Abstract: A system and method for parts handling including: a plurality of parts arranged in a first configuration; a linear motor conveyor including a linear motor track and a plurality of moving elements; a pick and place device configured to move at least a subset of the parts from the first configuration to the linear motor conveyor system; and a control system configured to: determine locations of the parts within the first configuration; control the linear motor conveyor to move the moving elements to positions related to the locations of the parts within the first configuration; control the pick and place device to move the parts generally simultaneously to the corresponding moving elements; and after receiving the parts, move the moving elements such that the parts are in a second configuration that is different from the first configuration.

Abstract: Sealing device for sealing packages, the sealing device comprising a sealing station with a plurality of receptacles for packages, a transfer belt arranged upstream of the sealing station for transferring packages to the sealing station, a transport belt arranged upstream of the transfer belt for transporting and transferring packages to the transfer belt, and a feeding device for feeding packages to the transport belt, wherein the transport belt and the transfer belt can be driven independently of one another, and wherein the sealing device comprises at least one sensor, which is adapted to determine a distance between successively transported packages in the feeding device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a speed profile of the transport belt and a speed profile of the transfer belt based on a distance of successively transported packages measured by the sensor, and to control the transport belt and the transfer belt as a function of the speed profile so that the distanc

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an improved accumulation conveyor and systems and methods for controlling a high rate, high density tunable accumulation conveyor. In one embodiment, an accumulation conveyor system determines whether an item detection variable associated with a second zone of a plurality of zones is satisfied, wherein the second zone is downstream of a first zone. The accumulation conveyor system determines whether at least one of two operational characteristic variables is satisfied. In an instance where both the item detection variable and at least one operational characteristic variable are satisfied, the accumulation conveyor system is configured to set a zone operating state associated with the first zone to inactive and send a command signal comprising the zone operating state associated with the first zone to a control module associated with the first zone. In another embodiment, an improved method for adjusting aggressiveness is disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a holding mechanism configured to hold suction members; and a driving device including a rotary shaft which is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and a connecting mechanism configured to connect the rotary shaft and suction members to each other; and a support mechanism configured to support the holding mechanism and the drive device. The connecting mechanism is connected to the suction members in a state where the suction members are movable in a radial direction of the circle about the first axis. The support mechanism supports the holding mechanism and the drive device such that the holding mechanism and the drive device are relatively movable from each other in a direction orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: A feeding unit to feed components in an automatic manufacturing machine; the feeding unit has: a plurality of sucking holding heads, which are each designed to receive and hold a corresponding component; a closed curved guide, which is arranged in a fixed position along the application path; a plurality of equipment, each supporting a corresponding holding head and provided with at least one slide, which is coupled to the guide so as to freely slide along the guide by a plurality of wheels; a suction chamber, which is mounted so as to rotate around a rotation axis; and a flexible connection system, which pneumatically connects the suction chamber to each holding head.

Abstract: A feeding unit for receiving sealed packs from a forming unit arranged to form the packs and feed the packs to a folding unit arranged to fold the packs so as to obtain folded packages comprises a feeding conveyor having at least one carrying element arranged for delivering the packs to the folding unit at an outlet region of the feeding unit, the feeding unit further comprising a braking conveyor arranged for slowing down the packs so that the packs are kept in contact with the at least one carrying element at the outlet region.

Abstract: A feeding unit for feeding sealed packs of pourable food products to a folding unit arranged to form folded packages from said packs, said feeding unit comprising a feeding conveyor having a carrying arrangement movable cyclically along an advancing path to carry said packs towards said folding unit, wherein said feeding unit further comprises a push arrangement arranged to push said packs towards said advancing path.

Abstract: A specimen transportation system is configured from linear modules, turn modules, and connection modules. The modules can freely combine with one another. Moreover, the modules form multiple paths through which specimen racks outputted from one specimen output device are transported to multiple analysis devices. When transporting a specimen rack from an upstream side to a downstream side, each module attaches a destination signal associated with the specimen rack to the specimen rack and transfers the destination signal to the downstream side. As a consequence of each module transporting the specimen rack from the upstream side to the downstream side that corresponds to the destination signal, the specimen rack becomes transported along a path that corresponds to the destination signal.

Abstract: A test handler comprises an orientation changing device having a device holder for holding electronic devices, the device holder having a vertical rotary axis. A conveying device is operative to convey electronic devices to the device holder, and a rotary motor connected to the device holder is operative to rotate the device holder about the vertical rotary axis to change an orientation of the electronic device held on it. A rotary turret of the test handler has a plurality of pick heads arranged on the rotary turret, and each pick head is configured to pick up electronic devices from the device holder.

Abstract: A stacking system for stacking paper from a linear feed.

Abstract: A method for transporting containers or groups of containers, wherein the containers are conveyed along a predefined transport path and with a predefined distance (D) between the containers or groups of containers and a conveyor unit and a conveyor unit, which conveyor unit transports the containers by means of at least two first conveying elements for conveying the containers, which first conveying elements respectively move along a first predefined movement path on a circulating carrier, and which first conveying elements contact the containers with respectively one contacting body and in this way vary a distance between the containers or groups of containers.

Abstract: A working unit comprising a container labelling machine and a machine for filling such containers, the working unit comprising a variable-spacing element, which is interposed between the machines in order to convey the containers that exit from the first machine encountered in the production line to the inlet of the second machine, changing the spacing of the containers according to the operational conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic transfer system (100) having a preferably closed carrier path (20), along which a multiplicity of individually activatable induction coils (25) are arranged, and having conveying elements (30, 30a to 30e), which are arranged in a movable manner on the carrier path (20) and each have a driver element (38), which serves for conveying in each case at least one article (1) from a first conveying arrangement (11), along a conveying route (18) in the region of the transfer system (100), into a second conveying arrangement (12) arranged downstream, wherein the driver elements (38) are in abutting contact with the at least one article (1) at least along the conveying route (18), and wherein the conveying element (30, 30a to 30e) has, as drive element, at least one permanent-magnet element (31) arranged in operative connection with the induction coils (25).

Abstract: An equipment (10) for producing vessels (12), includes at least one variable pitch wheel (38) arranged between a blower (14) having a first pitch (P1) and a filler (16) having a second pitch (P2), and that includes transfer elements (40) controlled by control elements adapted for selectively varying the pitch between two successive transfer elements (40) between an initial pitch (P) and a final pitch (P?), the initial pitch (P) being for example equal to once or twice the first pitch (P1) and the final pitch (P?) being equal to the second pitch (P2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an accumulating conveyor for use in body manufacturing of the motor vehicle industry, for example for conveying body parts on pallets. The movement of the pallets is restricted in the region of the relevant reversing station and said pallets are conveyed from the top strand to the bottom strand and from the bottom strand to the top strand in a form-fitting manner by means of driver wheels via driver pins, wherein the driver pins are automatically coupled and decoupled again to the driver wheels.

Abstract: A multiplex grouping apparatus for grouping sequentially fed articles includes at least one loading station with a feed sensor, at least one unloading station with a discharge sensor and at least two conveying devices. The conveying devices include a plurality of mechanically interconnected carriers and each conveying device can be moved by a respective controllable drive, which can be activated by a central control device using a respective speed controller. Articles can be transferred onto the carriers from each loading station and articles can be transferred from the carriers into each unloading station with each conveying device, during transfer of an article from the loading station to one of the carriers, moving synchronously with the feed sensor and, during transfer of an article into the unloading station, moving synchronously with the discharge sensor.

Abstract: Products are transferred in an automatic manufacturing machine by a unit (1) equipped with multiple transport heads (8), and a drive system (10) comprising at least two transmission assemblies (11a, 11b) by which the heads (8) are set in motion. The transport heads (8) are divided operationally into a first group (12) and a second group (13), in which motion is induced by a respective first transmission assembly (11a) and a respective second transmission assembly (11b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method of processing containers. Herein, a processing system is used in which all of the processing units for the containers are kinematically rigidly coupled to one another. According to the invention, a specified number of containers is supplied to the first processing unit of the system and the working speed of the system is reduced after the last container has left the first processing unit and before the specified number of the first containers has reached the second processing unit.

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure describes zoned conveyor systems that provide singulated package release control based on a defined displacement distance using motor revolution data of a downstream conveyor zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in cyclically: transferring a first row of products (3) between the station for preparing said products (6) and the pre-assembly station (7), at a speed V; transferring similarly a second row of products (3) onto said pre-assembly table (7), and in order to manage the docking of said second row with the row of products already set on said pre-assembly table (7), moving said set row at a speed v selected between zero and V, depending on the type or products (3); transferring, as the case may be, another row of products (3) onto the table (7), and, when the number of rows is reached to obtain said layer, transferring said layer onto the setting table (13) of the palletizing station (14). The installation comprises transfer means consisting of pushers (25) and (26) mobile between different stations, driven at suitable speeds.

Abstract: In an arrangement (10) for grouping a plurality of products (Pn, Pn+1) into batches (Li) carried by at least one conveyor belt (12) travelling in a longitudinal direction at a travelling speed (V1), the products (Pn, Pn+1) arrive with at least one determined upstream spacing (E) between two successive products, and including an advanced phaser (22, 23) provided on the path of the products (Pn, Pn+1) and capable of grouping transversally at least two products (Pn, Pn+1) into a row so as to form, at high speed, batches (Li) obtained by grouping the products (Pn, Pn+1).

Abstract: A device for grouping individually packaged goods which are fed in a substantially closed stream by the means of conveyance along a transport plane, and grouped by at least one divider finger which can be introduced from below transversely to the transport plane into the stream along the conveyance direction, where, for the at least one divider finger, a motor drive provided which is capable of carrying out in a free and adjustable manner a movement of the at least one divider finger transversely to the transport plane (z-direction) independently of the movement along the conveyance direction (y-direction) and vise versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor control system and methodology that may be operatively coupled with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. A module and/or series of modules are provided that clamp to a cable, the modules having associated logic and inter-module communications for control. This includes relatively inexpensive power distribution, interconnection and motion logic for industrial conveyor systems.

Abstract: A sorting system for postal mail has a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia. The system further includes a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets in which mail is stacked, and a routing section or switch network effective to route mail in accordance with a sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker. The routing section uses diverts and merges so that mail can be conveyed to each stacker in accordance with a sort scheme implemented by a control system.

Abstract: A conveyor, which has an area in its conveyor line and for adjusting intervals between articles, includes (1) a plurality of zones constituting the area and each having at least one driving motor and an article sensor, (2) a measuring means for measuring either an interval between adjacent articles in the conveying direction or a difference of time points when adjacent articles in the conveying direction pass the sensor, and (3) a motor controller for each of the zones and for varying a rotational speed of the driving motor. When the measuring means measures either the interval or the difference upon reception of signals from the sensor, the motor controller either accelerates or slows down the rotational speed of the driving motor in a zone where the article is placed.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for assembling into batches (Ln), via a phasing device (23), a plurality of products (Pn) traveling on a conveyor belt (16) from an intake zone upstream to an exit zone downstream. The phasing device (23) is placed between the intake zone and the exit zone. The arrangement has at least one retractable catch (60, 62, 64), and the catch (60, 62, 64) is moved successively into an engaged position, causing a first product (Pn) to be slowed down until a second product (Pn) located immediately upstream moves up to it, so as to form a batch (Ln), and into a retracted position which enables the previously formed batch (Ln) to continue its downstream movement at the running speed of the belt.

Abstract: A carrier type conveying apparatus capable of solving a problem in a conventional conveying apparatus wherein a conveying carriers (1) stop abnormally, comprising a rear-pushing traveling district (3) having, at its inlet, a rear-pushing drive means (5A) propelling the conveying carriers (1) at a constant speed and, at its outlet, a speed control drive means (5B) for sending out the conveying carriers (1) at the constant speed and a high-speed traveling district (4). The conveying apparatus comprises carrier connection systems (carrier connection means (9), connection engagement means (10), connection release means (11)). When the conveying carriers (1) travel in the high-speed traveling district (4), the connection of the conveying carriers (1) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction by the carrier connection systems is disabled.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a “re-pitching” operation, i.e., an operation for changing the pitch between articles included in a flow of moving articles, includes one or more elements for conveying the articles, which are able to perform an orbital movement about a principal axis between a position for pick-up and a position for release of the articles. The speed of the orbital movement is selectively variable in the passage between the position for pick-up and the position for release. Members are provided for distribution of subatmospheric pressure to the conveying elements to enable them to carry out selectively an action of suction to pick up the articles. The members include a distributor, which can turn about the aforesaid principal axis. Set between the rotating distributor and each conveying element is a respective flexible pipe or hose for transferring the subatmospheric pressure to the conveying element.

Abstract: Conveyors and methods for operating conveyors to accelerate laterally adjacent conveyed articles over different distances. The conveyors provide a conveying surface atop rollers in a conveyor belt. The belt rollers ride on a bearing surface underlying the belt on a carryway. As the belt advances, the rollers riding on the bearing surface rotate in a direction of rotation to accelerate conveyed articles along the belt in the direction of rotation. The bearing surface is shaped so that its length in the direction of belt travel varies across the width of the conveyor.

Abstract: A feeding device for a packaging machine used to feed individual goods to a packaging station of the machine includes at least one continuously rotating conveyor which comprises at least one driver element used to drive the individual goods, which are to be guided, along a conveyor path. The inventive feeder device is embodied in such a manner that, for each conveyor, only one individual driver element can be placed in a driving position of the individual goods which are to be guided at any one time. The device reduces the feeding path of a packaging machine and also increases the position precision of the individual goods.

Abstract: A buffer conveyor (12) for conveying conformable work products (66) includes a collapsible conveyor belt (13) having an infeed section (14), a collapsible intermediate section (16) and an outfeed section (18). The infeed section (14) may be driven at a non-continuous speed, and the outfeed section may also be driven at a uniform, or non-continuous, speed, but the average speed of both the infeed and outfeed sections is the same. The intermediate section of the conveyor is driven at a non-uniform speed that is slower than, but proportional to, the speed of the infeed section.

Abstract: A conveying and orienting system for handling eggs including a main conveyor for supporting thereupon a plurality of eggs and for segregating the same into individual file lines prior to delivery to a spool bar conveyor for subsequent egg handling operations. One or more return conveyors are positioned alongside the main conveyor and communicate with the main conveyor at first and second end locations. A control mechanism independently adjusts a travel speed of at least one of the main and return conveyors, this in order to redirect, along the return conveyors for reintroduction onto upstream locations of the main conveyor, a plurality of eggs which exceed of the present handling capabilities of the individual segregating lanes and spool bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling horizontally oriented flat circular articles, such as plastic lids, employs a pair of parallel rotating spin bars, one of which is divided or split into a shorter lid entry section and a longer lid discharge section. The shorter lid entry section rotates at the same speed as the other one of the parallel spin bars to stabilize the lids as they sequentially drop off a waterfall conveyor and become vertically on-edge oriented, while the longer discharge section of the split spin bar rotates at a different speed to promote lateral movement of the vertically oriented lids along the spin bars into a stack at the discharge end of the rotating spin bars.

Abstract: A tablet package conveying apparatus for a tablet automatic packing machine is disclosed. The apparatus can offset a speed difference among conveyed tablet packages while they are conveyed, such that the conveyed tablet packages discharged from the lower side of the tablet automatic packing machine can be more smoothly conveyed to the side wall of the tablet automatic packing machine.

Abstract: A conveyance path for conveying articles though an accumulation conveyor, then through a carry-out conveyor, and then through a joining station is disclosed. After a flow of articles and at a time when there are no articles present on a portion of the conveyance path, an article spacing control of the carry-out conveyor and the carry-out of an article to the joining station are stopped. In the conveyance path where an article is present on a portion of the conveyance path, the speed control of an article in the accumulation conveyor is conducted at a speed higher than a constant speed, the speed control of the carry-out conveyor is conducted at a speed higher than the constant speed, and the article spacing control is conducted at a spacing narrower than a prescribed spacing.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring rod-like articles from a longitudinal conveyor that longitudinal-axially conveys the articles onto a transverse conveyor that transverse-axially conveys the articles. Moreover, the apparatus includes a conveyor that receives the articles from the longitudinal conveyor and delivers the articles to the transverse conveyor, the conveyor comprising at least a first conveying element and a separate second conveying element which are configured to be in functional connection with one another. Additionally, the first conveying element being structured and arranged to rotate the articles by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the second conveying element being structured and arranged to reduce the transport speed of the articles. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A system and method is described for transporting articles, in particular for transporting container holding baggage pieces. At least two endless conveyor belts are sequentially arranged to define an upstream conveyor belt and a downstream conveyor belt for transport of articles in a transport direction from the upstream conveyor belt to the downstream conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are driven by drive-motors, in particular asynchronous motors, with the rotation speed of each drive motor being regulated depending on the weight of the articles located on the conveyor belt associated with the particular drive motor. The drive motors can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and/or voltage of the supplied electric power.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.

Abstract: A chute system for selectively moving articles with little to no damage to such articles from a supply source oriented at a first level to a transversely moving conveying system oriented at a second lower level. The chute system includes a powered conveyor belt adapted for advancement of the conveyor belt at a known velocity and a guide operatively associated with the conveyor belt and adapted to shape the conveyor belt in a selected arcuate configuration to accommodate and facilitate translation of motion of such an article on the belt from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction. In a preferred embodiment the chute system includes a stop member to provide a stop for such articles upon movement of such articles from the conveyor belt to such conveying system in order to accommodate selective lateral deposition of such articles onto such conveying system.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the spacing between discrete articles having at least one linear motor disposed radially from a central axis, and a pick-up disposed proximate to the linear motor. The at least one linear motor is capable of adjusting the radial position of the pick-up with respect to the central axis so that an article is transferable from a first surface to the pick-up, the at least one linear motor adjusts the pick-up radially from the central axis, and the article is transferable from the pick-up to a second surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the spacing between discrete articles having at least one linear motor disposed radially from a central axis, and a pick-up disposed proximate to the linear motor. The at least one linear motor is capable of adjusting the radial position of the pick-up with respect to the central axis so that an article is transferable from a first surface to the pick-up, the at least one linear motor adjusts the pick-up radially from the central axis, and the article is transferable from the pick-up to a second surface.

Abstract: A chute system for selectively moving articles with little to no damage to such articles from a supply source oriented at a first level to a transversely moving conveying system oriented at a second lower level. The chute system includes a powered conveyor belt adapted for advancement of the conveyor belt at a known velocity and a guide operatively associated with the conveyor belt and adapted to shape the conveyor belt in a selected arcuate configuration to accommodate and facilitate translation of motion of such an article on the belt from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for variable-pitch spacing and turning or, reversibly, for turning and variable-pitch spacing of work pieces in production of disposable absorbent articles, such as, feminine hygiene articles, diapers, body wraps, and the like, are disclosed. The work pieces can include any component of a disposable absorbent article, a combination of components forming a semi-finished absorbent article, or a finished absorbent article product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. Transferring devices transport the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes. The receiving and application operations may be performed at matched or mismatched surface speeds. The parts to be received and applied may be formed by a rotating knife, which may vary in speed. Adhesive may be used to hold the parts on the carrier web. In some embodiments, the transferring devices transfer the parts to a bonding anvil roll and the parts and a carrier web are compressed between the bonding anvil roll and a bonding pattern roll to bond the parts to the carrier web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a material web traveling at a first speed in a receiving zone, forming discrete parts from the material web, and applying the discrete parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The apparatus has a cutting device for severing the material web to form the discrete parts. At least two shells for receiving the discrete parts in the receiving zone and applying the discrete parts in the application zone are used. The shells may be coupled to programmable motors for moving said shell in an orbital path. A roll may be positioned interior to said shells. The cutting device may be used to sever the material web between said shells and against said roll. The roll may be a vacuum roll that provides vacuum in order to hold the discrete parts against said shells.

Abstract: A conveyor 20 comprising a continuous conveyor belt 35, driven at a constant speed, and configured for compression and expansion along the direction of travel of the continuous conveyor belt 35. The continuous conveyor belt 35 passes over a drive pulley 32 and a secondary pulley 34 that freely rotates. At least one impulse linkage 37 engages the continuous conveyor belt 35, the impulse linkage 37 extends beyond the continuous conveyor belt 35 such that it may be contacted by an impulse striker 49 that is configured to intermittently contact said impulse linkage 37. By so contacting the impulse linkage 37, a displacement of a portion of the continuous conveyor belt 35 relative to the rest of the continuous conveyor belt 35 is caused due to the subsequent expansion or compression of the continuous conveyor belt 35, resulting in a localized acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing flat objects, such as sheet-like printed products. The apparatus has a rail system which defines a closed path of travel, and a plurality of conveyor elements are supported by the rail system for free and independent movement along the path of travel. The conveyor elements in turn mount product carrier elements. A plurality of stations, including a product feed station, a product processing station, and a product output station, are disposed along the path of travel, and the stations each include a dedicated drive arrangement for the conveyor elements and thus the product carrier elements along the path of travel at a spacing and speed required by the associated station.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for singulating articles received in a slug and/or manipulating such articles to create a controlled gap between a trailing edge of a leading article and a leading edge of a successive article, while targeting a desired throughput. For singulation, a plurality of belts are mounted adjacent to each other with a slide chute between each pair of adjacent belts, articles moving from an infeed belt and passing from one belt to another through the chute therebetween. A plurality of sensors are positioned such that there is a single control sensor for at least selected ones of the belts, each control sensor sensing article position on a corresponding belt. Controls are provided for operating each belt in response to a corresponding control sensor, an operative state of a downstream belt and/or a difference between the desired throughput and detected throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a material web traveling at a first speed in a receiving zone, forming discrete parts from the material web, and applying the discrete parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The apparatus has a cutting device for severing the material web to form the discrete parts. At least two shells for receiving the discrete parts in the receiving zone and applying the discrete parts in the application zone are used. The shells may be coupled to programmable motors for moving said shell in an orbital path. A roll may be positioned interior to said shells. The cutting device may be used to sever the material web between said shells and against said roll. The roll may be a vacuum roll that provides vacuum in order to hold the discrete parts against said shells.