to both the rib and the bracket, and a curvilinear panel connected to the frame, and a lining disposed within the frame, where the lining is made from a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A material handler formed from isotropic textured aluminum sheet rolled by rolls indented with spherical media, such as steel ball bearings, producing a sheet with a low coefficient of friction relative to particulate matter like flour. The slippery sheeting may be used to make tanks, silos, conduits and guides to facilitate storage and flow of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A system for holding one or more bags. The system includes a cart, a first chute disposed on the cart, and a second chute also disposed on the cart. The first chute includes a first edging along each side of the first chute. The second chute includes a second edging along each side of the second chute. The second chute is intertwined with the first chute. The system may further include a third chute and a fourth chute disposed on the cart. The third chute may include a third edging along each side of the third chute, and the fourth chute may include a fourth edging along each side of the fourth chute. The top and bottom of the first chute and the top and bottom of the second chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart, while the top and bottom of the third chute and the top and bottom of the fourth chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart.

Abstract: A modular chute, down which to slide articles, that is made of: a a frame made of a rib, a bracket, a backbone member connected to either the rib or the bracket or to both the rib and the bracket, and a guide member connected to either the rib or the bracket or to both the rib and the bracket, and a curvilinear panel connected to the frame, and a lining disposed within the frame, where the lining is made from a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A guide rail for electronic components, especially for use in robots for electronic components. The guide rail comprises a vertical or inclined guide duct that is provided with a curved, undulating guide track along at least one section thereof in order to decelerate components as the components slide within the guide track.

Abstract: A chute system for conveying articles, preferably documents, from an upper to a lower elevation in a building. The system includes a vertical post, an outer wall that is concentric therewith, and a helical chute wound around the post. The chute is secured at an inner edge to the post and at an outer edge to the wall. The chute comprises a plurality of chute segments secured together in stepped relationship to each other. Each chute segment has a triangular upper wall disposed at a first angle to the post and sloping downwardly toward the outer wall. The upper wall is simultaneously disposed at a second angle to the horizontal and slopes generally downwardly toward a lower end of the post. Each chute segment further includes a first flange extending upwardly from the upper wall and a second flange extending downwardly from the upper wall. Adjacent chute segments are secured together by welding the second flange of a first chute segment to the first flange of a second chute segment.

Abstract: A chute system for conveying articles, preferably documents, from an upper to a lower elevation in a building. The system includes a vertical post, an outer wall that is concentric therewith, and a helical chute wound around the post. The chute is secured at an inner edge to the post and at an outer edge to the wall. The chute comprises a plurality of chute segments secured together in stepped relationship to each other. Each chute segment has a triangular upper wall disposed at a first angle to the post and sloping downwardly toward the outer wall. The upper wall is simultaneously disposed at a second angle to the horizontal and slopes generally downwardly toward a lower end of the post. Each chute segment further includes a first flange extending upwardly from the upper wall and a second flange extending downwardly from the upper wall. Adjacent chute segments are secured together by welding the second flange of a first chute segment to the first flange of a second chute segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guide rail for electronic components, especially for use in robots for electronic components. Said guide rail comprises a vertical or inclined guide duct (13) that is provided with a curved, particularly undulating, and/or twisted guide track (14) along at least one section thereof in order to decelerate components (5) as the components (5) slide within the guide track (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing solid particles into a vessel, in particular into a chemical reactor which comprises a pipe, preferably flexible and cylindrical, through which said particles flow from the top downward and is characterised in that it also comprises at least one helicoidal ramp (2) which is placed inside the pipe, wound around a central axis (2) and whose width is such that a distance between the external edge (4) of the ramp (2) and the pipe (1) is less than the size of introducible solid particles. A method using the inventive device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present Patent of invention “HELICAL RAMP LIFE-PRESERVER” refers to a model of helical ramp, aimed for collective use, for immediate rescue of lives subjected to a probable fire, to be used in buildings of any height, or in places that cannot be reached by the devices currently in use, such as “Magirus” stairs, or even in those where these devices can reach, but a probable delay to help would put in risk people's life in an eventual emergency state.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed which incorporates a spiral slide (14) to orient corn dogs (12) in a single direction as they slide down the spiral slide. The oriented corn dogs (12) enter an inlet (66) of a first conveyor (16) as they leave the spiral slide. The first conveyor moves the corn dogs (12) along a direction (52) toward a second conveyor (18). The first and second conveyors are pivotally mounted at their distant ends so that their facing ends (64,70) can be aligned to allow a corn dog in one slot (50,52) of the first conveyor to be conveyed to any one of the slots (92-98) in the second conveyor (18) to group the corn dogs in sets for packaging.

Abstract: A helical distributing chute conveyor for a receptacle for transferring loose varied fragile chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly of the granular or pulverulent type. This chute conveyor, placed in a receptacle, comprises helical chute paths developed about a vertical axis; each chute path, whom cross section is straight, is inclined transversely towards the vertical axis, the angle of inclination of the chute path being calculated such that, whatever their size, the particles of material transported deviate towards the vertical axis when the centrifugal force which originally keeps them on the chute path cancels out or drops below a critical value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manually discharge bottles from a tray of bottles onto a sloped surface at the bottom of which gravity fed individual bottles are captured at the top receiving edge of a parallel sloped multi-pocketed rotatable indexing wheel and sequentially: (a.) discharged tangentially at the bottom edge of said indexing wheel in a single row, (b.) corrected to a vertical axis, and (c.) exited onto adjoining equipment for further operations.

Abstract: A dual entry-double helix spiral delivery chute is provided which includes two spiral delivery chutes nested one above the other and being aligned with the same vertical axis. The two chutes are substantially identical in that they provide the same footprint as a single chute. Each chute, moreover, in addition to having an output port includes a top entry port and a side entry port downstream of the top entry port so that each chute can be served by two or more separate sorting machines receiving items from one or more separate sources.

Abstract: A storage arrangement has a channel for accommodating chip-like electronic components in a predefined order and alignment. Simplified operation is achieved in that the channel between a first and a second end of the storage arrangement is led at least largely along a helical line. A device having such a storage arrangement optionally includes a first sub-assembly for preferably filling the storage arrangement with components and a second sub-assembly for preferably unloading the components, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: A double spiral conveyor includes two spiral chutes, each chute being positioned diametrically opposite the other in a helical relationship about a central axis of a central tubular support. The spiral chutes begin in the same upper horizontal plane and terminate in the same lower horizontal plane. The spiral conveyor further includes a rotatable discharge pan that receives the transported product as it is discharged from the two spiral chutes and directs the product to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring solid articles, comprising: a cylindrical member which has a supply opening formed at one end portion and a discharge opening formed at the other end portion, such that an angle formed between an axis of the cylindrical member and a horizontal plane is not more than 75.degree.; a transfer member which is rotatably provided in the cylindrical member; the transfer member including a rotary shaft extending along the axis of the cylindrical member and a helical vane projecting from a peripheral surface of the rotary shaft such that lead angle of the helical vane at its outer peripheral edge ranges from 3.degree. to 25.degree.; and a drive member so as to rotate the transfer member about the axis of the cylindrical member at a rotational speed of not more than 500 r.p.m.

Abstract: A plurality of spiral sidewall sections are provided and are connected to the center support pole of a spiral chute which is used to transport articles from an upper location to a lower location to provide a sidewall located between the original sidewall of the spiral chute and the center support pole.

Abstract: A transfer device is disposed vertically between an apparatus for carrying out a process and a further apparatus for carrying out a subsequent process so as to transfer solid articles from the apparatus to the further apparatus by gravity. The transfer device includes a cylindrical member which extends vertically and is provided, at its upper and lower portions, with a solid article supplying portion and a solid article discharge portion, respectively. A guide member is provided for effecting flow of the solid articles. The guide member is fixed to the cylindrical member so as to extend through a hollow defined in the cylindrical member from the solid article supplying portion to the solid article discharge portion.

Abstract: A fire escape chute for a building having a plurality of floors, hallways, and a plurality of pairs of apartments on each floor, includes a plurality of spaced descending spiral-shaped chute segments extending between floors. Each segment has an entrance on one floor and an exit on a floor below. A downwardly inclined escape chute for one of each of the pairs of apartments has an entrance opening on an interior wall of one of the pairs of apartments and an exit opening connected to an adjacent chute segment. A downwardly inclined escape branch chute for the other of each pair of apartments has at one end an entrance opening within an interior wall of the other of the pairs of apartments and an exit connected to the adjacent escape chute.

Abstract: A fire escape including a housing formed in a building which includes a number of levels each having an opening communicated with the housing, and a number of buffer plates disposed in the housing in a stagger type. People can be safely dropped to the ground via the buffer plates. A helical pathway can be disposed in the housing so that people can slide to the ground in a fast speed via the helical pathway. The buffer plates and the helical pathway can be used as recreational purposes.

Abstract: A refuse chute for mounting on the inside of a sink cabinet door includes a backboard, inner and outer sidewalls extending forward of the backboard, an inclined ramp extending downward from the backboard between the inner and outer sidewalls; and a stop to limit the swing of the door and chute relative to the receptacle. The chute is in operative position relative to the receptacle when the door is partially open, and refuse dropped on the ramp is guided into the receptacle. An upstanding central vane on the ramp helps to make even distribution in the receptacle.

Abstract: A container is adapted to be mounted on a paintball weapon to feed paintballs into the firing chamber of such weapon under the influence of gravity. The container includes a hollow housing in which a monolithic, one-piece helical ramp is located. The paintballs are fed onto the helical ramp and move under the influence of gravity from an inlet section to an outlet section for feeding the paintballs to the weapon. Elements located in the helical path defined by the helical ramp prevent the paintballs from moving backwards.

Abstract: A feed assembly for use in filling a container with tablets or other materials is disclosed. The assembly includes a spiral chute which is constructed of a series of interconnected chute segments having a stepped configuration between adjacent segments. A segment support is located in the vertical wall at each junction of chute segments. The action resulting from the protrusions provided by the segment supports, together with the drop caused by the stepped configuration between chute segments, assists in allowing the tablets to remain in motion as they travel along the chute rather than backing up or "freight-training" along the length of the chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the velocity of a stream of particulate matter so as to prevent damage to the particulate matter. The present invention includes a chamber having an inlet port adapted for accepting particulate matter from a conduit, and an outlet port adapted for discharging particulate matter. The chamber consists of a curvilinear support surface with opposing ends connected to the inlet and outlet ports. The curvilinear support surface includes an ascending arcuate portion between the inlet and outlet ports. The velocity of a stream of particulate matter is reduced as it traverses the ascending arcuate portion of the curvilinear support surface.

Abstract: A container to handle particulate solids comprising a downwardly converging wall extending from an inlet to an outlet, the wall being provided with an internal inverted step extending along a portion of the converging wall. In order to minimize the solids compaction and flow stoppages, the internal inverted step extends helically along at least a portion of the converging wall to provide a continuous increase in the cross-sectional area of the container to promote solids flow.

Abstract: A playground slide includes a hollow vertical column consisting of substantially identical hollow hubs which register with each other to define the column. The topmost and lowermost hubs are urged toward each other by a resilient device, anchored to a base. The device is typically a spring, running internally of the vertical column. This compresses the vertical column, ensures stiffness, and allows for expansion and contraction. A helical slideway encircles the column, consisting of slide segments that are fastened to each other and to the various hubs.

Abstract: A vertical dropshaft having internal helicoidal ramps for dissipating the energy of liquid passing through the dropshaft and for exhausting air entrained by the falling liquid up the center of the dropshaft.

Abstract: Friction applying material in a recess in a portion of the upper surface of a molded fiberglass spiral chute to apply a braking force to reduce the velocity of articles passing over the upper surface of the molded fiberglass spiral chute while still providing a substantially continuous surface for passage of the articles.

Abstract: Auger apparatus includes a drive portion, a connector portion and a flight portion. The drive portion includes an elongated rigid shaft member including a longitudinal axis disposed along the path of material being advanced by the auger apparatus. The connector portion includes a continuous stub section affixed to and extending outwardly from the periphery of the shaft member, the stub section being spirally disposed around the shaft member along the length thereof. The stub section includes a surface extending outwardly from the shaft member and substantially perpendicular thereto. The flight portion includes a plurality of radially cut elongated disc members, each of the disc members having an internal opening substantially equal in diameter to the outside diameter of the shaft member. An internal section of each disc member surrounding the internal opening thereof is in full contact with and affixed to the perpendicular surface of the stub section.

Abstract: In a grain elevator, grain mixed with dust is delivered near the top of a grain silo to the receiving orifice of a grain chute. The chute includes an enclosed conduit which extends from the top of the grain silo to its floor and deposits the grain in the silo without freely falling in the interior of the silo. The conduit has a tandem column series of vertically extending doors which are counter-balanced to be normally closed and which are opened by the weight of the grain in the conduit. The fall of the grain within the conduit separates the grain from the dust and the dust is removed by an exhaust fan connected to the conduit, the air flow being through the open bottom doors of the conduit, through the conduit, and out of the silo to a tube connected to a dust separator. In addition, the grain falls within the conduit and flows out of the doors which the grain column opens and which are immediately above the level of the grain already delivered into the silo, the other doors remaining closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic feed system for storing and delivering headed fasteners, such as bolts or headed rivets to a fastening machine. The feed system is configured to release fasteners one at a time in a shank-first orientation and includes a cylindrical feed column that is attached to a gate unit. A cylindrical magazine that holds a supply of fasteners and permits rapid reloading mounts atop the feed column. The outer surface of the feed column and magazine include aligned, downwardly extending helical channels to hold the fasteners in a single-file row that advances downwardly under the force of gravity each time the gate unit is activated to eject a single fastener. Fasteners dispensed by the gate unit travel downwardly into a pneumatic supply line and are directed to the fastening machine that utilizes the feed system. A release mechanism located at the lower end of the magazine is used to retain the fasteners in the helical channel of the magazine when the magazine is separated from the feed column.

Abstract: The emergency escape apparatus includes a slide device installed at a staircase, and includes a slide member extending at an incline over the stairs when disposed in its use position. In order to use the apparatus, the slide member swings about a hinge device connected at one side edge of the slide member between an upward storage position adjacent to the railing or the like and the incline use position over the stairs. Mounting devices fix the slide member to the staircase, and a latching device maintains the slide member in its upright storage position in a releasable manner.

Abstract: A fruit storage bin apparatus for temporary storage of fruit has a frame wall, a floor and a ceiling forming an enclosure. An inlet is provided in the upper part of the enclosure and an outlet is provided through the walls in the lower part of the enclosure, while the floor is at a raised position relative to ground level. A center column member is mounted between the floor and the ceiling and has a plurality of support arms attached thereto in predetermined positions to support a fiberglass reinforced polymer chute. The chute is made up of sections connected together and to the support arms for lowering the fruit to the floor level, where it is temporarily stored. The method of making a fruit storage bin for the temporary storage of fruit provides for building a framework, attaching a floor and ceiling to the framework, and then attaching a center column between the floor and ceiling. The support arms are of a predetermined shape and attached in predetermined positions along the center column.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for use in a storage elevator for reducing the dynamic pressure imposed on the walls of a storage elevator during a discharging operation which includes a screw which extends longitudinally along the interior of the storage elevator and in spaced relationship to the vertically extending side walls of the elevator. The screw may be fixed or rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A potato seed platner in which seeds are loaded into cups on an endless conveyor from a hopper of a seed receptacle. The conveyor is driven on upper and lower sprockets and arranged on the receptacle with the cups in two parallel rows in staggered constant relationship and moving upwardly through the hopper for seed loading. The cups pass around the upper sprocket, invert and enter a contoured tube thereat and descend in an attached dicharge tube to a furrow. The cup bottoms are inclined transversely and support the seeds in their descent against the wall of the discharge tube. At the bottom the seeds are discharged from the planter and guided by the transversely inclined cup bottoms are deposited one by one alternately from one row and then the other in the furrow with precision heretofore unachieved. The planter further comprises a wheeled frame and one or more, attached, laterally extending, flexible frames upon which the receptacle is supported.