Abstract: A sheet metal processing plant includes a conveyor defining a receiving surface for a workpiece and a conveying direction in a conveying plane and being embodied for conveying the workpiece, the workpiece having a bottom side and a top side, and a turning unit embodied for turning the workpiece received on the receiving surface from the bottom side to the top side. The turning unit includes a manipulator embodied to lift the bottom side of the workpiece off the receiving surface, to perform a turning operation of the workpiece and to place the top side of the workpiece on the receiving surface of the conveyor.

Abstract: A work reversing apparatus includes: a first conveyor that transports a work; a second conveyor that transports a work; and a rotary driving unit that integrally rotates the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The rotary driving unit rotates the first conveyor and the second conveyor around a rotation center axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to a transporting direction of a work on the first conveyor and the second conveyor. By driving the rotary driving unit, a work can be reversed around the rotation center axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transporting direction.

Abstract: A cascade conveyor for sorting and conveying container closures, such as for conveying and sorting screw closures in a drinks filling installation, comprising at least one sorting bar which can be moved in a conveying direction and which is orientated transversely relative to the conveying direction for conveying the container closures from a collection receptacle which receives unsorted container closures to a closure unloading zone. There may also be provided in the closure unloading zone a conveyor belt which extends when viewed in the gravitational direction below the sorting bar in order to laterally discharge container closures conveyed by the sorting bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for safely and quickly transferring new glass sheets from the production line to a transport vehicle, having the following features; a) a glass-sheet roller conveyor (8) having a glass-rack gripping and stacking device (7) for receiving glass sheets (9) from a production line, b) two parallel running rails (12) extending centrically at a right angle toward the glass-sheet roller conveyor (8), an underfloor energy supply rail (24) being arranged in the region between the running rails (12), c) at least one glass-rack carriage (3), which moves on the running rails (12) and which has at least one glass rack (4, 6) lying on said glass-rack carriage, a glass rack (4, 6) being able to be loaded with obliquely positioned glass sheets (9) and the glass racks (4, 6) being fixed in the oblique position by means of a pivoting device (14), and d) a rotary device (2) arranged in the course of the running rails for rotating a glass-rack carriage (3) by 180 degrees for loadi

Abstract: Disclosed is a tray-and-tableware flipping device being capable of flipping and sorting trays and tableware including dishes and bowls without causing damage to the tableware attributable to collisions. The flipping device also reduces the labor needed for dishwashing by automatically flipping the trays and tableware. Further disclosed is a dishwashing system including a first conveyer transportation unit, the tray-and-tableware flipping device, a flipping device driving unit, a tray transportation conveyer belt, a tableware transportation conveyer belt, and a monitoring or detection sensor.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use with a stone spreader vehicle improves the control of particulate material travelling on a conveyor. The control apparatus has an endless belt supported about a plurality of rollers, a capture volume at its leading edge for receiving the incoming particulate material on the conveyor, and a release volume at its trailing edge for releasing the particulate material from the control apparatus.

Abstract: A method for the partial emptying of buoyant objects, which are stored in a loading aid having at least one opening is provided. A processing weight to be partially emptied is established. A fill weight is determined of the objects in the loading aid via a first weighing. The loading aid is at least partially immersed in a liquid bath. The loading aid is positioned or moved for a retention time predefined as a function of the fill weight and of the processing weight in the bath such that there is an on-average constant flow relative to the loading aid and such that the opening is disposed at least partially below a fill level surface of the bath, whereby the objects are taken along by the flow. The at least partially emptied loading aid is lifted out of the bath after the retention time has elapsed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing bundles of containers received from a wide container stream that is converted into plural single-track container streams. The apparatus has a dividing-off and/or compactor unit that divides off and compacts a predetermined number of containers to form a partial bundle to be combined with other partial bundles to form a full bundle. The apparatus also includes application elements that apply adhesive to a container, a linear transporter having a controllable drive, a guide element, a transport element that moves linearly along the guide element, and as many head guides as there are containers in a bundle. The head guides move and/or rotate relative to the transport element.

Abstract: Industrial pallet has a body with an open bay, in which a work piece can be secured such that it can be worked on from either side of the pallet. An overhead gantry and/or flipping unit may be employed to move from station to station and/or flip the work piece itself or the work piece mounted in the pallet. Aside from the flipping unit, robotic moving and/or loading may be employed by the overhead gantry, which has two axes of motion only. Such components can be combined in a manufacturing system to make parts.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes a plurality of transport conveyor units that are arranged in parallel and transports boards, each transport conveyer unit including a pair of transport rails of a fixed rail and a movable rail, a fixed side transport motor that drives a fixed side transport belt provide on the fixed rail, and a movable side transport motor that drives a movable side transport belt provide on the movable rail. The fixed side transport motor is provided on a side surface of the fixed rail that faces the movable rail, and the movable side transport motor is provided on a side surface of the movable rail that faces the fixed rail. The fixed side transport motor and the movable side transport motor are arranged so as not to interfere with each other when the distance between the pair of transport rails is changed.

Abstract: The folding side-wall container (10, 62, 66) provides for efficient loading and unloading of the containers appropriate for retail re-supply of goods (52, 64, 90). Use of the containers as a distribution container (62) and a wholesale goods container (66) within an automated system (60) for automated transfer by a robotic picker (68) of goods (64) from the wholesale container (66) to the distribution container (62) minimizes labor costs in distribution of the goods (64). The container (10) includes a folding wall (22) that is releasably secured in a closed position by a top lid (34) having an engagement lip (42) that secures a top edge (46) of the folding side or front wall (22). Opening the top lid (34) and then folding down the front wall (22) permits efficient loading and unloading of the container (10).

Abstract: A conveyor system includes an elongated vacuum plenum having an interior defined between upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces between opposing ends. A slot defining a portion of a conveyor path is formed in the plenum and extends from one end of the plenum at the upwardly facing surface toward the other end and the downwardly facing surface. A plurality of conveyor modules forming part of an endless loop are received in the slot and move along the conveyor path. At least some of the modules have at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior of the plenum. An object disposed on at least one of the modules is held against the at least one module by a vacuum in the interior of the plenum as the at least one module moves along the conveyor path from the upwardly facing surface toward the downwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A clamping conveyor for transporting preforms for plastics containers by at least one clamping belt, the clamping conveyor having at least one tensioning unit with a tensioning roller over which the return strands of the at least one clamping belt are guided, a first force measuring apparatus for a force that acts on the tensioning roller, and a mechanical transmission device arranged within the clamping conveyor. The tensioning roller is operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device at least via a first cable element, the first force measuring apparatus being operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device via a second cable element and being coupled to an adjusting device for setting the force that acts on the tensioning roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting bottles or similar containers between a transfer position and a discharge position, comprising a transport element that may be driven in a rotating manner about at least one vertical machine axis and several container receptacles provided on the transport element and having, for example, a gripper-like design for picking up and holding in each case one container during the transport thereof from the transfer position to the discharge position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article orienting machine for elongate articles, said machine comprising an endless first conveyor by which articles are conveyed with a first predetermined spacing, said elongate articles having their main axes arranged transverse to the direction of movement of said conveyor; at least a first and a second wheel on which the conveyor is supported; a first drive means arranged to rotate one of the wheels on which the conveyor is supported; and opposed pairs of holders attached to said endless conveyor at said first predetermined spacing, each pair of holders being arranged to contact and support an elongate article at opposite ends thereof while the article is received and released by the article orienting machine.

Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment for transporting and inverting material, such as a mail item, and exchanging the lead and trail edge of the material along a transport feed path. The equipment conveys material to a holding mechanism that rotates to a suitable angle to the transport feed path and within the plane of the flat material. The direction of the material is reversed while contained in the holding mechanism. The holding mechanism is rotated to turning over the material, e.g., face-up to face-down, and exchanges the lead and trail edges with respect to the feed path.

Abstract: A turning wheel comprising a number of blades. Each blade has a front side provided with a front projection, and a back side provided with a back projection. Each two consecutive blades form a gap between the backside of a first blade and a front side of a second blade. The gap comprises an inner gap formed radially inward from the back projection and the front projection. During rotation of the turning wheel a container can be held in the gap and an end portion of the container can be held in the inner gap, thereby protecting the end portion from being damaged.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inverting device which takes one or more articles from a first device, inverts the article(s), and discharges the article(s) onto a second device that may be at essentially the same relative height as the first device. The inverting device has a rotating device with two opposed surfaces that are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of the article. Once the article(s) has been moved into position in the rotating device, the rotating device rotates 180 degrees about a transverse axis, resulting in the inversion of the article. The new orientation of the article may facilitate further processing in a manufacturing environment, such as cleaning, filling, labeling, stacking or any other activity that relies on a specific product disposition.

Abstract: An arrangement to turn print products transported in a conveyed flow along a conveying path in a conveying direction that includes a first conveyor having a traction device guided over a reversing wheel. First clamps are attached to the traction device to clamp the respective print products. A second conveyor is arranged downstream the first conveyor includes second clamps arranged to receive the print products from the first conveyor. A curved turning section connects the first conveyor with the second conveyor along which the print products are turned upside down. The transfer device assists to transfer the print products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor and to turn the print products in the turning section prior to being clamped by the second clamps. The transfer device includes transfer tongs to turn the respective print products around an axis transverse to the conveying direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inverting device which takes one or more articles from a first device, inverts the article(s), and discharges the article(s) onto a second device that may be at essentially the same relative height as the first device. The inverting device has a rotating device with two opposed surfaces that are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of the article. Once the article(s) has been moved into position in the rotating device, the rotating device rotates 180 degrees about a transverse axis, resulting in the inversion of the article. The new orientation of the article may facilitate further processing in a manufacturing environment, such as cleaning, filling, labeling, stacking or any other activity that relies on a specific product disposition.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder is used to orient wood material, such as but not limited to blocks (e.g., finger joint blocks), preparatory to further processing. The rotating cylinder uses gravity and a tumbling action of the blocks to orient the blocks and move them through the cylinder. Unlike known apparatus such as vibrating conveyors, embodiments of the invention are relatively simple, vibration free, not prone to mechanical stress failures, are quiet, and use minimal horsepower to operate. Furthermore, embodiments of invention may advantageously reduce noise-caused fatigue amongst lumber workers, as well as reduce maintenance and power costs. The rotating cylinder may be part of a larger system for orienting wood material, such as blocks, for further lumber processing.

Abstract: A transporting system in a packaging machine automatically merges and accumulates, usually as a shingled stream, generally flat articles having substantially continuous and discontinuous opposite sides, and includes a portion, of one of two main conveyor mechanisms, that is constructed to invert the articles, from side-to-side about endwise axes so that all of the cartons face upwardly, even though the articles of alternating groups have been inverted, during transport by that main conveyor mechanism, about their lateral axes.

Abstract: A bottle converting and bottle draining station configured to drain rinsed bottles from a rinser in a container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object between driven conveyors comprising an upper conveyor comprising a discharge end, a first belt for transporting the object, the first belt engaging a first end roller and a gooseneck roller, where the first end roller is disposed below the gooseneck roller by a displacement sufficient to create a downward sloping section in the first belt; a transfer guide located adjacent to the discharge end of the upper conveyor, to receive the object from the downward sloping section; a lower conveyor comprising a second belt to receive the object from the transfer guide; and means for driving the upper conveyor and lower conveyor such that the first belt moves towards the transfer guide and the second belt moves away from transfer guide. A lower run of the first belt may be disposed above an upper run of the second belt by a belt spacing approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the object.

Abstract: The invention falls within the field of machines for orienting and aligning vessels or bottles made of plastics randomly inserted into a load vessel and in particular to a type of orienting and aligning machine that provides a plurality of elevators (6) that are vertically sliding along the internal wall of a rotating cylinder (1) containing randomly-placed bottles. More precisely, it refers to a device for automatically adjusting the size of the plurality of elevators placed inside the rotating cylinder depending on bottle size or format. The device provides a plurality of reduction elements (9), at least one for each elevator (6), each reduction element being inserted into the elevator without projecting and can go out of the elevator. Control means are provided for making the reduction elements go out simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of applying the hydrocarbon barrier inside plastic fuel tanks. The plastic fuel tanks are supported on a carrier in an upright position for movement in a loop through inverted positions. While upright, hot and dry air treats the inside of the plastic fuel tanks followed by injecting SO3 inside the plastic fuel tanks through the nozzles. The SO3 is extracted from the plastic fuel tanks followed by injecting ammonia into the tanks through a second nozzle. After extracting ammonia from the plastic fuel tanks, the tanks are inverted and drained followed by a rinsing with a high pressured water and drying with hot air.

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 method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.

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: 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 apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor for further processing. The invention provides a device for picking an article from the outside of a toroidal surface, thence extending transversely under tension the article to be transferred so that at the point of deposition the article is held flat and at full length. The device is of particular benefit where an article to be transferred is subject to internally biasing elastic forces.

Abstract: Machine for orienting containers of the type comprising a cylindrical structure (1), a support ring (3) integral with said cylindrical structure (1) and provided with at least an interruption (3a) for offloading the containers themselves, a rotating cylinder (4) and a fixed conical structure (5), internal and coaxial to said cylindrical structure (1). The machine further comprises a plurality of elevators (6) and a plurality of arms (9) having an extremity (9b) operatively connected to a fixed cam (11) positioned inferiorly to said conical structure (5) to command the raising and lowering of the arms themselves, wherein said fixed cam (11) comprises, for each interruption (3a) of said support ring (3), at least two portions (11a) defining the upwards run of an elevator (6), said portions (11a) being positioned upstream of said interruption (3a) according to the direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder (4).

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: 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: An apparatus for automatically loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at an inlet, a carousel (10) with several stations (2, 3, 4, 5), a positioning unit (30) of the sock (S), a tucking-up unit (40) and a pick-up robot (50). The carousel has intermediate supports (12) onto which can be put, partially or completely, the socks (S). The carousel (10) brings the intermediate supports (12) through successive stations (2, 3, 4, 5) up to a pick-up station (5), where an arm (52) is connected pivotally (55a) to a carriage sliding on an upright (53). Means are provided for translating (53a) vertically the carriage vertically upwards or downwards, along the upright (53), and for rotating (55a) integrally the arm (52) about said horizontal axis (55). Pick-up fingers (56) are provided at a first end (52b) of said arm (52) associated to means for opening (56a) and closing them.

Abstract: A drum-shaped conveyor rotates about a fixed axis and its core carries a set of angularly distributed sections indexible about axes extending radially of the fixed axis when the core is set in rotary motion. Each section has several parallel flutes for sets of discrete filter cigarettes which are turned end-for-end, as well as moved circumferentially and axially of the core, in response to each revolution of the core. Rotation of successive sections about the respective radial axes takes place at timely spaced intervals and in opposite directions. The conveyor can receive filter cigarettes from a maker and inverts the sets of cigarettes prior to admission of such articles into a packing machine.

Abstract: A lumber turning device for use with a conveyer having spaced apart lumber moving therealong whereby the lumber may be turned through 180° so that all faces of the lumber may be visually inspected. A first arrangement has a four lobed member whereby a first one of the lobes will extend upwardly above the conveyer with a front surface facing a first lumber piece such that when the locked first lumber piece contacts the front surface of the first one of the lobes, the member will rotate and a rear face of an adjacent lobe will lift the lumber piece to rotate the same through 180°. Other embodiments illustrate members which may turn alternate pieces of lumber.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting and reorienting one or more items is provided. The system includes a first transport apparatus that can transport and reorient an item from a loading location to a first unloading location. For example, a first carder is movably secured to a frame of the first transport apparatus such that it can move at least about 180 degrees about the frame to the first unloading location. Moreover, the first carrier can also move about 90 degrees to a first transfer location. At the first transfer location, the items contained within the first carrier can, in some instances, also be pushed to a second carrier at a second transfer location. The second carrier is movably secured to a frame of a second transport apparatus such that it can move at least about 90 degrees to a second unloading location. The reoriented item(s) can be unloaded from a carrier at the first or second unloading locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically taking out packaged articles housed in a large-sized tray onto a conveyer line. A tray housing a multiplicity of packaged articles is conveyed onto a support conveyer bridging between a pair of side plates, the packaged articles are pressed inside the tray by lowering a support plate, then the side plates are rotated for 180 degrees around a main shaft with the packaged articles kept in the same pressed condition, the support plate is lowered integrally with the packaged articles at a determined position, and the emptied upside-down tray is discharged outside along rails attached to the inner surfaces of the side plates. Thereafter, while being pressed to the upper support conveyer, the packaged articles are returned to an original lower position by rotating the side plates and discharged outside by rotating the support conveyer.

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: For accurately manipulating a sheet, in accelerating or decelerating that sheet, another sheet or a holder for receiving a sheet in a first time interval, a quantity is measured which forms a measure for the deceleration or acceleration in the first time interval. A measuring result obtained upon measurement is required. Next, a moment at which an acceleration or deceleration of the sheet in a second time interval after said first time interval is started is determined in accordance with the registered measuring result. As a result, in a very simple manner, an accurate determination is obtained of the moment at which the intended acceleration or deceleration is to be started. Further disclosed are apparatuses for practicing the proposed method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: For rotating a flat object, a rotor is provided with a transport element for engaging an object in the rotor. A transmission element is coupled to the rotor. Between the transmission element and the transport element of the rotor, there is a transmission for causing the transport element to rotate relative to the rotor in response to rotation of the transmission element relative to the rotor. As a coupling structure between the rotor and the transmission element is arranged for retaining the transmission element relative to the rotor when rotation of the rotor is allowed, and for releasing rotation of the transmission element relative to the rotor when a switch is made to retaining the rotor, a fast, friction-low operation is enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: The visual inspection station (14) for articles, such as fruit, comprises transport means (18) for the articles and at least one viewing post (90, 92) arranged on the transport path of the articles. According to the invention, it comprises two viewing posts (90, 92) arranged successively on the transport path of the articles, each post being designed for the inspection of an exposed face of the articles resting on the transport means (18). Turning means (24) for the articles are arranged between the two viewing stations (90, 92).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a cylinder housing a rotary scroll Tubular preforms are fed into the cylinder in an upright state and displaced along the cylinder by a fin of the scroll. An upstream cam engages each preform in turn and inverts it. The inverted preforms are then driven over a series of nozzles discharging ionized gas to purge the preforms of debris. The preforms are then reinverted by a downstream cam and/or discharged.

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.