Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly loading vehicles or other load carrying compartments has an extensible conveyor attached to a base frame by means of a wheel and track design. The load may be applied to the extensible conveyor from any direction by a variety of means. Items are applied to the extensible conveyor until the load is substantially equivalent to the maximum load capacity of the load carrying compartment. The conveyor is then extended into the compartment and retracted. As it retracts, the load remains within the compartment. The device preferably has a number of safety features to avoid accidents.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles to a plurality of receiving means is disclosed, in which cross-over means are arranged for shifting articles from a first conveyor, along which at least two induction stations and at least two discharge stations are arranged alternately, and to a second conveyor so as to short-cut the conveying path of articles that have been loaded onto the first conveyor at a first induction station and having the second discharge station as destination. Thereby, the conveying capacity of the first conveyor occupied by said articles is released as the articles do not pass the intermediate induction stations at which articles may be loaded onto the de occupied parts of the first conveyor and the sorting capacity of the conveyor system is increased. In particular, the system comprises two parallel conveyors and cross-over means for shifting articles between the two conveyors arranged so that the two conveyors function as short-cuts for each other.

Abstract: A sort bin for unloading sorted lumber pieces on a conveyor comprises a compartment having first and second spaced-apart walls for containing the lumber pieces in a pile, an entry located at an upper portion of the compartment for introducing lumber pieces, and an exit located at a bottom portion, the conveyor being below the exit and spaced apart therefrom. A support for supporting the pile of lumber pieces is movable along a course extending between an upper position adjacent to the entry and a lower position below the exit of the compartment, and has side members for preventing a spill of lumber pieces on the conveyor when the support is in its lower position. One of the side members is pivotable between a standard position and an unloading position.

Abstract: A movable transport member used in an article conveying system is disposed across and movable along a space between oppositely running conveyors. The transport member has a drive member that continuously rotates as either conveyor moves. An article transfer member carried by the transport member includes an endless drive belt disposed along a transfer path so as to contact and move articles therealong. The article transfer member further comprises a driven rotatable member having an article contacting surface, the transfer path defined between the drive belt and a circumferential portion of the driven rotatable member.

Abstract: A diverter assembly according to the present invention includes a generally horizontal conveying surface, a pair of flipper assemblies, and an actuator for substantially concurrently actuating the flipper assemblies to an actuated position whereby the flipper assemblies are collinear. A driven diverting surface is defined on each flipper assembly wherein an article on the conveying surface is diverted when the article contacts one of the flipper assemblies when the flipper assembly is in its actuated position.

Abstract: A placing apparatus having first and second rear end holding members is provided between a loading apparatus that loads items in an upright position and a conveyance apparatus downstream. These rear end holding members move making a box motion when seen from the side. As a result, while the first rear end holding member holds the rearmost end of a group of items, the second rear end holding member stands by to receive a new item. The invention provides a conveyance apparatus and a boxing apparatus comprising the same that have widespread applicability. The conveyance apparatus and boxing apparatus, while achieving high-speed processing, are able to convey items of varying thickness and grouped in varying numbers in a stable manner and maintained in a prescribed position.

Abstract: A sorting and conveying system has a longitudinally extending conveyor having at least one tilt tray, but preferably a plurality, on the conveyor for diverting selected articles from the conveyor. There is at least one hanger for holding a plurality of bags. A chute extends between the tilt tray and the hanger. A flexible sheet diverter has an entrance near the top adjacent the chute and an exit near the bottom adjacent the bags, so that articles diverted from the conveyor will be delivered to the exit. Cylinders are provided for moving the sheet diverter so that the exit is positioned to deliver a selected article into a selected bag on the hanger. There are a plurality of tilt trays along the conveyor and a plurality of hangers so that a selected article on the conveyor may be delivered from a selected tilt tray to a selected bag. Mounts are provided for mounting the flexible sheet diverter for shaped movement, and there are air cylinders for moving the flexible sheet diverter.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic selective sorting device (10), for simultaneously loading, transporting and placing objects having very different characteristics in receiving containers, comprising a frame (11) bearing two toothed wheels (12, 13) arranged at each end of the frame (11), and whereon is stretched an endless conveyor (15). The loading mechanism consist of a line of conveyor belts (32) made up of a belt for manual insertion (32a) two accelerating belts (32b) and a belt for automatic insertion (32c). The acceleration belts (32b) are arranged respectively beneath two columns of a buffer storage and untiering system (33) which bring the objects to be sorted (8) and set them onto the acceleration belts which then place them on the automatic insertion belt (32c) to bring them onto the transporting mechanism.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail to a case having a plurality of slots is described, wherein each slot corresponds to a destination. The method includes steps of loading a mail piece to be sorted into a delivery robot, determining for the mail piece a destination slot the mail piece is to be delivered to, moving the delivery robot along a rail disposed at the front of the case near the slots into proximity with an open end of the destination slot, inserting the mail piece from the delivery robot into the associated slot, and returning the delivery robot to a loading station whereby the cycle may be repeated. Such a method, when using a large number of robots moving along a common rail system, can sort a large volume of mail in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: An article transfer member including a resiliently mounted guide for aligning articles being transferred onto an outfeed conveyor from an infeed conveyor. The resiliently mounted guide includes an arcuate guide plate that is spring biased so as to flex responsive to variations in the dimensions of the packages being transferred normally as a result of a damaged package and maintaining the packages in alignment on the outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one induction unit follows the speed of the continuous member. This includes starting as soon as the continuous member is moving and decreasing in speed substantially only when the continuous member decreases in speed. The invention is useful with linear sorters, such as positive displacement sorters, and the like. The invention is also useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.

Abstract: A distribution arrangement for packages has a first conveying device and one or more producing groups transferring packages onto the first conveying device. Target groups receive the packages from the first conveying device for further transport. The first conveying device forms a first closed loop arrangement and extends in at least two planes arranged above each other. At least one of the producing groups has at least two of the target groups correlated therewith, and the at least one of the producing groups and the at least two of the target groups correlated therewith are serially arranged along the first closed loop arrangement.

Abstract: A slide gate is disclosed for use with an elongated conveyor including a conveyor housing having a bottom section including downwardly and inwardly extending side portions and a flat bottom wall having a discharge opening formed therein. A flat slide gate is selectively slidably movable on the housing between a closed position wherein the slide gate closes the discharge opening and an open position wherein the slide gate is retracted for the discharge opening.

Abstract: A system and method for case-packing articles utilizing an infeed conveyor and spaced apart outfeed conveyors positioned at opposite sides of the infeed conveyor and a robotic operating arm arranged for transverse operation with respect to the longitudinal movement of each of said conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring products of different size, weight, shape and load state from one conveyor device to a further conveyor device disposed parallel or at a defined angle to the first conveyor device includes feed rollers (2) that have their own drive and a lifting device (5, 106, 206) for raising and lowering the conveyed product via receiving elements (7), which are located in the space between the feed rollers (2). The lifting device (5, 106, 206) is secured either to or laterally on a longitudinal drive (10, 102) or to a driving carriage (202). Upon the transfer of the conveyed product, the operator of the conveyor devices upstream, downstream, and in between can continue without interruption.

Abstract: A gate (50) for a vibratory conveyor (10) is provided. The conveyor includes a conveyor bed (26) that has a surface portion defining an aperture (52). The gate includes a cover plate (54) which is in contact with the conveyor bed and arranged for movement between a first position covering a first portion of the aperture and a second position covering a second portion of the aperture (e.g., between an open position and a closed position). The gate further includes a loading system (57, 72) coupled to the cover plate to exert a force urging the cover plate into contact with the surface portion of the conveyor bed. The gate still further includes a carriage assembly (55) coupled to the loading system for moving the cover plate between the first and second positions. Material conveyed on the conveyor bed can fall through the uncovered portion of the aperture to be thereby diverted from the conveyor bed.

Abstract: A sorting system includes trolleys traveling along a path between respective stations for loading and unloading items in a direction transversely of the direction of travel of the trolleys. Each station includes an inductor for generating a variable magnetic induction field which is sensed by a detecting mechanism, such as an antenna, disposed on the trolley. In response to the magnetic induction field being detected, a loading/unloading device on the trolley (e.g., an endless belt) is actuated to load or unload items.

Abstract: From a scaled stream (2) which is conveyed along a first conveying path (F.1) through a removal region (A) in a held manner, the held conveyance is deactivated at the entrance of the removal region (A) for stream sections which are to be removed from the scaled stream or from which items are to be removed and the sections or items to be removed are conveyed by means of a second conveying means (5) being adjustable for a removal onto a second conveying path (P.2), while for the rest of the stream sections (2.1) the held conveyance is maintained during conveyance through the removal region (A). The first conveying means (1) e.g. comprises clamping elements for gripping e.g. the longitudinal edges of the scaled stream (2), the clamping elements being opened selectively at the entrance of removal region (A). The second conveying means (5) e.g. comprises a pivoting conveying belt (5.2) on which stream sections (2.2) to be removed are conveyed onto the second conveying path (F.2) in a loosely laying manner.

Abstract: A method for conveying and a conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor sections arranged in series transports articles. The articles can be accelerated on the conveyor system but adjacent conveyor sections have substantially the same speed when the articles are passed between them so as to reduce wear or damage to the articles.

Abstract: A discharge gate mechanism or structure for proportioning a volume of goods between two flow streams. The gate discharge structure includes a one-piece tube 22 having a gate discharge opening 92 therein. A feed trough 20 is connected to tube 22 for reciprocal simultaneous movement with tube 22 for moving the goods along trough 20 and tube 22. A motor 86 is effective to rotate tube 22 and opening 92 therein relative to feed trough 20 to position discharge opening 92 at a desired location for controlling the discharge of goods between two flow streams.

Abstract: Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts, the sorting/diverting apparatus including a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to a support frame and a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between two positions. The controller controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor so as to divert/sort the articles. Each controller includes bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs to control the apparatus.

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: A device for collecting and transporting groups of partly superimposed postal objects, aligned along a transport direction and having front edges spaced from each other. The device includes a plurality of first transport modules receiving as input groups of partly superimposed postal objects, and supplying these objects as output to a transport system, in particular, aloop transport system in communication with inlets of second transport modules. The transport system is coupled with a control unit to receive a group of partly superimposed postal objects output from any first source module, and supplying it to any second destination transport module.

Abstract: A device for tiltable ejectors of fruit in conveyor carts integrated into electronic classifiers has a lifting-ejector formed by a bent and supported vertical shaft which turns freely by its upper end section and is operationally connected to the tiltable ejector. Its lower end section is parallel to the supported upper part and serves to pass along an axis of advance, first in relation to a fixed rectilinear deflector, followed within an angularly displaceable deflector under electronic control and finally above an actuating ramp. The angularly displaceable deflector has a position of rest in which, together with the fixed deflector, it determines the trajectory of non-actuation of the lifting-ejector. Another position directs it toward a ramp and determines its trajectory of actuation to secure tilting of the ejector and the fruit carried thereby.

Abstract: A conveying device for a paper web roll in a web-fed printing press includes a conveyor car that rides on a support track recessed into the floor. A pair of alignment rails are situated adjacent to the support track. These alignment rails, or at least one of them is moveable between a rest position flush with the floor, and a roll alignment position in which it is inclined, at an acute angle with respect to the floor. In the roll alignment position, both of the alignment rails are inclined with respect to the floor.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for feeding product carriers through a system including a first rail along which the product carriers can move, branches associated with the first rail so that the product carriers can be supplied to and removed from the first rail along the branches, an endless belt for moving the product carriers along the first rail, and a second rail disposed above the first rail, the endless belt including downwardly extending sides and being suspended from the second rail whereby the downwardly extending sides of the endless belt are accessible for driving of the endless belt thereby.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a vibratory conveyor including a detector applicable to detect when the depth of product on the conveyor is at a determined minimum value. The product-conveying rate of the conveyor is adjusted so that the depth is maintained at or around the minimum value. This is done by logging the total time, during a given period, for which the depth of the product exceeds, or falls below, the determined minimum value, and varying the product-conveying rate depending upon whether the total time that product is detected is more or less than a given percentage of the period.

Abstract: A tubular slow speed drag or aero mechanical conveyor assembly (1) for transporting particulate material, includes a tubular valve (11) positioned in line with conveyor tubes (1) of the assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The valve (11) has at least one elongate aperture (21) through which particulate material can leave the assembly (1) and means (24,25) are provided for sequentially rotating the tubular valve (11) between positions in which the at least one aperture (21) is in the open or closed position of the valve (11). In one arrangement the rotation imparting means comprises an air cylinder (23) operable to impart linear movement to a gear rack (24) which meshes with and imparts rotational movement to an annular gear wheel (25) carried by the tubular valve (11).

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: A supply line for supplying parallelepiped products to a user machine, whereby the products are fed to the user machine by a conveyor which feeds the products along a horizontal path and through a transfer station where a transfer unit removes the products off the conveyor and feeds the products to an input-output of a vertical store in which the products are stored contacting one another; the transfer unit being reversible for also removing the products from the input-output of the store and feeding the products onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting IC-components into pre-definable classes of criteria simultaneously remove a plurality of the IC-components from receiving portions of a tray using a plurality of gripping devices. Each of the gripping devices having an access area that is separate from access areas associated with the other gripping devices. The tray is moved in steps past the gripping devices. Each of the gripping devices is controlled to remove from the receiving portions of the tray only the IC-components belonging to one class of criteria assigned to the access area of the respective gripping device.