Abstract: A linear transport system comprises a first carriage and a second carriage, a linear motor for driving the first carriage and the second carriage and a guide rail. The linear motor comprises a stator and a first and a second rotor. The stator has a plurality of drive coils that are arranged along the guide rail individual motor modules comprise a plurality of drive coils. The first rotor is arranged on the first carriage and the second rotor is arranged on the second carriage. The first carriage has a first magnetic field generator. The second carriage has a second magnetic field generator. The first magnetic field generator differs from the second magnetic field generator at least in terms of its magnetic vector field, wherein the magnetic fields of the magnetic field generators are detected to identify the corresponding carriage.

Abstract: An improved system for determining the identification of movers in a motion control system is disclosed, where the motion control system includes multiple movers traveling on a track. The physical construction of at least one element of one of the movers is different on one mover than on each of the other movers. The control system for the movers detects the difference in construction and identifies the unique mover as a first mover. Each of the other movers along the track are assigned an identifier based on their relative position to the first mover. According to one embodiment, a position sensing system is utilized to identify the first mover. According to another embodiment, the drive system for the movers is utilized to identify the first mover. In still another embodiment, a combination of the position sensing system and the drive system is utilized to identify the first mover.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for taking out a molded product, the apparatus being capable of suppressing displacement vibration of an attachment mounted at a leading end of an approach frame by means of active control using an electromagnetic actuator that has necessary power. One or more electromagnetic actuators are disposed at a portion of the approach frame, positioned opposite to the attachment with respect to a movable base. An active vibration suppressing system suppresses the displacement vibration of the attachment by causing the one or more electromagnetic actuators to generate a vibration in the same phase as the displacement vibration of the attachment.

Abstract: An approach is provided to sort objects on a surface of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules that are controlled by processors. A request to sort the plurality of objects in a horizontal direction is received with each of the objects is assigned a sort position. Sets of the vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are selected. The vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are arranged in a grid formation on the surface, with each of the sets of selected transfer modules being underneath a different object. The sets of selected transfer modules are vertically adjusted causing each of the objects to move independently from the other objects while avoiding the other objects in two or more dimensions formed on the surface. The result of the movement is that each of the objects is moved to a position respective of the other objects according to each object's respective sort position.

Abstract: An approach is provided to sort objects on a surface of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules that are controlled by processors. A request to sort the plurality of objects in a horizontal direction is received with each of the objects is assigned a sort position. Sets of the vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are selected. The vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are arranged in a grid formation on the surface, with each of the sets of selected transfer modules being underneath a different object. The sets of selected transfer modules are vertically adjusted causing each of the objects to move independently from the other objects while avoiding the other objects in two or more dimensions formed on the surface. The result of the movement is that each of the objects is moved to a position respective of the other objects according to each object's respective sort position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for returning empties, in particular bottles and cans, having a bulk input, in which the empties (10) are moved from an input space (8) past a detection unit (14) by a conveyor device (1) rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof, and further having a conveyor device for implementing said method, comprising a plurality followers mounted transversely to the direction of conveyance and spaced a distance apart. An increased throughput is to be achieved with such a method and such a conveyor device. This is achieved in that the empties (10) are parallelized out of the input space (8) by the conveyor device (1) and fed to the detection unit (14) in a field array, or in that each follower (4) is designed to be wide enough to hold at least two empties (10) side by side, and that an angular momentum is applied to the empties (10) at least in the detection field (15) of the detection unit (14).

Abstract: A clamping conveyor for transporting preforms for plastics containers by at least one clamping belt, the clamping conveyor having at least one tensioning unit with a tensioning roller over which the return strands of the at least one clamping belt are guided, a first force measuring apparatus for a force that acts on the tensioning roller, and a mechanical transmission device arranged within the clamping conveyor. The tensioning roller is operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device at least via a first cable element, the first force measuring apparatus being operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device via a second cable element and being coupled to an adjusting device for setting the force that acts on the tensioning roller.

Abstract: A filling system with a supply conveyor, an infeed screw, a supply star wheel for a rinser, a rinser, a discharge star wheel for a rinser, an intermediate star wheel, a supply star wheel for a filler, a filler, a delivery star wheel for a filler/capper, a capper, a discharge star wheel for a capper, and a discharge conveyor is provided. Each component has a revolving body such as a star wheel. In case an abnormality occurs in any component, a control unit activates a brake for that component, which stops the star wheel of the component forcibly, while controlling servomotors for all of the other components, thereby stopping the star wheel of all of the other components where the abnormality does not occur. Even in the event of the abnormality in any component, each component is stopped nearly simultaneously, so that the filling system can prevent damage to all of the components.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a processing device that, processes semi-finished products, and an inspecting device that inspects whether an actual processing position by the processing device is within an allowable range of the process target position on the semi-finished product. The inspecting device includes, a sensor section located in the transport direction and outputting a detection signal while the actual processing position of the semi-finished product is being detected, a reference signal outputting section outputting a reference signal having a waveform in which one wavelength is equivalent to a unit transport amount corresponding to a single semi-finished product, the reference signal having a first waveform portion at a phase corresponding to the allowable range in the wavelength, and a determining section determining whether the actual processing position is within the allowable range by comparing the detection signal with the reference signal.

Abstract: A system for transporting objects includes an endless belt to transport objects. Optically visible indicia may be associated with a position on the endless belt. Machine-detectable indicia correlated with the optically visible indicia may be associated with a substantially similar position on the endless belt as the optically visible indicia.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting products and a sorting device provided therewith are disclosed. A transporting method making use of these systems is also disclosed. The transport device according to the exemplary embodiment comprises, a frame engaging means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and a rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for carrying a product, wherein the carrier means is rotatable about a shaft substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the product.

Abstract: A plurality of different types of components is fed to a production line or cell by means of a conveyor for recirculating a plurality of pallets on which said components are carried. The conveyor comprises a horizontal carousel for recirculating the pallets along an endless path. The conveyor is able to cause the pallets to circulate in any of the two circulation directions, and the direction of circulation of the pallets is changed according to the type of component required by the production line or cell in each step of operation, in such a way as to carry a component of the type required to the production line or cell in the shortest possible time. The conveyor comprises a single chain-tensioning device designed to tension the chain properly whenever the direction of movement of the chain is reversed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting products, in particular for feeding packaging machines, comprising a transfer section (2), an electromagnetic drive with a multiplicity of coil elements (3) and a multiplicity of permanent magnets (4), wherein the coil elements (3) are arranged in a stationary manner on the transfer section (2), a multiplicity of rotors (5) which are arranged movably on the transfer section (2), wherein at least in each case one permanent magnet (4) of the electromagnetic drive is arranged on a rotor (5), at least one sensor (7) which is arranged in a stationary manner on the transfer section (2), and individual marking devices (8) which can be detected by means of the sensor and which are in each case different from one another, wherein in each case at least one of the marking devices (8) is arranged on a rotor (5).

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a traveling member to transport an article installed for movement along a travel guide. A drive source arranged to drive the traveling member is a linear motor including an armature, disposed along the travel guide, and a mover on the secondary side installed on the traveling member. The travel guide includes a rectilinear section and a curved section. The armatures of the linear motor are spaced at a distance from each other and arranged such that a plurality of the armatures are arranged along the rectilinear section and the curved section of the travel guide. The travel guide is arranged to accommodate a plurality of traveling members mounted thereon.

Abstract: In a transport system, a plurality of carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a first carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a predetermined position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction of the endless driving medium, and a second carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a position downstream of the first carrier sensor are provided. When the carriers pass through the second carrier sensor, it is checked whether the moving distance of the belt matches the distance between the two carrier sensors. In this manner, before starting loading or unloading, for example, whether the encoder is operated normally or not can be confirmed.

Abstract: A wireless-IC-device main component is disposed on a surface opposite to a surface for receiving signals from a reader/writer. The wireless-IC-device main component includes an insulating substrate, which is provided with a loop electrode and an electromagnetically coupled module coupled to the loop electrode. A signal from the reader/writer causes an eddy current to flow across a conductor principal plane of a metal article. The eddy current causes a magnetic field to be generated in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the conductor principal plane of the metal article. Then, the loop electrode is coupled to the magnetic field. Thus, the wireless-IC-device main component functions as an RFID tag even for signals from the principal plane opposite to the wireless-IC-device main component. Thus, it is possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing a metal article, and to provide a wireless IC device using the metal article as a radiator.

Abstract: In a transport system, a plurality of carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a first carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a predetermined position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction of the endless driving medium, and a second carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a position downstream of the first carrier sensor are provided. When the carriers pass through the second carrier sensor, it is checked whether the moving distance of the belt matches the distance between the two carrier sensors. In this manner, before starting loading or unloading, for example, whether the encoder is operated normally or not can be confirmed.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a first independent track assembly configured to transport a forward trolley along a first path, and a second independent track assembly configured to transport a trailing trolley along a second path. The second path is substantially parallel to the first path. A carrier is configured to support an article and has a first end pivotably supported by the forward trolley and a second end pivotably supported by the trailing trolley. The material handling system also includes a third independent track assembly configured to transport the forward trolley and the trailing trolley along a third path. Each of the first independent track assembly, the second independent track assembly, and the third independent track assembly includes an independent drive system for independently moving a respective one of the forward trolley and the trailing trolley and a station control system including a microprocessor in communication with the independent drive system.

Abstract: A belt driving control device that includes a belt, a driving roller transmitting drive force to the belt, a belt phase detecting section detecting a phase of the belt, a correction amount computing section computing a correction amount of a belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt for cancelling out fluctuation in the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt, and a storage section storing the correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt. The belt driving control device further includes a driving control section retrieving the correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the phase of the belt and controlling drive of the driving roller to cancel out the fluctuation in the belt travelling velocity based on the retrieved correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the monitored conveying of sheet metal plates, particularly into a working or forming plant, in which a plate is taken up by a feeder from a first position and the plate and feeder are moved to a second position. According to the invention, during feeder movement to the second position a first sensor element located at the feeder, as well as a second sensor element located in the second position, are brought into a signal-based arrangement, and that on the basis of a measurement signal transmitted between the sensor elements the number of plates at the feeder and/or the second position is determined. The invention also relates to a device for the monitored conveying of plates, particularly into a forming plant.

Abstract: A device and a method for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product, wherein the products are held by grippers of a gripper conveyor which opens only briefly for inserting the flat object. In order to also stabilize the product in the open state of the gripper, a support element is provided, which moves between the two product parts before the gripper opens and rests on one of the product parts. If the orientations of the support elements and the grippers are selected in a suitable fashion, this will suffice in order to position the product and keep it open such that the flat object can be inserted and the gripper can then be closed again, while clamping the product with the flat object into position. Optionally, further support elements are present, which additionally support the product from the outside, such as the folded edge.

Abstract: A synchronized carrying system comprising: an overhead conveyor which transports a vehicle body; a floor-side conveyor which transports an underbody part; a control device which operates and controls the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor; and a carrying device on which the underbody part is mounted, wherein the synchronized carrying system synchronizes the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor during a process that loads the underbody part to the vehicle body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method separate flat articles, in particular flat mail consignments, and have built-in wear compensation. The apparatus possesses a transport element, a retention element, a displaceable mounted base and a range sensor. Either the transport element or the retention element is mounted on the base. The other element is mounted fixedly. The transport element is moved in relation to the retention element, with the result that overlapping articles are drawn apart from one another. The range sensor measures the length of a section from a fixed point to such a surface of the transport element which comes into contact with articles. In dependence on the measured section length, the base is displaced in such a way that the displacement of the base compensates for abrasion of the transport element.

Abstract: A substrate is held by adsorption by a substrate holding frame that is formed into a frame shape and is lightweight, and the substrate holding frame is driven along a horizontal plane by a drive unit that includes a linear motor. Below the substrate holding frame, a plurality of air levitation units are placed that support by levitation the substrate in a noncontact manner such that the substrate is substantially horizontal, by jetting air to the lower surface of the substrate. Since the plurality of air levitation units cover a movement range of the substrate holding frame, the drive unit can guide the substrate holding frame (substrate) along the horizontal plane at high speed and with high precision.

Abstract: An object moving apparatus is provided which is different from coordinated conveyance through real-time information exchange between carriages only by wireless communication and which can move an object reliably and in a more stable manner by coordinated control of carriages without the object falling off. Arranged is a leader carriage A with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions by travel drivers 1 and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up a vehicle 4 as object. The leader carriage is movable along a given target track. Further arranged is a follower carriage B with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up the vehicle 4. The follower carriage estimates and follows movement of the leader carriage so as to move the vehicle 4 in coordination with the leader carriage.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an area of vehicular traffic is disclosed. The area is of the type having a vehicle receiving area whereat a stream of vehicles arrive, randomly spaced-apart from one another in time and further having a point to which vehicles travel from the vehicle receiving area. The apparatus comprises a transport device adapted to transport vehicles, in use, from the receiving area to the point at independently variable rates of speed to permit vehicles to be turned off at the receiving area while maintaining a flow of vehicles, spaced-apart from one another, to the point. The point can be a pinch point, whereat the speed of vehicular travel is constrained. The apparatus can form part of a drive-through restaurant, wherein the drive-through window defines the pinch point in use.

Abstract: A manufacturing chain includes a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series. A first position tracking device of a first modular manufacturing station is configured to detect a first position of a carrier being transported along a first article transportation device through the first modular manufacturing station. A control system is in communication with the first position tracking device and is configured to receive a signal indicative of the detected first position. The control system is also configured to issue an operation signal to a second article transportation device of a second modular manufacturing station based, at least in part, on the detected first position.

Abstract: A laser inscribing station controls the inscribing position (BP) of a laser beam in terms of two coordinates, one pair of feed and pressure rollers is disposed on both the infeed side and the outfeed side of the station. The credit card is positioned aligned in parallel lateral guide tracks, which are disposed in a turning mechanism together with a transfer conveyor, which displaces the credit card to such an extent that it is inserted in a first transfer position from the pair of infeed rollers into the guide tracks. In a second transfer position, the credit card is is held between the rollers pairs in such a manner that its entire surface is freely accessible for laser inscription. In a third transfer position, the card can be seized by the pair of outfeed rollers.

Abstract: A conveyance control device includes a drive mechanism to drive a reciprocating body, an origin sensor, a drive amount detection unit for detecting the drive amount of the drive mechanism, and a movement detection unit for optically detecting the reciprocating body's shifting from a resting state to a moving state. After the reciprocating body is moved in one direction until the origin sensor turns from a first output state to a second output state, the reciprocating body is moved in the opposite direction until the origin sensor turns back to the first output state. A first drive amount from when the origin sensor turns to the second output state to when the reciprocating body shifts from the resting state to the moving state, and a second drive amount from when the reciprocating body shifts to the moving state to when the origin sensor turns to the first output state are acquired.

Abstract: A manufacturing chain includes a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series. A first position tracking device of a first modular manufacturing station is configured to detect a first position of a carrier being transported along a first article transportation device through the first modular manufacturing station. A control system is in communication with the first position tracking device and is configured to receive a signal indicative of the detected first position. The control system is also configured to issue an operation signal to a second article transportation device of a second modular manufacturing station based, at least in part, on the detected first position.

Abstract: A drive controller for controlling movement of a plurality of packages by an accumulation conveyor. The drive controller is configured to determine a length of each of the packages and to coordinate driving of a number of zones needed to accommodate the package. For example, a sensor in each of the conveyor zones communicates blockage by the packages to the drive controller. The drive controller determines a sequence of blockage of the sensors in adjacent zones. Blockage of the sensor in an upstream zone before the sensor in a downstream zone indicates an oversized package that extends longer than a zone length of the downstream zone and into the upstream zone. The drive controller is configured to drive the downstream zone and upstream zone simultaneously when detecting the oversized package.

Abstract: A package control conveyor system comprises a plurality of independently-controllable package conveying units each of which comprises a zone control module operably connected to a package sensing device and a package conveying unit for selectively activating and deactivating the package conveying unit, wherein the zone control modules are communicably interconnected upstream and downstream so that each zone control module can selectively activate and deactivate its associated package conveying unit in response to information provided by one or more upstream and/or downstream zone control modules.

Abstract: An article transporting apparatus, according to one preferred embodiment, includes: a plurality of movable bodies for transporting articles, the movable bodies being movable between a plurality of article transfer locations; and an operation controlling section for controlling the plurality of movable bodies so that the movable bodies effect article transporting operations in accordance with an article transport request information; wherein the operation controlling section selects a movable body from the group of movable bodies for an article transporting operation, based on an operation condition configured to cause each of the movable bodies to have a different past operation history such that a timing for replacing a replaceable part for one movable body is different from replacement timings for other movable bodies.

Abstract: A filling system 1 is composed of a supply conveyor 2, an infeed screw 3, a supply star wheel for a rinser 4, a rinser 5, a discharge star wheel for a rinser 6, an intermediate star wheel 7, a supply star wheel for a filler 8, a filler 9, a delivery star wheel for a filler/capper 10, a capper 11, a discharge star wheel for a capper 12, and a discharge conveyor 13, each having a revolving body such as a star wheel. For example, in case an abnormality occurs in the filler 9, a control unit 14 activates a third brake B3, which stops the star wheel of the filler 9 forcibly, while controlling first, second, fourth and fifth servomotors M1, M2, M4 and M5, thereby stopping the star wheel or the like of a unit where the abnormality has not occurred at stopping time of the star wheel of the filler. Even in the event of the abnormality in any unit, each unit is stopped nearly simultaneously, so that the filling system can prevent damage and the like to the unit.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising a material delivery configuration configured with a first end and a second end, a transfer configuration connected to the first end of the garment delivery rail, a movable material handling arrangement configured to transfer at least one set of material on hangers supported by the arrangement, a computer, a user interface configured to accept, process and provide data to a user, the user interface connected to the computer to transfer and receive data, a clearing arrangement configured to remove material from the material delivery configuration; and an enclosure configured to separate a user from the movable material handling arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking a load on a conveyor system using the trailing edge of the load. The method includes the steps of sensing the trailing edge of the load with a first sensor and updating a load record for the load in response to sensing the trailing edge of the load with the first sensor. The apparatus may include a conveyor, a controller, and a sensor in communication with the controller for sensing the trailing edge of a load on the conveyor.

Abstract: A feeding device of chocolates and similar products for a wrapping machine includes: a first belt means which has a continuous advance motion, supports and moves a plurality of products, aligned and arranged in a single line at mutual contact; a second belt means aligned downstream the first belt means, having an alternate advance motion and associated to holding means of the product; a positioning wheel rotating, facing the second belt means immediately downstream the holding means and having a plurality of angularly equidistant pliers means for gripping the product.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting items along a conveyor for a checkout system may include starting a conveyor in a transporting direction upon an item being placed in proximity to a start sensor, transporting the item beyond the start sensor and stopping the conveyor prior to the item reaching an end of the conveyor if a checkout sensor positioned in a checkout area indicates that a user is absent at the checkout area. The system and method may further include transporting the item toward the end of the conveyor if the checkout sensor indicates a user is present at the checkout area, transporting the item toward the second end of the conveyor upon a second item being placed in proximity to the start sensor and stopping the conveyor upon the item being sensed by a stopping sensor.

Abstract: A device for processing slaughter animals or parts thereof, for example poultry, comprises a transport system with an endless track and a chain of chain elements which can be moved along the track, wherein a plurality of chain elements are set up as carriers to carry one or more slaughter animals and/or parts thereof. The device furthermore has a delivery station for delivering slaughter animals or parts thereof to the carriers of the transport system, one or more stations being set up along the track of the transport system to perform actions relating to the slaughter animals or parts thereof. The device furthermore has location means for determining the position of the chain in relation to the track, wherein the location means comprise an identifiable chain element which has an associated identification mark, and also an identification sensor set up along the track to detect each identifiable chain element, wherein the remaining chain elements in the chain are designed as unidentifiable chain elements.

Abstract: An elevated grade station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding electronic components comprises a slide base, a plurality of tape cassettes mounted on the slide base, a linear motor 14, and a control unit for the motor. The control unit includes a motor driver 61, a memory device 66, and a control device 67 which controls the motor driver 61 using data stored in the memory device 66. The control device 67 adjusts the data for controlling the motor according to the load weight of the slide base. The data is used for properly moving the slide base carrying a plurality of tape cassettes to a position for feeding the components.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is disclosed for providing selectively spaced products for packing in cases. The conveyor assembly includes a feed conveyor belt for supplying products and first and second pick conveyor belts. A diverter conveyor belt is disposed between the feed conveyor belt and the first and second pick conveyor belts, and adapted to selectively align the feed conveyor belt with either the first pick conveyor belt or the second pick conveyor belt. A first pick motor is operatively associated with the pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of a first pick conveyor belt. A second pick motor is operatively associated with the second pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of the second pick conveyor belt. A sensor is operatively associated with the diverter belt for sensing product on the diverter belt.

Abstract: A control system and method for a conveyor line having a conveyor for moving a plurality of hangars configured to carry units through processing areas for processing by equipment in the processing areas includes loading stations for entering process control variables corresponding to units loaded at the loading stations, a pair of conveyor sensors for sensing movement of the hangars and outputting signals indicating the passage of hangars, and a controller. The controller determines, based on the process control variables, the time required for the processing equipment to reach steady state conditions. The controller further determines, based on the signals from the conveyor sensors, the appropriate time for loading units onto hangars such that the unit reaches the processing equipment when the equipment has reached the steady state conditions.

Abstract: A method for conveying and a conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor sections arranged in series transports articles. The articles can be accelerated on the conveyor system but adjacent conveyor sections have substantially the same speed when the articles are passed between them so as to reduce wear or damage to the articles.