Abstract: A conveyance system comprises a production machine for manufacturing a web of packaging cushions, a duct downstream from the production machine, a blower to provide an air flow through the duct to apply a conveyance force for conveying the web of packaging cushions, and a friction contact area downstream from the production machine and upstream from the duct entrance. The web of packaging cushions passes beneath and contacts the friction contact area to create a friction force opposing the conveyance force so that the conveyance force is not transmitted along the web of packaging cushions to the production machine.

Abstract: A tip-up tail assembly is provided at the end of a continuous conveyor assembly having a moving conveyor belt. The tip-up tail assembly when moved to a retracted position allows the conveyor assembly to be completely sanitized without removal of the conveyor belt and without need for tools to assemble and disassemble the tail assembly. When sanitation is complete, the tip-up tail assembly is then moved to a horizontal operating position and supported by a pair of locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms prevent the tip-up tail assembly from going below the horizontal operating position of the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A bean sprouts-like articles transfer conveyor is provided in which bean sprouts-like articles are uniformly delivered from a delivery end of a transfer conveyor without loss and in a dispersed state. The transfer conveyor device comprises a transfer conveyor (3) and an air supply means. The transfer conveyor (3) has a permeability and turns at its both ends so as to run endlessly and also has its outer surface provided with needle members (5). The air supply means leads air to an inner side of the transfer conveyor (3) at a delivery end (15) thereof so that the air ejected from an air ejecting port (25) is blown out from the surface of the transfer conveyor (3) provided with the needle members (5) through the transfer conveyor (3) having the permeability. Thereby, bean sprouts on the surface of the transfer conveyor (3) at the delivery end (15), sticking to or being caught on the needle members (5) of the transfer conveyor (3), are separated and removed to be delivered.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a conveying and stacking device for corrugated boards, which is used in a conveyor of a corrugated board production line to stack corrugated boards by a specified number and comprises an exhaust facing the downstream of the conveyor and a sucker arranged at the upstream of the exhaust and facing the procession of the corrugated boards. The sucker and the exhaust are arranged in an elevator for elevating the corrugated boards and respectively suck air and exhaust air simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for substrate processing, mainly includes a processing unit and a fluid supply unit. The processing unit includes a platform for laying a substrate. The platform includes a plurality of injection holes defined thereon, the injection holes obliquely and downwardly extend from a top surface of the platform. The fluid supply unit includes a plurality of containers containing fluids for supplying to the processing unit and fluid-connected to the injection holes of the platform. The fluids from the fluid supply unit can be obliquely injected out from the injection holes and slightly floats and moves the substrate over the platform and reacts with the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking up a semiconductor chip, a method and apparatus for removing a semiconductor chip from a dicing tape, and a method of forming a perforated dicing tape are provided. Air may be blown through air holes in a dicing tape to at least partially separate the semiconductor chip from the dicing tape and/or create a space between the semiconductor chip to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip may then be picked up by a removal member and completely removed from the dicing tape. Semiconductor chips that are not to be removed may be vacuum-suctioned to the dicing tape. UV radiation or heat may be applied to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape. The semiconductor chip may be detected by an optical detector. Removing the semiconductor chips by air reduces stress and damage to the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: An air cushion conveyor stacker reclaimer device and a method thereof, wherein burial of enclosed air cushion outfeed conveyors eliminates the need for costly, reinforced underground tunnels and walkways, wherein overhead suspension of air cushion infeed conveyors eliminates the need for construction of raised walkways and costly ground support structures, wherein lightweight air cushion conveyor stacker devices eliminate the need for massive counterweights, and wherein the fully exploited method for stacking and reclaiming bulk materials via enclosed tubular components, stacking boom curtains, and/or domed enclosures essentially eliminates adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A bean sprouts-like articles transfer conveyor is provided in which bean sprouts-like articles are uniformly delivered from a delivery end of a transfer conveyor without loss and in a dispersed state. The transfer conveyor device comprises a transfer conveyor (3) and an air supply means. The transfer conveyor (3) has a permeability and turns at its both ends so as to run endlessly and also has its outer surface provided with needle members (5). The air supply means leads air to an inner side of the transfer conveyor (3) at a delivery end (15) thereof so that the air ejected from an air ejecting port (25) is blown out from the surface of the transfer conveyor (3) provided with the needle members (5) through the transfer conveyor (3) having the permeability. Thereby, bean sprouts on the surface of the transfer conveyor (3) at the delivery end (15), sticking to or being caught on the needle members (5) of the transfer conveyor (3), are separated and removed to be delivered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substrate transferring apparatus. The apparatus comprises air injection modules, which serve to float a substrate, and can be independently attached to or detached from the substrate transferring apparatus. Thus, even if any one of the air injection modules is damaged, the substrate is prevented from falling because other air injection modules serve to continuously float the substrate. Furthermore, with such a construction, the air injection modules have an advantage in view of maintenance.

Abstract: A two piece scraper blade is provided that includes a scraper member that is releasably connected to a base member. The scraper member can be of a different material than the base member to provide various advantages including with respect to its wear resistance. Further, in one form, a toolless interconnection is provided for ease in attaching the scraper member to the base member. In another form, the scraper member and base member are provided with engaging surfaces with one of the surfaces including teeth for gripping into the other surface when the scraper member is connected to the base member. In this form, the forces for inserting and removing the scraper member from the base member are greater than the form in which a toolless interconnection is provided, and thus a more robust connection between the scraper and base members is provided thereby.

Abstract: The invention provides a movable walkway installation (10), such as an escalator or a travelator, which installation (10) includes a movable support member (18) for transporting persons supported thereon, a movable handrail (16) for gripping by persons transported by the movable support member (18), and a disinfecting device (14) which is installed and positioned for disinfecting the movable handrail (16) during movement of the handrail (16) past the disinfecting device (14). The disinfecting device (10) may be arranged to produce ultra-violet radiation selected to have a disinfecting or germicidal effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking up a semiconductor chip, a method and apparatus for removing a semiconductor chip from a dicing tape, and a method of forming a perforated dicing tape are provided. Air may be blown through air holes in a dicing tape to at least partially separate the semiconductor chip from the dicing tape and/or create a space between the semiconductor chip to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip may then be picked up by a removal member and completely removed from the dicing tape. Semiconductor chips that are not to be removed may be vacuum-suctioned to the dicing tape. UV radiation or heat may be applied to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape. The semiconductor chip may be detected by an optical detector. Removing the semiconductor chips by air reduces stress and damage to the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: In a device for conveying and positioning structural elements at a conveying track, a structural element is brought into pending state at the conveying track and the conveying track is tilted in conveying direction so that the structural element slides downwards to approach a target point. The position of the structural element is detected. The device further includes a control unit wherein the position of the structural element is detected within a predetermined range of the target point to be reached, and a time, at which the conveying track is tilted and re-tilted at a predetermined angular speed by a predetermined angle, is determined by using a calculation and control algorithm, so that the structural element is intercepted.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting a transportable product, especially a bulk-type product, includes an essentially cylindrical chamber containing at least one shaft which extends along the cylindrical chamber and comprises a plurality of first transport elements for transporting products in a product transport direction. The transport elements extending radially outwards from the shaft and are respectively connected to the shaft at connection points on the surface thereof. The individual connection points are located along a helical line on the surface of the shaft and the plurality of first transport elements form a first path which corresponds to the helical line and comprises a first discontinuous section extending in a helical manner around the surface of the shaft. Other elements are arranged at least in partial regions of the first path, such elements protruding into the first path.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.

Abstract: A device for forming groups of products in conveying systems, in particular for automatic packaging machinery, includes a path of conveyance in which, in operation, an array of products advances along a direction of conveyance with the products in contact with each other. A separator element is able to be inserted in a predetermined area of the conveyance path to separate a group of products downstream of the separator element with a predetermined dimension in the direction of advance. At least one nozzle is arranged to emit at least one jet of gas, such as air, on the array of products to distance the products at least partially from each other in the predetermined area before inserting the separator element.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a means for untangling springs (60) contained in a supply bin (12), characterized in that it comprises untangling means (14) with a rail (30) for receiving springs, provided with an open groove (36), means (32) for dynamically calibrating the springs, means for supplying said rail with springs and evacuation means (18).

Abstract: In a contact-free plate conveyor including an arrangement of nozzles each having a cup-like shape widening to a planar rim thereof, air under pressure is supplied to the nozzles such that an air flow is generated toward and through a gap formed between the rims of the cups at high speed which generates a vacuum between the cup rims and the plate so as to hold the plate at a predetermined distance from the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: The self-cleaning enclosed belt conveyor for loose materials comprises a mobile belt (10) operatively connected to proper containment walls (2), where mechanical means (1, 15) are provided for, connected to said conveyor belt (10), wherein said mechanical means perform together with a bottom (8) of said containment walls (2) a recovery operation of the loose materials present in the area between the belt (10), the bottom (8) and said containment walls (2), bringing the materials back either to belt's upper stretch or to adequate containment systems.

Abstract: A lubrication device lubricates traveling lubrication sites, such as on a belt (1), in particular, on a roller or chain belt (1). The lubrication device includes a lubricating apparatus (2) having a catch (C) that is capable of assuming a resting position and a catching position relative to the belt (1). In the catching position, a lubricating head (D) of the lubricating apparatus (2) is moved to a lubrication site by relative lateral motion between the belt (1) and the lubricating apparatus (2) in order to supply lubricant to the lubricating site. At the end of the run path, the lubricating head (D) as well as the catch (C) moves relative to the belt (1) to return back to the resting position. Also, before or simultaneously while the catch (C) is brought into engagement with the belt (1), the lubricating apparatus (2) can be extended in a longitudinal direction of the lubrication site motion at a boosting speed, which is greater than zero and less than the speed of the belt (1).

Abstract: A centering device provided with cleaning elements for cleaning a movable centering rod, and for preventing infiltration of dirt. The cleaning elements comprise at least one annularly-shaped scraping member provided with angularly spaced apart cross-cuts, which divide the scraping member into circular sections having inner scraping edges. The scraping member is locked against a conical shoulder in such a way as to be elastically yieldable, making the inner scraping edges of the sections adhere to the centering rod.

Abstract: A solvent dispensing mechanism is fluidically coupled to create a substantially uniform wet region of a belt surface scrubber. Mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging the scrubber ensure free belt travel during flexible material transport and the cleaning of both surfaces during cleaning cycles. The system includes consumable piece-part elements for refurbishing and remanufacturing.

Abstract: A self-cleaning oscillating conveyor includes a vertical tube and a conveyor channel that is helically wound upwardly around the vertical tube with a corresponding electromagnetic oscillating unit and a casing tube, which surrounds the exterior of the conveyor channel. The chamber between the vertical tube and the casing tube can be sprayed by several nozzles, which penetrate the interior of the vertical tube, or the exterior of the casing tube, with a liquid detergent, sprayed under pressure and using a delivery pump. The cleaning liquid runs onto the collection plate and over the rim thereof into a collection channel having a drain. In a preferred embodiment, semi-tubes, or half-tubes, are longitudinally mounted onto the casing tube in a sealed manner and a row of nozzles penetrates the casing tube from the chamber between the interior of the semi-tubes and the casing tube towards the interior.

Abstract: A two piece scraper blade is provided that includes a scraper member that is releasably connected to a base member. The scraper member can be of a different material than the base member to provide various advantages including with respect to its wear resistance. Further, a toolless interconnection is provided for ease in attaching the scraper member to the base member. When worn, the scraper member can be replaced with a new scraper member in an easy and quick fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking up a semiconductor chip, a method and apparatus for removing a semiconductor chip from a dicing tape, and a method of forming a perforated dicing tape are provided. Air may be blown through air holes in a dicing tape to at least partially separate the semiconductor chip from the dicing tape and/or create a space between the semiconductor chip to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip may then be picked up by a removal member and completely removed from the dicing tape. Semiconductor chips that are not to be removed may be vacuum-suctioned to the dicing tape. UV radiation or heat may be applied to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape. The semiconductor chip may be detected by an optical detector. Removing the semiconductor chips by air reduces stress and damage to the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: Rotating conveyor for the evacuation of metallic shavings resulting from mechanical work processes comprising a collection container in which is able to rotate a motorised bucket above whose bottom wall is positioned the lower end of an evacuation conduit connected to an aspiration unit, for instance pneumatic. A stationary conveying member extends between the vertical axis of rotation of the bucket and the lower end of the evacuation conduit to convey the shavings below it.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air conveyor for conveying articles with a collar and a head arranged above that, in particular plastic bottles along a conveyor channel having two carrying strips arranged along the conveyor channel on which the articles are conveyed by suspending them from the collars, and having a head space having inclined side walls formed above the carrying strips. Air nozzles, which act upon the heads of the articles, are provided in the inclined side walls. This counteracts a tendency of the articles to become tilted or jammed together.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaner according to the present invention comprises an adhesive layer formed by a viscous body, and a cleaning roller whose circumferential surface is covered with the adhesive layer. The cleaning roller is rotatable with the adhesive layer being in contact with a conveyor face of a conveyor belt. When the conveyor belt 8 is moved downward, the conveyor face of the conveyor belt and the adhesive layer gets into contact with each other. As the cleaning roller is pushed down by the conveyor belt, the insertion member comes to be inserted into the adhesive layer. Driving the conveyor belt in this state rotates the cleaning roller, and dust on the conveyor face is transferred to the surface of the adhesive layer to be removed. Also, the cleaning roller is rotated with the insertion member being inserted into the adhesive layer. Thereby, dust having transferred to the surface of the adhesive layer is caught in the interior of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A lubrication device lubricates traveling lubrication sites, such as on a belt (1), in particular, on a roller or chain belt (1). The lubrication device includes a lubricating apparatus (2) having a catch (C) that is capable of assuming a resting position and a catching position relative to the belt (1). In the catching position, a lubricating head (D) of the lubricating apparatus (2) is moved to a lubrication site by relative lateral motion between the belt (1) and the lubricating apparatus (2) in order to supply lubricant to the lubricating site. At the end of the run path, the lubricating head (D) as well as the catch (C) moves relative to the belt (1) to return back to the resting position. Also, before or simultaneously while the catch (C) is brought into engagement with the belt (1), the lubricating apparatus (2) can be extended in a longitudinal direction of the lubrication site motion at a boosting speed, which is greater than zero and less than the speed of the belt (1).

Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor assembly comprising a head section, a tail section, and one or more intermediate conveyor sections assembled between the head section and the tail section. A tail pulley is mounted in the tail section and a head pulley is mounted in the head section. One or more idler pulleys are mounted in the intermediate section or sections. An endless conveyor belt is trained around the tail and head pulleys to define an upper forward run from the tail pulley to the head pulley and a lower return run from the head pulley to the tail pulley. At least one wiper element is provided on the conveyor belt which is carried by the conveyor belt in a close relationship with respect to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the intermediate conveyor section for pulling material, that has spilled onto the inner surface of the bottom wall, towards the tail section.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: A cover or housing which spans an output port of a first station and an input port of a second station in a manufacturing facility, for example, and covers or houses a conveyor extending between the stations for conveying articles from the first station to the second station. A source of nitrogen gas or clean dry air is provided in communication with the housing interior, and at least one exhaust fan is provided on the housing. As articles are conveyed from the first station to the second station, nitrogen gas or clean dry air is blown into the housing and drawn therefrom through the exhaust fan or fans, such that the flowing gas or air removes particles from the articles as they are carried to the second station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting separated electronic components by advancing along a guide electronic components located in said guide using a pusher member mounted on an endless transporter. The invention also provides a device for transporting electronic components, comprising: a guide, at least one endless transporter disposed on the sides of the guide, and at least one pusher member coupled to the endless transporter for engaging electronic components for displacing along the guide.

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: An apparatus and method for conditioning conveyor chains in commercial ovens of the type having a continuous conveyor chain supported in a track for transporting bakery products through the oven. A portion of the conveyor chain and supporting track transits outside the heated baking area of the oven and an automatic chain lubricator is positioned along the portion of the track transiting outside the baking area of the oven. A fan for creating a flow of cooling air and at least one air duct are located outside the baking area. The duct receives one end cooling air from the fan and directs the cooling air on to the conveyor chain along the portion thereof located outside the heated baking area of the oven and upstream from the lubricator. Also, an air knife is disposed upstream of the lubricator and directed onto the chain to remove undesired debris, etc., therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a bundle of signatures moving continuously on a saddle chain to a working station includes an indexing chain moving with variable speed, and a clamping unit for keeping the bundle of signatures at a predetermined position on the indexing chain; a method of operating the apparatus; and a saddle binding machine incorporating the apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring and classifying apparatus (transferring apparatus) for chips includes an immovable base and a turn table (transferring member). The turn table is rotatably disposed on an upper surface of the immovable base, and is provided with receiving concavities for receiving chips with the immovable base and suction passes for chucking the chips. The chips are transferred above the immovable base while being chucked in the receiving concavities. The suction passes are formed at the upper corner portions of the receiving concavities, so that the chips are chucked in such a manner that gaps are provided between the chips and the upper surface of the immovable base.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly (10) for conveying an object to be portioned (54) by a fluid jet (52) is disclosed. The conveyor belt assembly (10) includes a conveyor belt formed from at least a first and a second picket (12) each having a length comprised of a sequence of geometrically shaped links (20) disposed transversely across the conveyor belt. The pickets (12) are disposed in a nested relationship to each other. The pickets (12) include upper edge portions (22) that form a conveying surface (42) for supporting and advancing the object to be portioned (54). The upper edge portions (22) are tapered in the upward direction to reduce dispersion of the fluid jet (52) during impingement of the fluid jet (52) on the conveying surface (42).

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt has a thermal fluid (gas or liquid) sprayed against a portion of its underside to define a temperature-controlled region of the belt. To prevent the lateral escape of the thermal fluid, stationary seals are provided which contact the belt underside adjacent respective longitudinal edges of the belt. To keep the seals in continuous contact with the belt, despite warping that might occur, the seals carry magnets, and the belt is formed of a magnetizable material. Hence, the magnets force the belt and seals together.

Abstract: A pressure pad array is used to float glass sheets from a glass heating furnace to a ring mold in a press bending station. The pressure pads have transversely spaced, longitudinally-extending slotted nozzles angled towards one another to provide a static pressure area for floating the glass sheet. The slotted nozzles are aligned with the direction of glass sheet travel and the space between adjacent pressure pads is covered by a spacer baffle to generate additional static pressure flotation areas. The static pressure areas formed by the slotted nozzles generally produce uniform pressure profiles extending longitudinally and transversely against the sheet's underside to stably float the glass sheets on a heated gas cushion.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for pushing at least one of two hollow glass articles from a dead plate of a glass forming machine onto a conveyor belt. A pusher serves for this purpose, and includes a base portion and, for each glass article which is to be pushed, at least one thrust finger extending transversely to the base portion. Each thrust finger defines with the base portion a pocket for receiving the glass article. A nozzle is arranged in the region of a corner of the associated pocket. From each nozzle compressed air can be blown such that a pressure below atmospheric pressure which draws the glass article into the pocket is created between the pusher and the glass article. The compressed air is blown from the corner out between the base portion and the glass article.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying objects by air blowing including at least one transfer line along which the objects can be conveyed, a loader connected to the transfer line for loading the objects onto the line, and a blower cooperative with the line and the loader. The blower is capable of propelling the objects along the line with a stream of air. The blower includes a first blower cooperative with the loader and a second blower positioned along the transfer line and cooperative therewith. The first blower is suitable for propelling the objects from the loader onto the line. The first blower is detachably connected to the loader independent of the transfer line. The second blower is capable of propelling the objects along the line with a stream of air subsequent to the loader.

Abstract: A process for de-watering foodstuffs, such as leafy vegetables, includes moving the foodstuffs along a path, creating an upwardly moving air vortex which intersects the path, thereby raising the foodstuffs upwardly from the path while swirling them in a vortical manner. The foodstuffs raised above the path are received in one end of a duct, the other end of which deposits them on a conveying means. Preferably, the foodstuffs are moved by an air-permeable transport means such as an endless belt. The upwardly moving vortex is created by an air blower which forces air through a tubular portion that contains helically oriented vanes having a tighter and tighter helix in the downstream direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for separating objects. The apparatus typically includes a separation conveyor that forms a shallow peak within a pitched region upon which an object can be temporarily balanced, and at least two guide rails extending along the separation conveyor in a laterally spaced relationship. Upstream from the pitched region, the guide rails laterally support objects travelling along the separation conveyor. Within the pitched region, the guide rails are laterally spaced so as to permit lateral tipping of the objects when within the pitched region. At least one nozzle is positioned at a lateral position within the pitched region of the separation conveyor and is oriented so as to be capable of selectively ejecting a gentle burst of gas transversely across the separation conveyor to laterally tip an object balanced on the shallow peak to cause the object to slide under its own weight in a desired direction.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning a transport belt of a machine for the production or processing a web. The apparatus includes at least one nozzle device composed of a rotatable nozzle head having at least one cleaning nozzle, a transport device including a crosspiece extending substantially crosswise to a transport belt travel direction, in which the at least one nozzle device is coupled to the transport device and adapted for displacement along the crosspiece. A traversing speed of the nozzle device is very low and falls within a range of between approximately 1 mm/min and 10 mm/min. Alternatively, the at least one nozzle is positionable in a plurality of cleaning positions that are successively arranged crosswise to the transport belt, and the at least one nozzle is held stationary in each respective cleaning position for a predefined time period.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fibrous insulation includes a porous conveyor mounted for transporting fibrous material in a machine direction in the form of pack. A pack lift blower is positioned beneath the porous conveyor, in a direction transverse to the machine direction, to direct gases upwardly through the porous conveyor to fluff the fibers within the pack. The pack lift blower has a nozzle that is readily removable and replaceable for cleaning without requiring interruption in the motion of the conveyor. The nozzle may also include slots which allow the passage of air and a reciprocal member which cleans the slots.

Abstract: A sorting system includes a trolley movable along a predetermined path and including an endless belt rotatable in a direction perpendicularly to the path for receiving and discharging items to be sorted. To clean a surface of the belt, a dispensing device and an aspirating device are suspended over the belt surface on an arm. With the belt rotating, the dispensing device sprays cleaning liquid onto the belt surface, and the aspirating device sucks up the cleaning liquid at a location downstream of the dispensing device with reference to the direction of belt travel. The arm can be raised and lowered and/or moved parallel to the path for cleaning other trolleys.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring an integrated circuit package from a source site to a destination site with use of air to push the integrated circuit package to minimize use of moving parts. The integrated circuit package initially travels through an input passage when the integrated circuit package is placed into an input passage opening at the source site. In addition, an intermediate resting site is disposed at the end of the input passage. The integrated circuit package stops to rest at the intermediate resting site after traveling through the input passage. An output passage has an output passage opening at the intermediate resting site, and the integrated circuit package travels through the output passage to reach the destination site at the end of the output passage.

Abstract: In a device for conveying parts delivered from a parts feeder by air ejection, a part detection sensor (22) is installed near an air nozzle (12) disposed in a send-out passage (5), and vibratory motion of the parts feeder is stopped while air is ejected from the air nozzle (12) in response to a part detection signal transmitted by the parts detection sensor (22), ensuring that an excessive number of parts are not accumulated for the conveying ability of the air ejection.