Abstract: A movable piece includes a front arm and a rear arm. In a first process, the front arm retreats from a conveying path to permit forward movement of an n-th holder, and in a second process advances into the conveying path to restrict forward movement of an n+1-th holder. In the first process, the rear arm advances into the conveying path to restrict forward movement of the n-th holder, and in the second process retreats from the conveying path 18 to permit forward movement of the n-th holder. Midway through the second process, the n-th holder 84 is positioned in a reference stopping position.

Abstract: A sorting/handling system for sorting/handling parcels or packets (P) comprises a tray conveyor (1) and a loading unit (3) for loading packets onto the trays of the conveyor, which loading unit comprises a plurality of pusher shoes (5) mounted to slide on a slat conveyor and spaced apart in pairs with uniform spacing, said pusher shoes being guided in a rail (8) forming a cam for injecting the packets onto the trays of the tray conveyor.

Abstract: A temporary storage and separation device for the wheels on the track line includes a main body bracket, a rotating mechanism, a turntable, a first connection rod, a second connection rod, a third connection rod, a fourth connection rod, a first blocking lever, a second blocking lever, a third blocking lever and a fourth blocking lever. The temporary storage and separation device for the wheels makes use of the turntable to drive the four blocking levers disposed at different positions to be extended or contracted to realize separation and temporary storage of the wheels in a transfer process; and meanwhile, photoelectric switches, reversible motors and a control unit cooperate with the temporary storage and separation device for the wheels to realize reversible transfer on the wheel transfer track line.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting products, comprising successive carrier units each provided with a load carrying platform having a front arcuate edge and a rear arcuate edge. The sorting device further conveys the load carrying platforms along a conveying path and includes an elongated pusher element for each load carrying platform for pushing a product to be sorted sideways off, using at least one pusher element, at a desired sorting location. The pusher elements each extend above a load carrying platform and are designed for joint transport with the load carrying platform. The sorting device further comprises two elongated passages in the load carrying platform, and drive means at least partially provided under the load carrying platforms for moving a pusher element sideways between two opposite lateral positions at a desired sorting location.

Abstract: Repositionable extendable stops for material handling applications include top loading/unloading stops which engage with actuator through quick disconnects. Actuators are easily repositioned to a new stop location, and the stop reconnected to the actuator by loading the stop through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a conveyor lane divider for dividing trays that are received in one lane from an infeed conveyor and are passed on to a two-lane production unit. The conveyor lane divider has a line motion control system that can be automatically initialized when starting.

Abstract: There is provided a paper sheet conveying device of the present invention has: at least three or more conveying paths that are for conveying paper sheets and at each of which at least a partial segment is formed in an arc shape; and at least one or more switching portions for switching the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, wherein the plural conveying paths are disposed such that two connection positions of each of the arc-shaped segments are connected to the connection position of the arc-shaped segment of a respectively different one of the conveying paths such that outer sides of arcs face one another, and the switching portion switches the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, at a place of connection of the plural conveying paths.

Abstract: A diverter arm of a design that is configured to more effectively direct the movement of items along a retail checkstand, and checkout systems and methods incorporating such a diverter arm, are provided. In one embodiment, the diverter arm comprises an elongated block portion; an upper body portion positioned on top of the block portion substantially along its length, the upper body portion comprising at least a front face; and at least one bristle portion projecting downward from the bottom of the block portion substantially along its length.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine for flat articles on edge, said machine comprising first belt conveyor means suitable for conveying said flat articles along a first path, a plurality of sorting outlets, each of which is associated with a separator flap mounted to move about a pivot axis between a first position in which it does not interfere with said first path and a second position in which it intersects said first path so as to direct said flat articles along a second path, said separator flap being suspended by a pivot rod extending on one side of said flap only, so that the zone under said separator flap is left free.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: Diverter disc for a conveyer system, comprising a circular outer periphery and an grip opening formed in the periphery of the diverter disc, where the grip opening is adapted to hold and divert a puck comprising a circular slide ring at the contact region and that the grip opening is shaped in a non circular shape such that a plurality of discrete contact points are formed in the grip opening. The advantage of the diverter disc is that it will be able to hold the slide ring of a puck in a more secure way due to the reduced contact surface compared with a conventional diverter disc.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of laterally displacing articles includes a conveyor defining a conveying surface and conveying articles in a longitudinal direction with the conveying surface. A diverting assembly is positioned diagonally at least partially across the conveying surface. The diverting assembly travels generally vertically between a non-actuated position below the conveying surface and an actuated position extending above the conveying surface. The diverting assembly has a diverting surface that is adapted to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface when in the actuated position.

Abstract: A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation.

Abstract: A thermoformed article stack guiding apparatus is provided with a frame, a guide ramp and an array of juxtaposed article guide channels. The guide ramp receives and guides individual stacks of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press from multiple rows and multiple levels. A first set of article guide channels is inter-nested with a second set of article guide channels in an alternating array. Each of the first set and the second set is spread out laterally in a direction from an entrance end of the guide ramp to an exit end of the guide ramp to accept respective stacks of inter-nested articles from an upper row and a lower row of a trim press and transfer the stacks into a common exit row. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a high-volume check stand with a front transport that has two belted input conveyors so that a customer can load one belt while the cashier is checking out products purchased by a second customer on the second belt. This two belt module has a flush rear end to which is attached a scanner that can be slid from one belt to the other. Preferably this check stand has an output module which has two belts and two rollers so that the check stand can use a bagger on each side for bagging the items, to speed checkout time. Embodiments of this check stand may have an output module that is a carousel or a turntable. It could also have any combination of one or two conveyor belts and one or two rollers on an incline for use in packing the products. A scanner is placed between the flush rear end of the front transport and the flush front end of the output module.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for product changeover in a filling plant and to a bugger system for carrying out the method. A first product is passed through a primary buffer and then a second product is initially buffer-stored in a secondary buffer, and so a clear separation of the products is achieved and a product changeover can be carried out in upstream and downstream production machines without production coming to a standstill.

Abstract: A sorting deck for paper, board, or pulp rolls has a plane (1) for transporting the rolls and controllable stops (2) for holding the rolls in place and releasing them. The stops (2) are positioned to form at least one line (3) in placed consecutively in the longitudinal direction (4) of the plane (1), and at least one row (5), in which the stops (2) are positioned adjacently to each other along the lateral direction (6) of the plane (1). At least some of the stops (2) are a collector (41) and a feeder (42), both of which can be moved freely between the hold and release positions, so that the travel of the rolls over the stop (2) can be optionally prevented, freely permitted, or permitted one roll at a time. The same sorting deck can be used to handle rolls of different widths.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting objects to a second path from a first path. Some embodiments include an articulatable diverting member coupled to an endless loop placed at an oblique angle above the first path of the conveyor. The diverting members are selectively placed in either a retracted position or an extended position based on sensory knowledge of the particular objects passing underneath the endless member. In the extended position, the diverting members contact the particular objects and slide them to the second path. In the retracted position, the conveyed objects pass underneath the diverting member.

Abstract: A stop module has a base body, a stop element configured for objects moving in a direction of motion in a movement plane and located on the base body, a drive device for moving the stop element between a first terminal position, in which the stop element protrudes into the movement plane of the objects, and a second terminal position, in which the stop element enables a motion of objects in the movement plane, and a damping device cooperating with the stop element for damping a motion of the stop element from a first stop position into a second terminal stop position, which is offset relative to the first stop position at least approximately in the direction of motion of the objects, when an object is resting on the stop element, the damping device being configured so as to damp the motion of the stop element from the first stop position to the second terminal stop position with a rotation damper.

Abstract: A bidirectional article pusher for a conveying system, which includes a multiplicity of spaced rollers for moving articles along a longitudinal path. There is a push up stop arranged below the conveyor and movable between adjacent rollers to a position above the rollers to stop forward movement of an article which is on the rollers. There are lateral stations, one on each side of a section of the conveying system, and lateral diverters move articles which are on the rollers and stopped by the push up stop, to a position off of the rollers and out of the longitudinal path and at a right angle to the longitudinal path. A stop activator is controlled based upon information, such as that on a bar code sort label on an article and which has been previously provided to the control device upstream of the push up stop. There are three jam detection/correction devices provided to assure proper operation. One is a proximity sensor to detect the presence of the pusher fingers while in their home position.

Abstract: A structural frame assembly that is adapted to support a chute of a sorting machine, the frame assembly including two laterally spaced beams and at least one cross-beam interconnecting the two laterally spaced beams, the beams and the at least one cross-beam including a projecting edge thereon.

Abstract: A container directing apparatus for directing containers carried by a conveyor, includes a lifting device for lifting the containers off of the conveyor. A moving apparatus moves the container off of the lifting device. The lifting device can include a lifting surface which can be inclined upward in the direction of container travel, such that containers move up onto the lifting surface. The lifting surface can then be leveled prior to moving the containers off of the lifting device. A container storage and delivery system and a method for storing and delivering containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article sorting system includes successive coarse and fine singulators and a recirculating loop for processing a disordered stream of items including three-dimensional non-flat articles. A coarse singulator includes cascaded ramped conveyors, preferably operating at progressively greater speeds. A detection system, such as a vision system, for monitoring the stream of articles and identifying and/or tracking individual items passing through the system is used in conjunction with a fine singulator such as a chevron, hold-and-release or strip conveyor downstream from the coarse singulator. A control system is utilized in connection with the vision system to regulate the flow of articles through the system by, for example, diverting doubles or clusters for separations.

Abstract: A communication master unit of a conveyance controller and communication slave units for a main conveyor, loading conveyors and unloading conveyors are connected by a serial transmission line to transmit and receive different kinds of data signals to and from motorized rollers for conveying items and their corresponding sensors by the packet-switching exchange system. Conveyance control can be executed by transmitting and receiving the different kinds of data signals via reduced number of wirings while connecting the master unit and the slave units corresponding to the respective conveyors by the serial transmission line in a conveyor system.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for distributing a food product, such as potato chips, which reduces the problem of staling. A plurality of stopper gates are placed adjacent to a plurality of slide doors on the downstream end of a distribution conveyor such that when the gate is closed the product is held over the slide door.

Abstract: An efficient package sorting system in which a stationary matrix of multi-directional conveyor cells sorts packages to a plurality of destination locations. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix delivers sorted packages to a plurality of lift assemblies that further transfer the packages to receiving conveyors or chutes on different levels. According to another preferred aspect of the system, a selectively elevating stop bar is provided to control side transfer between conveyor cells. A controller is operative to plan a path for each of the objects from the input cell to a destination location, to monitor availability of successive conveyor cells along the path, and to cause an object to be moved to the next conveyor cell along its path only when the next conveyor cell is available. The system may include a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the passage of objects from one conveyor cell to another, the sensors being connected to the controller.

Abstract: A light scanning type confocal optical device comprises a light source section, a light transmitting section, a light scanning section, and a processing section. The scanning section includes a movable mirror, a fixed mirror and a converging lens. The movable mirror has an opening at the center, and is supported to be swingable about at least one axis. The fixed mirror is fixedly supported by an optically transparent plate. Reflection surfaces of the movable and fixed mirrors are located opposed to each other. The transmitting section includes an optical fiber having a core, whose end face substantially functions as a confocal pinhole. The light from the end face of the core is, upon passing through the opening, reflected by the fixed mirror toward the movable mirror. The light from the fixed mirror is then reflected by the movable mirror, and is converged by the converging lens onto an object surface.

Abstract: A container distribution apparatus having a frame surrounding a revolvable turret, the revolvable turret comprises intermediate transport members in the shape of slots adapted to receive containers from a feeding member such as a conveyor belt, to transport and to deliver containers to accumulator members located between the revolvable turret and the processing machines, to retrieve containers from accumulator members, and to transport containers to a exiting member such as a conveyor belt, each accumulator member is capable of carrying containers to and from a processing machine. A synchronization unit coordinates the transfer of containers to and from the accumulator members by activating a drive mechanism in a step-like manner to rotate the revolvable turret and by activating the opening and closing of gates located at the junction of the intermediate transport members and the accumulator members.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method operative to selectively discharge articles, such as parcels, from a tilted, gated conveyor to a desired output destination is disclosed. A powered roller is mounted along the top of the gates so that when a gate is lowered to discharge a parcel, the parcel engages the powered roller and is drawn off the conveyor. The gate can be raised before the parcel has completely left the conveyor. The conveyor can be constructed having a width narrower than the parcels.

Abstract: The invention concerns equipment receiving continuously and individually delivered objects and arranging these objects into sets for discharge to a packaging station. Two conveyor chains (3, 4) fitted with compartments to receive the objects are mounted transversely to the objects' conveyor belt (2) so that these compartments shall be colinear in the direction of object delivery. A stop (7, 8) is mounted between the two conveyor chains (3, 4) in the extension of the objects' direction of delivery and is designed to open and close the compartment of the conveyor chain (4) located at the rear as seen in the direction of object delivery.

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: An automatic system for arranging stacks of tortillas, first into rows, and then into a single file. The stacks of tortillas emerge at random from a stacker in a baking line or lines and are formed successively into a row, and then into a file of uniformly spaced stacks in a direction normal to the baking line or lines for travel into a packaging machine.

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: The present invention provides an assembly for transporting tube support members which each individually support a textile yarn package in an upright disposition thereon. The transporting assembly includes a cyclicly reversing endless belt which transports tube support members to and between a plurality of individual transport paths which each lead through a respective winding station of a textile winding machine. The individual transport paths each comprise a pair of endless belts which automatically draw tube support members onto the individual transport paths from the delivery path when the tube support members are disposed on the delivery path at the transport path at a predetermined height relative to the individual transport path.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically unloading devices in handler which fills empty sleeves with devices tested from a tester and unloads the sleeves according to characteristics of the devices, and which can selectively actuate a plurality of stopper pins by only one output signal without a plurality of solenoids. The apparatus comprises a multitray having a plurality of tracks which is positioned above a guide shaft of the handler, a plurality of followers, each having a stopper pin for blocking and releasing devices on the tracks, which are mounted on the corresponding tracks respectively, an arm mounted on a slide block slidably mounted on the guide shaft which comes into contact with one of the followers selectively, and an operating plate for raising and lowering the arm and one of the followers by actuation of a cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus (19) for singulating a series of packages (17). The apparatus (19) includes a vertical wheel (12), a retainer spring (10), a gravity feed track (14), a pass track (15), and a reject track (16). The vertical wheel (12) comprises a plurality of slots (22-29), and rotates in a clockwise direction to deliver the packages (17) to an electrical test fixture (18). Upon completion of testing, the vertical wheel (12) rotates in a clockwise direction and delivers the packages (17) to either the pass track (15) or the reject track (16). A motor driven eccentric (37) actuates the retainer spring (10) to unblock the appropriate slot (22-29), thereby releasing the packages (17) from the appropriate slot (22-29).

Abstract: A first mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is transported along a substantially horizontal path wherein the articles are moved sideways, and a second mass flow of articles is transported along a downwardly sloping path which makes with the horizontal path an acute angle and merges into the horizontal path at a junction zone wherein the flow of articles is controlled by a pivotable gate. The gate has a blocking surface which intercepts the articles of the mass flow in the horizontal or sloping path when the gate is moved to a first position, and at least one guide surface which controls the flow of articles in the first or second mass flow during advancement through the junction zone in the first position of the gate. The gate can be pivoted to a second position in which its blocking surface does not interfere with advancement of articles of both mass flows into, through and beyond the junction zone.

Abstract: A first mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is transported along a substantially horizontal path wherein the articles are moved sideways, and a second mass flow of articles is transported along an upwardly or downwardly sloping path which makes with the horizontal path an acute angle and merges into the horizontal path at a junction zone wherein the flow of articles is controlled by a pivotable gate. The gate has a blocking surface which intercepts the articles of the mass flow in the first or second path when the gate is moved to a first position, and at least one guide surface which controls the flow of articles in the first or second mass flow during advancement through the junction zone in the first position of the gate. The gate can be pivoted by a second position in which its blocking surface does not interfere with advancement of articles of both mass flows into, through and beyond the junction zone.

Abstract: A pair of blade stop devices are attached to the sides of a part conveyor. Each blade stop device includes a stop member pivotally mounted on a frame member. The stop member is normally held by a spring in a stop position wherein it projects above the upper surface of the part conveyor. A cable/actuator mechanism is operable to pivot the stop member to a retracted position wherein the stop member is below an upper surface of the part conveyor.

Abstract: A sorter feeder system for automatically singulating, orienting, accelerating and conveying an article in the form of commercial packages (boxes, cartons or crates of square or rectangular shape) onto a moving tray or slat sorter conveyor. The article is oriented such that its shortest dimension will be parallel to the direction of travel of the sorter conveyor. The system comprises an intermittently operated feeder conveyor which delivers articles to an elevated roller lift table having continuously running rollers which convey the article to a continuously running belt driven side guide which then acts in conjunction with the rollers to urge the article against a swing blade stop positioned at substantially right angle to the side guide.

Abstract: A stream of rod-like articles such as cigarettes in multi-layer stack formation is separated by a movable gate having a leading end capable of limited reversible movement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the gate is advanced, so as to facilitate advancement of the gate between articles of the stream. The gate may cooperate with a resilient closing strip in its closed position. Another form of gate comprises a pivoted plate biased into its closing position by a progressively increasing force.

Abstract: Fish sorting apparatus comprises a lighted viewing conveyor belt arranged to receive fish seriatim and a video camera mounted above the viewing belt and directed downwardly for receiving images of fish on the belt. A second, sorting, conveyor belt is arranged to receive fish from the viewing belt, and a divider wall above the sorting conveyor belt, which extends parallel to the sorting conveyor belt axis, divides a rear exit portion thereof into separate channels. A movable deflector is mounted in front of the divider wall for deflecting fish on the sorting conveyor belt into one of the channels, this deflector being moved in response to signals from an electronic circuit connected to the video camera so that the fish are deflected into one or other of the channels according to the image received on the video camera.

Abstract: A right angle flow-through jump transfer conveyor system having a plurality of tensioning strips disposed between a plurality of rollers arranged in a planar array and rails which are sequentially operated by actuator cylinders is disclosed. The strips are raised above the planar array of rollers when a re-direction of the flow of articles through a conveyor system is required. Along the jump transfer conveyor system are a plurality of sensors coupled to a programmable controller for triggering the actuator cylinders responsive to the condition of the flow of articles along various portions of the conveyor.

Abstract: Device for the random selection of segments of a movable wall (11) on roller conveyors (10) which discharge rolled bars (23) laterally, whereby the movable wall (11) can descend and ascend in relationship with the roller conveyor (10) and a cooling plate (24), the roller conveyor (10) lying on a plane tilted towards the movable wall (11), the movable wall (11) being divided into a plurality of specific aligned segments (111, 211, . . .) which succeed one another and are actuated by one single actuation shaft (12), the actuation being imparted to individual specific elements or to desired assemblies of the specific elements.

Abstract: A delivering apparatus for selectively delivering a work conveyed from one inlet path to one of three paths. The delivering apparatus is disposed at an intersection of the inlet path and the exit paths. The delivering apparatus comprises a series of free rollers, a first stopper, and a series of chains. The series of free rollers can take upper and lower positions in a vertical direction between which an uppermost portion of the series of chains is positioned. When the series of free rollers takes the upper position and the first stopper is opened, the work is selectively conveyed out onto a first exit path which is located opposite to the inlet path. When the series of free rollers takes the lower position, however, the work is selectively conveyed out onto either a second exit path or a third exit path according to the rotational direction of the series of chains.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding headed pins includes a frame having thereon a hopper into which the pins are placed. A ramp extends substantially horizontally from the hopper and has a plurality of spaced, parallel slots therein which are adapted to receive the pins with the heads of the pins seated on the surface of the ramp. At the end of the ramp is a transfer shuttle assembly which is adapted to feed pins from the slots into passages in a chute which extends vertically downwardly from the end of the ramp. The upper ends of the passages are offset from the ends of the slots. The shuttle transfer means includes a shuttle plate movable back and forth across the end of the ramp by means of pneumatic cylinders, and a plurality of gates mounted on the shuttle plate. Each gate has a notch in its end which can receive a pin.

Abstract: In connection with a feeding conveyor for feeding articles laterally onto a sorter conveyor is mounted a retractable V-shaped stop for the articles as conveyed on the feeding conveyor, whereby these articles are temporarily stopped and concurrently centered towards the top point of the V-stop. Hereby it is achieved that the remaining article transfer distance is well defined such that the transfer of the article to the sorter conveyor, upon retraction of the V-stop, may take place in a well defined manner. When the respective edges or sides of the V-stop are orientated parallelly with and orthogonally to the moving direction of the sorter conveyor, it is achieved, additionally, that a rectangular article as fed to the feeding conveyor with any arbitrary orientation, will be orientated so as to take up a minimum space on the sorter conveyor, whereby the capacity of the latter may kept at a maximum.

Abstract: A package storage system comprises a package conveyor disposed next to the package conveyor of the associated winder, a package stocker beside the former package conveyor, and a package transferring mechanism which includes a package positioning device for positioning the package at transfer position and a package transferring device for transferring the package to the stocker.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having a funnel-like ball collector for disposition generally circumjacent a mounted basketball hoop on a basketball court and including a diverter mechanism beneath the collector for receiving successive basketballs from the collector and diverting them outwardly to one or more player positions on the court to enable such players to continually practice throwing the balls to the hoop without having to change position.