Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for container dumpers having controlled unloading. In one embodiment, an example container unloading system may include a container support mechanism configured to secure a container, where the container has items inside, and a first conveyor configured to rotate from a first position to a second position. The first conveyor may be disposed in a vertical orientation adjacent to a sidewall of the container in the first position, and the first conveyor may be disposed in a non-vertical orientation adjacent to the sidewall of the container in the second position. The system may include a controller configured to cause the container support mechanism to rotate the container from a vertical orientation to a rotated orientation, and cause the first conveyor to be actuated, such that the items are conveyed out of the container by the first conveyor.

Abstract: A plastic item, such as a beverage bottle, can convey two distinct digital watermarks, encoded using two distinct signaling protocols. A first, printed label watermark conveys a retailing payload, including a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) used by a point-of-sale scanner in a retail store to identify and price the item when presented for checkout. A second, plastic texture watermark may convey a recycling payload, including data identifying the composition of the plastic. The use of two different signaling protocols assures that a point-of-sale scanner will not spend its limited time and computational resources working to decode the recycling watermark, which may lack data needed for retail checkout. In some embodiments, a recycling apparatus makes advantageous use of both types of watermarks to identify the plastic composition of the item (e.g., relating GTIN to plastic type using an associated database), thereby increasing the fraction of items that are correctly identified for sorting and recycling.

Abstract: An unscrambler machine receives a load of wooden boards in its hopper. The unscrambler steadily dispenses one board at a time onto a grading “waterfall” conveyor. When the board leaves the unscrambler, it is relatively aligned, but not always adequately aligned, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveyor. In the case that multiple tiered “waterfall” conveyors are used, the board is cascaded down each waterfall configuration and will continue to be straightened out by nature of the effect of gravity on the board as it slides down to encounter the conveyor chain of each conveyor tier.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging articles with a stretchable film includes: a weighing device, which is rigidly fastened to a machine frame, for determining a weight of an article; a film transport device, which is fastened to the machine frame, with a belt conveyor for transporting the film to the article to be packaged; and a folding mechanism for folding the film. The folding mechanism having: two lateral slides that push the film left and right under the article to be packaged; and a rear slide which pushes the film from behind under the article to be packaged. The lateral slides and the rear slide are fastened to the machine frame via at least one damping element which is designed in such a way that it prevents or at least dampens transmission of mechanical vibrations of the lateral slides and of the rear slide to the machine frame.

Abstract: A divert chute and a sorting conveyor system having divert chutes that include an array of high-friction rollers in a landing zone to resist the cross-chute momentum of parcels diverted off the sorting conveyor at high speeds. The rollers, which protrude above a flat slide region of the chute, rotate only in a direction down the chute. Parcels sliding axially along the high-friction rollers across the chute are slowed or stopped in the cross-chute direction while being redirected down the chute.

Abstract: An infeed apparatus includes an item manipulator that orients items such as cases in a desired orientation as determined by a build menu, and a row build apparatus that is synchronized with the manipulator to space items pursuant to the build menu. The manipulator uses a pusher to push items across a friction belt to thereby orient the items, and includes sensors for determining when an item is in an incorrect orientation. The row build receives items from the pusher and is selectively advanced to locate items in a desired relative orientation so that rows of items are built correctly.

Abstract: The device includes a closed path, along which overturning members move, which are configured to pick the products in the entrance position and to release the products in the exit position. The overturning members are configured and arranged to perform, along a segment of the closed path included between the entrance position and the exit position, a rotation by about 90°, in order to overturn the products while translating them from the entrance position to the exit position along the segment of the path.

Abstract: A convertible hay bale flaking device that accommodates two bales of hay and is operated via a remote control. The functions of the device allow the controlled translation of a bale of hay stored at the rear of the device along the linear axis of the device onto a front ramp where it can be advanced perpendicularly to the linear axis of the device such that it can pass over and extend beyond the side edge of the device. When in this position, it can either be segregated into flakes by gravity or via a cutting blade forcefully disposed downward into the hay bale.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for straws is provided with a housing, a hopper, and a guide tray. The housing has a dispensing slot in an anterior outer wall. The hopper has an upper section with transverse walls and longitudinal walls which converge to define a stacking slot and a substantially horizontal support to support straws beneath the stacking slot. An anterior inner wall, longitudinally extending channel, and posterior wall span the longitudinal walls. The anterior inner wall has an ejection opening and the posterior wall has an access opening each of which adjoin the longitudinally extending channel. A support member and pressing foot within the stacking slot can translate longitudinally and pass through both the ejection opening and the access opening. A guide tray, disposed below the ejection opening, has a location zone, a posterior wall, and an anterior wall. The guide tray urges straws into the dispensing slot projecting upwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for emergency message broadcasting of vehicular wherein transfers emergency message to peripheral vehicles in regards to vehicular communication network method of IEEE 802.11p/WAVE communication standard base. Emergency message broadcasting method according to the present invention features in promptly transferring emergency message to peripheral vehicles even when vehicles are in access to different channels in SCH (Service Channel) interval according to multiple channel operation wherein defined by IEEE 1609.4 of WAVE communication standard.

Abstract: An automated tie plate placement system preferably includes a vibratory feeder, at least one vertical translation guide, at least one knock down device, at least one rotary orientation device, at least one bottom orientation device and a programmable logic controller. The vibratory feeder is preferably mounted to a support frame of a hi-rail vehicle. The plurality of tie plates in the vibratory feeder are vibrated into the at least one vertical translation guide. A vertical guide extends past a vertical exit of the vertical translation guide. The knock down device is positioned above the vertical guide. The rotary orientation device rotates the tie plate to place a field end in front. An entrance of the bottom vertical guide may be located adjacent to the rotary orientation device. The programmable logic controller receives inputs from a plurality of sensors and actuates a motor and a plurality of actuators.

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 present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.

Abstract: In a device for feeding book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) of a subsequent processing arrangement with a book block feeder (30) that essentially feeds the book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) vertically from above transverse to the conveying direction of the infeed channel (11), at least one push-out unit (51) is driven separately of the at least one pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) and provided in the infeed channel (11) in the region of the book block feeder (30). The separate drive makes it possible to define a push-off motion that allows a gentle start of the push-out unit (51) relative to the book block (2) to be pushed off on the one hand and a synchronous transfer to the continuously moving pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) on the other hand.

Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the system size, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for various facility sizes.

Abstract: In order to stably transfer a tire between a roller portion and a conveyor for a tire testing machine, the tire conveyor of the present invention includes: a roller portion that is provided at a position without a conveying surface of the conveyor in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor in the conveying surface of the conveyor so as to be parallel to the conveying surface of the conveyor and is provided with a plurality of placement rollers forming a placement surface on which the tire is rotatably placed; and an elevation mechanism that includes an actuator and a link mechanism connecting the roller portion or the conveyor to the actuator in a supported state and moves the placement surface of the roller portion upward and downward relative to the conveying surface of the conveyor or moves the conveying surface of the conveyor upward and downward relative to the placement surface of the roller portion by the driving of the actuator.

Abstract: In a transport device for transporting containers, the transport device includes at least one transport unit movable along a curved track for transporting at least one container in response to a drive unit, the transport unit having a transport component mobile on the track and a receiver device for holding at least one container wherein the receiver device is constructed and arranged to be aligned in response and in relation to at least one movement force imparted upon the receiver device or the container as a result of movement of the transport unit.

Abstract: In a device for feeding book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) of a subsequent processing arrangement with an intermittently rotating star feeder (31) that features several block receptacles (34) that are arranged on a roller divided into disks (33) in a star-shaped fashion and respectively feature perpendicularly aligned first and second locating surfaces (34.1, 34.2), it is proposed that the star feeder (31) features several clamping jaws (36) that are respectively assigned to the block receptacles (34) and arranged parallel to the second locating surfaces (34.2), as well as movable relative to the latter. The star feeder (31) can be operated with a significantly higher angular acceleration and rotational speed without risking that the book blocks lose contact in the block receptacles (34). Even loosely gathered book blocks (2) can be flawlessly processed.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus of a line end of a folder-gluer for cardboard boxes includes a transfer bed (1) with a double, opposite array of transmission belts (C1a, C1b, C2a, C2b) which define a transfer track for the displacement of flattened, folded boxes, wherein the transfer bed (1) is oscillatingly mounted about a horizontal axis (a-a?) on a U-shaped support structure (21, 22, 24) which is in turn rotatingly mounted according to a vertical axis (b-b?) on a base frame (26), the rotation according to the horizontal axis (a-a?) and according to the vertical axis (b-b?) occurring through a first (M1) and a second (M2 M2?) motor, respectively.

Abstract: An article alignment device aligns articles having first end portions and second end portions that have a shape different from the shape of the first end portions. The article alignment device includes a first conveyance device, a second conveyance device, and a control device. The first conveyance device has conveyance units that carry and convey the articles. The first conveyance device conveys the articles in a first orientation. In the first orientation the first end portions are positioned on a downstream side with respect to a first conveyance direction of the articles. The second conveyance device is placed downstream of the first conveyance device. The control device controls the first and second conveyance devices such that the orientation of first articles conveyed by the second conveyance device are changed to a second orientation where the second end portions are positioned on the downstream side.

Abstract: An egg orientation mechanism orients eggs within an egg handling machine including a plurality of randomly arranged eggs on a first egg conveying mechanism. A lifter mechanism located on the first egg conveying mechanism raises each egg away from the egg conveying mechanism to off balance and rotate the egg so that the egg is oriented to with larger end of egg leading as egg is released into a second egg conveying mechanism. A clamshell egg receiver includes a front wall, a rear wall and egg receiving space formed between front wall and the rear wall. Either one of front wall or rear wall pivots about a pivot point located below a centerline of the egg receiving space. A method of releasing an egg includes holding an egg by an egg holder, rotating the egg holder and releasing the egg at an angle greater or less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A bag turning machine comprises a frame, a shaft rotatably carried by the frame, a plurality of bag turning members carried by the shaft for receiving and turning a filled and sealed bag, and a brake. The brake resists rotation of the shaft upon receipt by the bag turning members of a filled and sealed bag and, following release by the bag turning members of the bag, arrests rotation of the shaft in a predetermined position for the bag turning members to receive another filled and sealed bag. Each bag is received in an upright position and moving substantially parallel to its width, which is less than its height and greater than its depth, and tipped over onto the bag turning members so that the bag lands on a side edge thereof. Rotating the bag turning members turns the bag to rest on its face while lowering the bag.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor system for transporting articles, especially for transporting vehicle bodies, in a surface treatment line comprises at least one transport carriage which has a fastening device to which at least one article can be fastened. The transport carriage can be displaced along a track carrying it by at least one drive means. The fastening device is received so that it can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation. The invention further relates to a dip coating line comprising at least one dip-coating tank which can be filled with a treatment liquid, into which tank articles to be treated can be dipped. The dip coating line comprises a conveying system which displaces the articles to be treated towards the dip-coating tank, into the interior of the dip-coating tank, out of the dip-coating tank and away therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for inspecting and orienting manufactured articles. The apparatus and method include recirculating inspected articles to the inspection station for additional processing.

Abstract: A transferred object rotating device includes a mounting plate having an opening corresponding to a shape of a transferred object and being capable of moving from a mounting position to a rotating position, a boost unit capable of moving up to pass through the opening of the mounting plate in the rotating position, and a rotation plate capable of rotating about a power transmission shaft. The mounting plate moves to the rotating position after the transferred object is mounted on the mounting plate to close the opening. The transferred object is lifted by upward movement of the boost unit. The transferred object rotates while being sandwiched between the boost unit and the rotation plate. The transferred object mounted on the mounting plate in the mounting position can be transferred to the rotating position by the mounting plate, and rotate in the rotating position.

Abstract: An apparatus for buffering products comprises at least three buffer conveyors arranged in series, which can be driven independently of each other, a first buffer conveyor which can be connected to supply device for supplying products and a last buffer conveyor which can be connected to discharge device for discharging the products, wherein the buffer conveyors are so arranged that each of the products follows the same conveying path and that at least one of the buffer conveyors comprises a spiral path.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus enable the reversal of direction in a transport of articles, in particular flat mail items. The length of the leading article is measured. The two articles are transported, with a gap between them, to a direction reversal device. The direction reversal device possesses a “head station” and transports the two articles over a transport path in a transport direction and, subsequently, over the same transport path in the opposite transport direction. If the measured length is greater than a stipulated standard maximum length, the leading article is additionally transported over an additional transport route which follows the transport path, specifically, first, in the transport direction and, subsequently, in the opposite transport direction. The two articles are subsequently transported away in succession.

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: A device for carrying out a repitching operation, i.e., for changing the pitch between articles (A) comprised in a flow of moving articles, includes one or more conveying elements (12) for the articles (A) that are to follow a path of orbital movement about a principal axis (X10) between a position of picking-up (T) and a position of release (G) of the articles (A) themselves. The speed of said orbital movement is selectively variable (39, 37, 36) in the passage between the aforesaid positions of picking-up (T) and of release (G) so as to modify the pitch between the articles (A) carried by the conveying elements (12). Said conveying elements (12) are likewise orientable about a respective axis (X12) oriented in a radial direction with respect to the principal axis (X10) so as to modify the orientation of the articles (A) in the passage between the position of picking-up (T) and the position of release (G).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing orientation of a container to facilitate subsequent processing of the container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ramp having a first end and a second end. The ramp is disposed to receive the container from the feed path in a first orientation and to cause the container to slide down the ramp toward the second end of the ramp. The apparatus also includes an obstruction located at the second end of the ramp. The obstruction is configured to contact a leading edge of the container to arrest a sliding motion of the container down the ramp. The ramp is configured to pivot to impart an angular acceleration to the container to provide sufficient angular momentum to cause a center of gravity of the container to move past the leading edge causing the container to change orientation such that the container is received on the discharge path in a second orientation.

Abstract: A method for forming a number of side by side lying rows of objects such as for producing sandwich biscuits. Firstly the products being supplied to the even channels are turned over and, as well as the not turned over products are brought on a conveyor belt. In a second step by means of a continuous rotatable first roller positioned above the conveyor belt and being provided with pins a product can be released from each channel and the next product can be stopped for the formation of rows of turned over and not turned over products running in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Thereupon by means of rollers at least one of which is movable in axial direction, the turned over and not turned over products are moved in longitudinal and transverse direction to obtain alternate transverse rows of turned over and not turned over products.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) loads product in the form of bags into a carton held at a tilt angle. The leading ends of the bags on an adjustment conveyor (20) are abutted by a bumper (30) to reorient the bags 90° on the adjustment conveyor (20). The downstream roller (44) of a twist conveyor (40) is tilted to collate bags on a decline conveyor (70). The collated bags are moved on an orientation conveyor (74) to engage a product scoop (110) extending at an inclined position and moved to a vertical position to vertically orient the bags. The orientation conveyor (74) is moved to an offset position to allow the bags to drop onto a lowerator (92) of an accumulator (86) where they can be sandwiched between retainer plates (88, 90). A pusher plate (94) pushes the bags off the lowerator (92) into the carton and is tilted to correspond to the tilt angle of the carton.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning disordered sheet material. The apparatus according to the invention in particular has the advantage, that disordered sheet material is fast and reliably aligned, so that the sheet material can be formed into bundles. Since the alignment of the sheet material can be carried out automatically by the apparatus, i.e. in particular has not to be carried out by an operator, moreover, a cost-effective alignment of the disordered sheet material is permitted.

Abstract: A method of operating a transfer station in a container filling plant. The transfer station comprises a plurality of spaced apart webs between which containers are to be conveyed. A plurality of vertical directing elements are disposed upstream of and adjacent to the webs. The directing elements contact and deflect containers into the receiving spaces in between the webs to minimize backing up or jams of the containers, to thus minimize interruptions in the container handling process.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting bottles from a sterilization machine or rinsing machine to a filling machine, in which the container mount, which is configured to move around and/or all along at least one axis on the transport element, is moved to invert a container to allow that container to drain or empty before being filled with a liquid beverage material at a filling station in a beverage bottling plant.

Abstract: An exemplary flipping apparatus includes a slider, a flipping member and a holding table. The slider is slanted relative to the horizon. A first end of the flipping member is connected to the slider. The flipping member includes a first flipping plate and a second flipping plate facing the first flipping plate. The first flipping plate and the second flipping plate are contoured to define a workplace groove to receive a workpiece to be flipped. An angle defined by the slider and an end section of the first flipping plate opposite to the slider is less than an angle between the slider and the horizon. The holding table is connected to a second end of the flipping member, and the second end is opposite to that of the first end of the flipping member.

Abstract: The present invention increases an allowable maximum weight of an object to be loaded on a conveyance device using a carriage including an object support base movable vertically controlled by cam rails on the floor side without increasing the weight of the conveyance carriage itself, and is characterized in that the object support base 11 is supported movably vertically on a conveyance carriage 1 via a crosslink mechanism 10, the crosslink mechanism 10 is provided with an elevating cam follower roller 32 which moves up and down in conjunction with standing and falling movements of the crosslink mechanism 10, and in a conveyance carriage traveling path, a cam rail 50 which pushes up the elevating cam follower roller 32 is provided, wherein an urging means 45 which urges the object support base 11 upward is provided, and an urging force of the urging means 45 is set so as to move up the object support base 11 when no object is loaded on the object support base 11, however, when an object is loaded on the object

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting objects in a preset direction, in particular objects that have a cavity having an opening at one of the ends of the objects, comprises a conveying device for the objects comprising a conveying surface tilted by an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, on the conveying surface there are arranged hooking elements that are suitable for interacting with the cavities, the conveying surface being movable in an advancing direction oriented from a lower end of the conveying device to an upper end of the conveying device.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for changing the direction of travel of a reel being moved by a incoming conveyor (12), for transfer to the following conveyor, in which method the reel is first brought to a turntable and the direction of travel of the reel is changed by turning the turntable. After turning, the reel is removed to a receiving conveyor. In order for the turntable to be able to turn reels, the width of which is greater than the diameter of the turntable, the reel is lifted on the turntable from the level of the incoming and receiving conveyors, for the duration of the turning.

Abstract: A method of reversing direction of an article is disclosed by engaging an article with a first belt to move the article in a first direction; disengaging the article from the first belt; and then engaging the article with a second belt to move the article in a second direction. An apparatus to reverse direction of an article is also disclosed by a first belt rotating in a first direction; a second belt rotating in a second direction; the first belt engaging an article at a first time while the second belt is disengaged with the article, the first belt disengaging the article at a second time, and the second belt engaging the article at a third time while the first belt is disengaged with the article.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.

Abstract: A carriage-type conveyance device using a carriage having a vertically movable object-supporting base that is controlled by a cam rail on the floor side, in which a turntable for changing the direction of the carriage has a low-floor structure. In the carriage-type conveyance device, the object-supporting base that is vertically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position is placed on a conveyance carriage (1), a cam follower roller vertically moving in association with the movement of the object-supporting body is provided at the bottom of the conveyance carriage (1), and a cam device (58) for pushing up the cam follower roller and a work section (3A) in which the object support base is supported at the lifted position are provided in a traveling route of the conveyance carriage (1).

Abstract: Turning arrangement (2) for concrete products, paving stones/flagstones for paving, curb stones for delimiting and blocks for erecting walls are arranged in a row with uniform orientation (4), the products (4) are advanced to a turning arrangement where the individual concrete product (6) is turned by the force of gravity.

Abstract: The disclosed device includes a feed conveyor (2), on which printed products (6) are transported within certain distances from one another, a turning section (1) with a path guide arranged tangentially downstream of the feed conveyor and a delivery conveyor (4) for the turned printed products (6) that extends underneath the feed conveyor (2) in the opposite transport direction. Lateral guides (12) are assigned to the path guides (13) and can be adjusted to the format width of the printed products (6). The delivery conveyor (4) is a suction conveyor belt with at least one suction segment (19) in the region of the delivery point of the turning section (1) in order to decelerate the printed products (6) to the transport speed of the delivery conveyor (4).

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning meat products comprises an input conveyor for carrying the products into the apparatus, an output conveyor located beneath the input conveyor for carrying the products out of the apparatus, and at least one intermediate conveyor located between the input and output conveyors. All the conveyors are spaced vertically one above another and arranged such that products drop off the end of each conveyor in turn and on to the next conveyor below. Each successive conveyor travels in a different direction from the preceding conveyor whereby the products undergo a change in direction at each drop between the input and output conveyors, thereby being progressively aligned in the direction of travel of the conveyors.

Abstract: A device (1) for transferring continuously transported printing products (2 a . . . g), e.g., book blocks, books or sheet stacks consisting of folded and/or non-folded sheets, from an essentially flat lying position into an upright position or vice versa by a conveyor (3) that is twisted about a longitudinal axis (9). A first transporter (3) with pushers (4) advances the printing products (2 c . . . f) during the transfer, and a second transporter (10 or 12) has support elements (11), on which the printing products (2 c . . . f) are at least partially supported or lie with their primary surface during the transfer. The invention allows a particularly careful transport of sensitive individual parts or partial products that may even consist of thin individual sheets on the bottom side. A narrow line of support provided by the support elements (11) suffices for this purpose, wherein this narrow line of support essentially acts upon the product (2c . . . f) in one line of action with the respective pusher (4).

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for orienting flat items of mail towards a narrow edge in a U-shaped conveying channel in which they are conveyed in an upright position and without being jammed. Before the items pass the conveying channel for the purpose of alignment, their thickness is measured. The distances of the lateral limit stops or limiting sections are changed by means of adjusting mechanisms for every item of mail in such a manner that at the end of the conveying channel, the item is oriented towards its lower narrow edge by virtue of its own gravity and the distance of the lateral limit stops of the conveying channel from every item of mail during transport through the conveying channel is only wide enough for the item not to collapse at all nor to collapse partially even if its intrinsic stiffness is poor.

Abstract: Self-adhesive labels are formed by repetitively cutting linerless web material which is fed from a roll into and through a rotary knife cutter. The labels are then transported to and applied to articles. To improve cutting of the web and labeling, the web and or labels are contoured, e.g., they are made concave, in a plane transverse to the direction of flow path. To contour the web or labels, alternative endless belt arrangements are used, wherein the center line of the adhesive side of the web is adhered to a belt surface. Preferably, a one-piece belt having spaced apart and movable lengthwise portions is used. Different transport velocities are used for web fed to the cutter and for labels taken-away from the cutter. Cutter motion, and thus label length, in forming either linerless and lined labels, is controlled according to how printed indicia bar marks on the web are severed into portions; alternatively, according to whether or not the cut falls between two spaced apart printed indicia.

Abstract: In a conveyor work-piece processing system, transport carriages move along a work path, each carriage carrying a plurality of work-piece articles. In the disclosed embodiment, the path is folded back upon itself forming two parallel paths, one above the other, with transport carriages moved vertically from the lower path to the upper path, so that the entrance to the track and the exit from the track are positioned in close proximity to each other. Each transport carriage has a long dimension and a relatively shorter dimension, and each carriage can be reoriented selectively so that the long dimension or the short dimension can be aligned parallel to the work path. Changing the alignment of the two dimensions relative to the direction of the path permits a work piece to remain for a longer time within a given process stage or area along the work path while achieving a system flow-rate of one carriage-in-one carriage-out.

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.