Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for log stability determination are described. A log position optimizer may be configured to identify one or more rest positions for a log to be conveyed on a sharp chain. The rest positions may be identified based on identification of contact points where the sharp chain may contact the log that have no intervening contact points that prevent stable contact between the log and the sharp chain. A preferred rest position may be selected out of the identified rest positions. The preferred rest position may be selected based on determination of which contact points are stable or unstable. This determination may be made for each contact point in a cross-sectional plane of the log. The log position optimizer may then control a log positioning mechanism to position the log in the selected rest position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A storage device for products includes parallel transport elements configured to convey product in opposite directions, and storage sections formed on corresponding transport elements and defining a transport plane. A transfer element includes a transfer section that extends over the transport elements. An actuating drive is arranged beneath the transport plane and coupled to the transfer element to change receiving capacities of the storage sections. The actuating drive is configured to adjust the transfer element by movement along the transport elements. At least one of the transport elements is controllable independently of adjustment of the transfer element.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of laterally displacing articles includes a conveyor defining a conveying surface and conveying articles in a longitudinal direction with the conveying surface. A diverting assembly is positioned diagonally at least partially across the conveying surface. The diverting assembly travels generally vertically between a non-actuated position below the conveying surface and an actuated position extending above the conveying surface. The diverting assembly has a diverting surface that is adapted to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface when in the actuated position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing.

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 arrangement for the distribution of products (Pn) includes a distribution device consisting of a phaser (23) that includes two belts (50, 52) driven independently and each comprising at least one cam (60) driven at a deflecting speed and selectively controlled in an operation mode for, according to a predetermined distribution sequence, contacting at least one product (Pn) of a first queue (F1) in order to deflect laterally the product (Pn) from an initial position to a determined final position which is transversally offset relative to the initial position so as to form at least a second queue of products (Pn) parallel or orthogonal to the first queue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer mechanism (12) for separating conveyed objects (4) out to the side from a first conveyor system (1) onto another conveyor system (14), with a pushing unit and two parallel flexible drives (15a, b) at a distance apart extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor system (1), each of which has an endless traction means (23) which can be driven, and the pushing unit has oppositely lying drivers secured to the traction means (23) and a profiled pushing element (29) which is able to slide out of an initial position at the side, adjacent to a conveyor path (6), into an operating position in the conveyor path (6).

Abstract: A baggage positioner having a horizontal conveyor, a position sensor, a pair of positioning arms with bi-directional vertical belts and a positioning arm controller. Other sensors can be added to provide additional data for enhanced effectiveness. The vertical belts can also be equipped with variable speed drives for enhanced effectiveness.

Abstract: A takeout arm assembly (10) for an I.S. glass container forming machine, the arm assembly having a housing (14) that is oscillatable about a fixed shaft (12). The housing has a split first pulley (16a/16b) that is coaxial with the fixed shaft and oscillatable with the housing, and a second pulley (18) that is positioned within and is rotatable with respect to the housing, the second pulley being spaced from the first pulley with the axes of the first and second pulleys being parallel to one another.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products (2), comprising a conveyor belt (1) and a moving endless guiding element (12) which includes a straight portion (4) extending between two guide wheels (5, 6), which straight portion (4) is capable of guiding products (2) that are present on the conveyor belt in lateral direction towards and over the edge of the conveyor belt, wherein the distance between the two guide wheels is adjustable.

Abstract: The thrust bars (11), which are placed behind the product in the transfer phase from one transport line (L1) to one downstream (L2), have an adjustable stop (12) resting against the right side of the direction of travel of this product. By means of ball joints or articulated joints (10, 10′), the ends of the aforesaid bars are connected to the same points of the upper branch or the lower one of a parallel pair of toothed belt conveyors (T, T′) fed on pulleys with horizontal axles, placed inclined at the right angle and bridging the area following the two transport lines and which with their own branch, e.g. with a lower branch, work in the direction running from the upstream line to the downstream line at an identical speed such as to be able to effect, with the above-mentioned bars, the conveyance transfer of products from one to the other conveyor belt by rear and side thrust.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are for controlling a longitudinal shifting of an elongated piece along a predetermined length SL as said piece moves transversely within a plane at a given speed PS. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal arm having a given length PL pivotable within the plane to shift the piece; a flexible link operatively mounted around the arm to contact the piece as the arm is pivoted to shift the piece; a controllable pivoting means for pivoting the arm according to an angle &thgr; determined in relation to the predetermined length SL and the given length PL; and a controllable driving means for driving the flexible link around the arm according to a speed SS determined in relation to the speed PS of the piece and the angle &thgr; so that the longitudinal shifting is controlled.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for workpieces during a manufacturing procedure has a fixed guide track and a guide track having a variable geometry. The variable guide track includes a plurality of sections movable relative to the fixed guide track. The displacement of the movable sections of the variable guide track alters the distance between carriers arranged on a continuous conveyor chain in the region in which workpieces are transferred from a feed belt to a discharge belt.