Abstract: A system for transferring units to/from a rail-guided suspended conveyor system includes a transfer conveying device with one or more first conveying units and a conveyor system with a plurality of second conveying units. The first and second conveying units each have a rack with tines and form a receptacle for bearing a unit. The system is configured such that in a transfer zone a rack of a first conveying unit of the transfer device and a rack of a second conveying unit of the conveyor system penetrate by meshing so with movement of the first and the second conveying unit relative to another either a unit initially on the rack of the first conveying unit remains on the rack of the second conveying unit, or a unit initially on the rack of the second conveying unit remains on the rack of the first conveying unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for processing confectionary product, the system includes a collecting device disposed in line with at least one upstream confectionary production station disposed upstream of the collecting device and at least one downstream confectionary production station disposed downstream of the collecting device. At least one conveying device is configured to convey the confectionary product from the at least one upstream confectionary production station to the collecting device, receive the confectionary product from the collecting device, and convey the confectionary product to the at least one downstream confectionary production station. The collecting device is configured to collect confectionary product from the conveying device while the at least one upstream confectionary station is operational and the at least one downstream confectionary production station is non-operational.

Abstract: A method and a device for generation formatted total packages 29 comprising a defined number of adjoining equally sized individual pieces 10 formed in particular of a food product, whereby the individual pieces 10 are transported along the conveyor lines laying on conveyor belts, Whereby the individual pieces 10 on a first conveyor belt B1 are supplied at a mutual distance and at a speed VB1 to a second conveyor belt B2, B3, which forms a buffer line and which adjoins the first conveyor belt B1 in transport direction, whereby the individual pieces 10 at the beginning of the second conveyor belt B2, B3 are accumulated to a buffer stack 21 of adjoining individual pieces 10, whereby the buffer stack 21 is transported on the second conveyor belt B2, B3 at the speed VB2 which is lower than VB1, whereby at the end of the second conveyor belt B2, B3 total packages 29 are separated from the buffer stack 21 by means of a discharging conveyor belt B4 which, during the process of separating from the buffer stack 21, has

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) including first and second supports (42A, 42B) each in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106, 206) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). Product is transferred from the second support (42B) to the sweep conveyor (22) and from the first support (42A) to the second support (42B) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52B) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) and by a metering bar (52A) which prevents unmetered product from tipping downstream. A sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a roofing shingle apparatus and more particularly to an improved such apparatus for high speed shingle making generally when handling a double shingle line (one line overlaid on the other with the high side of each line on opposite sides to make a single mostly even thickness) in a more compact arrangement from the cutter to the stackers and catchers, but not limited to a slower single line of shingle making that uses a flipper at the discharge of the catcher shuttle and not limited to a four wide overlaid to four thicknesses of shingles in one line and scissor cut, not described in detail herein, before entering a single line delivery belt section.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing spaced boards is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiving section, a spacing section and a delivery section. The apparatus is characterized by the presence of overlapping providing means and conveying means, releasable stopping means and vertical pushing means which are operatively connected for releasing one board at a time. Repeated stopping and releasing of boards result in a continuous and regular flow of evenly spaced boards.

Abstract: A checkpoint system, wheeled bins for a checkpoint system, and methods for conveying articles in wheeled bins through a checkpoint system. Each bin has four wheels that do not extend below the bin's flat bottom. In this way, the bin can be slid on its bottom along a shallow, troughed divesting table while it is being filled and conveyed on its bottom through a checkpoint and rolled on its wheels along a deeper troughed discharge lane. A bin return beneath the discharge lane returns bins to a bin storage queue beneath the divesting table. A sorter at the output of the checkpoint selectively diverts bins to one or more discharge lanes, such as individual lanes for cleared and for suspect bin contents.

Abstract: A system for separating a cluster of interconnected food products is disclosed. The system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a suction subsystem, and a sensor. The first conveyor includes a discharge end and a first permeable conveyor belt. The second conveyor, in series with the first conveyor, includes an intake end and a second permeable conveyor belt. The first and second conveyors are configured to independently accelerate and decelerate. The suction subsystem, which includes an intake portion proximate to the discharge end and the intake end, is configured, arranged and disposed to generate suction through the first permeable conveyor belt at a first region proximate to the discharge end and through the second permeable conveyor belt at a second region proximate to the intake end. The sensor is configured, arranged and disposed to sense a leading edge of the cluster as the cluster is conveyed by the system.

Abstract: In a method to separate bundle layers by way of a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track whose conveyor speed is greater than the conveyor speed of the first conveyor track, bundles are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction by a speed jump between the first conveyor track and second conveyor track; positions of bundles on the second conveyor track that are spaced apart from one another are detected by a position detection device. The bundles are moved from the second conveyor track with a manipulator, wherein the manipulator is controlled on the basis of the detected bundle positions on the second conveyor track.

Abstract: A product metering apparatus (10) includes a first product conveyance mechanism (12) conveying product in a continuous stream. A platform (42) supports product and is movable along a closed path between a loading position adjacent to the first product conveyance mechanism (12) and a transfer position adjacent to an output in the form of a second product conveyance mechanism (22) spaced from the first product conveyance mechanism (12) in the conveying direction. The platform (42) in the loading position receives the product in the continuous stream from the first product conveyance mechanism (12) and is then accelerated to a speed greater than the first product conveyance mechanism (12) creating a gap between the product supported on the platform (42) and the product remaining in the continuous stream on the first product conveyance mechanism (12).

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endless conveyor belt comprises providing a flexible web in the form of a PTFE cross film laminate which in its as laminated state has a first length and a first lengthwise yield strength. The web is prestressed by lengthwise stretching to a second length greater than its as laminated first length to thereby achieve a second lengthwise yield strength greater than its as laminated first lengthwise yield strength. The ends of the prestressed web are then interconnected.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided for accumulating and discharging a column of evenly spaced items. The conveyor assembly includes a receiving conveyor, a discharge conveyor and a belt guiding carriage. The receiving and discharge conveyors each include a plurality of round belts that are interlaced with the receiving belts being at a slightly higher elevation on the receiving end of the system and the discharge belts being at a slightly higher elevation on the discharge end. Both sets of belts pass through a movable carriage that guides the receiving belts from the upper elevation to the lower elevation and the discharge belts from the lower elevation to the upper elevation so that the receiving belts are at a higher elevation on the receiving end of the carriage and the discharge belts are at a higher elevation on the discharge end of the carriage.

Abstract: A transport and alignment system is provided for handling stacked sheet material on a support deck including first and second belts each having a portion thereof disposed parallel to the support deck. Each of the belts includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers which engage the edges of the stacked sheet material and define a pocket therebetween. The transport and alignment system further includes a drive mechanism for independently driving the first and second belts to effect concurrent and relative motion of the fingers. Concurrent motion of the fingers transports the stacked sheet material along the support deck while relative motion of the fingers opposed edges of the stacked sheets of material. The transport and alignment system is described in the context of a stitcher and chassis module of a mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a plurality of end-to-end conveying modules, a main frame, a control unit, and a guide unit. The conveyor system influences spacing between successive products during transport thereof in a direction of transport between a charge end and a discharge end. Each of the conveying modules includes a frame, a plurality of parallel endless conveyor belts which pass over rotatable pulleys provided at a front side and a rear side of the conveying module, and a drive unit including a motor for driving each of the parallel endless conveyor belts of the conveying module. The conveying modules are connected to the main frame. The control unit controls the drive unit of each of the conveying modules individually. The guide units guides the conveying modules that are positioned between other of the conveying modules in a horizontal direction transverse to the direction of transport.

Abstract: A dynamic temporary storing device for articles like syringes and similar articles is situated between an outlet of a first machine and an inlet of a second machine. In the dynamic temporary storing device, two pairs of side-by-side belts transfer articles from an outlet of said first machine downstream to an inlet section of an article conveying path. The articles are gathered, one after another, to form groups of articles in the inlet section. The conveying path ends with an article outlet section situated near the inlet of the second machine. Driving means are associated to the conveying path and pass at adjustable time intervals through the inlet section so as to pick up said groups of articles and move them along the conveying path up to the outlet section. Then the groups of articles are transferred them to the inlet of said second machine. Changes in operation rate of the second machine are compensated by changing the number of articles in each group or by changing the length of the conveying path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system for evenly spacing conveyed objects. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt that includes a conveyor having cavities, rollers in some of the cavities and a positioning component. The conveyor system further includes a conveyor drive coupled to the conveyor system and a roller engagement surface positioned adjacent the conveyor belt and configured to engage the plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A flight lug is provided for releasable attachment to a conveyor belt. The lug comprises a base and first and second side walls mounted to opposite edge surfaces of the base such that the base extends between and interconnects the side walls intermediate upper and lower ends of the side walls. Flanges extend inwardly from adjacent the lower ends of the side walls. Each flange defines a slot between the flange and the lower surface of the base for receiving an edge of the belt. The first side wall is pivotally attached to the base for movement relative to the base between a first position where the flange on the lower end of the first side wall is spaced a first distance from the flange on the lower end of the second side wall for allowing the belt to fit between the flanges, and a second position where the flanges on the side walls are spaced apart a second distance which is less than the width of the belt for capturing the belt in the slots between the side walls.

Abstract: A device for separating an imbricated formation (2) of continuously conveyed printing products (1) into a succession of spaced printing products (1), comprises a first conveyor (3) driven at a first velocity (v1), a second conveyor (4) arranged after the first conveyor (3) and driven at a second velocity (v2) which is higher in relation to the first velocity, and a de-imbricating device (5, 6) for accelerating the leading printing product (1) of the imbricated formation (2) to the second velocity (v2) and for maintaining the imbricated arrangement of the following printing products (1) being conveyed in the imbricated formation (2) at the first velocity (v1). The de-imbricating device comprises two suction belt conveyors (5, 6), the first suction belt conveyor (5) driven at the first velocity (v1), that the second suction belt conveyor (6) is driven at the second velocity (v2).

Abstract: A flexible composite with integral flights is provided and methods for making the same. The composite is made from, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or other polymer. The composites are useful for making articles of manufacture, in particular, conveyor belts for use in high temperature food processing. The conveyor belts are an improvement over the prior art in that they prevent slippage of the articles conveyed, may be manufactured at low cost and are easy to clean.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the position of flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, as they are advanced on a first conveyor in an overlapping stream, and which includes a position changing device positioned above the first conveyor and which comprises a displacement member which is moved along a movement path by means of a drive. The movement path includes one section which extends rectilinearly and in the conveying direction and the displacement member is driven at a speed which corresponds at least approximately to the conveying speed of a second conveyor toward which the displacement member conveys the objects. The second conveyor delivers the objects to a discharge conveyor which is provided with transport clamps which are delivered individually to a fitting point where they receive an object from the second conveyor.

Abstract: A device for conveying packages includes a conveyor with a running surface ending with a terminal area, a series of stationary stops and vertical prongs under the stops and above the running surface. The prongs move along a path which follows a circular trajectory in the terminal area. Packages are introduced between two heat-sealing vertical belts in an inlet area. The inlet area of the vertical belts is situated at a distance from the terminal area of the conveyor. A forwarding belt, coplanar with the running surface of the conveyor, is situated between the inlet area and the terminal area of the conveyor. The forwarding belt is operated with a speed higher than the operation speed of the conveyor, so that the packages are not subjected to the prongs action when they rotate upward in the terminal area. The forwarding belt extends from the terminal area of the conveyor, to at least the inlet area of the vertical belts, and the stops protrude to cover the major part of the forwarding belt.

Abstract: An unstacking apparatus includes a feed conveyor for feeding stacks of items, and a decline unstacking section including at least first and second declined conveyors arranged in series. A stack of items being transferred from the feed conveyor to the first declined conveyor tilts forwardly to cause the items to slide forwardly off one another into a shingle arrangement on the first declined conveyor. The second declined conveyor includes an upstream end which is offset upwardly relative to a downstream end of the first declined conveyor, causing items to travel upwardly in order to pass from the first to the second declined conveyors. The second declined conveyor travels at a faster speed than the first declined conveyor for at least partially de-shingling the items. A transfer conveyor conveys items to an incline unstacking section which includes at least first and second incline conveyors arranged in series.

Abstract: A high speed board feeder for transferring boards from an infeed conveyor onto a secondary conveyor. The boards on the infeed conveyor are transported in an edge to edge configuration against a fixed stop. Hold down mechanism is provided to secure the boards in the desired orientation. A cam member timed to the secondary conveyor has lobes that engage and lift the board that is against the positive stop. The lobes lift the board upward and over the positive stop. The board is forced onto the secondary conveyor by the conveying force of the preceding boards. The board is placed on the secondary conveyor between successive drive lugs. A pivotal stop arm is provided to interrupt the feeding of boards from the infeed conveyor to the secondary conveyor.

Abstract: An unstacking apparatus includes a feed conveyor for feeding stacks of items, and a decline unstacking section including at least first and second declined conveyors arranged in series. A stack of items being transferred from the feed conveyor to the first declined conveyor tilts forwardly to cause the items to slide forwardly off one another into a shingle arrangement on the first declined conveyor. The second declined conveyor includes an upstream end which is offset upwardly relative to a downstream end of the first declined conveyor, causing items to travel upwardly in order to pass from the first to the second declined conveyors. The second declined conveyor travels at a faster speed than the first declined conveyor for at least partially de-shingling the items. A transfer conveyor conveys items to an incline unstacking section which includes at least first and second incline conveyors arranged in series.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advancing and/or slowing signatures in a printing press. The apparatus and method includes a series of two or more belt drives, where each belt drive includes at least a pair of opposed belts. The belts are preferably timing or toothed belts driven by sprockets. The sprockets are formed with a semi-elliptical outer surface. As a result, the belts have two directions of motion. The first direction—horizontal—advances the signatures and may be used to slow the signatures. The second direction—vertical—withdraws the belts away from contact with the signatures to prevent buckling or wrinkling during a speed transition or during a transfer between belts. In one embodiment of the present invention, both opposed belts are retracting belts; in another embodiment, one belt is a fixed conveyor belt, while the other opposed belt is a retracting belt.

Abstract: A device for conveying packages includes a conveyor with a running surface ending with a terminal area, a series of stationary stops and vertical prongs under the stops and above the running surface. The prongs move along a path which follows a circular trajectory in the terminal area. Packages are introduced between two heat-sealing vertical belts in an inlet area. The inlet area of the vertical belts is situated at a distance from the terminal area of the conveyor. A forwarding belt, coplanar with the running surface of the conveyor, is situated between the inlet area and the terminal area of the conveyor. The forwarding belt is operated with a speed higher than the operation speed of the conveyor, so that the packages are not subjected to the prongs action when they rotate upward in the terminal area. The forwarding belt extends from the terminal area of the conveyor, to at least the inlet area of the vertical belts, and the stops protrude to cover the major part of the forwarding belt.

Abstract: An ordering device for arranging products received in the loose state in an orderly succession comprises a first and a second conveyor with belts defining a product feed path divided into active portions with variable lengths equaling complementary fractions of the total length of the path; a pair of transmission pulleys, respectively connected to the first and second conveyors to define the active portions and supported by a carriage which moves in both directions along the path; drive means designed to move the transmission pulleys so as to vary the length of the portions; compensator means for compensating the variations in the length of the active portions of the path with corresponding opposite variations in the length of the respective complementary sections of the belts; the device comprises one carriage and the compensator means comprise mechanisms equipped with rigid elements which are connected to one another and which connect the carriage and the belts and vary their geometric configuration accordi

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for combining randomly oriented containers on a conveyor into single file. The apparatus includes a pressureless combining conveyor having at least two or more conveyor sections adjacent to one another, and angled about the axis of a guide rail. The substantially linear guide rail extends at an angle across the combining conveyor. The guide rail is constructed such that the lower part of a container which starts to fall toward the guide rail contacts the guide rail first, then tilts toward the guide rail, touching the guide rail at a height of the container near the center of gravity of the container, and then returning to its stable position. The container's center of gravity always remains within its stability region. The apparatus includes an input conveyor to supply a plurality of containers having no specific orientation, and an input guide rail section to guide moving containers to one side of the input conveyor.

Abstract: A high speed board feeder for transferring boards from an infeed conveyor onto a secondary conveyor. The boards on the infeed conveyor are transported in an edge to edge configuration against a fixed stop. Hold down mechanism is provided to secure the boards in the desired orientation. A cam member timed to the secondary conveyor has lobes that engage and lift the board that is against the positive stop. The lobes lift the board upward and over the positive stop. The board is forced onto the secondary conveyor by the conveying force of the preceding boards. The board is placed on the secondary conveyor between successive drive lugs. A pivotal stop arm is provided to interrupt the feeding of boards from the infeed conveyor to the secondary conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a variety of fast and slow operations including mounting operations upon workpieces affixed to workpiece carriers in which the slow operations are carried out at one station and the fast operations are carried out at another. The linear transfer device of the fast station operates at a stroke rate which is greater by a whole number than the stroke rate at the slow operation station, the workpiece carriers are fed in groups equal to this whole number to the slow operation units simultaneously and the slow operation units perform the same slow operation at each of a number of these units equal to that whole number.

Abstract: In a drive system for a mail processing machine a comparatively simple and clear design of the driving tracks and of the bearings for the respective shafts is obtained by feeding drive energy from a common drive motor to a bevel gear drive and a step gear drive. Thereby, the output shafts of the bevel gear drive and the step gear drive have identical sense of rotation because of the sense of rotation reversal within the respective gear drive. The bevel gear drive, at its output, provides a continuous rotation, and the step gear drive provides an intermittent rotation. From the output shafts of the bevel gear drive and of the step gear drive, respectively, driving connections can be led to the driving shafts for a continuously moved conveyor chain for documents and to an intermittently moved conveyor chain for documents, respectively.