Abstract: A painting plant may include: at least one painting booth including a painting system configured to apply paint onto objects in the at least one painting booth; a magazine including cartridges containing the paint; and a system configured to automatically transport the cartridges from the magazine to feeding stations which feed the paint from the cartridges to the painting system in the at least one painting booth. In addition or in the alternative, a painting plant may include: at least one painting booth including a painting system configured to apply paint onto objects in the at least one painting booth; a magazine including cartridges containing cleaning liquid; and a system configured to automatically transport the cartridges containing the cleaning liquid from the magazine to feeding stations which feed the cleaning liquid from the cartridges containing the cleaning liquid to the painting system in the at least one painting booth.

Abstract: A driving system includes a central controller, a plurality of driving paths forming a least crossing position, and a plurality of autonomous driving devices configured to drive along at least one of the driving paths through the crossing position. The central controller is configured to determine a plurality of target driving devices from among the autonomous driving devices that are within a certain range of the crossing position, designate one of the target driving devices as a master driving device and the other of the target driving device as slave driving devices. The master driving device controls passage of the slave driving devices through the crossing position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lapper assembly for use to overlap successive sheets of wood veneer or other materials along a conveyor. The lapper assembly may include a stop member configured to be rotatably mounted to a roller such that the stop member is pivotable around the rotational axis of the roller independently of the rotational angle of the roller. The lapper assembly may further include a lever arm coupled to one end of the stop member. An actuator may be pivotably coupled to the lever arm and the conveyor frame, and operated to pivot the stop member between a workpiece engaging position, in which the stop member extends into the path of workpiece flow, and a workpiece disengaging position below the path. Optionally, the lapper assembly roller and other rollers upstream/downstream may be operatively connected to a drive. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A conveying system for shock-sensitive items, in particular eggs, comprises a plurality of conveying devices in which the items are transferred from one conveying device to another. More particularly, the items are transferred from a conveying device oriented in a substantially horizontal direction to an adjacent conveying device oriented in a substantially vertical direction, without the risk of being damaged. The advancing movement of the conveying device having a substantially horizontal orientation is not movement at constant speed but, on the contrary, it is a movement at variable speed, sometimes accelerated and sometimes decelerated, and the transfer of the conveyed item from the conveying device to the conveying device having a substantially vertical orientation takes place when the advancement speed of the conveying device having a substantially horizontal orientation is at its minimum value.

Abstract: A novel integrated pipe handling system and method is provided wherein one or more pipe tubs having lift arms can be loaded with pipe and transported to a drill site where it may be deployed next to a pipe handling trailer. The pipe tubs and pipe handling trailer are arranged such that when the lift arms are raised, pipes may roll from a tub to the trailer, where a pipe is transferred to an angularly adjustable trough on the trailer. The trough may be raised to a preselected position and the pipe moved along the trough by a skate such that the pipe is available to be transferred from the pipe handling trailer to a drilling rig. The process may be reversed to remove pipe from the drilling rig. A control system, which may be operated in a manual or automated mode, is used to operate the integrated system using information about each pipe joint recorded during the loading process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: Package grouping unit for a packaging line operable to produce multipacks; the grouping unit (1) comprises a linear conveyor (9) operable to feed a succession of packages (2) at a first speed (V1); and at least one grouping assembly (6) formed by two sub-assemblies (12a, 12b); wherein each sub-assembly comprises a pair of endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) and define, with the endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) of the other sub-assembly (12b, 12a), a package grouping channel (22) having a package inlet (7) and a group outlet (8); each endless conveyor is provided with a number of package retaining elements (26); the endless conveyors are operable independently from each other to move a first retaining element (26) through the package inlet (7) at a second speed (V3) lower than the first speed (V1) so as to intercept and slow down a first package (2) in the succession and cause the packages (2) to group; and to move a second retaining element (26), carried by a different endless conveyor (13a; 14a; 13b

Abstract: Methods and systems for transitioning packages objects, such as eggs, from a packer into an infeed system providing a buffer such that the packer may operate independently of the subsequent system, such as an egg marking system. Systems and methods of stabilizing packed objects, such as eggs, as they move from the packer to a marking system includes logic to suspend operation of the delivery conveyor or system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rack stopper system for holding a plurality of components and/or component trays on a rack and then allowing the component trays to be transferred to another rack. The system can include a base, a support bar attached to the base, and a wiper bar pivotally attached to the support bar. The wiper bar can have a stop position that blocks a component and/or a component tray from rolling off of a first rack and a pass position that allows the component and/or component tray to roll off of the first rack and onto a second rack.

Abstract: In a device (4) for receiving a piece of baggage (2) for transport, for example at an airport, the device comprises a receiving room (18A) with an infeed opening and a discharge opening. The receiving room is provided with a closing assembly, the closing assembly comprising a closing mechanism (22, 24). The device furthermore comprises a conveyor unit (16, 20) for discharging the piece of baggage from the receiving room through the discharge opening. The closing assembly is equipped at any time to keep at least one or other of the infeed opening and the discharge opening closed. In this way a device according to the invention is equipped to protect deposited baggage from third parties and to prevent persons from following the piece of baggage to the areas not accessible to the public. The present invention also provides a method for receiving a piece of baggage, which method is in accordance with the functioning of the above-mentioned device.

Abstract: A singulator and method that separates a single log from a pile of logs and supplies the single log to a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.

Abstract: A system with rotatable levers spaced and positioned to alternately retain or release components from a plurality of lanes simultaneously into slots of a component receiving mechanism. The levers may be differently sized and shaped to hold back certain components at different positions than others, or the levers may be attached to a rotatable member at varying angles to one another to accomplish such varying holdback patterns. Alternatively, a cam and pin arrangement may be utilized.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously grouping or marshalling objects together on a conveyor includes the conveyor being divided into a first and a second conveyor section, where the second conveyor section has a higher speed than the first conveyor section. The conveyor sections have a common plane on which the objects are advanced. The conveyor sections each have two bending rollers in the common plane, each of which have a bending roller lying closely adjacent one another. Between the rollers placed adjacent one another is disposed an arrest member. The arrest member is movable through 90 degrees in relation to the common plane. The arrest member is moreover, together with the bending rollers, displaceable along the common plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.

Abstract: A transporting and escapement device includes an internal guide member extending along the conveying path and extending through an aperture in each conveyed article. The guide member will serve to guide the article along the conveying path. The guide member is supported by at least one escapement assembly. Each escapement assembly includes at least two independently operated guide member engaging supports which can selectively engage the guide member at spaced locations along the guide member. At least one support of at least one escapement assembly will be engaged with the guide member at any given time.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor of the present invention includes a frame, which comprises spaced apart side frame members, and a plurality of rollers that are rotatably supported between the side frame members. The conveyor includes a stop member and an actuator that selectively moves the stop member between an extended position wherein at least a portion of the stop member is extended above the conveying surface for stopping one or more articles conveyed on the conveying surface and a retracted position wherein the stop member is below said conveying surface. The actuator and the stop member are supported and positioned between said side frame members when the stop member is moved between its retracted position whereby the stop member and the actuator comprise a low-profile stop assembly.

Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.

Abstract: An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path having a housing, first and second shafts positioned in the housing to move between extended and retracted positions and a spherical lock member positioned to contact one of the shafts to block it from moving between the extended and retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an array for individualizing articles from a group of articles. The array has several rows of lifting mechanisms (2) arranged one after the other in the direction of conveyance, narrow endless conveyor belts (1) disposed between the lifting mechanisms. Detecting means (5) for detecting when the group reaches the end of the array. Detecting means (3,4) for detecting the position and contours of the articles in the group. A control (6) receives signals from the three detecting means to control the operation of the belts and lifting mechanisms to individualize the articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (10) for separating a jumbled collection of articles, such as clothing or garment hangers (23), into a plurality of separate and discrete hangers. The apparatus includes conveyor means (12, 26, 32) adapted to transport a plurality of hangers (23) in succession along a process path; separation means, such as barrier gate members (20, 21), adapted to permit the hangers to proceed along the process path one at a time, sensing means (19, 38) adapted to detect when a hanger is entangled or interconnected with one or more other hangers; and removal means (30) adapted to remove any such entangled or interconnected hangers from the process path. The invention also provides a method for separating the hangers (23).

Abstract: A retainer for controlling the movement of objects along a conveyor including a substantially L-shaped retaining arm pivotally mounted to the conveyor and having a toe section and a leg section. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the leg section and includes a roller rotatably mounted to the second end of the swing arm. A biasing member has a first end attached to the conveyor frame and a second end attached to the swing arm. A link arm is connected to the roller and is selectively actuatable for moving the roller to a first position between the conveyor frame and the retaining arm for maintaining the leg section below the retaining arm pivot point and the toe section above the conveyor frame to stop the objects. The link arm is also actuatable to a second position in which the retaining arm pivot point, swing arm pivot point, and link arm are substantially aligned providing for the retaining arm toe section to be positioned below the retaining arm pivot point to allow the objects to pass on the conveyor.