Abstract: A suspension conveyor comprises two conveyor circuits which circulate in opposite directions. The circuits are arranged on opposite sides of an additional conveyor path, where the conveying directions of the path and circuits are the same at their point of coincidence. Roller devices for carrying objects (a, b, . . . , n), are entrained by a pushing or pulling mechanism of the conveyor circuits. A controllable switch arranged between the conveyor circuits, for transferring the objects individually from one of the conveyor circuits to the other, is adapted to transfer the objects selectively from the conveyor path to either of the conveyor circuits and vice versa. The switch is also adapted to selectively allow the objects to travel past the switch without leaving the respective conveyor circuit in which the objects are present. The suspension conveyor is additionally a sorting installation for sorting numerous different individually conveyed objects (a,b, . . . n).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for positioning an elongate cant for the infeed of the cant into an edging device capable of longitudinally cutting the cant to remove the wane edges thereof. The apparatus generally comprises: a frame structure; a conveying module for transversely conveying the cant along a substantially straight path; a scanning module located along the path for optically scanning the morphology of the cant and providing morphology data; a computer module linked to the scanning means for analyzing the morphology data and calculating a longitudinal preferred infeed line for said cant; and a positioning means located further along the path for transversely positioning the cant to a colinear relationship with the preferred infeed line for said cant. More specifically, the positioning means comprises a plurality of spaced apart, releasable, pinching members.

Abstract: An infeed system that orients a log for a processing unit. A flight conveyor, a log turner and a sharp chain are in an overlapping arraignment. The flight conveyor conveys a log past a scanner which inputs scan data into a computer which determines the profile and orientation on the flight conveyor. The computer determines the desired orientation of the log for the processing unit. The log turner is arranged to rotate and skew the log to the desired orientation. The log is then transferred to the sharp chain conveyor. The overlapping arrangement of the flight conveyor, log turner and sharp chain maintains full control of the log at all times. The sharp chain conveys the log past a second scanner which inputs the scan data to the computer to determine the actual orientation of the log on the sharp chain. The infeed system may also be provided with a shift and lift mechanism for further controlling the log position relative to the processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail which incorporates a number of operating stations that serve to accomplish the various aspects of mail extraction, as well as the subsequent processing of extracted documents, and which are operatively associated with one another to serially process envelopes and extracted documents in continuous fashion and substantially independent of their characteristic features. To this end, the operating stations of the apparatus are configured to be as independent as possible of the characteristics of the envelopes and their contents so that envelopes and contents of varied characteristics can be effectively handled by the apparatus without requiring any significant adjustments.

Abstract: A conveyor belt including displacement apparatus for laterally displacing pieces of a product across the width of the moving conveyor belt. The apparatus may include a rotatable paddle wheel with radially extending fins or roller sets that are engageable with the underside of the belt. The paddle wheel is rotated to rapidly elevate the belt upwardly and downwardly to project the pieces off the belt in a trajectory that will displace the pieces laterally relative to the direction of travel of the belt. In a preferred embodiment, the fins or roller sets are tapered such that the center of the belt has the greatest upward (and downward) movement and the belt near its side edges has the least movement.

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: An apparatus for positioning food components in a container that is moving along a conveyor. The apparatus has a paddle member and a link. The paddle member is movable between a first position within the container and a second position outside of the container. The paddle is also pivotable when moved between the first position and the second position. The paddle member is adapted to engage the food components and move the food components to a selected location in the container as the container moves along the conveyor. The link moves the paddle member between the first position and the second position and pivots the paddle member as the paddle member is moved between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An article disposition apparatus capable of disposing articles such as ICs at any arbitrary disposition pitch by a simple arrangement in a time efficient manner. The article disposition apparatus according to the present invention comprises a stainless steel belt for transferring articles, a sensor for sensing the passing of the articles transferred by the stainless steel belt, a plurality of adsorption devices disposed each other at a predetermined pitch in the direction of transfer carried out by the stainless steel belt for holding the articles transferred by the stainless steel belt, respectively, and a control circuit for controlling a plurality of the adsorption devices so that the articles being transferred are held by a plurality of the adsorption devices in response to the passing of the articles sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tyne layer in an automatic brick stacking system having a conveyor for moving courses of brick from a kiln car to a stacking and straping station is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set-down transfer head for removing a course of brick from the conveyor. A separation conveyor receives brick from the set-down transfer head. The separation conveyor has a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart conveying means for moving the bricks in a longitudinal direction. A stop means engages and stops the movement of bricks therepast. A lift means is disposed between the conveying means and between one end of the separation conveyor and the stop means for lifting and redepositing a portion of the bricks upstream of the stop means. The conveying means, stop means, and first lift means are sequentially operated in a cooperative relationship to space the rows of brick apart in the longitudinal direction of conveyance and at predetermined intervals to form the tyne layer.

Abstract: A method for continuous transferring of hollow plastic articles from a first station to a second station, wherein articles at the first station are arranged in a first number of N.sub.1 columns and wherein articles at the second station are arranged in a second number of N.sub.2 columns, and wherein N.sub.2 differs from N.sub.1 and equals N.sub.1 times x, x being either an integer greater than 1 or a fraction, includes the steps of: transferring a first batch of articles on a carrying member from the first station to an array of N.sub.2 columns on the holding member at the second station; advancing at least a portion of the articles on a first number of holding members from the second station toward the blow molding station and replacing the advanced first number of holding members with a corresponding second number of holding members; transferring a second batch of articles on the carrying member from the first station to an array of N.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus (22) and a method for positioning a heated glass sheet on rolls (26) on a conveyor (24) utilizes an air hearth (28) for supplying upwardly directed pressurized air and an elevator (32) for providing relative movement between the rolls and the air hearth for either the conveyance or floating of the glass sheet over the rolls to allow a positioner (36) to position the heated glass sheet while out of engagement with the rolls. The air hearth (28) has stationary supports (38) and the elevator (32) has cam actuators (42) that move the rolls (26) of the roll conveyor (24) vertically with respect to the stationary air hearth between raised and lowered positions to provide either the roll conveyance or floated glass sheet positioning.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing products, particularly tobacco items, on a production line wherein at least a first product manufacturing machine and at least a second product grouping machine, for forming the products into groups containing a given number of products, are connected rigidly and in time with each other by way of a transfer device; the method comprising stages wherein, by way of the transfer device, a first orderly succession of products from the first machine and containing vacancies is manipulated and converted into a second succession for supply to the second machine and containing a succession of gaps and full portions, wherein each gap and each full portion is composed of a number of products which is a multiple of the number of products in each group, and is in time with the second machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing fiber bales into readiness for removing fiber tufts therefrom by a travelling bale opener has a fiber bale depositing device for positioning an initial fiber bale at an inclined orientation to the vertical and for positioning, adjacent the initial fiber bale, an additional fiber bale at an angle of inclination greater than the angle of inclination of the initial bale as viewed codirectionally with the angle of the initial bale; a bale-supporting device for engaging and stabilizing the initial fiber bale; a displacing device for moving the bale-supporting device into and out of engagement with the initial fiber bale; and a control device for automatically operating the fiber bale depositing device and the displacing device for automatically and sequentially depositing the initial fiber bale, moving the bale-supporting device into engagement with the initial fiber bale, depositing the additional fiber bale into a countersupporting engagement with the initial fiber bale and moving the ba

Abstract: A document registration apparatus for use in a document inserting station or a document queuing station is provided. The apparatus includes a document registration unit having a plurality of laterally-spaced registration stops which pivot about a horizontal axis for stopping motion of a document and registering a particular edge of a document to a particular direction in the apparatus. There is at least one urge roller for moving the registered document away from the apparatus for further processing. The document registration apparatus also includes structure for pivoting the documentation registration unit about a vertical axis for skew adjustment of the registration unit.

Abstract: A device for loading and/or unloading the racks of a lyophilization tank operates such that vials 5 are collected and stored on a vibrating table 2 equipped with a mobile arm 8 blocking the vials on at least a part of the tray 3 of the vibrating table. A mobile transfer frame 11 carrying retractable flaps 15, 16 is adapted for moving between the flat surface 10 of a mobile carriage 1 and the tray 1 of the vibrating table for collecting and transferring the accumulated vials.

Abstract: A unit for compacting groups of flat products arranged side by side and on edge, whereby a through conveyor feeds the groups, with the products separated axially, into successive engagement with a compacting device having a number of pairs of compacting elements on either side of the conveyor; the compacting elements in each pair traveling with the conveyor, being positioned facing the opposite ends of a respective group, and being brought together for transversely moving the products in the group into contact with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material conveyed in a product stream and across a substantially level single layer on a conveyor, wherein the conveyor passes beneath an examination device which determines the presence and transverse location of any undesired material; a number of movable conduits are positioned transversely across the conveyor downstream from the examination device, and are arranged in staggered rows to transversely encompass the entire product stream on the conveyor; the suction device and movable conduits are respectively controlled by the examination device, to cause each conduit to selectively move toward the conveyor and remove undesired material from the conveyor as it passes beneath the suction device, and to move away from the conveyor when no undesired material is positioned beneath the suction device; a valve in the common suction line connected to all conduits stabilizes suction pressure during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A belt-like tire component member 8 is conveyed to a shaping drum 2 by a belt conveyor 1. There is provided a conveyor belt 6 having a reverse surface with at least one toothed portion 12 which protrudes from the reverse surface at a predetermined position in width thereof and endlessly extends along a longitudinal direction of the belt, a driving drum 4 which drives the conveyor belt 6 and has teeth 14 formed on the outer peripheral portion corresponding to the toothed portion 12 so as to mesh with the toothed portion, and a driving motor 7 which drives the driving drum 4 and controls its rotational speed. There is provided a plurality of air holes 11 on the conveyor belt 6, and an air chamber 9b which is disposed under the conveyor belt 6 so as to contact therewith and to communicate with the air holes 11. Air is supplied to and discharged from the air chamber 9b by a blower 24.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for maximizing the loading of streams of products on a collapsible conveyor belt which pass through a processor in helical paths. In one embodiment, a separate infeed belt is curved in the same direction and radius as the collapsible belt for loading the products at equally spaced intervals thereon. In another embodiment, the products in each path are deposited at intervals determined as a function of belt speed, load density and the ratio of the radius of each path to the radius at the periphery of the collapsible belt in the processor.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for grading objects according to their size, the objects are advanced along a broad, flat and divided conveyer path. Image data relating to the size of respective objects is obtained with the aid of a camera scanning against a light source. At the correct moment in time, control signals are transmitted to finger groups, preferably four, which function to guide ten or more objects simultaneously in mutually different directions, in accordance with the respective sizes of the objects. In one embodiment, the lowest fingers are replaced with triangular-shaped guidance blocks. A large number of objects can be sorted gently and effectively from the transport path into mutually different, individually selective sizes.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to decrease the cost required for constructing the system and the tact time in production line. For achieving the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, among a plurality of stations where adjustment or the like of the subject is carried out, the recognizing station, through which a pallet mounted with the subject is firstly passes, recognizes the positional deviations of the subject and stored them in a memory provided on said pallet. Next, an adjusting station reads out the above-mentioned positional deviations from the memory and added them to the predetermined standard positional information, thereby correcting the positional deviations of the subject.

Abstract: A device (10) for positioning a glass sheet or other generally rigid planar object (G), having a roller bed table (12) for supporting the object in a horizontal plane and an overhead device (14) carrying a first set of spaced apart arms (26, 28, 30, 32), each of which has a vertically acting cylinder (70) near a free end thereof, and a second set of spaced apart arms (20, 22, 24) near a free end thereof, each of which has a horizontally acting cylinder (48) near the free end thereof. Each vertically acting cylinder has a sheet edge contacting element (74) at the free end of its cylinder rod (72), and these edge contacting elements act as fixed stops during the positioning of the object. Each horizontally acting cylinder has a sheet edge contacting element (52) of the free end of its cylinder rod (50), and these edge contacting elements act as movable stops during the positioning of the object.

Abstract: A suction table, especially for an exposure station of an apparatus for producing offset plates, and including an upper suction plate with a plurality of openings, which communicate with a suction means so as to firmly attract an offset plate placed on the suction plate during the exposure. The suction table includes furthermore a conveyor causing an offset plate placed on the suction tabe to move along the upper surface of the suction table, a guide member placed at the upper surface of the suction plate and including a guide surface, which forms an acute angle, preferably an angle of less than 45.degree., with the moving direction of the conveyor means, and an end stop for the front edge of the plate when seen in the moving direction.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for grading objects according to their size, the objects are advanced along a broad, flat and divided conveyer path. Image data relating to the size of respective objects is obtained with the aid of a camera scanning against a light source. At the correct moment in time, control signals are transmitted to finger groups, preferably four, which function to guide ten or more objects simultaneously in mutually different directions, in accordance with the respective sizes of the objects. In one embodiment, the lowest fingers are replaced with triangular-shaped guidance blocks. A large number of objects can be sorted gently and effectively from the transport path into mutually different, individually selective sizes.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for aligning articles or rows of articles positioned irregularly on a conveyor along a predetermined path downstream of a conditioning line or the like, including at least one detector to detect the passage of the trailing article or row of articles. At least one alignment element is provided, and a respective activation device for each of the alignment elements, whereby the detector is adapted to transmit to the activation device a detection signal upon detecting the passage of the trailing product or row of products, and whereby the activation device is adapted to displace the alignment element from an initial rest position beyond the path of the article or row of articles on the conveyor, to an active position abutting against the trailing article or row of articles.

Abstract: A process for continuously forming a product having elongated members at least about one foot long which are oriented, compressed and bonded is provided, the process comprising depositing elongated members on a moving carrier with an orientation that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of said carrier, said members being deposited on said carrier over a length of carrier that is at least as long as about one and one-half times the length of the elongated members and is at least as long as about 30 times the final thickness of the compressed, composite product.

Abstract: A glass plates positioning device for positioning overlapped larger and smaller glass plates on a belt conveyer is disclosed, which includes a light device and pushing portions. The lift device lifts up the glass plates from the belt conveyer and lowers the same onto the belt conveyer. In a lifted position, the glass plates are horizontally universally movably supported by the lift device and positioned by the pushing portions. Each pushing portion is shaped like a spinning top, which includes concentrically connected smaller and larger disc portions. Each pushing portion horizontally abuts against and pushes each side edge of the glass plates to a predetermined position, wherein side surface of the larger disc is in contact with the edge of the smaller glass plate and the side surface of the smaller disc is in contact with the edge of the larger glass plate. After the positioning of the glass plates, the glass plates are lowered onto the belt conveyer by the lift device.

Abstract: Described is a storage system for sequent and positioned input, storage and emoval of items arranged on a carrier. The storage system is provided with a first container for full carriers and a second container for empty carriers. The carrier is a conveyor belt, the ends of which are attached to shafts arranged one in the first container and one in the second container, respectively, and which can be rolled up on these shafts together with the items on the conveyor belt. A forward transport unit moves the conveyor belt in such a manner that a new item can be stored or removed from one loading and unloading station and the conveyor belt is unwound from one shaft and rewound on the other shaft. The system has the advantage that it requires only one loading and unloading station and that the process can be readily automated.

Abstract: Stacking equipment for stacking products such as boxes or cartons in lay-flat form onto pallets, comprising a receiving conveyor (1) means (6, 7, 8) thereon for collecting a batch of products together in predetermined disposition, and a push plate (11) for transferring an assembled batch of products onto a main support bed (15). The bed (15) raises the batch of products onto retractable temporary support fingers (17) and then returns to receive the next succeeding batch. The batches are stacked successively and finally supported on a pallet which is elevated on bed (15) to support the finished stack which is then discharged from the bed. Also provided are a pallet dispenser (30) adjacent the support bed (15) and a tiesheet dispenser (20) to place an individual tie sheet on the top of each successive batch prior to stacking.

Abstract: In a substantially horizontal conveyor or conveying heated glass sheets, a positioning device for aligning the sheets in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. It includes thrust rods advanced by the engagement of cam followers moving with the thrust rod on cams stationary with respect to the conveyor. Draw springs return the thrust rods to their initial position. The thrust rods are mounted on crosswise carriages, which are in turn mounted on carriages movable in the conveying direction and in synchronism with the glass sheets. The thrust rods are pivotally mounted on the crosswise carriages about horizontal axes, and so their distal ends can be displaced out of the plane of the glass sheets during the return movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for converting a single-row stream of containers, which is supplied via a feed mechanism, into a multi-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn. A conversion region is used that is formed from an intermediate transport mechanism that is disposed between the feed mechanism and a withdrawal mechanism, and comprises a number of conveyor belts that have a common direction of transport. In the conversion region, the transport speed of the containers is reduced in stages while the width of the stream of containers increases. To effect conversion of the single-row stream of containers that is supplied from itself into the multi-row stream of containers without the influence of external jamming forces upon the containers, the containers are moved through the conversion region in the direction of transport of the conveyer belts, and the transport speed of the containers is reduced by stages in this direction of transport.

Abstract: Pressureless apparatus for aligning miscellaneous objects, notably bottles, including a feed conveyor having a plurality of tracks, an intermediate conveyor consisting of a plurality of juxtaposed elementary paddled chains, a curvilinear guide plate overlying the paddle-chains, and a single-track output conveyor. To prevent the bottles from forming a double row at the ingress of the output conveyor and to reduce the overall dimensions of the pressureless aligner, the intermediate conveyor leads to a transitional conveyor that includes a mechanism for aligning the bottles which tend to form a second row in the single-track output conveyor.

Abstract: A plurality of articles are conveyed as an array of successive rows wherein each row contains at least two articles in a general line extending transversely to the direction of travel of the articles. Relative motion between a conveying surface and an alignment element positioned downstream of the conveying surface is effected to cause the articles within a row to encounter the alignment element and thereby become aligned with respect to each other. The relative motion is then reversed to permit the thus aligned row of articles to clear the alignment element while exiting the conveying surface. In the preferred version, the relative motion is achieved by the substantially vertical motion of the downstream end of a pivotable conveyor adjacent to a stationary alignment bar. The movements of the conveyor can be controlled responsive to the arrival of a row of articles at the downstream end of the pivotable conveyor.

Abstract: A log-positioning conveyor (10) includes a pair of spaced-apart lug-supporting frames (12, 14) and an interconnecting center frame (16). Vertical and horizontal cylinders (42, 44, 46, 48), one of each at each end of the conveyor, are interconnected between end frame members (22, 24) and anchor locations (50, 52, 54, 56). The cylinders (42, 44, 46, 48) are extended and retracted for moving the conveyor vertically and/or horizontally. The conveyor frame (12, 14, 16) is stabilized in position, both endwise and angularly by a stabilizing arm (66). This arm (66) has a universal joint (68) at its inner end connected to an end frame (24) and a universal joint (70) at its outer end connected to an anchoring structure (72). A system of horizontal and vertical light beams (HB, VB) is used to measure each log as it ascends on the conveyor (10) to an uppermost position.

Abstract: This apparatus for separating wet laundry articles (e.g.

Abstract: There is set forth a rotating wheel transfer mechanism for transferring items, but in particular bakery items, from one conveyor belt to another conveyor belt. Combined with the conveyor belt mechanism there can be a gate arrangement to assist in aligning the conveyed items. In addition, the wheel transfer mechanism can be heated or cooled in order to respectively heat or cool the items being conveyed. The net result is that the items can be transferred from one conveyor belt to another conveyor belt with less damage to the particular items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for promoting preselected article orientation by elimination of unoccupied spaces in an assemblage of articles at a staging area, and, more particularly for precisely grouping cans prior to palletization thereof. The apparatus has opposite side walls, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, adjacent to a transfer surface for alternately expanding and contracting the area allotted to article staging, while the articles are being assembled to thereby cause articles to occupy unoccupied spaces and thereby enhance quantity reliability of articles within a given area.

Abstract: An automated baking station for the transportation and sequencing of dough pieces from a forming station to an oven which comprises a series of conveyor belts and a sequencing hopper in order to automatically sequence and stagger multiple dough pieces produced in parallel at the forming station for alternate staggered dough pieces for feeding into the oven.

Abstract: A method of and a device for aligning products like slabs and bars of chocolate or pastries on a conveyor belt by a retainer rod. The retainer rod descends from a raised position to between two adjacent rows of confections, travels along with the conveyor belt but at a lower speed, and, once the rows of confections have been aligned, accelerates, rises, and returns to its initial position.

Abstract: A pressureless conveyor for objects, bottles or similar items, including an input conveyor having single-channel paddle chains, a slowdown conveyor having a guide ramp, and an output conveyor with multiple juxtaposed channels. This conveyor includes a distribution system attached to the slowdown conveyor guide ramp for, imparting a serpentine path to the bottles on the output conveyor. More particularly, this distribution system transforms the straight-line motion of the bottles on the slowdown conveyor into an alternating movement combined with the progression of the different paddle chains of the output conveyor. This results in the distribution of the bottles over the entire working surface of the output conveyor.

Abstract: A veneer straightener, operating with a moving conveyor, includes two endless chains outwardly flanking the sides of the conveyor, the endless chains being mounted on drive sprockets powered through a common drive shaft. Mounted on the endless chains are a pair of upwardly extending lugs which are aligned with each other transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor, and which extend above the moving conveyor belts. The upwardly extending lugs move in the direction of forward movement of the conveyor, but at a speed slower than that of the conveyor. A switch is triggered by an approaching sheet of veneer, which initiates the drive power and starts the forward movement of the lugs. As the moving sheet overtakes the lugs, it will be restrained by the lugs to a straightened or squared position. Upon reaching the forward sprocket the lugs will follow the spocket down and away from their restraining engagement and the squared sheet will resume the forward speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging nested, parallel rows of generally circular containers on a conveyor, the rows extending in the direction of conveyor movement, with the containers of alternate rows being offset relative to the containers of the remaining rows, the apparatus comprising partitions for forming a first row of containers, and for directing containers transversely to the direction of conveyor movement so that containers nest against previously formed rows to form successive rows.

Abstract: A sheet of glass or similar material is moved to and in the cutting area of the apparatus by sheet gripping assemblies that engage and grip an edge portion of the sheet, and that undergo precise controlled movement. A fluid-jet discharging nozzle moves above the sheet along a path of travel normal to the sheet movement. Belts supportively underlying the sheet are driven sufficiently in unison therewith to minimize possible scratching or other marring of the glass. To the same end, the lower portion of the fluid-jet nozzle is of tapered shape. Sheet-engaging clamps of the gripping assemblies are moveable in a manner adapted to prevent damage to the glass sheets engaged thereby. Positioning structure may be provided for receiving and positioning the glass sheets preparatory to the cutting thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the number of longitudinal rows of bakery articles which are being advanced on an oven conveyor belt in longitudinal and transverse rows according to which there are formed a number n of identical groups of directly adjacent longitudinal rows corresponding to the number of additional longitudinal rows, n being a whole number equal to the number of longitudinal rows initially present divided by the number of groups. From each of the longitudinal rows initially present, one article is removed for every n+1 transverse rows. The articles taken from each group are then arranged to form one additional longitudinal row and the additional longitudinal rows are added to the initially present longitudinal rows. The articles are removed by an oblique suction conveyor belt which is provided with suction cups above a conveyor belt for the articles.

Abstract: A method for collecting commodities in a group, a longitudinal series of commodities being fed set by set into a tapered pusher on which stages having enough size to accommodate square commodities are continuously formed, a pusher advancing a length equal to one commodity so that the commodity group is pushed out in such a condition that the contacting surfaces of the commodities in the row disagree with the contacting surfaces of the commodities in the adjacent rows. A device for collecting commodities uses a tapered pusher on which stages having a longitudinal length shorter than a length of a square commodity and a substantially same lateral length as a width of the square commodity are continuously formed, the pusher being disposed on an operation table provided at a side of a conveyor for conveying commodities to move in a longitudinal direction parallel to the conveyor.

Abstract: A centering apparatus for ceramic articles or the like is disclosed, which articles are conveyed by a conveyor belt from one station to another. To facilitate further handlings of the articles, e.g. a clamping operation by a clamping device, the apparatus is arranged to align the articles into a proper orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of centering members to center the article substantially transversely of the conveyor belt, and a second pair of centering members to center the article substantially longitudinally of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: In connection with a feeding conveyor for feeding articles laterally onto a sorter conveyor is mounted a retractable V-shaped stop for the articles as conveyed on the feeding conveyor, whereby these articles are temporarily stopped and concurrently centered towards the top point of the V-stop. Hereby it is achieved that the remaining article transfer distance is well defined such that the transfer of the article to the sorter conveyor, upon retraction of the V-stop, may take place in a well defined manner. When the respective edges or sides of the V-stop are orientated parallelly with and orthogonally to the moving direction of the sorter conveyor, it is achieved, additionally, that a rectangular article as fed to the feeding conveyor with any arbitrary orientation, will be orientated so as to take up a minimum space on the sorter conveyor, whereby the capacity of the latter may kept at a maximum.

Abstract: The invention is a robotic parts presentation system for delivering a workpiece into a work envelope of an industrial manipulator. This system also centers the delivered workpiece about the centerline of the workpiece in the X and Y axes directions thereof. The invention provides an accurate system for the location of the part with respect to a programmed pickup point for acquisition by an industrial manipulator. The system comprises in combination a centering device which is disposed within the work envelope of the industrial manipulator and a flip-over mechanism for delivering the workpiece from a transfer station outside of the work envelope onto the centering device.

Abstract: Device (10) to separate bars which is suitable for separating elongated elements, such as bars (19), tubes or other like elements, from a bundle in motion along a conveyor (12), the separator device (10) being positioned in cooperation with the conveyor (12) and comprising a series of movable separators (14) arranged along the front of the conveyor (12) and at least one elevator (13) which lifts one end of each bar to deliver it to the separator device.

Abstract: A garment portion loader utilizes a plurality of photo-electric sensors to determine the positions of garment portions at selected stations including a delivery assembly which supplies garment portions for loading, a pick-up assembly which removes garment portions from the delivery assembly and places them on an alignment conveyor, a smoothing device which removes wrinkles from the garment portions when positioned on the conveyor, and an alignment assembly which aligns the garment portions with a pre-established standard relative to the alignment conveyor. A rejection assembly is provided to remove garments which are not properly aligned. The loader may be controlled by a microprocessor receiving input from the sensors and controlling the various assemblies.