Abstract: A conveyor system transports a multiplicity of product items from an input portion to an output portion and is provided with a first conveyor that transports the product items from the input portion to a distal turnaround region. A second conveyor transports the product items from the distal turnaround region to a redistribution region. A first product transfer arrangement urges the product items from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A plurality of exit conveyors are arranged to be parallel to each other for transporting the product items from the redistribution region to a product exit region located at the output portion, and are arranged to transport the product items at a respectively associated rates of transport. A product redistribution arrangement directs the product items to respective input ends of the plurality of exit conveyors.

Abstract: A variable capacity storage unit is disclosed comprising a set of independent conveyor belts superpositioned on top of each other and connected to operate as a single storage unit. The conveyor belts are arranged in a generally H-shaped pattern including two parallel elongated portions and a transverse portion, which is movable along the elongated portions, and include a transfer belt for converting the active portions of each of the conveyor belts into a single unit.

Abstract: Store for stocking tubes therein, comprising means (4) for feeding tubes (1) into the store, and means (7) for unloading the tubes (1) therefrom, the store being located between said supply means (4) and said unloading means (7), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of supports (8) each of which defines a plane inclined towards said unloading means (7) and able to receive a plurality of tubes (1) from said supply means (4): each of said supports (8) being movable between a stand-by position where it is empty, a position of transit of tubes (1) in which it defines an inclined plane, which connects said tube-supplying means (4) said tube-unloading means (7), and a stock position in which it is full up.

Abstract: Storage device with variable storage capacity. The storage device includes an input area, an output area, a continuous conveying element connecting the input area to the output area. The continuous conveying element is guided by guide elements in a looping manner from the input area to the output area, whereby the continuous conveying element defines a multi-layered storage area adapted to store products and a multi-layered return area adapted to be free of products. The multi-layered storage and return areas are arranged side by side and change in length depending on a state of fullness of the storage device while an overall length of the continuous conveying element remains generally constant. At least one storage layer of the multi-layered storage area and at least one storage layer of the multi-layered return area is arranged on a common horizontal plane. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A sortation system and method includes providing a sorter assembly and a slug-building assembly. Product is received by the sorter assembly and sorted to a series of sortation lanes. The slug-building assembly includes a plurality of supply lines supplying product for sorting by the sorter assembly. At least one of the supply lines includes an accumulation conveyor and a slug conveyor. Product is accumulated in slug portions at the accumulation conveyor. Slug portions are combined into product slugs at the slug conveyor. Product slugs are discharged from the slug conveyor for sorting by the sorter assembly.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system employs at least one product delivery conveyor which transports products from an upstream location and another conveyor which delivers products to a downstream location. Dual U-shaped accumulator conveyors in the system are positioned to accept upstream products from the delivery conveyors and to transport the products to the downstream conveyor. The dual conveyors each have straightaway conveyor sections which are aligned parallel to each other. Accumulator sections are formed at these parallel alignments. In one configuration, the two straightaway sections of one of the dual conveyors are parallel to and in adjacent alignment with the straightaway sections of the other of the dual conveyors.

Abstract: A sortation system and method includes providing a sorter assembly and a slug-building assembly. Product is received by the sorter assembly and sorted to a series of sortation lanes. The slug-building assembly includes a plurality of supply lines supplying product for sorting by the sorter assembly. At least one of the supply lines includes an accumulation conveyor and a slug conveyor. Product is accumulated in slug portions at the accumulation conveyor. Slug portions are combined into product slugs at the slug conveyor. Product slugs are discharged from the slug conveyor for sorting by the sorter assembly.

Abstract: A picking store for piece goods is disclosed, which comprises a storage area (1), with a number of storage racks (7), for the goods to be picked, arranged parallel to each other, whereby only goods of the same type are found in each rack, a placing area (2), at one end of the storage racks (7), with a means for depositing new goods in the appropriate storage rack (7) and a picking area at the other end of the storage racks (7) with a withdrawing device (4) for computer controlled transfer of individual items from the storage racks to the serial conveyor. Each storage rack comprises a roller conveyor (8), whose rollers or cylinders may be set in rotation by a common drive system (16) and each storage rack (7) has its own, independently operable withdrawing device (4). The drive system (16) for the roller conveyer is preferably a drive belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting individual piece goods (3) into containers (4) has a first conveyor (1) for feeding the individual piece goods (3), and a second conveyor (2) for feeding the containers (4), and at least one picker unit (5). At least one of the at least one picker units (5) inserts a number x of piece goods (3) from the first conveyor (1) into a container (4), the container (4) holding a number N>x of piece goods (3). The apparatus also has at least one separate transfer unit (U) for transferring the final N−x piece goods (3) into the container (4) holding N piece goods (3), at least one of the at least one picker units (5) transferring the N−x piece goods (3) from the first conveyor (1) into the transfer unit (U).

Abstract: A conveyor system and the operation of a conveyor system will convey articles such as baggage at airports. A buffer arrangement is provided for storing and pre-sorting at least a part of the article-flow through the system. A conveyor system for conveying and sorting articles for a number of different destinations may be operated with a much lower number of stations for discharging the articles if the possibility of pre-sorting and temporarily storing the articles exists within the system. In particular, a storage rack can be provided for storing articles and the conveyor system comprising such a storage rack.

Abstract: A method and an assembly is disclosed for sorting rolls of paper and paperboard web for shipment into a desired sequence based on customer orders, in which method and assembly a roll to be sortedis imported to an infeed conveyor (2), and from at least two first conveyors (3, 4, 5) is selected a suitable conveyor onto which the roll is transferred. Subsequently, the roll is transferred onto the selected conveyor so that its leading end remains at the receiving end of said selected conveyor, and the rolls are transferred onto the first conveyors (3, 4, 5) in a similar fashion so that the rolls thus placed onto the conveyors remain in a close disposition to each other so as to form a group of end-to-end abutting rolls until at least one of the first conveyors contains a roll group forming a unit load for an upender lift.

Abstract: An installation for temporary storage and ready for dispatch delivery of objects includes a closed-in-itself rail system with independently-movable holding elements (30), at least one packing and take-over station (10), at least one addressing and delivery station (11) and at least one computing unit (12). Between the packing and take-over station (10) and the addressing and delivery station (11), the rail system is designed as a storage area (2) having controllable switch points or switch point systems (5) on the input and on the outlet side (5) and with functionally parallel storage tracks (2.1, 2.2, . . . ) between the switch points or switch point systems (5). Prior to being stored, the objects (32) supplied to the installation are individualized, individually packed and taken over by one holding element (30) each. Packed objects (33) and holding elements (30) are transported to the storage area (2) together, are stored along the storage tracks (2.1, 2.2, . . .

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes a first article moving device and second article moving device spaced apart from the first device to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. The transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the first and second article moving devices so as to rotate as either of the devices moves. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the devices. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the article moving devices to transfer articles between the devices as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A system for conveying LCD glass substrates 100 traveling between processing devices 210, 220 and 230 and conveying LCD glass substrates. The conveyor system 100 includes an upper conveyor 110 for conveying LCD glass substrates in the feeding direction between processing devices, a lower conveyor 120 arranged so as to form a multi-storied structure together with the upper conveyor for conveying LCD glass substrates in the return direction between processing devices, and a vertical conveyor for vertically conveying LCD glass substrates from the upper conveyor to the lower conveyor or vice versa. The vertical conveyor is provided with a plurality of conveyor tables, of which each is able to support the a LCD glass substrate from the underside thereof and moving it up and down linking to each other. One conveyor table forms a part of the upper conveyor while the another conveyor table forms a part of the lower conveyor.

Abstract: A device for stacking sheets delivered on a first conveyor in a plurality of parallel streams of overlapping sheets, includes a second conveyor moving slower than the first conveyor that compacts the streams as they exit the first conveyor; a third conveyor that receives the streams from the second conveyor; and a plurality of stackers, each aligned with one of the streams exiting the third conveyor, formed of endless belts positionable horizontally which cooperate with stop members to stack the incoming sheets. Completed stacks are then moved downstream on the belt. When sheets in a stream are determined to be defective; its belt for that stream is tilted, and the stream falls onto a fourth conveyor for disposal.

Abstract: Packets (2) transferred from a packing machine to an overwrapping machine pass through an in-line storage unit (1) of variable capacity internally of which they are directed along a path (P) between a loading station (3) and an unloading station (4); the unit (1) includes a succession of conveying members (19) each describing a closed loop path (P1) and set in motion by a corresponding motor (30), and chutes (44) by which the conveying members (19) are linked in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting separated electronic components by advancing along a guide electronic components located in said guide using a pusher member mounted on an endless transporter. The invention also provides a device for transporting electronic components, comprising: a guide, at least one endless transporter disposed on the sides of the guide, and at least one pusher member coupled to the endless transporter for engaging electronic components for displacing along the guide.

Abstract: In an arrangement and a method for intermediate storage of packages, a first transport path is provided to transport packages from a loading station to a transfer station. A second transport path and at least one storage surface arranged along the second transport path are provided, wherein the second transport path receives packages from the first transport path and places the packages onto the at least one storage surface for intermediate storage of the packages and unloads the packages from the at least one storage surface for transport of the packages to the transfer station, as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes a first article moving device and second article moving device spaced apart from the first device to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. The transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the first and second article moving devices so as to rotate as either of the devices moves. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the devices. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the article moving devices to transfer articles between the devices as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path. The process path comprises a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for moving a container holding the sample along the process path. A first pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing the sample to the container. A second pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing a reagent to the container. A device is operatively connected with the process path and is selectively engagable with the container for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns one or two belts-staircases that link several storage levels. Each level has linear storage belts accessed through a belt that connect the level to the intake. The outlet from the storage belts ends in another belt connecting them to the outlet and again to the storage belts. At the intake to levels and storage belts there are divertors to divert merchandises into them. To control the flow, there are photoelectric cells and tag readers at the intakes and outlets of the various devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes a first article moving device and second article moving device spaced apart from the first device to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. The transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the first and second article moving devices so as to rotate as either of the devices moves. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the devices. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the article moving devices to transfer articles between the devices as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a load support structure which enables loads to be moved along the conveyor. The load support structure has an input position at which loads can be placed into the conveyor system, an unload position at which loads can be removed from the conveyor system and a load storage area located between the input position and the unload position. The conveyor system also includes a plurality of sensors including an input sensor which senses when a load is at the input position, an unload sensor which senses when a load is at the unload position, and a filled sensor which determines when a pre-selected portion of the load structure has been filled with loads. A propulsion system moves loads along the load support structure. One such propulsion system includes a tram which reciprocates along the load support system. A control system responds to the sensors to cause the propulsion system to move one or more loads to the unload position whenever the unload position is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manipulating trays for groups of rod-shaped articles which constitute or form part of smokers' products. The apparatus has a tray filling unit, a tray emptying unit including a magazine for filled trays, a source of empty trays, a predetermined storage facility for filled trays, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a device for transporting filled trays from the predetermined storage facility to the emptying unit. The first conveyor feeds a succession of empty trays from the source to the filling unit. The second conveyor feeds successive filled trays from the filling unit to the predetermined storage facility.

Abstract: A hold-and-release singulator includes a conveyor having a transport mechanism for carrying a group of items such as parcels, packages, containers or the like from an entry end towards an exit end of the singulator, a hold and release system that can hold items that have entered the singulator on the conveyor so that such items are not transported by the conveyor while causing one item to be transported by the conveyor, and a control system that controls operation of the conveyor and the hold-and-release system in a manner effective to remove the group of items from the exit end of the conveyor one at a time according to a removal scheme, preferably with a predetermined minimum spacing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of putting articles into a queue and apparatus enabling he method to be implemented. According to the invention, apparatus for putting articles into a queue comprises a plurality of parallel transfer conveyors which are suitable, together or separately, for transferring an article from the outlet of an inlet conveyor to the inlet of an outlet conveyor, between which and in line with which the transfer conveyors extend, and which includes a camera for observing articles on the inlet conveyor and a device for deriving article outline and identity data from images taken by the camera, and a device for selectively actuating the transfer conveyors as a function of the outline and identity data.

Abstract: A facility for order-processing of products, particularly for order-processing of foodstuffs in rectangular packaging, is provided. The facility includes a goods entrance for transport pallets loaded with identical goods and a goods exit for transport containers with the goods that have been assembled into orders. The facility furthermore has a storage area downstream of the goods entrance with racks for storing the pallets and an order-processing area where individual goods are removed and combined for the transport containers. In order to create a facility for order-processing of products in which high turn-around rates can be achieved with low requirements for space, the path of the flow of goods between goods entrance and goods exit follows an inbound segment and an outbound segment parallel thereto in a “U” shape. The free ends of the inbound and outbound segments make up the goods entrance and exit.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: A conveyor system and corresponding method for article volume sharing between conveyor lines includes an overflow handler in operational connection with the alignment conveyor of each conveyor line. The overflow handler receives articles positioned outside of the alignment region of the alignment conveyor and transports the articles to an alignment conveyor positioned within an adjacent conveyor line. Volume sharing between a plurality of conveyor lines increases conveyor system throughput, particularly when one or more of the conveyor lines experiences a high volume of article flow. The conveyor system includes a deflector assembly capable of deflecting articles away from the alignment region of the alignment conveyor and towards the overflow handler, and subsequently to an adjacent conveyor line, when the sortation conveyor is jammed or offline during the performance of maintenance.

Abstract: A skid handling system includes at least two skid conveyance lines for skid handling with a transfer arranged between them to pass skids from one to the other. The transfer includes a skid conveyor with a clearance table at each end at the transfer point from and to the two conveyance lines. The skids are accumulated directly on the conveyor between the tables.

Abstract: A method for performing a batch change in an automatic cheese winder, which has many identical winding stations disposed in sections and a transportation system for supplying yarn-wound spinning cops to and removing empty unwound spinning cops from the winding stations. Transport trays for transporting spinning cops or empty tubes revolve within the transportation system, which has many different transport paths, among others transverse transport paths leading to the winding stations. The clearing away of an old batch of yarn is done section by section. Thus, from the transverse transport paths of one winding station section, spinning cop-carrying transport trays are discharged until such time as that section has been cleared out. The temporary storage of empty transport trays in the transverse transport paths of a cleared winding station section is already begun while adjacent winding station sections are still being cleared.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for combining randomly oriented containers on a conveyor into single file. The apparatus includes a pressureless combining conveyor having at least two or more conveyor sections adjacent to one another, and angled about the axis of a guide rail. The substantially linear guide rail extends at an angle across the combining conveyor. The guide rail is constructed such that the lower part of a container which starts to fall toward the guide rail contacts the guide rail first, then tilts toward the guide rail, touching the guide rail at a height of the container near the center of gravity of the container, and then returning to its stable position. The container's center of gravity always remains within its stability region. The apparatus includes an input conveyor to supply a plurality of containers having no specific orientation, and an input guide rail section to guide moving containers to one side of the input conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a load support structure which enables loads to be moved along the conveyor. The load support structure has an input position at which loads can be placed into the conveyor system, an unload position at which loads can be removed from the conveyor system and a load storage area located between the input position and the unload position. The conveyor system also includes a plurality of sensors including an input sensor which senses when a load is at the input position, an unload sensor which senses when a load is at the unload position, and a filled sensor which determines when a pre-selected portion of the load structure has been filled with loads. A propulsion system moves loads along the load support structure. One such propulsion system includes a tram which reciprocates along the load support system. A control system responds to the sensors to cause the propulsion system to move one or more loads to the unload position whenever the unload position is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes an infeed conveyor and an outfeed conveyor spaced apart from the infeed conveyor to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. Transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the infeed and outfeed conveyors so as to rotate as either of the infeed and outfeed conveyors move. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the infeed and outfeed conveyors. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the conveyors as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A low pressure accumulation table for accumulating products is described herein. The accumulation table includes an inlet, an outlet, at least one feed conveyor and at least two accumulation conveyors. The feed and accumulation conveyors define an accumulation surface. The feed conveyor and the two accumulation conveyors are so mounted side by side that the feed conveyor alternate with the two accumulation conveyors. The two accumulation conveyors, when energized, convey the products from the accumulation surface towards the outlet at a rate which is a function of the conveying speed of the two accumulation conveyors.