Abstract: In order to reliably ensure the association of smoking products and the results of analysis with the tobacco products and guard against mistakes or data losses, there is provided a smoking machine whose structural components such as the smoke trap, a smoke trap component and/or a tobacco product magazine that is being used are provided with respective identity elements in which items of information specific to the structural component are contained and from which items of information are readable and/or into which items of information are insertible. A method of smoking tobacco products in a smoking machine comprises the storage of information about the respective structural components of the smoking machine and/or the processes of writing-into and reading-out the results of measurements and/or analysis into these identity elements as well as the process of linking to a database.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed to an inventory system having multiple inventory holders and drive units for moving the inventory holders. Features herein are directed to moving inventory items relative to a bin of an inventory holder or between inventory holders in the inventory system. The inventory system may include actuation units or some other mechanism on the drive units for assisting in moving inventory items relative to a bin of an inventory holder or between inventory holders. The inventory holders each include one or more inventory bins. A mobile drive unit is included, which includes an actuator configured for selectively actuating at least one of the inventory bins for moving at least one inventory item relative to the bin.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a pusher piece (19) fixed to a conveying rod (18) adapted to reciprocate along a board conveyance path, and a switching mechanism adapted to switch the pushing piece, by turning the conveying rod a predetermined angle, between an engaged position where the pusher piece (19) engages with a rear end face of a board (7) and a retracted position where the pusher piece (19) does not interfere with the board (7). The switching mechanism includes a guide member (23) provided with a guide hole (24) adapted to guide a guide rod (22). The guide hole (24) is made up of first and second guide holes (25 and 26) configured to extend in parallel to each other in a conveyance direction and slanted coupling guide holes (27, 27) adapted to couple ends of the first and second guide holes (25 and 26). When the conveying rod (18) reciprocates, the guide rod (22) makes a round of the closed-loop guide hole (24).

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 device and a corresponding method for discharging products, particularly product containers such as bottles from a transport path by means of one or more discharge segments, wherein the or each discharge segment comprises a carriage and a discharger, and the discharger can effect discharge of the product by a deflection. The or each discharge segment includes a second carriage, each of the two carriages mounted on a guide, and the discharger and the carriages are mechanically connected to one another such that the relative distance of the carriages from one another determines the deflection of the discharger.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising: a track section comprising a control system; a drive system that is controlled by the control system; a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system; a pallet support apparatus; a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus; and a plurality of workstations provided along the track section, each workstation at a predetermined pitch from each other workstation, wherein at least some of the pitches are different among workstations, wherein the control system, drive system and moving elements are configured such that each pallet of the plurality of pallets is independently advanced through the workstations based on the pitches of the workstations.

Abstract: A conveyor system that transports a plurality of pallets includes: at least two driving devices that each have an engaging portion to be engaged with the pallet located at an upstream-side end portion in a pallet transport direction and that moves the engaging portion in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the pallet to thereby simultaneously push the plurality of pallets; and a transport portion on which the plurality of pallets are mounted and that is able to transport the plurality of pallets pushed by the driving devices. The conveyor system is configured to transport the plurality of pallets at a constant speed by engaging the engaging portion of one of the driving devices with the pallet and causing the one of the driving devices to start pushing the plurality of pallets by the time when another one of the driving devices completes pushing the plurality of pallets.

Abstract: A driven roller is engageable with a screw shaft and an engaged member is engageable with a pusher of a chain conveyor. The engaged member is projected on the downside of at least one of front and rear trolleys of a conveying traveling body. A conveyed object support base supported via vertical columns of both trolleys includes a driven roller support member composed of an upper column projected downward and aligned in a vertical plane passing through the vertical columns, and a lower arm. The driven roller is pivotally supported by the lower arm at a position higher than a load bar coupling both trolleys.

Abstract: A method of moving opening devices configured to be attached to respective sealed packages of pourable food product involves: forward moving a plurality of linearly arranged opening devices in a forward direction along a path; stopping the forward movement of the linearly arranged opening devices by virtue of a forwardmost one of the opening devices contacting a stop positioned at a first position in front of the forwardmost opening device; pushing the stop to a second position at which the stop no longer prevents movement of the forwardmost opening device in the forward direction; and moving the forwardmost opening device in the forward direction past the stop located at the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally shifting an article group or article layer, composed of a plurality of articles, from a first position and/or from a conveying movement into a second rest position while largely maintaining the relative positions of the articles in the article layer or group to each other, said transfer being effected by at least one first pusher bar engaging with the articles located at the back of the article group or article layer, as considered in relation to the conveying or feed direction. A support bar, which is at least temporarily allocated to the articles located at the front of the article group or layer, as considered in relation to the conveying direction, moves ahead at a slight distance from or abuts on the foremost articles of the article group or layer at least immediately before or on reaching the rest position.

Abstract: A device 202 for servicing and/or inspection of a material handling system 204 is disclosed, which device provides safer, less time consuming and less difficult service and/or inspection of the material handling system 204 than other devices. The device 202 is adapted to be moved along a track 214 of the material handling system and adapted for servicing and/or inspection of the material handling system or components thereof positioned on or adjacent to the track 214. The device includes at least one section, such as a hatch and/or a sliding bearing surface 216, 602, 706, 708, 710, 902, 1002, displaceable between a first and a second position, where the section positioned in the second position is enabling a person of accessing parts of the material handling system which are moving relatively to the device during movement of the device or during operation of the material handling system.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising: a track section comprising a control system; a drive system that is controlled by the control system; a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system; a pallet support apparatus; a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus; and a plurality of workstations provided along the track section, each workstation at a predetermined pitch from each other workstation, wherein at least some of the pitches are different among workstations, wherein the control system, drive system and moving elements are configured such that each pallet of the plurality of pallets is independently advanced through the workstations based on the pitches of the workstations.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a pusher assembly, an electric motor, preferably a servo motor with a gear box, that drives a linear drive assembly. The devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the pusher assembly.

Abstract: In an item-handling device, a layer head includes an item layer building platform defining an item receiving plane, the layer building platform being vertically positionable. A puller bar mounts to the layer head and moves in relation thereto within a plane above the item-receiving plane. The puller bar is positionable between a retracted position above the layer building platform and an extended position offset from the layer building platform.

Abstract: A driven roller is engageable with a screw shaft and an engaged member is engageable with a pusher of a chain conveyor. The engaged member is projected on the downside of at least one of front and rear trolleys of a conveying traveling body. A conveyed object support base supported via vertical columns of both trolleys includes a driven roller support member composed of an upper column projected downward and aligned in a vertical plane passing through the vertical columns, and a lower arm. The driven roller is pivotally supported by the lower arm at a position higher than a load bar coupling both trolleys.

Abstract: A sequencing unit operating along a feed path of a number of opening devices for attachment to respective sealed packages of pourable food products includes a conveyor for conveying the opening devices arranged in at least one line, and a releasable stop mechanism interacting with the opening devices downstream from the conveyor along the path. The stop mechanisms are normally set to a first configuration, in which they arrest the opening devices along the path, and are movable into a second configuration allowing travel of the opening devices. The unit also has a push mechanism traveling at predetermined intervals past the stop mechanism to move the stop mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration, so that the opening devices are fed in sequence and at a predetermined rate through the stop mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic tire transfer apparatus using a traverser comprises: a vertical lift adapted to lift and lower a tire from a tire storage place; a tire charge section adapted to be supplied with the tire from the vertical lift and adapted to automatically push the supplied tire in the progress direction of the tire; a traverser unit disposed at an outlet of the tire charge section and adapted to automatically transfer the tire supplied from the tire charge section in the progress direction of the tire while fixedly supporting the tire; a tire loader adapted to be supplied with the tire from the traverser unit and adapted to transfer the supplied tire to a tire assembling unit; and a controller adapted to control the overall operation of the tire charge section, the traverser unit and the tire loader.

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: In an item-handling device, a layer head includes an item layer building platform defining an item receiving plane, the layer building platform being vertically positionable. A puller bar mounts to the layer head and moves in relation thereto within a plane above the item-receiving plane. The puller bar is positionable between a retracted position above the layer building platform and an extended position offset from the layer building platform.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting a work piece from a beginning point to an end point in a longitudinal direction with at least one process step applied in between to such work piece is provided according to the invention. The work piece is propelled in the longitudinal direction over a combination of grooved rollers and conveyor belt units in series. Grooved guide means with, e.g., V, U, or square shapes that are machined into the surface of the rollers prevent the work piece from moving laterally as it is transported in the longitudinal direction, and maintain precise spacing between a plurality of work piece strands undergoing simultaneous transport by the conveyor system. The conveyor belt unit located between the grooved rollers inhibits rotation of the work piece as it is transported in the longitudinal direction. This conveyor system is good for treating the entire exterior surface area of the work piece in a uniform manner, such as coating the surface of rebar, dowel bar, hollow tube, or pipe.

Abstract: A transfer and positioning apparatus includes a positioning assembly located between the tracks of a dual lane conveyor and upstream of a lane changer. The positioning assembly includes a retractable shaft for stopping a carrier along a first conveyor adjacent the assembly. A pair of gripper arms are pivotally mounted to move between an open position permitting the carrier to pass along the conveyor track, and a closed position with forward ends in contact with a specimen container on the carrier to position the container in a reference location for direct processing. The lane changer includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling pallets, such as for inspection and sorting, are disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, an up-ender includes a support frame, a pallet-tilting mechanism coupled in a pivotal manner to the frame, and first and second generally upright pusher arms coupled to the frame. The pallet-tilting mechanism is pivotable between an up position and a down position, such that when the pallet-tilting mechanism is in the up position, an upright stack of pallets can be loaded onto the pallet-tilting mechanism and when pivoted to the down position, the stack is rotated about 90° so that the pallets become generally vertically oriented. The pallet-tilting mechanism also is adapted to displace the stack of vertically oriented pallets along a support surface. The pusher arms are positioned to receive the stack of pallets from the pallet-tilting mechanism and automatically index the pallets in the stack along the support surface.

Abstract: A finished product receiving unit used in a corrugated metal sheet member making machine for receiving finished products is disclosed to include a rack, rollers arranged in the rack for receiving finished products, two drag rods longitudinally arranged in parallel, links respectively coupled between the drag rods and the rollers, and two air cylinders controlled to move the drag rods and to further shift the rollers between the transverse direction to receive finished products and the longitudinal direction to let received finished products fall to the collection place at the bottom side of the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for marshalling out individual objects (1) from a row of such objects (1). The apparatus includes two pusher arms (8) placed one on each side of the row of objects (1). The apparatus also includes two arrest pins (20, 21) on either side of the row, one front (20) and one rear (21). The apparatus further includes a linkage (13) on each side of the row, axially connected to a pusher arm (8) and interconnected with each other via a spring (14), respectively. The pusher arms (8) are moved, in a closed position, forwards with the aid of a piston and cylinder assembly (19) and, in this movement, marshal out the first object (1) in the row. Thereafter, the pusher arms (8) open in that they enter into abutment against the front arrest pin (20). The linkage (13) ensures that the pusher arms (8) assume an open position. The pusher arms (8) thereafter move backwards in the open position with the aid of the piston and cylinder assembly (19).

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor.

Abstract: A finished product receiving unit used in a corrugated metal sheet member making machine for receiving finished products is disclosed to include a rack, two pivot shafts arranged in parallel two sides in the rack, two elongated finished product carrier frames respectively fastened to the pivot shafts and holding a number of rollers for receiving finished products from the corrugated metal sheet member making machine, and two air cylinders bilaterally mounted in the top side of the rack and respectively coupled to the pivot shafts through a respective link and controlled to bias the pivot shafts and to further move the elongated finished product carrier frames between the operative position for receiving finished products from the corrugated metal sheet member making machine and the non-operative position for enabling received finished products to fall to the bottom side of the rack for further collection.

Abstract: An air conveyer receives an uppermost container group elevated by a lift device and transporting the container group horizontally. A pushing device is provided for pushing the uppermost container group onto the adjacent airflow conveyer by contacting the container group at one side thereof and moving horizontally toward the other side. A forward-fall preventive device is provided to be switchable between a closed state for lying forwardly in a pushing direction of the container group, as the pushing device moves horizontally, to be capable of preventing a forward fall of containers, and an open state for opening a forward position in the pushing direction of the container group when the container group rides the airflow conveyer to enable a discharge of the container group. A speed varying mechanism is provided for varying a relative speed between a transport speed of the airflow conveyer and a pushing speed of the pushing device.

Abstract: The thrust bars (11), which are placed behind the product in the transfer phase from a first transport line (L1) to a downstream line (L2), have an adjustable stop (12) resting against the one side of the product in the direction of travel of this product. Articulated joints (10, 10?), connect the ends of the bars to corresponding points of the upper branch or the lower branch of a parallel pair of toothed belt conveyors (T, T?) fed on pulleys with horizontal axles, which are inclined at a right angle to the conveyors (T,T?) which bridge the area between the two transport lines and which with their one branch, work in the direction running from the upstream line to the downstream line at an identical speed to each other such as to be able to effect, with the above-mentioned bars, the transfer of products from one conveyor belt to the other by rear and side thrust.

Abstract: A conveying surface for a slicing apparatus that can be moved in two orthogonal directions in a coordinated manner to allow a depositing of slices in a pattern on the conveying surface. The conveying surface can be an endless belt conveyor circulated in the longitudinal direction by a servo-motor via a telescopic drive shaft and shifted in the lateral direction by servo-motor driving a crank arm mechanism.

Abstract: A forward feed device for conveyor tables includes a drive element (38) that can be moved to and fro, which moves out of the table area (36) during the forward movement and back underneath it during the return movement. The drive element comprises a pivotable latch (38) that can be moved upwards out of the table area in the forward feed direction, of which the end that leads and can be raised during the forward feed movement is supported, via a link (48) with two pivoting ends, by a friction block (54) that trails behind during the forward feed movement and the return movement, and that is slowed down by friction against a stationary surface.

Abstract: A device for feeding layers of products to a palletizing plant, containing an accumulation surface arranged to receive lines of products transferred from a conveyor positioned in front of it by a pusher which acts in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor axis and parallel to the axis of the accumulation surface; the device including at least two parallel, coplanar conveyors of different type positioned in front of the accumulation surface and associated with the pusher supported by an upper structure in such a manner as to be free to move vertically and free to move in the direction of the axis of the accumulation surface.

Abstract: A container rejecting apparatus is used for rejecting a container filled with a liquid such as beverage from a feed conveyor to a discharge conveyor adjacent thereto. The container rejecting apparatus has a pusher for pushing the container from the feed conveyor onto the discharge conveyor. The pusher has a front face comprising a plurality of tubes of synthetic resin.

Abstract: A tablet tester has a screw-like vibratory conveyor and isolating unit, a positioning unit having a transport rake and an orientation unit between the two first-mentioned units, which in particular is in the form of a linear vibratory conveyor. A sensor arrangement triggers the transport rake and permits automatic ejection of tablet residues via a fragment trap.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for shelf channels of shelf storage facilities comprises two parallely arranged, circulating conveying means (2) for receiving pallets (P). The conveying means (2) are partially designed as support roller chains (3) whose ends are interconnected by a rope (3). Two deflections (5, 6) are provided per conveying means (2) by means of which the particular conveying means is divided into an upper (7) and a lower run (8). In order to bring the two conveying means into a defined initial position after unloading the last pallet, several chain links (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the end region of the particular chain (3) near the unloading end are provided with a smooth surface. Moreover, an end stop member (15, 16) is provided for each conveying means (2) that limits the path of displacement of the chain (3) in the unloading direction.