Abstract: A method for transferring articles from a first to a second machine, which packs the articles in containers, using a transport line, interposed between the machines, which removably receives and moves the trays, each tray affording at least a seating complementarily shaped to an article, as well as at least two stores, for receiving the trays, respectively associated to a first station located at a start of the line and a second station located downstream of the first station with a first store containing a predetermined number of empty trays, the method comprising a partial filling of the second store with trays containing articles, and is such that a temporary malfunctioning of the first machine maintains the second machine in service up to emptying of the second store, and a temporary malfunctioning of the second machine maintains the first machine in service up to complete filling of the second store.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving objects along a path is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart rollers that define the path of the conveyor. The upper edges of the rollers are aligned to define the surface of the path. Two spaced-apart side rails having inward-facing surfaces define two side boundaries of the path. A barrier assembly is disposed within a gap in one of the side rails for facilitating loading and unloading of objects onto the conveyor from one side of the conveyor. The barrier assembly is comprised of a mounting plate mounted to the conveyor and a barrier pivotally mounted to the mounting plate. The barrier has a wall section generally aligned with the inward-facing surface on one of the side rails. The barrier is movable between a first position wherein the wall section is elevated relative to the upper edges of the roller and a second position wherein the wall section is disposed below the upper edge of the rollers.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a plurality of pairs of slats which are generally aligned with each other and which define a portion of an upper conveying surface. A gap is defined between the slats of the pair which extends laterally. The gap may have an offset portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for pushing metallic goods (2) off and onto a conveyor (3) in a direction (S) transverse to a conveying direction (F), wherein the device (1) has a displacement arm (5) displaceable relative to a stationary stand (4) and in an end region (6) of which, at least one gripping element (7, 8) is arranged for gripping the metallic goods (2). In order to be able to effect pushing of goods off of a conveyor and thereon in a simple and space-saving manner, the invention is characterized in that the displacement arm has at least two arm sections displaceable within each other in a telescopic manner.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading the chamber comprises a bar extending across the slot to engage vials to be inserted into the chamber. The bar is attached to a mechanism for moving the bar laterally into and out from the chamber. In a retracted position of the bar, at least part of the mechanism is wound around a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket unwinds the mechanism to move the bar into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing objects (1) which are advanced on a conveyor (2). The apparatus comprises a part of the conveyor (2) on which the objects (1) are advanced and supports (12) for the objects (1) removed from the conveyor (2). The apparatus also includes a pivotal cradle (13) which is placed over the conveyor (2). The pivotal cradle (13) has two through flow channels (8) each with an inlet (5) and an outlet (6). The pivotal cradle (13) is also provided with a stop (9) pivotal between the outlets (6) of the two through flow channels (8).

Abstract: An article sorter is made up of a web defined by a plurality of interconnected, laterally elongated, slats. An upper portion of the web defines a longitudinally extending conveying surface. Each of the slats has a generally planar upper surface forming a portion of the conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travel laterally of the conveying surface to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A drive assembly is provided. The drive includes at least one sprocket and a motor. The motor is adapted to rotate the sprocket(s). The sprocket(s) engage the slats to propel the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing items relative to a conveyor includes a pushing member for abutting against the items so as to push the items in a direction generally transverse to the conveyor, drive means for driving movement of the pushing member, and a linkage coupling the drive means to the pushing member. The linkage is arranged such that in response to operation of the drive means the pushing member moves from a rest position to an extended position in a first stroke substantially horizontally in the direction transverse to the conveyor so as to push the items relative to the conveyor, and with further operation of the drive means the pushing member returns to the rest position in a second stroke with an arcuate motion for passing over the top of items on the conveyor.

Abstract: Sortation conveyor apparatus and methods for selectively diverting articles from a primary conveying surface onto branch lines are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a control system for selectively operating activating elements. The control system is configured to assign two or more pusher elements to each article to be diverted, and to ensure proper diversion of articles when adjacent articles are spaced apart on the primary conveying surface by a distance which is less than the width of an individual pusher element. In one embodiment, diversion is provided by a single activating mechanism for a plurality of pusher elements per branch destination, and by rotating the article during the initial diverting movement and contact with the pusher elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for a sorting system comprising an activating member (2), a fastening bracket (3), and a discharge arm (4) which at an end part (5) is pivotally connected with the fastening bracket (3) at a side (6) of a conveyor (7), where the discharge arm (4) by means of the activating member (2) is adapted for being swung between a passive position (9) approximately parallel to the side (6) of the conveyor (7) and a number of active angular positions (8) in relation to the conveying direction (A) of the conveyor (7), where the activating member (2) comprises an electrically driven stepping motor or servomotor having a control unit being adapted for determining a pattern of motion and/or speed profile of the discharge arm (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer mechanism (12) for separating conveyed objects (4) out to the side from a first conveyor system (1) onto another conveyor system (14), with a pushing unit and two parallel flexible drives (15a, b) at a distance apart extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor system (1), each of which has an endless traction means (23) which can be driven, and the pushing unit has oppositely lying drivers secured to the traction means (23) and a profiled pushing element (29) which is able to slide out of an initial position at the side, adjacent to a conveyor path (6), into an operating position in the conveyor path (6).

Abstract: A conveyor sorter includes a conveying surface movable in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of pusher shoes capable of traveling laterally of the conveying surface. At least one diverting rail is configured to selectively guide at least one of the pusher shoes laterally of the conveying surface. At least one diverter associated with the diverting rail is adapted to selectively transfer one or more pusher shoes to the diverting rail. The diverting rail has at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and the second portion is at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal direction that is different from the first angle. A pusher shoe guided by the diverting rail travels at a first lateral rate along the first portion and at a second, different lateral rate along the second portion.

Abstract: A plunger assembly (30) is disposed on the access side of a conveyor (20). The conveyor (20) has a conveying surface upon which it transports articles by moving the conveying surface in a direction of flow (F). The plunger assembly (30) is mounted overhead vertically with respect to the conveying surface of the conveyor (20) such that sufficient clearance below the plunger assembly (30) is maintained to provide an access space through which the conveyor (20) and mechanisms and elements thereof can be accessed. Further, the plunger assembly (30) may be mounted both above and at least partially offset horizontally from the conveyor surface of the conveyor (20), such that no operative portion of the plunger assembly (30) breaks the plane (C) of the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A bi-directional package divert mechanism used for sorting mail and other packages and items into appropriate bins for future delivery. The mechanism includes a downward extending moving mechanism which is capable of moving items into one of two directions, both perpendicular to an original direction of travel. Sensors are provided which detect a position of the moving mechanism, items for moving and monitoring of other systems.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving objects along a path is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart rollers that define the path of the conveyor. The upper edges of the rollers are aligned to define the surface of the path. Two spaced-apart side rails having inward-facing surfaces define two side boundaries of the path. A barrier assembly is disposed within a gap in one of the side rails for facilitating loading and unloading of objects onto the conveyor from one side of the conveyor. The barrier assembly is comprised of a mounting plate mounted to the conveyor and a barrier pivotally mounted to the mounting plate. The barrier has a wall section generally aligned with the inward-facing surface on one of the side rails. The barrier is movable between a first position wherein the wall section is elevated relative to the upper edges of the roller and a second position wherein the wall section is disposed below the upper edge of the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective diversion of objects such as containers, packing and packing units of different mass. The apparatus has a first transport device for the objects and a diversion device for diverting predetermined objects from the first transport device onto a second transport device. The intensity with which the objects are diverted from the first transport device onto the second transport device is controlled by means of a controlled device.

Abstract: A pusher has a retaining member disposed within an opening in the pusher cap, a fastening member secured to the pusher base and a fuse element interposes between the retaining member and the fastening member, the fuse element failing upon the application of an undesirable level of force to said pusher cap.

Abstract: A conveyor sorter and method of laterally displacing articles for diverting articles from a conveying surface includes providing a plurality of movable pushers that are associated with the conveying surface and adapted to move transversely across the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails are configured to guide selected ones of the movable pushers across the conveying surface. A plurality of diverters are adapted to selectively divert at least one movable pusher to the diverting tracks when activated into a diverting state. The diverting tracks may include segments that are oriented at different angles with respect to the direction of movement of the conveying surface. This causes selected pusher shoes to be laterally displaced at a first rate during an initial portion of the travel and at a second rate during a subsequent portion of the travel.

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: The present invention relates to a machine for dividing one incoming lane of containers into a first and a second lane of containers.

Abstract: The invention provides a diverter assembly for transferring moving articles from one conveying surface to another conveying surface, comprising: a) a frame; b) at least one endless belt suspended between spaced apart pulleys supported on the frame, wherein the endless belt defines an unsupported belt span for contacting articles on the one conveying surface and transferring the contacted article to the another conveying surface; and c) an actuator operably connected to the frame to move the unsupported belt span in a position to contact the article moving on the one conveying surface to transfer the article to the another conveying surface.

Abstract: A diverting system for displacing articles from a conveying surface including a diverter blade adapted to be rotated about a rotary axis from a retracted position along the edge of the conveying surface to an extended position to displace the articles, the diverter blade having a pusher surface spaced apart from the rotary axis by a connecting portion of the blade. A section of the connecting portion located immediately downstream of the rotary axis extends away from the edge in the blade's retracted position to form a void, so that when the blade is in an extended position for diverting a leading (downstream) article, the presence of the void prevents contact between the diverter blade and a trailing (upstream) article. The trailing article can travel downstream past the axis even while the blade is in the extended position. Thus, the trailing article can be positioned closer to the leading article without risk of contacting the blade, thereby increasing the throughput of the system.

Abstract: The invention described herein is transfer assembly for transferring articles from an input conveyor to an output position. The transfer assembly includes a support structure and a conveyor assembly mounted to the support structure. The conveyor assembly has a working conveyor surface with an input end and an output end. The output end is moveable in a substantially lateral direction between a first position and a second position. The first position is such that the working conveyor surface is substantially laterally positioned away from the output position while the second position is such that a portion of the working conveyor surface is positioned above the output position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blowing or pushing products from a conveying member, to which end a number of spaced-apart members are employed, each being provided with a controllable air valve, or with sliding parts with a controllable driving mechanism which are mounted on an endless conveyor, belt or chain. Further, a control system has been provided in which detection members determine whether a product meets set quality requirements and when and by which member the approved products should be blown or pushed from the conveying member in such a way that the products are successively brought in predetermined arrangements or patterns.

Abstract: The push off diverter may be used to push objects off of a conveyor. The push off diverter may have a frame having a slide support element with a push bar attached. An electric gearmotor may be attached to the diverter frame and the output motor shaft may have a lever arm attached. A push rod may have a ball end element at each end. A first end of the push rod may be attached at the approximate outer end of the lever arm and a second end may be attached to a bracket that may be attached to the push bar. There may be a control unit that may apply electric power to rotate the electric gearmotor, to activate a brake for the electric gearmotor, and to terminate power for rotation of the electric gearmotor.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving items may move synchronously with a number of diversion segments for a section and the diversion segments can be individually extended and retracted across the direction of transport, in order to push an item (10) off the conveyor (12). The diversion segments (22) are guided individually in extendable and retractable manner side by side in a carriage (18) in the direction of transport and the carriage (18) can be moved to and fro in the direction of transport. The carriage (18) is generally controlled such that it runs for a section roughly synchronously with the conveyor (12), the length of the section along which the carriage (18) plus the minimum interval between the items. A rail (26) that can be moved across the direction of transport can be provided, with which the diversion segments (22) can optionally be individually coupled.

Abstract: The thrust bars (11), which are placed behind the product in the transfer phase from one transport line (L1) to one downstream (L2), have an adjustable stop (12) resting against the right side of the direction of travel of this product. By means of ball joints or articulated joints (10, 10′), the ends of the aforesaid bars are connected to the same points of the upper branch or the lower one of a parallel pair of toothed belt conveyors (T, T′) fed on pulleys with horizontal axles, placed inclined at the right angle and bridging the area following the two transport lines and which with their own branch, e.g. with a lower branch, work in the direction running from the upstream line to the downstream line at an identical speed such as to be able to effect, with the above-mentioned bars, the conveyance transfer of products from one to the other conveyor belt by rear and side thrust.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: A bi-directional package divert mechanism used for sorting mail and other packages and items into appropriate bins for future delivery. The mechanism includes a downward extending moving mechanism which is capable of moving items into one of two directions, both perpendicular to an original direction of travel. Sensors are provided which detect a position of the moving mechanism, items for moving and monitoring of other systems.

Abstract: The device (20) for diverting individual items from a stream of items which are conveyed on a transport apparatus has an extendable and retractable diversion element (22), which is operated via a gear unit (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) by a drive apparatus moving or swinging to and fro and is precisely time-controllable, in order to impart a cross impulse to items to be diverted so that they slide from the transport apparatus (11) across the direction of transport. The diversion element (22) carries out a complete extension and retraction movement during a single to-or-fro movement or swing of the drive apparatus. The drive apparatus moving to and fro can be a pneumatic cylinder (42), and the gear unit which transmits the piston movement to the diversion element (22) can be a coulisse link mechanism (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) or a toggle lever.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a distribution device for parcels with a deflection element for distributing the parcels that arrive on a conveyor pathway in approximately the horizontal direction to branched-off conveyor pathways with approximately the same transport plane. According to the invention, three conveyor pathways (T1, T2, T3) branch off from a distribution point. The ends of the deflection element (A) are connected to horizontally displaceable plungers of stationary stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) by means of pivot points (D1, D2) in order to displace the ends from one lateral limit of the central conveyor pathway (T3) to the other lateral limit. One of the two stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) is fixed perpendicularly to the transport direction of the central conveyor pathway (T3), with the other stroking mechanism (H1, H2) being mounted in a pivoted fashion.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: An article pusher assembly for use with a roller conveyor having a plurality of parallel rollers that define a conveying surface having opposed sides at a given distance. The pusher assembly comprises a carriage assembly mounted under the conveying surface. The carriage assembly includes first and second carriages. A pusher blade is positioned with a contact portion above the conveying surface and at least one post extending between a pair of adjacent rollers and connected to the one of the carriages. A drive unit is mounted under the conveying surface selectively drives the carriage assembly. A multiplier unit interconnects the first and second carriages and is configured to move the first carriage relative to the second carriage in direct relation to movement of the second carriage.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for pushing at least one of two hollow glass articles from a dead plate of a glass forming machine onto a conveyor belt. A pusher serves for this purpose, and includes a base portion and, for each glass article which is to be pushed, at least one thrust finger extending transversely to the base portion. Each thrust finger defines with the base portion a pocket for receiving the glass article. A nozzle is arranged in the region of a corner of the associated pocket. From each nozzle compressed air can be blown such that a pressure below atmospheric pressure which draws the glass article into the pocket is created between the pusher and the glass article. The compressed air is blown from the corner out between the base portion and the glass article.

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: The conveyor comprises a fruit loading station, a weighing station, an unloading station and a center conveyor chain that includes, on each side, an alignment of tiltable supports for receiving fruit pieces one by one, to then deposit the fruit pieces on a plurality of output conveyor belts; under the tiltable supports, there is a plurality of side conveyor chains supporting a plurality of rotating cylindrical elements selected from rollers and discs that are combined alternatively with the tiltable supports; these rotating cylindrical elements make the pieces of fruit rotate to control them.

Abstract: An automated conveyor sortation and item discharge system for sorting items of varying sizes and weights to designated output destinations along a conveyor. Dual-bellows configurations are provided to provide predetermine package discharge characteristics, including a “self-correcting” feature. A programmable controller may be provided to control the conveyor and the discharge of items from the conveyor by the ejection mechanisms. The system is easy to repair and operates at high speeds at reduced noise levels.

Abstract: A chain conveyor (2), for example a carousel forming an internal revolving stock for a machine (1) for a logistic installation such as for sorting flat objects or a baggage conveyor for an airport environment or similar, the chain of the conveyor (2) being composed of stretches of chain implemented from at least one fixed-length link, distinctly self-conveyed and guided in a guide rail (3), two adjacent stretches being connected notably by a link with variable and/or adjustable pitch, this conveyor having adjustment means (10) and detection means.

Abstract: A container rejecting apparatus is used for rejecting a container filled with a liquid such as beverage from a feed conveyor to a discharge conveyor adjacent thereto. The container rejecting apparatus has a pusher for pushing the container from the feed conveyor onto the discharge conveyor. The pusher has a front face comprising a plurality of tubes of synthetic resin.

Abstract: A transfer device for a linear conveyor (1) comprising means for displacing objects (2) along a direction different of the conveying direction (XX′) of the conveyor, whereby a pendulum lever (5) is capable of exerting selectively onto the objects a thrust load (E), whereas the pendulum lever is controlled by a rod (11) brought into rotation by a driving assembly (8), whereby the cinematic link between the rod and the lever is a sliding link, in order to enable pivotless evacuation of the objects (2) outside the conveyor.

Abstract: For use with an elongate conveyor belt designed to transport articles from one location to another, a novel pusher device mounted adjacent one long side of the belt. The pusher device utilizes an elongate, rotatably mounted arm having first and second ends, with the first end being pivotally affixed at a location relatively close to the belt, and arranged to rotate about the fixed pivot for less than 90°. The arm normally resides in an inactive position extending along the long side of the belt, with the second end of the arm being arranged to move outwardly, on occasion, from the inactive position and across at least a portion of the belt when an article is to be deflected off of the belt.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a sorting device, positioned above and orientated across a plurality of conveyors, capable of diverting objects between the conveyors or removing objects entirely from the conveyors, based on the object's destination location or some other characteristic. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: a primary conveyor; a secondary conveyor; a monorail positioned above and orientated across the conveyors; a carriage that mounts the monorail; a linear actuator that drives the carriage side to side the length of the monorail; a paddle attached to the carriage that extends downward to contact the objects; a wiper located along the bottom edge of the paddle that is biased in contact with the conveyors; and a controller capable of positioning the carriage so the paddle contacts the object to be diverted and pushes it between conveyors or from conveyors to adjacent destination locations.