Abstract: A system for distributing a stream of articles includes a belt assembly (210) with a plurality of belt segments (212) carrying a stream of articles (150), a sensor assembly (220) with a plurality of sensors (222), a control system (240) interfacing with the belt assembly (210) and the sensor assembly (220), wherein the sensor assembly (220) determines spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150), and wherein the control system (240) controls a speed of the plurality of belt segments (212) to minimize the spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150) when the spacing (230) is greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Package transfer systems and methods for moving packages in a conveyor system are described herein. The package transfer systems and methods include package stops that move between their open and closed configurations. In the closed configuration, the package stops prevent a package from moving through the location of the package stop. When placed on the perimeter of a transfer location into which packages are delivered by a delivery conveyor, the package stops provide for proper positioning of packages in the transfer location.

Abstract: A conveying system is disclosed. The conveying system may have a first conveying apparatus that conveys a first article to a first location. The conveying system may also have a second conveying apparatus that conveys a second article to a second location. The conveying system may have a frame, a chute connected to the frame, and a third conveying apparatus. The chute may convey the first article received from the first conveying apparatus to a discharge location. The third conveying apparatus, disposed below the chute, may convey the second article received from the second conveying apparatus to the discharge location. The chute may be movable relative to the to the third conveying apparatus, such that the first or second article may be selectively conveyed to the discharge location via the chute or third conveying apparatus, depending on the position of the chute relative to the third conveying apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated detection of carton damage are disclosed. One method includes capturing one or more images of a carton via a camera system at a routing location within a warehouse of a retail supply chain, and applying a machine learning model to determine a likelihood of damage of the carton. The method can include, based on the likelihood of damage being above a particular threshold, identifying the carton as damaged. A carton assessment record can be stored in a carton damage tracking database, including the one or more images of the carton alongside the likelihood of damage and the routing location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for vibration feeding of bulk material and a vibration feeder device provided for such purposes, comprising a material feed, a charging hopper including a hopper discharge, a feeder tray, a height adjustment means for adjusting a level height between the hopper discharge and the feeder tray, and a vibration driver for driving the feeder tray at an oscillation amplitude and an oscillation frequency, where a target material throughput and material specific parameters of the bulk material are input, initial parameters for the level height, oscillation amplitude and oscillation frequency are determined from these inputs, and subsequently the level height is adjusted by controlling the height adjustment means.

Abstract: A method for auto-calibration of a sorter is described. The method includes transmitting, by a carrier transmit board of a sorter, a short discharge command to a first section of the sorter. The short discharge command can be generated based on a first clock offset. Further, the method includes receiving at the carrier transmit board a status message indicative of a status of a first motor control board associated with the first section of the sorter. Furthermore, in response to the status message indicating that the first motor control did not receive the short discharge command, the method includes modifying the first clock offset to a second clock offset and retransmitting the short discharge command based on a second clock offset. If the first motor control receives the short discharge command, the method includes configuring a sorter control system based on the first clock offset.

Abstract: A tray sealer comprises a conveyor arrangement for conveying packaging trays along a conveying direction. The conveyor arrangement comprises a first conveyor device for conveying a first line of packaging trays along the conveying direction, a second conveyor device running laterally alongside the first conveyor device for conveying a second line of packaging trays along the conveying direction, and a center guide which is arranged between the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device and extends along the conveying direction. The conveyor arrangement further comprises a third conveyor device for conveying packaging trays along the conveying direction. The third conveyor device extends adjoining the second conveyor device in terms of the conveying direction laterally alongside the first conveyor device.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are optimized for cutting sealing elements on packages using optical radiation. Packages can pass through a cutting device that applies the optical radiation to damage, vaporize, or cut the sealing element (e.g., tape) on the package. The systems and methods control several aspects of the cutting process to adjust throughput, improve efficiency, and reduce line stoppages. Systems can include an in-feed conveyor that orients packages and rejects packages that are out of specification, which can lead to issues such as jamming or damage to the equipment. Systems can include a variable-speed cut conveyor controlled by a computing system to dynamically adjust the speed of packages based upon historical cut quality, environmental measurement data, and height data related to a vertical dimension of the package.

Abstract: Mobile sorting units for sorting and moving items within an inventory system. The can include a moveable structure for receiving and sorting items onto shelves and moving the items to item storage locations. The moveable structure can include a moveable platform for receiving the items and positioning the items for transportation to storage containers.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying electrically conductive articles such as aluminum bottles or cans. The conveyor system comprises a plurality of coils below the top surface of an electromagnetic conveyor at a junction between an infeed conveyor and a discharge conveyor. The coils propagate electromagnetic flux waves that induce currents in the electrically conductive articles that force the articles to follow a conveying path from the infeed to the discharge conveyor. Dead spots on the electromagnetic conveyor can be eliminated by adjusting the coil drive waveforms. And a long electromagnetic conveyor driven by a train of narrow pulses is used to singulate electrically conductive articles.

Abstract: A filament-transportation device has a plurality of tube elements for transporting filaments from an intake area to an outtake area via an airstream generated by underpressure or overpressure. Each tube element has an end orifice. A baffle-plate unit has a baffle plate having a through-hole, a top surface opposite to the end orifices to stop the transport of the filaments, and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. The baffle plate includes baffle plate elements associated with the end orifices. Each of the baffle-plate elements has a top surface forming part of the top surface of the baffle plate, a bottom surface forming part of the bottom surface of the baffle plate, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surface.

Abstract: A device for examining a conveyor system having one or more motorized rollers comprises a measuring unit for determining a current profile of the motorized roller, wherein the measuring unit has a first interface and a second interface which are adapted to switch the measuring unit in the conveyor system between the motorized roller and a control unit controlling the motorized roller. A third interface is provided for receiving data on an operating situation present during the determination of the current profile. An evaluation unit is adapted to compare the determined current profile of the motorized roller with a reference profile which is characteristic for the operating situation.

Abstract: The present concepts comprise various methods and apparatuses for the sorting of packages and other articles or objects in a cost- and time-efficient manner such that the life of the apparatuses for sorting and transporting said objects is extended. Likewise, the integrity of the conveyed articles is likewise maintained, such that the articles are not damaged or altered. This is done by detecting and rectifying Jamming, Overload, and Overflow. Another purpose of the concept is to eliminate the subjectivity of the human operator; stoppage due to the jamming or overload excepted.

Abstract: A material handling system for singulation of items is described. The material handling system can include, a singulation conveyor with a mechanical actuator. The mechanical actuator can be configured to manipulate an item on the singulation conveyor. Further, the material handling system can comprise a sensing unit comprising an imaging device that can be configured to capture an image of a zone of a singulation conveyor. Further, the material handling system can have a control unit that can be configured to classify, based on a classification model and the image, the item into a category. The category can be indicative of an orientation of the item with respect to another item and a conveying surface of the singulation conveyor. Further, the control unit can be configured to, generate instructions to cause actuation of a mechanical actuator to perform a singulation action based on the classification associated with the item.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device, system and method are disclosed. The robotic device includes an end effector having at least one finger, the fingers being configured for manipulating objects in the vicinity of the device under computer control. The device is configured for manipulating objects of varying sizes, dimensions and positions with reference to the device, without requiring information as to the precise location of the object with reference to the device.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A method for singulating parcels includes receiving an input stream of a plurality of parcels including at least a leading parcel and a lagging parcel in a singulator system. The method includes updating position information of the leading parcel and the lagging parcel on a list. The method includes determining a leading speed of the leading parcel. The method includes determining an exit time of the leading parcel. The method includes setting a lagging speed of the lagging parcel according to the exit time of the leading parcel and a distance to an exit line of the lagging parcel. The method includes controlling conveyors to transport the leading parcel at the leading speed and to transport the lagging parcel at the lagging speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods to separate and present items for picking and movement to various downstream systems may include an item separation system, a vision system, and an item picking system controlled or instructed by a control system. The control system may instruct an item separation system comprising a plurality of conveyors at various positions, orientations, or heights to separate and present items at a picking area. The vision system may capture imaging data of items at the picking area. The control system may identify items or pickable surfaces. The control system may further instruct an item picking system to pick and move items from the picking area to various downstream systems and/or may instruct the item separation system to change aspects of movement of items to further separate and present items at the picking area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tray locator assembly for aligning one or more trays in a tray-based automated storage and retrieval system. The tray locator assembly may include one or more guide pin assemblies having one or more guide pins engaging with one or more slots formed in a surface of at least one tray of the one or more trays. The tray locator assembly may further include at least one translational actuator to move the one or more guide pins inserted into the one or more slots so as to translate the at least one tray, wherein the translation of the at least one tray separates a second group of trays having a second size from a first group of trays having a first size along the conveyance plane to a second position in order to reduce tolerance stack up associated with the first group of trays.

Abstract: A robot system provided with: a conveying apparatus; a robot that performs processing on an article being conveyed; a camera that captures images of the article being conveyed; a conveying-velocity calculating portion that calculates at least one of a position of the article on the conveying apparatus and a velocity at which the article is conveyed by the conveying apparatus on the basis of the plurality of images captured by the camera; and a control unit that controls the robot on the basis of at least one of the position and the conveying velocity. The control unit determines whether or not the article is present in the images, and, in the case in which the article is absent, controls the robot on the basis of at least one of the position and the conveying velocity calculated by the conveying-velocity calculating portion immediately therebefore.

Abstract: A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.

Abstract: In a destacking device comprising a stacking magazine (2), the respective lowest sheet of a stack (1) of metal sheets is destacked by way of a suction element (5, 15). This element can be moved upward and downward by way of a drive (6). At the end of the upward movement, the respective lowest metal sheet (4) of the stack (1) is gripped by suction power and pulled from the stack. A second suction element (5?, 15?) is provided, which can be moved upward and downward by way of a drive (6?) and by way of which the lowest sheet (4) of the stack (1) can be gripped at the end of the upward movement. The second suction element is driven so as to be leading with respect to the first suction element, so that the respective lowest sheet (4) of the stack (1) can first be pulled from the stack by the second suction element (5?), and subsequently by the first suction element (5). In this way, it becomes possible to destack thin sheets having a thickness of only 0.12 mm and a square shape without disruption.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing and a drive system. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing outlet, and a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed.

Abstract: A device (1) for conveying products, has a first conveying portion (2), referred to as a quick portion (2), and a second conveying portion (3), referred to as a slow portion (3), in which the products then circulate in a linear fashion in a longitudinal conveying direction (4), normally slower than in the quick portion (2). The products circulate from the quick portion (2) towards the slow portion (3), in which they are then organized into a flow that is wider than in the quick portion (2), the quick portion (2) and the slow portion (3) being placed next to one another. Upstream from the slow portion (3), the quick portion (2) has an upstream guide (5) which is directed angularly towards the slow portion (3). A method for implementing the device is also described.

Abstract: A product speed checking apparatus for attaching to a vibratory conveying system and a method thereof for dispensing product, including a sample pan mounted to capture flow of product between two vibratory conveyors; a first sensor and a second sensor, each placed separately at a predetermined distance from one another and each capable of independently reading product handled by the sample pan; and, a programmable logic controller operatively arranged to calculate an approximate time between the reading of product by the first sensor and the reading of product by the second sensor and computing product speed by dividing distance between two sensors with the travel time between the two sensors.

Abstract: An automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A vertical stack of envelopes rests on a long stacker table. The mail tray filling apparatus has a track positioned next the vertical stacker table parallel to the length of the vertical stacker table. A mail tray transport is positioned beneath the track and arranged to transport mail trays beneath the track in a direction parallel to the vertical stacker table. A movable mail tray filler is movably mounted on the track to travel in parallel next to the vertical stacker table and above the mail tray transport, and is arranged to withdraw envelopes from the end of the vertical stack in a sideways direction. Envelopes are then redirected into a downward direction and fed into a mail tray positioned beneath the movable mail tray filler.

Abstract: A slicing apparatus for a continuous slicing of products comprises a slicing unit having a movable cutting blade, a supply apparatus for a multi-track supply of the products to the slicing unit to cut off slices from the products and a removal apparatus for removing portions of cut-off slices along a transport direction. The removal apparatus has a first removal conveyor and a second removal conveyor arranged downstream of the first removal conveyor with respect to the transport direction. The slicing apparatus comprises a slicing apparatus provided between the first removal conveyor and the second removal conveyor for cut-off product parts to be discarded and a track combiner which is configured to take over portions not to be discarded in each case from a number of different conveyor tracks of the first removal conveyor consecutively in time and to combine them in a smaller number of tracks on the second removal conveyor.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine includes a sorting conveyor having sorting outlets, a first feed branch adapted for automatically injecting heterogeneous postal articles of the small parcel type into the sorting conveyor, and a second feed branch adapted for injecting homogeneous flat mailpieces of the letter type, or the magazine type, or of some analogous type into the sorting conveyor. The first feed branch has an inlet adapted for receiving the heterogeneous postal articles loose, and it is provided with at least one robotized handling arm of the “pick and place” type.

Abstract: A system for automated high throughput presentation of an ear of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is provided. The ear evaluation system may include an image acquisition system for acquiring an image of the ear of corn. An ear staging system may be configured for coordinating timing and movement of the ear of corn through the image acquisition system. The ear evaluation system may define a mobile structure. Thereby the mobile structure may be driven or towed over rows of corn in order to acquire images of the corn substantially simultaneously with picking the ears of corn. Accordingly, image data relating to ears of corn may be obtained in a rapid manner. A method for high throughput presentation of a plurality of ears of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is also provided.

Abstract: The control of second to fourth paths (slave paths) is performed with reference to various settings and the sequence of the first path (master path), instead of various settings and sequences of the second to fourth paths, thus, control of all path groups is centralized by the sequence of the first path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for forming batches of products to be loaded into receptacles, including: a conveyer having housings including two links supporting a plurality of pallets defining housings between same: a supply conveyer arranged substantially perpendicular to the housing conveyer and capable of transporting products one behind the other and of supplying at least one product in each housing to a loading station via one Open lateral side of said housings, the housing conveyer being provided with abutment means arranged on the lateral side of the housing opposite the supply conveyer and used as an abutment for the product to be loaded into each housing: and unloading means capable of simultaneously unloading a batch of products from a series of housings of the housing conveyer at an unloading station.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring attributes of objects such as containers and container content without opening the containers are disclosed. Measurements of containers are obtained during conveyance via conveyor. For example, a sensor, such as a pressure sensing system, may measure pressure or contact between the container and the conveyor conveying the container. The measurements may be analyzed to determine characteristics of the container such as the weight, weight distribution and/or dimensions of the container. The conveyor may be configured to jostle the container such that an inertial property of the container and/or container content may be measured and analyzed. The measurements obtained may be used to ascertain a problem or characteristic of the container and/or container content without opening the container, such as damage, packing condition, number of units, presence of liquids, and the like. The method and device may be used through a materials handling facility.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises a frame, an endless conveyor belt supported by the frame in a conveying direction along a helical path, a non-helical path and a transfer path. The helical path has an upright center line. The belt includes a plurality of plates movably coupled to each other. The frame comprises at least at the helical path a radial guide, wherein the radial guide supports a plate at a radial guide contact location thereof in radial direction with respect to the center line of the helical path, a bearing guide for upwardly supporting the plates, wherein the bearing guide supports a plate at a bearing guide contact location thereof, and an auxiliary guide for compensating a torque on a plate at the bearing guide contact location about an axis directed in the conveying direction. The auxiliary guide contacts a plate at an auxiliary guide contact location thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking truss plates, each truss plate having a flat side and a pronged side, receives an odd number of plates. An even number of input channels underlie a stationary shelf and a movable shelf. The channels receive a first odd set of plates in a first cycle with the movable shelf in a first position, each of the first plates being received and falling input channels during the first cycle. The channels receive a second odd set of plates during a second cycle, the movable shelf in a second position during the second cycle. A roller and transport track assembly move each of the odd number of plates to an output so that an even number of plates is output during each cycle.

Abstract: A log singulator has first and second segments supported between roller mechanisms that allow the first and second segments to be reciprocated up and down. Each segment has a plurality of steps. Structural members of one segment extend between steps of the other segment. Some log singulators have first and second stages that can be independently operated. A first stage takes logs from a log pile and delivers the logs to a second stage that singulates the logs and delivers the logs to an output. A log storage area may be provided between the first and second stages. The first stage may operate at a higher cycle rate than the second stage. The second stage may be designed for rapid operation and good singulation of a range of log diameters. Embodiments of the first and second stages may be used in stand-alone applications and/or in combination with other log elevating and or singulating devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating piece goods which are to be stored in an automated store comprises a stepped conveyor for conveying piece goods from a stockpile beyond an upper edge of the stepped conveyor to a collecting device, wherein the stepped conveyor comprises an inclined bearing surface and a first step which can be moved in parallel over the bearing surface with a conveying edge which is parallel to the bearing surface, wherein the spacing between the bearing surface and the conveying edge corresponds to a minimum step height which suffices to push parallelepiped-shaped piece goods upwards, and a control device for actuating the stepped conveyor, which control device is coupled to a sensor which detects whether a piece goods item has been conveyed beyond the upper edge.

Abstract: A component feeder including a bulk storage container for storage of components, and a lift for elevating a selection of components from the container, the lift being located inside the container. The feeder further includes a transfer arrangement for transferring elevated components from the lift onto a component pick surface on which the components are distributed in order to be picked by a tool or by a hand, and a plate configured to include the component pick surface. Further described is a component feeder system including at least one component feeder, a camera for monitoring the component pick surface and a processor used to control an industrial robot to pick pickable components lying on the pick surface. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an egg transport device for a packaging device for eggs, comprising a distribution conveyor which extends in a direction of transport from a feed outer end to a discharge outer end and which, as seen in the direction of transport, is bounded on either side by guides extending at least substantially in the direction of transport, which egg transport device is adapted to deliver eggs over at least two discharge tracks of a discharge conveyor (12) which are distributed in a width direction extending at right angles to the direction of transport, wherein the feed conveyor comprises at least over a part of its length at least two distribution belts (17) extending parallel to each other and drivable independently of each other by drive devices, and distributing sections (9) lying in the line thereof, and sensors (7,10) are further provided which during use detect the delivery of an egg to a distributing section (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for, in a conveying direction T during conveyance, continuously distributing a flow or products, for instance eggs, comprising: —a distributing assembly with at least two feed channels extending in a conveying direction T for each forming a single row of products, wherein at least edge elements compose the edges of these channels over a well-defined distribution length and wherein these edge elements are provided above and adjacent a conveying surface at the downstream end of a feed conveyor, and —a control for monitoring and controlling the distribution of the products over the channels, wherein, based on monitoring signals and control signals, from the downstream end of the channels, only two products are transferred simultaneously to the conveyor, wherein the control, based on the monitoring signals and control signals, increases or reduces the speed of the conveyor according to a continuous adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a system for transferring a plurality of non-oriented items. The system includes a feeding area, a conveyor and a rail. The conveyor has a first end, a second end, a conveyor length disposed between the first end and the second end, a conveyor first side, a conveyor second side, a conveyor width disposed between the conveyor first side and the conveyor second side, and a conveyor ledge along the second side. The rail is disposed above the conveyor and from the conveyor ledge at a distance equal to one of the item height, the item width and the item length. A first portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will convey along the conveyor path. A second portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will fall off the conveyor ledge. ledge.

Abstract: A case packer is adapted to convey a plurality of packages and to pack the plurality of conveyed packages in a box. The case packer includes a first conveying unit, a detector, a second conveying unit and a control unit. The first conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages. The detector is configured and arranged to detect a thickness of at least one of the packages. The second conveying unit includes an accumulating portion where the packages are accumulated with the packages being partially overlaid on one another. The second conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages overlaid in the accumulating portion. The control unit is configured to adjust operation of the second conveying unit based on a detected value from the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units, wherein the packaging units are continuously supplied on a transportation apparatus and distributed to two further transportation apparatuses (16, 16?). The packaging units are centered on the first transportation apparatus by means of two flaps (20a, 20b) wherein, according to the present invention, the movement of the flaps is mechanically coupled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for, in a conveying direction T during conveyance, continuously distributing a flow or products, for instance eggs, comprising: a distributing assembly with at least two feed channels extending in a conveying direction T for each forming a single row of products, wherein at least edge elements compose the edges of these channels over a well-defined distribution length and wherein these edge elements are provided above and adjacent a conveying surface at the downstream end of a feed conveyor, and a control for monitoring and controlling the distribution of the products over the channels, wherein, based on monitoring signals and control signals, from the downstream end of the channels, only two products are transferred simultaneously to the conveyor, wherein the control, based on the monitoring signals and control signals, increases or reduces the speed of the conveyor according to a continuous adjustment.

Abstract: A belt monitoring system which can accurately monitor the condition of a conveyor belt by correcting it for the effect of belt deviation. Wear detecting magnets (11), which are rubber magnets spanning the entire belt width, are embedded at intervals along the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt (2). Also, position determining magnets (12, 12z) are embedded in positions a predetermined distance apart from the wear detecting magnets (11). In addition, a plurality of magnetic field detecting means (13: 13A-13G) for detecting the magnetic fields from the magnets (11, 12, 12z), which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the conveyor belt (2), are disposed in a position spaced apart from the surface of the conveyor belt (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an object repositioning system configured for use in association with a conveyor includes opposed gates positioned over the conveyor and oriented in an initial partially-closed position in which the gates define an opening through which objects conveyed by the conveyor can pass that is narrower than a width of the conveyor, a locking mechanism configured to lock the gates in the initial partially-closed position, and an actuation mechanism configured to release the locking mechanism to enable the gates to pivot when an object conveyed by the conveyor contacts both of the gates at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for feeding articles to a packing machine are disclosed. A conveyor belt is arranged prior to the belt feeder of the packing machine. The conveyor belt has at least two single lanes which are spatially separated from each other. A first sole driving motor allocated to the conveyor belt. A triggering mechanism connects the first driving motor with the single lanes of the conveyor belt so that the single lanes are driveable with different speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system and a method for merging or crossing of at least two conveyor lines (22, 24, 58) on which transport units (48, 50), particularly containers, are conveyed in an upstream direction (28), wherein the conveyor lines (22, 24) meet each other in an intersection point (26), wherein each of the conveyor lines (22, 24, 58) respectively comprises, upstream relative to the intersection point (26), one group (30, 34) of conveyor-line segments (32, 34), wherein the conveyor-line segments are respectively operable with a variable conveying velocity, the method comprising the following steps: conveying transport units (48, 50) towards the intersection point (26); detecting and determining a traffic density of the transport units (48, 50) on the conveyor lines (22, 24, 58), particularly at the conveyor-line segments (32-1, 34-1) which are located upstream; determining conveying velocities for the conveyor-line segments (32, 34) so that transport units (48, 50) which are conv