Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting and/or stacking products includes a frame and a telescopic infeed associated with the frame. The telescopic infeed has a receiving end and a transfer end. The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and moveable in a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. The telescopic infeed advances one or more products in the machine direction; and a landing surface receives the one or more products. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation. A deflector is operatively engageable with the transfer end, such that the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of the one of more products.

Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting and/or stacking products includes a frame and a telescopic infeed associated with the frame. The telescopic infeed has a receiving end and a transfer end. The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and moveable in a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. The telescopic infeed advances one or more products in the machine direction; and a landing surface receives the one or more products. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation. A deflector is operatively engageable with the transfer end, such that the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of the one of more products.

Abstract: An electronic component conveyance device in which an electronic component is unlikely to jam in a conveyance path. A first magnetic force generation unit is provided lateral to a first sidewall in a midstream part. An interval between the first sidewall and a second sidewall in the midstream part is larger than an interval between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in an upstream part and an interval between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in a downstream part. The first sidewall is flat across the upstream part, the midstream part, and the downstream part.

Abstract: A magazine loading device comprises an ammunition delivery interface, a shuttle or escapement, an orientation gate, a staging gate, a plunger, and a magazine receiver. The ammunition may be supplied to the ammunition delivery interface in a number of ways, including utilization of a hopper. The ammunition may be guided into an opening in the shuttle or escapement, which may then transfer the ammunition to an orientation gate. The geometry of the orientation gate is such that the ammunition will always drop through the orientation gate with the projectile down, which in this case is the desired orientation for loading into the magazine. A plunger may then push the ammunition into the magazine.

Abstract: An exemplary flipping apparatus includes a slider, a flipping member and a holding table. The slider is slanted relative to the horizon. A first end of the flipping member is connected to the slider. The flipping member includes a first flipping plate and a second flipping plate facing the first flipping plate. The first flipping plate and the second flipping plate are contoured to define a workplace groove to receive a workpiece to be flipped. An angle defined by the slider and an end section of the first flipping plate opposite to the slider is less than an angle between the slider and the horizon. The holding table is connected to a second end of the flipping member, and the second end is opposite to that of the first end of the flipping member.

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: The invention relates to an arrangement by a conveyor (1, 2) for items (3), such as packaging bodies of glass, for example, with a means (4) for raising the items (3) from a lying position, in which the bottom of the respective item (3) is oriented in a random direction on the conveyor (1, 2), into a standing position with its bottom turned down against the conveyor (1, 2). In order to obtain, among other things, a compact and reliable construction for the conveyor (1, 2), the raising means is in the form of the raising means (4) extending, before the item (3) enters the raising means (4), essentially in an extension of an upper portion (1) of the conveyor. Further, the raising means (4) is supported rotationally about an axis (5), which is located downstream of the center of gravity of the item (3), when the item (3) has entered the raising means (4), so that on rotation of the raising means (4), the item (3) is raised with its bottom turned downwards, facing a lower portion (2) of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical device for the selection and supply of revolution cylinder type products, and more especially packaging components for photographic films. The device comprises a calibrated bent chute that includes a product supply system, with a regulating effect, and a selection system for product orientation. Selection is based on two different flows of the products. Correctly oriented products, whose axis is substantially perpendicular to that of the normal flow, follow the direction of this normal flow. Incorrectly oriented products, whose axis is substantially parallel to that of the normal flow, are deviated from the normal flow, by an opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical device for the selection and supply of revolution cylinder type products, and more especially packaging components for photographic films. The device comprises a calibrated bent chute that includes a product supply system, with a regulating effect, and a selection system for product orientation. Selection is based on two different flows of the products. Correctly oriented products, whose axis is substantially perpendicular to that of the normal flow, follow the direction of this normal flow. Incorrectly oriented products, whose axis is substantially parallel to that of the normal flow, are deviated from the normal flow, by an opening.

Abstract: An article is inserted through the upper front of a dispenser, over a first shelf, a fall space, and a second shelf while it is supported by the first shelf at about the same height as the second shelf. The item is then moved off the first shelf so that it pivots on the second shelf and moves down between the shelves. It is caught by one end on a flexible portion of a downward and forward sloping curvilinear wall having a longitudinal access slot through the wall, and supported at the lower part of the dispenser, forward of the front of the dispenser.

Abstract: The cup return automat has a cup insertion chamber (1), a cup collection chamber (10) and a stacking shaft (9) arranged over the cup collection chamber for the cups to be stacked in the stacking shaft (9), with a device for ejecting the formed cup stack (5") laterally into the cup collection chamber (10). In between the cup insertion chamber (1) and the stacking shaft (9) there is located a transfer device, which only allows any cup received in the cup insertion chamber (1) to pass into the stacking shaft (9) when in the cup orientation permitting the cup stacking and with the cup opening turned downwards.

Abstract: A device for orientating ball caps in a bottle type capping machine of the type having an upper cap chute assembly, a lower cap chute assembly, a capping stabilizer assembly and a conveyor carrying bottles to be capped. The device consists of a sleeve sized to fit vertically between the upper cap chute assembly and the lower cap chute assembly to allow each ball cap to travel therethrough. A mechanism is for securing the sleeve to the bottle type capping machine in its vertical position. Another mechanism is for rotating each ball cap one hundred and eighty degrees when traveling through the sleeve by the force of gravity so that each ball cap will be in its proper position to be placed upon and capped to each bottle traveling along the conveyor below the capping stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: An automatic bottle-turning machine is described in which filled water bottles are conveyed through an automatic turning apparatus that rotates them from an upright position onto their sides, and discharges them. Bottles enter a turning station which is laterally rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and is blocked at its distal end by an exit stop. Bottles are counted as they enter. When a predetermined count number is reached, bottle entry is stopped and the station rotates 90 degrees from its initial position to a second position. The exit stop is then deactuated and the turned bottles discharge. Bottles are counted as they exit. When the predetermined count number is reached, the station rerotates from the second position to the initial position, and the exit stop is reactuated.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding integrated circuit parts for inspection for cracks, holes, or other defects. The apparatus permits inspection of the top, bottom and both sides without need for the inspector to change position. The parts are slidably retained within the apparatus between upper and lower tracks. The upper and lower tracks pivot relative to one another, and relative to a base member, about a common pivot point.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cartridges for exposed photographic roll films to an opening station has a downwardly sloping duct whose inlet can receive the shells of successive cartridges only in a predetermined orientation. The lower end of an inserted container or cartridge comes to rest on a first gate and the gate is retracted from the duct so as to permit gravitational descent of the inserted cartridge only if the orientation of the inserted cartridge is proper. The cartridge which descends below the retracted first gate impinges upon a cylindrical bolt which tilts the cartridge approximately 90 degrees so that the axis of the shell of such tilted cartridge is substantially horizontal before the cartridge descends onto a second retractible gate and thereupon onto a third gate in the bottom of the duct. The inclination of the duct with reference to a horizontal plane is at least 45 degrees.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing the work required for moving, handling, and rolling heavy boxes and the like having a center of gravity. The apparatus incorporates a ramp contoured to the locus of points described by the surfaces of the workpiece as that workpiece rotates about its center of gravity, as that center of gravity is horizontally translated while simultaneously maintained at constant vertical elevation.

Abstract: This invention shows two mechanisms for receiving, separating, delivering covers to a gravity chute, and thence to metering and cover-positioning and -pressing means. The feeding of covers may be automatic or may be hand-loaded. One embodiment shows the separation mechanism employing Y-members that are actuated by a reciprocated ring with jaws and guide supports in a common plane. Adjusting means for size and cover thickness, both metal and plastic, is contemplated. The other mechanism utilizes jaw arms that are stacked one above the other and preferably are arranged as four pairs, with upper arm jaws moved by one cycled ring and the lower arm jaws moved by another cycled ring. Vacuum cups remove and carry the removed cover to a gravity chute and a metering and cover-pressing apparatus that provides insured placement of only the forwardmost cover on a traveling container. Orienting means is also contemplated, and plural delivery chutes are shown. A height-adjusting means is also depicted.

Abstract: A system for applying clips and covers to cans to form multiple container packages. The system utilizes a prefeed device to obtain a preferential distribution of clips supplied in bulk form. An orienter separates and orients the clips in a manner suitable for application to the cans. The cans are fed in 2 rows and held with a predetermined spacing so that the clips can be applied to form a multiple container package. A cover applicator then applies a cover or coupon to the multiple container package by forcing a prescored portion of the cover into the clip so that it interlocks with the clip. Apparatus is also provided for folding and gluing skirted portions of the cover around the periphery of the multiple container package.

Abstract: Sorter slide apparatus for disk jacket combinations that include a slide extended into a bin of a sorter for receiving such combinations as they are discharged into a bin and conveying them to a removable box of a magazine. The disk combinations in being moved to be discharged into a bin have their open rear flaps in advance of the remainder of the jacket, and when discharged fall onto the upper part of the slide to slide downwardly and transversely while the upper slide portion supports them to be inclined downwardly both in longitudinal and transverse directions. The transverse intermediate portion of the slide has edges to cause the combinations to swingingly rotate through an angle of about 90.degree. whereby the opened flap faces toward the bin.

Abstract: A bowling pin orientation device for orienting to a single axial orientation bowling pins of the type having a relatively heavy base portion and a relatively light neck portion. The device includes an arm disposed beneath a horizontal shelf from which bowling pins fall, tipping differently depending on whether base-first or neck-first. The arm extends downwardly and away from the shelf and is disposed so that the neck of a neck-first pin slides along the arm causing the pin to move to a base-down orientation while not receiving the base of a base-first pin so that the base-first pin also moves to a base-down position. The arm preferably includes a projecting finger at its lower end to deflect upwardly the neck of a pin sliding down the arm. The arm can be adjustably positioned across a turnaround pan of the conventional type.

Abstract: Diode chips (44) are cut from a p-n sheet-diffused semiconductor wafer (41). Instead of having conventional rectangular shapes, the chips have a rhomboidal shape. This makes the shape of the chips asymmetric in that one surface (46) of each chip becomes a distinguishable mirror image of its other surface (47). The direction of the p-n junction in the wafer is oriented with respect to the shape of the chips to be cut to place the same conductivity type region adjacent to the same rhomboidal shape of the surface. The shape of the chips (44) thereby aids apparatus (59) to sort the chips into two groups, each group consisting of chips of the same polarity or orientation of their p-n junctions with respect to a common support plane. The apparatus (59) includes a feed track (60) leading to a fork (61) in the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering valves and melting rings for internal combustion engines to an inductor heater for hard facing comprises a tubular body which is adjoined by gravity feed trays, for feeding the work valves and rings to be melted respectively. A rotatable pocket is mounted between the tubular body and the tray for feeding the rings. The work valve and the ring to be melted are fed to the tubular body by gravity. Interaction with a stop mounted on the tubular body causes the valve to fall inside the tubular body with its stem being upwardly directed. After rotating, the pocket puts the ring to be melted onto the valve stem. The valve with the ring put thereupon is placed into the inductor for melting.

Abstract: An arrangement for orienting and conveying barrels of catamenial tampon inserters includes a support which is constituted by a plurality of alternating cylindrical first and second support elements which rotate in opposite directions. Each first support element forms with the associated second support element a receiving channel, and an upper run of a V-belt conveyor is arranged at the bottom of this receiving channel and advances longitudinally of the support elements. The barrels are piled on top of the support elements in a randomly oriented collection, such as a layer or pile, and enter the respective receiving channels only when assuming one of two orientations. The engagement of the lowermost barrel with the external surfaces of the support elements causes the barrel to turn toward a position of parallelism with the axes of the support elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for receiving bales or cartons in small stacks or cubes and delivering single bales or cartons in pre-determined alignment. The bale or carton is placed on an elevator floor and moved up in steps of one tier at a time. A pusher arm sweeps the top tier of bales or cartons in the elevator off of the stack into a tier container. The tier container has drag chains which move the bales or cartons laterally into an orienting chute where each is oriented to the same pre-determined position regardless of its position in the stack. Two such units may be combined with a common chute so that two different stacks of bales or cartons may be alternatively singulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking and storing a plurality of flat objects, such as letters. The apparatus includes at least one storage box and a loading device designed to transport the flat objects from a source and to project them into the interior of the box. The box and loading device are respectively positioned so that the flat objects are projected into the box at an incline with respect to its bottom and a portion of each object's leading edge impacts a stopping surface formed in one of the side walls of the box. This impact imparts a rotational couple to the object which brings the lower edge of the object into firm engagement with the box bottom. The object is then moved onto the stack of similar objects being formed in the box, either by gravity or an auxiliary device. In one preferred embodiment, relative movement is provided between the box and loading device so that the objects can be projected into the box at a point close to the top of the stack.

Abstract: A workpiece having an enlarged head and a stem extending therefrom is conveyed in a gravity chute while supported vertically in a ring-shaped pallet with the head supported on the top side of the pallet and the stem extending downwardly through the pallet. The pallet and workpiece are then directed through a downwardly curved orienting chute and come to rest on stop surfaces wherein the workpiece is inclined downwardly, its head foremost, and the axis of the pallet is horizontal. In this position the workpiece is centered with respect to the aperture in the pallet so that the workpiece slides downwardly out of the pallet through an unloading chute. At the lower end of the unloading chute the workpiece falls through a contoured aperture into a downwardly inclined delivery chute which extends in the direction opposite to the unloading chute.

Abstract: A bale turner for attachment to a bale making machine for rotating bales one quarter turn containing a concave plate suspended between two frame members following behind the discharge chute of the hay baler. A guide bar is welded to the concave plate which forces the edge of the bale down into the center of the concave plate as the bale travels down the plate from the discharge chute of the hay baler. This in effect starts to set the bale on edge so that it would rotate back onto the plate chamber side down.

Abstract: A device for the non-reversed setting up of rod shaped bodies having ends of different thicknesses and particularly for orienting conical tubes for yarn spinning and twisting machines comprises a feed chute along which the bodies are fed with their sides adjacent and with their ends generally aligned. The feed chute includes an opening in which there are disposed two spaced apart supports oriented adjacent the respective ends of the tubes which are fed one after the other into the opening. Two pressing fingers are mounted so that they move through a path overlying the respective ends of the tubes simultaneously in a manner such that one of them only will contact the thicker end of the tube to begin moving it downwardly over the associated support.

Abstract: Contact pins, of square cross-section and having a swaged portion nearer one end, are oriented so as to be fed to a magazine or other device with the ends nearer the swage portion all in the same direction. The pins move along channel-shaped grooves, over slots in the grooves. The slots have parts of different widths such that, the longer end of a pin falls down first, followed by the swaged portion end. In one orientation, with the swaged portion leading, the swaged portion holds the pin up over the slot until the longer end can fall down, while in an alternative orientation, with the swaged portion lagging, the longer end falls through as the pin moves over the slot.

Abstract: Bobbin handling apparatus including means for feeding bobbins from a supply station in random end orientation to a delivery station for use by a doffing machine. The bobbin handling apparatus is conveniently mounted on the doffing machine, and includes means for sorting bobbins of one end orientation from the other and means to reorient bobbins of the one orientation to the other for presentation to the doffing machine of bobbins of a single orientation. The handling apparatus includes a bobbin supply box adapted to be manually positioned on and removed from the apparatus immediately above floor level, thereby requiring minimum physical effort.

Abstract: A machine for automatically handling thin tubular rubber articles such as prophylactic devices or the like including a vacuum pickup to retrieve randomly oriented articles and deliver such articles to a pneumatic conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor includes a tube with air blowing therethrough to transfer the articles to a delivery position. An orienter is provided in the conveyor tube so that the article is delivered closed end first at the delivery position. At the delivery position a mandrel is provided which includes a support adapted to loosely support the article in position to receive a mandrel. Grippers grip the open end of the article on the support and hold it against movement with the mandrel while the mandrel is inserted into the article.