Abstract: The present invention relates to a board inverter and a boarding inverting system. The board inverter includes a support, a first board picking device, an second board picking device and a controller. Each of the first board picking device and the second board picking device includes a driving mechanism and a first board picking device. The driving mechanism comprises a first linear driving means mounted on the support, a second linear driving means mechanically coupled to the first linear driving means, and a rotary driving means attached to the second linear driving means. The controller is connected to all the power supply members. The controller controls the motion of the first board picking device and the second board picking device such that the first board picking device and the second board picking device cooperatively inverting workpieces transmitted on a production line. The board inverter can be installed on a production line without altering the arrangement of existing production line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for flipping electronic components in the sense of changing their orientation, such as for changing the orientation of electronic components between ‘live bug’ and ‘dead bug’ orientations. The apparatus comprises a rotary device that is configured to receive the electronic component and a force actuator operative to bias the electronic component into engagement with the rotary device. A driving mechanism coupled to the rotary device is operative to rotate said rotary device for changing the orientation of the electronic component, after which an ejector is used to eject the electronic component from the rotary device after changing the orientation of the electronic component.

Abstract: A turnover device for turning over a substrate comprises a motor and a tumbler driven by the motor to rotate. The tumbler is provided with a transmission mechanism thereon and connected to an upper turntable and a lower turntable with the transmission mechanism, the tumbler can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to rotate, the transmission mechanism can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to move toward each other, and the substrate to be turned over is disposed between the upper turntable and the lower turntable.

Abstract: A device for overturning mattresses in a hemming machine, comprising a worktable which has an inner side and an outer side, a sewing machine to perform the perimetric hemming of the mattress and an assembly for orienting the mattress on the worktable being arranged on the inner side, and further comprising an articulated arm, which is arranged on the outer side of the worktable and is provided with grippers for gripping a mattress, the arm being able to oscillate between a position for gripping the mattress and a position for releasing the mattress after a rotation sufficient to overturn the mattress.

Abstract: An alternate package flip-over device includes an intermittently operable primary conveyor feeding batches of packages to a continuously operating secondary conveyor, and a flap for routing the batches to either a flip-over mechanism or to an intermediate transfer conveyor, the successive batches from the transfer conveyor and the mechanism rejoining on a merging conveyor, alternate batches having been flipped in the mechanism.

Abstract: This application relates to a self-contained apparatus for mechanically turning individual workpieces travelling on a conveyor, such as lengths of lumber travelling into or exiting from a sawmill. The invention reduces the need for lumber graders to turn lumber manually and thereby helps avoid repetitive motion injuries. The apparatus includes an adjustable height frame which is positionable alongside the conveyor. The frame supports a workpiece holder defining an open-ended slot for temporarily receiving an end portion of a workpiece. When the end of a lumber board or other workpiece is received within the holder, a proximity sensor causes the holder to rotate, thereby turning the workpiece lengthwise 180 degrees. The workpiece is then deposited on to the conveyor in its inverted orientation for further travel thereon. The apparatus may also optionally permit workpieces to pass through the holder when a “skip” rather than an “invert” signal is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of turning a board while the board is being transferred in a conveyance system includes a conveyance system for transporting a board, a rotary turning device for rotating the board, a bumper stop for restraining the board and a speed-up belt for increasing or decreasing delivery of the board. The rotary turning device rotates at a constant rate relative to the conveyance system speed; the bumper stop stops the flow of the lumber allowing the rotary turning device to pick up the board; the speed-up belt accelerates the board to the front of the lug space and the conveyance system transports the board while it is turned within the lug space.

Abstract: A turn-around device for packets, in particular packets of cigarettes, wherein the packets are fed successively, with a first surface facing forwards, to a turn-around station, from which they are extracted, with a second surface facing forwards, by a gripper conveyor, which travels through the turn-around station perpendicularly to the second surface, and has a number of grippers, each of which defines a pocket for a relative packet, and closes gradually onto the packet to control its position as it is extracted from the turn-around station with the second surface facing forwards.

Abstract: A device for inverting hollow bodies gripped by the neck, characterized in that it includes a series of gripper mounted at the periphery of a rotary wheel and each of which is adapted to grip a hollow body by the neck, and each gripper is mounted on a wheel so as to be tilted between a first and a second position, and each gripper is designed to grip the neck of the hollow body at two substantially opposite points on either side of the neck axis, and the gripper is designed to cause the neck of the hollow body to be engaged in the gripper by one side of the gripper and to be released by the other side of the gripper, with substantially radial movements relative to the neck axis.

Abstract: A board turner (1, 31) is intended for use on a conveyor (3) for transporting large volumes of boards. The conveyor (3) defines a plane for carrying boards (14) and the board turner (1, 31) has a rotation unit (4) and a gripping unit (7) mounted on the rotation unit (4). The gripping unit (7) has an open position and a closed position and is switchable between these positions in response to a signal from a sensor. In the open position, the gripping unit (7) rotates past the carrying plane without making contact with the synchronously arriving board (14). A signal from the sensor switches the gripping unit (7) between the open position and the closed position while the gripping unit (7) grips two opposite surfaces of a sideways extending part of the board (14) and continues to rotate above the belt conveyor (3) in order to turn the board (14) in this way.

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 device for transferring blister packs to the feeding line of a packaging machine includes a pick-up member capable of picking-up a series of blister packs disposed in reciprocal alignment at the blister packs cutting station and releasing this series of blister packs in alignment with a conveyor situated adjacent to the cutting station. A blister packs selective releasing device is situated above the conveyor and is equipped with support elements for receiving in support the blister packs picked-up by the pick-up member and operated selectively to release the blister packs, disposed in reciprocal alignment and orderly spaced apart, onto the conveyor. A stepwise rotating carrousel is situated at the outlet of said conveyor and is equipped with gripping members capable of picking-up the blister packs from the conveyor and transferring the blister packs, one by one, to a feeding line arranged perpendicular with respect to the conveyor.

Abstract: In a palletizing machine, cases of goods are received from a production line and are arranged into patterned layers. The palletizing machine stacks the patterned layers one on top of another to form a stacked load that can be easily transported by machine. During arrangement of the cases into the patterned layers, some cases may need to be turned to change their orientation relative to their direction of travel. The cases can be turned simultaneously in groups of two, three, or more cases, to minimize the contact of the palletizing machine with the cases during turning. The turning device which bears against the case during turning may also be provided with a component of movement in the direction of case travel so as to effect the speed of the collision when the cases contact the turning device and effect the net speed between the cases and the turning device during turning.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus has an arraying and supplying station, a sorting station and a packaging station. The arraying and supplying station forcibly arrays and supplies encased products to orient their caps in one direction. The sorting station selectively sorts the arrayed encased products to a first feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a abreast-arrayed attitude and a second feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a tandem-arrayed attitude. The packaging station automatically packages the encased products by a shrink sheet in the abreast-arrayed attitude or the tandem-arrayed attitude.

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: The present invention relates to an apparatus for turning the top side of planar objects (1, 2) such as plywood or particle boards into the underside, the apparatus comprising an importing conveyor and an exporting conveyor, and a board turner assembly mounted between the conveyors. The board turner is formed by at least two sets of turning fingers (5, 6), each one of the sets having its fingers aligned in the same plane and being adapted to rotate about a common axis parallel with said plane. The construction of the conveyors is such that it permits the fingers (5, 6) during their rotary motion to pass through gaps of the conveyors. Each one of said sets of turning fingers (5, respectively 6) are arranged to be turned independently from each other.

Abstract: A turning device for graphic publishing products in a conveyor line and/or packaging machine that can be combined with a push conveyor (14) for the advancement of products (11), spaced out one after the other, including a supporting member (16) bearing in sequence a first conveyor unit (17) to pickup at least one of the products (11) off the conveyor line, a grasping and turnover unit (18) of at least one of the products (11), a second conveyor unit (19) to deposit at least one of the products (11), turned upside down on the conveyor line, the conveyor units (17, 19) being operated to advance in phase with the push conveyor (14) and being movable between a working position and a disengaged position with the conveyor line.

Abstract: A conveyor system lifts advancing signatures from a conventional conveyor, conveys the lifted signatures along an upright path of travel, turns the advancing signatures from the upright path of travel to a downward path of travel, deposits the advancing signatures from the downward path of travel back onto the conventional conveyor, and rotates the advancing signatures 180° about an axis which is parallel to their path of travel during either their upward path of travel or their downward path of travel so that the signatures are turned over when deposited back onto the conventional conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for semiconductor device handling. In one aspect, the invention relates to a rotary flipper including a wheel having a plurality of stations. A semiconductor device is placed within a first station in a first orientation. While the semiconductor device is held, the wheel portion of the rotary flipper rotates and the next station receives another semiconductor device. When the first station is in an unloading position, the semiconductor device is released. At this point, the semiconductor device is oriented in a second position. In one aspect, the semiconductor device is released into a cavity of a tape and reel. In another aspect, vacuum pressure is applied to hold the die. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a semiconductor device handling apparatus and apparatus that includes of a rotary semiconductor device flipper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for turning the top side of planar objects (1, 2) such as plywood or particle boards into the underside, the apparatus comprising an importing conveyor and an exporting conveyor, and a board turner assembly mounted between the conveyors. The board turner is formed by at least two sets of turning fingers (5, 6), each one of the sets having its fingers aligned in the same plane and being adapted to rotate about a common axis parallel with said plane. The construction of the conveyors is such that it permits the fingers (5, 6) during their rotary motion to pass through gaps of the conveyors. Each one of said sets of turning fingers (5, respectively 6) are arranged to be turned independently from each other.

Abstract: A material handling system, apparatus, and method for transferring and inverting a generally planar panel is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method is comprised of a panel-engaging member and a panel-engaging member rotator. The panel-engaging member has a generally rectangular slot to receive only a portion of a panel. The panel-engaging member rotator is adapted to rotate the panel-engaging member about an axis generally parallel to the width of the slot between a position where the slot is generally horizontal and facing one direction to another position where the slot is generally horizontal and facing a generally opposite direction. The height, depth, and width of the slot are selected so that when a portion of the panel is inserted into the slot, the portion of the panel is kept from falling out of the slot by gravity and friction when the holding member is moved.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for decorating a flat self-supporting article which is turned for decoration thereof on both sides, the article is firstly removed from a horizontal position in an article holder by being lifted by a first pivoting means and then pivoted into a vertical intermediate position from which the article is moved by a second pivoting means producing a pivoting movement of the article into a horizontal position with its previously upward surface facing downwardly. The article is then lowered into an article holder again.

Abstract: A turnover mechanism for handling sheets having a pair of belts, said belts are spaced one above the other, sheet turnover tubes interposed between the two belts, one of the turnover tubes facing in a direction opposite to the other turnover tubes, the sheets being fed to one of the belts, the belt moving the sheets to a turnover tube whereby the turnover tube inverts the sheets and transfers the sheets from one belt to the other belt. The belts and turnover tubes are mounted in an invertable module.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inverting selected ones of a plurality of PTPs being conveyed very easily and simply are disclosed. An inverting device 20 is disposed above a conveying passage along which a plurality of PTPs 1 are conveyed in a standing position. The inverting device 20 has rotary units 22 each provided with a plurality of pairs of pinching fingers 13. The inverting device 20 is reciprocated in directions parallel to the conveying passage by a longitudinal shifting mechanism 40 and is moved vertically in directions perpendicular to the conveying passage by a lifting mechanism 30.

Abstract: A product inverting and diversion system for selectively inverting, diverting or skipping various types of products transported upon a high-speed conveyor system. The inventive device includes a frame, a pair of side members, a pair of first shafts and a pair of second shafts rotatably attached between the side members, a first belt and a second belt respectively positioned about the first shafts and second shafts defining a passageway between thereof, a pivot shaft attached to one of the side members, a drive shaft rotatably attached to one of the side members opposite of the pivot shaft, a drive belt connected between the drive shaft and a drive motor, and a pivot belt connected between the pivot shaft and a servo motor. A secondary belt is connected between the drive shaft and the first shafts and second shafts.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding stacks of fanfold sheets is comprised of a belt conveyor, a positioner, and a splicer. The conveyor feeds stacks deposited thereon by the positioner toward the discharge end. The postioner is comprised of a U-shape bin which receives fanfold stacks and then turns them over and deposits them at a desired position along the length of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the stacks are lifted from the floor level. In another, the positioner translates along the base of the conveyor and includes a mechanism which automatically locks the positioner in place during loading. A splicer is positioned over the belt. Header and footer ends of adjacent stacks are run to the splicer where they are precisely clamped and then adhesively joined together, on the top side or underside, as desired. The conveyor has a sensor and drive system which automatically advances stacks toward the discharge end and signals the operator when there is a need to reload.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for flipping a tray of parts such as integrated circuit packages including a pair of flippable storage trays. A first storage tray has an upper surface which forms a grid of storage compartments wherein each of the storage compartments is adapted to hold a single integrated circuit package. Initially, the first tray is received at a flip station from a first part processing station. Then, the first and second trays are joined together so that they mate. Then, the mated first and second trays are inverted so that the packages are held in the second tray. Then, the first and second trays are separated and the second tray which now holds the plurality of packages is transferred to a second part processing station. Then, the cycle is repeated with a third tray of parts and the now empty first tray.

Abstract: A rotary manipulator for conveyor goods comprises a generally cylindrical manipulator disposed between an input or feed conveyor and one or more output conveyors, with its axis parallel to the planes of the conveyors and normal to their direction of travel. The manipulator includes at least one flattened side, with a retaining lip extending along one edge thereof. Articles such as baked goods advance along the feed conveyor, where they are captured on the flat of the manipulator and momentarily retained by the retaining lip. The manipulator is rotated to drop the articles inverted on a lower output conveyor. The next row of articles from the feed conveyor passes upright over the rounded opposite side of the manipulator, which is substantially tangent to the feed conveyor and to an upper output conveyor. The upright and inverted articles are placed in registry with one another at a point downstream.

Abstract: A transfer machine tipper mechanism for overturning a container being moved from a first station to a second station. The transfer machine tipper mechanism has a plurality of actuators to engage and rotate the container. The actuators are sequenced to rotate the container from an initial orientation to a final orientation wherein the final orientation is defined by the top and bottom of the container being inverted from the initial orientation.

Abstract: An inverter for flipping articles traveling on a conveyor system is provided. The inverter includes a flipping member which has a plurality of substantially parallel lanes defined by side walls. The flipping member is attached to a frame member such that the flipping member is rotatable with respect to the frame member about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lanes. A pair of belts circulates around a pair of belt paths on each of the side walls defining the lanes, each of the belt paths being defined by a plurality of rollers mounted on one of the side walls. Each pair of belts defines an article conveying channel for securing therebetween one of the side edges of the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A turning device for turning paper material has a reception tray used for receiving therein the material to be turned and arranged such that it is adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation. The material is arranged in said reception tray in such a way that its axis of inertia during turning substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of said reception tray. A feeder is provided for feeding the material into the reception tray in the direction of the axis of rotation. A removing device withdraws the material from the reception tray in the direction of the axis of rotation. When seen in a direction of transport of the material, the feeder is arranged at an adjustable distance ahead of the reception tray. The removing device is arranged at a fixed distance behind the reception tray, when seen in the direction of transport of the material.

Abstract: The manufacture of bags requires stacks of tube sections to be separated as desired. The stacks must also be able to be turned 180.degree. and then fed to a separating device so that filling valves can be attached to varying end areas. A suitable device for feeding and for turning and feeding bundles includes a support bracket which is seated in bearings in a frame so as to rotate or pivot. The support bracket is provided with a rotary or pivot drive. Guideways, running crosswise relative to the support bracket, are provided for rods which can be moved back and forth by a drive. The rods support a beam parallel to the support bracket which is connected perpendicularly to a number of mutually parallel arms. The device includes a crosswise support bracket which is connected to the support bracket by joining pieces. Tines are supported approximately parallel to the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inverting a plurality of plate-like materials to provide for the treatment of plate-like material using techniques that must be applied to the surface from a direction other than from above the material, such as from beneath the material in meniscus coating techniques. The apparatus includes a base, a back attached to the base, a top that is removably attachable to the base for retaining a cassette between the top and the base and retractable material holders attached to the base for engaging and disengaging the plate-like material. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable material holders are in the form of support blocks having notches corresponding the edges of the plate-like material that are reciprocally moved by a side actuator to enable the blocks to engage and disengage the plate-like material.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for orientating articles being moved along a conveyor for processing, so that a selected feature of each article is facing in the same predetermined direction, ie. handle leading. The apparatus comprises a support member having a pair of parallel longitudinally extending drive belts attached thereto, for gripping an article therebetween for advancement of the article along the predetermined path. The apparatus further comprises structure for selectively rotating the support member to orientate the feature of the article in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An oven with slide-out transfer guides is provided for use in conjunction with multiple conveyors ovens to provide quick and convenient accessibility to an oven's interior in case of product transfer difficulties. A slidable rail assembly is mounted in the oven, which also has an access port for transfer guide egress and ingress, and a transfer guide with opposed lips forming a slot which mounts the transfer guide on the rail assembly. When access to the oven's interior is necessary to remedy a product transfer problem, the oven of the present invention allows the transfer guide to slide along the rail while still supported by same, and said transfer guide can be partially removed from said oven without the need to turn off the oven. In this way, obstructions can be cleared quickly without significant down time, thereby saving the user both time and expense.

Abstract: A stack turner and replenisher 10 is provided for keeping a hopper of a carton prefeeder P filled with carton blanks, traditionally a job that requires a human worker and causes carpal tunnel syndrome due to the inverting motion required. Stack turner 10 allows for the movement of a stack of blanks in a lateral direction as well as in an inverted u-shaped path. Clamp 53, with adjustable upper and lower plates 54,55, is used to pick up a stack of blanks from a source of such blanks. Clamp 53 then moves upwardly, laterally, and downwardly along groove 52, while an upper portion 50 of stack turner 10 simultaneously moves laterally toward prefeeder P. Clamp 53 then deposits the blanks in the hopper of prefeeder P. Finally, stack turner 10 retraces its path in order to pick up another stack of blanks and repeat the procedure, thus ensuring that the hopper of prefeeder P is always filled with carton blanks. Stack turner 10 also squares the stack of blanks both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: In a simple car body surface treatment device, the car body (16) is brought into and taken out of the treatment bath (1) exclusively by rotation of a revolving device (2). The car body (16) arranged on a loading carriage (11) is detachably connected to the revolving device (2). In addition, conveyors (12, 13, 17, 18) are provided for carrying the loading carriage (11) on to or away from the revolving device (2). The device is characterized by the conveyors (12, 13, 17, 18) being located outside of the treatment bath (1). The conveyors (17, 18) located in the area of rotation of the revolving device (2) may be moved out of and into this area.

Abstract: A method for making sterile suture packages employs a frame assembly line, a sterilization line and a blanker/cartoner line. A web of foil is advanced in a series of movements through the frame assembly line to assemble a frame containing needle-suture assemblies in a plurality of cavities in the frame, the frame having top and bottom aluminum foils with heat seal coatings on their facing surfaces. The cavities are formed in the bottom foil of each frame by a combination of pressurized air and mechanical plugs which are forced against the bottom foil and an underlying die having recesses for defining the cavities. A blanking operation following sterilization and sealing separates individual packages, each containing one needle-suture assembly, from the frame. The packages are then conveyed by belts through inspection stations and reoriented for loading into shipping cartons.

Abstract: A brick dehacking apparatus. The dehacking apparatus is operable to blend the upper and lower courses of brick from a kiln car with each other and further blend these brick with brick from the middle courses of the stack in preparation for stacking and strapping.

Abstract: A transport apparatus (C) for transporting products (X), supplied onto a lower transport path, successively to an upper transport path, and a loading apparatus for loading the products (X), which have been transported by the transport apparatus, into a receptacle (Y). The system includes a first transport mechanism (2) for transporting the products (X) towards a pick-up station (P2), a lifter mechanism (4) for holding the products (X), having been transported to the pick-up station (P2), and transferring the products (X) from the pick-up station (P2) towards a delivery station (P3) defined generally above the pick-up station (P2), and a second transport mechanism (5) for receiving the products (X), which have been transferred to the delivery station (P3) by the lifter mechanism (4), and transporting the products (X) towards a stand-by station (P4) defined above a loading station (P5) at which the bagged products are loaded into the receptacle (Y).

Abstract: A transfer device for a very high speed adiabatic face milling machine whose configuration and operation provide a highly efficient machining process suitable for production manufacturing conditions. The milling machine preferably operates at speeds of approximately 15,000 sfm and at efficiencies of approximately 7 cubic inches per minute per horsepower. The preferred milling operation is conducted without the use of cooling liquids, instead employing a chip removal system which enables the milling machine to operate truly adiabatically such that no heat is transferred to the workpiece or the cutter. The efficiency of the chip removal system is such that chip recutting is nearly eliminated and tool life is improved.

Abstract: Apparatus including a mattress support for supporting a mattress lying on a first major face or panel thereof and conveying the mattress as a sewing operation, such as an edge sewing and taping operation, is performed with respect to the first major face. A mattress flipping mechanism is provided and may include a pivoting support portion of the mattress support connected to a powered lift mechanism. In one preferred embodiment the mattress support includes a split conveyor and the pivoting support portion of the mattress support is disposed within the space defined between adjacent belts of the split conveyor. Mattress elevating units are provided to create slack in the top panel of the mattress for easier grasping by the operator during a sewing operation. A mattress guide arm is provided for holding the mattress down during the sewing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring while turning upside down a piece of meat such as loins from a supply surface on which the loins are in one position to a receiving conveyor on which a plurality of saddles are mounted at regular intervals to receive the loins in another upside down position. The apparatus has an L-shaped rack for receiving the loins from the supply surface. This rack is pivotable between a stopping position and a delivering position in which its surface acts as an extension of the supply surface on which the loins may slide to reach the saddles. An inverting member is mounted onto the rack and pivotably movable therewith between the stopping and delivering positions.

Abstract: A rotary board inverter is provided for use in a conveyor for a lumber processing machine, with the motive force to invert the boards being provided by the forward motion of the boards themselves as they are transported along the conveyor. The device comprises a rotatable hub with regularly spaced, co-planar arms radiating outwardly from the hub. Each of the arms incorporates a board retainer adapted to sequentially receive boards from the board transporter of the conveyor; to releasably retain a board as the arm rotates about the hub; and to redeposit the now-inverted board on the conveyor downstream of the inverter. Rotation of the device is driven by the forward movement of the boards as they sequentially engage the inverter. The inverter is particularly adapted for use in a conveyor having an array of evenly spaced, longitudinally-displaceable lugs extending upwardly from the conveyor to transport the boards along the conveyor.

Abstract: An inverting apparatus for inverting a product package being moved by a conveyor belt comprises an auxiliary conveyor having a pick-up end to receive the package from the conveyor surface and a discharge end located vertically above the pick-up end and the conveyor belt to discharge the package back onto the conveyor surface. The auxiliary conveyor moves the package along an inclined path from the pick-up end to the discharge end, and a fulcrum element at the discharge end horizontally spaced from the discharge end catches a forward end of the package and supports the package off center such that the package temporarily rocks on the fulcrum element and falls with a package trailing end falling forward of the package forward end to thereby invert the package as it is discharged back onto said conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical scanning device for use in sawmills, to determine the severity and location of surface defects on lumber, for the purpose of grading and trimming, having a plurality of optical scanning means mounted to a frame and positioned above lumber transport means. The scanning means are adapted to scan at least one face of a predetermined segment of each board, and comprise a lens, means to convert an image resolved in the lens into electronic signals and means to transmit said signals to signal processing means adapted to assess surface defects on the board and determine a lumber grade of each board. The device may include means for rotating each board about its longitudinal axis to sequentially expose the longitudinal faces thereof to the scanning means.

Abstract: A sorter for orienting integrated circuit devices comprises first, second, and third sections. The first section receives the devices and sorts them into those with a leads down orientation and those with a leads up orientation. The first section comprises two opposing faces, each having a pair of lead channels. The first face lead channels receive leads of devices having a leads down orientation, and the second face lead channels receive leads of devices having a leads up orientation. The second section comprises a first channel for receiving devices from the first section having a leads down orientation, and a second channel for receiving devices from the first section having a leads up orientation. The second section further comprises an inverter integral to the second channel for inverting devices passing therethrough to a leads down orientation.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring objects from a starting position to a final position, preferably between two presses in a plate pressing line, comprises two carriages (4, 5) which are displaceable along supporting rails (2, 3) and are provided with rotatable gripping devices (9-12) to grip and hold the object during the transfer which can be effected with or without turning over at the same time. The turn-over device makes it possible to turn the object during transfer and comprises a turning arm (24), one end of which is mounted in the carriage (4, 5), and the other end of which supports a follower (25) for cooperation with a guide rail (26, 27) with an essentially V-shaped portion (32-34), along which the turning arm (24) is guided as it is pivoted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining the lateral spacing of parallel rows of tortillas while transferring tortillas between two vertically spaced conveyors. The tortilla transfer guide is positioned adjacent to two generally horizontal, vertically spaced endless belt conveyors. The tortilla transfer guide has at least one scalloped section having a center of curvature aligned with the longitudinal axes respectively corresponding to an associated row of tortillas travelling towards the guide on the upper conveyor and an associated row travelling away from the guide on the lower conveyor. Each scalloped section is capable of moving a laterally misaligned tortilla towards its center of curvature, which is aligned with the proper longitudinal row axis on the lower conveyor.

Abstract: On the conveyor track (1) on which the objects (2a, 2b) to be turned are moved at an equal distance apart by slides (3a, 3b), there is provided along a turning zone an advancement mechanism having an advancement member in the form of a spring bar (5), which is periodically moved, at an accelerated speed relative to the speed of conveyance, forward out of an initial position into an end position and back again into the initial position. The spring bar (5) disposed over the conveyor track (1) has a bent section (5b) which reaches down to the conveyor track and the concave side of which points in the direction of conveyance. Between the two aforementioned positions of the spring bar (5), there are fastened on the conveyor track (1) two stops (6) which are aligned in the transverse direction and the height of which is less than the height of the object and the side of which pointing oppositely to the direction of conveyance exhibits in its upper region an inclined face (6a).