Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for discharging and transferring load carriers to connection conveyors (2), running transversely to a conveying path (1), by means of transporting belts (2a, b and c) which circulate parallel to one another, and transversely to the conveying path, and form a horizontal rest for the load carriers (3).

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting, altering or maintaining the orientation items of differing sizes moved by a sorter. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Routers can be incorporated into the sorter for enhancing the control of the orientation and sortation of items advanced by the endless loop's carriers.

Abstract: A transport system for containers includes an infeed conveyor and an ouffeed conveyor at an angle to one another. A corner transfer unit is placed between the infeed and ouffeed conveyors and has a transfer conveyor extending in transport direction of the ouffeed conveyor and defining a transport plane which is lower than the transport plane of the infeed conveyor. An endless conveyor belt is disposed in an area of the transfer conveyor and is provided with a thickened area for compensating a distance between the transport planes of the infeed conveyor and the transfer conveyor to enable a movement of the container from the infeed conveyor onto the transfer conveyor as the container rests on the thickened area.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is composed of a motor-installed roller (2), cams (3), a rotation axis deflector (4), a drive pulley (5), a driven pulley (6), an endless belt (7), a flat support (8) and a spring (9). The roller (2) and the deflector (4) take their position enclosed with the belt (7), and the shaft (15) of the roller (2) is operatively connected by the deflector (4) to the drive pulley (5). A sleigh-shaped top plate (25) of the support (8) intervenes between the roller (2) and the back surface of belt (7), and when the cylindrical casing (12) of this roller rotates, the cams (3) will also rotate to raise the support (8) and lift the upper transporting path of the belt (7), so that the apparatus is rendered so smaller in size that it can be used as a cross transporter adapted for installation in any desired space.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting, altering or maintaining the orientation items of differing sizes moved by a sorter. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Routers can be incorporated into the sorter for enhancing the control of the orientation and sortation of items advanced by the endless loop's carriers.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting items of differing sizes. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse sorting motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Followers can also include delays for prolonging the longevity of the diverters. And when the size of the item being sorted mandates, a diverter can divert sequential followers, in series.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring articles laterally off of a conveyor. One embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use with a belt driven live roller conveyor, and has a serpentine transfer belt arrangement having first and second uppermost portions which when in the raised position will be located on either side of the drive belt of the main conveyor. Other features include the use of a toothed drive belt driven by a motor that may have a motor brake. The apparatus may also include a stop abutment to prevent interference by an upstream article with an article which has been selected for lateral transfer. A lifting mechanism for the transfer apparatus preferably includes an actuating ram having a ram axis oriented parallel to the width of the main conveyor.

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 transfer assembly for positioning between conveyor sections and for transferring at least one article laterally with respect to the conveying surface defined by the conveyor sections in a direction angled to the conveying direction of the conveying surface includes at least two conveying devices, which define a conveying surface for at least generally aligning with the conveying surface of the conveyor sections, and a sheave assembly. The sheave assembly includes a support member and a reinforced transfer belt having a belt length and defining a transfer surface. At least two transfer sheaves are mounted to the support member with the transfer sheaves supporting the transfer belt. The support member is adapted to move the transfer belt between a non-transferring position wherein the transfer surface is below the conveying surface of the conveying devices and a transferring position wherein the transfer surface is raised above the conveying surface of the conveying devices.

Abstract: In a method for inserting piece goods (S) into containers (B) by means of a picking line, the relative speed between the feed of the containers (B) and the feed of the piece goods (S) is controlled in the area of the picking line. In this case, the relative speed is controlled as a function of a filling level of at least one storage element (3, 3′, 3″, 4). This method permits efficient transfer of piece goods into containers with the most complete filling possible of the containers, irrespective of the manner of the relative transport direction of the piece goods and containers. It is suitable both for cocurrent and for countercurrent systems.

Abstract: A compact article singulation and accumulation conveyor includes a receiving portion which receives articles in random order including clusters of side-by-side articles and a discharge portion from which articles are discharged in a single file singulated stream. A first conveying surface transports articles longitudinally from the receiving portion to the discharge portion. A recirculating bed removes side-by-side articles from a downstream portion of the first conveying surface to an upstream portion of the first conveying surface. The recirculating bed is made up of at least one peel-away conveyor having a second conveying surface adapted to move side-by-side articles laterally off the first conveying surface, at least one coupling conveyor having a third conveying surface adapted to move articles from the second conveying surface upstream and at least one return conveyor having a fourth conveying surface adapted to move articles from the third conveying surface to the first conveying surface.

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 product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator for applying a force, including a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor disposed above a transporter for suppressing an upward shift of the products which occurs when the force applicator applies the force to the products, and an elevator for moving the suppressor up and down. The suppressor is lowered during an operation to divert the products so as to contact an upper surface of the products.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring articles laterally off of a conveyor. One embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use with a belt driven live roller conveyor, and has a serpentine transfer belt arrangement having first and second uppermost portions which when in the raised position will be located on either side of the drive belt of the main conveyor. Other features include the use of a toothed drive belt driven by a motor that may have a motor brake. The apparatus may also include a stop abutment to prevent interference by an upstream article with an article which has been selected for lateral transfer. A lifting mechanism for the transfer apparatus preferably includes an actuating ram having a ram axis oriented parallel to the width of the main conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting parcels, including the concept of determining at least one component of the gravity center of said parcels. Determination of the gravity center component includes the use of a tilting action in combination with the use of sensors to sense the movement of the parcels as they tilt. Another concept includes the use of sensors to determine whether a parcel is sufficiently rigid to provide a tilting action, or whether the parcel is flexible and thus does not provide a tilting action so much as it provides a flexing action over the pivot point.

Abstract: A diverter for a conveying system which includes a belt conveyor moving along a longitudinal conveying path for transporting flat articles, including a longitudinal conveying path which includes a series of moving belts for moving flat articles therealong. There is a bin for collecting diverted flat articles. A hinged diverter gate is provided above or just forward of the bin for providing a diverting surface of moving belts which, in a first position, allows flat articles to move therealong, and, in a second position, allows the flat articles to move into the bin into which the flat articles are diverted. The bin is located beneath the conveying path and the articles are moved into the bin by the moving belts when the diverter is in its second position. The gate is hinged at a point which is different than the axis of the drive rollers so that the movement of the belts assists the upward movement of the gate when a flat article is to be diverted into the bin below.

Abstract: A multidirectional conveyor section for moving an article in two different directions. The conveyor section has a first roller conveyor mounted on a frame with at least two rollers adapted to move the article in a first direction. A first belt conveyor is mounted between the two rollers of the first roller conveyor and is capable of moving the article in a second direction different from the first direction. A first cylinder is connected to the frame and has a first cylinder rod connected to the first belt conveyor. The first cylinder moves the first belt conveyor vertically between a first position above the first roller conveyor and a second position below the first roller conveyor to facilitate an exchange of the article between the first roller conveyor and the first belt conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for transporting test tubes (1) automatically between different processing stages and equipment in laboratories. In the method, the test tubes (1) are placed on transport bases (3) for transportation within the system and the identification data of the test tube (1) is read to identify the sample, after which the transport bases (3) can be moved within the transportation system with the aid of conveyors (15-18)to operation stations, for operations to be carried out on the test tube (1) or sample. The data.

Abstract: A rotary diverter can be operated at high speed to divert selected products from one conveyor to a vertically displaced second conveyor. The rotary diverter can have at least one rotary member with a plurality of radial arms. Each radial arm can have an end effector with a lifting platform. A timing belt may be coupled to each end effector to the rotary member in order to keep the lifting platform substantially horizontal. A control system is provided to control a drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member. As the rotary member rotates, the lifting platform of the end effector rises through the first conveyor to lift a selected product over the second conveyor. As the rotary member continues to rotate the lifting platform can then descend through the second conveyor to deliver the selected product upon the second conveyor.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is composed of a motorized roller (2), cams (3), a rotation axis deflector (4), a drive pulley (5), a driven pulley (6), an endless belt (7), a flat support (8) and a spring (9). The roller (2) and the deflector (4) take their position enclosed with the belt (7), and the shaft (15) of the roller (2) is operatively connected by the deflector (4) to the drive pulley (5). A sleigh-shaped top plate (25) of the support (8) intervenes between the roller (2) and the back surface of the belt (7), and when the cylindrical casing (12) of this roller rotates, the cams (3) will also rotate to raise the support (8) and lift the upper transporting path of the belt (7), so that the apparatus is rendered so smaller in size that it can be used as a cross transporter adapted for installation in any desired space.

Abstract: A device for inward and outward transfer of material to be conveyed at an angle into a conveyor section. The device comprises an airlock section over which the material is conveyed, having a rectangular end area and an acute-angle end area; and a guide section disposed proximate to the acute-angle end area of the airlock section. A continuous belt is guided around the airlock and the guide section and a drive moves the continuous belt. At least one guide element is disposed at the acute-angle end area of said airlock section, wherein said at least one guide element is detachable on at least one end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sorting any desired pieces of products in dependence on criteria, and a method for operating the same. It is the object of the invention to provide a solution which permits a very fast at least three-channel fractionating of a product flow with a simultaneous mild treatment of products, at low expenditures for energy, and at a high wear resistance. The object is realized in that the products pass a first approaching zone, arrive in a second zone in which a separating element set into rotations by operation of a stepper-motor, including on its circumference with equidistantly spaced fingers, and which, in dependence on a respective control, transfers the products to be sorted into at least three further zones. A real-time image tracking system is provided which is adapted to capture the entire path of the products through the zones.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for a conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of rollers mounted to the frame, a plurality of grooved transfer sheaves supported by the frame, and an actuator which selectively moves a group of the transfer conveyors between a retracted position and an extended position such that the transfer belt which is carried by the transfer sheaves is moved between a position below the conveying surface to a position above the conveying surface for lifting an article being conveyed on the rollers and transferring the article in a transfer direction. At least one of the transfer belt and the transfer sheaves are adapted to resist rolling of the transfer belt in the transfer sheaves when the transfer belt is subject to a lateral force from the article being transferred.

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 mechanism for diverting articles from a first conveying path to a second conveying path comprises a drive chain arrangement comprising chain loops having projecting members over part of their periphery, so that as loops rotate an article is raised by the projecting members and conveyed in the direction of the second path. The projecting members comprise rollers arranged between two chains. The rollers may be arranged to roll on respective guide rails so that an article is conveyed into the second conveying path in an accelerated manner.

Abstract: A transverse conveyance apparatus for roller conveyors comprises a frame, a crosswise feeding mechanism mounted to the frame and a lift device for raising and lowering the frame. Each of rotating portions of the crosswise feeding mechanism is of a width freely movable through between two adjacent rollers of the conveyor. The lift device comprises a cylinder, lids closing opposite ends thereof, fixed shafts protruding outwards and longitudinally of the cylinder that is coaxial with said shafts capable of rotating relative to the lids, a motor built in and driving the cylinder to rotate around and relative to the shafts, a reducer built therein, and a resistance unit also built therein and increasing resistance against rotation thereof. Attachment-engaging portions are formed on the respective lids and disposed longitudinally of the cylinder to face outwards so that the portions and the cylinder rotate together. The portions have axes arranged offset with respect to axes of the shafts.

Abstract: A method of transferring packing units from a receiving station to a stack building station includes the steps of delivering the packing units to the receiving station in a plurality of rows and in a plurality of tracks in a conveying direction, accepting the packing units in a plurality of rows and in a plurality of tracks at a transfer apparatus, removing all packing units of desired properties from a first row not only including packing units of desired properties, storing the at least one packing unit of desired properties, and positioning the at least one stored packing unit of desired properties in a row following the first row, so that only rows of packing units of desired properties are collected at the stack building station.

Abstract: A compact article singulation and accumulation conveyor includes a receiving portion which receives articles in random order including clusters of side-by-side articles and a discharge portion from which articles are discharged in a single file singulated stream. A first conveying surface transports articles longitudinally from the receiving portion to the discharge portion. A recirculating bed removes side-by-side articles from a downstream portion of the first conveying surface to an upstream portion of the first conveying surface. The recirculating bed is made up of at least one peel-away conveyor having a second conveying surface adapted to move side-by-side articles laterally off the first conveying surface, at least one coupling conveyor having a third conveying surface adapted to move articles from the second conveying surface upstream and at least one return conveyor having a fourth conveying surface adapted to move articles from the third conveying surface to the first conveying 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.