Abstract: A directional input device includes a transfer belt having a conveying surface. A first plow assembly is positioned with respect to the transfer belt, and includes a first plow belt positioned generally perpendicular to the transfer belt. A drive unit is operatively connected to the first plow assembly. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a directional input device system includes a queuing belt; a directional input device positioned downstream from the queuing belt, and including a transfer belt having an entrance end portion operatively connected to a discharge end portion of the queuing belt and a plow-centering unit; and a machine positioned downstream from the directional input device having a machine belt operatively connected to a discharge end portion of the transfer belt.

Abstract: In a method of filling containers with piece goods, the piece goods are fed on a feed conveyer to at least two robots arranged in the conveying direction, in order by means of these robots to be put into empty spaces in the containers conveyed on a container conveyer. In the process, the robots are controlled in accordance with the arrangement of the piece goods on the feed conveyer, in such a way that they are utilized at least approximately uniformly. As a result, the lifetime of the robots may be increased.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus that may easily conform to increase in production volume and change in specifications of parts, and exhibits high production efficiency is provided. The assembly apparatus 1 includes a part-supplying station 2 in which an operator 8 supplies parts to a conveyor pallet 5, a part-assembling station 3 in which assembly robots R1, R2 assemble the parts in the conveyor pallet 5, and a conveyor means 4 that conveys the conveyor pallet 5 from the part-supplying station 2 to the part-assembling station 3. After the assembly robots R1 have finished assembling the parts on one conveyor pallet 5 in a work area A1, the conveyor means 4 conveys the one conveyor pallet 5 from the work area A1, and concurrently conveys the next conveyor pallet 5 following the one conveyor pallet 5 in the work area A1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for aligning rolls (22) in a feed system (10). The rolls (22) are spaced at regular intervals so as to enable incorrectly positioned rolls (22) to be turned to the correct feed position, when necessary, while they are moving forward. The correct position of each roll (22) is identified by detecting (S1, S2) the longitudinal hole (17) through the center of the roll (22).

Abstract: In a method for automatically grouping articles, the articles are moved on a belt to a manipulation device for grouping the articles in a predetermined order to form an assortment. Orientation and position of the articles on the belt are detected by a recognition device. A manipulation position based on the orientation and position detected by the recognition device, the belt speed, and the number of articles on the belt leading and/or trailing each article is determined for each article. The manipulation position is an assigned position in the assortment or an advanced or pushed-back position in the feeding direction. The advanced position or the pushed-back position is assigned when the number of articles leading and/or trailing each article is smaller than the predetermined number of the assortment. The manipulation device moves the articles into the manipulation position as soon as the articles reach its gripping range.

Abstract: A turning device comprises turning members moveable between an idle position and an operational position, a sensor located upstream of the turning member, for scanning the wood pieces on a conveyor, and an deflector controlled by the sensor and adapted, when actuated, to selectively cause the turning member to be displaced to the operational position for turning a given elongated wood piece on the conveyor to a desired position. The turning member is pivotally mounted to a motorised chain for continuously displacing the turning member adjacent the conveyor. The turning member also includes a guide pin, and the chain drives the turning member along a closed-loop guide track, the turning member having its guide pin engaged in the track.

Abstract: A tray turner for a conveying system which includes a conveyor for moving trays having hand openings on two opposite sides. A tray sensor detects whether the trays are properly oriented, and a turning station is located downstream from the tray sensor for turning those trays which are not properly oriented. The tray sensor detects the proper orientation by moving an arm along the adjacent side of the tray as it moves past the sensor to detect the hand opening and identify the half tray in an incorrect position. The turning section receives signals from the sensor and moves a tray rotator pin into the path of the nearest corner of a mis-aligned tray for momentarily intercepting such tray and moving it angularly 90 degrees into a position in which such tray is facing in the correct direction. The mis-aligned half trays abut against the rotator pin. There is a longitudinal guide immediately upstream from the tray rotator pin.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating articles includes providing a bed having at least one conveying surface. The conveying surface is adapted to move articles in a direction of conveyance from an upstream end to a downstream end of the bed. At least one sensor is provided to determine the position of any articles on the bed. Selected articles are moved in the direction of conveyance at a speed that is generally higher than articles traveling on the bed that have yet to be manipulated and the articles are selectively rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively orienting an article (28) can include a selective indexing of a movable carriage (94) between a first carriage position and at least a second carriage position, thereby providing a selected face-alignment of a datum surface (74) of the article. In particular aspects, the first carriage position can be configured to provide for a first, twist displacement of the article, and the second carriage position can be configured to provide for a second, twist displacement of the article with the second twist displacement directionally opposite to the first twist displacement. In another aspect, the movable carriage can include an indexing wheel (120). In a further aspect, at least one set of twist-belts (66) can be connected to the carriage (94).

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles (28) from an article supply source (26). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (30), a first article dimension (32) extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension (34) extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (36). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (50), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (22). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set (70) which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating articles (28) include conveying a plurality of individual articles with a stacking conveyor (96) In particular aspects, the vacuum conveyor (96) can be arranged with an elbow configuration to substantially avoid an undesired encircling or surrounding of a substantially fixed portion of cooperating downstream equipment, and the stacking conveyor (96) can have a plurality of holding members (112) that project away from an article-side surface of the stacking conveyor. In another aspect, the method and apparatus can include a turning mechanism which forms the desired elbow configuration. A further aspect can include a transfer system (98) which can cooperate with a vacuum system (100) to load the articles (28) into downstream packaging equipment. Still another aspect can include a storage buffer mechanism (104) which provides an area upon which to stage at least one article-set (70).

Abstract: A method ad an apparatus is disclosed for providing a correct orientation of articles prior to introduction on a main conveyor in order to provide articles from tipping over or even fall off the conveyor during conveyance. The dimensions of the articles in the cross-section perpendicular to the transport direction are measured and it is determined whether to tilt the article by means of a tilt device comprising two belt conveyors arranged perpendicularly and being tiltable about an axis parallel to the transport direction. Furthermore, a conveyor is disclosed, comprising a device, for discharging articles from trays conveyed on the conveyor in which a discharge conveyor unit holding the tray is shifted to the side and tilted while the trays is kept in place so as to discharge the article thereon, when simultaneously a second conveyor unit is shifted into the conveying path so that the path is unbroken and allows for passage of trays during the discharge operation.

Abstract: A controlled material transport system (MTS) for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid robot vehicle mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: A device for orienting a number of objects. The device has a holder conveyor with holders for the objects, lifts synchronously co-displaceable with the holders and rotatable relative thereto for lifting the objects out of the holders and rotating the objects into and oriented standing rotational position relative to a standing rotation axis on the holders, a detector for detecting the standing rotational position of each object and a control device for the lifts which is connected to the detector and which activates the lifts for a relevant object as long as is required to rotate the oriented standing rotational position.

Abstract: Handling of liquid containers in horizontal position in the form of beverage packaging, for example, cans or or bottles of any cross-section, comprising a first and a second conveyor with respective belt, especially in connection with detection of features of the container. The belts are movable in a mutually parallel direction, and in a first, container-supporting position form an angle relative to each other, thereby forming an approximately V-shaped conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying parts for use with parts with projections the protruding part of which is formed on either the upper side or the lower side as seen in the direction of height, has a regulating member (17) comprising a regulating portion of a width for preventing passage of the protruding part (11) of the part (10) and a non regulating portion (19) of a width allowing passage of the protruding part (11), to prevent passage of a part placed upside down in the case where such part is transferred.

Abstract: A system can re-orient a series of objects, such as containers, including pouches, from a first orientation that is one of several possible orientations, to a pre-selected second orientation. The system includes an orientation apparatus that can move a series of objects from their first orientation to the pre-selected second orientation by a movement sequence. The system includes a sensor system, such as a vision system, for detecting which of said several orientations is the first orientation. The orientation apparatus responds to a signal from said sensor, and performs a pre-determined movement sequence based on the detected first orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge grip aligner with buffering capabilities and a method for increasing the throughput of wafers through the device. According to one embodiment, the present invention has first and second buffer arms, and a chuck arm. A workpiece can be aligned while supported on the chuck arm. Once the workpiece is aligned, the chuck arm transfers the workpiece to the buffer arms so that a second workpiece can be aligned on the chuck arm. While the second workpiece is being aligned, an end effector can transfer the first workpiece away from the buffer arms and retrieve another workpiece to place upon the chuck arm.

Abstract: An item handling system that sorts and packs items in a storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically designed to handle items such as sub-primal cuts of beef or pork or items of like size and weight. The system is adapted to sort items based on product type or based on system capacity. The packing mechanism is adapted to properly orient the item prior to placing the item in the storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying parts for use with parts with projections the protruding part of which is formed on either the upper side or the lower side as seen in the direction of height, has a regulating member (17) comprising a regulating portion of a width for preventing passage of the protruding part (11) of the part (10) and a non regulating portion (19) of a width allowing passage of the protruding part (11), to prevent passage of a part placed upside down in the case where such part is transferred.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge grip aligner with buffering capabilities and a method for increasing the throughput of wafers through the device. According to one embodiment, the present invention has first and second buffer arms, and a chuck arm. A workpiece can be aligned while supported on the chuck arm. Once the workpiece is aligned, the chuck arm transfers the workpiece to the buffer arms so that a second workpiece can be aligned on the chuck arm. While the second workpiece is being aligned, an end effector can transfer the first workpiece away from the buffer arms and retrieve another workpiece to place upon the chuck arm.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an arrangement for checking items (3) belonging to a commissioning order and transported on a conveyor path (1) with respect to product type and number of items (3) by aid of sensing devices (10) connected with a computer (4′). Here, each one of the items (3) is optically or opto-electronically, respectively, checked, optionally after having been individualized and aligned, while being transported.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high-speed container unscrambler. The invention comprises of an apparatus for alignment, orientation of containers and sets of conveyor belts between which the containers are placed. The alignment mechanism has a photo eye that detects a presence of a container and a servomotor that is activated by the photo eye. The servomotor has a three hook arm mounted to it, which serves to lift the containers by their leading end when they are coming with a neck leading position. When containers are coming in with a base leading position, the hook does not engage the containers and the containers are passing by without engagement. The containers are released between the conveyor belts aligned in the same position and move towards an orientation mechanism, which places the containers in an all-standing position. The orientation mechanism comprises of a photo eye, which detects a presence of a container, and a servomotor, that is activated by the photo eye.

Abstract: A component feeder including a rotary mechanism 31 which is mounted on a turning mechanism 17 for turning the suction nozzle 3 and causes the suction nozzle 3 to rotate around its axis line A, a detector 7 for detecting an amount of displacement the component 2 in rotating direction around the axis line A of the suction nozzle 3, and a controller 32 which controls the suction nozzle 3 such as to rotate at a necessary angle around its axis line A before picking up the component 2 in accordance with displacement of the component 2 in rotating direction around the axis line A.

Abstract: In a sorting apparatus for, for instance, eggs, an apparatus for turning eggs is arranged. The eggs are located on rollers which are mounted on axes of a roller conveyor. Further provided is a detection device for scanning the direction of orientation of each egg during transport on the roller conveyor, while turning elements are mounted on an endless chain, which turning elements during transport on the roller conveyor pick up the eggs from the roller conveyor, if necessary turn the eggs with the point in a pre-set direction, and subsequently deposit the eggs on a next transporting apparatus. The detection device consists of a device for effecting images of the eggs passing and for electronically processing the images, whereby an orientation signal is formed and a turning signal is delivered to the turning apparatus for turning the eggs in the desired direction.

Abstract: A component mounting method for picking up components with a mounting head having multiple suction nozzles, and mounting these components on a mounting target after recognition. Components picked up integrally move against a component recognizer disposed on a movement route of the head for scanning and recognizing each component. During scanning, the slowest speed in scanning speeds required for recognizing each component is used. This eliminates a approaching time needed for switching speed during scanning of each component, thus reducing the total recognition time to improve mounting efficiency.

Abstract: An intake device of an automated redemption machine is disclosed for returnable containers, the intake device comprising half-conveyors for transporting the container in an essentially horizontal position and rotator assemblies for rotating the container for the purpose of scanning, a bar code. The invention is implemented so that the half-conveyors have slots adapted thereto transverse to the conveyor travel direction, the slots permitting at least partially elevating and lowering the rotator discs via the slots for rotating the returned containers.

Abstract: A parts aligning apparatus that has a plurality of parts carried on a track located upstream of the apparatus. A first track of the apparatus carries the parts thereon. When a sensing device senses a particular face of each part is contacting the first track, an air jet device emits a burst of compressed air, causing the part on the first track to turn over onto a second track so that the particular face faces upward, or away from the track surface. During this process, the part turns around a common apex between the first and second tracks, which serves as a support point.

Abstract: In a method for automated grouping of objects, the objects are randomly placed onto a conveyor belt and transported in a steady conveying flow to a grouping device. A recognition device determines a location and a position of the objects transported on the conveyor belt before reaching the grouping device and communicates the location and the position of the objects to a control unit. The control unit evaluates the random ordered state of the objects on the conveyor belt based on the location and the position of the objects. The control unit determines, based on the evaluation result of the evaluating step, sorting positions on the conveyor belt. The handling device groups, taking into account the belt speed, the objects in a group on each one of the determined sorting positions on the conveyor belt. The groups of objects are then further transported on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A random work arranging device that arranges randomly conveyed works by using a robot and carries out the arranged works, wherein the robot comprises a plurality of arms and a single robot controller for controlling respective arms independently one another to arrange and transfer the works from a conveying position to a carry-out position.

Abstract: A selecting device (1) having a conveyor (5) for receiving a succession of caps (2)—for sealed pourable food product packages—arranged randomly in two opposite input positions, and for transferring the caps (2) along a path (P) to an output station (7); a sensor assembly (8) for determining the position of each cap (2); and an expulsion assembly (9) located at the output station (7) and activated selectively by the sensor assembly (8) to expel from the conveyor (5) relative caps (2) in a first of the input positions; the path (P) having a U-shaped orienting portion (P2) along which the caps (2) fed to the conveyor (5) in a second of the input positions are turned over through 180° into the first input position; and a first and a second air nozzle (33, 34) of the expulsion assembly (9) being located respectively upstream and downstream from the orienting portion, and being activated independently by the sensor assembly (8) to act on relative caps (2) facing the first and second air nozzle.

Abstract: Method for arranging toothbrush bodies, which toothbrush bodies (3) either or not are already provided with brush hair, characterized in that this method consists in supplying the toothbrush bodies (3) to be arranged; detecting the position of the supplied toothbrush bodies (3) by a visual recognition system (4); controlling a sorting element in function of the detections performed by the recognition system (4); and separating, by this sorting element, at least a number of the toothbrush bodies (3), as well as arranging them at least partially ordered in discharge means (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for handling sheet metal items comprises a declustering station for such items arriving in a stack followed by at least one conveying station and/or processing station and/or working station, which convey away, process and work the sheet metal items. At one station at least there are individual members to be adapted to the outline of the items, as for instance positioning abutments. There is an outline detecting means with an associated data processing computer for finding the outline of the sheet metal items. Power-operated setting means are associated with the individual members, said power-operated setting means being connected with a setting computer. This data processing computer processes the outline data to produce setting values and the setting computer converts the setting values into control signals for the setting means so that the individual members are adapted to the respective sheet metal item outline.

Abstract: An indexing system for rotary orienters for positioning articles so that a feature of each article is facing in the same predetermined direction so that further operations may be accurately performed on the articles. The rotary orienter may be used in conjunction with filling, capping, labeling and inspection of containers, or other similar operations. The apparatus comprises a support frame to which is mounted a central column that is rotatable about its axis by a rotating means. The rotary orienter has at least one station that comprises a rotatable spindle to which a turntable is attached to one end and an indexing assembly is attached proximal the other end. The indexing assembly comprises a slip clutch and a means for rotating the spindle that is mounted proximal the second of the spindle. An indexing wheel, that has at least two detents formed therein, is mounted on the spindle intermediate the turntable and the slip clutch.

Abstract: A plurality of bag making machines 2a and 2b for continuously producing irregular-formed vessels 1 having a flanged mouth plug, a plurality of transportation troughs 11a and 11b connected to the respective plurality of bag making machines 2a and 2b, a single-row transportation trough 4 for combining into a single row and transporting the irregular-formed vessels 1 fed from the respective transportation troughs 11a and 11b, and a plurality of relay movable troughs 15a and 15b capable of containing a predetermined amount of irregular-formed vessel from the corresponding transportation trough, and discharging the contained irregular-formed vessels to the single-row transportation trough are provided, a transportation disk 8 continuously rotating in a horizontal direction for taking up the mouth plug flange part from the tip of the transportation trough 4 and feeding the mouth-plugged irregular-formed vessel 1 to a continuously rotating rotary filling apparatus C is provided, the transportation disk 8 having an

Abstract: A dual indexing system for rotary orienters for positioning articles so that a feature of each article is facing in the same predetermined direction. The invention comprises a turret having at least one station that is connected to the turret column and rotates therewith as the column rotates about its axis. The station comprises a spindle with a driven turntable attached to support the bottom of an article and a shaft with a driven platen attached to hold the top of the article, the spindle and the shaft being rotatable about their longitudinal axes, which are coincident. A lower indexing assembly and an upper indexing assembly initiate simultaneous rotation of their respective turntable and platen. Each indexing assembly comprises a slip clutch, an indexing wheel that has at least two detents formed therein, an arm that is engageable with the detents and an actuator that is engageable with the arm. When the arms engage their respective indexing wheel, the spindle and the shaft are prevented from rotating.

Abstract: An inverter for reversing the orientation of a pharmaceutical dosage form at a discontinuity in a path of travel is described. The inverter receives dosage forms from an input path and delivers rectified dosage forms to an output path. In addition, a dosage form rectifier comprising an inverter is described. The dosage form rectifier receives randomly oriented dosage forms and delivers uniformly oriented dosage forms without recycling any of the dosage forms. In a repeating cycle for each dosage form supplied to the rectifier, the orientation of the dosage form is determined and dosage forms having a desired orientation are maintained in the desired orientation and delivered from the dosage form rectifier while dosage forms having an inverted orientation have their orientation rectified at the inverter before being delivered from the dosage form rectifier.

Abstract: A guard fence is mounted on a transfer arm used to transport a boat carrying semiconductor wafers. The fence limits tipping movement of the boat and includes a plurality of sensors to sense tipping movement of both the top and bottom of the boat, in opposite tipping directions. A guard cover includes sensors that sense when the boat is tipped off-axis before the boat is moved into a process chamber by a boat elevator. Each of the sensors delivers signals to a controller which controls the operation of the transfer and elevator and interrupts operation thereof when the boat has tipped off-axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing objects to be longitudinally oriented one particular way round includes a selective turning device upstream of a take-off conveyor. A retractable selection conveyor is placed between the selective turning device and the take-off conveyor. Applications include oriented distribution of containers which have a neck.

Abstract: An apparatus and method feeding, destacking and orienting books for subsequent operation such as a jacket wrapping operation. This is achieved by feeding stacks of books forwardly on a conveyor into a destacking station. The books are stripped one at a time from a stack at a stacking station and fed forwardly. A sensor senses the orientation of the book and controls a selectively turning, usually of alternating books, to have all the book backbones facing in the same direction while they are traveling forwardly.

Abstract: An automatic corrector for electronic parts queuing machines includes an automatic correction apparatus disposed below conveyance rails, and an electronic eye device disposed in front of the automatic correction apparatus. The automatic correction apparatus includes an elevating device, a linkage device, a drive device, and a correction device. The drive device is used to drive the linkage device, which in turn brings the elevating device to perform elevating and lowering motions. The correction device includes at least one to three correction grooves that are provided on the elevating device. The correction grooves can be oblong V-shaped, oblong M-shaped, or triangular V-shaped. When any of the electronic parts on the conveyance rails tilts forwardly or rearwardly, it can be detected by the electronic eye device.

Abstract: An automated unit for the unscrambling and lined up delivery of articles including a plurality of adjacent compartments attached to the periphery of a rotary disk in motion below a gap provided in the peripheral edge of a bottom of a hopper. Each compartment is provided to receive a single article in a lying position. Below each compartment a discharge chute is provided traveling together therewith so as to receive the articles as they fall to subsequent transfer the articles in a lined up arrangement onto an out feed conveyor. A member is incorporated in each compartment for temporarily holding articles therein. The member is selectively tilted upon a signal being received from a sensor to thus drop articles in a conveniently oriented position into the discharge chutes.

Abstract: A plate alignment station (24) for advancing a series of plates and for adjusting the orientation or alignment of the plates as they are advanced. The alignment station includes a conveyor (140) having a pair of side-by-side conveyor chains or belts (142, 144) and a pair of servo assemblies (146, 148) each coupled with one of the chains or belts. The servo assemblies can be operated to advance or retard one of the conveyor chains or belts relative to the other to adjust the orientation of plates supported on the conveyors.

Abstract: A system (20) is provided for detecting and ejecting container ends having a reversed orientation from an axially aligned group of otherwise similar nested container ends having a non-reversed orientation. The system includes a support member (36) interposed along the path of movement of the container ends and having a bore (52) and an ejection slot (54). A counting sensor (62) for counting the number of passing container ends and a gap sensor (72) for detecting a gap in the periphery of the axially aligned group caused by a reversed container end are positioned upstream of the ejection slot and connected to a control unit (70). An air nozzle (82) is positioned next to the axially aligned group of container ends in axial alignment with, but laterally opposite to, the ejection slot and connected to a source of pressurized air controlled by the control unit (70).

Abstract: A flexible parts feeder includes a flexible membrane for supporting parts and defining a selection zone where the positional state of parts is analyzed by a machine vision system. The output of the sensor is used to control a transformer that selectively applies impulse energy to the flexible membrane so as to change the positional states of at least some parts in the selection zone to a desired positional state. Those parts having the desired positional state are selected and removed from the membrane by a robot.

Abstract: A positioning conveyor is incorporated in a conveyor system for adjusting the position of a sheet on the conveyor system. The positioning conveyor has two belt type conveyor sections that are independently movable transverse to the feed path and are utilized to adjust the position of the sheet. The sheet is scanned by a scanner and the data is input to a computer. A vacuum zone on each section provides spaced apart gripping points to establish a pivot axis to correct for skew. The computer controls the coordinated movement of the sections to pivot and side shift the sheet to a desired position.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively rotating pocket assemblies between first and second limit positions. The mechanism comprises a cam follower block mounted on the shaft of the pocket assembly for limited movement relative to the shaft in a predetermined plane and direction. Biasing means normally urges said cam block toward the first limit position. Upper and lower cam followers have centers of rotation to one side of and parallel to said predetermined plane. A profile cam is mounted on the shaft and rotatable relative to the cam block having two diametrically opposed shoulders and arcuate profile surfaces connecting the shoulders. The spring biasing means normally biases the cam block and the profile cam to a position where one of the cam followers engages a shoulder to prevent rotation of the cam block and therefore the pocket assembly and wherein the other cam follower is spaced from the profile cam.

Abstract: A centrifugal feeder for rectangular items with one of its upper or lower surfaces having luminescent characteristics which are greater than the other surface. It is desired to orient the items with its elongated axis in the direction of the output and its luminescent surface downward. The feeder has a rotating bowl surrounded by a rotating rim. Items are placed on the rotating bowl by any suitable device. A sweep pushes the items randomly onto the rim and a pair of sweeps then insure that the items are flat and only one layer high. The rim then narrows so that items not disposed with their elongated axis tangentially will over balance and fall off the rim. A sensor then determines the space between items, and if the space exceeds a preselected interval, signals for more items to be placed onto the bowl. A luminescence sensor then determines if the item thereunder is disposed with its greater luminescent surface up and a kick off device kicks off items with the greater luminescent side up.

Abstract: A device for conveying, lifting and rotating containers (521; 522; 523), (510) are conveyed in lying position past a detector (515) in order to inspect characteristic data regarding the containers, and means (124; 538) which, on the basis of such data, determines how the containers are to be handled. Along a first and a second longitudinal side (510'; 510") of the conveyor (510) there are provided respectively a first and a second rotatable roll (511, 512), wherein the rolls can be made to rotate with the aid of respective first and second roll driving motors (513, 514) about their longitudinal axis in the same direction of rotation.

Abstract: A parts orientation feeding apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor disposed in alignment on a parts feed path. A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring the parts from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A parts orientation detector detects the orientation of each of the parts on the second conveyor. A control unit receives parts on the second conveyor. A control unit receives a parts orientation signal from the orientation detector and determines whether any of the parts are of an undesirable orientation. A parts remover responds to a command from the control unit and removes the parts having the undesired orientation. The plurality of parts detectors are disposed along the parts feed path downstream of the parts remover for detecting the parts and sending a detection signal to the control unit. A plurality of opening and shutting mechanisms are disposed successively one each at a downstream side of a corresponding one of the parts detectors.