Abstract: A feed unit for articles includes: a first feeding device; a second feeding device for individually picking up the articles from the first feeding device at a removal location at a predetermined time interval; and a synchronization device for receiving the articles from the first feeding device and to moving the articles into the removal location. A control system is also provided, to adjust the speed of the synchronization device in such a manner that each article reaches the removal location at the predetermined time interval in order to be picked up by the second feeding device.

Abstract: A conveyor for aligning rod-shaped articles and including a succession of flutes which are movable along a feed path and which are configured to hold respective rod-shaped articles or groups of rod-shaped articles. For each flute, the conveyor has an abutment portion, disposed at least at one end of the flute to define an abutment surface for one end of the rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles housed in the suction flute. The abutment portion is provided with at least one suction zone to hold the end of the rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles by suction against the abutment portion. The suction zone is defined by a plurality of suction perforations, connected or connectable to a negative pressure source and whose transverse size is, for example, smaller than 1 mm, preferably smaller than 0.8 mm and, still more preferably, smaller than 0.6 mm.

Abstract: The present application relates to a device for conveying flat pieces. The device comprises a belt with a transport surface, wherein the belt is movable along a transport axis; a support element with a support surface for supporting the belt; and a vacuum supply for providing vacuum suction; wherein a suction distributing structure at the support surface of the support element is in fluid connection with the vacuum supply; and wherein the suction distributing structure has a belt suction region and a card suction region, wherein the belt suction region is configured to provide suction to the belt and the card suction region is configured to provide suction to flat pieces on the transport surface of the belt. The present application also relates to a system for treating flat pieces, the system comprising a treatment device, for example a print head.

Abstract: A quick-change vacuum starwheel assembly including at least one of a quick-change height adjustment assembly or a quick-change vacuum starwheel mounting assembly.

Abstract: A linear-motor type transport device for transporting material for an absorbent article includes: a shaft portion that has an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction; a pair of guide portions that is disposed on the shaft portion with a predetermined axial-direction space between the guide portions and that forms an orbital transport path that extends along the circumferential direction; a mobile unit that moves on the transport path along the guide portions while supporting a transport head rotatably about a rotation axis; a cam mechanism that rotates the transport head about the rotation axis through a predetermined angle when the mobile unit is moved on the transport path; and a controller that moves the mobile unit by supplying currents to conductors and generating a propulsive force between one of the conductors and a magnet that is disposed on the mobile unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging apparatus (1) for combining a plurality of articles (8) an outer package (6) formed from a cardboard blank (3). The packaging apparatus (1) comprises a magazine (2) for cardboard blanks (3), the cardboard blanks (3) being stacked and lying on top of one another within the magazine (2), a removal apparatus (4) for the cardboard blanks (3), and a handling device (5). The removal apparatus (4) is vertically and horizontally movable and comprises at least one suction tool (9) for withdrawing a cardboard blank (3) from the magazine (2). The suction tool (9) arranged pivotally movable within the removal apparatus (4) or on the removal apparatus (4) for executing a compensation movement and aligning the withdrawn cardboard blank (3) in a horizontal plane. The invention also concerns the removal apparatus (4) (3) and a method for withdrawing cardboard blanks (3).

Abstract: Machine for cutting to size rolls with a defined length from logs having a greater length using a conveyor belts to drive the log to a cutting blade. Photocells are used to determine the length of the longs and to assist with the overall workings of the machine.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot main body including a base and a robot arm, a drive unit that drives the robot arm, and a wiring electrically connected to the drive unit, in which the robot arm includes a casing including a main body and a cover detachably connected to the main body, the drive unit includes a first pulley, a second pulley having a hollow hole, a belt connecting the first pulley and the second pulley, and a motor that generates a driving force for driving the robot arm and rotates the first pulley or the second pulley by the driving force, the wiring includes an insertion area inserted through the hollow hole of the second pulley and an intersection area intersecting with the belt as seen in a direction along a rotation axis of the second pulley.

Abstract: A lollipop production and down-stream processing apparatus with a forming unit and a down-stream processing unit and a transfer wheel in between the units which rotates around a first axis and which includes a multitude of grippers which releasably hold the stick of the lollipop and which rotate relative to the transfer wheel around a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for distributing glass substrates. The method includes: utilizing a first robot arm to pick up a first substrate and put the first substrate on a first conveyor belt; utilizing a second robot arm to pick up the first substrate and put the first substrate on a second production line; utilizing a third robot arm to pick up a second substrate and put the second substrate on a second conveyor belt; utilizing a fourth robot arm to pick up the second substrate and put the second substrate on a first production line. The first production line and the second production line are positioned side by side, and the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are positioned between the first production line and the second production line. The method simplifies distribution and raises the efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the pitch between moving articles, comprising: a stationary structure having a suction volume, a plurality of transport elements rotatable independently from each other about an axis and having respective gripping surfaces provided with suction holes, a rotary distributor rotatable about said axis independently of said transport elements, wherein the rotary distributor has a plurality of intake ducts having first openings selectively connected to said suction volume and second openings located on an interface surface of said rotary distributor, a plurality of rigid connection elements that establish a pneumatic connection between respective transport elements and said rotary distributor, wherein said rigid connection elements are fixed with respect to respective transport elements and have respective sliding surfaces in sliding contact with said interface surface.

Abstract: A rotary distributor for distributing a pressurized fluid to movable user devices comprises a first element associated with a fixed frame and connected to a fluid source; a selector having a plurality of openings connected to corresponding ducts for passage of the fluid to corresponding movable user devices; and a manifold having a first surface located in front of the first element and a second surface located in front of the selector. The manifold has an opening for passage of fluid between the first element and the selector. The opening has an extension able to touch a number of openings of the selector in movement to allow passage of fluid towards the openings. The opening of the manifold consists of a through slot, open on the first surface located in front of the first element and also open on the second surface located in front of the selector.

Abstract: A cover feeder for providing book covers to a production unit of a book completion line includes a first receiving device for book covers of the same format, which can be positioned individually, in an overlapping flow and/or in a stack thereon, and a second receiving device that is arranged upstream of the first receiving device for a stack of book covers having different formats. The cover feeder includes a control unit to which information can be transmitted relating to the format and sequence of book covers in the stack of book covers having different formats, and a laterally adjustable centering device connected to the control unit for a defined lateral displacement and/or aligning of respectively one book cover that is separated out from the second receiving device and is positioned on the first receiving device.

Abstract: Robotic arms or manipulators can be utilized to grasp inventory items within an inventory system. Information can be obtained about constraints relative to relevant elements of a process of transferring the item from place to place. Examples of such elements may include a grasping location from which an item is to be grasped, a receiving location in which a grasped item is to be placed, or a space between the grasping location and the receiving location. The information about the constraints can be used to select from multiple possible grasping options, such as by eliminating options that conflict with the constraints or preferring options that outperform others given the constraints.

Abstract: A method for processing containers in a container-processing machine includes identifying a first container behind an adjacent second container in a container flow, the first container being positioned within the container flow such that the first container will, absent intervention, occupy a first processing position that has been designated as not to be occupied by any container, holding the first container back, thereby causing the first container to move with a second velocity, that is less than the first velocity, forming a gap between the first and second containers, and releasing the first container. As a result of having been held back, will now occupy a second processing position instead of the first processing position.

Abstract: A test system with rotational test arms for testing semiconductor components includes a transport device, a first test socket, a second test socket, a first test arm, and a second test arm. The first test socket and the second test socket are electrically connected to different test signals respectively and correspond to the first test arm and the second test arm. The first test arm and the second test arm test arms operate rotationally to carry and place the semiconductor components to the transport device, the first test socket and the second test socket, so the test time is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring products from a feeder conveyor belt (10) to a discharge conveyor belt (12), comprising a linear motor having conveyor elements (14) which are movably guided on a guide and have grippers (18) for the temporary accommodation of products (20). The guide is designed as a linear guide section (13), and the conveyor elements (14) can be moved back and forth on the guide section (13) for picking up and putting down the products (20). When products (20) are conveyed consecutively in a row in the conveying direction (z) of the feeder conveyor belt (10), the feeder conveyor belt (10), the discharge conveyor belt (12) and the guide section (13) are arranged in parallel next to one another, at least in one lateral overlapping area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of testing a semiconductor component includes loading a plurality of semiconductor components into a main turret of a turret handler, transporting the plurality of semiconductor components using the main turret to a test area, and splitting the plurality of semiconductor components into a first set and a second set. The method further includes testing a first semiconductor component in the first set at a first test pad using a tester while transporting a second semiconductor component in the second set to a second test pad and testing the second semiconductor component using the tester while transporting the first semiconductor component out of the first test pad. The first set and the second set are merged into the plurality of semiconductor components and the plurality of semiconductor components are transported away from the test area using the main turret.

Abstract: The conveyor has a plurality of sliding runners (5) coupled to guiding elements (2) that are fixed to a rotary platform (1). Each runner (5) has fixed thereto a cam follower (6) inserted in a groove (3) of the rotary platform (1) and coupled to a stationary closed-loop cam (4), and a retaining element (7) having a suction port (8) for retaining a container (M) and a suction outlet (9) in communication with the suction port (8). A stationary suction chamber (10) located above the rotary platform (1) has a perforated side wall (11) parallel to a portion of the closed-loop cam (4). Each suction outlet (9) moves in a path facing and adjacent to the perforated side wall (11) of the suction chamber (10) during a part of each rotation of the rotary platform.

Abstract: A method for transporting articles (2) to a station, in particular preforms to a blow-molding apparatus, wherein each article has a protrusion (10) and is moved along a guide (16) by a drive means (18), the article (2), along at least part of the guide (16), should be retained on an abutment (19, 21, 23), and advanced along this abutment, by an air stream.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the pockets of a star wheel conveyor is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism may be in the form of a support and an adjustment element movably connected to the support. The adjustment element is movable to contact one or more of the rotatable elements of a star wheel conveyor in order to adjust the rotational position of the individual rotatable element(s) to set the dimensions of pockets for the articles to be conveyed. The adjustment mechanism can form part of a star wheel conveyor system comprising a star wheel and such mechanism(s).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of testing a semiconductor component includes loading a plurality of semiconductor components into a main turret of a turret handler, transporting the plurality of semiconductor components using the main turret to a test area, and splitting the plurality of semiconductor components into a first set and a second set. The method further includes testing a first semiconductor component in the first set at a first test pad using a tester while transporting a second semiconductor component in the second set to a second test pad and testing the second semiconductor component using the tester while transporting the first semiconductor component out of the first test pad. The first set and the second set are merged into the plurality of semiconductor components and the plurality of semiconductor components are transported away from the test area using the main turret.

Abstract: A belt conveyor having an electromagnetic drive comprising a rotor and a stator sealed in separate nonmagnetic and nonconductive housings. The rotor is mounted to a drive shaft. A drive drum or drive sprockets supported on the shaft have peripheral drive surfaces that engage a conveyor belt. The rotor is coaxial with the peripheral drive surface—either sealed within the drum or sprockets or housed on the shaft axially spaced from the drive surface. The rotor may include conductive rotor bars or permanent magnets. The stator is spaced apart from the rotor across a narrow gap and produces a traveling magnetic flux wave across the gap that causes the rotor and the peripheral drive surface to rotate and drive the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Device (10) for forming packs of bags (P) for moving from a first area (S1), where an already produced bag (P) is arranged, to a second area (S2) for collecting the bags in packs, comprising at least one rotor (14) carrying a pair of supports (17) for the bag (P) and suction means to fix the bag (P) to the support while the rotor (14) rotates. The device advantageously comprises means (18) designed to maintain said support (17) in a position parallel to itself during the movement between the first area (S1) and the second area (S2).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a flat folding box to a succeeding conveyor device with simultaneous erection has a rotarily driven support part which is pivotable about an axis of rotation, and at least one further rotarily driven support part which rotates coaxially to the support part about the axis of rotation. The folding boxes are received in a receiving station by the retaining device and are conveyed on a curved track to a transfer station and therefore transferred to a succeeding conveyor device. Here the support parts perform a rotary movement at a speed that varies during one revolution and with an opposing relative rotation. Each support part supports a plurality of retaining devices arranged equally distributed along the circumference, wherein the retaining devices of the support parts are preferably arranged alternately and consecutively in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a conveying track for electronic devices in a row, two vacuum passages to create vacuum forces to hold electronic devices against the conveying track at first and second positions respectively preventing overlapping of electronic devices; and sensors arranged with respect to the conveying track, the first sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at the first position for removal of the leading electronic device from the conveying track, and the second sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at a sensor position between the first and second positions as the leading electronic device is conveyed along the conveying track from the second to the first vacuum passage.

Abstract: Provided are vacuum transport systems, methods of making them and methods of transporting one or more objects. In accordance with various embodiments, there is a vacuum transport system including a vacuum plenum and one or more transport members configured to rotate around the vacuum plenum and wherein at least one of the one or more transport members can include a substrate, the substrate including a plurality of holes extending from a first side proximate to the vacuum plenum to a second side proximate to an object, wherein a surface of the second side comprises a textured surface having an average roughness Ra of about 2 ?m to about 100 ?m.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a fluid pressure to a portion of a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The transfer member rotates about a first rotation axis and comprises leading and trailing portions. The portion of the transfer member is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The method comprises providing a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member when the portion of the transfer member is in the first position, rotating the portion of transfer member between the first position and the second position, and maintaining the fluid conduit in fluid communication with the same of the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member after the portion of the transfer member is moved into the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.

Abstract: Apparatus for separately conveying a plurality of discrete parts from a web and applying each of the discrete parts to a substrate includes a plurality of transfer pucks and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is configured to rotate each of the transfer pucks such that a plurality of pairs of discrete parts is applied to the web. Each applied pair of discrete parts includes a first discrete part and a second discrete part spaced a first distance from the first discrete part, wherein adjacent pairs of discrete pairs are spaced a second distance that is different from the first distance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for distributing tablets on a support strip having a determinate number “n” of compartments or alveoli organized in parallel rows and each able to hold at least one tablet. The machine comprises a separation, preparation and alignment device, a conveyor device with transfer pipes and a rotating transfer drum provided with seatings on an external surface. The seatings are made on distinct gripping and transport elements, disposed peripherally and axially to the transfer drum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: A container transporting device having a centrally rotatingly driven star wheel including a plurality of elements for manipulating containers, a stationary column and an electric motor which forms a drive unit of the container transporting device and comprises a stator and a rotor, and the stator of which is supported relative to the column, the electric motor is an outer-rotor motor the stator of which is detachably mounted on the column, and the rotor of which carries the star wheel equipped with the elements and supports it via the stator on the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically modulating vacuum applied to a vacuum cup are described herein. More particularly an automated labeling apparatus and method for applying labels onto containers using a vacuum based transport mechanism is described herein.

Abstract: The path changing rotational conveyor for lightweight articles includes a rotor with receiving configurations distributed along its periphery to be coupled with the lightweight articles and a perimetric wall with a plurality of suction openings in correspondence with the receiving configurations; and a stationary negative pressure chamber defining a laterally open channel facing the perimetric wall of the rotor along a predetermined circumferential arc. The negative pressure chamber is partly delimited by the perimetric wall of the rotor and, when the rotor rotates, the suction openings are communicated directly with the negative pressure chamber along the predetermined circumferential arc. The rotor is connected to a rotation device and the chamber is communicated with a suction source.

Abstract: A handler for electronic components, in particular IC's, comprising a feed unit for plungers with a pneumatic cylinder unit that can be displaced and that is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder displacement unit, which moves said cylinder unit back and forth in the axial direction of the plungers.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a plurality of parts to a substrate in a configuration which is offset from the centerline of the supply feed of discrete parts is disclosed as well as the related process. Such an apparatus and process are suitable for use in the production of products where one or more components of the product must be spatially shifted from their incoming location relative to the movement of the assembly line to a second position which is offset from its incoming location and orientation.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for conveying a plurality of deformable containers. The system can include a conveyor apparatus, an in-feed apparatus, and a rotary apparatus. The in-feed apparatus can be configured to receive the containers from the conveyor apparatus, and may include a first feed screw and a second feed screw. The rotary apparatus can be configured to receive the plurality of filled and sealed containers after the in-feed apparatus. The in-feed apparatus also may be configured to space adjacent filled and sealed containers, with the first and second feed screws acting on the containers to create the spacing. The space created between adjacent containers may be for receipt by said rotary apparatus. The first feed screw may be configured to be positioned substantially directly above the containers, and the second feed screw may be positioned so as to act on the sidewall of the plurality of sealed and filled containers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A device for picking up, transporting and sorting electronic components in particular integrated circuits includes at least one loading device, one transport device, and one unloading device. The transport device has at least one transport wheel which is rotatable around a rotation axis and which has a peripheral face. The transport device also has at least one pick-up module which is arranged at the peripheral face and is suitable for accommodating components. In addition, the transport device is provided with a pressure source which is connected to the pick-up module. The pick-up module has at least one pick-up space for one individual component which extends along the peripheral face and can be moved between an initial position and an end position. The pressure source enables a prescribed pressure to be exerted at the pick-up space by means of which the component can be retained at the pick-up space or can be ejected from the pick-up space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a box carrier having a contact surface for transporting flat cutouts, or sleeves, and folding boxes produced from the same. According to the invention at least one suction opening, which can be connected to a vacuum source, is disposed in the contact surface.

Abstract: A rotating system to withdraw, to transport and to feed blanks having two rotating elements, a first sun shaft, a first planetary shaft and a second planetary shaft disposed coaxial among them, two first arms, a third planet shaft, one or more second arms, one or more gripper means, first transmission means able to rotate the first and the second planetary shafts, second transmission means able to rotate-oscillate the third planet shaft in an independent manner, first actuator means, second actuator means, synchronizer means.

Abstract: A machine arrangement including a vacuum transfer turret assembly configured to releasably hold one or more containers and to rotate the one or more containers about the turret assembly when the one or more containers are held by the turret assembly. The turret assembly includes a shaft assembly, a starwheel assembly, and a vacuum assembly. The starwheel assembly is releasably secured to the shaft assembly. The turret assembly is adapted to, when the starwheel assembly is secured to the shaft assembly, rotate the shaft assembly to rotate the starwheel assembly relative to the vacuum assembly and when the starwheel assembly is rotatably released from the shaft assembly, enable movement of the starwheel assembly and the vacuum manifold along the shaft assembly towards and away from the vacuum assembly.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: In a system, at least two picker support elements are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and at least two picking elements are connected to each of the picker support elements. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the picker support elements and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the picker support elements and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring hollow cylindrical objects from a supply unit to a removal unit by providing a transport unit for transferring hollow cylindrical objects between a supply unit and a removal unit, providing at least holding element in the transport unit, positioning the hollow cylindrical object in contact with the at least one holding element at the supply unit wherein the hollow cylindrical object is held by the holding element, moving the transport unit with the hollow cylindrical object from the supply unit to the removal unit, and removing the hollow cylindrical element from the at least one holding element at the removal unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handler for electronic components, in particular IC's, having a plurality of circulating carriages (10) that are guided along their circulating track by means of a stationary, annular guide device (9) consisting of at least one circulating guide rail. Retaining units (12) are provided on the circulating carriages (10), said units retaining the components (43) to be tested.

Abstract: Products are transferred in an automatic manufacturing machine by a unit (1) equipped with multiple transport heads (8), and a drive system (10) comprising at least two transmission assemblies (11a, 11b) by which the heads (8) are set in motion. The transport heads (8) are divided operationally into a first group (12) and a second group (13), in which motion is induced by a respective first transmission assembly (11a) and a respective second transmission assembly (11b).

Abstract: A transfer or feed drum for filter or cigarette portions, the drum having: a central body mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation; a number of movable assemblies, each of which is fitted to the central body to rotate, with respect to the central body, about a respective second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation, and supports a pickup or feed head having at least one seat with a U-shaped cross section and for engaging at least one filter or cigarette portion; and an actuating system, which controls the angular position of each movable assembly about the respective second axis of rotation as a function of the angular position of the central body about the first axis of rotation.