Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has first to fourth conveyor segments that define a closed conveying loop in a horizontal plane. The storage module can translate inventory carriers around the closed loop until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one end of the module. The first conveyor segment translates inventory carriers along a first longitudinal direction. The second conveyor segment is offset from the first segment along a first lateral direction and translates inventory carriers along a second longitudinal direction, opposite the first longitudinal direction. The third conveyor segment translates inventory carriers from the first conveyor to the second segment along a first lateral direction at a second end of the module. The fourth conveyor segment translates inventory carriers from the second segment to the first segment along a second lateral direction, opposite the first lateral direction, at a first end of the module.

Abstract: A robotic mobile low-profile transport vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can comprise a first transport module having a frame assembly, a mobility system, and a propulsion system and a second transport module having a frame assembly and a mobility system. A multi-degree of freedom coupling assemblage can join the first and second transport modules together. The vehicle can include a first platform supported about the frame assembly of the first transport module, and a second platform supported about the frame assembly of the second transport module. Each of the platforms can be configured to receive a load for transport. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control system that can operate to facilitate intra-module communication and coordination to provide a coordinated operating mode of the first and second transport modules and the coupling assemblage about a given terrain.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for horizontal movement of groups or layers of articles (10) between adjacent conveyor modules (12, 16, 34).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for horizontal movement (26) of groups or layers of articles (10) from a first support level (22) of a first conveyor module (12) to a vertically movable second support level (24) of a second conveyor module (14) immediately downstream of the first conveyor module (12) in the direction of transport or transfer, in particular by means of a transfer device (18) that remains spatially associated with the first conveyor module (12) during the transfer (26). Shortly before or after reaching a final position of the transfer device (18), the respectively transferred group or layer of articles (10) is moved in the direction of transport on the second conveyor module (14) by means of a support surface (32) horizontally movable relative to this second conveyor module (14) and/or centred on the second conveyor module (14) before or during its vertical hoisting movement (42).

Abstract: A transfer system transfers a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis. The transfer system comprises a frame having a main beam extending along the transfer axis. A plurality of transfer heads are spaced along the main beam with each of the transfer heads configured to independently move along the main beam along the transfer axis and relative to the main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations. Each of the transfer heads are suspended from the main beam and extend downwardly from the main beam beneath the main beam so that the transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate.

Abstract: A separator separates sheets from a bundle. Slack in the strap used to raise and lower a clamp is used to determine when the clamp reaches the bundle. A non-horizontal conveyor tilts beneath the clamp to receive multiple articles, and then tilts over another bin to deposit the articles. The second bin includes an angled surface, which is straightened to shift the articles for clamping. The clamp is supported by, but not attached to, a support connected with the drive. When the clamp reaches the pile, the clamp stops but the support may continue to move. The clamp is tiltable. The article is transferred by an air jet onto a surface with a roller separated from the surface. Upon transfer, the roller forms a nip with the surface. The article is deposited on an exit conveyor having a flexible, raised portion.

Abstract: The object is to provide an article transporting device in which dust generation can be prevented and in which it is hard for the operator at the operator's transfer location to be injured. The device comprises a reciprocating movable body configured to move in a forward and backward directions on a travel path extending between an operator's transfer location P and a non-operator's transfer location Q, a cover body 22 which partially covers an area above the reciprocating movable body which travels over an entire length of the travel path, an article support 20 connected to the reciprocating movable body by a connecting portion which extends upwardly from the reciprocating movable body and vertically through the slit 24 provided to the cover body, the article support being configured to move above the cover body along a direction of the travel path. The slit is formed such that the connecting portion remains out of contact with the cover body, when the reciprocating movable body moves along the travel path.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a bottom plate defining a feeding hole, at least one first feeding mechanism, and at least one second feeding mechanism. The first feeding mechanism includes a first driving member mounted on the bottom plate, a first connection member connected to the first driving member, and a plurality of first support members. The first support member is mounted on the first connection member spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction of the first connection member, for supporting the workpieces. The second feeding mechanism has a similar structure to that of the first feeding mechanism. The first connection member and the second connection member are positioned above the bottom plate adjacent to each other. Each second support member is staggeredly positioned above one corresponding first support member.

Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.

Abstract: A processing station for a processing line, having a module platform (12) and a plurality of withdrawable modules (14) that can be introduced into it has a transporting device (40, 42) for transporting workpieces (59) to be processed at the processing station (10). According to the invention, the transporting device (40, 42) includes a plurality of part-transporting devices (43), and one part-transporting device (43) is associated with each withdrawable module (14) and is solidly connected to the withdrawable module (14). Moreover, at least some of the part-transporting devices 43 include a first transportation path (40), which is embodied for transporting a workpiece (56) essentially over the width of the withdrawable module (14) in a first transporting direction (T1).

Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor using a non-uniform pulsating movement created by multiple interactions between a solenoid and switch to move parts along a transporting tray.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects from a printing machine chuck to a support and distancing pin, the chuck and the pin being moved on two independent paths, at a point of which paths they are parallel to one another and at a predetermined reciprocal distance, the device comprising a carriage which is mobile in a parallel direction to the chuck and to the pin, between a distant position from the chuck and the pin to a close position to the chuck and the pin, means for gripping and releasing the objects being provided on the carriage, which means for gripping and releasing are mobile along a trajectory in a perpendicular plane to the carriage in order to be placed alternatively in front of the chuck and the pin, the trajectory including at least a tract in which it is parallel to the path of the pins.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning multi-sheet collations including a conveyance system having a transport deck for supporting and conveying the multi-sheet collation along a feed path. The system includes a first pair of registration members disposed orthogonal to the feed path and defining a processing station along the feed path. The registration members further define registration surfaces which are repositionable from an active position above the transport deck to an idle position below the transport deck. A first displacement mechanism raises and lowers the registration members into and out of the active and idle positions, and oscillates at least one of the registration surfaces forward and aft in a direction parallel to the feed path when the registration member is in its active position.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyance receiver 1 having a bottom face 6 formed in parallel with the conveyance path to abut against the conveyance path and a support face 7 formed to match a shape of an outer periphery 5 of the honeycomb formed article 4. The support face 7 is made of a cured porous polyurethane resin material having a Shore D hardness Hs of 40?Hs?70.

Abstract: Provided are a medication supporting apparatus and method. In the medication supporting apparatus, a storage section stores a strip of dosage bags that are continuously connected. A carrier section carries the dosage bag strip in the storage section. A sensor section generates a detection signal detecting a position of the dosage bag strip on the carrier section. A circuit section determines the position of the dosage bag strip according to the detection signal of the sensor section, and controls the carrier section. The dosage bag strip packed in continuous dosage bags is recognized in a unit of one dosage bag, is adjusted to a start position thereof, and is dispensed by a size of one dosage bag, so that the dosage bag strip can be accurately dispensed.

Abstract: A conveyor device has a sequence of two vibrating screens vertically separated (d) from each other and supplying an alignment bowl, to eliminate chips and residue from nuclear fuel pellets stored in bulk in a boat and to align them in order to fill fuel rods. Due to these two screens, pellets are set aside and turned over, and chips are efficiently separated in a pot, without any congestion of the system.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.

Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.

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: A conveyor method and apparatus for transporting and presenting plant products, such as fruit, vegetables, or similar articles, to a pick-up device on a packing machine which packs plant products in cartons by layer. The conveyor comprises a frame, a set of pulleys and belts within the frame, and a set of pre-formed, interchangeable pattern plates that are readily replaceable by alternative pattern plates. The method comprises loading the pre-formed, interchangeable pattern plates at a loading end of the conveyor and transporting them to a pick-up end of the conveyor where the articles are unloaded by a pick-up head on a packing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device (15) for transferring an article (9) in a printing machine (2), the device comprising a hinged manipulator arm (20), a hinged gripper clamp (22), and drive means adapted to drive both the manipulator arm (20) and the gripper clamp (22) together in rotation. The drive means include synchronization means adapted to inhibit the rotary movement of the gripper clamp (22) relative to the rotary movement of the manipulator arm (20), temporarily as a function of the position of the manipulator arm (20). The invention also provides a printing machine (2) including such a transfer device (15), and to an associated method.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to design a bulk-material cooler, particularly one for cooling cement clinker, which operates according to the walking floor principle, so that its cooling grate can be composed of a multitude of ventilated cooling grate modules, which can be assembled in an easy and variable manner, in order to obtain large lengths and widths of the cooler. When these cooling grate modules move between an advancing and returning position, even lateral and/or height offset of the guiding elements can be compensated for in a kinematic manner. To this end, the invention provides that the cooling grate, when viewed over the length and width of the cooler, is composed of a multitude of modules (13, 14) ventilated with cooling air. The coupling of the cooling grate modules of each longitudinal row of cooling grate modules is effected by an articulated joint.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus with conveying compartments (2) which can be displaced one behind the other along a conveying path has supporting surfaces (S) which are arranged in the conveying compartments and on which flat articles (G), in particular printed products, can be conveyed in a state in which they rest thereon. The supporting surfaces (S) are each formed by a flexible supporting belt (5). In order to set different angles between the supporting surface (S) and the conveying path (1), each conveying compartment (2) has a setting element (3), which acts on the supporting belt (5) in a region between two belt ends which are fastened at two fastening locations (10, 11) which are spaced apart from one another parallel to the conveying path (1). The setting element (3) is further equipped in order to press articles (G) against the supporting surface (S) in an adjacent conveying compartment (2?).

Abstract: A specimen transport system for transporting a specimen, includes, a preceding section, a succeeding section located apart from the preceding section, a conveyor-type rack transport mechanism attached to the preceding section and/or the succeeding section and configured to transport a rack capable of holding a plurality of specimen containers which contain the specimen, and a car configured to travel between the preceding section and the succeeding section and provided with a conveyor-type rack transport mechanism configured to transport the rack capable of holding a plurality of specimen containers which contain the specimen.

Abstract: A panel carrying device, including a panel holding device 5 holding a panel 1; a second link mechanism connected to the panel holding device; a first link mechanism pivotally fitted to the second link mechanism; a slide mechanism 20 which moves the first link mechanism in a panel carrying direction; and a swing mechanism 22 which swings the second link mechanism.

Abstract: A substrate conveyor apparatus carries a substrate such as reticle. A substrate conveyance method and an exposure apparatus reliably adhere a substrate to the lower surface of a chuck. A movable stage can move in the horizontal direction and is equipped with a chuck having an adhesion surface that faces down for adhering a substrate. An up-down means equipped with an up-down table is positionable in a position below the substrate and within the movement range of the movable stage, and a conveyance means equipped with a conveyor arm carries the substrate to the up-down means.

Abstract: A panel carrying device, comprising a panel holding device 5 holding a panel 1; a second link mechanism connected to the panel holding device; a first link mechanism pivotally fitted to the second link mechanism; a slide mechanism 20 which moves the first link mechanism in a panel carrying direction; and a swing mechanism 22 which swings the second link mechanism.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for handling workpieces, in particular vehicle chassis (22) of modular construction, and having a first module with a handling line (12) in turn having one or several handling regions (14) for surface handling of the workpieces (22), and a guide device (44) along the handling line (12). A second module has one or several carriages (20b) to which the workpieces (22) may be fixed and moved along the guide device (44). Various types of second module may be combined with the first module to achieve various configurations of the whole device (10) with regard to throughput and flexibility.

Abstract: A method for picking up a plastic product lying on a conveyor belt, especially a tacky plastic product, for transport and for deposit in a mold in a molding press. The plastic product is picked up by one or more resilient carrier plates setting themselves resiliently on the longitudinal margins of the conveyor belt, and slipping between the product and the belt surface. An the apparatus for the practice of the method includes transversely movable carrier plates with which the plastic product is lifted by sliding under its lateral margins and is thereby picked up.

Abstract: A pulley drive mechanism 26 for driving a second pulley 23 includes: a spline shaft 27 rotated integrally with the second pulley 23, for supporting the second pulley so that the second pulley can be moved in the direction of Y-axis in the drawing; a third pulley 28 arranged at one end portion of the spline shaft 27; and a third belt drive mechanism 29 for driving the spline shaft 27 through the third pulley 28.

Abstract: A loading system is provided which has a first conveyor for transporting a support structure and a second conveyor for transporting an article. The second conveyor includes a substantially stationary inclined transfer member that directs the article to a loading zone of the first conveyor. The article is received in the loading zone by a support structure being moved through the loading zone by the first conveyor. The article may be moving at substantially the same speed and in substantially the same direction as the support structure when it is received by the same. Loading systems according to the present invention may be used in a method wherein a moving article is received on a moving support structure.

Abstract: A pushout mechanism includes a pusher finger assembly which utilizes air jets to facilitate the location of bottles with the pockets defined by the fingers. The air jets are defined by in a projecting post in an orifice member which can be quickly released from the arm of the finger. The location of the air jet can, accordingly, be quickly adjusted by substituting an orifice member having a shorter or longer post.

Abstract: A conveyance truck movable along travel rails includes a suspended supporting device for supporting a vehicle body, a raising and lowering device for raising and lowering the suspended supporting device, and a posture adjusting device for adjusting the posture of the vehicle body. The raising and lowering device includes a first supporting axle disposed in the front section in the travel direction, a second supporting axle provided in the rear section movable towards and away from the first supporting axle, a crank arm supported rotatably on the second supporting axle and having the suspended supporting device supported rotatably at its free end portion, a swinging arm fixed to the first supporting axle and having a free end portion coupled to an intermediate position of the crank arm, and an arm drive mechanism for causing the crank arm to rotate about the second supporting axle.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a substrate loading station is served by a conveyor which continuously transports substrate carriers. A substrate carrier handler that is part of the substrate loading station operates to exchange substrate carriers with the conveyor while the conveyor is in motion. A carrier exchange procedure may include moving an end effector of the substrate carrier handler at a velocity that substantially matches a velocity of the conveyor. A balancing mass is coupled directly or indirectly to a frame on which the substrate carrier handler is mounted and is adapted to accelerate in a direction opposite to the direction of end effector acceleration, as the end effector accelerates. Thus, inertial loads may be substantially balanced, and frame vibration reduced, despite potentially high rates of acceleration. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A transfer line for transporting workpieces from a first workstation to an adjacent second workstation comprises a frame with a depositing place for at least one workpiece. It further comprises a transporting beam, each end area of which having respective work supports. The transporting beam is supported for height adjustment between two positions of lifting such that the work supports are located above or below the depositing place. The transporting beam is further designed for longitudinal displacement between positions of transfer for the work supports to coincide horizontally with the depositing place.

Abstract: A conveyance truck movable along travel rails includes a suspended supporting device for supporting a vehicle body, a raising and lowering device for raising and lowering the suspended supporting device, and a posture adjusting device for adjusting the posture of the vehicle body. The raising and lowering device includes a first supporting axle disposed in the front section in the travel direction, a second supporting axle provided in the rear section movable towards and away from the first supporting axle, a crank arm supported rotatably on the second supporting axle and having the suspended supporting device supported rotatably at its free end portion, a swinging arm fixed to the first supporting axle and having a free end portion coupled to an intermediate position of the crank arm, and an arm drive mechanism for causing the crank arm to rotate about the second supporting axle.

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

Abstract: A surface mounter includes: a component supply unit in which a plurality of components to be mounted are placed; a head unit which mounts a component on a circuit board by lifting the component from the component supply unit with suction; and a transfer unit including a carry-in portion with a single distribution lane, a mounting portion with dual working lanes, and a carry-out portion with a single carry-out lane, wherein a circuit board is transferred along the distribution lane and distributed to the mounting portion, components are mounted on the circuit board stopped at a position of the mounting portion, and the circuit board with the components mounted thereon is transferred out of the transfer unit along the carry-out lane. In the surface mounter, a number of circuit boards can be distributed to dual working lanes via a single distribution lane, not via common dual carry-in lanes, at higher working speed, so that working efficiency is improved. In addition, the surface mounter occupies less space.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) with change of direction for conveying stock, preferably on pallets (2), along a first conveying line (3) and along a second conveying line (4) oriented in a different direction, and with a transferring system for transferring the pallets from the first to the second conveying line. The transferring system is provided in the form of a driven linear conveying track (5) for receiving the pallet(s) (2) from the first conveying line (3), for linearly advancing it/them on the linear conveying track and for transferring the pallet(s) to the second conveying line (4). The linear conveying track can swivel around an essentially vertical axis (7) between the first and the second conveying line via a driven swivel device (6). The vertical axis is located outside of the conveying track center (m) of the linear conveying track (5).

Abstract: Formed bottles are simultaneously cooled within the blow molds of an I.S. machine on their inner and outer surfaces and inner surface cooling continues from the time the takeout grips a bottle through a displacement course to a deadplate location, then to a conveyor location and finally to a deposit location where the bottle is deposited. A deadplate mechanism encloses a bottle at the deadplate location and moves to the conveyor location with the takeout and cools the outer surface of the bottle until the bottle is displaced from the conveyor location to the deadplate location.

Abstract: An I.S. machine has a takeout arm which grips a bottle at the blow station and carries it longitudinally to a first deadplate position and then transversely to a second deadplate position. Along the transverse path is a cullet chute. A deadplate mechanism also is displaceable from a remote position to the first deadplate position and then to the second deadplate position. The deadplate is displaced away from the cullet chute so that the takeout arm can be positioned above the cullet chute to drop rejected, formed bottles.

Abstract: A formed bottle is delivered by a takeout mechanism to a deadplate where it is suspended for cooling. A temperature sensor is mounted to monitor the suspended bottle. When the sensed temperature shows an unacceptable variation, the takeout mechanism and deadplate are displaced relative to one another so that the suspended bottles are located above a cullet chute for disposal.

Abstract: A supply holds a flattened box blank above a conveyor passing having a succession of box seats, and a planet carrier is rotated by its own drive about a sun axis between the supply and the conveyor. A single planetary element on the carrier offset from the sun axis is rotatable about a planet axis parallel to and offset from the sun axis. A grab on the planetary element is engageable with the blank in the supply and in the conveyor seats. A planet drive wheel is fixed to the planetary element, a sun wheel is rotatable about the sun axis, and the wheels are coupled together for joint synchronous rotation. A separate planetary drive connected to the sun wheel rotates the planetary element independently of the carrier such that the grab moves while orbiting about the sun axis through a closed asymmetric path having only two outer points.

Abstract: Sweepout apparatus (10) for sweeping an aligned array of glass containers (C) from a deadplate (12) of a I.S. glass container forming machine to a conveyor (14) that runs transversely to the array of containers on the deadplate and serves to transfer the containers for further processing. The apparatus comprises a swivel portion (16 or 116) that is oscillatable in an arc of approximately 90° and a head (18) that is carried by the swivel portion and is reciprocable relative thereto, the head carrying an elongated bar (20) with a spaced plurality of pocket-defining fingers (22) that extend from the bar. The sweepout further comprises independently operatable first and second coaxial reversible electrical motors (30, 28), an output shaft (32) of the second electric motor (28) passing through an annular output shaft (56) of the first electric motor (30). Reversible motion imparted to the annular output shaft of the first electric motor causes oscillating motion of the swivel portion of the sweepout apparatus.

Abstract: For retrofitting conventional machining apparatuses, in particular cross-cut machines, with a workpiece holder, the invention proposes a workpiece holder with at least one continuous clamping chain that is provided on one side with a plurality of clamping jaws.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises a transfer mechanism (7) which is attached to the free ends of two parallel piston rods (13, 14). The associated piston-cylinder units (15, 16) are attached to a support structure (17) and can be pivoted therewith in a reciprocating manner about a vertical axis (18) by an angle of approximately 105° between a dead plate (3) and a conveyor belt (5). Compressed air nozzles (11) for the purpose of producing negative pressure in corners (10) of the transfer mechanism (7) are supplied with compressed air from a first advance chamber (22) by way of a supply duct (12) of the transfer mechanism (7) and one (13) of the piston rods and the associated piston (21). This is performed by way of a first directional control valve (29) from a first compressed air source (31) of relatively low pressure.

Abstract: For transporting sensitive articles, in particular cigarette groups, an endless conveyor (19,20) in the form of a toothed belt (21) is provided, carry-along elements (30) for gripping in each case one article being arranged on the same. The carry-along elements (30) are positively controlled such that, when an article is received and/or the movement direction is changed abruptly, an in particular rearwardly directed compensating movement of the carry-along elements takes place.

Abstract: A stack support loading and/or offloading system includes a carriage mobile in translation between a retracted position in which the carriage is moved away from the machine and an advanced position in which the carriage is close to the machine, the direction of movement of the carriage being substantially horizontal. An arm pushes or pulls a support, having at its free end a shape suitable for the support to be moved, and mounted on the carriage and articulated about a substantially vertical shaft between a deployed position in which the free end of the arm is on the trajectory of a support and a retracted position folded toward the carriage. A spring return system spring-loads the arm toward its deployed position. Applications include a loading and offloading station, for example for a machine for printing compact discs.

Abstract: A cable laying method is disclosed, which facilitates an easy cable laying on a cable bed without damaging cables. The method comprises dragging a cable onto a cable drag route of a cable bed, and shifting the cable onto a cable housing provided adjacent the drag route.