Abstract: A sugarcane harvester may include a base cutter configured to cut sugarcane, a chopping device in communication with the base cutter to receive the sugarcane cut by the base cutter, the chopping device configured to chop the cut sugarcane into billets, an elevator in communication with the chopping device, the elevator configured to transport the billets out of the sugarcane harvester, the elevator having a discharge end, a forward billet deflector beyond the discharge end of the elevator distant the discharge end, a rearward billet deflector proximate the discharge end and spaced from the forward billet deflector such that the billets fall between the forward billet deflector and the rearward billet deflector and a powered actuator to move the rearward billet deflector to adjust a discharge direction of the billets.

Abstract: A gear motor is provided with a motor, a decelerator, an output shaft of the decelerator coupled to a driven shaft of a driven machine, and a torque arm for preventing rotation of the gear motor around the driven shaft. One end of the torque arm is fixed to the gear motor and the other end is fixed to an installation seat. The torque arm is provided with a damper mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scattering poured goods, comprising a distributor chute (1) having a feed area (12) and having an ejection area, wherein the distributor chute (1) can be rotated about a center axis, which runs vertically in the installed position in the gravity direction of the poured goods and is mounted inclined at an angle with respect to this center axis, wherein the distributor chute (1) has a first guiding longitudinal face, which forms the front face in the rotation direction, and a second longitudinal face, which trails with respect to the rotation direction, and wherein at least the second longitudinal face forms the ejection face of the distributor chute (1). The ejection face forms an ejection edge (7), which is curved in an S-shape.

Abstract: A tripper car adapted to transfer particulate material such as coal while maintaining a reduced level of dust proximate the area in which said tripper car moves. The tripper car continuously receives coal from a moving conveyor belt and transfers the coal from a first to a second location. At the second location, the tripper car discharges the coal to a silo that stores the coal for subsequent use by boilers. The tripper car sprays liquid, such as water, to reduce the accumulation of coal dust within a structure in which the tripper car operates as well as to wash the inner walls, ceiling and other proximate surfaces to reduce accumulation of coal dust. The spray pattern is oriented to reduce the spraying of liquid on the coal.

Abstract: A positive operating combine unloading discharge door which operates independent of the presence of grain in the unloading tube and is attached to the unloading tube to minimize opposition and obstruction to grain flow and completely cover the open end of the unloading tube when the unloading cycle is complete to minimize or eliminate grain loss due to grain dribble.

Abstract: Dribble control apparatus including a dribble control door hingedly or pivotally connected to an upper portion of a tube of a grain unloading conveyor. The door has a closed position covering a discharge opening of the tube for preventing grain dribbling, and an open position. The door has a shape which positions a center of gravity of the door for urging the door toward the closed position, including when closed, and which enables the door to support itself in the open position on a stream of grain flowing from the discharge opening with at least a substantial portion of the door spaced above the grain stream, while influencing or controlling an outward extent and direction of the flow of the stream.

Abstract: A charging device for bulk material comprises a rotor having a substantially vertical axis of rotation a first drive for rotating the rotor and a chute supported by the rotor so as to be rotated with the latter. The chute can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. Its concavely curved sliding surface has a width that is diminishing from the top end to the bottom end of the chute, so that it is possible to vary the location where bulk material sliding down the chute channel leaves the latter by rotating the chute about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention provides an elevator for separating and distributing a plurality of whole freshly harvested tobacco leaves including clumps of agglomerated tobacco leaves. The elevator has an inclined frame longitudinally extending between a lower end and an upper end, an endless conveyor, and a declumper. The frame carries deck portions extending substantially between the lower end and the upper end. The conveyor is adapted to travel over the deck portions in an upward direction and under the deck portions in a downward direction. The conveyor is also adapted to carry the tobacco leaves to the upper end and discharge the tobacco leaves from the upper end. Also, the elevator includes a declumper adapted to buffet the clumps of tobacco leaves to separate the whole tobacco leaves in the clumps from each other.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. The fill material is deposited on the conveyor at a receiving and discharged at the distal end of the conveyor either directly or via a flow director attached to the distal end attached thereto. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

Abstract: An elevated inverted cone product storage hopper having an enclosed volume with a central opening at the bottom. A dust-free transfer system removes and delivers stored product from the storage hopper through a hopper unloader. The unloader has a converging frustoconical transition body which continues from the inverted cone toward a bottom discharge port. An elongated delivery auger system coupled to the unloader comprises an elongated horizontal barrel having a delivery screw for rotation about its axis for moving product to a product delivery opening. A flexible enclosed delivery tube is coupled to the delivery opening, with the delivery tube having a compliant exterior shell for accommodating free axial length adjustment thereof. The hopper and the delivery auger are rotatable for positioning the auger barrel and enclosed delivery tube radially relative to the storage hopper.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge auger conveyor has an outer section which folds between a stored position and an operating position projecting upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The outer auger section has a pivotal discharge spout with a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the side of the semi-trailer. In one embodiment, the outer section of the auger conveyor has an outer telescopic housing extension which carries the discharge spout and extends and retracts automatically with folding of the outer auger conveyor section.

Abstract: The conveyor according to the invention provides a supporting device for goods containers positioned in the rear part of an inclined surface of the conveyor. The supporting device provides a supporting surface that can be moved vertically and horizontally with respect to the ground in order to adapt to the different types and sizes of the containers to be supported.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes an ice supply unit for increasing the ice availability of the dispensing system and a moveable ice gate assembly coupled with the ice supply unit for transporting ice from the ice supply unit about the dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a dispensing system ice storage unit coupled with the movable ice gate assembly of the ice supply unit for receiving ice therefrom. The ice supply unit includes an ice supply unit housing, an ice collection bin disposed in the ice supply unit housing for receiving ice, and an automatic ice maker assembly positioned within the collection bin for supplying ice thereto. The movable ice gate assembly is positioned substantially centrally within the ice collection bin and includes a post for channeling ice therethrough and a movable gate unit linked and in movable engagement with the post for discharging ice received from the post out the movable ice gate assembly.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. At the distal end of the conveyor where the material is discharged a flow director is operatively attached to the support structure to receive the flow of fill material carried by said conveyor from the hopper. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge conveyor or auger has a folding outer section which projects upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The auger has a pivotal discharge spout and a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the length of the semi-trailer.

Abstract: A microelectronic component handling system and an apparatus for manipulating microelectronic components in manufacturing assembly processes. In one embodiment, a microelectronic component handling system may have a base or a support member, a track or platform attached to the base to rotate about a rotational axis, and a linear drive assembly to rotate the track about the rotational axis. The track may have a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the track, a top surface facing away from the base, and a bottom surface facing toward the base. Additionally, the linear drive assembly may have an actuator and a rod driven by the actuator along a displacement axis spaced apart from the rotational axis. In operation, the actuator moves the rod along the displacement axis to rotate the track about the rotational axis to a raised position at an inclination sufficient to slide a microelectronic component down the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ring conveyor for conveying bulk material, especially brewing barley or long malt, from a feed pipe fitted permanently inside a building in the form of an annular tower and opening above the ring conveyor into the region of a radial charging and discharging machine circulating above a kiln floor. The ring conveyor has a circular base and a closed rotary ring, open-edged at its outer periphery, arranged coaxially with the floor and with a substantially vertically adjoining inner wall at its inner periphery. There is also a doctor blade firmly secured to the charging and discharging machine, engaging in the rotary ring and diverting the bulk material to the charging and discharging machine. The rotary ring turns at a higher cycle frequency than the charging and discharging machine.

Abstract: The objects (6) fall into a well (10) where their fall is slowed down by slanted blades (13) covered by a damping layer and situated in front of a counter-wall (14) from which they are separated by a gap (16). The counter-wall (14) is elastic so as to make the objects falling onto it rebound towards the lower blade. An outgoing track of the well (26) having a round shape is covered with a damping layer which absorbs the free fall energy at the outlet of the device. The invention can be applied to the continuous bulk carrying of fragile objects, such as pellets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a bin with articles such as fruit is provided. The apparatus has a filling conveyor pivotable between a position within the bin to he filled and the top of the bin. The discharge end of the filling conveyor is maintained at an offset distance from the contents of the bin. The filling conveyor carries a plurality of resilient flaps pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the filling conveyor for movement therewith. The flaps successively carry rows of the articles along an upper run from a take-up end to a discharge end, at which end the articles are dropped off of the flap. A second flap, moving along a lower run in a direction opposite to the upper run, gently catches the dropped articles, and deposits the articles in the bin. Subsequent flaps moving along the lower run then sweep the deposited articles away from the drop location and toward to other end of the bin, allowing the articles to pile up at that end.

Abstract: In high-rise shelving, in the region of a feed or removal opening (2) there is disposed a collapsible table (7), to which a shelf-rack (5) can be temporarily transferred. The table (7) assumes, in addition to the supporting function, the function of an actuating member for a switch which opens and closes a feed circuit of a drive system for rollers (4) of two roller paths, which roller paths are disposed in the region of the base of the feed or removal opening (2).

Abstract: Article loading apparatus and method for loading articles such as fiberboard containers onto a loading carrier base such as pallet, with which it is possible to reduce required labor and to enhance working efficiency. An article loading conveyer which makes a conveying path on which an article is conveyed swingable and extendable is provided. An article transfer carrier having an article sliding surface is connected to a distal end of the loading conveyor. The article sliding surface is kept at a substantially constant posture with respect to a horizontal plane by the provision of a posture control device, regardless of the incline of the loading conveyor.

Abstract: An adjustable spout for a grain elevator is made of a hollow tube connected to the spout of the elevator and a series of movable buckets hanging from the hollow tube. A frame extends in opposite directions from the tube and includes a number of pulleys at each end. A prime mover is connected to the movable spout for moving a set of cables which are connected to the bottom end of the movable buckets. The prime mover can be remotely controlled to move the adjustable spout back and forth.

Abstract: A letter sorting system includes a row of juxtaposed stack compartments; a material intake device arranged along and spaced from the compartments; a carriage arranged for travel along the compartments; and a transfer bridge mounted on the carriage to be displaced thereby along the compartments. The transfer bridge includes an exterior frame pivotally attached to the carriage for pivotal motions into first and second positions; an interior frame pivotally attached to the exterior frame for pivotal motions into first and second positions; and a slide having a first part attached to the interior frame and a second part attached to the exterior frame. Dependent upon simultaneous positions of the exterior and interior frames, the transfer bridge may assume first, second and third operating positions.

Abstract: A controllable discharge spout assembly is used on the discharge end of an auger or other conveyor. The discharge spout assembly has an auxiliary, downwardly tapered spout that is mounted for universal movement below the conventional discharge of the conveyor. This control mechanism extends from the spout to an operator's station near the inlet end of the auger so that an operator standing on the ground may control the direction of flow of material from the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and automatically sorting items, in which the items are stored in bins or magazines arranged on bin-bases affixed to a frame from which individual bin-bases can be pulled out, includes a horizontal conveyor, each bin including an item dispenser through which items are dispensed onto the horizontal conveyor. The horizontal conveyor is positioned beneath the bin-bases and transversely to their end faces, and extends width-wise only across a central part of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes guide plates sloping down toward the conveyor in a part of the apparatus to which the conveyor does not extend for guiding items from the item dispensers to the conveyor. The frame includes an upper beam resting on a row of pillars mounted above the conveyor on A or inverted V-shaped supports whose legs rest on opposite lateral sides of the conveyor, one row of bin-bases being mounted on each side of the columns.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing slide fastener sliders preparatory to application thereof onto a stringer chain, the apparatus comprising a plurality of slider stockers removably mounted on a stocker holder and a slider supply including a chute, the slider stockers being movable successively into operative position registering with the chute to receive therefrom a supply of sliders.

Abstract: A pellet escalator in a pellet loading apparatus for loading nuclear fuel pellets from a pellet press into a sintering boat includes a conveyor in the form of an elongated arm for moving pellets and being pivotable to vertically move its discharge end toward and away from a sintering boat. The arm has an elongated recessed channel through which travels the upper run of an endless flexible conveying belt for transporting pellets from a receiving end to the discharge end of the conveyor. A chute is mounted to the arm at its discharge end and extends therebelow such that the chute is carried by the arm at its discharge end for vertical movement therewith toward and away from the sintering boat. Resiliently-flexible, deflectable bristled brushes are attached to the chute in opposing vertical rows.

Abstract: A portable angle auger apparatus for conveying bulk material comprising a conveyor auger and duct pivotable with respect to a supply auger and duct, a pivot hinge attached to beveled ends of the ducts and a movable flexible covering for the pivot juncture. The pivot juncture and flexible covering are designed such that the apparatus can be assembled and disassembled quickly by one individual.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a loading chute which includes a hoist frame adapted to be mounted on a conventional loader conveyor above a bulk material hold of a cargo vessel, for example. A plurality of chute segments are provided and are hingeably attached end-to-end in zigzag fashion such that a lower discharge end of a chute segment is attached to an upper receiving end of a subjacent chute segment. Each hinge attachment includes an outwardly extending pivot pin which is attached to a link plate. The link plates between adjacent spaced chutes are joined together by vertically extending semi-rigid support strands which bear the weight of the array of chutes. Hoisting ropes are attached to the lowermost chute segment and are reeled in and out by motor driven hoist reels or drums. Elastic ropes extend laterally from the link plate members at each chute segment hinge to an adjacent support strand.

Abstract: A conveyor is used in combination with a supply of bulk material having an outlet of a predetermined relatively great transverse width to move the material from the outlet to an output location longitudinally and horizontally offset from the outlet in a transport direction. This conveyor has a trough itself having an intake of generally the large transverse width and opening upward at the outlet of the supply for receiving bulk material therefrom, a base extending in the direction, and a pair of side walls extending upward from the base and also extending in the direction. The side walls flare upward away from each other at least at the intake and have upper edges spaced transversely apart at the intake by the transverse width and lower edges spaced transversely apart generally along the full length of the trough by a relatively small transverse width.

Abstract: An automated work station which may be used when needed in conjunction with two vertical temporary holding conveyors makes use of a tiltable table and associated transition table for each conveyor. One tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive empty boxes, one at a time, from its vertical conveyor. The other tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive box units in which have been stored supply quantities of the different material items from which the operator selects specified quantities of items and places those items in the empty box units until an order is filled. The tiltable tables each have a tilted position for the operator's convenience while the boxes are being unloaded and loaded. When a box unit is to leave the tiltable table, the table is again tilted to a second and lower horizontal position from which the box unit is moved to a second lower horizontal level of the transition table.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering concrete to two spaced deposition points having a funnel-shaped hopper with a pair of outlets in the bottom which deposit concrete on conveyors. An inclined chute feeds concrete to the inner conical wall of the hopper as the chute rotates to minimize segregation of the concrete. Each outlet has a gate to control flow of the concrete to the conveyor beneath.To divert concrete from the hopper a side discharge chute is pivotally mounted in the conical wall of the hopper and can be tilted to receive concrete discharged from the inclined chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and transferring an article formed in an injection molding machine includes a pair of spaced tracks. Inner ends of these tracks are positioned below a mold carried by the machine with the tracks positioned transversely to opening and closing movement of the mold by the machine. On these tracks is a slideable basket which may be moved from the track inner end to an outer end away from the machine. The basket is operatively connected to a pneumatic drive operated by a controller. During forming of the article, the basket moves under the mold. When forming is complete, the mold opens and the article ejected. The article falls into the basket which has a cushioney surface to inhibit damage. Opening of the mold is sensed by the controller to activate the pneumatic drive and move the basket and article to the track outer end where the article is removed. Concurrently the mold closes to begin a further forming cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform distribution of aggregate material has a rotatable hopper mounted on a support frame to receive aggregate material from an apparatus supplying aggregate material. Attached to the rotatable hopper, and in communication with a discharge opening of the hopper, is a chute extending downwardly and angularly outwardly from the axis of rotation of the hopper. The chute includes a baffle which responds to the gravitational force applied by the flow of aggregate down the chute to cause rotation of the hopper and thereby provide for uniform spreading of aggregate beneath the hopper. A modified version includes a first hopper pivotally mounted on the support frame in a manner to receive aggregate from the supply apparatus and a second hopper rotatably mounted beneath the first hopper with the chute attached to the rotatable hopper to receive aggregate from the rotatable hopper and cause rotation of the rotatable hopper.

Abstract: A machine base for an injection molding machine welded together of die-cut and die-formed sections of steel sheet, including a U-shaped base member, front and rear end walls, and an intermediate partition wall. The folded-over upper edges of the base member side walls carry two guide rails supporting and centering the die closing unit, and the front end wall has a parts discharge opening accommodating a longitudinally oriented parts discharge conveyor in a height-adjustable mounting arrangement. This makes it possible to have closed side walls on the machine base which prevent operators from reaching into the work space of the machine.

Abstract: An automatic closing spout for a combine grain auger which opens when there is grain passing through the auger comprising a pivotally mounted collecting bucket attached adjacent the discharge opening of the auger with counterweighted arms extending outwardly from the collecting bucket to hold the bucket in a closed position, but insufficient when the bucket is full of grain from dumping and allowing grain to discharge from the auger housing and including a secondary closing means in the form of a permanent magnet which holds the collecting bucket in its closed position to prevent premature discharge therefrom.

Abstract: An auger wagon of a type used in the transport of grain wherein the wagon has a grain box with inwardly sloping sides supported on a wheel mounted frame. A vertical auger is pivotally mounted at the center of the box floor and may be pivoted into a position for dispensing grain from any side of the grain box. A rotating head chute at the top of the auger allows grain to be directed toward the interior of the box. A grain cover operated by an external handle controls the inflow of grain at the auger base. A sliding door positioned on the lower portion of one of the grain box walls allows the auger wagon to function as a gravity box with or without the auger. The auger wagon functions as a gravity flow box, an auger wagon and a mixer wagon.

Abstract: A storing and conveying apparatus for mortar and similar substances includes a silo-shaped container supported on legs and having a bottom discharge opening, and a screw conveyor mounted underneath the discharge opening of the container, having an inlet opening in a substantial registry with the discharge opening of the container, and being pivotable about substantially horizontal axis between first and second position. In the first position, the discharge and inlet openings are alignedly juxtaposed with one another, and in the second position, the discharge and inlet openings are spaced from each other and inclined at a given angle with respect to one another. An intermediate member of tubular configuration is interposed between and clamped by the conveyor and the container, the intermediate member having respective open ends which respectively communicate with the discharge opening and the inlet opening and extend along planes which enclose the given angle with one another.

Abstract: A slope or list sensor placed on a floating vessel detects listing thereof in either direction and produces an electrical signal which is proportional to the degree of list. An overhead movable flowable material delivery means responds automatically to the signal from the sensor and moves laterally of the vessel to load the vessel in such a way that the list is corrected automatically during the complete loading of the vessel. Various types of material delivery devices capable of responding to a signal can be employed.

Abstract: A skip for channelling a load of straw bales to be received by a conveyor is provided. The skip is large enough to receive a load of bales tipped into it from a trailer or other bale transporter. The skip has a conveyor in its floor and in use is set up with one end higher than the other. At the higher end an exit for single bales travelling lengthwise up the floor of the skip on the skip's conveyor is provided through which the bales are conveyed one at a time. The sides of the exit are shaped to turn back incorrectly arranged bales which have travelled up the skip, and these sides may be constituted by frusto-conical rollers. A transverse liftable barrier may also be provided across the width of the skip to knock back bales resting on top of other bales.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading particulate materials includes a flexible discharge chute having an accordion outer pipe 7 surrounding an inner pipe 3 comprising a plurality of telescopingly nested skirt sections 4 connected by chains 5. A flared hood 8 having a flexible lower skirt 10 is connected to a support ring 13 at the lower end of the chute, and the hood has a plurality of air intake ports 11 and adjacent material detecting contact switches 12. A winding apparatus 14 for raising and lowering the hood, and simultaneously contracting or expanding the chute, is controlled by the switches 12. Dust particles swirling up under the hood and skirt are drawn up through the annular space between the inner and outer pipes to a collector and precipitator 15, which separates out the dust particles and returns them to the discharge chute.