Abstract: A machine for drying inks of the UV type, the machine including a supporting frame, which forms at least one exposure chamber, which can be accessed from the outside and accommodates at least one UV ray emission source. On the supporting frame, there is at least one carriage which supports rotatably at least one pan for supporting at least one object to be processed which is provided, on its surface, with at least one print provided by UV inks. Elements are furthermore provided for the rotational actuation of the pan; the carriage is movable in order to move the pan from an exposure position to at least one respective access position, in which the pan is arranged outside of the exposure chamber, in order to allow the loading or unloading of the object on or from the pan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for unblocking the movement of hollow bodies travelling in a line in a conveyor, including: a guiding chute in which each hollow body is intended to take up a freely suspended position; a component for continuously driving hollow bodies into the chute in a direction of movement; a hollow body being likely to take up a position in which it is stuck against a stationary surface of a member that complements the chute and thus to block the movement of the hollow bodies that build up behind same. The method includes an unblocking step which consists of applying an unblocking pulse to the hollow bodies of the blocked line against the direction of movement in order to move the blocking hollow body away from the stationary surface and to allow the blocking hollow body to swivel into the freely suspended position thereof in the chute.

Abstract: A hybrid counting device may include a number of tray channels, a number of detection channels in which each tray channel may be in communication with a detection channel, and a number of governors. Objects may be motivated from the tray channels and into a detection channel that each tray channel is in communication with. A detection unit may be in communication with each detection channel, and each detection channel may be in communication with one hybrid staging channel or with one supplement staging channel. A supplement staging channel may be in communication with at least one tray channel, and the exit of objects from each supplement staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor. A hybrid staging channel may be in communication with at least two tray channels, and the exit of objects from each hybrid staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A method for processing parcels includes receiving a stream of a plurality of parcels on a conveying system of a parcel processing system. The method includes receiving physical characteristics of a parcel of the plurality of parcels. The method includes selectively reorienting the parcel on the conveying system based on the physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present disclosure is provides a servo control method as well as an apparatus and a robot using the same. The method includes: obtaining a teeth force reduction multiple of a gear of a servo; creating a voltage queue based on the teeth force reduction multiple; calculating a target loading voltage corresponding to a current moment based on a voltage queue; and applying the target loading voltage on a motor of the servo, wherein the target loading voltage is for driving the motor of the servo to rotate. Through the above-mentioned method, the loading voltage can be effectively reduced when the servo is started, thereby protecting teeth of the gear of the servo and increasing the service life of the servo.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical order filling system uses a physical parameter that occurs during attaching cap to a pharmaceutical container to determine if the cap is properly engaged. The physical parameter may be torque on the cap when placed on the container. An order processing device receives a pharmaceutical order and sends the order to a dispensing device that fills the container with a pharmaceutical in the pharmaceutical order. A cap device is configured to apply the cap the container containing the pharmaceutical from the dispensing device, wherein the cap device is configured to sense the physical parameter, e.g., torque, to the cap when applying the cap to the container.

Abstract: An electronic component mounter including a suction nozzle to pick up an electronic component housed in a housing section; a switching device configured to switch air supplied to a nozzle hole of the suction nozzle to negative pressure air when picking up the electronic component, and to switch the air supplied to the nozzle hole of the suction nozzle to positive pressure air when mounting the electronic component that was picked up by the suction nozzle on the circuit board; and a blow supply device configured to supply a first blow to the suction nozzle for a specified time when the positive pressure air is being supplied to the nozzle hole by a switching device. After the specified time has elapsed, stop the first blow and supply a second blow with a lower pressure than the first blow to the suction nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and dispensing tablets includes a vibratory tablet feeder for feeding tablets to be counted to an output opening, at least one electrically-controlled vibrator coupled to the tablet feeder for vibrating the tablet feeder such that a singulated flow of tablets exits the output opening, and an optical system including at least one light source and at least one detector array located about a channel disposed downstream from the output opening of the tablet feeder. The optical system is configured to count tablets that pass through the channel as well as determine a tablet size class for the tablets that pass through the channel. Operation of the at least one electrically-controlled vibrator is controlled based on the tablet size class determined by the optical system.

Abstract: Described is unit for weighing containers (2) comprising a line (4) for transporting the containers (2) extending along a first path (P) which passes through a region (R1) for weighing and provided with a plurality of seats (5) for supporting the containers (2) arranged in succession along the first path (P); a plurality of elements (6) for vertical movement of the containers (2), each configured at the weighing region (R1) to make contact with and move vertically one of the containers (2) so as to place it in a raised position (PS1) disengaged from the corresponding supporting seat (5); a plurality of elements (7) for retaining the containers (2), each configured for retaining one of the containers (2) in the raised position (PS1); a plurality of weighing devices (8), each associated to, and carrying, a retaining element (7) for measuring the weight of a container (2) retained by the retaining element (7).

Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components to smoking article assembly apparatus. The feed unit has a rotary device having a supply region (4) and one or more channels (7) adapted to receive components from the supply region (4) such that the components are stacked one on top of another within each channel (7). Each channel (7) has an inlet (5) and an outlet through which components pass for output from the feed unit. One of the inlet (5) and the supply region (4) is configured to reciprocate relative to the other to agitate the components in the supply region (4) so that components pass into the channel (7).

Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components to smoking article assembly apparatus. The feed unit has a rotary device having a supply region (4) and one or more channels (7) adapted to receive components from the supply region (4) such that the components are stacked one on top of another within each channel (7). Each channel (7) has an inlet (5) and an outlet through which components pass for output from the feed unit. One of the inlet (5) and the supply region (4) is configured to reciprocate relative to the other to agitate the components in the supply region (4) so that components pass into the channel (7).

Abstract: An improved system and method of measuring the temperature of a workpiece being processed is disclosed. The temperature measurement system determines a temperature of a workpiece by measuring the amount of expansion in the workpiece due to thermal expansion. The amount of expansion may be measured using a number of different techniques. In certain embodiments, a light source and a light sensor are disposed on opposite sides of the workpiece. The total intensity of the signal received by the light sensor may be indicative of the dimension of the workpiece. In another embodiment, an optical micrometer may be used. In another embodiment, a light sensor may be used in conjunction with a separate device that measures the position of the workpiece.

Abstract: There is described a conveyor for an article handling unit, comprising an endless transport element fed with a plurality of articles at an input station and advancing the articles along a handling path to an output station; the transport element is formed by a plurality of modules, each comprising a supporting member adapted to receive in use a relative article to be handled; each module further comprises a rotating element mounted in a rotatable manner onto the supporting member to produce a change of orientation of the relative article before to release it at the output station.

Abstract: A rotating disk-type preform alignment apparatus 1 including a disk 10, which is rotationally driven about a rotation axis tilted from a vertical direction, and a partition wall 28 erected outwardly of the disk, the apparatus being adapted to align preforms 100, which have been supplied onto the disk, at the peripheral edge of the disk and discharge the aligned preforms from a discharge section, the apparatus comprising: pockets 30 arranged side by side in a circumferential direction at the peripheral edge of the disk, each pocket having an opening portion into which the preform is dropped, and each pocket having a holding portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion for holding the preform in an upright state; and a gas jetting unit 40, provided outwardly of the disk between a region where the preforms are supplied onto the disk and the discharge section, for jetting a gas from outside the pocket and from below the pocket, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling walking of a wearable robot, which provide walking assistive power as if something were pulling the wearer of the robot from the front or pushing the wearer from the back, by applying the force of a virtual spring, whereby the wearer may comfortably walk. The systems for controlling walking of the robot include: a walking mode determination unit configured to determine whether the robot is walking; a virtual spring force calculation unit configured to calculate the force of a virtual spring of which one end is connected to the robot and the other end is connected to a target point in front of the robot based on the walking direction; and a joint driving unit configured to drive each joint of the robot using torque calculated based on the force of the virtual spring, which is calculated by the virtual spring force calculation unit.

Abstract: An attitude changing apparatus which can change an attitude of a component with certainty without damaging the component. The component has a rectangular parallelepiped shape where a pair of rectangular end surfaces opposite to each other are connected to each other by four side surfaces. The component is stored in a cavity which penetrates between main surfaces of a conveyance member, the conveyance member is moved relative to a base, and the component is made to pass through an engaging groove formed on a reference surface of the base.

Abstract: There is provided an analyzer capable of stably supplying the cuvettes even if a great number of cuvettes is input to the storage section without thinking. The analyzer includes a storage section configured to store the plurality of input cuvettes, a take-out section configured to take out the cuvettes in the storage section from the storage section, and a vibration unit configured to vibrate the storage section to stimulate movement of the cuvettes in the storage section.

Abstract: Bottle caps are properly oriented and deposited into a bottle capping machine by an apparatus having a rotating disk which carries caps from a cap receptacle through a sorting zone to a discharge zone. In the sorting zone, improperly oriented caps fall from the disk back into the cap receptacle. Only properly oriented caps are moved by the rotating disk to the discharge zone where such caps are discharged by a discharge plate into the bottle capping machine.

Abstract: A sifting device for workpieces includes a box, an electric cabinet, a sifting assembly, an air blower, and an collector. The box receives the workpieces. The sifting assembly is received in the box, and includes a baffle and a guiding board, the guiding board defines a plurality of gaps, and a slit is formed between the baffle and the guiding board, and communicates with the plurality of gaps. The air blower is directed by the electric cabinet and communicates with the gap to adjust a direction of the workpieces to allow the workpieces to pass through the gap and the slit. The collector communicates with the slit to output the workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying test tubes including a recruiting device and a positioning device having first and second lanes including two spaced, parallel walls forming an opening between the walls, and motorized belts located above a top edge of the walls, the first lane being narrower than the second lane. Further, test tubes having a diameter smaller than a width of the first lane extend between the walls of the first lane so that the test tube has a vertical orientation and is supported by a cap engaging a top edge of the walls of the first lane, and test tubes having a diameter larger than a width of the first lane rest on the top edge of the walls of the first lane in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for returning empty packaging, particularly bottles and cans, having a bulk import, in which the empty packaging is routed out of an input chamber through a transport device, rotating the empty packaging along its longitudinal axis past a recognition unit. The transport device for carrying out the method has a plurality of rollers which are arranged transversely with respect to the direction of transport and act as carriers for the empty packaging. The empty packaging is supplied to the detection array of the recognition unit in a field array. To avoid empty packaging being conveyed on top of other empty packaging, thereby blocking the detection of the bottom empty packaging by the recognition unit, the empty packaging undergoes a brief reversal of direction of rotation before its presentation to the detection array.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a conveying track for electronic devices in a row, two vacuum passages to create vacuum forces to hold electronic devices against the conveying track at first and second positions respectively preventing overlapping of electronic devices; and sensors arranged with respect to the conveying track, the first sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at the first position for removal of the leading electronic device from the conveying track, and the second sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at a sensor position between the first and second positions as the leading electronic device is conveyed along the conveying track from the second to the first vacuum passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing packages of eggs on a conveyor is disclosed which comprises an egg orienter configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor so as to adjust a position of one or more of the eggs in each of the packages so that each of the eggs in a given package assumes a particular orientation within that package. In some embodiments, the egg orienter may be located between an egg loading section and a package closing section of an egg packer. In addition, in some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a laser source and one or more optical steering elements configured and arranged to direct laser energy from the laser source so as to laser mark information on a surface of one or more of the eggs while the eggs are in a package disposed on the conveyor and in said particular orientation.

Abstract: A spring feeder including a conveying path and a conveying portion including a conveying groove, the conveying groove having a width approximately equal to a width of the springs. The conveying path for feeding includes a first sorting and conveying portion and a second sorting and conveying portion, the first sorting and conveying portion, the second sorting and conveying portion, and the conveying portion for connection are linked consecutively from the container side. A width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrower than a width of the conveying groove of the first sorting and conveying portion and the width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrow enough to allow only one spring to be loaded in the conveying direction in the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion.

Abstract: A turning mechanism includes a disc-shaped rotatable carriage comprising receptacles spaced around an edge, each receptacle being adapted to receive one of polarized electronic component and including an air channel; a turn channel projecting out of the edge of the carriage, the turn channel being arc and comprising an inlet communicating with one receptacle and including a first sensor, and an outlet communicating with another receptacle and including a second sensor; an auxiliary air passageway proximate to the first sensor and projecting inward out of the turn channel, the auxiliary air passageway communicating with the turn channel and comprising an air outlet; and a polarity detector disposed externally of the carriage and being proximate to the inlet, the polarity detector being adapted to detect polarity of the polarized electronic component proximate thereto.

Abstract: A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container.

Abstract: A bottle cap orienting apparatus including a cap transfer assembly having a pair of opposing transfer belts each having curved first and second ends and upright facing straight sides opposingly spaced apart to define a gap sized to be equal to or greater than a height of the caps being transferred and reoriented for subsequent feeding into a bottle capping apparatus. A cap feed chute is positioned centrally between the first ends for conveying unoriented bottle caps in edge upright orientation into the gap. Each of the transfer belts have suction holes positioned along each of the transfer belts. A vacuum source within each belt draws air inwardly into the suction holes which holds caps against the belt. The belts move in unison to carry the bottle caps to the second ends where a cap stripper detaches each cap from the transfer belts.

Abstract: A turning mechanism includes a disc-shaped rotatable carriage comprising receptacles spaced around an edge, each receptacle being adapted to receive one of polarized electronic component and including an air channel; a turn channel projecting out of the edge of the carriage, the turn channel being arc and comprising an inlet communicating with one receptacle and including a first sensor, and an outlet communicating with another receptacle and including a second sensor; an auxiliary air passageway proximate to the first sensor and projecting inward out of the turn channel, the auxiliary air passageway communicating with the turn channel and comprising an air outlet; and a polarity detector disposed externally of the carriage and being proximate to the inlet, the polarity detector being adapted to detect polarity of the polarized electronic component proximate thereto.

Abstract: The present improvement is useful for orienting and feeding blow molded preforms. Cylindrical preforms have larger threaded necks with larger encircling discs below the necks. A pair of belts is provided for conveying objects downstream. The gap between these belts is less than the disc diameter of the preforms. An output means is provided for receiving the oriented objects and directing them downstream. A means is provided at the output of the belts for deflecting any improperly oriented preforms back for recirculation. An increase in the feed rate of the preforms is achieved by an agitation means such as a blower positioned to disperse the interlocked assemblages and help move the preforms down into the belts.

Abstract: A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a booklet page turning apparatus includes a control device that performs control, such that the contact roller unit moves to the position below the page, thereafter the lower vacuum pad cancels sucking and holding the page and the booklet is conveyed for a predetermined distance, and thereafter the upper vacuum pad cancels sucking and holding the page, so that the page is turned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for sorting vials and small containers. The apparatus comprises at least one auger with a plurality of top recesses and a plurality of side recesses. Vials are placed into the apparatus and fall into the top recesses. As vials fall into the top recesses, the vials are transported through the apparatus by the rotation of the auger. If a vial does not fall into a top recess, it is diverted to a top recess, or to an agitation conveyor that transports the vial to a diverter to be diverted back to an auger. Vials within the top recesses are ejected into vertical alignment so that the vials are sorted and oriented properly for packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing packages of eggs on a conveyor is disclosed which comprises an egg orienter configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor so as to adjust a position of one or more of the eggs in each of the packages so that each of the eggs in a given package assumes a particular orientation within that package. In some embodiments, the egg orienter may be located between an egg loading section and a package closing section of an egg packer. In addition, in some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a laser source and one or more optical steering elements configured and arranged to direct laser energy from the laser source so as to laser mark information on a surface of one or more of the eggs while the eggs are in a package disposed on the conveyor and in said particular orientation.

Abstract: A method for providing a flexible molding, in particular an ophthalmic lens such as a contact lens, in a predetermined orientation, comprises the steps of determining the actual orientation of the molding, and in case the molding has been determined as not having the predetermined orientation, inverting the flexible molding to the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: When the operation of an electronic component conveying apparatus is to be stopped, application of a negative pressure to through holes is stopped, and a compressed air blowing mechanism blows compressed air from an exhaust nozzle with a pressure greater than a pressure applied during the operation of the electronic component conveying apparatus. Accordingly, an air curtain is generated at opening portions of the through holes on the guide member side, and the air curtain prevents electronic components from entering the through holes. The electronic components remaining in the through holes located downstream of the position of the exhaust nozzle in a conveying direction are conveyed to a measurement section so as to enable measurement of the characteristics thereof, and then discharged by a discharging mechanism in a discharge section. Thereafter, rotation of a conveying member is stopped.

Abstract: The present improvement is useful for orienting and feeding blow molded preforms. Cylindrical preforms have larger threaded necks with larger encircling discs below the necks. A pair of belts is provided for conveying objects downstream. The gap between these belts is less than the disc diameter of the preforms. An output means is provided for receiving the oriented objects and directing them downstream. A means is provided at the output of the belts for deflecting any improperly oriented preforms back for recirculation. An increase in the feed rate of the preforms is achieved by an agitation means such as a blower positioned to disperse the interlocked assemblages and help move the preforms down into the belts.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine, in which a horizontal bag-making machine and a packaging machine are provided, including a positioning conveyor for positioning bags fed out from the horizontal bag-making machine, a feed conveyor for feeding the bags to the packaging machine, and first, second, and third transport mechanisms provided between the positioning conveyor and the feed conveyor. The first transport mechanism lifts up the bags up and change their attitude to a vertical attitude with the bag mouths oriented upward. The second transport mechanism receives the bags from the first transport mechanisms, transports them, and rotates the bags to orient bag surfaces in the feed direction of the feed conveyor. The third transport mechanisms receives the bags from the second transport mechanisms, changes their attitude to a horizontal attitude, and places them on the feed conveyor with the bag mouths oriented in the feed direction.

Abstract: When the operation of an electronic component conveying apparatus is to be stopped, application of a negative pressure to through holes is stopped, and a compressed air blowing mechanism blows compressed air from an exhaust nozzle with a pressure greater than a pressure applied during the operation of the electronic component conveying apparatus. Accordingly, an air curtain is generated at opening portions of the through holes on the guide member side, and the air curtain prevents electronic components from entering the through holes. The electronic components remaining in the through holes located Downstream of the position of the exhaust nozzle in a conveying direction are conveyed to a measurement section so as to enable measurement of the characteristics thereof, and then discharged by a discharging mechanism in a discharge section. Thereafter, rotation of a conveying member is stopped.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use in packaging. The device generally uses a guide plate, dome shaped member through which a stream of air flows, and guide bar to reject improperly packaging elements. This apparatus provides an easy way to ensure properly oriented and aligned packaging elements during the automated packaging processes, thereby reducing wasteful and costly errors due to incorrectly aligned packaging elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement in a package turning device. The package turning device is of the type which turns selected packages which are conveyed on a conveyor path through the package turning device. The package turning device essentially comprises a piston and cylinder assembly whose piston rod is disposed to move parallel with the conveyor path, a turning member and a gripping member. The safety arrangement includes an anchorage disposed on the piston rod of the piston and cylinder assembly, and a bracket. The bracket is disposed to support the turning member and the gripping member. The anchorage and the bracket are united in spring-biased fashion and enclose between them a cavity. An incoming air conduit and an outgoing air conduit are connected to the cavity. A pressure guard is disposed on the outgoing air conduit. The cavity is closed in the normal operation of the package turning device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning randomly oriented, asymmetrically-shaped articles in the same orientation, the apparatus comprising at least first and second oppositely arranged conduits dimensioned to receive the articles therein. Each conduit has an inlet end, and the inlet ends of the at least first and second conduits are spaced-apart to define an opening therebetween for receiving therein, one at a time, a plurality of asymmetrically-shaped articles that are randomly oriented in at least first and second orientations. Suction is created in both of the conduits, the suction being sufficient to selectively draw articles oriented in the first orientation from the opening into the inlet end of the at least first conduit, and sufficient to draw articles oriented in the second orientation from the opening into the inlet end of the at least second conduit, such that articles in the at least first and second conduits are all identically oriented relative to a path of travel through the conduits.

Abstract: In the case of a plant for transporting textile fabrics (1), with at least one permeable and suctioned conveyor belt (4) for the transport of a textile fabric (1) delivered by a textile machine onto the conveyor belt (4) at a delivery point (5), it is provided that on the side of the conveyor belt (4) facing away from the textile fabric (1), several air guiding means (6) extending transversely to the conveyor belt (4) are arranged, said air guiding means deflecting the air entrained by the conveyor belt (4) on the side facing away from the textile fabric (1).

Abstract: A robot apparatus that is able to perform jumping. In a leg structure 110 of the robot apparatus, connecting bars 113, 114 and pivots 112a to 112d constitute a four-point link mechanism. A rod 117 is inserted into an opening formed in the distal end of a leg part 116. A coil spring 118 as an elastic member is provided between one end of the rod 117 and the distal end of the leg part 116. A bar member 120 is connected and secured to a preset point of a connecting member 115 as a knee joint. The coil spring 118 is extended/contracted by the stretching/contraction of the connecting member 115. By the operation of the four-point link mechanism, the trajectory of the distal end of the leg part is linear. The coil spring 118 is mounted at a position such that the distance between a driving shaft 101 and the distal end of the bar member 120 has a substantially linear relationship with respect to the force virtually operating between a driving shaft 101 and the distal end of the bar member 120.

Abstract: Supply system 10 for delivery of elements 130, 150 to one or more users 12 comprising a forwarding device 76, 76′, 76″ which supplies the elements from a stored quantity 78 to a sorting device 70, 70′, which only permits elements having a predetermined position to pass and with a transport device 72, 72′, which transports the positionally correctly sorted elements 130, 150 to the user 12, characterized in that the forwarding device 76, 76′, 76′ forms part of a basic module while the sorting device 70, 70′ and the transport device 72, 72′ belong to an interchangeable module. In this way the components of the supply system 10 can be manufactured and used more rationally, whereby the investment costs sink and can be more quickly amortized.

Abstract: A seal grommet feeding device having a feeding track that advances seal grommets along a groove in the feed track by vibration of the feed track. Grommets are randomly dropped on an end portion of the feed track, some of the grommets orienting correctly in the feed track groove whereas certain grommets may be incorrectly oriented. Incorrectly oriented seal grommets are blown off the feed track by compressed air through a nozzle alongside the feed track. Substantially opposite the nozzle, an upper retention shoulder is provided for abutting an upper end of a correctly oriented seal grommet such that correctly oriented seal grommets are blown off the feed track. This is particularly advantageous when higher feeding speeds are required or where seal grommets are particularly top heavy.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder for transporting and orienting electrodes for a lamp. The vibratory feeder includes a vibratory bowl and a vibratory track. The vibratory track has a first end in communication with an outlet of the vibratory bowl. The vibratory track includes one or more gradually inclining wall portions for engaging shank portions of mis-oriented electrodes for re-orienting the electrodes. A supply of electrodes are supplied to the vibratory track. A leading electrode is separated from the supply of electrodes. The leading electrode is moved along the vibratory track. The shank portion of a mis-oriented leading electrode is engaged with an inclined wall portion of the vibratory track to re-orient the electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for separating objects. The apparatus typically includes a separation conveyor that forms a shallow peak within a pitched region upon which an object can be temporarily balanced, and at least two guide rails extending along the separation conveyor in a laterally spaced relationship. Upstream from the pitched region, the guide rails laterally support objects travelling along the separation conveyor. Within the pitched region, the guide rails are laterally spaced so as to permit lateral tipping of the objects when within the pitched region. At least one nozzle is positioned at a lateral position within the pitched region of the separation conveyor and is oriented so as to be capable of selectively ejecting a gentle burst of gas transversely across the separation conveyor to laterally tip an object balanced on the shallow peak to cause the object to slide under its own weight in a desired direction.

Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. Chutes may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.