Abstract: A biscuit inverter mechanism comprising a pair of elongate, parallel, downwardly angled support members. The spaced parallel support members provide support for a biscuit when running thereover to enable that biscuit to be guided with a constant orientation through the mechanism. The support members also provide support for one side only of a biscuit when running thereover whereby the biscuit rotates under gravity to an inverted orientation before leaving the mechanism.

Abstract: A hopper receives upper and lower articles delivered simultaneously from a mobile transport device having superimposed transport platforms. Disposed within the hopper are independently movable diverters for diverting the articles to proper outlets of the hopper. The diverters comprise rotatable plates able to divert both of the upper and lower articles to either a first outlet or a second outlet, or to divert one of the articles to the first outlet, and the other article to the second outlet.

Abstract: An automated separating and packaging system for continuously feeding warp flakes mainly makes use of the funnel-shape guiding plates at each of the front end of two tracks respectively to guide the warp flakes into filling conveyers which have partitions set up. Gravitational forces adjust the direction of the flakes along with the orientation guiding plate which slants downward and possesses concave surfaces and has a prop-up device underneath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. A sensor measures separation between adjacent objects approaching the apparatus and a reject mechanism prevents object that are too close to adjacent objects from entering the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed therein. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.

Abstract: A stone metering system for a railroad track maintenance vehicle providing improved accuracy in stone delivery. The system includes a surge hopper, a number of metering augers, and a corresponding number of splitters. The metering augers convey ballast stones from the surge hopper to the corresponding splitters, which divide the stones evenly between a number of blow tubes. The pitch of the auger screw flights is increased from the inlet end of the screw to "expand" the stone and reduce the production of fines. In addition, the diameter of the final screw flight is reduced at the outlet end of the auger to provide a consistent and even flow of stone into the splitters. The splitters are dynamically adjustable to provide even distribution between the blow tubes regardless of the cant to the rails. The desired amount of stone is delivered to the tubes by rotating the auger screw the number of full or partial revolutions associated with the amount.

Abstract: A checkweigher with a belt conveyor includes at least two belt conveyor sections which are arranged one behind the other in conveying direction, wherein one of the conveyor sections is a weighing bridge. The individual conveyor sections include a plurality of conveying belts which travel on a sliding surface and are guided around guide rollers at the ends of the conveyor sections. Sliding fingers formed by extensions of the sliding surface are provided adjacent the conveying belts, wherein the sliding fingers substantially bridge the gap between the adjacent conveyor sections.

Abstract: Suspension conveyor for transporting suspended material which hangs on a hook, such as garments on coat hangers, with trolleys suspended on a rail. The conveyor has carrying rods on which the hooks are suspended, with at least one descending discharging rod by which the material slides off under gravity. A transfer finger, arranged at the upper end of the discharging rod, and movable against the carrying rod of a trolley in a transfer position to engage underneath the hook, has an ascending ramp section to release the hooks which move over the ascending ramp section. A retaining device keeps the garments away from the transfer position on the trolley carrying rods until the finger is pivoted into the material transfer position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for receiving a flow of packages such as parcels or bundles, dividing it into plural streams for easier singulation, singulating each such stream, and delivering the produced packages one at a time to a user, each stream being provided to a different user. Downstream sensors are used to control a deflector which in turn divides a received flow of packages into multiple such flows and apportions the received packages among the two output flows. Singulation of each such output flow is accomplished by a plurality of inclined belts which each moves a received package upward and over its peak to drop for entry into the next stage downstream, thereby singulating the received flow in stages. These belt stages are individually controlled by further downstream sensors and motors which prevent movement of upstream such belt(s) if one or more packages, indicating a flow blockage, is sensed downstream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for receiving a flow of packages such as parcels or bundles, dividing it into plural streams for easier singulation, singulating each such stream, and delivering the produced packages one at a time to a user, each stream being provided to a different user. Downstream sensors are used to control a deflector which in turn divides a received flow of packages into multiple such flows and apportions the received packages among the two output flows. Singulation of each such output flow is accomplished by a plurality of inclined belts which each moves a received package upward and over its peak to drop for entry into the next stage downstream, thereby singulating the received flow in stages. These belt stages are individually controlled by further downstream sensors and motors which prevent movement of upstream such belt(s) if one or more packages, indicating a flow blockage, is sensed downstream.

Abstract: A device for handling empty beverage containers, comprisinga stationary, longitudinally extending, supporting path having a first end and a second end, along which path the containers are caused to move, by means of pushing devices,said pushing devices including a plurality of interlinked, parallel, spaced apart members positioned transversely of the path and having drive devices for moving said members along the path like an endless belt,said supporting path at least over part of its length forming an angle with the horizontal and having container bottom supporting devices along at least part of its lower (longitudinal edge, andexit devices for discharging a specific container from the supporting path at a specific, related location along the said path.

Abstract: In an apparatus for sorting articles on hangers, a chain pushes articles along an elongated guide rail. The guide rail has a series of gaps, each of which is normally bridged by a pivoted sorting member. At an open gap, the articles are diverted to a horizontal transfer apparatus comprising a rotatable, disc-shaped, article-receiving member. The receiving member conveys articles to the upper end of a downwardly inclined sorting chute. A ridge-shaped, arcuate guide extends along a portion of the perimeter of each receiving member to prevent articles from falling off the receiving member. The horizontal transfer apparatus enable the chutes to be positioned laterally away from the guide rail so that they do not interfere with movement of hangers having horizontal shoulders.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and essentially vertically guiding workpieces, particularly products of plastics material is arranged between a production machine and at least two subsequently arranged units for producing, conveying or storing. A hopper which can be fastened in a simple manner is arranged in the area in which the workpieces are dropped vertically from the production machine, A frame which is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation is mounted at the hopper opening. Webs are fastened to sides of the frame which extend parallel to the axis of rotation. The other ends of the webs are connected to rods arranged spaced from the opening of the hopper. By rotating the frame about its axis of rotation, the webs can be stretched in such a way that an inclined plane is formed along which the workpieces are conveyed in a sliding manner to the subsequently arranged units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of detecting deviation in position and misshape of transported objects which have a predetermined shape and are successively transported at predetermined intervals with the transported objects being maintained in a predetermined direction, comprising the steps of: generating synchronizing signals corresponding to the transportation intervals on a predetermined cycle; detecting passage of end portions of the transported objects at predetermined positions; calculating a time interval between the generation of the synchronizing signals and the passage of the end portions; calculating a mean value and a standard deviation for a prescribed number of the transported objects from time series information; judging a transported object as an object of which position is deviated or shape is deformed when the difference between measured time interval and the mean time interval is larger than a criterion which is calculated based on the standard deviation; replacing the oldest informatio

Abstract: An apparatus for merging two or more parallel conveyor lanes of product into one final lane includes a pair of parallel conveyors, one disposed above and in spaced relationship over the other. A pivotally mounted slide at the discharge end of the first conveyor feeds product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A timing member is pivotally mounted above the second conveyor for engagement with product flowing along the second conveyor at a preselected position beneath the discharge end of the slide and upon engagement with product on the second conveyor simultaneously engages with the slide to force the slide out of a feeding position. The slide is provided with at least one lifting tab thereon for engaging with at least one arm of a pivotally attached stop member whereby engagement or disengagement of the tabs with the arm of the stop member determines the position of the stop member in relationship with product moving along the first conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of bulk material in a bulk materials handling system is disclosed. A critical stage in the system is identified in which variations in flowability of the material might result in the entire system flow being impeded. Upstream from that critical stage, flow conditions in the critical stage are simulated so that the flow can be interrupted if unsatisfactory flowability conditions exist. A pivotable chute may be positioned at an angle to simulate the flow of particular materials at critical downstream points in a material handling system. If material conditions such as excess moisture impede the rate of flow of the material to a degree which would cause blockages in critical downstream points, the chute will pivot to a secondary position which will temporarily interrupt the material flow.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor for articles to be transported suspended from hangers, the conveyor having at least one delivery point (A) at which the hangers are to be automatically delivered from a conveyor line into a second line. A swingable slide rail is provided at the delivery point, the rail being adapted to be brought from an upper position of rest into a lower inclined operating position by the weight of a clothing hanger present on it. When the slide rail is in its inclined operating position, a clothing hanger resting on it slides down the slide rail toward a receiving rod in the second line. When the slide rail is in its position of rest, hangers which are not to be delivered are able to pass by the slide rail without being obstructed.

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying photographic films in which cartridges are classified according to a customer's order information, each cartridge storing a photographic film having a recording portion on which a customer's order information is magnetically recorded. The apparatus includes a plurality of classifying portions, a selector unit for selecting one of the plurality of classifying portions based on the customer order information read from the recording portion of the film, and a transfer unit for moving the cartridge into the selected classifying portion. In consequence, the cartridge can be automatically classified.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles from a plurality of dispenser machines to a packaging machine including at least two delivery belts, a delivery device assigned to a furnishing device with furnishing places. Drivers that transfer the furnished articles to receiving cups of a conveyor apparatus of a packaging machine. For transferring the articles furnished to two furnishing places to the conveyor apparatus at a single transfer point, some of the drivers are disposed fixedly relative to the conveyor, and the others are disposed displaceably, transversely to the conveyor direction on the delivery device. The drivers are connected to bars, which extend transversely to a pair of conveyor chains. Stationary guide rails transmit the additional transverse motion to the displaceable drivers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sorting laundry. The method includes laundering a plurality of items each having a separable tag portion of a laundry ticket bearing bar coded identification data associating an item of laundry with a laundry ticket, arranging tickets for the plurality of items into a randomly ordered stack, and scanning bar coded identification data from the randomly ordered stack of tickets for the laundered items into a control computer. The method includes scanning identification data for each laundered item into the computer, placing the scanned items onto a rotating pickup assembly, and bringing collector arms, one at a time, toward the rotating pickup assembly. The method also includes removing the items, one at a time, from the rotating pickup assembly to the collector arms according to the identification data so that items may be assembled with the associated ticket without altering the rotational speed of the rotating pickup assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing slide fastener sliders preparatory to application thereof onto a stringer chain, the apparatus comprising a plurality of slider stockers removably mounted on a stocker holder and a slider supply including a chute, the slider stockers being movable successively into operative position registering with the chute to receive therefrom a supply of sliders.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for transferring items such as garments. Each item has associated with it an information code describing the location to which the item is to be sent, as well as other information. The invention uses a main track to transport the items while the items are hanging, and to store and retrieve the items from one of a number of diverging tracks.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for removing detected tramp material (TM) in a flow of material (M) moving along a primary flow path (P). The tramp material is deflected into one of two deflection paths (P1, P2) which are located of opposite sides of the material flow path. A scoop (29) is responsive to the detection of tramp material to deflect it into one of the deflection paths. The scoop is transported over rails (45, 47) between the deflection paths and across the primary flow path by a carriage (43) driven by a penumatic cylinder and rope and pulley unit (65). An actuator unit (91) repositions the scoop after each traversal of the flow path so it can deflect tramp material on its next traverse of the primary flow path.

Abstract: A chip collecting apparatus for a machine tool has two separate chip conveyors for chips of different materials. The chip collecting apparatus receives chips on fixed guide plates. Chips are washed from the fixed guide plates into a chip collecting area. In the chip collecting area is disposed a change-over plate for directing the chips from the guide plates onto either one of the chip conveyors. The change-over plate is pivotably moveable between different positions corresponding to the respective chip conveyors. In an alternative embodiment, only one chip conveyor is used, and the change-over plate is provided at the discharge end of the conveyor to discharge chips into either one of two chip collecting bins.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying an ice filled cup to any of a plurality of parallel lanes each having a forward conveyor system, a beverage dispenser valve associated with each of the lanes, and each forward conveyor system conveying a cup received from the transverse conveyor to a beverage fill station and then to a cup pick-up station. The dispenser can also be operated manually using buttons on the dispenser itself.

Abstract: A sorting system in which uniquely coded garments are hung on trolleys, also having unique identification bar codes. The trolley bar code is read as it progresses through the sorting system and is compared with a computer data base of garment information to determine the sorting route. The garment identification is initially correlated in the computer data base before sorting with the trolley identification code. Once all garment trolleys and associated garments of a lot have been identified and correlated by the computer, an algorithm is carried out for assigning a sort value to each trolley. A master distributor switch then distributes the garment trolleys a first time to a plurality of sort paths based upon a least significant digit of the sort value. Second and subsequent digits of the sort value of each trolley are employed to recirculate and resort the garment trolleys to the plural sort paths to complete the sorting operation with the parallel paths.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the direction of movement of cylindrical bodies which are moving over a support surface in a first path by forming an opening in the support surface and mounting a diversion gate for reciprocal movement between first and second locations so that, when the diversion gate is at the first location, the cylindrical bodies will continue to move in the first path, but when the diversion gate is at the second location, the cylindrical bodies will be diverted from movement in a second path.

Abstract: A first rotatable conveyor section (16) is positioned axially between upper and lower fixed sections (14,18) of a gravity conveyor. Rotatable conveyor section (16) rotates about an axis extending perpendicular to the conveyor section. A gate (42,44) is provided at each end of the rotatable conveyor section (16). An identification device (84) is positioned upstream of the rotatable conveyor section (16). It identifies the end-to-end orientation of an article (10) which is travelling along the gravity conveyor (12). A computer controls the gates (42,44) and a mechanism (104) for rotating the rotatable conveyor section (16). When an article (10) having an improper end-to-end orientation is encountered, the rotatable conveyor section (16) is rotated 180.degree. for the purpose of reversing the article's orientation. A second rotatable conveyor section (120) is mounted for sideways rotation about an axis which extends longitudinally of the slide conveyor (12).

Abstract: The invention provides a warehousing system wherein garments on hangers are suspended from conveyors in equally spaced arrangement and are conveyed continuously from a delivery station to which they are supplied in a first order until they reach a dispatch station at which they arrive in another and desired order as dictated by the programming of a control computer. The pitching of the hangers is maintained by scroll conveyors and hangers are discharged from said conveyors by picking or gate devices which are operated by the computer based upon the counting revolutions the scroll conveyors. The system has storage carousel conveyors on which garments waiting to be picked are live stored in that they are continuously moved around the carousel conveyors. A particular sortation device comprises a drive scroll conveyor working in conjunction with a slide bar, a delivery scroll conveyor geared to the drive scroll conveyor and a transfer device to transfer hangers from the delivery scroll conveyor to the slide bar.

Abstract: A method utilizing a simple mechanism to circumvent the effect of the magnetic conveyor head (12) of a magnetic separator (11), whereby ferrous material such as steel cans can be diverted from the stationary reject chute (13) to go instead to the place where nonferrous materials go. The mechanism, called a movable chute (14), is actually a movable extention of the stationary reject chute (13) and pivots up or down on a hinge device (15) that connects it to the stationary reject chute (13). It can be secured in the up position by a latching device (16). It can be maintained at a constant angle in the down position by a stopping device (17). Edges (18) to the movable chute are provided to prevent material from falling off the sides. These edges are mounted either on the movable chute or on the sides of the magnetic separator. In the latter case they are called stationary guides (19). When the movable chute (14) is in the up position it forms a straight extension to the stationary reject chute (13).

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting articles that includes a receiving chute which is mounted for movement between a generally horizontal receiving position and an inclined discharge position. A curved inverting chute has an inlet end disposed to receive articles from the receiving chute when the receiving chute is in the discharge position and has an outlet end from which the inverted articles are discharged to a discharge site. A releasable stop member is associated with the receiving chute and prevents the articles from sliding from the receiving chute as the chute is tilted to the downward inclined discharge position. The stop member is automatically released as the receiving chute approaches its discharge position, so that the articles can then slide from the receiving chute to the inlet end of the inverting chute.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying an ice filled cup to any of a plurality of parallel lanes each having a forward conveyor system, a beverage dispenser valve associated with each of the lanes, and each forward conveyor system conveying a cup received from the transverse conveyor to a beverage fill station and then to a cup pick-up station. The dispenser can also be operated manually using buttons on the dispenser itself.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor comprising an endless draw member travelling along a closed stretch and containing regularly spaced claws in which a carrier hook such as a coat-hanger can be suspended, each claw being capable of closing and opening for carrying or dropping a hook. The conveyor is further provided with throw-off stations, positioned along its stretch, a number of stations comprising a catching rail movable between an active and in inoperative position. In its active position the rail can receive a hook, dropped by an open claw. In its inoperative position the travelling claws with a hook are able to pass through the concerning throw-off station.

Abstract: A grain storage device is provided with an outer retaining wall which extends about a lower base. In the center of the retaining wall is a vertically-extending aeration tower which has a central, hollow interior through which air may be supplied for flow into grain which is piled in a generally conical pile beneath a vertically movable cover of flexible material which is raised and lifted along the tower as the pile beneath grows. To uniformly distribute the grain to have a symmetrically even pile, there is provided a distributor means on the tower which has the plurality of discharge ports which have valves for selectively controlling the size of the openings through the ports so as to control the amount of grain flowing about the tower and in different directions. Preferably, a deflecting means in the form of troughs are also used to deflect the streams at different angles so that to provide more uniform and symmetry for the pile being formed.

Abstract: A live storage carousel for garment hangers, or the like comprises two scroll conveyors arranged in spaced, vertical and parallel planes. The scroll conveyors are oppositely and equally angled and gravity guides connect adjacent upper and lower ends of the respective scroll conveyors to form an endless path. The scroll conveyors are driven by a flexible drive cable so that the hangers are elevated by the conveyors and then slide down the guides to the lower ends of the conveyors. One of the guides can be broken at will to divert one or more hangers from the carousel onto, for example, an output conveyor.

Abstract: Contaminated portions of bulk material are removed from a flow of bulk material with the aid of a flow or drop pipe in a casing that is movable back and forth between a discharge position and a normal flow position. The flow or drop pipe is equipped with baffle plates or bends for sufficiently retarding the free flow of the flowable bulk material to enable a detector and control mechanism to respond to the presence of contaminations and to then move the casing for the discharge of a contaminated portion of bulk material. The movement of the casing of the flow pipe assures that a slide gate or a portion of the casing closes the upper inlet to prevent the further flow of bulk material when the casing is in a discharge position. Due to the retardation of the free flow of the bulk material, it is possible to construct the apparatus with a substantially shorter structural height than was possible heretofore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for controllably discharging articles that are being continuously transported by a primary conveying structure. A discharge assembly is provided having a chute with an inlet and an outlet. Articles are diverted away from the primary conveying structure and delivered to the chute inlet. The discharge chute is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and a tandem-type cylinder is provided for reciprocatively moving the chute outlet back and forth over an infeed portion of a secondary conveying structure to distribute material back and forth across the width of the infeed portion of the secondary conveying structure as said secondary conveying structure moves the material continuously away from the chute outlet. The cylinder has separately extensible sections. One of the cylinder sections is extended and retracted by a control to reciprocatively move the chute about its rotational axis with a predetermined range.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a first guide assembly defining a plurality of inlet lanes in which inlet columns of flat articles are forwarded in a direction of advance determined by the first guide assembly and a second guide assembly defining a plurality of outlet lanes in which outlet columns of the flat articles are advanced. The outlet lanes are different in number from that of the inlet lanes. A plurality of routing gates is arranged at a discharge end of the inlet lanes. Each routing gate is arranged to be pivoted into one of two end positions for redistributing the articles from the inlet lanes into the outlet lanes. There are further provided separate actuating units operatively connected to separate routing gates for independently operating each routing gate.

Abstract: The device comprises a flat element (9), mounted on a pivot (12) substantially lying in the plane of symmetry of the conveyor belts, and having a stroke that runs from a first lateral sorting position of the carried objects (8), to a second symmetrical position with respect to the pivot, and moreover a set of chutes (7) with convergent axis, placed symmetrically and below on both sides with respect to this pivot, to convey the objects being transported to their respective containers (3), situated below said chutes, said stroke being controlled by a suitable actuator.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying bobbins to at least one tender which is situated at one of two loading stations that are disposed at opposite sides of an elongated textile machine from one another comprises a feeding chute which extends from a transfer location at a downward inclination to a distribution location, at which a diverting device is arranged and is operated to selectively divert the bobbins arriving at the distribution location into one or the other of two paths which lead from the distribution location to respective loading stations, depending on the presence of the tender to be loaded with the bobbins at the respective loading station.

Abstract: An IC element supplied to a testing station is guided by a rail and a guide member to move by its own weight. At least one of the rail and guide member has built therein plate-shaped ceramic heater or plate-shaped silicone rubber heater. The guide member urges the IC element against the rail to heat the IC element. An auxiliary stopper is provided opposite but aslant to the IC element sliding surface of the rail. The IC element moving on the rail is yieldingly urged by the auxiliary stopper against the sliding surface of the rail, braked and engages an engaging piece at the lower end of the auxiliary stopper. The IC element is disengaged from the engaging piece to slightly move and stopped by a main stopper, where the IC element is tested. A plurality of such testing passages are provided, and IC elements simultaneously tested in the testing passage are fed to discharge rails respectively corresponding thereto.

Abstract: Equipment for transferring pipes from one roller track to an adjacent parallel roller track includes at least two transfer units, each of which comprises a pipe chute extending transversely to the roller tracks and movable angularly between a lowered position below the tracks and a raised position above the tracks. In the raised position the chute is inclined downwardly, so that a pipe lifted by the chute rolls along the latter and comes to rest on a curvilinear end portion of the chute when it reaches a position above the roller track onto which the pipe is to be transferred.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing ice including a plurality of elongated vertical tubes of uniform internal cross-sectional dimensions, a cylindrical shell for each tube of length less than the tube and surrounding a substantial portion of the length of the tube, the internal nominal diameter of the shell being greater than the maximum external cross-section dimensions of the tube, the shell having a spiral groove formed in the cylindrical wall thereof, the depth of the groove being such that the interior surface of the shell at the groove contacts at least part of the exterior surface of the tube thereby forming a flow path in the annular area between the exterior of the tube and the interior of the shell which is, at least in part, spiraled. Refrigerant gas is expanded in the tube-shell annular areas to chill the tubes. Water is introduced into the upper end of the tubes to flow downwardly through them and form in each tube a rod of ice.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus comprising a plurality of pipe supports having articulated arms for lifting a joint of pipe and moving it laterally across a recess by means of a temporary support spanning the recess and thereafter moving the pipe back into a trough received in the recess. The apparatus also includes means for tipping trough to roll out a joint of pipe carried therein and inclined guide means for guiding and directing the pipe as it is discharged from the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting a plurality of articles with a head and a shank. An elevator dumps the articles onto a track having a pair of laterally spaced apart rails which slope downwardly so that articles can slide toward the lower end of the track. Some of the articles fall off the track, others assume a desired orientation with their heads bearing on the rails and their shanks depending therebetween, and the remainder begin to slide down the track in other orientations. A gate associated with the track permits only those articles in the desired orientation to continue sliding down the track and prevents all the articles in other orientations from going past the gate. To remove the misoriented articles, a discharge section of the track immediately upstream from the gate is moved intermittently so that the articles fall off this section of the track.

Abstract: A machine for sorting workpieces belonging to different classification classes, including a frame, a loading device, a plurality of outputs for the different classification classes, conveyor apparatus to direct the workpieces to the relevant outputs and control apparatus adapted to receive signals responsive to the classes of workpieces in order to actuate the conveyor apparatus, said conveyor apparatus including a first slide moving from a position for loading the workpiece to be sorted to a position adjacent to an output corresponding to the class of the workpieces, said slide including workpiece stops adapted to allow the unloading of the workpiece onto a relevant output after its positioning in the position adjacent to the output, the control apparatus being adapted to realize the positioning of the slide in the loading and unloading positions.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for distributing articles 90 comprising a conveyor 26 having a set of mutually spaced rollers 28 from which a ramp 30 upwardly inclines. An array of mutually spaced bars 34 is aligned between the rollers 28 and a cylinder 40 provided for raising and lowering the array of bars. A conveyor 10 is also provided for successively feeding articles 90 onto the ramp 30.

Abstract: A livestock feeding apparatus having an endless belt supported on an elongated table above a feed bunk by a plurality of stands. The stands are laterally and vertically adjustable to level the apparatus and accommodate different sized bunks. The belt has an upper run that rides on a wood deck secured to the support. An idler pulley and drive pulley engages one end of the belt opposite ends. The belt is retained in driving engagement with the drive pulley by a driven roller engageable with the lower run of the belt adjacent the drive pulley. A motor drives the roller at a speed so that the surface speed of the roller is greater than the linear speed of the belt to maintain the lower portion of the run of the belt between the roller and the drive pulley under tension. A sweep assembly slidably mounted on the wood deck operates to move the material off of the side of the top run of the belt into the bunk.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting workpieces belonging to different classification classes from a loading device, to a plurality of outputs for the different classification classes, comprising a quide chute to direct the workpieces towards the relevant outputs and control apparatus adapted to receive signals responsive to the class of each workpiece in order to actuate the guide chute, the guide chute including a support adapted to let the workpiece to be sorted while in transit from the loading device to the relevant output, the support including a first end communicating with the loading device and a second end mobile in order to be selectively placed in communication with one of the outputs, the control apparatus being adapted to position the second end in correspondence to the output related to the workpiece to be sorted.

Abstract: A system for feeding spaced, serially arranged articles to a plurality of article processing machines operatively connected to the system and including a plurality of normally, simultaneously operating article processing machines and a standby article processing machine for assuming the operation of a non-operating normal machine. Upstream of each normal article processing machine there is arranged an article aligning (row aligning) apparatus each provided with a deflector which directs, via conveyors, the articles either to the associated, normally operating machine or to the standby machine.