Abstract: An apparatus for the display of small format beverage containers is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a front door that allows access to beverage containers; front panels; a left panel and a right panel; a loading opening; back panels; bottom panels; and an internal channel having a curved ramp that stores beverage containers.

Abstract: A chute apparatus is comprised of a guide member, an arched member, and a floor member. The guide member guides an object entering the chute apparatus. The arched member receives the object from the guide member and redirects the object toward an exit port of the chute apparatus. The floor member receives the object from the arched member and directs the object toward the exit port of the chute apparatus. It is contemplated that the object may comprise a fruit, such as a berry or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertical transfer of whole nuts from a first elevation to a second, lower elevation includes a run extending between an entrance and an exit, and having a plurality of alternatingly arranged conveying panels between the entrance and the exit. Each conveying panel is inclined at approximately 30 degrees to horizontal and has a predefined width. The apparatus further includes arcuate turn-arounds disposed between respective conveying panels to facilitate transferring the nuts from one conveying panel to the next lower conveying panel. The predefined width of the conveying panels is selected based on a predetermined mass flow rate of nuts such that whole nuts move along the run in a continuous stream without tumbling, and wherein each nut is in contact with adjacent nuts in its respective layer.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a decline station for moving items between two structures at different heights. In one embodiment, the decline station includes a receiving ramp which receives an item from the first, upper structure. The receiving ramp is aligned with a pivot ramp so that items can be transferred from the receiving ramp onto the pivot ramp. The pivot ramp includes at least two positions: a receiving position where the pivot ramp is coplanar with the receiving ramp and a discharge position where the pivot ramp is aligned with another, lower ramp in the station—e.g., another pivot ramp or a discharge ramp. The item is transferred between ramps until it is eventually discharged onto a second, lower structure.

Abstract: The feminine hygiene product dispenser comprises an enclosure having a pivoting compartment and a drawer. Interior space of the enclosure is filled with individually wrapped feminine hygiene products such as tampons. The pivoting compartment comprises a concave trough into which a feminine hygiene product may drop when the pivoting compartment is in a closed position. The pivoting compartment may be moved to an open position by pressing down on a lip that extends across the pivoting compartment. When the pivoting compartment is moved to the open position, the feminine hygiene product is passed to the exterior of the enclosure and may be taken by a user. The pivoting compartment is spring loaded and, when released, returns to the closed position where another of the products may drop into the concave trough. The drawer may be used to hold other feminine hygiene products such as pads and panty liners.

Abstract: A product display assembly includes a first side member, a second side member, and a cross member. The first side member includes at least one first rack assembly feature. The second side member includes at least one second rack assembly feature. The cross member is configured to be releasably securable to the first side member and the second side member. The cross member includes cross member rack assembly features configured to cooperate with the at least one first rack assembly feature and the at least one second rack assembly feature to releasably secure the cross member to the first side member and the second side member. The cross member is interposed between the first side member and the second side member and oriented perpendicular to the first side member and the second side member. The cross member comprises a support surface configured to support beverage containers.

Abstract: A modular chute system for providing safe convenient access to an inside cavity of the chute system from a variety of locations to enhance safer serviceability features a chute channel formed from a plurality of chute sections. Each chute section is formed from a plurality of rigid structural panels. An edge flange is disposed on each panel edge encompassing an entire panel outer periphery, and the edge flange of one panel is connected to the edge flange of another structural panel. Upon removal of a structural panel or set of adjacent structural panels, the chute channel is self-supporting and non-collapsing. Chute serviceability, such as replacement of interior liners or panels, can be accomplished by removing panels and replacing liners without entering the chute cavity.

Abstract: A wall-mounted, vertical holder, organizer and dispenser for pet waste bag rolls. Pet waste bag rolls come in standardized sizes wound about a spool, each bag separated from the next by a serrated transversal line. These rolls can be fed horizontally from the top of the dispenser to remain held and organized in the dispenser in a stacked configuration. The dispenser facilitates a bag being separated from the bottom-most roll, pulled through a wedge and chute located near the base on the front of the dispenser, and torn off for use without dislodging the bags from the dispenser or the dispenser from the wall. The wedge holds the next bag in the chute, ready for next use.

Abstract: A modular chute system for providing safe convenient access to an inside cavity of the chute system from a variety of locations to enhance safer serviceability features a chute channel formed from a plurality of chute sections. Each chute section is formed from a plurality of rigid structural panels. An edge flange is disposed on each panel edge encompassing an entire panel outer periphery, and the edge flange of one panel is connected to the edge flange of another structural panel. Upon removal of a structural panel or set of adjacent structural panels, the chute channel is self-supporting and non-collapsing. Chute serviceability, such as replacement of interior liners or panels, can be accomplished by removing panels and replacing liners without entering the chute cavity.

Abstract: A white cap removal unit for a grain cleaner for eliminating multiple steps otherwise necessary to properly clean grains. The white cap removal unit for a grain cleaner includes a separator assembly including a grain receiver having a side wall, an open top, an open bottom, an open side and a passageway extending therethrough, and also including a planar mesh screen removably disposed in the passageway for removing white cap from grain.

Abstract: A combination vending/return apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a series of rows and columns for receiving, storing and dispensing unfilled and filled large-volume water-containing bottles from and to consumers. The apparatus includes a computer-operated vending keyboard for making bottle selections for purchase and returns, and to handle electronic payment and credit transactions. Also included is a method to vend large-volume water bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.

Abstract: A modular chute system for providing convenient access to an inside cavity of the chute system from a variety of locations to enhance serviceability features a chute channel formed from a plurality of rigid structural panels. The chute channel features an open chute top, an open chute bottom, a chute side wall, and the chute inside cavity. Each structural panel features a panel interior surface, a panel exterior surface, and panel edges. An edge flange is disposed on each panel edge encompassing an entire panel outer periphery. Upon removal of any single structural panel, the chute channel is self-supporting and non-collapsing.

Abstract: A combination vending/return apparatus includes a series of stacked counter-sloped, gravity fed track assemblies with radiused transition segments to receive and store empty large-volume bottles and to deliver pre-filled large-volume fluid-containing bottles. The apparatus is configured to accommodate, among other sizes, at least one of three (3) gallon, (4) four gallon, or (5) five gallon size bottles. A. dual elevator subassembly permits filled bottle dispensing and empty bottle receiving from a single door. The apparatus includes a processor-controlled transaction panel to make bottle selections for purchases and returns, and to handle electronic payment, promotional and credit transactions. Also disclosed is a method to vend large-volume fluid-containing bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.

Abstract: A bucket elevator adjustable guide system for efficiently dispensing grain from a bucket elevator with reduced grain dispersion. The bucket elevator adjustable guide system generally includes a head housing for a bucket elevator and a guide member attached to a lower portion of the head housing. The guide member is distally spaced from the head housing forming a lower vent and an upper vent between the exterior surface of the guide member and the head housing for air to pass through thereby preventing the accumulation of particulate material.

Abstract: A learning device comprising of flashcard flip chute that rotates a flashcard horizontally and feeds the answer side out to the user. A receiver platform inside the flashcard flip chute is designed to collect the flashcard and rotate it horizontally based on an opening where the flashcard falls onto its side. The user can enter a flashcard which will feed along the platform, stop at the end or wall, and then rotate horizontally based on the opening being larger than the platform. The flashcard is then ejected from the flip chute, with the help of collection runners and the gradient of the bottom platform, enabling the user to see the answer side of the flashcard in a collection tray or on a table.

Abstract: A storage unit for tubular winding cores is described, which includes an entrance, an exit and an accumulation area between the entrance and the exit. In the accumulation area, a feeding path is provided for the tubular winding cores, formed by feeding channels overlapping and connected by descending branches arranged for falling due to gravity from one feeding channel to another feeding channel therebelow. The tubular winding cores gather along the feeding path, arranging themselves in contact one with another.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning apparatus for positioning containers on a shelf tray assembly of a vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a container abutting portion and engagement structure for securing the container abutting portion on a portion of the shelf tray assembly so as to position the container on the shelf tray. A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus having adjustable container positioning structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to transfer points for flowable particulate bulk materials, particularly transfer chutes and more particularly to a method of operating and constructing such chutes. In one form, this invention provides a method of using the design capabilities afforded by transfer chutes like the chute described and claimed in SA Patent 91/7215—Chute (Baller). These chutes use cascade formations to accumulate quantities of the bulk materials being conveyed thereby to create an accurately definable chute liner. This invention provides a method of utilising this design capability to create a self-lining materials transfer chute 200. The method comprises the steps of using a plurality of cascade formations (such as trays 224) with free edges that project into the chute and face the intended incoming materials flow 216. The trays 224 define ledges that serve, co-operatively, as dead boxes into which the bulk material is projected upon material flow through the chute.

Abstract: In an object evacuation chute for an object sorting installation, a guide duct extends between a horizontal inlet and an outlet defined on a lateral face and at least one elastic deflector is disposed in the duct to push an object toward a guide wall of the duct. The duct advantageously has a base for turning the objects.

Abstract: A vertical flow path in a pipe is delimited by channels (3) disposed at an angle. The inclined channels produce a zigzag flow in a mixture of powders which follow the flow path. The zigzag flow causes stirring to maintain homogeneity of the mixture even if its components have very different physical characteristics.

Abstract: A self-feeding manual cap crimper, indexing mechanism and replaceable cap cartridge provide benefits related to quickly sealing crimp top vials or bottles. A conventional manually operated cap crimping mechanism may be utilized in conjunction with a cap indexing mechanism and a replaceable cap cartridge constructed in accordance with the invention. The replaceable cap supply cartridge includes a main body having a cap containment portion which serially feeds caps to the cap indexing mechanism. The cap indexing mechanism and the replaceable cartridge may each be releasably connected to the cap crimping mechanism. A first actuation of the cap crimping mechanism feeds a cap proximate to multiple jaws associated with the crimping mechanism. A second actuation moves the jaws and crimp the cap onto the vial or bottle.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring an integrated circuit package from a source site to a destination site with use of air to push the integrated circuit package to minimize use of moving parts. The integrated circuit package initially travels through an input passage when the integrated circuit package is placed into an input passage opening at the source site. In addition, an intermediate resting site is disposed at the end of the input passage. The integrated circuit package stops to rest at the intermediate resting site after traveling through the input passage. An output passage has an output passage opening at the intermediate resting site, and the integrated circuit package travels through the output passage to reach the destination site at the end of the output passage.

Abstract: A storage arrangement for empty cores for a reel-up in which paper is wound to form reels of paper, said storage arrangement having a stand comprising a feed-out ramp and a container with a top, a bottom and four vertical sides consisting of a front side facing the feed-out ramp, a rear side and two sides, said four sides between them defining a space for empty cores, which container also comprises an upper inlet opening and a lower outlet opening in conjunction with the upstream end of the feed-out ramp. According to the invention a plurality of downwardly inclined planes are arranged one beneath the other inside the container, directed alternately from the front side and the rear side, each plane having a downstream end located a predetermined distance from the adjacent rear side or front side to provide an opening therebetween so that each empty core rolling down an upstream plane continues freely to the next plane in a continuous path from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Abstract: An improved delivery track construction for use with known coolers and dispensing devices for bottled beverages. The construction includes a series of inclined tracks having first and second adjacent terminal ends, the tracks having a one-hundred eighty degree loop between the ends. The track permits the introduction of replacement stock at an upper end for feeding under gravity to a lower end, and assures that bottles are dispensed on a first in, first out basis.

Abstract: The invention is a harvester which is able to weigh harvested fruit. The harvester transfers the fruit from the harvester by a transfer conveyor. The weighing system is a first shoe and a second shoe supported on the end of the transfer conveyor. A load cell supports the second shoe and is used to determine the weight of the fruit in the second shoe. A linkage system is used to keep the first shoe and second shoe in desired relative positions as the transfer conveyor is moved up or down.

Abstract: A vending rack for a vending machine is formed of a housing, a path for a merchandise defined in the housing and having an inlet side and an outlet side, an inlet regulating device situated at the inlet side of the path for regulating a size of the merchandise to be supplied to the path, a vending mechanism situated near the outlet side of the path, and an outlet regulating plate situated at the outlet side of the path. The position of the outlet regulating plate is adjusted according to the size of the merchandise. A connecting rod is situated between the inlet regulating device and the outlet regulating plate. The connecting rod is movably attached to the housing so that when one of the inlet regulating device and the outlet regulating plate is moved to adjust the size of the merchandise, the other of the inlet regulating device and the outlet regulating plate is moved to thereby adjust the inlet regulating device and the outlet regulating plate in one adjustment.

Abstract: A modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).

Abstract: An improved chute for conveying bulk materials from a higher location to a lower location includes a number of frustoconical hoppers, which are held in vertically-spaced relationship with the conical axes of adjacent hoppers inclined in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis (35) of the chute. The chute is much less liable than prior chutes to cause segregation or degradation of the bulk material being conveyed.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing articles, containers and the like includes stacks of opposing, vertically staggered shelf assemblies. A shelf associated with each shelf assembly is pivotally mounted for movement at least between an upwardly tilted receiving position and a downwardly tilted discharge position. A fluid-operating system is disclosed for maintaining each shelf in its upwardly tilted receiving position until a container is received and to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position until the next lower shelf is prepared to receive a container.

Abstract: A serpentine-type merchandise storing and dispensing column used for an automatic vending machine has a pair of opposing, generally vertically disposed wave-formed walls forming a serpentine merchandise storing space therebetween. Each wall includes a plurality of arcuate boards pivotally coupled to a frame and are disposed generally vertically in succession. The arcuate boards of one wall are disposed in a staggered arrangement with respect to the levels of the arcuate boards of the opposing wall. Each arcuate board is urged by a tension-spring so as to pivotally swing into the serpentine merchandise storing space. Thus, the board cushions descending merchandise in the serpentine merchandise storing space. Each arcuate board has a plurality of vibration absorbing slots and a plurality of beads between, and in parallel with, the slots.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval apparatus includes opposing stacks of vertically staggered shelf assemblies. Each shelf assembly includes a shelf pivotally mounted to a support structure and movable between at least an upwardly tilted, receiving position and a downwardly tilted, discharge position. Fluid-operated structure is provided to raise the shelf between at least the downwardly tilted, discharge position and the upwardly tilted, receiving position. A higher pressure fluid source and lower pressure fluid source are provided. Container indicator switching structure connects the raising structure to the higher pressure fluid source if a container is not present on the shelf, and to the lower pressure source if a container is present on the shelf. Transfer control structure is operatively connected between the shelf and the next lower shelf, and is adapted to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position unless the next lower shelf is in the receiving position.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing apparatus for articles, containers and the like includes two opposing vertical stacks of shelf assemblies pivotally mounted relative to support structure for rotation between an upwardly tilted receiving and storage position in a downwardly tilted discharge position. Each shelf assembly includes a transfer stop and transfer control for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. Each shelf assembly can also include a receiving stop for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until a container is fully disposed on the shelf surface. The shelf assembly can further include a discharge drive for overcoming static between a stored container and the underlying shelf surface during transfer operations. The apparatus automatically advances container downwardly through the stack to the lowest unfilled shelf for selective dispensing at the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering particulate commodities includes a vertically disposed ladder extending from the upper end of the storage facility to the lower end of the storage facility. The ladder is formed of flexible planar sheets bent upon themselves to define substantially U-shaped chute member formed into a zigzag patttern such that the particulate commodities flow downward through the chute members passing from one chute member to the next chute member. The chute members are connected such that an opening is formed at the upper end of each chute member so that the commodities may exit the ladder once the level of the commodity within the storage facility has reached the upper end of a particular chute member.

Abstract: A crystal growing apparatus includes a crucible, a feed pipe and a pulling mechanism. The crucible serves to melt a crystalline material. The feed pipe serves to cause the crystalline material to fall into the crucible to charge the crucible with the crystalline material. The pulling mechanism serves to pull a single-crystal from the molten material in the crucible. The feed pipe has a lower end positioned slightly above the surface of the molten material in the crucible and including a plurality of baffle plates mounted on an inner peripheral wall thereof in longitudinally spaced relation to one another. The baffle plates are arranged so that a pitch defined between adjacent two baffle plates decreases toward the lower end of the feed pipe.

Abstract: A pellet escalator in a pellet loading apparatus for loading nuclear fuel pellets from a pellet press into a sintering boat includes a conveyor in the form of an elongated arm for moving pellets and being pivotable to vertically move its discharge end toward and away from a sintering boat. The arm has an elongated recessed channel through which travels the upper run of an endless flexible conveying belt for transporting pellets from a receiving end to the discharge end of the conveyor. A chute is mounted to the arm at its discharge end and extends therebelow such that the chute is carried by the arm at its discharge end for vertical movement therewith toward and away from the sintering boat. Resiliently-flexible, deflectable bristled brushes are attached to the chute in opposing vertical rows.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a loading chute which includes a hoist frame adapted to be mounted on a conventional loader conveyor above a bulk material hold of a cargo vessel, for example. A plurality of chute segments are provided and are hingeably attached end-to-end in zigzag fashion such that a lower discharge end of a chute segment is attached to an upper receiving end of a subjacent chute segment. Each hinge attachment includes an outwardly extending pivot pin which is attached to a link plate. The link plates between adjacent spaced chutes are joined together by vertically extending semi-rigid support strands which bear the weight of the array of chutes. Hoisting ropes are attached to the lowermost chute segment and are reeled in and out by motor driven hoist reels or drums. Elastic ropes extend laterally from the link plate members at each chute segment hinge to an adjacent support strand.

Abstract: This invention, as herein illustrated, is for delivering caps in succession, one at a time, to a distributor for application to the tops of containers. There is an end wall at the bottom of a chute against which the bottom cap in the pick-off position abuts. The force against the bottom cap is reduced by providing a bent portion near the lower end of the chute.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine (10) comprising a cabinet (12) containing a plurality of upstanding columns (14),(15),(16) each of which includes a first serpentine track unit (17) having an upper article receiving end (19) and a lower article dispensing end (21), the first track unit (17) having serpentine track sections overlying each other in contiguous relationship, a second track unit (22) including an upper serpentine section (23) disposed above the first track unit (17) and including also a rear substantially straight, vertically disposed track section (26) connected to the lower end of the upper section (23) and disposed behind said first track unit (17) and having a lower article dispensing end (27), and article dispensing control units (28),(29) at the lower dispensing ends of said first and second track units, each control unit selectively pushing and lifting an article (18),(18') to be dispensed for aiding the release thereof.

Abstract: In the mixing of two or more particulate solid feeds in proportional ratios in which the unmixed solids are fed from separate bin receivers into a common mixture bin receiver having a generally vertical section, the present invention comprises an improved feeder in which a feeder means extends below the level of the solids in the common mixture bin. The improved feeder means of this invention comprises at least two nested conduits of differing horizontal cross-sectional areas. One or more of these nested conduits may be raised (or lowered) by an adjusting means to engage a conduit having a greater (or lesser) horizontal cross-sectional area enabling the proportions of particulate solids being fed to be changed as desired.

Abstract: The supply chute of the present invention operates to supply empty bobbins to a bobbin reserve unit provided above a conveyor for transporting empty bobbins to a spinning frame, while maintaining the empty bobbins in substantially horizontal position as they fall down the chute. The chute presents a zigzag-shaped route in the direction of movement of the empty bobbins, which route is comprised of a plurality of subtantially vertically extending sections each having a length smaller than the length of the empty bobbin, each section being offset laterally with respect to the adjoining section or sections.

Abstract: The spinning frame of the invention comprises a passage through which empty bobbins returned by conveyor means provided above the spinning frame are guided towards empty bobbin supply sections associated with automatic bobbin changer annexed to the spinning frame. Halfway in the guide passage are a branch point for branching the guide passage into left and right side sections and a distributer for distributing empty bobbins. Below said branch point and halfway in the left and right side sections are storage sections for storing the empty bobbins in horizontal position.

Abstract: By providing planar, auxiliary rail segments, each of which, in the stand-by state, protrudes into the commodity passageway with an upwardly-inclined posture and is pivotable to a downwardly-inclined posture upon impact from an article to be stored, the kinetic energy of the article as it proceeds down the rack is dissipated in changing the position of the auxiliary rail segment and damage to the article to be stored and any already-stored articles which is may encounter is prevented. The auxiliary rail segment may be spring biased and/or loaded to produce the desired amount of energy dissipation at each rail segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a potato harvesting apparatus for removing practically all the dirt from harvested potatoes without bruising or damaging them. The apparatus has disk coulters that cut potato vines between rows, three each of primary, secondary and rubber-coated cylindrical cages arranged in order for harvesting material flow of the potatoes with the cages rotating at the same material-flow speed, a share that digs up the potatoes for pick up and transfer by the first primary cage, a cylinder raker to pick up and move excess vines, dirt and potatoes onto the second primary cage, shaker-tine assemblies that remove dirt and separate vines from the potatoes, a grinder suction fan that sucks up and deposits chopped up vines in the harvesting track where same are covered by dirt sifting down and through the cages that remove most of the dirt and break up the dirt clods.

Abstract: A storage bin for plural articles, such as citrus fruit, comprises a housing having an opening at the upper extremity thereof for gravity feeding the articles into the housing. The bin includes a downwardly sloped baffle in the housing for breaking the fall of the article to prevent damage to the articles, the baffle formed of plural, parallel steps, each step being spaced from adjacent steps a distance which permits the articles to pass there between in order to fill the void underneath the baffle.

Abstract: A fruit collector for hillside orchards, which includes a channel spaced chute formed of inflated tubes, the two sides of the chute being joined by a cross web having a series of fruit receiving openings approximately the spacing between rows of trees, the chute being laid downhill between sloping rows of trees. In a first embodiment, the openings are formed by U-shaped slits to receive fruit, and retarding flaps extend into the chute to retard movement of the fruit. In a second embodiment, the cross web is tubular, but non-inflated, and receives a series of longitudinally extensible and retractable ribbons protruding from the upper margins of the openings and extending into the chute between the openings; the strips serve to retard movement of the fruit and may be in axially overlapping relation, and adjustable to change their retarding effect thereby to compensate for different degrees of slope.

Abstract: A fall brake for material in which a plurality of frames are suspended one beneath the other, each frame holding a material guide. The frames are pivotally interconnected in staggered positions and the lowermost frame is suspended to a lifting mechanism through a flexible member. In order to prevent the risk of damage in the case of shocks and to provide a small height of the fall brake in the lifted position, the lowermost frame can be upwardly pivoted from its operative position into an inoperative position, in which the frame is mainly parallel to the overlying frame, each frame having suspended to it a material guide being at an angle to said frame.

Abstract: A material handling device is disclosed for use in a material holding, or storage, receptacle. The device includes a vertically positioned discharge duct having spaced apertures therein with the bottom of the duct connected to a discharge access passage whereby granular, free flowing material, such as grain, within the receptacle, is withdrawn through the apertures and discharge duct in a manner such that the withdrawn material is from the top of the stored mass. The apertures are either staggered or opposed with respect to one another along the discharge duct. Material loading is through the top of the receptacle with the loading duct, or channel, being formed in a manner so as to prevent damage by impact to the material being introduced.