Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment includes: a plurality of hoppers (4) to (6) that receives articles inputted from an outside, temporarily stores the articles, and discharges the stored articles downstream; a discharge chute (9) that receives the articles discharged from the hoppers and causes the articles to slide downstream; an acquisition unit (50) that acquires weight values of the articles stored in each hopper; and a control unit (30) that performs combination calculation on the basis of the weight values acquired by the acquisition unit and discharges the articles from a hopper determined by the combination calculation to the discharge chute. The discharge chute includes: a first slide surface (91) having a plurality of openings (91A); and a second slide surface (92) that covers a part of the opening and is disposed at a position on an inner side of the discharge chute with respect to the first slide surface.

Abstract: An magazine loader comprises a body for receiving an upper portion of the magazine and a cap slidingly engaged with the body for loading cartridges in to the magazine received by the body. The body comprises a plurality of wall portions defining a body cavity configured to receive an upper portion of a magazine. The plurality of cap wall portions may comprise a starboard cap wall portion and an opposing port cap wall portion. An upper portion of the body is slidingly received in the interior volume defined by the cap so that the body and the cap slide relative to one another along a sliding axis. The sliding axis may extend in the upward and downward directions and the cap may translate between an upper position and a lower position along the sliding axis.

Abstract: An magazine loader comprises a body for receiving an upper portion of the magazine and a cap slidingly engaged with the body for loading cartridges in to the magazine received by the body. The body comprises a plurality of wall portions defining a body cavity configured to receive an upper portion of a magazine. The plurality of cap wall portions may comprise a starboard cap wall portion and an opposing port cap wall portion. An upper portion of the body is slidingly received in the interior volume defined by the cap so that the body and the cap slide relative to one another along a sliding axis. The sliding axis may extend in the upward and downward directions and the cap may translate between an upper position and a lower position along the sliding axis.

Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus that dispenses feminine products. This machine functions by having two pushbuttons on the front of the cabinet which when pushed, force a feminine product onto the release tray for a user to reach. Inside the cabinet is a time delay mechanically operated system that allows the operator of the invention to control the amount of time between allowable release of products. The operator of the machine can control the amount of time from a minimum of one (1) second between allowable release to thirty (30) seconds between allowable release.

Abstract: The vibration device includes a base, a movable bench, a first horizontal excitation unit, a second horizontal excitation unit, and a vertical excitation unit. The vibration device includes a first middle bench and a second middle bench between the base and the movable bench. The vibration device includes first horizontal elastic support units, second horizontal elastic support units, and vertical elastic support units that elastically connect the base, the first middle bench, the second middle bench, and the movable bench sequentially in the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and the vertical direction. If overall device is supposed as a first mass body, a second mass body, and a third mass body with the first horizontal elastic support units and the second horizontal elastic support units as boundaries, respective barycentric positions of these mass bodies are almost the same in the vertical direction and horizontal direction.

Abstract: An automated storing and picking system for packaged goods is provided. The system includes storage shelves with storage areas, at least one storage and retrieval apparatus, and at least one conveyor belt. At least one blocking device having a barrier is arranged downstream of a receiving section of the conveyor belt. A control device controls the storage and retrieval apparatus and the conveyor belt such that the packaged goods belonging to a first pack are transported to a first dispensing location and the packaged goods belonging to a subsequent pack are transported to a second dispensing location and/or are subsequently transported to the first dispensing location, such that the first pack lies downstream of the subsequent pack on the conveyor belt. The control device controls the blocking device to accumulate the first pack behind the barrier, release the first pack for transport, and to then accumulate the subsequent pack behind the barrier.

Abstract: A missort prevention system prevents missorts in a sortation conveying system. The missort prevention system includes a sensor for detecting the presence of an unexpected article on a chute transitioning articles off of a conveyor and a missort preventer for blocking the further passage of the unexpected article on the chute.

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: A spout controls grain or other particulate material falling through and being discharged from a conduit. An array of plates is mounted at the discharge end of a chute to control the flow of the particulate material there from. A counterbalance mechanism is coupled to each of the plates and can be precisely adjusted to provide the appropriate counterbalancing force on the plates to control the particulate material flow without damage to the particulate material and to minimize the dust generated in the flow of the material. A divider is mounted in the stream of material flowing to the array of plates to reduce the dust escaping the flowing material.

Abstract: An egg chain gripper actuating device for use with an egg transfer device. The device has an egg conveyor with parallel egg chains movable in a transport direction, each chain supporting egg grippers, which can be individually actuated. The device further comprises an egg receiving unit with a receiving area for receiving eggs released by the egg grippers, and one group of one or more actuators for each egg chain for selectively actuating passing egg grippers. Multiple support frames are provided, each supporting one or more groups of actuators. At least one frame is adjustable parallel to the transport direction and relative to another frame, such that the position of the actuators of the one or more groups supported by the frame can be adjusted relative to the position of the one of more actuators of the one or more groups supported by the other frame.

Abstract: A static mixer may include a conduit section having a channel, an injector opening through an inner wall thereof, a tab having a main portion extending from the inner wall adjacent and downstream of the opening and extending radially inwardly at an angle away from the opening in the downstream direction, and having at least one finger extending at a non-zero angle from the main portion, the main portion and the at least one finger being configured such that a second fluid injected through the injector opening and into a first fluid flowing through the conduit section flows radially along the main portion toward a center of the conduit section, and radially outward from the main portion along the at least one finger, whereby the first and second fluids are thoroughly mixed as a result of turbulence imparted by the tab to the fluids.

Abstract: A plurality of buffer plates shaped in a plate project from an inclined surface of a chute of a transfer portion for transferring hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets in a manner that a planar direction of each of the buffer plates intersects with an inclination direction of the inclined surface. Hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets flowing on the inclined surface contact the buffer plates, so that a flow direction of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets is changed to reduce a flow speed of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets. By the reduction of the flow speed, impact applied on the flowing hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets is weakened, so that breakage due to the impact during transfer of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets can be inhibited.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a differential flow rate to exist in a downspout so as to reduce abrasion of a bottom side of said downspout and to sort dry bulk material flowing therethrough. The present invention reduces the velocity of the mass of the dry bulk material, such as corn, thus preserving grain quality and reducing the exit velocity at the lower end of the spout.

Abstract: A composite discharge spout portion for a discharge spout for a forage harvester defines at least a portion of a path for crop materials. The spout portion may include a proximal end, a distal end, an upper wall and a pair of side walls extending between the proximal end and distal end. The side walls depend from the upper wall, and the top and side walls have opposite major faces and edges. At least one of the top and side walls may comprise a celled structure forming a core of the wall and an outer skin over the cells of the celled structure to form the major faces of the wall. The skin comprises a plastic.

Abstract: An adjustable cushioned angle spout end for directing particulate matter flow from an inlet spout to a discharge spout. The adjustable angle spout end includes a chamber having a first opening in fluid communication with the inlet spout and a second opening in fluid communication with the discharge spout. The inlet spout receiving member is rotated and secured into position relative to the discharge spout receiving member to properly align an inlet spout receiving opening with the inlet spout and a discharge spout receiving opening with the discharge spout. A baffle is positioned within the chamber in the path of the particulate matter flowing through the chamber. As the inlet spout receiving member is rotated relative to the discharge spout receiving member, the baffle remains in alignment with the inlet spout to properly cooperate with the particulate matter flow.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a differential flow rate to exist in a downspout so as to reduce abrasion of a bottom side of said downspout and to sort dry bulk material flowing therethrough. The present invention reduces the velocity of the mass of the dry bulk material, such as corn, thus preserving grain quality and reducing the exit velocity at the lower end of the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting deposit beverage containers that includes a loading basin for holding a plurality of deposit beverage containers, a feed chute for receiving the containers from the loading basin having an inlet end narrowing into at least one outlet end, and at least one feed channel extending from each outlet end. The feed channel includes a choke opening that orders the containers into a single file row, an upward bend following the choke opening that decreases the downward slope of the feed channel to moderate the flow of the containers, and a downward curve following the upward bend that accelerates each container to create separation between containers.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source, via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having no internal baffles therein and having readily interchangeable wear pads therein which are accessible through an access door.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A gravity chute for articles, comprising a chute floor defining a conveying surface, wherein the conveying surface has a conveying angle of inclination pointing in a conveying direction, and comprising at least one side wall which laterally delimits the chute floor, wherein, in addition to the conveying angle of inclination, the conveying surface has a transverse angle of inclination directed transversely to the conveying direction and pointing to a side wall, wherein the side wall, to which the conveying surface runs at a transverse inclination, has first friction properties within a first region extending from the conveying surface to a height h, and has second friction properties within a second region extending above the height h, which differ from the first friction properties, the side wall being recessed within the first region with respect to the second region.

Abstract: A plurality of buffer plates shaped in a plate project from an inclined surface of a chute of a transfer portion for transferring hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets in a manner that a planar direction of each of the buffer plates intersects with an inclination direction of the inclined surface. Hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets flowing on the inclined surface contact the buffer plates, so that a flow direction of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets is changed to reduce a flow speed of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets. By the reduction of the flow speed, impact applied on the flowing hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets is weakened, so that breakage due to the impact during transfer of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets can be inhibited.

Abstract: A dust control apparatus and method for a bulk material handling transfer system having a chute comprising a pathway there through for handling varying volumes of bulk material flowing through the chute using gravity flow. A self-adjusting air restrictor gate is mounted in the chute for engaging the upper surface of flowing bulk material through the chute for restricting the air pathway during material volume flow variations to reduce dust emissions. The gate member contacts the upper surface of flowing bulk material and moves up and down in response to the flow of bulk material through the chute to restrict the flow of air to reduce dust. A counterweight mechanism and a damper helps maintain controlled contact of the air restrictor gate with the upper surface of bulk material flowing through the chute.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a supply source from which a plurality of rolling objects is delivered to a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor assembly is also configured such that the horizontal velocity of the rolling objects delivered to the conveyor belt is substantially the same as the horizontal velocity of the conveyor belt. Such configuration advantageously reduces, or even eliminates undesired movement of the objects on the conveyor belt and thus significantly improves quantification of the objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of articles (5) is disclosed. The apparatus includes guide means (1) having a body, a first end (2) for receiving articles, and a second end (3) for dispatching articles. The apparatus may be used to transfer articles (5) from a first conveyor means to a second conveyor means with a reduced likelihood of the articles colliding with other articles.

Abstract: A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.

Abstract: A loading device including a hollow body having, an inlet portion for receiving an animal; and an outlet portion connected to the inlet portion, the outlet portion for guiding the animal; wherein an opening of the inlet portion is larger than an opening of the outlet portion; and wherein the opening of the inlet portion slants inwardly towards the outlet portion, from a bottom front edge of the inlet portion to a top front edge of the inlet portion.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a chute, a moving member, and a control unit. The chute encloses a passage space, and has a slit formed in a first portion. Items to be packaged are supplied from an upper apparatus to the passage space. The first portion surrounds a first space. The first space is part of the passage space, where the items targeted to be packaged, readily become clogged. The moving member is configured to move into the first space and withdraw from the first space through the slit. The control unit causes the moving member to enter the first space after the items targeted to be packaged have passed through the first space.

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.

Abstract: A dust control apparatus and method for a bulk material handling transfer system having a chute comprising a pathway there through for handling varying volumes of bulk material flowing through the chute using gravity flow. A self-adjusting air restrictor gate is mounted in the chute for engaging the upper surface of flowing bulk material through the chute for restricting the air pathway during material volume flow variations to reduce dust emissions. The gate member contacts the upper surface of flowing bulk material and moves up and down in response to the flow of bulk material through the chute to restrict the flow of air to reduce dust. A counterweight mechanism and a damper helps maintain controlled contact of the air restrictor gate with the upper surface of bulk material flowing through the chute.

Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.

Abstract: A dunnage discharge chute includes features designed to prevent injury to an operator of a dunnage producing machine. The dunnage discharge chute includes at least one door with sensors that monitor the position of the door and output position signals. The position signals are received by a controller which outputs a control signal that disables operation of the dunnage producing machine based at least in part on a change in the position signals over a predetermined period of time. Additional sensors may detect whether the door is open beyond an upper open position, and a relay may disable operation of the dunnage producing machine immediately if the door is opened beyond the upper open position. Thus, if the operator reaches in through the door, the dunnage discharge chute will disable operation of the dunnage producing machine.

Abstract: There are provided a waste collection system and a method for opening/closing a waste receiving device in the waste collecting system. The waste collection system comprises: a cover formed to be opened/closed on a waste receiving device; a damper formed to be opened/closed under the waste receiving device through the cover and an interlocker; and a housing. The waste collection system further comprises: a user recognition system positioned at the front of the housing; and a driving unit for driving the opening/closing of the damper, wherein the driving unit is on/off based on the results of the user recognition system.

Abstract: Device to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, comprising a loading chute (2) delimiting a travel pathway (4) for the pellets, the loading chute comprising an upper end (8) intended to receive pellets and a lower end (12) intended to lie close to a sintering boat, said loading chute (2) comprising gates (18, 20, 22) forming an obstacle in the pathway of the pellets so as to fractionate said pathway, said gates (18, 20, 22) able to be actuated alternately, and the lower end (12) of the loading chute being movable so that it can be drawn close to and away from a bottom part of the sintering boat. A further subject-matter of the present invention is a method to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, using a device according to the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a capacity-limited waste receiving device for a waste collection system, in which a waste receiving device in a vacuum-conveyance waste collection system (which conveys waste along a line) automatically conveying the waste to a central collecting station is improved to be more efficient.

Abstract: A pallet lock comprising: (a) a housing including two opposing rails defining a channel therebetween; and (b) a biased double lock at least partially seated within the channel, the double lock repositionable between a pick side blocking position and a load side blocking position, the double lock including a load side portion and an opposing pick side portion, where the pick side portion includes a pick side lock, where the load side portion includes a load side lock, and where at least one of the pick side lock and the load side lock are recessed within the channel as a result of the bias of the double lock.

Abstract: A material feed system for solid freeform fabrication. The build material is delivered in discrete or quantized amounts by a clamp feed system in a non-flowable state to the dispensing device and the material is then changed to a flowable state prior to being dispensed. The feed system can be used to build three-dimensional objects in color, if desired. The clamped feed system is integrated with a waste removal system.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and chemical resistant damper is provided for installation in the sludge transport section of a wastewater treatment system of the type having a damper inlet chute and a damper outlet chute and a damper between the damper inlet chute and the damper outlet chute. The damper is formed from a fabric woven substantially of yarns of high performance material selected from the group consisting of aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. The damper includes a body having an inlet end and an outlet end, whereby the body creates a volume for sludge to move through. An inlet flange is formed about the inlet end and an outlet flange is formed about the outlet end.

Abstract: A load conveyance device composed of: a load supporting device having a through hole passing in a gravity direction, and a fluid supplying device to supply a fluid into the through hole, wherein when load is dropped into the through hole from a top of the through hole, the load is supported under a floating condition by a force of the fluid in the through hole, and when the load is not supported by change of the force of the fluid, the load is dropped from a lower end of the through hole to an outside.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for guiding the movement of a flanged vial (10) during an automated process to prevent the flange (50) from disrupting the movement of the vial (10) during the process. The apparatus (100) includes a receptacle (120) with a narrowing peripheral wall (130) adapted to receive the vial (10) during a vertical drop and direct the movement of the vial (10) toward a slide (160). A weighted flap (170) contacts the vial (10) as the vial (10) moves along the slide (160), slowing the descent of the vial (10), holding the vial (10) against the slide (160), and pivoting to accommodate the flange (50). A platform (190) catches the vial (10).

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a medicine feeding apparatus in which it is possible to prevent a medicine from being broken by well absorbing and reducing a kinetic energy at a time of discharging the medicine even in the case that a downsizing and a densification are promoted for making a discharge speed of the medicine higher, and it is possible to efficiently guide the medicine to an outlet portion of a hopper. Further, the medicine feeding apparatus is provided with a main body, a plurality of tablet cases receiving medicines, a chute received in the main body and through which the medicine discharged from the tablet case comes down, a hopper received in the main body, provided in correspondence to a lower side of the chute and collecting the medicines, and a filling apparatus received in the main body and filling the medicines collected by the hopper in a drug packing paper or a container.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a differential flow rate to exist in a downspout so as to reduce abrasion of a bottom side of said downspout and to sort dry bulk material flowing therethrough. The present invention reduces the velocity of the mass of the dry bulk material, such as corn, thus preserving grain quality and reducing the exit velocity at the lower end of the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

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: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having an oversized input sleeve with internal baffles therein.

Abstract: The device of the present invention comprises a frame for supporting the device comprised of substantially horizontal and vertical support members; and a trough attached to the frame and sloped to allow for gravity feeding the items from an entrance end to an exit end of the device. The device is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with a security checkpoint.

Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.

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: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of gravity fed, magnetic container closures along a path includes an electromagnet proximal to the path. The electromagnet captures at least one container closure flowing along the path in a magnetic field when the electromagnet is energized. The captured container closure blocks the container closure path, and stops the flow of container closures. Circuitry which incorporates a rectifier energizes the electromagnet when the flow of container closures is not desired. When the flow of container closures is desired, the rectifier reverses the current to the electromagnet and the circuitry deenergizes the electromagnet to positively release the captured container closure.